April Favourites

I can't believe April is nearly over! However, here are my favourites for this month:

1 - Topshop Blush in Head Over Heels, 2 - Calvin Klein Eternity, 3 - Clarins Instant Lip Perfector, 4 - Benefit They're Real, 5 - L'Oreal Paris Eau De Tient, 6 - Phil Smith Total Treat Argan Oil Cream, 7 - MAC All That Glitters 

Most of these products pretty much speak for themselves from their packaging. Topshop make-up is amazing and it is now my go-to brand. The colour of this blush is so flattering and the colour lasts ages! The formula is also really creamy and moistursing (a common occurrence with Topshop's make-up) which is definitely worth a thumbs up! Calvin Klein's Eternity is also a stunning fragrance. It is more of a fruity and sandalwood fragrance and is definitely suited for spring and summer! Clarins Instant Lip Perfector is one of the nicest lip products I have ever used. For starters, it smells like candyfloss and I just want to eat it (although that wouldn't be normal...) and lasts absolutely ages it's unreal!

Every beauty blogger, fashionista or instgrammer will be aware of Benefit's They're Real and I don't think it needs any explanations other than it is the best mascara I have ever used in the world! Eau de Teint is also another one of my make-up faves this month. It is such a light foundation and is completely weightless as well as being packaged in the cutest bottle EVER! For eyes, I've been loving All That Glitters by MAC. It is a nude, natural shade with a slight shimmer to it and looks stunning!

Lastly, Phil Smith Total Treat Argan Oil Cream is soooooo good! I'm not going to say too much though as I'm planning to do a review on this soon! However, this product works wonders for your hair and not a day goes by where I don't use this!

What have you been loving this month?

Chloe

xx

  

Topshop Lips in Beguiled

I've always been a 'scaredy cat' when it comes to wearing dark colours on my lips. Eventually, I managed to burrow out of my comfort zone, and purchase a deep plum colour and I praise myself for doing so!

Topshop lipsticks are undeniably amazing. At £8 each you can't really go wrong - the formula is creamy, pigmented and long-lasting. Forget reapplying every hour - with this, you have to apply it twice maximum to last a majority of the day. It's so moisturising and nourishing to the lips - it also has a lovely satin finish to it. This colour, Beguiled, is a pulchritudinous (what a word!) plum colour and I am head-over-heels in love with it.

I always thought that deep plum shades would make me look even more pale than I already am, but it really complements both my hair and skin tone! I think the feeling of looking washed out or ill is what put me off of buying more adventurous shades!

Topshop Lips - Beguiled

Have you tried out any of the Topshop lipsticks? If so, what colour? I'd love to hear your thoughts - comment below!

Chloe

x

Chloe Cooks - Simnel Cake

Simnel Cake is a cake filled with mixed fruit, lemon and marzipan and is a perfect Easter recipe. Here's how to make it: 

You will need:

• - 175g/6oz butter or margarine
• - 175g/6oz soft brown sugar
• - 3 free-range eggs, beaten
• - 175g/6oz plain flour
•  - Pinch salt
• - 350g/12oz mixed raisins, currants and sultanas
• - ½ lemon, grated zest only
• - 1-2 tbsp apricot jam
• -500g natural marzipan (ready made is best)

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 140C/275F/Gas mark 1. Then, grease and line a 18cm/7in cake tin using grease-proof paper.

Step 2. Start to make the cake by creaming together both the sugar and the butter until light and fluffy. If you want to speed things up a little you can use a mixer  but, if you're like me just give it some elbow grease! 

 Step 3. Add in each egg one at a time beating between to make sure they are completely mixed into the mixture. Then sift in the flour and salt and mix again.

Step 4. Place your cake mix aside for this step and use a grater to grate 1/2 a lemon zest (or more if you prefer) and add to the mixture. After the zest has been added, get your mixed fruit and place into a separate bowl. Coat the mixed fruit in some plain flour before adding to the mixture. This stops the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake as it is cooking.

Step 5. Roll out roughly 1/3 of your marzipan on a hard surface; lightly dusted with icing sugar. Cut out a circle which will comfortably fit in your cake tin.

Step 6. Put half of the mixture into your cake tin. Smooth the top over and cover with the circle of marzipan. Then place the rest of the cake mixture on top and smooth it over leaving a little less mixture in the middle so that the cake can rise. Bake in the oven for 1 3/4 hours. Test the mixture by inserting a wooden skewer, if it comes out clean you cake is ready.

Step 7. Generously spread apricot jam on top of the cooled cake. Roll out another 1/3 or your marzipan and place on top. Then create 11 little balls and using half cut cocktail sticks insert them on top of the cake, making sure they are evenly spaced. 

Step 8. Now, if you're professional (unlike me) and have possession of a cooks blow torch (this would have been fun though) brown the top of the marzipan until it goes a slightly golden brown colour. Alternatively, heat up your grill to the highest setting and brown the marzipan for roughly 1-2 minutes checking every few seconds so that it doesn't burn (you wouldn't want to ruin all of your hardwork now!)     

