September Insta-Updates

Instagram will always be my favourite way of sharing the pretty snippets of my life. Here's the month of September in images.

1) I've picked up new bed sheets, a shirt and scarf from Primark recently, their new collection is so impressive! I also went to the other extreme and nearly broke the bank when I "invested" in a Zara bag. (Using the word invest makes me feel so much better about this decision) 

2) My mum sent me some pictures of the dog because she knew how much I've been missing the little scamp whilst being at university.

3) Spotting the Sartorialist at Somerset House, LFW. 

1) Spending my spare time taking flat-lay shots, because why not?

2) Walking the little monster. It was the first day I noticed the leaves had changed!

3) Lazy days sporting a birthday present. You can never have a bad day when you're wearing a t-shirt covered in Ryan Gosling's face, right?

1) Celebrating my birthday in a different style. We skipped the main course and went straight in with homemade desserts. 

2) Freaking out because I'm finally 18!

3) Making rice crispie squares for the blog. So. Good. 

I'm always looking for more instagram accounts to follow so leave your username in the comments! Follow me to see what I'm up to in October (I refuse to believe the year has gone so quick) 

follow me on Instagram.

The Recipe: Chocolate Crispie Squares

This recipe came to the rescue last week when I wanted to bake an edible "thank you" for my last day of work. (Although, I would be lying if I said that I saved them all for my colleagues. I had to do the taste test, right?!)

*Credit for the recipe goes to Lucy Young and her book Secrets of Aga Cakes. It's the only book I go to for baking- if you have a sweet tooth you need this book, no questions asked.

For 16 squares you will need:

12x9in baking tin, lined with cling film
100g butter
100g marshmallows
100g soft toffees
200g coco pops

All you need to do is:

Melt together the butter, marshmallows and toffees together on a low heat. Keep stirring so nothing gets burnt! Stir in the coco pops, making sure they're evenly coated. Spoon into your tin and use the back of the spoon to pack the mixture down, so it's compact. Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Then you can tip it out the tin and chop up!

If you're feeling fancy...

Melt 100g of chocolate (white, milk or dark- your choice!) and drizzle it over the top.

The Recipe: Lemon & Poppyseed Muffins

"When life gives you lemons, make Lemon and Poppy Seed cakes. Duh."

Give me anything lemon flavoured and I'm there. It could be Lemon Drizzle, Cheesecake, and I've even been known to grab a spoon and pot of Lemon Curd. It's not something I'm proud of. A citrus craving struck last Saturday which saw me picking up a load of lemons on the weekly shop, then creating an (organised) mess all over the kitchen. 

I chose this recipe after a quick google search, (but swapped the lemon extract for zest.)

To make 12 muffins you need:

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 of a lemon's zest
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 280 grams self raising flour
• 200 grams sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 medium eggs
• 63 ml oil
• 4 tablespoons butter - melted
• 188 ml milk

All you need to do is:
Preheat your oven to 175  ̊C
Combine the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder
Add in the eggs, oil, melted butter, lemon juice, syrup, vanilla extract and lemon zest. 
Blend together and add the poppy seeds.
Spoon into your paper cases and bake for 20-25 minutes.


If you're feeling fancy you could mix together some lemon juice and icing sugar to drizzle over the top, then garnish with poppy seeds and a pinch more lemon zest. Pop the kettle on and you're done! 

Let me know if you're a lemon-lover like me, and if you would give this recipe a go. Send me a tweet if you do! 

The Leaver's Ball

As promised, here's a little snipped of our Leaver's Ball last Thursday. There was lots of food, cheesy music, and slightly dodgy dancing (all on my part). I'll save you from those photos. Scarily, that was the last time I'll be with my entire year group, and people I've known since I was 11, but it was the nicest evening and the best start to my Summer. Let me know what your prom memories are!

SportsShoes | Fashionably Fit

I have never been the girl on the sports team. I was never competitive when it came to sport, and team games really weren't my thing. I guess we could say that P.E wasn't really the highlight of my week, or my education as a whole- you get the picture. Thankfully over the past year or so I've found a few different things that I actually enjoy, much more than a game of Netball or Hockey. Swimming, Zumba, Yoga, and the newest addition to my routine, FitnessBlender- now those are things that I can get into.

My new-found like of exercise has called for some new workout gear, though, and sportsshoes.com kindly stepped in and sent me some Nike products as part of their Fashionably Fit campaign. I know that I'll never be one of those girls that manages to look radiant and glowing and actually nice when they work out, but now that my exercise kit has been upgraded I feel like I'm one step closer.

Nike Athletic AD Tank Top Vest
Firstly, the vest tee. I had my doubts because the fabric feels pretty thick, but it's still so breathable. I won't go into crazy detail but it's designed to wick away sweat, so it's really comfy to wear. It's been perfect in my Zumba classes and for jogging too.

