Blogmas #23 The Gingerbread House

My plan this season wasn't necessarily to turn into a domestic goddess, but such things happen.

Can you believe I've never made a gingerbread house? Up until this year I had never carved a pumpkin! And seeing as anything arty and intricate is my type of thing, I decided to take on the challenge of making one from scratch. And this wasn't just going to be a small one with a basic design, oh no, I went all out. (P.S. Don't ask me how I did it, I have no flipping clue.)

I measured out templates, cooked batches upon batches of gingerbread, and made myself well and truly sick on royal icing. If I never see gingerbread again it'll be too soon. Weeks of prep, plenty of photo's repinned on pinterest, and high hopes of my family crowning me 'domestic goddess' and bowing down at my baking skills. Luckily for me, it didn't go disastrous.

(I used liquorice catherine wheels as stepping stones, and lightly dusted icing sugar to give the impression that snow had settled on the rooftop).

Merry Blogmas

xo

Blogmas #22 Winter Wonderland

We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way, walking in a winter wonderland.

I'm free at last! At least, that is, until the new college term starts. But as a little celebration that we all survived with the stress of coursework deadlines, UCAS applications, and having no where to sit each lunch, my friends and I took a trip up to London Friday and had a little mosey around Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park. 

Okay, I'm just going to put this out there, I was incredibly disappointed. Yes it was lovely and festive, but it was pretty darn expensive too for what is only a glorified fun fair quite frankly. We didn't end up going on any of the rides or doing much there at all but sit and have a portion of chips, watching everyone ice-skate. It was also incredibly busy, and as someone who doesn't cope quite well with being squished in with a thousand odd other people, it wasn't very enjoyable. We did end up visiting Oxford Street, and no one can resist a little Selfridges trip.

(Santa and Catherine clearly have some secret friendship that I don't know about) 

(Ellie and I couldn't resist a cheeky photo op)

(I was having a hideous bad hair day, ergghh)

(Can anyone guess what I brought?)

Merry Blogmas

xo

Blogmas #19 Ugly Christmas Jumper

And this one is absolutely, positively 'pugly'.

This year, Boxing Day is now 'Ugly Christmas Jumper' Day, and I cant tell you how excited I am. Having an ugly christmas jumper is a must for me every year (even better if you get a matching one with someone). Whilst frantically searching last minute this weekend for one, I stumbled across this on ASOS and thought it was too darn cute/ugly to not buy, and it's it petites - hallelujah! With student discount I bagged it at around £25. 

Merry Blogmas

xo

Blogmas #16 Deck The Halls

The neighbours weren't expecting a charming rendition of Deck The Halls at 9 this morning. (Que off-key singing: FA LA LA LA LALALALALA).

With a Monday morning off of college, I couldn't think of anything better than putting on a cheesy Christmas film, the Michael Buble album, and decking out the halls with decorations. (Chocolate chip cookies were also a must). Unfortunately, trying to find all of our decorations would be like playing a giant game of jenga seeing as the move left all the boxes piled on top of each other, so until I can get to them, this is as much as I got done.

Blogmas #13 101 Reasons To Not Blogmas

And here you have it 101 reasons to not Blogmas. Seriously.

There is probably hundreds of grammatical errors occurring throughout this post, shall we just ignore them?

