Dairy Free Banana and Peanut Butter cookies

Before I start I have really been thinking over the past few days and have decided that I really want to make my blog a place for all sorts of posts not just beauty, although I do really love beauty blogging I am excited to start lots of new little projects to create into posts for you. 

LET'S GET BAKING... 

I am that girl who orders the obnoxiously long drink in Starbucks to try and avoid dairy, I haven't cut out dairy altogether but I am really cautious and try not to have a lot in one day. I also try and avoid egg at all costs, especially physical egg but I will occasionally have it in something such as cakes. As someone who loves to bake the lack of egg can be quite hard and often I won't eat the cakes I bake (I usually have a little of the desserts I make though - I just can't resist) Today I just made the decision I needed something a little healthy but sweet to take to work and came up with this recipe for these delicious cookies.

These cookies are soft and squidgy, with an almost cake like texture, you can really taste the banana and cinnamon, and using crunchy peanut butter really adds to the overall feel of the cookie. This recipe makes 18 cookies. 

You will need: 

 

Two Mashed Banana's (as ripe as possible)

125g Crunchy Peanut Butter  

70g Dark Brown Sugar

100g Caster Sugar

1tsp Vanilla Extract (I used a small amount of vanilla bean paste)

165g Plain Flour

1tsp Baking Powder

1tsp Cinnamon 

Prep: 15 Minutes + 1hr Chilling Baking: 12-15 Minutes 

Step One:

In a medium sized bowl mix together the mashed up banana and peanut butter, until combined. Stir in both sugars and the vanilla extract, until smooth. Then add the flour, baking powder and cinnamon and mix well. Cover the bowl in cling film and place into the fridge for one hour. 

Step Two: 

Whilst the dough in the fridge pre-heat the oven to 190c/Gas Mark 5 and line two baking trays with baking parchment, I always like too grease mine and as this is dairy free I used a dairy free margarine. 

Step Three: 

Once the dough has chilled take it out of the fridge and take a dessert spoon sized amount of mixture and push onto the tray with a another dessert spoon. Leave enough space for the cookies to spread slightly and then place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. 

Step Four: 

Once the cookies are golden brown and hold their shape but still feel soft take them out of the oven and leave to cool slightly on the tray. Once cooled remove and place on to a wire cooling rack. 

These are so delicious, great to take to work or for kids to take too school, I know how hard it can be to find yummy snacks without dairy! You can also replace the peanut butter with another nut butter or even add some dairy free chocolate chips for a bit more fun! Enjoy...

Bedroom Tour

Finally I have finished my bedroom which has been a bit over a year in the making, due to  university I had to put a hold on decorating but I now have a room I am super happy with and happy to spend time in.

I hope this gives you some ideas or inspiration for some home decor, and if you want to know where I bought any of the items just leave a comment.

Lots of wood, blues and floral! 

Buying decretive storage or gift boxes is a great
way of tidying up your clutter. 

I receive hanging heart ornaments as gifts all the
time and I love this way of displaying them. 

My dressing table was actually my parents,
it has had a lot of love over the years!

I love this lamp from Homebase,
and this stool which I have used as a dressing table
 is from Ikea. 

I am going to do a dressing table post so keep an eye out. And hopefully quite a few more posts!
I hope the sun is shining with you and your keeping those spirits high!

A Bright and Light Summer Ready Makeup

Day two and it is still grey in London, and tomorrow I go back to Devon for the foreseeable future which is kind of scary! No more London 'scapes.

I love bright pink lipsticks with a light glittery eye, and this look is perfect for summer days. It is definitely not too heavy and just add a great pop of colour!

I started off with Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation as a base but as it gets warmer I would tone that down to something like Laura Mercier Tined Moisturiser.

I then contoured my cheeks with Nars Laguna Bronzer and dusted some around my face, I took Lancome Blush in Love on the apples of my cheeks and dusted up.

Girl About Town, Laguna & Blush In Love

I have been loving Revlon Brow Fantasy in Dark Blonde which is perfect for people with blonde hair and I like it as a summer brow kit as it is super light but still adds definition.

For my eyes I started off my applying Nars Eye Primer and then lined close to the top lash line with Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Kajal Liner and smudged it out slightly and then bough some of the colour under the eye.

