Saturday 28 December 2013

My To-read List

I know it's been ages since I have posted, but I have been quite busy as well as a few other things that meant I didn't feel like and found it difficult, personally to blog, but I'm back and am going to try harder (a bit of of a pre-new year resolution). This post is a little different, but I thought it would be fun and hopefully interesting to do a book to-read list. (These books are all ones that I already have but haven't yet read.)

1. My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher. 


Ten-year-old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. Jasmine cried, Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but then he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really. Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mums gone and Jamie's left with questions that he must answer for himself.
I have wanted to read this for a while after reading another book by the same author called Ketchup Clouds which was fantastic. I am really looking forward to reading this, so hopefully it will live up to my expectations.
2.  Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan.


Paul has been gay his whole life and he's confident about almost everything. He doesn't have to hide his feelings like best friend Tony. Or even cope who loving the wrong guy like his other best friend Joni. But heartbreak can happen to anyone. Falling in love changes everything...
I picked this book up recently, attracted by the fact that David Levithan was the co-author with John
Green (a great writer) of a book called Will Grayson Will Grayson, so hopefully David Levithan is a good author too. I was even more excited about this book after the lovely, and frankly amazing women at the counter "fangirled" about it to me - after that how could I resist?
3. Are We There Yet? By David Levithan (again!)

   

Danny isn't used to to having something in common with Elijah, however slight. Their last name is the rope that ties them together. Danny and Elijah's lives could not be more different. But a journey together sweeps them up in the romance, wonder and breathtaking beauty of Italy. And falling in love opens their eyes to the distance that's grown between them. Can one girl remind them of what it means to be brothers?
I bought this book at the same time as the previous, I couldn't decide which to buy so I got both
(whoops)! I know they say don't judge a book by its cover but it looked so beautiful, I had to have a
little flick through. At first glance this book looks very funny and witty, I hope it also has a more touching and thoughtfull side to it as hinted by the blurb. 
4. The Help by Kathryn Stockett.


Enter a vanished world: Jackson, Mississippi 1962. Where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver... There's Aibileen, raising her seventeen white children and nursing the hurt caused by her own son's tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from college, who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared. Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they'd be friends; fewer still would tolerate it. But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they become to depend and rely on one another. Each is in search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell. 
This book was recommend to me by a friend, so I was delighted to find it on my Grans bookshelf and asked to borrow it immediately. I was told that it is funny, touching and daring, so I can not wait to read it. I hope it is as good as it has been made out to be.
5. Paper Towns by John Green


Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent, adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she opens his bedroom one night and summons him to join her on an ingenious campaign of revenge- he follows. After their all-brighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to find that Margo has not. Always an enigma, she now becomes a mystery and Q soon learns that there a clues to be followed in his search for Margo. 
Naturally, I have to read this book because it is by John Green. He is a brilliant author and very popular, I have read two of his books so far, and plan to read all of them. The Fault in our Stars is one of my favourite books, and Looking for Alaska was great also, so I can not wait to read Paper Towns - his writing always seems to be funny, clever and deep. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and maybe decide to have a look at one of these books that I mentioned. I also hope you had a wonderful christmas and/or are having a great holiday. 
<3 Ellen xxx


Sunday 1 December 2013

#britishbloggerselection: skin care

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, been quite busy and I needed a break. This weeks #britishbloggerselction is about skin care. Skin care is something that I try to manage well, but I end up forgetting to do it a lot of the time which can have disasterous results. However, I thought I would share with you my routine that I try to stick to.
My routine in the morning is quite simple, because I am usually in a rush to get out the door so that I am not late. I cleanse my face using the Liz Earle cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser. This cleanser is amazing, I love it enormously, and even though it is quite pricey, it is well worth it and lasts long enough that you could just get it as a gift every now and then. It is really gentle but effective and will leave you feeling refreshed. It has loads of natural ingredients in it (rosemary, cocoa butter, chamomile etc) so it's great for sensitive skin and cleanses and exfoliates really well. My skin always feels much better when I use this. 


Then I will moisturise before applying my makeup. I have yet to find a good moisturiser for my skin type (combination/oily) because most moisturisers, even the ones for my skin type, feel to heavy on my skin which is really not good. However, I want to try the Nivea oil free moisturiser as it has some good reviews. 
At night time, I remove my eye makeup, before cleansing. Once or twice a week, I will exfoliate, using the simple spotless skin blackhead eliminating face scrub which is really effective and my skin feels much smoother and clearer when I use this.