1. My creative juices have run so low, this is what my posts have succumbed to.
2. I'm totally procrastinating on all my college work to post something everyday.
3. I get so distracted writing and end up on YouTube for hours (how does that even happen?!)
4. I'm currently sat in on a Friday evening trying to catch up.
5. Having to apologise for repeatedly missing Blogmas days.
6. Ending up feeling sorry for myself because I'm not posting everyday.
7. Feeling bad about feeling sorry for myself because I need to get my lazy arse into gear and write.
8. Having looong all day rehearsals, but no, I can't go to bed because of Blogmas.
9. I'm craving coffee real bad.
10. I'm Already wanting to give up.
11. Also want to give up writing this post (let's see how far I can really get).
12. Does anyone even want to read these posts?
13. What idiot decides to think up 101 reasons not to Blogmas?!
14. Me.
15. Who needs sleep when you can be blogging?
16. Who needs food when you can be blogging?
17. Heck, who needs a social life when you can be blogging?
18. Lost my SD card in my room. Crap.
19. Temptation to give up is rising again.
20. I wonder if Beyonce will read this.
21. Facing the truth that Beyonce will never read this.
22. Ideas people.
25. There must be 503629207 other people taking part in Blogmas.
26. Nails currently need a-painting.
27. Congratulating anyone whose made it this far (lets have a round of applause).
28. Urging people never to try this post themselves.
29. Only 72 more reasons to go.
30. Who really has time to blog everyday?
31. Like seriously.
32. I could be doing so many beneficial things with my life.
33. Eating too much.
34. Shopping too much.
35. But no here I am, blogging.
36. I could be rehearsing for my show on Sunday.
37. But no, I'm blogging.
38. I've been in a constant bad mood all week.
39. You know why?
40. Stressing.
41. Not-calming-the-fuck-down like most people.
42. I'm not a violent person, but I totally could have punched someone.
43. Lets change the subject.
44. Blogmas isn't all bad.
45. I've actually posted more in one month than I usually get around to in a year.
46. People have told me they enjoy reading what I write.
47. Apart from my tutor.
48. She seems to undermine all my creativity.
49. Which reminds me of another reason I'm in a bad mood.
50. My tutor hasn't sent of my UCAS application after 2 weeks.
51. Uni's aren't going to want me.
52. I'm going end up working in McDonald's all my life.
53. And then what time will there be to blog?!
54. All she needs to do is complete my reference and then it's off.
55. I can stick to a deadline but she can't?
56. Argghh.
57. I might buy her flowers, sweeten her up a bit.
58. Bribe her with chocolates so she writes a great reference.
59. All the Uni's will want me then.
60. They'll be fighting over me.
61. But back to Blogmas.
62. You need commitment.
63. I start Blogtemeber and boy did I fail big time.
64. I just gave up.
65. I don't want to do that again.
66. As much as this post is a waste of time, I'm going to complete it.
67. P.S we've only got 34 to go.
68. Once you've failed something once, you don't want to do it again.
69. Missed a couple posts?
70. Who cares.
71. Get the Blogmas Police out on me.
72. I'll still be proud to make it to the end of the month and blogged the majority of it.
73. What do you guys want to read about anyway?
74. My day-to-day life?
75. OOTD's?
76. FOTD's?
77. Because that would mean taking selfies.
78. And I'm all up for that.
79. The best part is picking the filter.
80. I can literally go from ugly to supermodel.
81. Boom.
82. All the guys want me then.
83. I'm joking no one wants me.
84. Once Blogmas is done I'm considering buying 20 cats and locking myself in the house.
85. I'm joking.
86. Cats kind of scare me.
87. And imagine how cranky I'd get being locked away indoors.
88. Although maybe Prince Charming will come and save me.
89. Just call me Rapunsel.
90. Scared myself silly with the thought that this might just not save.
91. I don't know what I would do.
92. Cry.
93. Promise to never blog again.
94. Cry a bit more.
95. I couldn't write up 101 reasons to blog again.
96. It would have been crap enough the first time.
97. But luckily it saved.
98. We're so close to publishing.
99. I'm hope you're all wetting you knickers with excitement.
100. Yes. So close.
101. We're done. 101 reasons to not blog (because end up looking like some weird crazy person).

Merry Blogmas

xo

Blogmas #9 The LUSH Haul

You never really do the job right, unless you do it yourself.

As you may have read in Blogmas #3 10 Things to-do this December (if not, read it here), I said I wanted to do a big LUSH Haul. Well that half went to plan. Leaving the mission in the capable hands of my mum, she didn't quite buy as much as I expected, but then I did ask for the whole shop. I'm joking, she didn't actually do half bad, but where on Earth is my Snow Fairy mother?!

