Simple Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so here are two simple easy to rustle up recipes for you to sink your teeth into...

Up first is my favourite of the two - One cup pancakes, a classic Jamie Oliver recipe that requires no measuring, all you need is a mug. Here are the deets -
One cup of self raising flour
One cup of milk - you can use skimmed if you're being health conscious.
One large egg
Whisk the three ingredients well and heat a non stick frying pan, use a ladle to spoon the mixture into the pan, wait until you see little bubbles appearing on the batter and then flip over, cook for the same amount of time on the other side and you are done, this recipe makes a lot, definitely enough for two hungry people at breakfast time. I served mine with sliced banana and agave syrup and it was delicious.

Next is a real basic - scrambled eggs, this is definitely more of a mid week breakfast as it is super healthy and leaves you feeling full until lunchtime, I served mine with crispbread. All you need is -
Two eggs
One tablespoon of ketchup
A sprinkling of black pepper
A small hand full of spinach
Break the eggs into a bowl and whisk together, add the spinach, heat a non stick frying pan and add a little butter, next pour the mixture into the pan leaving it to cook for about thirty seconds, then slowly stir the mixture using a wooden spoon making sure the eggs are all cooked. Take off the heat and serve, easy! Top with your ketchup and sprinkle on the black pepper for added flavour.

What are your favourite recipes for breakfast time?

Coming Soon: Benefit's Roller Lash

Volume? Check. Length? Check. Curl? Check. Does Benefit's new Roller Lash Mascara really do it all?

After trying Benefit's They're Real Mascara a few months back I found the formula just wasn't for me, my natural lashes are long and often reluctant to curl so when I read that Benefit were launching a new mascara called Roller Lash I knew it was one I needed to try. Luckily Elle Magazine collaborated with Benefit and the March issue came with a lovely sample of the new release, I often find that I either love or hate mascaras so being able to get my hands on a sample is a great saving money exercise!

The packaging of this is beyond cute, clearly inspired by 50's hair rollers - the pink textured handle of the full size mascara allows the user to have a good grip on the wand as well as looking chic. Benefit are always on point with the design of their packaging. 

Now lets get down to the formula - It's lightweight, water resistant, and contains pro vitamin B5 and Serin which are known for their lash conditioning benefits, it really lifts the lashes and adds volume and the jet black shade is such a dramatic look. I find that using eyelash curlers before applying this mascara helps to curl to stay in place. The small easy to use 'hook n' roll' brush allows you to grab every lash giving you a wide awake look at the same time as setting a curve and separating the lashes.

The formula promises to keep your lashes curled for twelve hours, a bold statement that I just don't think the mascara itself lives up to but hardly a problem if like me you only need it to last the working day. A great beauty tip I did see was to apply this mascara and leave it to dry and then add a layer of Benefit's Lengthening They're Real Mascara on top to give it that false lash effect - this is perfect if your lashes are naturally short!

Will you be trying this when it launches? 

Two Simple Hair Up Ideas

If your looking for new ways to wear your hair up here are two pretty yet simple styles that can be created in a matter of minutes...

As with most things good preparation is key to achieving these easy hair up styles, first I wash my hair using the Soap and Glory Glad Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner, the shampoo is gentle enough to use every wash and the conditioner keeps hair feeling super soft and silky, I usually leave the conditioner on for a couple of minutes so the formula can really have a chance to work its magic. After rinsing I towel dry my hair and brush through using the Wet Brush and a few spritzes of a detangling spray or leave in conditioner, my current favourite is the Body Shop Rainforest Detangling Milk for Coloured Hair, this keeps my colour looking fresh and adds an additional layer of moisture.

I like using a large paddle brush to blow dry my hair along with Bumble and Bumbles Thickening Spray to create volume, then I use my straighteners just to smooth the ends of my hair down otherwise it tends to look slightly wild, usually I use an oil like the L'Oreal Mythic Oil which keeps my hair hydrated and adds a nice healthy shine.

For a simple side plait I part my hair to the side and backcomb the roots slightly to create texture and volume, then I bring all the hair round to one side and plait it nice and tightly, then I secure the bottom with a hair tie. Next I pull at the plait creating a more loose/natural effect, you could also tease the plait using a backcombing brush, this makes the plait look nice and full. To frame my face I simply pull the hair around my face out of the braid, again this creates a more natural look. If you prefer something a little neater you can always take the end of the plait and secure it onto the head using hair clips, just make sure you tuck the end of the plait under a layer of hair to conceal the hair tie. Simply spray with a good hairspray for a style that will hold all day!

What are some of your favourite hair up ideas?

Spring Hair Boutique - Salon Review

 

After seeing Spring Hair Boutique launch late last year I knew I had to pay the salon a visit to get my hair re-ombred as the colour had faded since my last trip to the hairdressers... 

 

I love going to the hairdressers, there is something so nice about leaving with a fresh new look and that salon style blow dry that is impossible to re-create at home. Salon owner Claire has created a stylish boutique vibe in her quaint salon situated in Tarring, Worthing. I love the way she has designed the space, it has a real rustic feel to it with its handmade shelving and hanging flowers in the window. 

 

My stylist Holly wanted to use a Balayage board to colour my hair which created a natural melt/fade as opposed to a prominent line where the colour changes, she used Schwarzkopf colour which left my hair in lovely condition, she also gave my hair a miracle oil conditioning treatment and head massage which felt very relaxing. After my colour was rinsed she gave my hair a much needed trim and added in some layers to give it more body and movement.

 

I really enjoyed my experience at Spring Boutique and my hair looks in such good condition considering it was bleached and coloured. I was treated to a professional blow dry which left my hair feeling bouncy and created lots of volume, I will definitely be going back next time I need my hair doing for a night out! 

 

Spring Hair Boutique - 37 New Broadway, Tarring Road, Worthing. 01903 423123.

Check out the salon's facebook page here!

 

Colour Crush Nail Polish by The Body Shop

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, my views and opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

The Body Shop's new nail polish collection has landed - details below...

When I first found out the The Body Shop were planning to release a nail polish collection I was pretty excited, I am forever painting my nails and can never say no to the idea of a shiny new lacquer lining my bathroom cupboard. The range is packed with some seriously stunning colours, one my favourites being Mint Cream, this shade is super pretty and looks great with tribal jewellery. Meet Me At Dusk is also a favourite, its a gorgeous vintage pink that is a great transitional summer to autumn shade.

Most of these shades require just two coats for a super glossy opaque finish, they are also very long lasting especially if you apply the top coat over your desired colour - this adds extra shine too for that salon style glass like appearance. Application wise the brush is somewhere between an Essie brush and a Barry M brush so if your not a fan of a super wide brush or a very thin brush then you will love these.

What shades have you picked up from the new collection?