Instagram December photo challenge

Day one: Advent Calendar. Day two: Socks.
Day three: Handwriting. Day four: Ornaments.

Day five: Hot drink. Day six: Something Green. Day seven: Candle.

I am doing the December photo challenge on Instagram! I am quite pleased how I've kept up with it so far as I tried in previous months and kept forgetting about the challenge. (opps)
My username is laurenrose182 if you would like to follow me!
Are you doing the photo challenge too?

My Winter 'In's!'

My last winter in's post was a big hit, it actually one of my most popular posts! So I thought why not do another!

London. London at Christmas time is soo pretty, especially the west end, they go all out on Christmas decorations.

Cozy living rooms. I love snuggling up and watching tv with our pretty decorated living room in the cold winter months :) 

Waiting for Santa.. Have you hung up your stockings yet?

Reading with a nice hot drink. I only tend to read in Autumn/winter.

Snow! Winter means Snow! and snow means..

..building snowmen! :)

Beanies. I have recently gotten into wearing beanies and yes I am in love.

I can't help but count how many decorated houses I can see as I walk home from picking Elise up from school. 

Cozy socks ♥

Hot chocolate. ♥

Over sized cardigans, I go overboard with buying these each winter. There just so damn toasty!

All images from wehearit.com


Lauren x

Dear Father Christmas..

So I haven't blogged since the 3rd! (slaps wrist) I was hoping to blog every day in December but life just gets in the way, and I never seem to have a spare moment to actually sit down and get a blog post up. I am going to try and blog as much as possible tho, I will find time, it just wont be every day!
The time is 22:45 my little girl has had her bath and book time and is fast asleep, my boyfriend is at band practice and i'm now waiting for him to come home, I have some me time yay!
Leona, who is also doing blogmas asked what everyone is asking father Christmas for this year.
So I thought i'd show you whats on my list!

Round up:  Make up, New iphone case, Perfume, New note pad, Neom bath oils, Epic Micky 2 for ps3, Books & a hair tool :)

Until next time!

Lauren x

Blogmas! Snippets of Christmas around my home

This year I have neglected my blog, and I want to get back into the swing of things, so i thought, why not do blogmas? I will be blogging every day in December! hurrah!
I have written down a list of ideas and I'm super excited!
I know I am a day late, but its better late then never eh? :)
So to kick blogmas off I have decided to show you my Christmas tree along with other Christmasy things around my home. I hope you enjoy counting down the days to Christmas with me! 

Your hand fits in mine like it's made just for me

A little outfit of the day including my pixie boots!
I am wearing:
Cardigan- New look
Jeans- Topshop
Snood- Primark
Boots- Pixie footwear

 All pictures unedited, and copyright of RoseParis.
Thanks to the boyfriend for the photography ;)

MissesDressy

Cocktail Dresses

Evening Dresses

Prom Dresses

I never went to prom, but that doesn't mean I cannot dream over prom dresses, and which one I would have chosen if I had the chance.
When I browse MissesDressy all I think of is Carrie Bradshaw from sex and the city. She wore the most beautiful dresses!
If I had the cash, I would defiantly treat myself to a gorgeous dress like the ones I have featured, a girl can dream right ;)
What would your perfect prom dress be? let me know!

Unboxing: Pixie footwear The Lucy Boot!

Winter is a upon us and if you live in the UK, chances are you've already gotten your winter warmers out, big coats, hats, gloves the lot!
I have been on the search for some new winter boots for a while, and would like to share these beauties.

I love the UGG style however they are just not practical in all weathers.
I was very lucky to be introduced to a brand, Pixie footwear.
After having a browse of the new season arrivals I decided that I just had to have a pair!
I chose the Lucy boot, each boot has its own girls name. Lucy is actually one of my favorite girls names (along with Elise) but I didn't choose the boots just because of the name, I love the style, the buckles, the fur, and the colour which I chose, grey.
You can also get the Lucy boot in colours; Black, Camel and chocolate. I picked Grey because I thought it would more wearable for me personally. (I was very close to getting black)

You can wear these with just about anything, I have worn them with leggings, jeans, a big coat and jumpers etc. I am planning on doing a few OOTD's with these boots just to show you all what there like on and how they really do go with any autumn/winter outfit.

They are super comfy and most importantly there practical! in all weathers. I have a little girl who has just started nursery and every school run it seems to be raining. So far they have survived the muddy puddles and kept my feet toasty warm and dry, now I am just waiting for the snow! ;)
When I had ugg boots they would just get drenched in the rain and my feet would end up wet.

