Manicure Essentials

Nail care is something that I have only really got into in the past year. One of my 2014 new years resolutions was to grow my nails and this is possibly the only one that I have actually done! For the first time in my life I have naturally long nails, so have treated myself to one too many nail polishes and these are the nail care bits that have really helped me along the way.

Nail buffer / file / clippers - when I first started growing my nails I was very reluctant to clip and file even the shortest amount of nail as it felt like it had taken so long to grow. But I have now realised that they grow out looking so much better with a regular trim, just like your hair! The nail buffer is great for making your nails look smooth and shiny.

Burt's Bees cuticle creme and hand salve - I use both of these on my cuticles and the surrounding area. They are great for getting rid of dry skin and softening the cuticles.

Soap and Glory handfood - my all time favourite hand moisturiser. I have used this for years (not this exact one obviously) and it has remained a firm favourite. This mini is so cute and perfect for popping in your hand bag, for you know - on the go hand moisturising ha!

Chanel Nail colour - 167 Ballerina - This is my top car boot find at a steal of 50p! It is such a delicate pink shade that looks very natural, it also looks great when you add a white tip to create a french manicure.

Collection 2 in 1 top coat - and finally my favourite top coat. Cheap and cheerful and it does the job. It is really glossy and creates and a lovely smooth, shiny finish.

What are your manicure favourites?

Winter knitwear and glitter nails

My knew cosy jumpers from H&M, I've been sorting out my wardrobe and I'm going to get rid of all my older ones and also lots of my old clothes - let me know if you would like a blog sale.

After a good few weeks of searching I have finally got my new Zara coat in the right size, everywhere had sold out completely in all sizes. I really love it, it's furry all the way through the inside and the fur buttons out so you can wear it as a lighter coat.

I got acrylic nails done last weekend. I'm enjoying the novelty of having long nails so bought some pretty winter nail polishes from H&M.

I've also been thinking about doing 'Blogmas' (where you post everyday for the moth of December), what do you all think?

Autumn / Winter wishlist

♥ Dress TOPSHOP, How cute are the little Llamas?
♥ Boots DR.MARTENS, I love that these are velvet and they have tiny floral detailing on them, they also come in black.
♥ Jumper TOSPHOP,  I really want a big knitted jumper that I can wear with leggins and this one is perfect!
♥ Raspberry Nail Polish SUPERDRUG (only available in store now I think) I have wanted a burgundy/red nail polish for ages and now is the      perfect time to get one I think!
♥ Dress TOPSHOP (I know this dress isn't very practical, but I love how pretty it is! If only it had been around when I was looking for my prom dress)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for the chance to win some handmade Jewellery!

Crystal Clouds

Crystal Clouds - Topshop

I bought this nail polish from a carboot on Sunday for a bargainous 50p! It is originally from Topshop and would cost you £6, I probably wouldn't pay this for it to be honest not because it is bad, I just wouldn't pay that much for any nail polish haha. It is a beautiful shimmery gold that looks silver under some lights. Topshop say that it is a 'Metallic' polish that is extra long lasting and fast drying. I would agree with the fast drying, but It didn't last that long on my nails (about 2 days), but then again I like to pick at it and I didn't bother with a top coat so that is probably my own fault. But overall I think this is a really pretty nail polish, and it would also go with lots of different outfits!

Cupcakes and NOTD

So today I decided to don my apron (it's flowery may I add!) and make some cupcakes! I used a recipe from the Nigella Lawson website, and I think they turned out quite nicely, if I do say so myself! But I still haven't mastered a way of getting flat topped cupcakes, as mine always peak :( I then iced them and instead of using the royal icing that Nigella suggests I made my own using icing sugar and lemon juice. I then added food colouring (yes they were supposed to be jubilee colours i.e red, blue and white), however I was too lazy to make up a new batch of icing after I stupidly added all the red food colouring to my mix so they ended up pink and purple! I guess they still look nice but not very jubille-esque. 

 

I then decided to do my nails (creative I know ;) ) so I stuck on my fake nails and painted them with an OPI nail polish called 'My Private Jet' that I got from a car boot a bit ago.