Using one of my favourites Stila In The Light palette and the colour Bare to create a base all over the eye lid, then I went over that with Kitten and through the crease with Bubbly. Oh so simple.

I then finally on the eyes used L'Oreal Voluminous mascara on my lashes and tight lined the outer corner of the eye with the same eyeliner as before.

On my lips I used one of my favourite Mac lipsticks in Girl About Town. 

Ta-da all done...

10 Summer Ready Nail Polishes

Starting today - Bank Holiday Monday I am doing five days of 'Summer Ready' blog posts! Starting today with my ten favourite summer ready nail polishes. I love expressing that summer feeling through a bright polish, I like to place a few bottles on my dressing table just to brighten it up and get those summer colours out. Unfortunately as I write this it is a bit grey and miserable in London but I am looking forward to bright sunny nails and bright and sunny days. 

1. BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine in Passion Fruit 334

This is a great red for the summer, it has lost all those dark tones and bought in the pink tones, it is so shiny and gives a great twist on a classic red nail varnish. 

2. Tanya Burr in Be Bright, Be Happy, Be you

This pink with remind you always to 'be bright, be happy, be you', it is a gorgeous bright pink which puts a smile on your face and the sentiment is so cute for summer. 

3. Rimmel Metal Rush in Pearly Queen 3024

I love this regal two tone nail varnish, it's a very light purple with a gold/green tone to it. It is nice and light but a bit jazzy which describes the perfect summer day right? 

4. BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine in Greenberry 314 

The perfect turquoise in my opinion. 

5. BarryM Nail Paint in 326 

Who doesn't love a yellow in the summer? This is a great bright yellow, the colour of the sun. 

6. BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine in Satsuma 312 

I love this orange, it is slightly dark and has some red tones but I like it because it is not too in your face, and not too bright! 

7. Lancome Vernis In Love in Aquamarine 501B

This is a nice medium blue (that's a colour right?), great if you don't want too be too bold in your polish choice this summer. 

8. Topshop in Brazil 

Perfect for getting your world cup nail art sparkly. Its like a carnival on your nails. I love this multi-coloured glitter!

9. Essie in Mint Candy Apple

The only pastel and my current favourite pastel nail varnish, I love this green with some sparkles on top it looks great.

10. Chanel in Rose Insolent 489

This is fast becoming my favourite ever nail varnish, it very similar to 'be bright, be happy, be you' although slightly duller and lighter, it transfers great from summer to winter and is fabulous all year round!

Pop back tomorrow and I'll have another post to get you summer ready and summer excited...

Special Delivery: Real Techniques Makeup Kit Review

A special delivery came in the post today, a beautiful makeup kit form Real Techniques by Sam and Nic Chapman. I LOVE the Real Techniques brushes, I constantly recommend them to everyone. If you haven't tried them you must, so when I saw that they had released a makeup kit - which is limited edition I had to get my hands on one. I got the modern natural one, I'm much prefer lighter tones that you can build up to be darker if need be. I also got a free special gift of a eyeliner brush - BONUS!

The kit comes with four eye shadows; one light shimmer, a gold shimmer, a matte brown and dark brown shimmer. It has a brown gel eyeliner, a matte pinky-peach blush, a cream highlighter and two lip glosses. The packaging is simple and easy, it is not too big or bulky and definitely good for a weekend away palette.

I have just done a simple everyday makeup look with the kit, here are the steps.

I started with a quick and easy base using the Rimmel fix and perfect pro primer all over the face. I then applied Collection concealer over any blemishes and under the eyes and then Rimmel Match Perfection foundation. I then used Rimmel Clear Complexion powder to keep it all in place. I contoured using the Sleek Face Contour Kit and then used the blush and cream highlighter from the makeup kit.

For my eyes I started obviously with my favourite Nars Pro-Prime eyeshadow base, I then applied the lightest eye shadow over the whole lid, right up to the brow. I then blended the golden toned colour over the eyelid, finally blended the dark matte colour into the crease of my eye. I then lined the top lashes and the bottom lashes with the gel liner. I then tight-lined the eye with Topshop Burnished eyeliner pencil and applied Mac Extended Play Gigablack Lash mascara.

I am so pleased with the first makeup release from Sam and Nic, it was really well priced, I think with international postage it worked out to be £18 which for a whole makeup kit palette is a great price. I love the eye shadows, blush and highlighter. I have to be honest and say that I am not a massive fan of the lip glosses but the free eyeliner brush makes up for that!

