Mince Pie Making

First things first, I have a confession to make. I didn't make these mince pies. My mum did. Oops. But I can make them nonetheless. Anyway, I know what you're thinking, 'it's still November, why are you making mince pies?' Well, there are three reasons behind these actions actually: 1) It will be Christmas before we knew it; 2) Mum loves making batches of mince pies before December, which she then freezes ready for the big day and 3) Baking is fun! 

I think there good enough reasons for making mince pies in November, don't you? 

I am definitely one of those cliché individuals that thinks as soon as Halloween and Bonfire Night are over and done with, that Christmas should begin. I've even started sorting my 2016 Christmas Spotify playlist - that just shows how keen I am for Christmas. Anyway, if your getting into the Christmas spirit early like me; here is a simple and classic mince pie recipe for you to try. I warn you they are delicious: 

Equipment you will need: 

Large Mixing Bowl 

Scales 

Baking Tray 

Rolling Pin 

Wooden or Metal Spoon 

Medium Round Cutter 

Small Round Cutter 

Scissors 

Ingredients for Twelve Mince Pies: 

16oz Self Raising Flour 

8oz Margarine

1oz Castor Sugar 

1 Egg 

Water to Mix*

1 Jar of Mince Meat 

*These measurements might vary. Caution: Add water little by little, don't add it all at once. 

Method: 

1. Weigh out 16oz of self-raising flour and add to large mixing bowl 

2. Add the 8oz margarine into large mixing bowl with the flour - mix together with hands until the margarine and flour goes into breadcrumb texture.

3. Once mixed, add and stir in 1oz of castor sugar. 

4. Add water to the mixture - a little at a time until the mixture creates a pastry dough.*

5. Once mixed all together, sprinkle a little flour on the workshop and roll out the dough until its 1cm thick. 

6. Use the medium round cutter to make twelve circles. 

7. Place the mince pie bases into the baking tray. 

8. Once all the mince pie bases are in the baking tray fill each open with a spoonful (or so) of mince meat. 

9. Once all the mince meat is in the bases, roll out the rest of the dough you have left and use the small round cutter to make twelve circles, which will be used as the lids for the pies. 

10. Place the twelve lids gently on top of the filled mince pies. 

11. On each lid cut two snips with scissors and glaze with egg. 

12. Put in oven at 160 degrees for twenty minutes.

13. Take out the oven and leave to cool for an hour or two.

14. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with double cream. 

* If you add too much water, add a bit more flour to help with the wetness of the dough. 

Until the next batch of Mince Pie making, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

5 Things you should always have Scheduled in your Diary

It's no lie, organisation is my forte. Planning. Organising. Scheduling. It's what I do best, I just love it. I mean planning isn't all about being organised, it's a way of looking forward to things as well having something planned for two months time or next September in my case - FYI, I'm going on holiday for two week. Only 319 days to go! It's a goal that you can work towards. To be honest, I think I spend most of my time looking forward to things, it just helps the week along and gears you up for something special. Like right now, I've got my Christmas Apple Cinnamon candle burning, a fresh homemade vanilla latte in my favourite mug whilst I am sorting my 2016 Christmas playlist on Spotify and finishing my Christmas shopping - I told you I was organised, Christmas will be here before you know it! 

Sometimes it's so easy to get stuck in the same 'day in, day out' routine and you forget to make plans, which means you have nothing to look forward to in the long-run. So go out buy yourself a diary and get planning before it's too late! Here are few ideas that you should have scheduled your in diary, just to get you started: 

1. Girl's Getaway 
At a time when you're at your most vulnerable, your girls are there to pick you up. Even if your friends are scattered across the country like mine, it's a tactical mission (and an incredible amount of planning) to bring us all back together. But when we finally come together, it's like we've never been apart. Seriously. Bringing friends back together is the best feeling in the world; A) it's something to look forward too B) Where there is a reunion, the cocktails always seem to be flowing. 

Girls, look out! November 20th some serious planning is going to take place. 

2. Date Nights {Food & Cocktails included}
First things first, you don't need a boy to have a date night; just grab your best pals and hit the town for a bit of downtime. When you've had a bad day, there is nothing better than having something to look forward too - by the way, your date night don't just have to consist of going out on town; why not have a quiet night in with friends with wine and plenty of chick-flicks. 

3. 'Me Time' 
After a hectic week at work, there is nothing better than having some 'me time'; whether that is settling down with good book, snuggling with a blanket watching a film or going for a stroll around your local park - it's important to unwind and treat yourself every once in a while. 