Nike Free 3.0 V5 Women's Running Shoes
Do you think it's acceptable to live in these? Honestly, I've found myself trying to construct an outfit where I could make these work appropriate because I don't want to take them off. They're a barefoot trainer and lighter than the 5.0s that I've heard so much about, but my feet still feel supported during a light jog. I think with shoes it is genuinely down to the individual though, because the first few times I wore these whilst running my feet were feeling it a little afterwards, until they got used to a lighter trainer.

If you hadn't noticed, I've been loving the new editions to my gym kit. I used to throw any old t-shirt on but having some nice work out gear has actually proved to be a source of motivation over the past few weeks. Do you feel the same? Let me know - what's your favourite way to stay active?

May Favourites

Over the past few months I've fallen out of love with writing favourites posts. Some months there are just no inspiring finds to write about. May has brought me a few new loves though, so carry on reading for the details on things that I couldn't get enough of. 

Nike Free 3.0 Running Shoes- I could ramble on about these shoes till the cows come home because I don't think I've ever worn a trainer that looked so darn cool. Check back on Friday for a full blown ode to these, and a new vest top that make up my new gym kit. 

D-Frame Sunglasses, Warehouse- On the rare occasion that the Sun has been out this month I've been reaching towards these. They have a classic, universally flattering shape and I love tortoiseshell shades, they're a little less harsh than jet black sunnies. 

Exposed, Topshop-  My last post gave an in-depth analysis of this nail polish but the general consensus is, even if it's a pesky three coat polish, I love it. The colour is a muted, off-white grey and super pretty. 

Sarah Chapman Overnight Exfoliating Booster- I've nearly come to the end of this little sample and it breaks my heart just a little bit. I'm rubbish with the scientific stuff but all I know is it works- my skin never feels smoother and fresher than when I use this. It helps get rid of the dry patches around my forehead and I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do when it runs out. It's a great product to have in your evening routine, if it's not too pricey for your purse. 

Maybelline Colour Sensational Shine Gloss, Cashmere Rose- I held out on buying this for such a long time because lip gloss was always something I associated with my first forays into makeup, and hair getting stuck to my lips. Not a good look, but I think we've all been there. This lip gloss has filled the little void in my collection though, because now I actually own a lipgloss, and I've yet to relive the hair + mouth situ. Score.

Tan Leather Buckle Sandals, New Look- The holiday shopping has begun and I was in need of some new sandals. New Look always do the best shoes and these are a 10 on comfort factor. The white cleated sole makes them a little bit different, and they were a steal considering they're real leather. We know what I'll be wearing this month...

So there you have it. Another month done and dusted! Let me know what you've been loving this past month too, I would love to hear! Happy June, everyone. 

The Wkend #1 | Visual Diary

~outfit details~

~views of the garden~

~outfit details take II~

~the hallway~

~from where I stand~

~the ferry and sash windows~

This weekend I got snap-happy on a trip to the Isle of Wight to document the weekend's happenings and of course, what I was wearing. Here are the cream of the crop from the last 48 hours! If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you might notice that there is no mention of the wedding I was harping on about. Firstly, well done you for noticing, and secondly, there'll be a post about it later this week!

The island is beautiful, if a little breezy. My weekend there involved long car journeys, a ferry trip, seaside views, beaches and family. A busy weekend and many, many hours in the car meant my outfit had to be simple- a concept that I'm quite familiar with when it comes to dressing. I recreated one of my  favourite outfits, keeping the colour scheme all Navy. A day-time appropriate black, if you will.

Have you been travelling anywhere recently? Also- don't forget to check back on Saturday for my next outfit post...

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5 by rubysterland on Polyvore

Great Photos- Shy Girl Loud Voice- Is It Spring Yet? I've been on the hunt for new blogs recently, and Kacie's style caught my eye straight away. I'm definitely partial to her mentality of 'If I want to wear it, I'll wear it'. I can't wait for the time when it's actually warm enough to wear gorgeous, floaty outfits like this. 

Great Beauty- Bon Vivants- The TMI Tag. Here's another discovery- Jessica's YouTube channel, Bon Vivants. I've spent a good while scrolling through her videos and have decided that I love her channel. Watch her TMI Tag video to get to know her a little better. (I can't wait for a chance to pull out that chat-up line...)

Great Writing- Scarphelia- Blogging vs. Real Life. This week's final discovery, thanks to a retweet on twitter. I identified with blogger Scarphelia's most recent post so much. Of course, our blogs only show certain parts of our characters and lives, and that's not something we should feel bad or apologetic about. We all need to keep a little bit of ourselves from the Internet, and props to you for speaking your mind so eloquently, Scarlett. 

