The Christmas Tag

So it is now 3 sleeps until Christmas and what better way to get into the festive mood by doing The Christmas Tag!

1. What is your favourite Christmas film?

*shouts* ELFFFFFFFFF *stops shouting* because it is just hilarious. There are so many times I burst in to fits of laughter whilst watching it.

2. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes I have had a white Christmas a few times and it is truly magical. It's just the icing on the cake to the day and it feels like you're in a film.

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

Well for our family we really don't have a 'usual' place where we spend Christmas - some years we stay at our house, sometimes we go round my Nanny's, sometimes it's round my uncle's, it is anywhere where the family is all together ahah:)

4. Whats your favourite Christmas song?

Ooooh this is a toughie. I am a massive fan of Michael Buble's album but I am also a huge fan of all the classic Christmas songs like Fairy Tale of New York and Last Christmas. Hmm I would have to say my favourite is I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, as at school when it gets into the festive season we do dancing instead of normal PE and my favourite dance is the one we always do to this song - its just a great, merry song to get you in the mood for Christmas!

5. Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?

No we don't. I think opening Christmas presents on Christmas Eve is an American Tradition??(I could be totally wrong) As far as I'm aware not many people in the UK open presents before Christmas day.

6. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?

I shall try...Rudolph, Blitzen, Dasher, Prancer, Donner, Vixen... erm no I can't, aw man I really wanted to be able to do it as well!

7. Is your Christmas Tree real or fake?

Fake...we sometimes have a real one but not every year.

8.  What is your all time favourite holiday food/treat?

CHOCOLATE ORANGEEE YUMM! I think you can buy chocolate oranges all year round, again, not too sure, but we only have them at Christmas and we always get one in our stocking, they are amazing.

9. What would be your dream place to visit during the holiday season?

NEW YORK! All the decorations and lights and shops and everything omg it would be amazing. Just the pictures of it all lit up and looking Christmassy is something I know I have to see!

10. Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably?

Well considering when I wrapped my friends Christmas present I ended up with one side still on full display, I would say I fail miserably....

11. What made you realise the truth about Santa?

Um, honestly I can't remember how I found out, I think I just realised as I grew older.

12. What makes Christmas special for you?

Being with the family and just resting from school and everything. It feels good to just have a break where I can laugh and joke with family and friends, play cheesy board games and just be able to relax, enjoy and be grateful for everything I am blessed to have.

I tag Jenny and Ray and anyone else who wishes to do this Christmas Tag:)

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, thank you for reading

Ellie x

Makeup Wishlist December 2014

Since its under 2 weeks till Christmas I thought I would do a December Makeup Wishlist as some of you may still not have decided what you would like for Christmas or you may still need a gift idea for a loved one. Here are some of the things I am dreaming of at the minute and what I will be spending my Christmas money on. My family already have my Christmas sorted, but I couldn't think of anything better for me to spend my money on heheh:) 

1. The Nars Ita Kabuki Brush.
I'm not sure if I will buy this or not yet as its on the pricey side for one brush, but the reviews and opinions on it are amazing and I am dying to try it out! You can find it here
2 and 3. Nars Audacious Lipsticks in Anita and Juliette.
I recently watched Shannon's aka Shaaanxo video on YouTube where she swatched some of these lipsticks and as soon as I saw these two beautiful shades I knew they wanted to be in my collection aha:) You can find them here
4. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer.
I have never owned this before, even though I know everybody adores it, but I need a good concealer I can just swipe on and blend in quickly and that will cover imperfections. You can find it here
5. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
This foundation is on my wishlist as I read in a magazine that dermatologists recommend it since it doesn't have any ingredients in that will upset your skin. I would definitely like this as at the minute every time I wear foundation the next day my skin is covered in breakouts. You can find it here
6. Lorac Pro Palette
This is something I've had my eye on for a while as the colours are just beautiful, you can find it here I don't know where to find it in the UK so I can pay for it in pounds but if any of you do know then just leave a comment, it would be much appreciated.
7. 3 of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks in Peony, Coral and Ruby.
These melted lipsticks look so beautiful and pigmented that I am counting down the days until I can finally purchase one! You can find them here

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

Girl Online Book Review

Yesterday I got my hands on Zoe Sugg's new book, Girl Online. When it first came out I wasn't 100% convinced I was going to buy it because I wasn't sure if it was aimed at my age range, which is mid to late teens, but after reading the first chapter on Zoe's Facebook page I got my hands on it ASAP!

Girl Online is about a teenage girl called Penny who has a secret, anonymous blog where she writes about all her feelings, but one day when things go really bad for Penny, her family jet off to New York and things finally start looking up for her. She meets Noah and quickly starts falling for him but she doesn't realise that he has a secret too...

I finished the book this morning after purchasing it yesterday as I couldn't put it down until I was forced to go to bed! Even though before I got it I was a bit skeptical as I thought it may be aimed at younger kids, whilst reading it I loved every second. All the plot twists kept the book exciting and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was wrong but happily surprised at what happened. As a teenage girl I can say I related A LOT to Penny and the emotions she went through during the book. I would recommend this book to all teenagers who are looking for an exciting new book to read.