4. Exercise 
I am always in the gym. Scratch that, I wishfully think about going to the gym but it just never seems to happen but I suppose thinking about going is a good start. Don't you think? Anyway, exercise can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes; I mean I don't go to the gym religiously or even exercise as much as I should but I still embrace the outside world like walking the dogs it still counts as exercise - seriously, when I walk my dog for 20 minutes or so, I probably burn twice as many calories as someone who goes to the gym, just because  we sprint round, not walk.  

5. Pamper Night {Complete with candles, hot chocolate and face masks}
This is Sunday evening territory. I don't tend to do it during the week because I just never seem to have enough time. So, Sunday evenings are the nights that all my beauty products - face masks, exfolitators, hot oil hair treatments - come out to play. Even the products that I am not sure what they do or why I bought them even come out. Hair cream volumizing bath boost mist. I mean what it that? To be fair, I think I go that in a set one year. 

Anyway, having a pamper night is must and having it on a Sunday, just helps to set me up for the week ahead. Schedule this in - take the time to treat your hair with care or let your nails dry instead of waiting two minutes and smudging them. 

Do it all! It will be make you feel awesome afterwards. Why not throw a cheeky bar of chocolate in there too, just go all out! 

6. HOLIDAYS! 
Let's be honest, this one is pretty obvious to schedule in but I thought I would throw it in anyway. Unfortunately, we can't all afford 5* hotels all the time but have a realistic goal that you can save up for; even if its a 4 day weekend away in London or you go to a Spa for the weekend, 20 minutes away from where you live - its still a break! 

I'll be honest, once I get a holiday idea in my head that's it, I am all up for booking it and I'll worry about the money later, hence the traveling wish list I came up with - probably not the best example of how to be a mature, sensible adult. Oops! *Insert monkey with hands over its eyes emoji here*

Until the next scheduling in my diary, Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo 

October Favourites | Moments

I can't believe October is over already. I mean where did it go. Today marks the day that we say goodbye to October and hello to November, welcoming reunions, Starbucks red cups and chillier evenings. Not to mention, that November is a rather exciting month for me, I finally get to graduate - hell to the yeah - after months of seeing Facebook filled with graduation pictures, it is now my turn to walk across that stage and get my hands on my 1st Class Honours certificate (hoping that I don't fall flat on my face, whilst doing so. Awkward!) 

October was a good month but it didn't consist of that many favourites - to be honest, I think most of my favourites were similar to the products I mentioned in my falling for Autumn essentials blog. So I thought instead of doing my usual monthly favourite products series, I would do my eight favourite October moments instead:

1. Rugby World Cup 2015 - Italy vs Romania
When a once in a lifetime opportunity comes to your country, it would be rude not to attend. Even though, I barely knew the rules of Rugby (I mean I knew the game consisted of scrum, a converted try and penalities - which is pretty good going for me to be honest) I  still had my brother and work colleague doubling checking whether I knew what just happened 99.9% of time; it was a great atmosphere and one of the best afternoons I've had in a long time. 

2. Hitting the one month mark at my new job - boy, have I learnt a lot in the space of a month. 
To be honest, I think I am nearly on the two month mark now but it was a big achievement nonetheless and I've loved every second of it and look forward to the future. 

3. Graduation plans with the besties - Southampton, here we come! 
After finally getting my results (about a month after every other uni, might I just add) back in July, Graduation seemed like so far away but now it is finally my turn and I can't wait to celebrate with my lovely girlies. Look out Southampton, a mass of people with funny looking hats are coming back on the 17th November! 

4. Reuniting with old friends
There is nothing better than meeting up with old friends and having a laugh over a drink or two - it really brightens the end of your week. 

5. Christmas Candles
The seasonal senses of mulled wine, cinnamon and turkey (yes! I found a turkey and cranberry scented candle; needless to say I didn't buy it) are back. I've got them all lined up ready for festive season to begin. 

6. Starting the Christmas Shopping 
I am a freakishly organised person, so for anyone who knows me it probably won't surprise you that I have already started my Christmas shopping - to be honest, I think I bought my first present back in September. Holla to all the organised people out there! Okay, so Christmas shopping is manic, what with people everywhere and you can't move but it's the atmosphere I enjoy, from the twinkling lights to the cute Christmas markets - I love Christmas. 

Until the festive season is upon us and another favourite series occurs, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

The Truth about Living with a Dog that’s Mad #1

Yes! It's the same dog and yes, she is sat on a chair. She does that! 