Phew! Sorry this post was such a long one. This took a while to bake but it was totally worth it - it looks sooooo good and so yummy! 

Chloe

xxx

If you go down to the woods today...

Normally, a walk in the woods would be my worst nightmare. The wind blowing hair in your face, your brothers prodding you with every stick they come into contact with and getting lost. But give me a camera and I'll be fine! 

Sandringham is a place I have visited ever since I was a young child. I have several pictures of me climbing trees, in the pram and on the play equipment with my parents and it is such a nice place to create memories. 

I personally prefer the house and garden side of the Sandringham Estate as it's much more aesthetic, but today we went for a relaxing stroll around the woods, and made the most of the weather, despite it raining when we were deep amongst the trees (typical Britain!) 

Shoes: Nike

I was actually quite surprised the way my photographs turned out today! I have to say I am quite pleased with myself! Kudos to Chlo! (pats self on back)

Chloe

xxx

Morning Glory...

Morning/afternoon fellow readers, yesterday I spent the day down in Stanmore, London spending some precious time with my family. I have visited Stanmore several times before, but had forgotten how beautiful some parts of it are so saw the perfect opportunity to take some snaps. 

Now, I haven't quite mastered the whole outfit photography and posing thing so, please excuse the cliché 'hands on hip' pose awfully demonstrated by myself! I also know you're thinking of the hot weather and me dressed like that - well, I honestly feel the cold for everyone until it gets to a secure 25 degrees Celsius which is a complete rarity in England.

I feel that watching the blossom appear on the trees once again puts a smile on my face and makes me feel happy that summer is nigh. Not to mention the fact that I get 3 months off of school - thank you study leave!

Regarding the fact I have figured out that people are bound to stare at you taking photos in public places, outfit posts will become a little more popular on my blog. Although I look absolutely ridiculous wearing tights with the sun out, hopefully I'll be able to ditch them in a couple of weeks - roll on heatwave!

Top: Primark Skirt: Topshop Tights: H&M Boots: Topshop Ring: Topshop

Hope you are all having a lovely Easter break!

Chloé

xxx

Bed Head Headrush

Now, I've always been a Bed Head fan, and no, I'm not talking early morning hair; I'm talking hair products! I first bought one of their products aged 14 from a salon in a local city and I have bought them ever since. Headrush is definitely one of my favourites so far. 

Headrush is a shine spray which can make weak, limp and damaged hair look a lot more healthy and in superb condition. The superfine mist leaves a shiny, healthy looking glow all over your hair leaving it with a perfect smooth finish without feeling weighed down or dirty. It also adds gloss and is good for any type of hair and adds depth to highlights and colour quick, even, all over shine (what more could a girl ask for?). 

One thing that cannot go unnoticed about this product is the scent. Picture the most delightful, heavenly and enchanting fragrance that you can (go on...), that is exactly what this product smells like! Forget those old hairsprays that smell like chemicals and choke you to death - as this is the EXACT opposite! I fail to understand how such a phenomenal scent can be contained in such a small bottle.

This product is great for me as the under layer of  my air is frizz dominant and always looks so dry and rough. Spraying this product on dry hair relaxes the frizz and makes it just that bit more tame.

Bed Head - Headrush - £15.50 - available at ASOS

If your hair is in a desperate need of some life - this is your best friend. I highly urge you to try out this product as you will not regret it! 

Chloe 

xxx

Chloé Cooks - Fruit Infused Water

Ever since I saw a collection of these on Pinterest I have been wanting to make some. You should know that I am absolutely awful at keeping myself hydrated (I've been dehydrated and taken ill many times as a young child) and I made a promise to myself in the New Year that I would drink a lot more water. 

Now, I am not a massive water fan (I just find it soooooo bland and boring). I always have to dilute it with some kind of  fruit squash which is quite bad for you as it is full of sugars and additives. When I was looking on Pinterest the other day I came across these homemade fruit infused waters. They are so yummy and not to mention really cute in jam jars; they would be perfect to make with your kids/friends or for a garden party.

Fruit infused water is so easy and so cheap to make, all you need to do is: grab a cup, jar, pitcher, beaker what ever you want and fill it 3/4 of the way with cold tap water (or bottled if you live in a place where you can't drink out of your taps), then select the desired fruit (berries and citrus fruits work best, avoid things like banana!) and chop it up into small pieces. Once your all chopped, quickly rinse the fruit to remove any dirt etc. and place into your cup! Voliá! 

If you make a big jug of  infused water, it is best to leave it in the fridge until needed and drunk on the day of creation. If not, keep refrigerated and refresh the water every 1-3 days.

Right to left: Raspberry & Blackberry, Orange & Lemon, Strawberry & Kiwi.

They look so pretty and taste so good as well as being 100% natural! 

If you live in a warm country (in other words, not the UK) then you can try adding ice cubes to your water or adding frozen fruit to made it cooler and more refreshing. You could also add things such as mint or cucumber to give it an extra kick! 

 

Be sure to comment with links to your blogs if you try out this recipe! Enjoy!

