Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019

Despite my extremely long, probably a bit too long, break from here, it seems only right to do my annual New Years post. 2018 has been... an interesting year to say the least. I finished my first year of uni and if I do say so myself, smashed it. I took the plunge to leave a job I hated and start a brand new one, which was probably the best thing I did all year. I've met some amazing people already and i've only been there for three months! I moved into a new house with my best friends. I got into, and quickly out of, a relationship. I travelled, got my first tattoo the list goes on. Despite a few low moments, 2018 was an amazing year. I took a lot of time out from social media, particularly my blog. It was, unfortunately, neglected for a lot of 2018. However, it allowed me to step back and see the bigger picture. I do love blogging, and its ultimately what i'd love to do in the future. I've ran this blog for almost four years now, and I know I can take it so much further.

Bedroom Decor Ideas (Before)

First of all, before I get into anything, I want to just say a HUGE thank you to you all. After being gone for so long, it is so heartwarming to come back and still have all you gorgeous people here, reading and commenting! It means the world to me!

The Pair of Shorts You Never Knew You Needed*

Do you ever find an item and just fall in love? This is exactly what happened to me a few weeks ago.

Where Have I Been?

Wow. It feels so strange to be back sitting here typing away. It's been almost a year since I properly sat down and wrote.

Cluse Watch Review*

So, you know I said 'welcome back' and then disappeared for about four weeks?... Probably wasn't the best idea to relaunch my blog during a move, was it? For all of you who were asking in my last post, I thankfully passed my A-Levels and got into uni! I have spent the last three weeks packing, buying items that I probably will never use and sorting my life out basically. I'm currently sitting at my new desk in my new flat feeling extremely motivated. Uni doesn't start until the 26th, and freshers the 22nd, so I've got two weeks to myself. Thank you all for your lovely comments wishing my luck with my results, it means the world! But I'll stop rambling now and actually get onto the post.

Welcome Back

I can not tell you how strange it feels to be back behind the computer screen, typing away... Oh, how I have missed this! Blogging is a huge part of my life and has given me so many opportunities that I will forever be thankful for.

Spring Wardrobe Additions

If you know me, you know that pink is my favourite colour. But I never seem to wear it. I always find it makes me look washed out and pale, but as it's now officially Spring, I thought I would make an exception. I have been picking up a few bits and pieces over the last few weeks and I have loved every single one of them, so I thought I would share them with you today!

Spring Lip Picks

Spring is finally here, and that can only mean one thing... its time to change up your lipstick! If you live in the UK, you will know not everyday is sunny and warm, so treating yourself to a new lipstick can really make it feel like Spring, even on those dull days.

Charlotte Tilbury | Hit & Misses

Charlotte Tilbury is a brand I have been lovinggg recently. It started off with the lipsticks and has now progressed to the mascara, foundation, eyeshadows etc. I've tried a fair few of her products and thought that today I would give you all an honest review of the ones I have tried if you're thinking of making your first purchase.

Wardrobe Staples | The Stripey Shirt

Ah, stripey shirts, how I've missed you. It has been so long since I have owned one and I've been seeing them everywhere... literally everywhere! I was shopping a few days ago and saw this beauty in Select, and couldn't resist.

Which Face Mask Should You Be Using?

I've never really been into face masks until recently. I never saw the point of them if I'm being honest, so never bothered. However with that being said, let's all be real, my skincare routine hasn't been the best in the past. I've spent the last few weeks testing out as many face masks as possible...which has been a lot, let me tell you. I've narrowed it down to my three favourites, which all vary in price and recommended skin type so if you are completely clueless like I was, hopefully, this post will be of some help to you... (thank me later)

Nail That French KISS!*

With Valentine's day fast approaching, every girl wants to feel their best. Whether you're going out with your other half or having a night out with the girls, having gorgeous nails is a must!

January Favourites*

Here we go- my first ever favourites post. I have never posted one before, purely because I never feel like I buy and try enough products each month to justify dedicating a post to them. However, with Christmas and my birthday over, I have been introduced to so many new items, which I feel is finally enough to make a favourites post!

Give Your Skin Some TLC | Liz Earle

Something I haven't been taking care of lately is my skin. I find it so much easier to whip out the face wipes and the end of the day, take off my makeup and go to bed. Even though I knew this was so bad for my skin, I still continued to do it. And my skin really took an effect. My spots were out of control, literally the worst I have ever seen them. So I decided that I really needed to sort it out. I hadn't purchased a skincare product in months, so after seeing so many bloggers talk about Liz Earle, I decided to see what all the hype was about, and I can tell you, these products have become my absolute skincare holy grail!

How To Fix Your Dry Winter Skin *

It's officially Winter. The evenings are getting darker and there is snow on the ground,  so that can only mean one thing... dry skin! And I'm not just talking your face, I'm talking everywhere. My hands get so dry this time of year and I find searching for something to keep my skin nourished is extremely hard!

Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

Well, 2016 is almost complete and what a year it has been! It only feels like yesterday that I was sitting down at the end of 2015, writing my goals and resolutions for this year. 2016 has gone unbelievably fast, and despite having so many lows, I am so proud to say that I have achieved almost all of the goals I set myself. Like I said last year, setting goals is so important. I find that this motivates me and gives me a chance to reflect on the year gone by.

Merry Christmas & Christmas Home Touches

Hi everyone! I want to start this post by wishing all my gorgeous readers a very merry Christmas!! I hope you all have a wonderful day and spend it with the ones you love the most!