 Twice a week, I also use the simple kind to skin deep cleansing face mask which smells amazing. It leaves my skin feeling softer and the natural clay has a purifying effect that improves my skins condition. Is face mask does wonders to my skin and allows me to have a more thourough cleanse every so often. 


I don't moisturise at night time, because I feel that I don't be need to do it more than once a day, especially because it is always so heavy on my skin. I don't benefit from it by doing it before I go to bed. 
So that is my skin care routine, I don't know if you will find it useful but hopefully you will and I hope that you enjoyed this post. 
(Sorry about the bad photo quality)
<3 Ellen

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Earl grey tea cupcakes

On Saturday I decided to try something different when I was baking. I found a recipe in The Hummingbird Bakery Cake Days recipe book for earl grey tea cupcakes and thought I would try it seeing as I had never baked with tea before and it sounded interesting. I was pleasantly surprised with outcome and I took a few photos along the way so I could share the recipe with you.


(Makes 24 cupcakes)
Ingredients: 
For the sponge~
3 earl grey tea bags
3 tbsp just-boiled water
80g (3oz) unsalted butter, softened
280g (10oz) caster sugar
240g (8 1/2oz) plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
200ml whole milk
2 large eggs
For the frosting~ 
50 ml whole milk
450g icing sugar
160g unsalted butter, softened

You will also need two 12 hole cupcake tins.


1. Place the teabags in a bowl and add the just-boiled water, then leave to brew for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 190 Celsius (375 F), gas mark 5, and line a cupcake tin with cupcake cases. Use an electric mixer (or wooden spoon) to the mic the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt on a low speed until it has reached the texture of fine breadcrumbs. 

3. Pour the milk into a jug, add the eggs and whisk by hand. Add the brewed tea, squeezing every last drop from the teabags into the milk mixture, then set the teabags aside for the frosting.

4. Pour 3/4 of the milk mixture into the the main mixture and main on a low speed to combine. Then increase the speed a little until thick and smooth, add the remaining milk mixture and beat until all the ingredients have come together to form a smooth batter.

5. Divide the mixture between the paper cases, filling them 2/3 of the way. Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes or golden-brown, risen and springy to touch. Leave to cool before icing them.

6. While the cupcakes are cooking place the used teabags in a small bowl with the milk and leave to infuse for 30 minutes. Remove the teabags and give them a good squeeze to extract maximum flavour.

7. Using an electric mixer (or wooden spoon) whisk the icing sugar with the butter on a low speed until the mixture is powdery. Pour in the tea-infused milk while mixing slowly, then increase the speed and whisk till soft and fluffy.

8. Divide the frosting between the cooled cupcakes, smoothing the tops and swirling with a palette knife. 



I hopes you enjoyed this post, I thought it would be nice to do something a little different, as it haven't done as many baking posts as I would have liked to.
<3 Ellen xxx






Saturday 16 November 2013

#britishbloggerselection : favourite clothes shop

This weeks #britishbloggerselection is about my favourite clothes shop. 
My favourite clothes shop is New Look and I really love it! I think that a lot of the clothes are so pretty and really suit my style. It is also very affordable, which makes it my number one place to shop when in need of some clothes. I have so many clothes from New Look- I think it makes up at least half of my wardrobe alone and I thought I would share my favourites.


1. This is a gorgeous cream Peter Pan collar blouse. It has little gold buttons and I beautiful lace detailed collar. This shirt was great in the summer with skirts and shorts, but also can be teamed with a pretty jumper (with the collar showing of course) to create a lovely look in autumn as well.
2. This jumper is a shrunken knit, in a lovely teal colour. It is my favourite jumper for the colder seasons and is so easy to wear, with just some jeans and black ankle boots. It has a great fit, slightly oversized but still has lots of shape and it is so cosy.
3. These black ankle boots were featured in my October favourites, and for good reason. They are so cute and comfortable and look great with everything. I also think they are quite practical while still looking absolutely amazing and they are a must have this winter.
4. This light denim-look skater skirt is great! I love this style as it suits almost all figures and looks good with practically anything. It is really easy to wear, while still looking stylish and the colour is so versatile. I alsos think it can be worn spring to autumn (winter might be pushing it a bit but...). Wear it with thicker tights, boots and a cosy jumper and you are ready to go.
5. This shirt is beautiful, I think. It is a subtle cream colour with 3/4 length sleeves and a little collar. It has lace along the back, shoulders and arms of the top is over-sized. It is a great shirt to wear when you want to look smarter but not too dressed up and it can be worn with jeans, skirts and shorts. I love  it!
6. This dress is a light blue denim sleeveless dress with lace around the waist. It is about mid-thigh length and has a slightly floaty skirt. It is a lovely shape, making your waist look slim and your legs long.  It it a great dress for both day and night and is so pretty yet simple. I would wear it with some mint green or pink converse and an long cardigan.