Leave me links in the comments of any of your new blog discoveries! I look forward to your recommendations x

January Playlist

Original image found here

Maroon 5- Lucky Strike

Nina Nesbitt- Selfies

Vance Joy- Riptide

The 1975- Girls

We the Wild- You Lost My Mind

Two Door Cinema Club- Changing of the Seasons

Maroon 5- Never Gonna Leave This Bed

Just a few little things to listen to! This month is already all about Maroon 5, so I recommend immersing yourself in all of their music, and Adam Levine's beautiful face. I saw them live earlier this week and trust me, his face is even more beautiful in person. 

Update: Merry Christmas!

Other than eating, drinking, and playing games with the family, I spent some time capturing little moments of the day. 

*Cue pretty lights and food*

If you celebrate Christmas I hope you had a wonderful day. I hope your head isn't pounding too much from all the Christmas cocktails, and that you have plenty of left-overs for the next week. (Because let's face it, who doesn't love left-over turkey and stuffing?) Now to hibernate in a corner with chocolate and a good festive movie... 

Insta lately #2

I thought it was time that I gave you all a little catch up on what I've been doing lately, and what's been on the blog. Here are my instagram posts over the last month. 

01- Last saturday night was the last gig of the month, which meant Lewis Watson. If you've been reading my blog for a while I'm sure you will know how much I love this guy. It's the 2nd time I've seen him live- click here to see the post I wrote last time I saw him live. 

02. Lewis Watson merch with a Pug on it? Yep, I bought one!

03. Barney and Cassie, having cuddles in front of the Aga. 

04. Another subtle, smokey eye look going on. Click here to see the full post!

05. Back at Rock City, this time for Disclosure. Read my Music Monday post from way back, here.

06.  The German Christmas Market in Birmingham!

07. After watching Tanya Burr's Haul, I got inspired to re-visit Polyvore, and this happened. The full post is here!

08 + 09. Before and after: experimenting with some new nail art tools!

10. At work- I found a pear as small as my finger.

11. Gabrielle Aplin, live at Rock City. 

12. Barney again, looking all cutesy.

13.  Barney's first appearance on the internet! He's a little Yorkshire Terrier rescue puppy; the new addition to our family.

14. Reading an interview with Lorde.

15. Taking inspiration from Tumblr. See the full post here. 

 

16. Wrapping up warm in an outfit post, which you can see here! 

Staying Home, Doing Nothing

I already don't know where I'm going with this post. All I know is that I haven't had a chance to write on here for a long time. So if you're prepared to hear me natter on, then welcome. Last night was so much fun spending a night on scary fair ground rides, eating candy-floss with great friends for company. But afterwards, I couldn't wait to get home and do nothing. At the end of the night I was okay with getting in the car to go home- I was looking forward to it, even though I had a fantastic evening. Weird.

Tonight, after being stuck in, home alone, I just want to do anything but be at home, doing nothing. (The phone call from a fore mentioned friends may not have helped, even though it was lovely at the time.)

Why is it that I can't help but change my mind. This morning I was longing for the prospect of two weeks break from school, with no plans whatsoever. Now, knowing that I won't see my chums until Halloween, I feel a bit sad. I would love to be at my friend Georgia's house right now with the girls, but work calls- at the horrible time of 8:30am tomorrow.

I guess the moral of this dilemma is that I need to make some plans. So far my plans are homework and blogging. So it looks like I have the whole staying home, doing nothing thing all sorted. This could be an interesting half term break.

Lately...

I bought this bag at the weekend after my old faithful, goes-with-everything bag broke. I went off to the shops and found this cute satchel for a bargain of £9! (Primark, I heart u x) 

This week has been manic and it's all felt non-stop. I ran my first ever art club with the year 7's and they're so cute! That as well as having a driving lesson where I did some new manoeuvres means that this week has been exciting, guys. Yesterday I hot-footed it up to Newcastle for the uni open day and loved it. Watch this space, there is a chance (however small) that I'll be a northern gal this time next year. 

Everything's been a bit strange at my house recently. It's so quiet because my brother George has moved to university. I mean, it's not like he was a loud person, but it does feel really strange without him. We ring most nights though, and I have to say some of the photos uploaded to Facebook from Fresher's Week have really made me see my brother in a different light, we shall say. Has anyone else had the experience of having an older sibling moving away? I would love to know what your experience was- George is pretty far away so I won't see him very often. Thank God we have the interwebs to keep in touch. 

One last thing- I know I should be saving this for the monthly favourites, but here's a song I can't stop listening to...