Chloe

xxx

Tweet me: @Chloe__Spencer (two underscores)

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Lime Loving It

First of all please excuse the awful pun (they're really not my strong point.) Anyway, if you're a lover of lime coloured clothing (like moi) then you've found the right post. I've always loved the colour lime and worn it ever since I was little.

 When I was around 7, I  used to own this massive (I mean MASSIVE) puffa-coat that absolutely drowned me (drowned is an understatement) that was either from Next or H&M but I used to live in it!

Lime is an easy way to brighten up anyone's outfit without looking ridiculous or over the top. I'm not talking florescent green that looks like it's just come out of a highlighter, I'm talking 'chartreuse', well, at least that's what Topshop calls it! A more toned down, yellowish green. Due to my endless searching through the Topshop website (as per usual) I stumbled across these gems and now really want to buy them!

1. Knitted Textured Crop Top - £34 /I feel this top looks very seventies and would really work with a pair of black skinny jeans. I adore the pattern on it and the colours really compliment each other (who could go wrong with black and white - eh?) 

2. Double Zip Holdall  - £42 / This bag is on my wishlist. I really love the colour of it and love the snakeskin texture it has. This bag is also available in a coral colour as it the crop top so if lime green or 'chartreuse' isn't for you, you can go for coral instead!

3. Black Ripped Jamie Jeans - £40 / Ripped jeans are all in this season and are currently really popular on the highstreet. I think a pair of ripped skinny jeans would complete this outfit as it brings out the black in the top my contrasts with the rest. Not to mention that Topshop have the bestest jeans in the whole entire world.

4. *Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch - £159 / I think I fell to heaven when I saw this watch. It isn't Topshop's own but it is one of the brands that they supply. Daniel Wellington watches are absolutely beautiful and look so elegant but yet they're so simple. Daniel Wellington Watches are available here.

5. MARGATE Double Buckle Geek Shoes - £32 / I absolutely love the geek shoes trend and will for a long time. I picked up my first pair in Primark back in 2013 when the trend first started. I've worn them ever since and bought a pair of white ones from Topshop. However, they had to be returned as they were to big and uncomfortable because of that. These ones look so cute as they have two straps and lots of dainty details around the front and sides, they're also lime green! 

What do you think about wearing lime green? Let me know in the comments and tell me what your favourite pieces are! Thank you so much for reading!

Chloe 

xxx

Tweet me: @Chloe__Spencer (two underscores)

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Monochrome Madness

Finally, I have chance to sit down and write as the end of term is nigh. As I am currently approaching the start of my exams (36 days to be precise) I don't have much free time on my hands to write lengthly blog-posts, but I will try my hardest. 

As I needed to post something as I was failing to stick to my "post 2 posts a week" regime, I have created a collage and picked out my favourite monochrome pieces currently in Topshop. 

I am a excessively HUGE sucker for monochrome clothing (don't even ask me why) and a majority of clothing in my wardrobe is black or white. Searching through Topshop's website has made me want to buy everything as I am in love with their current stock (shame I have to save and raise £3,960 and am currently holding myself back from buying everything I see!).

1. Gingham Smock Dress - £55 / This dress is so gorgeous and I love smock dresses as I think they are really flattering and have a girly touch. I also love to wear dresses, tights, a pair of Chelsea boots and a boyfriend coat and I think this dress would really work well like that. 

2. Bonded Stripe Shell - £40 / Now, I think that this piece is a little bit pricey for what it is, but I love striped pieces and they are very common in my wardrobe.

3. Monochrome Zig Zag Shorts - £22 / I really believe these shorts are a steal. To be totally honest I don't usually wear shorts as I am more of a skirt wearer but these are to lovely to go un-noticed. I think they would really work with a black cami, a pair of flat sandals and voilà.

4. Floral Skort - £34 / Skorts have been really big this year however I personally have never worn one, infact, I don't own one. I think this one would be so versatile and easily styled. 

5. Brush Gingham Aline Skirt - £36 / I actually own this skirt and it is my go-to item of clothing. I have worn it endlessly with so many different combinations my favourite being a black mohair jumper, black tights and black Chelsea boots (what a surprise!..)

6. Gingham Cigarette Trousers - £42 / When I saw these, I think a part of me fell in love. I have been on a hunt for a pair of cigarette trousers for when I start sixth form in September; something tells me that these may be the ones! 

7. *Sophie Dress by Jones and Jones - £60 / This dress looks so pretty and I love the style of it. Unfortunately, I wouldn't have a justified reason to buy it as I never really go out anywhere (unsociable girls put your hands up!). I included it within this blogpost though as it was too elegant and sophisticated (see what I did there?)  to miss out.

I hope you can join the monochrome fanclub and share love for monochrome clothing with me. All items mentioned are available here. Please check out my page on Bloglovin' which can I say has nearly reached 400 followers WHAT? Thank you all so much, I couldn't do it with out you! Bisou-bisou! 

Chloe 

xxx

Tweet me: @Chloe__Spencer (two underscores)

Follow me on Instagram: http://instagram.com/chloe_spencer