Easy Mulled Apple Juice: 12 Days of Blogmas 7.

Mulled Apple Juice makes for a delicious, warming alternative to it's boozy cousin and is the perfect party drink for any festive gatherings you might have. 

You can always buy your spices (cloves, cinnamon and peel) separately, but I picked this ready to go pack of muslin bags from The National Trust range, they're the perfect foolproof kit if you're not sure on balance for your juice. 

Just plonk your juice into a saucepan (I used a 1L carton) and add your spices, simmer on a low heat for 10-15 minutes and you're done. It's that simple! 

I've jazzed things up a little by adding fresh peel & slices of orange and lemon, the cinnamon stick really is just for show. 

Leave to cool slightly and serve. Christmas is served!
 

xx

Post Party Pick Me Up.

The party season is quickly coming around and if you don't have the luxury of hiding under a duvet the day after the office party, it's always useful to have a few tools in your inventory to fake a fresh face.  

If you're anything like me the day after a night on the tiles my skin feels in desperate need of moisture and refreshing. The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth* is an essential weapon for preparing your skin to fake a glow. The light fresh concentrate smells fresh and sinks in instantly, it's the perfect product to quickly pick you up if you spent a few extra minutes in bed. Before you go wild with the concealer, sometimes less is more when you're trying to fake functionality. I'm a big fan of the The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream* as it is very similar to my much tried and tested Origins Vitazing. It alters to your own skintone as you blend and is light and easy to work with. It won't cake or sit on the skin and really gives a healthy sheen to the skin. 

Eyes are the window to the soul and a good eye gel or cream will do you proud in the fight against fatigue. This No Bags Allowed Eye Gel from Anatomicals is packed full of witch hazel which will battle your bags. It's also really purse friendly if you're looking for an affordable treat.

Finally I'd be lost without a good pair of lash curlers to open your eyes and make you look more awake, the good old Shu Uemura are always a winner in this department. Finally, I always need to fake a flush when I'm heading out the morning after the night before. I'm currently in love (again) with the Korres Lip Butter in Plum. It's perfect for looking rosy on the lips and if you're in a rush a small amount buffed into the cheeks is more than acceptable. 

What do you do to fake a healthy glow after you've partied the night away? 

xx

Quick & Easy Plait Up Do.

I don't profess to being a whizz when it comes to complicated hairstyles. I've not even mastered the french plait well enough to leave the house, but this is a gorgeous up do that even a complete beginner could do. If you know how to do a basic plait you'll be able to create this! 

It's just four easy steps... 

Step 1. 

I find styling this works best with slightly damp hair, I've just sprayed some leave in conditioner through my willing assistant's hair. 

Step 2. 

Plait away! Just make sure the two plaits at either end of the row are plaited back across the ear, as it will form your first row. Repeat until all sections of hair are plaited. 

Step 3. 

Bring each plait at each end across the head and secure with kirby grips at both ends. 

Step 4. 

Repeat until plaits are securely gripped working in an alternate pattern across the head. If some plaits are too long simply grip then bring the remaining plait back across the head in the opposite direction. 

It's as easy as that! Spray with a little hairspray to hold and you're done. 

It's perfect easy up do that would be perfect for a relaxed day out or a bridal style, it's that versatile. 

xx

Sweet Heart How To.

 For Christmas, My lovely Sister spoiled me with a big bag of baking bits and bobs  (alliteration win). As she's coming back to stay for a week, I thought I better whip her up some sweet treats. 

I used a really simple recipe for shortbread, It's basically foolproof. 

Grab:

4oz Butter

4oz Sugar 

6oz Plain Flour 

What To Do: 

Step 1: Cream your butter and sugar together until they form a paste.

Step 2: Sieve your flour into and mix into a breadcrumb consistency. 

Step 3: Get your hands dirty, form into a ball! (Add a tiny bit of milk if you think it's a little dry).

Step 4: Flour a surface, and roll out to a thickness of about 1cm. Use whichever cutter you like (but we all know hearts are the cutest).

Step 5: Leave to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes at 190C (BUT KEEP AN EYE ON THEM), I just caught mine in time...some are already a little too golden brown! 

Step 7: Leave to cool, ice if you want to or eat plain. 

I decided on pink icing, some in lines, others I went to town with some sprinkles too (it might have also been to cover the darker ones up...) 

I recalled Milly icing her very own heart biscuits like this, so I took some "inspiration".

These really are the easiest biscuits to whip up if you fancy something sweet in a hurry, you'll probably already have everything in your kitchen too. 

Now, the biggest challenge is going to be leaving them all for Hannah...

Normal beauty service will resume tomorrow.

Laura xx