So here are some of my favourite things that I have bought from New Look in the year or so. There are many others that I wanted to show you, but I thought I would draw the line at 6 otherwise we would be here for ever. I hope you liked this post and, if you have never really shopped at New Look before, it will make you think twice. You can always find something nice in there, even if it takes a while. 
<3 Ellen xxx

Sunday 10 November 2013

Versatile Blogger Award


I was nominated for this award by the gorgeous Katie (spotsandstripes99.blogspot.co.uk)- go check out her blog as it's brilliant! I am very sorry, Katie that it's taken me so long to do this post.
He versatile blogger award is an award where each nominee nominates up to 15 of their favourite blogs to get them more recognition. It feels great to have been awarded and I feel pretty proud of myself and my little baby (my blog). 
The rules: 
Display the blog certificate on your blog
Announce your award on your blog and thank your nominee
Present up to 15 deserving bloggers with the award
Link your nominees on your post and notify them of their nomination
Share 7 interesting facts about yourself

My interesting facts:
1. I love to sing all the time, but can't sing for toffee.
2. I am way too obsessed with Harry Potter fanfiction
3. My favourite singer is Rebecca Ferguson
4. I think it would be great to be a journalist if some sort when I am older
5. Baking is my favourite thing to do, especially when I feel stressed
6. My favourite vloggers are Zoella, Pointless blog, Sprinkle of Glitter and Dolly bow bow
7. I can sing along, scarily accurately to any high school musical song 

My nominees:
Danielle and the world ( http://danielleandtheworld.blogspot.co.uk )
Ballerinas and buttons ( http://ballerinasandbuttons.blogspot.co.uk )
Inside my pocket ( http://sophiaspocket.blogspot.co.uk )
Affordable treats ( http://affordabletreats.blogspot.co.uk ) 
Little vintage camera ( http://littlevintagecamera.blogspot.co.uk )

I hoped you enjoyed this post, I was very pleased to be nominated and I hope you go and have a look at both my nominees blogs and Katie!
<3 Ellen xxx

#britishbloggerselection: about me Q&A

This weeks #britishbloggerselection is a Q&A all about me. I think this because it will be a great way for you to get to know me a little better which hopefully you will like.
1. Why do you like blogging?
I like blogging because it is really fun to write about different things that you actually want to write about (rather than just schoolwork). Also it feels like  a little documentation if my life that I will be able to look back on and see what I was like as a teenage girl. I also really love the community that blogging makes you feel a part of and doing things like #britishbloggingselection because it is so fun and it makes you feel like a part of something special. I also like the fact that there are some people who actually like to read about my opinion and my ramblings, which to me seems really strange but awesome.
2. How did you come up with your blog name?
My blog name is (obviously) Ellie May. I came up with this because my first name is Ellen and my middle name is May. I thought that shortening my name to Ellie and co binging that with my middle name sounded really cute and fun so that's what I named my blog.
3. Where in the UK do you come from?
I was born and live in the north-east of England.
4. Favourite colour?
Mint green!
5. Do you like Lana Del Ray?
Yes I do quite like her, she's a lovely singer. However, I don't listen to her very often.
6. Hidden talents that you have?
I don't really have a hidden talent, but I am pretty great at connect 4... Don't really think that counts though.
7. Celebrity crush?
I'm pretty in love with Rupert Grint, to be honest, but a lot of my crushes are very possibly fictional characters....
8. Favourite blog of all time?
I'd have to say Sprinkle of Glitter. I just love al her posts, so funny and interesting.
9. What made you want to join #britishbloggerselection?
I thought it was a really brilliant way to involve myself in a little "community" and a great way to add interest and a series-type thing to my blog. I also thought it would be really fun and would make me blog more.
That is it for all the questions! I hope that enjoyed this post and maybe know a little more about weird old me.
I have decided that I will post the #britishbloggerselction every Weekend, and then another post on Wednesday.
Next weeks theme is......favourite clothes shop!! Look forward to that next weekend.
<3 Ellen xxx



