A Slice of Home Comfort

© Syntax and Starbucks

Most people have house parties when their parents are away... I made a cake.
Mainly out of boredom & also to increase my levels of procrastination further I decided to make an orange cake.

I found this recipe online at 'Good Food'.  It was a very easy recipe to follow, my only problem was I had no baking powder so had to make my own - 1 part bicarbonate of soda to 2 parts cream of tartar.  Other recipes I looked at contained up to 6 eggs! I felt that this recipe would probably be the least calorific (despite the lashings of orange flavoured icing on top).  I would only recommend this if you have a very sweet tooth, as it contains a lot of sugar!

It was great fun to make though, here are a few snaps of the making process:

I like to make a mess when baking...

Tip: Make sure you don't forget to line your baking tin & smooth out the mixture.

I'm rather haphazard when it comes to icing my cakes. Imperfection.

I hope my colleagues at work will appreciate a slice!

Lauren-Eloise x

Fully Cocked

I've been following this Edinburgh based band since 2007, however back then they were known as 'The Mystic Floorboards' and as the years have gone by they've seen various members join & leave the band.  Finally the quad of Dan, Rory, Fergus & Jack created Bwani Junction in June 2009.

As well as being great guys they also create some amazing tunes too. They released their debut album 'Fully Cocked' in November 2011 & are currently touring the UK with the Little Comets, also a northern band based in Newcastle.  I remember seeing the Little Comets supporting One Night Only in 2008, so who knows where Bwani will be in 4 years time!

They played on the BBC Introducing stage last year at T in the Park; a summer music festival held in Perth. Due to such a great response they have been asked to perform again this year; no doubt they'll have even more fans by then.

Bwani are best known for their song 'Two Bridges', the first single of which they've created a music video for.  This song goes down a storm in places like Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh where the band are well known & have spurred a loyal gathering.

The band have also played a few gigs in London; Madame Jojo's in Soho, the Dublin Castle & The Barfly in Camden to name a few.  They are regularly played on BBC Introducing Scotland on Radio 1 & have been recognised by top DJs in up & coming music.


I strongly recommend that you download their album: Fully Cocked.
Also, take a peak at their video for 'Two Bridges' to give you a taste of what they're all about.

A brilliant young band, which we'll definitely hear more about in the near future.

Recommended: Two Bridges & My Body, My Mind (Fully Cocked).
Tickets for the Little Comets tour available here.

Lauren-Eloise x

A Hint of Scandinavia

Forever Fantastic Collection; Caja bracelet by Dansk Smykkekunst - £18.50 available at Drift Living

As soon as I walked into my friends house & saw a delicately formed silver bracelet sitting on the breakfast counter; I knew I had to have it!

My friends own the Danish delight that is 'Drift Living' also known as 'Danish Designs' in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland.  A self made business they stock beautifully crafted Scandinavian items for the home & also crafted jewelery as shown above.   This specific bracelet that caught my eye is from a  jewelery collection from designers Dansk Smykkekunst in Copenhagen.

As I have naturally quite small wrists big bangles & bracelets never sit properly, & tend to engulf my whole hand.  Therefore, I usually opt for the more fragile and elegant pieces of the jewelery world, & hence this particular piece caught my eye.

You can browse other Scandinavian goodies over on their website driftliving.co.uk or why not visit Cha's blog; driftliving.blogspot.co.uk for some crafty updates!

Lauren-Eloise x

Tips for Healthy Hair

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Ever since I went brunette, I promised my lovely hairdresser that I would look after my freshly conditioned mane so I have made a few simple changes to my routine.  

1. Use a Shampoo Suitable for Colour Treated Hair - I really love the Liz Earle haircare range because it makes my hair feel super soft and healthy but I've also trialled some of the Kerastase Nutritive and Resistance ranges and they are gorgeous, though highly expensive. It's a good idea to ask your hairdresser what your hair type is and then find a shampoo that works with your hair, rather than against it.  Try and find something that doesn't build up, as that can often make your hair heavier than need be, and a nice smell always helps too.

2. Use a Hair Mask Once a Week - I'm currently using the Wella SP Repair Mask that my hairdresser recommended to combat the dryness in my hair. I want to try their Colour Save Mask as well, so this set is looking like a really quite tempting offer. 

3. Comb Wet Hair with a Wide-Tooth Comb - Cheap and widely available, it's so much better for your hair than attacking it with a brush.  I use this one.

4. Use Heat Protector - I smooth this serum into my hair as soon as I get out of the shower because as well as taming frizz, it also contains a 'thermal shield complex' which sounds very swish and protects my hair from heat styling damage.

5. Turn the Hair Dryer Heat Down a Notch - Another very simple tip. Although it may take a tiny bit longer to dry your hair, the benefits will shine through.