 I'll show you what she did pick up.

Candy Mountain (£2.65)

(There just isn't an attractive way to photograph this at all, really)

Magic Wand (£4.95)

(I'm possibly the most excited to use this product.)

Star Light, Star Bright (£3.30)

(There are three reasons I love this product. 1. It contains Shea butter so my skin feels absolutely amazing once I've stepped out of the bath. 2. It's so freaking glittery, my bathroom looked like a disco ball. And 3. It has a blue center that turns your bath water turquoise, I felt like I bathing in the Indian ocean!)

What's your favourite LUSH Christmas products?

Merry Blogmas

xo

Blogmas #8 The DIY Present

Don't call me a 'cheapskate', but...

Christmas really doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I love when someone gives me a gift that they've really put thought into, I really don't need the most expensive gift in the store just because it was the first thing they saw. That in mind, I also love giving presents that I've put thought into. So this year for my parents I thought I would get a bit creative (thanks pinterest). 

I made a Mr. & Mrs. Display plate with their anniversary of on it. I was going to write all the important dates like the first time they met, when they got engaged and all that, but of course my Mum has the memory of a goldfish! And the best part it, it's so simple. All you need is a plate, mug, what ever tickles your fancy, and a Sharpie! Once you've drawn on what you want, stick it in the oven for 20 minutes on around 200 degrees and wallah, it's completely dish-washer proof, permanent.

(Sorry for the totes crap picture quality, it's just like me to forget that I haven't taken a picture of it before I wrap it up - at least I know who I get my terrible memory off.)

I'm also going to bake some of their favourite Christmas treats for a little extra! 

Merry Blogmas 

xo

Blogmas #5 Chocolate Biscuit Cake

A dessert so amazing, it was sent straight from the God's.

Christmas just would not be Christmas without my Auntie's infamous Chocolate Biscuit Cake. Like the name says, it's literally a cake made of biscuits and melted chocolate. So develishly tasty, the God's just couldn't keep it up there, so with many thanks it was sent down to us. You can follow a recipe here (we usually use method one, but choose whatever tickles your fancy.)

(Christmas 2011)

Merry Blogmas

Blogmas #3 10 things to-do this December

10 Things to do this December,

Is there a better way to start December than to make a list of the most festive things I could possibly think of? Yeah, I didn't think so either. 

1. Visit Winter Wonderland. 

2. Make a Gingerbread House.

3. Christmas Movie Marathon, yes, I'm talking 24 hours. 

4. Go on a splurge in LUSH on their Christmas range.

5. Have an ugly Christmas jumper day.

6. Resist the urge to eat too much stollen bread.

7. Dance around the house to Christmas songs whilst decorating the house.

8. Ice-skating!

9. Record a Christmas song!

10. Finish Blogmas!

Lets see how much I can actually do this Decemeber!

Merry Blogmas

Blogmas #4 Gift Ideas Under £10

My purse is literally screaming at me.

Christmas is a crazy expensive time of year. Presents for mum, presents for dad, presents for your brother, presents for your friends. It suddenly all adds up, and when you go to your purse, it's completely run dry. I don't have an unlimited budget to spend on Christmas, in fact, it's very tight, so for Blogmas #4, I thought I would give you a few inspirations for little presents that will brighten anyone's Christmas (and they're all under £10, hurrah!)

1. For Your Mistletoes

             

Essie nail varnishes retail at £8.00 here in the UK, however you can always go for a cheaper company, like Barry M, whose polishes are still quite amazing at half the price and treat them a little more with a manicure in a jar. 

                               

2. Christmas Cookies In A Jar

These are a fab idea, especially for a baking enthusiast or younger child. Simply layer all the ingredients for a batch of cookies. 