Instagram


I am a lover of most social media sites, and I have just (about 5 minutes prior to writing this) made an Instagram for my blog which I am very excited about.
Instagram is great! I love how you can share moments in your life, things you have done or thought through a simple photo- afterall they say a picture is worth 1000 words. I often find that it can be creative and fun and I love looking at other peoples photos as well. 
I will be using it to update anyone who wants to know, on new blog posts and, of course, other things that may happen in my life or random thoughts. 
So if you want to check it out, my name is elliemay556
<3 Ellen

Monday 4 November 2013

#britishbloggerselection : Halloween

This is my first #britishbloggerselectIon post and I am very excited about it! As you probably guessed the theme is Halloween.
I love Halloween! I thinks it's is a perfect excuse to dress up, experiment with makeup and have fun. Sometimes there is nothing better than getting dressed up in a spooky outfit and going completely extravagant with makeup, without worrying that it looks too much. 
Unfortunately, Halloween has already past and I was not able to do anything for it because I was away, but here is how you can get this fun, spooky cat makeup look:


1. Start by drawing whiskers and a nose


2. Use an eyeliner pencil on your water line and tight line.


3. Create a winged, cat eye look using liquid eye line. Go under your eye with a little black eyeshadow to create a smudgy effect.


4. Using a subtle gold (or silver) eyeshadow, cover your whole lid, going all the way up to the brow.


5. Use a dark, shimmery purple eyeshadow on the lid, creating a flick to add a more "catty" look to your eye.


That is the finished look! Just add a black clothes, back combed hair, a bold red lip and cat ears and you will have a look perfect for any fancy dress party.

I hoped you like my first #britishbloggerselection post. It was a bit different to something I would usually do but I really enjoyed coming up with a more extravagant makeup look fit for Halloween. 
<3 Ellen xxx





Sunday 3 November 2013

#Britishbloggerselection



#britishbloggerselection is a very exciting group of over 100 British bloggers that I found out about from a fellow blogger (www.spotsandstripes99.blogspot.co.uk). 
It was started by a great blogger called Ellie (www.littlevintagecamera.blogspot.co.uk) and is a great way to feel like a part of a blogging community and give more recognition to British bloggers.
Every week, the bloggers involved are given a theme and then can blog about whatever you want related to theme- it sounds so exciting and fun so I had to sign up and I can't wait to get involved.
The great news is that as long as you are a British blogger, anyone can sign up- just contact Ellie with your full name, blog name and blog URL and you can participate. You don't even need to participate every week, just when the theme interests you etc. 
This weeks theme is............
.......Halloween!!!!
I am very excited about having my first theme and can't wait to write about it- be expecting that post in the next couple of days.
I hope that you sign up to this if you can and that you're excited about #britishbloggerselection that will mean I have a new feature in my blog.
<3 Ellen xxx

October favourites

Another month is over, and there has been quite a few things that have loved in October that I thought I would share with you. I would also like to apologise in advance for the bad photo quality.


The first thing is Sunshine on Leith, which was out in the cinemas recently and is a wonderful musical based on songs by The Proclaimers. It is such a great film that has a just the right amount if comedy and emotion involved and is about two men who have come home, to Edinburgh, after fighting on Afghanistan. This film just made me so happy, and I will definitely be getting the DVD when it comes out. 


The great British bake off ended in October and I really loved the series. It is such a fun, exciting series and is so British and full off baking (obviously) so naturally I love it. Every week was good episode and I always had something to talk about with my friends the next day. I love this programme and can't wait for the next series- if you haven't watched it before. I definitely recommend it!


I rekindled my love for slippers last month, and even though my slippers are past their best, they are so warm and cosy and heaven after a long day. My slippers are from accessorize and I love the style of them and comfort that they provide for me through the colder months. I will definitely be getting my hands on some more from accessorize when mine have fallen apart once and for all.


I have also loved my little black ankle boots in the past month. They are so cute, but practical for autumn/winter as well which is always a must have. These boots are from NewLook and I love he style as they look great with jeans, dresses and skirts and so good for this season. I have literally worn them all October and plan on getting a lot more use out of them over the next few months. 


I have also been loving this lovely Parker from NewLook which is oversized and vintage-look. It has a cosy fur hood, and is so warm, I can't stop wearing it (even indoors). It is a khaki colour which makes it very practical and autumnal, but also means you can wear it with loads of different things. Parker's are very popular this year and you can find them anywhere so it is definitely worth having a look.


