Catch up with Friends

I caught up with a couple of friends I used to go to uni with just over a week ago, I booked us in for Afternoon Tea in Manchester which is a mutual meeting place for us as we all live in different places. Afterwards we went around the Christmas Markets.

Before afternoon tea, we met up and went for a hot chocolate at Hard Rock Cafe which was nice, 

We had afternoon tea at a place called Browns (definitely not my third afternoon tea this month), there was so much tea and cake but it was amazing.

There was a choice of plain scones or fruit scones, mmmm.

We had such a lovely catch up and lots of giggles. Its not often we are all able to meet up but when we do its like we have never been apart.

I really like the stands that the cakes and sandwiches were on, I thought they looked really cool.

After our Afternoon tea we had a walk around the Christmas Markets, It made me feel really festive and we got to walk off all of that cake.

Look how pretty these lights are, I had the best afternoon and can't wait for our next catch up.

Newlook Haul

I have been really enjoying Newlook recently, I have bought quite a few items from there on separate occasions so I thought I would do a little collection of my purchases.

I loved this poncho as soon as I saw it, sometimes you want to wear something a little lighter than a bulky coat. This is perfect to throw on over an outfit. The fur adds extra warmth and the neutral colour mean it will go with a lot of different things. 

When it was a bit warmer I wore this dress on its own but have recently been wearing it with tights and a jumper. I am in love with the print and obviously the colour with it being my fave.

I like this casual jersey dress with a floral pattern, I have been wearing it for work and I got it in the sale for about £9 which was a bargain. 

This one was also in the sale. Thick black tights, boots and a cardigan and your all set. 

One of my favourite things is when Newlook has their buy one get one free jewellery offer on. I got these two necklaces on that offer and I like to wear them both together, one slightly higher than the other so you can see them both. 

This hat is bigger than my face but I do adore it, especially to cover up a greasy hair day...we all have them. 

I have been living in these boots, the are like a Chelsea boot with a riding strap. I like the colour, they are a classy boot and go with many outfits.  

What I got for my birthday

It was my birthday just over a week ago, I enjoy seeing what presents other people get as it gives me ideas for presents or it may be something I would like for myself so I am not doing this to brag or show off. I got a variety of presents and I genuinely love every single one. 

I got these really cute mittens from an Auntie, I loved mittens as a child and cannot wait to wear these.

I find it quite hard to relax sometimes so this is perfect for me, I enjoy colouring and it just takes your mind off everything.

These nail varnishes were from my cousin, I have not used this brand before so I am excited to try them and I am loving the pastel shades.

I got a couple of gift vouchers, this Newlook one and also one for Outfit. Very excited to go shopping and spend them.

My mum and dad got me these cosy fleecy pyjamas, they also got me tickets to go and see The Bodyguard in Manchester which has Alexandra Burke in.

Bit of a random one but I do love jelly tots, they are my fave.

Love love love this giraffe scarf, I really want to hang it on my wall rather than wear it as you won't get the full effect when it his draped round my neck.

My boyfriend has organised for us to go Amsterdam in December which was my present from him, these euros were from his sister for when we go.

I can not wait to try some of the hairstyles out that are in this book. I may do a blog post on it but I love experimenting with my hair.

These last two items were from my friend who knows me very well, I really like the colours in this necklace and think I will be getting a lot of wear out of it around the festive period.

Finally I got this Giraffe witch is a ring holder, I have never seen these before but think they are a brilliant idea. I don't have anywhere to put my rings so this is perfect.

Afternoon Tea Birthday Party

I thought I would celebrate my birthday by doing an afternoon tea theme for my family and friends. I was busy baking and making things the night before and also in the morning. I bought a load of decorations from Ebay and made it as vintage looking as I could. 

My mum made these finger sandwiches which were amazing, they always taste better without the crusts for some reason.

I found this cute little set in a charity shop. I got four teacups, four saucers, four small plates, four bigger plates, a milk jug and a sugar bowl for only £7...bargain. Although it didn't really go with anything else on the table I love it and it is so autumnal. 

I got these little cake forks from boots, I have wanted some for a while and I thought these were perfect.

Mmmm cofee cake, the cake stand that this was on was my Nans. Although it is an old cake stand you really can't tell.

These were little puff pastry tarts with peppers and onions on, I also made some with peperoni on like mini pizzas.

I made these scones and mini lemon drizzle cakes. 

I got this little menu from a pound shop, I wrote food on one side and drink on the other.

I decorated the room with these yellow and pink floral paper chains, a teapot garland and some bunting. 

I had the best day and got lots of lovely presents.

October Favourites

Autumn is well and truly here, it has been a month of the leaves changing on the trees, the temperature slowly dropping meaning more layers and Halloween. Here are my faves...

Rimmel wake me up foundation in the shade soft beige, I have been really enjoying this as has my skin. I have very dry skin and this doesn't seem to make my skin any dryer which is good news. I like the colour and you can choose to build it up more for an evening look if you wish.

I have been loving this blusher stick, I really like the shade. It is quite easy to go overboard with it but the key is just to rub it in.

I have been using these nail glitters a lot. They are so easy just to sprinkle on while the nail varnish is wet. I have applied this to every nail if I am going out or for a daytime look chosen two nails to sprinkle. 

This has been my saviour as the temperature is dropping and my skin is suffering. I have used it on my face a lot and it has worked wonders.

So after looking through my pictures I have realised that I have enjoyed quite a few cocktails last month. It's quite rare that I drink alcohol but I do love a good cocktail. 

Lastly, keeping with the drink theme. I have been drinking quite a bit of valarium tea. It is calming and encourages a good nights sleep. I have been having trouble sleeping and this has definitely been working for me.