I really hope that the girls release more makeup, if you don't know who they are you can check them out on Youtube and buy their brushes in most pharmacies worldwide or online at realtechniques.com

Sending you all sunshine and flowers x

April Favourites

This sunny Saturday has been seen me sat inside revising and essay writing with a little bit of Game of Thrones watching thrown in. I have just started watching it and I am slowly getting addicted. As I start a new episode i thought i should probably getting blogging done, so here I am with my April favourites, April saw me jet of to Texas with university which you can read all about on my other blog (the link is in the side bar), I also spent the Easter weekend in Devon enjoying the races and the seaside and now I have been getting back into the swing of university for my final ever few weeks. Scary and exciting all at the same time. 

Let's get started then... 

Garnier Ambre Solaire - After Sun in Pomegranate 

I have THE fairest skin, it is the definition of 'Irish skin', so before I headed out to Texas I knew I needed a new after sun. I saw this one in Boots and i was intrigued, from previous encounters with after sun I know that aloe vera is an important ingredient so when this one had it but also smelt delicious I knew i had to try it. I managed to only get sunburnt on one of the days on the back of my neck (I was of course wearing suncream) so I applied this when I got home and then before bed and in the morning. It is super soothing, cool, goes into the skin really nicely and the scent stays. I have a feeling it will come in handy this summer. 

Quick Fix Facials - Mega Moisture Gel Mask Dry and Thirsty Skin

I saw this range for the first time in Boots in the middle of April, they have masks for all different types of skin. I felt this was the right one for me, I have been using it once a week, it feels super moisturising once you take it off and the next day. After flying my skin definitely needed to reboot. I am looking forward to trying some of the other masks in the range. 

Jo Malone - Wild Bluebell and Peony & Blush Cologne 

Oooh I am a sucker for a perfume and if there is a Jo Malone at duty free I am going to buy some. I knew that I loved Peony and Blush but I wanted to try a different one and just fell in love with Wild Bluebell. I have very little to say about Jo Malone apart from that I love it.  

Bath and Body Work - PocketBac Raspberry Lemonade 

I am not sure if there is a person I have not mentioned this too, it has done the rounds at work and all of the girls have had a go. The smell is super strong but not overpowering, it is a sweet smell, in fact it smells just like raspberry lemonade. Who doesn't want clean hands that smell like raspberry lemonade? 

Chanel - 4 Eyeshadow Collection in 228 Tisse Cambon 

Once again a duty free purchase, it was with my final dollars before I boarded the plane back to London. I have wanted one of these four colour palettes for a while, I have not been disappointed by this beautiful product. Both the packaging and the product are pure luxury, If ever makeup could make you smile from ear to ear it is this one. 

Extra favourites include the1975's self titled album, its is brilliant and I have totally fallen in love with them. Green juice, these have been my saviour I love the Innocent Smoothie and Naked ones, White chocolate M&Ms, I wish I had bought more than one packet back from America. A Mulberry and Cassis candle from M&S. And my beloved Liverpool Football Club, I am so very proud of them whatever happens. 

I hope spring has sprung for everyone and the light evenings are filling your hearts with joy x 

Holiday Haul

I just got back from visiting Denton and Dallas, Texas in the United States. I was so excited to go and get some goodies, I ventured into both Walmart and Target, Bath and Body works and then finally Bare Minerals.

I knew some of the bits I wanted to buy before hand but I also loved just wandering around. It is so much cheaper over in the US for some products. I was disappointed that the high end products seemed to work out to be about the same price but I did get some nice little bits.

Bath and Body Works

I wanted to get the three wick candles, especially as they were on the 2 for $22 offer but they would have been just to heavy for my suitcase so instead I bought a number of the small candles. I bought 9 all together two for a my sister and two for a friend who loves candles. The scents I got for myself were Pomelo Pink Grapefruit, Rainforest Sugarcane, Tiki Beach, Black Sands and Island Waters. I love all the scents and wanted to buy them all. I also got 5 of the hand sanitisers, I love them too they have  super cute packaging and lovely scents.

Walmart

Everything seemed to be cheaper, even branded products such as maybelline and revlon. I limited myself to two Color Whispers by Maybelline and two eyeshadow coloricons by wet n wild. I was super excited to try the eyeshadows which for $2.93 are amazing.