The final thing that is in my October favourites is the Rimmel I <3 lasting finish nail polishes. They are great colours and really long lasting too. I have two different shades. One is in the colour double decker red, which is a gorgeous bright, bold red- a great colour for autumn. The other is in the colour disco ball and is a glitter polish which makes a great over coat for a more exciting nail look that is very seasonal. Put the two colours together and you get a very fun, festive look which will be great for December (yay)!

That is everything that I loved in December, I'm sorry that there weren't really any beauty products but I haven't discovered or rediscovered anything recently. I hope you enjoyed this post and had a good October. 
What have you been loving recently? 
<3 Ellen xxx

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Lip product collection

I love lip products, and have built up a small addiction. Lips products are always the first thing I will look at when make-up shopping, and have to restrain myself from buying every single one I like. My lip collections consists of eight products (though it could have easily been more) and I love every single one. 


(From left to right)
1. Politely Pink - mac. I love this lipstick, it is a really lovely nude colour with bronzed and pink tones and is quite shimmery. It's very versatile and can be worn with almost anything. It is also a colour that is great for all seasons. It is super creamy and long lasting.
2. Love Lorn- mac. This is my all-time favourite lipstick. It is a gorgeous, bright yet almost dusty pink and is really creamy and quite pigmented. This lipstick really brightens up any outfit and is great for day time and night. 
3. Macaroon-TopShop. TopShop lipsticks are great and have all really lovely colours. This is a quite bright pink, with peachy tones. It is quite matte, pigmented and really stands out. However, it can be quite drying if left on for a long period of time.
4. Shade 101, Kate Moss- Rimmel London. This is a dusty pink colour and very matte. It has a great pigment, and is such a creamy, long lasting lipstick. This lipstick is quite subtle, but looks very classic and is great throughout the year!
5. Shade 19, Kate Moss- Rimmel London. This is a very shimmery vintage rose colour and is beautiful. It is a really great shade for autumn/winter and will complete an outfit wonderfully. This lipstick is very long-lasting. It so creamy and hydrating as well.
6. Shade 5- MUA. This is a lipstick that is a very sheer, pearly, pink. It is a cheap product that is quite a bargain for what you get. It is a very creamy, balmy lipstick, and is great when you don't want a prominent lip, but still want a little colour and shimmer.
7. Secret Party- TopShop lip crayon. I love this lip crayon so much. It is a gorgeous and bright, pinky-red colour and very glittery. It instantly makes an outfit more exciting and is my only "daring" lip product that I have. It is great for evening, but also looks great in day-time and a lovely shade for autumn/winter season.
8. Romy- L'oreal shine splash lipstain. This lipgloss is amazing! It is extremely long lasted and glossy with out being too thick and overly shiny. It is a lovely soft pink colour that makes your lips look very full and great for all seasons.



I hope you enjoyed this blogpost. I am sorry I have been so inconsistent with my blogging but that stops right now, look forward to a lot more posts coming soon!
<3 Ellen xxx

Sunday 29 September 2013

Hats off to self confidence

Sorry I haven't posted in a really long time, needed to take a bit of a break.

Yesterday I went shopping and fell in love with this gorgeous black bowler hat from h&m. I was really tempted to buy it, but quite worried that if I did, I wouldn't be brave enough to actually wear it out. I just couldn't decide. Finally, my two amazing friends (one of which makes some very brave fashion choices that I would be too terrified to pull off) convinced me to get it, they made me realise that if I like it and think it looks nice, than who cares what other people think, who cares that it's a bit more "out there" than I would usually go for. 
Wearing this hat around town yesterday made me feel nervous at first, but once I got used to it and realised that no-one cared, it made me feel really confident. I was wearing a hat I loved, which looked amazing with my outfit and I felt pretty damn good about it!
I think it's a really important lesson. As cheesy as it sounds, fashion is a way to express yourself, a way to feel more confident. Wearing a great outfit makes you feel really good about yourself and that's why so many people love it. If you think you look good, other people will too. Not only that, but it will give others confidence, they will see you and think- well if they're doing it, why can't I?! If there is something you really want to wear or do (if it's fashion or beauty related or something completely different) but haven't because you're worried what people will think, just do it. Don't change who you are or what you like because of other people. You're the one who is wearing/doing it, not them so if you want to then that's all that matters. Anyone who does judge you does not matter, no point trying to impress someone who will judge you on the clothes you wear rather than your personality. 