6. Try Not to Overwork Your Hair - Don't use too many products, beside the fact that this will weigh your hair down and inevitably leave it dull and without bounce, some styling products can dry your hair out. Also try not to back-comb unless absolutely necessary, and even then do it strategically. 

Sophie x

To Inspire

I believe there are many ways to convey messages & meanings; but for me, photography is one of the few modes that really captures & challenges my imagination.

Lauren-Eloise x

Something to be egg-cited about.

A few of my Easter wishlist items from The Kooples & Madewell.

Lauren-Eloise x

It has to be Simply Bourjois-ful.

<3

Hello.  Sorry for the lack of posts of late; Uni work seems to be taking over during second year.  As the Easter hols commence however, I've decided I need a completely new skin regime.  With running around London, late nights & more caffeine than my body can handle, I definitley feel it's showing it's effects on my skin.

I was inspired by April's Vogue on their daycare beauty products; displaying lavish crèmes and serums at a purse pinching £50 a tub... Needless to say after a term of living in London a spare £50 to treat myself is nowhere to be found.

Back to the highstreet brands it is!  With this in mind I've decided to purchase Simple's 'Vital Vitamin - Day Cream' and the night cream version too.  At a mere £5.60 I hope I'm not too disappointed by this great find, but will let you know how they fair up.

I also purchased Bourjois' 'Healthy Mix Serum', a gel foundation that covers my skin really evenly complemented by a lovely smell too.  For 30mls it costs £10.99, not the cheapest high-street foundation; however I feel it really works with my skin & it'll get me by until I can purchase my all time favourite Dior 'Forever' foundation £31 on pay day!

Wishing for...

• Chanel's HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE Active Moisture Cream - £44
• Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation SPF 25 - £31
• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 30ml - £36

Lauren-Eloise x

Zara Spree & Hair Update

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I love Zara. When I went a little while ago, I ended up taking about 20 things in to the changing room and having a hard time deciding what to actually buy.  Needless to say, there are items I still think about having left them behind.  How sad.  

The first thing I decided to get was this cute printed blouse with little studs on the collar and cuffs.  It's a really nice colour, the fabric's lovely, and there's a horse print version I like too.  I'll wear it with black skinny jeans and flats.

This simple light grey blouse is super comfortable and easy to wear.  It's quite low and sheer though, so a tank top underneath it is necessary. Cute buttons too.

This is SO comfortable and easy to wear, I absolutely love it! I can't find it on the website but it was about £16. It has raw edges, and a pretty low back so it looks summery and a bit sexy without being obvious.  Sorry about the clear lack of ironing that went on there.

The last thing I bought was this dress which, again, I can't find on the site. It's dark grey and very fitted with sleeves that end just above my elbows.  I'm tall (as you may remember) making it very short on me so I'd definitely wear this with opaque tights during the day but it would make a great sexy  number for a night out.  Again, very comfortable and easy to throw on and feel good in.

Also, I wear a very similar style from French Connection for work.  It's called the Samantha Stretch and they've brought out a navy and a gorgeous plum colour this season.  Universally described as 'the fit dress' in store, it's a sure fire hit for sexy success, and so it should be for about twice the price of this Zara option which was £35.99.

A little end note - I dyed my hair and I'm now a brunette! My stylist at John Gerard took me from brassy to classy in four and a half hours, leaving me with a fantastic head of healthy hair and a numb arse, and I cannot sing their praises enough. Easily the best salon service I have ever received, and believe me I've tried so many hairdressers.  I'm a one stylist girl from now on.

Sophie x

Inspiration and Realisation #1

Acne Rita Suede Aviator Jacket / Reiss Brandy Fitted Tailored Dress / YSL Obsession Satin & Suede Heels / VB Victoria Leather Tote

Can you tell I've been browsing Net a Porter? I've been really buying in to the fact I've turned 20 recently which has led to the purchase of some pieces I'd never previously given a second look. I think I reached a bit of a turning point, opened my wardrobe door and realised 'comfortable' really wasn't doing me many favours.

I'm back in Northumberland at the moment for some quality family time, but my list of desirables is certainly mounting.  I can't wait for the next trip to my beloved Zara where there are dresses, shirts and bags calling my name, Russell & Bromley who have a pair of really gorgeous ballet flats or Space NK so I can have a daub of some Chantecaille and By Terry.

I was thinking that in the mean time I might have to tide myself over with a cheeky purchase from American Apparel. Aren't they dreamy? Soft, squishy leather in gorgeous colours.  I was almost at the checkout when I found this tutorial showing you how to make your own and a DIY dream was born. When I get the material, I'll let you know how I get along!

Sophie x