Target

I was so excited when I saw the eos lip balms in Target, so much so I bought four, two were gifts and two for myself. So far I love them, so silky and smooth.

bareMinerals

I was out shopping in Dallas there was a bareMinerals store, they had the new powder advertised. I was so excited to try the Mineral Veil Finishing Powder. I am going to be using it for the next few weeks and will then review it on a separate blog post.

I had an amazing time in the US and cannot wait to visit again!!

I hope you are all enjoying the spring weather.

Stila Smokey Eyes

The Stila 'in the light' eye shadow palette has to be my favourite palette, I use it most days for a light shimmery eye shadow look. All the colours are super pigmented, the powder holds it shape and it so silky and easy to apply.

I have to be honest, I am not the best at smokey eyes, I just can't get the hand of blending the dark colours to get the right look but with the help of this palette I think I have mastered an easy look. Here are the step I used to achieve it.

I used light face makeup, I didn't want it to be too heavy as the focus should be the eyes. I used Rimmel Match Perfection foundation, Nars Laguna bronzer, Mac Pink Buttercream blush and my HD brows kit in the colour Bombshell. On my lips I wore a frosty colour to match the blush, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting.

I started the smokey eye by apply some Nars Pro-Prime eyeshadow primer (as always), I then applied bare all over the lid. I then used the Bobbi Brown smokey eye kajal liner to line the outer corner of the eye, creating a flick and then drew the line up through the crease. I used the 'smudger' to soften the line.

I then swept the shadow kitten across the whole lid, and patted a good amount on the inner corner just to lighten that area. Leaving the inner corner I applied night sky across the lid staying within the eye liner. I blended night sky into the inner corner slightly making sure it was still lighter than the rest of the eye. Ebony is a great matte black eye shadow, which I applied over the liner and lightly blended into the middle of the eye, making sure the line was still defined.

I took kitten along the lower lash line, just to lighten the underneath of the eye. I used the Smashbox Full Exposure mascara in jet black and applied a light coating. Finally I used YSL Touche Eclat on the brow bone to highlight.

I really really like this smokey eye, it almost has a 60's feel about it with the flick.

believe in the beauty of the future. - Sarah Lucero 

Boots Bits

If there is one thing all my friends and family know about me its my love of Boots. It is like a drugstore for any Americans, it does cheaper brands and more expensive like Chanel and YSL. I love it because I can collect my points and then when I have built up enough buy a product thats a bit out my price range. On pay day Boots is always my first point of call. So here is a little haul from Boots today. Oh and I bought my first items to take to Texas with me next Month. 

I had run out of two of my favourite essentials, if you have read any of my other blog posts you will know that I LOVE both the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer and Sally Hansen Insta-dri topcoat. Getting something I love is always just as exciting as something I have never tried, these are staples in my makeup collection, I was feeling a bit bear without them. 

Real Techniques brushes are by far some of my favourites and I have been dying to try the new ones, so I got the retractable bronzer brush which looks amazing and the retractable lip brush too, I cannot wait to use them. 

Boots had a '3for2' offer on so to go with my brushes and get for free I got some new Essie nail varnishes in the colours 'mint candy apple' and 'sparkle on top'. I so exciting for these vibrant colours and sparkles for spring. And then to pair with my insta-dri and concealer I got a new Revlon lip butter in the colour 'wild watermelon'. *everything has such cute names*

I was then a bit boring and got some toothpaste and mouthwash, which although not fun is an essential. I really love the Colgate 'Max One White', it makes my mouth feel super clean. 

I haven't been properly abroad since I went travelling almost 3 years ago, but I am going to Texas in a months time. SO EXCITED. And today I bought some clear travel bottles, its such a silly little thing to get excited about. There were £1 each for a set from Primark, I am going to use some for the plane and then some for my suitcase when I don't want to take the giant bottles. It is only a six day trip so I won't need masses. 

Sorry for the short post, and the lack of posts recently but I will be back next week with my Feb Favourites woo yea. 

Love Aisling x

Special Delivery: Tanya Burr Makeup Review

Tanya Burr perhaps started me on my beauty blogging track, after watching her videos for a few years my love of makeup grew and I wanted to share that by beauty blogging. When Tanya announced her lipgloss and nail varnish collection I could not have been more excited, so on Thursday January 30th when they launched on feelunique.com I ordered one of each, so excited to try them for myself. Due the crazy fast rate at which they sold my delivery got pushed back, so almost two weeks later I got them in the post.