Grow Old With Me- Tom Odell

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #4

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #4 by rubysterland 

Great Photos- Fashion Envious- Cross My Heart. I've been loving reading Mariana's blog at the minute, her outfits are always brilliant and her editing always looks great! Definitely check out her blog for inspiration.

Great Beauty- I Covett Thee- Chanel Rouge Noir. It turns out I'm not the only one who'll forgive Chanel's polishes for being prone to chipping. I'm in love with this colour and Alix's blog. Check out her YouTube channel too! 

Great Writing- Kerralina- The University Diaries. You'll have seen me write about Kerralina before. I love reading all her little anecdotes, and this one about starting university is no exception. 

Autumn Inspiration

I took to Pinterest and Tumblr to find some Autumn inspiration. As much as I love summer, I get so excited for the crisp mornings and cosy sweaters that autumn brings. Does anyone else feel the same, or is it just me?

As far as music goes, the only song I'm listening to is...

 Brand New Day- Kodaline

Something about it makes me think of running (and slipping) through all the soggy autumn leaves outside. Maybe you'll think of something completely different, but regardless, I love this song. 

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #2

Great Photos- Classy Girls Wear Pearls- I Like Large Parties. First of all, a great name for a blog. Secondly, always great photos. I especially love these though. From the cute little headbands and Great Gatsby-esque style to the energy captured. These are the kind of parties I need to be going to! 

Great Writing- Kerralina- Escape. Kerry's blog is awesome for making me stop and think. This post was no exception- even though the subject was running. (something I don't have much of a passion for). However I've decided that, even though it'll be an ugly sight, I'm going to go for a run tomorrow morning. Yep, you heard it here first. I guess now it's on the blog I've got to do it. Follow me on twitter to find out how it goes...

Great Beauty- Amelia Beauty- Top 5 Summer Nail Shades. I really should not be allowed to read posts like these because I've recently developed a huge weakness for nail polishes. I have my eyes on that gorgeous lilac by Butter London, because you can never have enough lilacs, right? 

Let me know who's blogs you're all reading this weekend- I always love finding new ones! 

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #1

*Each image is from the websites respectively, I do not own these images!

I've just returned from my holiday and after a week away from blogging I came home to 479 unread posts on my bloglovin' feed. Woah. I've spent the past few days trying to make a dent in this number, and if I'm honest I don't think I'll ever get up to date. But, in my effort to do this I have come across some great blog posts which I really wanted to share with you guys. 

Great photos- The Blonde Salad- Santorini day 2. She's done it again, some more gorgeous photos. I think these photos sum up great summer style and I wish I had all these things in my wardrobe.

Great Beauty- Vivianna Does Makeup- Guide to Holiday Beauty Packing- This is actually a huge series with 5 different scenarios- The Basics, The Festival, The City, The Beach and The Outdoors, so there's definitely something for everyone. It couldn't get better really, Anna's written a blog post and filmed a video for each one, as well as creating an awesome PDF check list to tick off all your necessary items.

Great Writing- Someone Like You- Come Sail Away with Me- I like reading Lauren's blog because not only does she have great style, but she's a great writer. This post is definitely no exception. She knows how to use language to tell a story, but I still think it's relatable, and often really makes you think. Check out Lauren's blog if you haven't already!

Essentials: An Afternoon in the Sun

We've had gorgeous weather in the UK over the past few days, so naturally it's all we've been talking about! After my last exam this morning (hurrah) I spent the rest of the day outside. Here's what I took out to the garden with me- my essentials for an afternoon in the sun. 

1) A pair of shades- mine were a steal at only £4.99 in New Look.

2) Sun Lotion- I've used quite a few different sun lotions and Piz Buin is my favourite because it smells so good and it protects me which still giving me a tan. This is the Allergy formulation so it's fine on my face too, which can sometimes get a bit stroppy and sensitive. If you want a suncream which will totally protect you I would recommend Garnier Ambre Solaire, I took it with me for a month in Nicaragua and didn't burn at all. It does give you greasy hands though. 

3) Nail Polish- I spent this afternoon painting my toes and went for a coral pink and my much talked about orange in Stage Dive from Topshop. 

4) Water- I'm sure you've been told enough times how important it is to stay hydrated in the Sun. Seriously, it is important though. A glass of cold water is refreshing and isn't bad for you one bit, so drink up!

5) A good book- I love an easy read and it's romantic I can't resist.

6) Music- for me it's either Radio 1 or my own music. I love making playlists so I'm often listening to one of those.

7) A magazine- the latest Harper's Bazaar arrived yesterday so I spent a good hour reading this. I love a chunky magazine to get stuck into! 

Let me know if you like posts like this and I'll see if I can plan some similar ones. Do you have any essentials for an afternoon of sunbathing?