(Me very excited about my new hat :D )

Whether it's that hat you love, the red lipstick p you look great in but are afraid to pull off, or even a club you want to join, do it, do it for yourself. 
<3 Ellen xxx


Thursday 29 August 2013

Body Shop Cocoa Body Butter

Sorry that I aren't posted in a while, I've been a bit busy getting ready for going back to school and trying to make the most of my summer holidays while it lasts- I go back tomorrow and I really don't want to! 


I picked this up about for weeks ago, when I was passing by the body shop and noticed that they had a 50% sale. I had really wanted a body butter, but as they are normally £13 they were a little out of my prince range for someone who has there fair share of body moisturisers. However when I saw that it was in the sale for £6.50 I bought the cocoa butter one and I love it! I will definitely repurchase even at full price. 
They have loads of different scents which are all lovely but this one is definitely my favourite. It smells aaah-mazing. I hate using something that smells really strong, because I'm often then using perfume of body spray without realising I already smell like something. This body butter is subtle enough, so that I can still use my favourite perfume without smelling like a strange mix of cocoa butter and flowers, but strong enough for me to not use any other scent and to smell really good al day!
The body butter is really good for my skin too, you get a lot in the pot, but only need to use a small amount. It is super great for my sensitive skin, so gentle, yet really nourishing and moisturising. I have noticed a significant difference in the way my skin looks and feels, usually I get very dry legs which are torture to fix, but not anymore! It is so soft and looks so much better and healthier.
The one bad thing about this product is that it takes quite a while for it to sink into your skin, which can be annoying when you are in a rush, I tend to use it only when I have time, otherwise I get really annoyed by it. However it is so effective that you don't need to use it everyday.
Overall it is a really great Body Butter, the best I have ever used. I know lots if people rave about this product and I am glad that I have tried it as well.
I hope you found this little review useful. If you have been in need of a body butter or have always wondered what the body shop one is like and like what you have read, then I definitely recommend it. But, if you want a fast to-sink-in moisturiser, or are often in a rush but don't want miss out on moisturising after a shower/bath then don't buy this one.
<3 Ellen x

Friday 23 August 2013

Liebster Award!


Amazing news! I have been nominated for the Liebster award by the gorgeous Katie from www.spotsandstripes99.blogspot.co.uk. She writes a great blog called Tickety Boo, please go and check her out of you haven't already! 
For those of you who don't know, the Liebster Award is a nomination award for up and coming bloggers with under 200 followers. It is so that they can get more recognition and gain more followers and readers. If nominated, you must put up a post on your blog with the Liebster Award logo on it. You most also nominate 11 other bloggers, answer 11 questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you, write 11 facts about yourself and give your nominees 11 questions of your own for them to answer. 
You must nominate bloggers with under 200 followers (on places such as GFC, google plus, or Bloglovin') and tell them personally via a blog comment, or through another form of contact, bit cannot nominate the person who nominated you.
I was so happy to be nominated this award as not only will it help me and my blog, but it gives me a chance to help others as well. Things like this portrays the amazing blogging community, and the beauty of the internet. Some think that the Internet is full of dodgy people waiting to scam, cheat and lie, but this shows that it is the minority and so many people are really, really sweet which is what I love about blogging. 

