18 (!)

 It feels like I've been waiting for this day to arrive for a while. So, what's changed in the past year? My hair is shorter, I can actually drive a car now, and in three weeks' time I'll be settling into university. My wardrobe has changed a bit too- I'm slowly embracing the fact that I'm 5 ft10" and can still wear heels, and there's lots more black in my wardrobe than this time last year. Case in point, right here. 

Here's what I wore last year. 

I'm spending the day eating pizza, cake and there's a very high chance of a movie marathon this afternoon. Spending my first day as an 18 year old in style, of course. 

NYC

The weather has taken a turn for the cold, and Rimmel London's 107 has made a reappearance on my face. I've been having one of those weeks where no matter how many hours I sleep, I feel tired. I just feel meh. I managed to spend a whole afternoon watching YouTube videos on "what to take to university" though, and I've spent more time watching Essie & Aslan's #NordicVlogs than I would care to admit. (i.e. I watch the new videos during breakfast. I don't know what I'll do when they end that series) Another favourite has been Randy's Wedding Rescue on TLC. Because who doesn't enjoy watching women try on wedding dresses - amiright ladies? You can tell how productive my week has been.

Also, can I take this moment to cry about how pale I am again? Reaching for a bottle of fake tan as we speak... Hope you've all had a lovely week so far! 

Rock Your Body

Sweater/Warehouse . Shorts/DIY . Boots/Primark . Bag/Primark . Sunglasses/New Look

Last weekend was a mixture of glitter, friends, dry shampoo, dancing and loud music. Pretty good weekend, huh? Of course, I'm talking about V Fest- the perfect excuse to smear glitter across your cheeks and dance to Justin Timberlake. I considered taking outfit snaps whilst I was there, but in the end I decided to take the weekend away from the internet. For a more authentic outfit you'll need your imagination here- swap the ankle boots for wellies and my front door for a field. 

Since we last spoke I haven't got the chance to update you (unless you follow me on twitter) but the exciting news is that I won't be standing in front on this door much longer! It's officially official, next month I'm headed to Leeds University. I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. So that's what's going on with me right now, but let me know what's been happening with you too! 

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! 

NOTD: The Evil Eye DIY

If my bank account were a bottomless pit of money, (or if I had any amount of skill) nail art would be my thing. Sadly the reality is that I'm a student with very little hand-eye coordination! However, summer break has caused me to whittle away rainy afternoons by attempting nail art designs, and I finally have one to show you that went well.

The Evil Eye has been all over my tumblr dashboard recently in various shapes and forms - remember that design that Alexa Chung wore? 

Get this nail design in four steps! 

1) Paint a semi-circle at the base of your nail. Wait for it to dry! 

2) Take a nail dotting tool, or cocktail stick, to paint a small light blue dot in the centre of the semi-circle.

3) Once this is dry, paint a small black dot in the centre of the blue dot, to create the pupil. 

4) Paint over with a top coat, and you're done!  

Let me know your thoughts on this design- do you spend money on manis, or do you DIY?