There are plenty of other styles to choose from, if your interested in these boots or would just like a browse the website is: http://www.pixiefootwear.com/

Internet shopping.

The Rise of Internet Shopping

Britain currently leads Europe in online shopping, with many individuals making an average of 19 Internet purchases every 6 months. The popularity of trustworthy online payment schemes, ease of use and variety of choice are just a few of the reasons internet shopping has become so popular today – but what can we learn from its rise to fame?

Changing Trends

Essentially, home catalogue shopping has been transferred to the computer, allowing fashionistas to shop from the comfort of their own abode. Many companies boast the likes of a seasonal catalogue which can be delivered directly to your door on request. Yet, rather than making orders over the phone the option to make your selections online is now provided – perfect.

The Benefits

Although shopping in the high street has its pros, many are unable to fit in a regular shopping trip. Long working hours, hectic social lives and demanding home commitments are just a few of the factors that prevent us from shopping in store.

Online shopping and catalogue buying make for a much easier experience. They also add an element of anticipation to shopping. Once the buyer has placed an order, they wait in expectation for their parcel to be delivered. As soon as the box arrives, you will almost instantly try on your chosen items for size, with easy returns policies making it simple to send back anything which you no longer like.

Many catalogues offer same day delivery options as well as free returns, perfect if you receive a last minute invitation to an upmarket event. You can order an item from your desk in the morning and step out in style the same evening.

Battling the Elements

When it’s raining outside, the roads are coming to a standstill and your legs are aching from a long day, the last thing on your mind is a trip to the high-street on a mission to find your next style staple. Grabbing the catalogue and leisurely leafing through the pages when you get home is a far more attractive proposition – making it no surprise that home shopping is such a popular option.

Unbeatable Variety

On top of the aforementioned benefits, many of today’s catalogues showcase an appealing layout as well as an extensive range of stock. A lot of online department stores feature options such as ‘buy now, pay later’ which helps those with struggling finances to balance their spending habits. This allows you to get exactly what you want without having to wait, making it the ultimate way to shop.

Review: John Frieda Full repair range.

My hair is in good condition at the moment. I haven't dyed my hair in two years,I have been enjoying my natural colour. I have been having regular trims to keep ends healthy.
I do straighten my hair quite alot tho, So my hair is always in need of deep conditioning hair treatments. My ends are not in perfect condition as you can see to the left, but there certainly on there way to healthy :)
I have tried quite a few shampoos and conditioners for dry hair, take a look at my hair section for more info.
I was kindly sent the full range to review. I love John Frieda products so I was quite excited to try this range!
My thoughts; I love the shampoo and conditioner, after a couple of months use I can tell the difference they have made to my hair. After each wash my hair feels more manageable.
I also love the deep conditioner, for an extra treat. I use this once a month, as I have other deep treatments, that I like to swap around.
The perfect ends deep infusion works fantastic on my hair, my ends do not tend to split as much.
I haven't got round to using the styling spray or root lift foam, as I am currently using another brands, I also wanted to see the improvements to my hair after using the shampoo and conditioner on their own.
They get a big thumbs up from me!

Sorry for the absence, life has been a bit crazy at the moment! Having a toddler is a full time job! She is now at school for 3 hours a day so I now have some time for my blog :)
So expect to see more posts from me!
Have a good weekend!

Pixie footwear launch

It's that time of year again where we all wrap up warm and begin to look forward to Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas!
Last year I featured these pixie boots, and this year Pixie Footwear have launched three new winter boot to there range! All named after girls names as always, Lucy, Ellie and Sophie boots :)

"Pixie believe only animals should wear their coats, so all pixie products are made from high quality micro-fibres. With their popular Winter boots, such as the Rosie from last year’s collection being spotted on various high profile celebrities  in the music industry such as the Saturdays. Pixie is continually evolving into an established brand."

You can buy these adorable Pixie boots from there site www.pixiefootwear.com
Retailing at £64.99 and go on sale on the 26th September 2012.
I am very lucky to be sent a pair when they launch, so I will update you all with pictures of me wearing them!

A review: Jergens cocoa butter

I am often on the look out for a new body moisturizer. I tend to get bored of applying the same scent every day after showering, and get excited to try something new, as sad as that may be ;)
The top factors I look for in a moisturizer is; as mentioned the scent, and something that leaves skin hydrated but doesn't have that horrible sticky film left on your skin, I often shower before bed, and I find it hard to get to sleep if my moisturizer hasn't sunken in.
This deep conditioning moisturizer ticks all the right boxes, the smell is gorgeous, and lasting. Jergens cocoa butter dries almost instantly and most importantly leave my skin super soft and hydrated. 5/5 from me!
You can get Jergens body moisturizers, in most UK supermarkets, boots and superdrug.