Over two years ago, a Golden Retriever pup that now goes by the name of Poppy (well that's her name, until she feels like ignoring you) entered into our lives. Since that day, there's not a day gone by when I haven't opened my laptop and searched into Google "why does my dog…". I mean, I know all animals have their 'weird' habits - like humans do, I suppose - but there is some weird explantations out there on the Internet; one website said all dogs calm down by the age of two. Well clearly that hasn't true because she has calmed down at all. Another suggested to use a squirt gun to spray water at her, when she misbehaves. No, I don't think that's the right answer either. Sorry Internet, I'm breaking your theories and putting the world to right about living with a mad dog because your theories simply don't work with this dog - she… ummm, unique to say the least. 

Two years have gone past so quickly and each day is never the same; either something different is destroyed each day or she does something, which still surprised me - honestly I thought I would be surprised by the things she does anymore but I still am. Anyway, the world needs to know, what it's really like to live with a dog that's mad:

This dog does not understand that owners need their sleep.
When she decides it's time for everyone to get up, that's it. It's time to get up. She will purposefully walk and climb all over you or tap punch you with her paw until you are awake; sometimes she'll even sit on you, until you get up - it doesn't matter if its 5am, 6am or 7am, if she is getting up, everyone is up. Yet, when she has got everyone up and finally had her breakfast, it is only then she decides that its time to go back to sleep, whilst all owners continue to get on with their days. How is this fair? 

This dog does not understand that what's mine, is not hers.
You can buy Poppy all the toys under the sun but if she wants something that you've got, that's it she finds away to get it. I can't tell you how many of my cuddly teddies, socks and slippers she has stolen, run down the garden with and claimed. Ridiculous. Basically, if it's not nailed down its hers. Those are the rules of Poppy. 

This dog loves causing mischief.
Whenever she is quiet, you should be worried. It either means A) she is up to no good or B) she has done something and she is now hiding; most of time its both. Whether it's rolling in mum's plants until they look dead or sleeping on the new clean bed sheets that have just been put on the bed; there is always something on that dog's mind. In times like these, I wish I could read minds, it would be so much easier to know what she is thinking. 

This dog likes cuddles (but she is not a lap dog). 
She is a bit BIG to be lap dog to be honest but if she wants cuddles, that's it. You can be sat minding your own business, busy around the house or sleeping and the same rules will still apply. Don't get me wrong, I love cuddles as much as the next person (or dog) but normally she wants a cuddle at the most inconvenient time, normally when you're extremely busy, it is only then she decides to sit on you. 

This dog takes up all the room. 
I know, she is a big dog but does she really have to take up all the room. Whilst my parents were away for two weeks, she decided that sleeping on her bed was overrated, so joined me in the land of luxury on my bed - just to say, I didn't agree to this - but Poppy has a tactic, during the course of the night, she pushes her way into the middle of the bed until you're practically sleeping on the floor. One morning, I got up two hour earlier than I needed too because I had been pushed out of bed. Not cool. 

This dog like to chew things (that aren't hers). 
Honestly, I can't tell you how many cuddly toys I have with no noses or eyes because she decided that they shouldn't be on them or how many socks that didn't have a pair because she decided to chew one into bits. Sometimes it was humorous. Like the time she decided to chew her bed and my teddy into bits - honestly it looks like a sheep had been murdered, there was that much duvet stuffing everywhere. It looked like a massacre. Believe me when I say she was quite happy with herself, sitting there wagging her tail whilst I cleaned up the mess. Thank you Poppy. 

This dog loves attention.
Apparently dogs are independent. Well, I guess this dog missed the memo… Because she wants everyone's attention, all the time. I come home from work, she is dying to go out within minutes she is back inside wanting everyone's attention. Peace is shattered. 

This dog loves food (and not just dog food). 
I don't think that there is anything this dog doesn't eat - apart from Banana, which I found out the other day when I dropped a bit on floor; she quickly spit it out. But apart from that, this dog will eat ANYTHING. If you cutting up vegetables, she's there right by your feet and if you don't give her any she crys and gives you 'the look' with those big brown puppy eyes. 

This dog is man's best friend.
Although, this dog is mad. She's got your back. She's definitely got a character about her. If she considered someone a threat, she'll stand her ground. 

Poppy may cause madness and chaos, wherever she goes but believe me when I say, I always have a story to tell about her and I wouldn't change her in a million years. But I wish she would stop running off with my things; running up and down the garden in my pyjamas to get something back isn't my idea of fun at 7am. 

Until the next episode in the series of "The truth about living with a dog that’s mad", Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo   

How to get a good nights sleep?