I chose to go for the Champagne Toast lipgloss for many reasons, including the fact champagne is one of the only alcoholic drinks I actually like (yes I am that girl) but also because I have been in need of my sparkly nude lipgloss for a while so it seemed like the perfect choice. In the nail varnish I went for Mini Marshmallows, I thought as I have so many nail varnishes it was important to get one that was ready for spring and who doesn't love pastel pink in spring.

Champagne Toast by Tanya Burr 
I love the packaging of this, it looks sleek and clean and shows the colour of the product which is always helpful. The little pink heart at the top is super cute too. The formulation of the lipgloss is really nice, it is super glossy and shiny. It is neither too thick and sticky or too runny, it just glides on beautifully. I love this colour it is shiny and clear but the glitter creates a lovely colour on the lips, it is note quite a nude/peachy as it look in the tube but I still love the colour. It also smells fabulous which is a lovely added bonus and the applicator makes applying the lipgloss effortless! Top notch Tan.

Mini Marshmallows by Tanya Burr 
Again the packaging of this is just so super cute. I was slightly worried I had bought a colour really similar to the one I have been wearing this week coincidentally OPIs - Panda-monium but actually somehow this is so different. It is a much thiner formulation that creates a shiny and more gel like look. Although I say thiner it still only needs a couple of coats to be wearable and if you wanted one coat would be good for the base layer of a french manicure!

I was sure I would love both of the products because Tanya knows what to look for in a great makeup product, I was not wrong I love both of them and I can't wait to get more of each.

Well done Tanya, you have achieved great things doll.

Love Aisling x

If you want to check out Tanya Burr you can find her at www.tanyaburr.com

January Favourites

WHAT? How is it the end of January already? 2014 is certainly underway and it's getting super exciting, I have so many things to look forward to for the rest of the year. So if you want to have a look at some of the things I am going to be getting up to keep an eye on my other blog there is a clickable link in the side bar.

Lets get on with the favourites, I have quite the array of favourite this month, including of course some beauty, books and pyjamas. I'll start with beauty because lets on forget this is meant to be a beauty blog.

TRESemme - Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Spray 

This was a discovery I made when at home over Christmas, my mum was using this spray I tried it out and LOVED IT. It makes my hair super shiny and glossy without looking greasy, it definatly creates smooth results which is definatly something I need. I have lots of flyaways and baby hair which needs taming and this does the job, I have loved it so much I bought the shampoo and conditioner too.

REVLON - Lip Butter in 025 Peach Parfait and 005 Sugar Frosting 

I tired these out last summer as they are a beauty blogger favourite but I left mine in the car and it melted, I then forgot about them until last month when they were on offer in both Superdrug and Boots. I bought these two pinks, these have been my staple in January. They are great for an easy, moisturising lip colour.

Sleek - blush in 142 Antique 

I bought this on a whim, which is super easy to do with sleek makeup as it is so cheap, and I actually really like it. It is a very dark pinky/bronze blush with a gold shimmer. I love the tone, it is almost a darker version of Benefit Rockateur.

CLINIQUE - take off the day 

I mentioned this in my blog post 'squeaky clean skin' but as it was a new purchase for January and I love it SO MUCH it has to mentioned in my Jan faves. It gets rid of any extra makeup with out being harsh on the skin, perfect - a must have.

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green 

I know I am late to the party, but seriously this book. I read it in about six hours straight on the train and then as soon as it got home. I cried A LOT but I loved it. Read it if you haven't. Read it even if you don't read books. Just read it.

Camilla Lackberg Books 

This month I got to read a lot more books and I downloaded four of her book series on to my iPad mini to read on the train. As a criminology student I love crime fiction, these are swedish fiction which is brilliantly well written and has a lovely love story background. If you like crime fiction I would definitely have a read.

And finally a general love of pyjama bottoms has happened this month. I have my classic favourites some plaid Hollister and owl Cath Kidston ones but I bought some £3 sale robin ones from Primark and some Babmi ones from Primark too. When I haven't needed to go anywhere I have been living in them!!

Let me know what you have been loving in January.