3. Thanks A Latte For All You Do

Either top up £10 or £5 onto a Starbucks gift card and treat them to a latte. 

4. Chalkboard Mug

If you're feeling a little bit creative, get your mitts on several cheap mugs, chalkboard paint, and follow this tutorial for a unique little Christmas present. I personally think my young cousins would lovvvee drawing all over these!

5. Haircare 3 For 2

Boots are always doing 3 for 2 on hair care, so you really can't go wrong!

6. And if worst comes to worst, nothing screams Christmas Cheer than homemade Christmas goods - Chocolate Chip Cookies, Gingerbread Men and Stollen Bread. (warning: they may taste pretty good.)

Merry Blogmas!

Blogmas: The Wishlist

Oh la, another blog challenge I'll try not to fail miserably at.

As the first post of blogmas, I thought I would share with you a few presents that I would love to wake up to open on Christmas Morning. (A little disclaimer, this is merely a wishlist and I don't expect to receive all these gifts.) 

('IT' by Alexa Chung, the Naked 3 Palette, Nike FuelBand SE in Rose Gold, Dolce & Gabbana 'The One, Desire', Kurt Geiger Mock Croc Travel Bag - with matching passport cover, of course! - and the Canon EOS 600D).

What's on your Christmas Wishlist?

Happy Blogmas!

The Christmas Tag

31 Days, 8 Hours, 24 minutes and 5 seconds until Christmas as I speak. 

Any one wetting themselves yet?

What is you favourite Christmas drink?

It's actually not a Christmas drink, but if you've ever had a Chai Latte, I'm sure you'll agree that with all the cinnamon and spices, it's like a little sprinkle of Christmas in a cup. And I can have them all year round, so woohoo! I haven't had one so far this festive period because I'm trying only to drink green tea and water, so I've been having peppermint tea's as a kind of in between treat. 

What is your favourite Christmas smell?

I'm absolutely loving the salted caramel candle from Yankee Candles which I brought back in October. As I can't stand the salted caramel drinks at Starbucks, or the taste of millionaires shortbread, it's so nice to find something caramel that I actually love.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

I can't go a Christmas without watching Elf. I just can't.

What's the one thing you really want to get from Santa this year?

There's this carry-on bag from Kurt Geiger with a crocodile print that I'm eagerly eyeing up. Might ask for the matching passport cover too - oh I do like to being matching.

Have you ever built a gingerbread house?

I haven't! I feel like such a deprived child, until this year I had never carved a pumpkin or built a gingerbread house. But I'm going all out with my gingerbread house this year, trust me.

Who is your favourite person to buy presents for?

Probably my Mum, anything to with cake-baking and she's over the moon. 

What is your favourite Christmas song?

This is like asking me what my favourite disney song is, I just love them all. I'm particulury parcial to Rocking Around The Christmas tree.

What is the weirdest gift you've ever received?

I can't actually remember receiving any weird presents.

Do you like to get dressed up on Christmas Day or stay in your PJ's?

Getting dress up of course!

Hope you're all getting your festivities on too! xo

On That Hype

I've turned over a new leaf. 

Love it or hate it, I've jumped on the bandwagon. Green Tea - a medicine that originated from China, and now used widely across the whole world. It is packed full of amazing, organic chemicals - anti-oxidants and poly-phenols (yes, I had to look that one too) - that do wonders for your body and mind. But how on earth can something that doesn't smell of much, and really does not look appealing, be so good for you?

And be prepared, I'm about to go all scientific on you.

It is made from the same leaves as any 'normal' tea. Normal tea is made through a process that allows for fermentation, where as green tea is not and because of this it retains the maximum amount of that good stuff - B Vitamins, Manganese, Potassium, Magnesium, Caffeine, amongst various anti-oxidants. 

Benefits?

Weight-loss - The poly-phenol found in the tea works to intensify levels of fat oxidation and the rate that the body turns food into calories. English? It increases your metabolism. Hurrah!