So here are the 11 questions set by Katie:
1. If you could have a magical power for one day only, what would it be?
I think that it would be to fly. It would be such an amazing experience to see the world in a different way and to feel weightless. To me, it would be as if you couldn't have a care in the world, and for that one day everything would be perfect, no stress, no worries or responsibilities just the brilliance of being able to do that for one day.
2. Favourite colour?
Definitely mint green!
3. If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?
Answering this was hard, but I came to the conclusion that it could not be my favourite food (pasta) as it would become boring and would not be substantial and balanced enough. Pizza is my choice as it has a bit of every food group on/in it and would not become as boring.
4. Favourite makeup brand?
My favourite makeup brand is benefit. Ideally I would buy most of my makeup from there, but unfortunate it is quite pricey and high end resulting in me only having the mascara (and that was a present). I probably buy most of my makeup from Rimmel and L'oreal, which I also love.
5.Number one reason you started a blog?
I think that I started it because I wanted to see what it would be like, I wanted to enjoy doing something just for me and I wanted to see if I could do it. But, I suppose I also started it to find myself and to improve my confidence.( I know it's not a one reason but I couldn't decide..)
6. If you could start your blog over what would you change?
I have no idea, I don't think I would know until I did it. However I think the design of my blog would be changed now that I know more about how it all works.
7. A makeup item you could not live without?
This was between mascara and concealer, but I chose concealer as I have dark eyelashes so I could mimic it with eyelash curlers. Concealer, for me is essential -especially my collection concealer- I feel the main thing that makes me look nicer is covering up blemishes and dark circles, it makes a grea difference.
8. Favourite season?
 My favourite season is spring as you get the best of both winter and summer. Additionally I love spring clothing!
9. What is your favourite type of blog post?
My favourite type of blog post to read are ones that have a bit of humour and I can relate to-mainly lifestyle and chatty posts, I like product posts too! My favourite blog posts to write are either favourites or chatty/lifestyle ones. However I really enjoy baking ones and the look book I did.  
10. Favourite accessory?
This is a hard question because I wear earrings the most, but I don't think they are my favourite as I could go without them, whereas a pretty necklace or bracelet often really brings an outfit together.
11. Where do you see your blog on 2 years?
Ooooh..hard question, I honestly have absolutely no idea! I like to think that it would of had a makeover, the content would be better and I would have some more readers, but I don't know ipf that will be the case.

11 facts about me~
1. I have 2 cats, Shadow and Tammy
2. I have a hamster named after Ron Weasley
3. My favourite sport is Netball
4. I love France, and would love to live there, but not forever
5. My favourite high street shop is New Look
6. I cry at a lot of things~ sad charity adverts, books, films, many things Harry Potter related, the news and even particularly cute kittens
7. When I was little I was afraid of Father Christmas 
8. I feel most peaceful when baking
9. My favourite subject is History
10. I would much rather spend a night in with my friends, watching tv in my pyjamas than at a big party
11. My favourite wild animal is a giraffe, they are so cute and cool!

My 11 nominees~
www.rarareid.wordpress.com
www.FloresYModa.blogspot.co.uk
www.antiquesncoffee.blogspot.com
www.ditsysprinkles.blogspot.com
www.lollylou97.blogspot.ca
www.knotsandruffles.blogspot.com
www.braidingit.blogspot.com
www.alzgalz.blogspot.co.uk
www.itsalljustrosie.blogspot.co.uk
www.thebelleaventure.blogspot.com
www.sophiaspocket.blogspot.co.uk

I have chosen blogs that I love, ones that I have discovered both since i was nominated and from a while back. They are some of my absolute favourites, ones that are as good as those with 100s and 100s of followers. They deserve a lot more recognition then they receive. More people should read their blogs as they will enjoy them as much as I do.

My 11 questions for them~
1. Why did you start a blog?
2. What is your favourite thing about being a blogger?
3. What is your favourite highstreet store?
4. Do you have an ambition in life, what is it?
5. Do you have a favourite blogger/youtuber?
6. What is your favourite book?
7. If you could spend £1000 on only one type of thing (e.g makeup, clothes, books, music) what would you choose to spend it on?
8. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
9. Who is your inspiration/role model?
10. What is your favourite type of blog post?
11. If you had one wish only, what would you wish for?

And one for luck... (couldn't leave it out, but doesn't have to be answered)
12. If your home was on fire, and you had 60 seconds to grab the one thing most special to you, what would it be?

 So that is it, I hope you enjoyed this post and feel you know a bit more about me. I hope you also follow everyone (including the blogger who nominated me) I have mentioned, or at least check their blogs out. Please follow my blog if you haven't already and you like what you see. Thanks to Katie for nominating me and to all those who are following me and have made blogging even more fun!
<3 Ellen x

Monday 19 August 2013

Giant Cupcake Fun

Hi guys!
So I made a crazy giant cupcake, and since I enjoyed baking it so much I thought I would share it with you.
To make it I used a giant silicone cupcake case from Lakeland which you can find here. It is very simple, fun and tasty!