I hope January brings lots of love and luck for every single one of you.

Aisling x

CHANGES... nice ones

After having some thinking time over the past couple of week, what with having holiday from my two main stresses work and university I got to thinking about blogging. I have to say I really enjoy blogging and want to do a bit more but not alway beauty related. Although I love beauty blogging I want to also do more fashion/lifestyle/what have I been up to type blogs and also feel able to write about opinion without it seeming odd and out of the blue.

So I have decided (pressure from other sources permitting) to do one beauty/fashion type post a week and then at the beginning of each new week a 'what I got up to last week' post.

I have to be honest I have no idea if anyone really reads my blog what so ever, and if there is really any interest in my blog but last week when visiting one of my best friends who I went travelling with in 2011 she reminded me of the importance of having memories to look back on. We reread our travelling blog and I loved remembering the tiny details, so if only for myself I'd like to make a note of what I get up to.

I am hoping to include OOTDs and MOTDs in my what I got up too posts, along with pictures and little stories. I am also hoping this will help me to enjoy living in London for my final few months and I am off to Texas in April so posting will mean that there is documentation of all my adventures.

I have decided to do the 'what have I been up to' posts on a separate blog so that it flows nicely, keeping following the simple steps strictly for beauty, fashion and any other non-life relate stuffs. So now weekly simple steps is my update to you each week. So click on the link in the side bar called 'what have I been up to' to find out exactly that.

So go on take a gander, it's always fun to be a bit nosey...

Handbag makeup

The makeup I have in my handbag changes everyday, it is so dependent on the days activities and the makeup I already have on. There are a few things that are staples such as powder, concealer and my compact mirror, so hear is a sneak peak inside...

My makeup bag is the most basic and simple available a think. I like it because it is clear and super thin so it slides right into my handbag, even fitting inside a small handbag. It also opens right up with a zip around the whole of one side which means no rummaging around.

Collection - Lasting Perfection Powder

I have to be honest and say this isn't the best powder out there but since my Mac one broke and now spills powder everywhere I have this one in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

Collection - Lasting Perfection Concealer 

My love for this is everlasting so I carry it around for any necessary touch-ups.

YSL - Touche Eclat 

This is a beauty classic, I carry it around for those mid-afternoon tired eyes that just need brightening and highlighting. Sometimes concealer is just too heavy and can make eyes look older and makeup slightly caked on, and this just provides a light touch up.

Maybelline - Babylips 

Lip balm is a handbag essential, especially in those winter month for chapped lips and then in the summer one with an SPF to avoid burnt lips.

Lipstick

My makeup bag always has the lipstick I am wearing that day (and usually the day previous when I can't be bothered to take it out).

Revlon - Lip Butter in 025 Peach Parfait 

Revlon lip butters are defiantly a winter favourite, hydrating and colourful the best winter combo. I have a couple of colours and the colour tends to be less pigmented for a more natural look.

Eyeliner

I like to carry the eyeliner I am wearing in case of watering eyes, general rub off and emergency. This does change day to day as it could be liquid or kohl or black or brown.

Bobbi Brown - Smokey Eye Kajal Liner

This eyeliner is great for blending and also the waterline, although I do find it will need a touch-up midday or when I have been walking (I seem to get a case of the watery eye a lot).

And finally my lovely compact mirror as mentioned in my christmas gifts post is from my sister and is the Cath Kidston Guards range and I just love it, a great replacement for my £1 poundland mirror.

I hope you enjoyed that sneak peek - nosey. This year is getting underway and I am excited for lots of new opportunities.

Love Aisling

Photo Display

I thought I would share something a little different today, I have finally finished my photo display in my room. When I am back at home in the summer I want to do a full room tour but for the moment I just want to share how I display my photos.

Just before the summer last year I found an app for the iPhone which prints instagram photos called ifinki, you can choose a number of ways to have your instagram photos printed such as canvases, acrylic blocks and prints.


The photos come on a good quality thick card, which makes them durable and easy to write on.

I bought these cute boxes of string and office clips by East of India and these little ladybird pins all from Paperchase so that I could put them up.

I then took the photos and used a silver pen to caption them.

Then pinned them up on my chimney breast over my bed.

I really love how they look, and I like the different way of displaying photos.

I am really enjoying the break from University and work for a couple of weeks, and it was nice to go home and take walks at the beach and bake cakes.