Diabetes - By regulating your glucose levels, it prevents high insulin spikes and fat storage.

Depression - The amino acid Theanine found in all leaves is said to provide a much more 'relaxing' and 'tranquillising' effect. So defiantly great on those busy monday mornings.

Ageing - Because of the tea's anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, it helps to prevent wrinkles and obvious signs of ageing.

Tooth Decay - It contains an anti-oxidant called 'Catechin' which helps to destroy bacteria and viruses that may lead to tooth decay. Because of the tea's amazing, bacterial fighting properties, it means that bacteria that causes bad breath can be fought off. 

Cholesterol - It helps to maintain a healthy ratio between good cholesterol:bad cholesterol.

The tea also helps to lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and whilst it is believed to help those with cancer, it still isn't proven. 

But how much is not enough?

How many cups of green tea should we be drinking to actually receive these benefits? 1 cup a day, 2, 5 or even 10? If like me you drink it more socially rather than to combat any of the benefits mentioned above, than 1 to 2 cups is more than sufficient, but if you're really trying to combat any thing mentioned above, you may be more beneficial by taking green tea supplements. And for those of you who are pregnant, or have low levels of iron, I suggest not drinking the tea. It decreases the amount of iron and folic acid absorption. 

Happy drinking.

New Kicks

And yes, I'm rocking them.

For months and months I have been telling myself that I need to buy new running shoes, even my physiotherapist was telling me I need to! And yet, every time payday came around, so did a new skirt or dress. I was getting to a point where I couldn't finish my workout because I was in pain, I was even waking up to sharp pains in my legs - so finally I gave in (shin splints, you little bugger). 

I went for a pair of Nike Free Run 2's. They were £50, and I managed to sneak them from the children's section! They are designed to give you all the range of motion possible, whilst still cushioning your feet on hard surfaces, almost as if you were running barefoot. I went for the grey colour as I wanted them to go with everything. Oh if only I had an extensive, unnecessary gym wardrobe. Nike does suggest that you get used to these shoes gradually as you're muscles are demanded to do a little work than usual.

(My new favourite blog, The Skinny Confidential in the backgound there).

What kicks do you rock in the gym?

Red

Now if there's a colour I love more than Pink, it's Red.

From tartan scarfs to bold lipsticks, I can't get enough of red this Autumn. Everything I see this season seems to be pastel pink, which is fantastic on a Wednesday but there's only so much I can handle of looking like an ice cream (don't get me wrong, I still love it!). Some days, I just want something to stand out and red's the colour. Here's a pick of my favourites reds,

    

(The Tartan Scarf, the perfect lazy day outfit. I pair with blacks jeans, black vest top, and leather jacket. Mac Russian Red, the perfect dark red lipstick. Essie Forever Young, who doesn't own a perfect red nail varnish? And last but not least, everyone needs the perfect red checkered top.)

So what's your perfect reds for this Autumn?

Always leave a sparkle wherever you go, Kay xo

Welcome to The Edit

Don't worry Dolls, it's still little ol' me, just with a big change.

Say hello to The Edit. 

Yes, I changed my name and domain (poet and I didn't even know it) from Something That Sparkles, to The Edit. I began Something That Sparkles when I was a little younger, and whilst I still love anything that sparkles I felt that this little blog needed a big spruce up. I do hope that you'll continue to read as  have plans in the pipeline. 

But as always, leave a little sparkle wherever you go, Kay xo

The Paris Edit

Paris is always a good idea, Dolls.

Is there any better way to celebrate Ellena's 18th than to celebrate in Paris? I didn't think so either. We jetted off for a weekend of Macaroons, Crossiants and Cocktails (and yes Disneyland, but ssh, we're meant to be adults)! So I thought I would share with you a little Photo Diary of our time there, enjoy.

Day 2 - Central Paris

Day 3 - Disneyland Paris

Always leave a little sparkle wherever you go, Kay xo