I like sleep. I like my bed. A lot. So, you can imagine my excitment when the end of British Summer Time happens because it means a whole extra hour in bed. Hooray! Don't get me wrong, I'm quite good at getting myself out of bed in a morning; I mean I love mornings because its a another day. Another day filled with opportunities, adventures and new things to try. But when the clock "fall back" happens, it means the mornings feel a lot darker and gloomier, which sometimes makes getting out of bed hard work. For some people its easy; I mean if I get a good solid eight hours sleep the night before, I'm as fresh as a daisy when it comes to the morning, any less than eight hours, let's put it this way I wouldn't cross my path until I've had coffee. A lot of coffee.

However, I feel like the only way to beat these "getting out of bed blues" is to try and get a good nights sleep; so, here are my eight tips on how to get a good nights sleep and to make the most of that extra hour in bed (whilst we can):

1. Getting the right amount of sleep for you. 
Firstly, don't do what everyone else is doing; some people can handle going to bed at 1am and getting up again at 7. Not me. As a rule of thumb, I like to get at least eight hours sleep, it makes me feel refreshed and less groggy in a morning (unless I have a cold, I feel no amount of sleep helps with that). You've got to do what your body wants, at the end of the day if you can't cope with loads of late nights then don't. Do what's best for you! 

2. Being comfy is a priority! 
Nothing beats fresh bed sheets and clean pyjamas. It's fact. But unfortunately you can't wash your bed sheets every night, that's a bit mad to be honest; so I try and make my bed as comfy as possible. Having comfy pillows and warm, snuggly bedding is the way to go; if you're sleeping on something horrible and rough, it might be time for a change!

3. Technology blackout time! 
This is probably my top tip, and I have to admit that I was useless at this. But last week, I waved goodbye to technology and blackouted at a reasonable time and opted for a good book instead. The bright light, be it from your phone, laptop, TV, iPad or whatever doesn't help your brain shut down like it should and I'm sure everyone can give up their phones for at least an hour a day, right?

4. Avoid sugar and think calming drinks. 
Falling asleep on a full stomach is not good. I don't tend to eat past 7pm unless I am out for a meal or something. Avoiding sugary, caffeinated drinks and foods before bed is the best thing, in order to get a good nights sleep. Try a calming drink, some people like herbal teas but me I opt for Ovaltine or warm milk. Bliss.

5. A good book can be the difference between a good and a bad nights sleep.
I tend to read a chapter or two before going to bed, I find it just helps my mind to shut down before bed; helping me to fall asleep a lot quicker. Finding a time to read during the day isn't easy - I'm sure most people will agree with me there - but half an hour or so before bed is perfect to help you get a good nights sleep.

6. A bedtime routine is a must! 
Having a bedtime routine might sound like a childish thing to have but it's not. Going to bed at the same time everyday helps your body to prepare and recover ready for the next day. Once you're in that routine, falling asleep quickly just becomes easy.

7. Make sure your not sleeping in an oven. 
I don't know about anybody else but sleeping in a sauna isn't my idea of fun and it takes me ages to get to sleep. Make sure your room is the perfect temperature for you. Open a window, turn on a fan, open your door, try a lighter duvet - the temperature of room has a lot to do with how good your nights sleep is.

8. Try an eye mask. 
It doesn't work for everyone but using an eye mask can help to eliminate any lights that might keep you awake at night - eye masks are really good for light sleepers or anyone who happens to get disturbed by the smallest bit of light.

Until tomorrow after my eight hours of sleep, good night and Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

Falling for Autumn Essentials

One of my favourite things about Autumn is the beautiful seasonal colours that come in around this time of year; especially in beauty and fashion collections. Autumn is pretty damn awesome in my eyes - I even wrote another post about it! - and when I think of Autumn, there are numerous things that spring to mind, most of which I have included in this post. With the nights getting colder and darker, it means more cosy nights in under a blanket watching a classic film or catching up on the latest series on Netflix - I am currently loving Once Upon a Time! It also means more hot beverages with tasty syrups, berry lips, golden-toned eyes and warm, chunky scarves - I mean, who doesn't love a warm, chunky scarf in Autumn!

With the days and evenings starting to get longer and colder, I have started looking after my skin a little bit more than I usually would; I mean, I look after my skin anyway but during these colder times, my skin starts to feel really dry, dehydrated and look lifeless to be honest and I tend to use a few more hydrating products than I would normally.  From face masks to hand creams, you can't be to careful when this cold weather sets in; its better to be safe than sorry. I always keep hand cream and lip balm in my handbag, just in case. 