1D, MCFLY EASTER SUN SNOW.

1. Lush bath 2. Pretty nails
3. Hot chocolate 4.Yet another lush bath.

1. Mothers day cupcakes 2.Bambi sweater
 3.Liz earl skincare 4.My daughters first converse!

1.Blue skies 2. Water fights in our garden 3. My cuddly kitten

1. Snow?! 2.My fave Easter treats <3
3. Easter cookie 4. Easter egg hunt!

1.My 100000th Mcfly concert :D 2. Mothers day meal out 3. My princess with my mothers day gift! <3

I watched one direction on iCarly and noticed Carly wearing the same t shirt as me (:why did this get me so excited? ima geek!

I hope your all having a fabulous Easter weekend!
Hoppy Easter!

x

Lush Review: The carrot and fluffy egg

I couldn't wait to try this Easter bubble bar from Lush, but sadly I am disappointed with the result. I always give an honest opinion on my blog & I regret to inform you all that I have come across a lush product that I hate! Shocker I know, I am a huuuuge lush fan and all my reviews are rave after rave. However The carrot may be insanely cute, I didn't enjoy my bath as I normally would with other lush products. 

As you can see in the video above The colour isn't very appealing, there isn't any bubbles even tho I had swished for around a minute, the green part fell off and there wasn't any nice strong scents I would normally get when using a lush product.
The one good thing was I came out of the bath feeling super soft! I wouldn't recommend this at all. Sorry lush! :(

I want to make a positive note now, about a Easter product that I love,the fluffy egg. I didn't expect any bubbles from this as it is a bath ballastic!



Who doesn't want a bath full of shocking pink candy scented water? Lush! I recommend the fluffy egg :)

Can you guess their secret?

I do it every day too!

To be continued.......

Mothers day butterfly red velvet cupcakes!

Since it's mothers day this Sunday, I decided to bake some cupcakes with my daughter!
I decided to go for red velvet cupcakes. I have never made these before, but found it so easy! I decorated with pink glittery butterflies and red cocoa frosting.
Here's the recipe if your wanting to give it ago! 

What you'll need;
1 large mixing bowl, 1 small bowl and one medium size bowl
Scales
12 hole muffin tin
12 cupcake cases
Mixer/whisk
Teaspoon


For the cakes;
60g unsalted butter, at room temperature
150g caster sugar
1 egg at room temperature
20g cocoa powder,sifted
2 tbsp red food coloring
150g plain flour
140ml buttermilk
2tsp baking powder
4tsp white wine vinegar


For the frosting
8oz butter
160oz icing sugar


and any decorations you require.

I really love my new mixing bowl! its huuuuge!

Here's the cupcake cakes I went for. Pink with butterflies on them! The one mistake I made was using  bigger then average cases and you'll see why it didn't work later on.

Firstly you need to preheat your oven to 180 degrees and line your muffin tin with cases.


Add the butter and caster sugar together with an electric mixer or whisk until creamy and fluffy.
Add the egg and whisk away for another minute.

In a separate bowl mix the cocoa powder and food coloring together with a teaspoon.

Add this to the cake mix until incorporated.

Your mix should be looking like this!

At this stage add the flour and buttermilk and mix for  2 minutes, then add the baking powder and vinegar and mix for a further 2 minutes.

What the mix should now look like.

Now it is time to scoop the cake mix into the cases. I made a mistake of adding too little to the cases, as these are extra large! opps! Mistakes noted for next time..
Bake the cakes for 25 minutes.

Whilst there baking away and smelling Delicious, I like to wash up and then make a start on the frosting. I use silver spool icing sugar and butter.

Mixing both ingredients together until you are left with a lovely fluffy butter cream.

I added cocoa to mine for extra sweetness 

and 2 tsp of red food coloring!

The cakes are done! as you can see the cupcake cases are way to big and over towering the cakes, slight error there but they will still be tasty!

I added the butter cream once the cakes had cooled down by swirling them on with a knife.

and added a pretty icing butterfly! :)
And there we go! So easy. Lovely treats for mothers day! My daughter had so much fun making them with me, and even more fun eating them! I'll leave you with a few more pictures of my creations, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Lauren x