Squeaky clean skin

Who doesn't dream of skin free of pesky spots and blackhead eh? I can't say I'm free of breakouts at all but I don't have the worst skin ever. As I tend to wear makeup most days I find it so important to take my makeup off and cleanse my skin morning and night, even when I have had a long day and just don't feel like it.

Bioderma - Sensibio H2O 

How many times have I and other beauty bloggers mentioned this? so many, but seriously it's the best. I cannot praise it enough, it is so quick and easily removes makeup. 

Clinique - take the day off

This cleansing balm is also wonderful, I have wanted to try a cleansing balm for ages and I am so glad I chose this one. I use it after I have taken the majority of my makeup off with bioderma for fresh, clean skin. This so easy to use and you feel like you've had a facial. It is also fine for all skin types which makes it perfect for everyone. 

Avene - Gentle gel cleanser and Gentle toner

These two are my morning routine, I use these most days of the week. Washing my face with the gel cleanser in the shower and then the toner one I get out. They are both so gentle on the skin and really leave your face feeling clean.

Biore - Warming anti-bleackhead cleanser 

I love this once or twice a week, it is a great exfoliator which is super gentle on the skin but also gets in those pores. Although the packaging says suitable for daily use I still think everyday is harsh on the skin. My face always feels great after using this and it greats rid of those pesky blackheads. 

Neal's Yard - Palmarosa facial wash

I really like this for those days when I haven't worn any makeup and just need to clean my face at the end of the day, it is just a great face wash which is super gentle on the skin. 

Sanctuary - 5 minute thermal detox mask and Polishing hot cloth cleanser 

Once a week I use each of these products, the face mask is great for relaxing and giving the skins a good cleanse in the congested areas. The hot cloth cleanser is great as a gentle exfoliator, the muslin cloth works wonders on the skin and the product is moisturising and perfect for the winter. The cleanser is a great dupe for Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser, the sanctuary one is available boots and often on offer. 

I know the winter has an effect on everyones skin so I hope you are all bearing up. 

Love Aisling 

Old Hollywoood Palette and other christmas delights

After christmas I love to see what gifts everyone got, so I thought I would share a few favourites with you. I haven't bought all my gifts back to London but you can see a selection and I'm going to talk about a few of my favourites. This year I went shopping with my Mum and Sister when they came to London for my sisters 16th birthday the weekend before Christmas, it was a lovely weekend and we went to see the Lion King on the West End and JLS at the o2 arena. Much fun was had.

I loved all my gifts this year, my stocking was filled with lovely delights such as the Dachshund mug (I love sausage dogs) and the pandasaur notebook (this combines my love for pandas, dinosaurs and stationary). I also got the cutest mirror from my sister for my christmas eve present, it is the Guards range from Cath Kidston which is my favourite. My Mum also got me a the movie Seven which as a criminology student is right up street and surprisingly I hadn't seen it. My little brother (who is much taller than me) got a me the cutest trinket box which is at home as it didn't want to brake it in transit.

Bobbi Brown - Old Hollywood Eye Palette.

This was at the top of my christmas list, a much desired eyeshadow palette with a high price tag. It was just so shiny, and I always had a little look when I was in John Lewis. When I opened it on Christmas day my eyes lit up, I of course knew I was getting it but I still couldn't help being excited to own something so beautiful. If I am honest it isn't quite as good as I hoped but it is great for delicate brown and silver/black smokey eyes. And I still love it.

Black Velvet Top - Topshop & Statement Necklace - Oasis

My Grandma had given us all some money to choose a gift that could be wrapped up, which I much prefer to actual money. I chose a beautiful velvet top from Topshop, which I wore on Boxing day along with a surprise statement necklace from my Mum and Dad. I have been loving statement necklaces so my Mum chose me a beautiful one.

The Handbag Beauty Bible by Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey

The wondeful book was a gift from my Godmother who chose wonderfully well. I was engrossed in this book as soon as I opened it, its full of great reviews and ratings out of 10 on some of my favourite products and ones I have wanted to try for ages. The only downside is that it is slightly outdated as it was published in 2007, the reviews are still relevant but prices have changed on most products. I have read it cover to cover and I really love it.



I hope everyone got everything they wished for this christmas, and are looking forward to what the new year brings.

Love Aisling