Ingredients:
For the cake~
100g self-raising flour (sifted)
100g caster sugar
100g unsalted butter (softened) or baking margarine
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
For the icing and decoration~
250g icing sugar
80g unsalted butter (softened) 
2 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food colouring (optional)
Sprinkles of your choice (optional)

Method 
Preheat the oven to 180 C/ 350 F / gas mark 4
Cream the butter or margarine and sugar together using either an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until light and fluffy. 
Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl along with the vanilla extract. 
To you butter and sugar mixture add a some of the egg and mix, then add a little flour and mix.
Repeat this until all the egg has been added.
Fold in the remaining flour.
Once all the flour has been thoroughly folded in, pour/ spoon the mixture in to the silicone case.
Using the end if a spoon (or something) swirl and smooth the top of the mixture so it looks neat, and place in the preheated oven.
Bake for around 35 minutes or until golden brown and leave to cool completely.
It is now time to make the icing!
Beat the icing sugar and butter together with a wooden spoon or electric mixer on a medium speed until it comes together
Then mix for just under a minute longer on a slow speed. 
Combine the milk and vanilla extract in a separate bowl 
Add it to the butter mixture a little at a time, mixing in-between.
Once the milk mixture has been fully incorporated beat the mixture for around five minutes until the icing is light and fluffy.
Mix in any food colouring required
Spoon I to a piping bag with a large star-shaped nozzle and pipe on to the cupcake in a rising swirled pattern.
Add sprinkles of all sorts and shapes. I personally went a little crazy, opting for popping candy, sugar strands, white chocolate curls and all sorts of other amazing sprinkles that I found in my trusty baking cupboard.
Your giant cupcake creation is complete. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this post. I have never done a recipe before so I am glad to have finally done my first one of many. I love baking, and whether you are a baking master or a baking novice, this recipe is equally as enjoyable.
<3 Ellen




 




A Little Chit-Chat

Hi guys!
Do you ever have those days when you just can't be bothered to make an effort with anything, you can't be bothered to go out and only want to make bare minimum interactions with people you know?
Well that's how I felt today. I left any previous plans I had behind and decided to dedicate myself purely  to my addiction to the internet, my pets and Adele. I am being very lazy, and to be honest I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I've been watching tv, knitting, reading endless blogs and brainstorming blogposts to do soon, it's been great!
I have also been watching my cats. This is because about two weeks ago (I think anyway, I get very confused when I'm not at school) I got another cat and we have been trying to make them see eye to eye and get on. It hasn't been to bad, a little bit of hissing but that's all. They have mostly kept themselves to themselves. I have to say it feels a little bit like I'm having a cat affair, which quite possibly proves my obsession with cats...
I hope you are all having a good summer. I definitely am, I don't know abut you but it is so nice to have a whole six weeks with few responsibilities and nothing I have to do. I can do what I want when I want. These things usually are: watching countless youtube videos, blogging and reading people's blogs, watching tv, baking, seeing my all my friends, and of course reading Harry Potter (yet again). I'm pretty sure that I will get bored of it soon enough (I do like to plan and organise) but I know I haven't yet.
I hope you enjoyed this chatty post. I was going to do something else but did not have quite what i needed to do it but I'm sure that that post is co ing soon.
What have you been doing all summer? 
<3 Ellen

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Summer Look Book

Me and my friend Katie ( spotsandstripes99.blogspot.co.uk) did a summer look book together a while back. I'm sorry this is being uploaded so late into the summer, but there was a lot of camera and uploading mishaps etc. I almost didn't write this because its basically the middle of August, but I thought that since we had already taken the pictures it would be a waste not to. Also it might be nice for you to see what clothes I like to wear.


              Green jeans - TopShop
              Aztec top - New Look
              Necklace - Accessorize
              Sandals - New Look  (still in store)
              Bracelets - mixture of DIY, travelling and gifts.



              Blue and cream striped dress - TopShop
              Cream socks with bows - Primark (still in store)
              Brown brogues - New Look



              Beatles t-shirt - h&m 
              Denim shorts with belt - Primark (still in store)
              Brown aztec pumps - New Look (still in store)



              Cream and lace skirt - h&m
              Aztec crop-top - New Look (still in store)
              Brown flip flops - New Look (still in store)
              Beaded Anklet - holiday gift from friend



              Rainbow pony top - h&m 
              Aztec skirt - River Island
              Mint green baseball boots - Converse (still being sold)

These are all my favourite outfits this summer. They are all very summery, quite girly and colourful. That is the type of thing that I love to wear, especially in summer because I think they are so pretty and the colours make me happy :). 
The final look I am going to show is my friend, Katie's look. She also has a blog where she is also going to do a look book. Please go look at her blog and follow, she is great and you will love her! http://spotsandstripes99.blogspot.co.uk/



I hope you enjoyed this Look Book and found it interesting and inspiring, I'm sorry I haven't blogged for a while, bit I had a bit of a creative block. Look forward to seeing more blogposts soon.
<3 Ellen