cupcakes

Heard on the radio this morning that it's really important to take regular breaks from work. So I did just that and decided to attempt the Vanilla cupcake recipe from the Hummingbird cupcake book:

The recipe tells you to use plain flour with baking powder but I always just go with self raising flour because I'm too scared they won't rise!

Had a disaster with the icing because I ended up splitting the piping bag and getting food colouring everywhere! nevertheless I decided to decorate with candy coloured vanilla frosting and chocolate hundreds and thousands and I think they have turned out a treat don't you?

(and check out the home made cake stand!)

bargain love & FOTD

Yesterday I had to visit the university library, and lo and behold I ventured into Primarni on Northumberland street as it is the closest shop. sooo glad I did though as I picked up some amazing bargains:

All this make-up for a whopping £2.75! (yes you heard that right, two pounds and seventy five pence).

I absolutely love nothing more than a good bargain. I'm one of those people who just can't resist buying something just because it is massively reduced even when it is completely useless and/or pointless.

So to prove to myself that these weren't pointless purchases i've decided to do my make-up today using only these products (plus a thin line of black estee lauder kohl and no7 mascara):

Eyes - eye souffle in lemon.

LOVE this product, so soft and creamy felt like a dream to apply. Has a very subtle shimmer to it which accentuates the eyes perfectly for a natural daytime look. I actually bought the same product in a lilac shade which i'm extremely pleased about now because I'll definitely be using these loads.

Cheeks - blusher stick.

extremely pink and garish when first applied. seemed to blend ok but practically disappeared by the time I took the photo so constant re-applications would be necessary to maintain the look throughout the day.

Lips - tinted love.

This tint is actually for the cheeks but it works really well on my lips and the brush applicator is more suited to use on the lips. This is much like any other lip tint I've used but has worn off completely since eating.

I also used the highlighter from the double ended tinted love product on my cheek and brow bone which gives my skin a gorgeous sheen as it catches the light.

I originally used the gold eye gloss on my eyelids but it was extremely shiny and very sticky. it felt like I was putting PVA glue on my eyelids but being starved of the joy of peeling it off once dry:

blog numero uno

So, I've given in to myself and finally got a blog even though I vowed that I wouldn't as I have LOADSSS of uni work to do and it will definitely be a distraction.

I gave in:

A) because sophie has recently created one and i LOVE it.

B) my boyfriend has one and I was feeling a bit left out - even if he hasn't updated it in MONTHS.

C) It's the perfect way for my parents to keep an eye on me while i'm travelling. I'm sure they would like hourly updates if they could!

and D) because I have convinced myself that learning html will be actually be useful somehow.

I graduated from a business management degree last year and returned this year to do some logistics and supply chain modules. At the present moment I honestly wish I hadn't bothered. Bring on May 11th when it will all be over for good and I can embark on my worldwide travels and show you all what i've been getting up to! (provided this bloody volcanic ash decides to settle by then).

I also co-own a business with my boyfriend called khoom loy lanterns. I will not be blogging about this as running a business is actually not as glamorous as one might hope, and certainly not very fun to talk about!

I love anything that sparkles, glistens or twinkles, there is something inexplainably luring about glitter and pearlescence so my blogs will probably end up being about everything and anything sparkly and/or generally girly because I am a total girly girl.

It also just happens to be the 'official' anniversary of my boyfriend and i this weekend so here's what I was treated to:

food at King Neptune. We opted for the vegetarian banquet for 2. The portions were huge and it would have easily served 3 or 4 people, but as ever the food and the service were faultless. Definitely my favourite restaurant in Newcastle.

a bottle of Amaretto, my new favourite tipple.

a beautiful pink rose, lily and daisy bouquet. The photo just does not do it justice!

LOVE lauralaura x x x