Also when the seasonal colours are changing, it is always a great time to change up your makeup bag and nail polish collection; by getting creative with darker, Autumnal tones and berry lips but it is definitely all about those golden and amber tones – especially on the eyes. Although, I don’t use this makeup look on an everyday basis, it is a fairly simple and straightforward look that gives your makeup look a warm, Autumnal feel to it. I mean, I am not normally a lover of a dark berry lip but this year, I am starting to wear them more and more. 

Autumnal accessorizes are a must! I can't actually tell you exactly how many scarves, hats and pairs of boots I own, there are just too many - believe me when I say it makes life really difficult when choosing an outfit because I just want to wear it all. But with the end of British Summer Time upon us (I don't even think we saw Summer, did we?) knitted socks and boots are perfect for keeping your feet warm on chilly, Autumnal days. 

What are your favourite Autumn essentials? 

Autumnal Essentials Include:
Miss Selfridge - Black Faux Fur Luxe Parka - £95.00 £76.00 (with discount)

River Island - Burgundy Check Tasselled Blanket Scarf | £22.00 £17.00 (with discount)

Schuh - 6-Inch Timberland Boots  | Shhh! It's just too much.  

Superdrug - Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Crayon – Keep it Classy | £4.99

Boots - Essie "Cocktail Bling" | £7.99

Superdrug - Tanya Burr Hollywood Eye Palette | £5.99

The Body Shop - Almond Nails and Hand Cream  | £5.00

The Body Shop - Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask | £24.00 

Superdrug - Nivea Lip Butter Tin | £2.25

Primark - Knitted Socks | £2.50 

Until the next seasonal change that happens to need essentials, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

9 Things to Remember when you're having a Bad Day

When you least aspect it, BANG! A bad day hits you. Don't get me wrong, one or two really bad days out of 365 (or 366 in a leap year) is pretty good but sometimes, those really bad days make you feel like the world is about to come crashing down around you. Sucks, right!? When everything feels like its going wrong, here are few things that I like to remember: 

1. There is probably someone having a much worse day than you. 
When you're feeling rubbish, it's hard to believe that someone is actually having a worse day than you are. But don't forget there will always be someone in a worse situation than you making your bad day not seem as bad as you thought. 

2. There is always a lesson to be learnt from a bad day. 
When you have a bad day, they tend to be out of your control. If being stuck in traffic for ages or making a mistake at work has caused you to have a bad day then all you can do is learn from it and make that bad days into a lesson to be learnt. If it was traffic that caused your bad day like me, then leave 10 minutes earlier then you normally would; I mean getting to work on time is one thing but going to work in a great mood is even better. Often, bad days can lead to life-changing epiphanies. Well sometimes. 

3. There are only 24 hours in day. 
Don't forget your day has to end sometime. It's not going to last forever, there are only 24 hours in a day. Before you know it, you'll be in the comfiest pyjamas you own, with a cup of tea, watching a rom-com or chick flick under a blanket; happy that your day is over. 

4. Social media is your frenemie on a bad day. Not your friend! 
Jumping onto social media at the end of a bad day is not good. You end up getting upset about what don't have or you see something that someone has put, which makes you even more annoying. Believe it or not, turning off your social media on a bad day is a good thing. 

5. Crying is not a crime. 
Crying is not a sign of weaknesses. Sometimes its good to let it all out and even if you don't know exactly why your crying its obvious you need too. Believe me when I say crying sometimes really helps. Such a relief. 

6. Life isn't perfect. 
Never compare your life to someone else's, it isn't worth it. After all, comparing your life to someone else's carefully selected highlights on Instagram isn't going to make you feel any better. Life has it's ups and downs but its how you deal with them, which is important. 

7. There has to be something that makes you happy. 
Whether its coming home and putting your pyjamas on, eating your favourite meal or simply sit down with a good book - thinking of something that makes you happy can help you to focus on something else rather than your bad day. 

8. Sometimes having a bad day can be a good thing too. 
Imagine if everyday was perfect, it would be pretty boring after a while. Having a really rubbish day will make you appreciate all the other days and little things in your life and sometimes, it makes the situation seem much better. 

9. There is nothing a cup of tea can't solve! 
A cup of tea isn't everyones cup of tea - ha, see what I did there - anyway, sitting down with a good book and cup of tea makes me feel 100% better in no time, in my eyes solves everything. Bliss. 

Just remember a bad day doesn't last forever. Au Revoir! 
Love, 
Lauren xo