I haven't been able to post half as much as I have wanted to this month, due to work commitments, which is so annoying! I have taken so many photos and typed up so many posts, but have not been 100% happy with them. I am such a perfectionist, so when I hit publish I want to be sure everything is perfect! But nevertheless I really hope you have all enjoyed the posts I have managed to get up!!

Today I thought I would share with you a few little snaps of some of the Christmas decorations in my home this year. Nothing gets you in the festive mood more than a few little christmas decorations, so as you can imagine, our house is filled with them!

Once again, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year, although I will be back before then!

Darriyan xx

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Beauty Advent Calendar | Benefit

Beauty advent calendars are something that I have always loved the idea of. Opening a beauty product everyday is so exciting, especially a brand like Benefit. I had seen this calendar featured on a lot of blogs in November, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on it as soon as payday came along!

This calendar came with 12 products, which all have a total value of £64, which is really good considering the RRP is currently £34.  However, what I wasn't aware of, was that the products could be classed as sample sized. They are absolutely tiny! And if I am being honest, if i knew this, I probably wouldn't have bought it. But, I guess in a way, this is good for people who have never tried Benefit products and want to see which products suit them best without splashing out on the full sized versions. 

BADgal Lash Mascara: I am so glad this calendar came with two mascaras, because these are the two I have always wanted to try. However, with that being said, the sizes were so small it made them really hard to use. It was practically impossible to use it without getting it all over my eyeshadow, which is the most annoying thing everrrr!! Despite this, I am still not a big fan of this mascara. The brush is very big and leaves my lashes looking extremely clumpy and short. 

They're real! Lengthening Mascara: This is definitely my favourite out of the two mascaras. Although still hard to use due to the small wand, it creates length and volume whilst still looking natural!

They're real! Eye Makeup Remover: I can't say I have ever used a makeup remover that has been easier to use than this one... It removes harsh eye makes so easily without pulling at your eyelashes! All you need are cotton pads! Squirt a little bit on, rub over the eyes and voila! Your makeup is gone!

Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain Trio: I honestly don't think I have everrrrr came across three products that are so pointless. When I opened these and saw what they were i was unbelievably disappointed. They, in my opinion, don't work all that well. Either that or I can't apply them properly. They just leave me with bright red blotches on my cheeks which i can tell you, is not an attractive look!! And the colours aren't that flattering either!

Hoola Bronzer, Dandelion Powder & High Beam Highlighter: My personal three favourites from the calendar. The hoola bronzer looks lovely once applied. It gives a very natural matte look, but again the size is so small it is very hard to use properly. The Dandelion powder is another product I love. It can be used as a blush, but also as a brightening powder which is what I use it for. It makes your face look so much healthier by just applying one coat! And finally, the High Beam highlighter is gorgeous! It leaves your skin glowing and is very buildable depending on how much you like to wear. I will 100% be purchasing all three of these products full sized!

Ultra Plush Lip Gloss: Not being a fan of lipgloss, as you can imagine, I wasn't ecstatic when opening this lipstick. However, when trying it on I was pleasantly surprised. I applies super easily and doesn't feel sticky of heavy on the lips! However, I wouldn't go as far as to say I would purchase this full sized,  but I will definitely enjoy it whilst it lasts!

POREfessional &  Its Potent! Eye Cream: Huge pores is something I have suffered with for years, especially around my nose. Having never tried this product before I was very excited to give it a try... and wow! To say I was impressed would be a huge understatement. This product minimses the appearance of not only my pores but also other imperfections which leaves my skin looking flawless! It applies super easily and is definitely something I will also be buying! This eye cream is also something I have fallen in love with. Have dark circles? Look no further. This eye cream instantly brightens eyes and leaves your skin firm! What more could you want?!

Overall, I haven't been super impressed with most of the products in this calendar. However, it has allowed me to try products I hadn't before and I will be making a few cheeky purchases over the next few weeks!

What advent calendar have you got this year? And have you tried any Benefit products before? If so which is your favourite?

Darriyan xx

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Homemade Mince Pies

Okay, I have to admit, I am not the biggest fan of mince pies. There's something about the mincemeat filling that puts me off them. However, with that being said, I love making them for other people! They're the perfect treat for Christmas day or even Christmas parties, and seeing and smelling them in my house makes it really feel like Christmas!

What you will need:

60g Cold Butter

340g Plain Flour

110g Cold Vegetable Fat

350g Mincemeat

Splash Of Full-Fat Milk

Method:

1) Preheat your oven to 200℃. Lightly grease the cupcake/muffin tray.

2) Mix the flour, fat and butter between your fingers until crumbly. Add 6 tablespoons of water and combine to make pastry.

3) Roll out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 3-4mm. Use a fluted round pastry cutter(if you have one) and cut 12 circles big enough to fit the holes in the tray.

4) Press the pastry firmly down into each hole and fill with a heaped teaspoon of mincemeat.

5) Cut out stars or Christmas trees to form the lid

6) Using a pastry brush, brush the milk over the exposed pastry. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

I think these are some of the easiest festive treats to make, that your family and friends will love! Let me know if you'll be giving these pies a try! And if you do, don't forget to tweet me pictures!

Darriyan xx

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Christmas Playlist

Christmas isn't Christmas without music. I don't know about any of you but I start blasting the Christmas tunes early October. Now that the Christmas ads are being shown, and Mariah Carey is slowly creeping onto the radio, I think its more than acceptable to start with the Christmas songs.  I thought I would put together a cute little Christmas playlist for you all to listen to over the holidays, filled with the best songs! You can't pretend it isn't almost Christmas anymore! So give in, press play, turn up the volume and dance around your house like a crazy person to this playlist!