Overall I am completely in love with Girl Online and enjoyed every second of reading it. I shall now be counting down the days until Zoe's next book! I would also like to say congratulations to Zoe for this book as it one hell of an achievement! I am pleased to say Girl Online is now one of my favourite books and I encourage you all to buy it if you haven't already:)

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

Christmas DIY - Reindeer Food

So its that time of year again where our lives are taken up by shopping, baking mince pies, decorating the house and many other things to do before CHRISTMAS EEEK! This post is one for everyone. I will be showing you how to make Reindeer food to sprinke on your lawn to guide Santa to your home! Parents can do this for their kids and if you have younger siblings this is a great way to enjoy the Christmas excitement together. You could also use it as a business opportunity and sell to your local community for a good cause or just to make some extra cash to make up for breaking the bank from buying gifts! Anyone can do this as its quick and easy, just stick on Michael Buble's Christmas album and you are ready to start enjoying the festive season:)
Here is how you make your own Reindeer food:

You will need:

1. Caster Sugar
2. Oats/Bird food
3. Sprinkles/Sugar Decorations
4. Festive Ribbon
5. Small Plastic Bags
6. Scissors

Step 1:

The first step is to pour some sugar and oats and/or bird feed into the bowl and mix

Step 2:

Then add your sprinkles or sugar decorations into your bowls. I used some red sprinkles and then after I found some Christmas shape sugar decorations, pictured at the beginning, so added them as well hehehe. Mix until everything is spread around evenly.

Step 3:

Bag up and tie with some ribbon! I found my small bags on amazon and they only cost around £1 for 100. This photo is beautifully taken by my Mother aha:)

Step 4:

This is completely up to you but for my Reindeer food as I was selling them at a local market I made up some labels with the Reindeer food rhyme. 

The rhyme is:

Sprinkle on the lawn at night

The moon will make it sparkle bright

As Santa's reindeer fly and roam

This will guide them to your home

Now you have a lovely treat for the reindeer on Christmas Eve and something to guide Santa to your home to drop off the kids presents:)

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

My Current Skincare Routine - Autumn/Winter 2014

Lately my skin has been hating me. It broke out all over my forehead, round my nose and on my chin so some serious TLC was required. I developed this skincare routine which has been a savior! I still have a few spots left but it is definitely on the way to complete recovery(thank god!) So here is what I've been using:

Simple face wipes, The Body Shop Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser, The Mask of Magnaminty from Lush, The Body Shop Cleansing Butter, Simple Light Moisturiser and They're Real Makeup Remover

One of my holy grail products is this little pot of minty green delight which works wonders for my skin. I won't babble on about it too much as I have a full review on it which you can read here :) I use this bad boy about once or twice a week to give it a deep exfoliation.

Next up is the Body Shop's Cleansing Butter which I use to remove my face makeup. I would describe it as a balm when its in the pot but when you take a scoop and rub it between your fingers it starts melting. You work it into your skin and it turns into an oil which you then remove with a damp cloth taking off all you makeup with it. 

The Body Shops Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser, is what I think has cleared my skin up the most. I have noticed a huge difference since I started using this. I use it twice a day, at morning and at night when I'm in the shower. The pump turns the liquid in the bottle into foam which you apply to your face and rinse with water. Tea tree is a natural oil, good for helping to treat acne.

After cleansing my face I always apply this Simple Light Moisturiser to add some moisture back into my skin and to make sure it is hydrated. I have quite oily skin so I don't use thick, heavy duty moisturisers as they just sit on my skin and make me feel all greasy, but this product is perfect for my skin.

If I have been out and get back late I just feel like getting straight to bed and can't be bothered with my full routine. I remove my eye makeup using the They're Real makeup remover from Benefit and if I'm wearing face makeup I will just remove it with a Simple facial wipe. I am well aware that face wipes aren't the best way to remove face makeup but the next day I am extra thorough with cleansing my skin.

So that is my current skincare routine I hope you find it helpful:)

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

The Liebster Award 2014

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by Millie-Kate , Louise , Brooke Elise and Kaylie. The rules are to answer 11 questions from the blogger you were nominated by, give 11 facts about yourself, nominate blogs for the award who have under 200 followers and then give them 11 questions to answer. Since I have been nominated by 4 people I am taking 3 questions from Millie-Kate, Louise and Brooke Elise and 2 from Kaylie.

1. Netflix or YouTube?
    YouTube! I sadly don't have a Netflix subscription currently but I watch YouTube daily.
2. What do you order at Starbucks?
    Either a green tea, chocolate frapp or in the winter a peppermint hot chocolate as it tastes exactly like mint aeros.
3. Celebrity Crush?
    It has to be my favourite cutie of an irishman Niall Horan :)
4. Who is your fashion inspiration?
    Kylie Jenner or MakeupbyMandy24 on YouTube like I seriously wished I owned their wardrobe.
5. If you could interview anyone for your blog who would you pick?
    Hmm thats a toughie! If it was about beauty/fashion it would be Zoe Sugg or Tanya Burr but if it was any celebrity I love, it would probably be One Direction...don't judge me okay I've been a fan since the beginning(inserts flexing arm muscles emoji)
6. Which make-up product is at the top of your Christmas list this year?
    The Benefit limited edition cheeky sweet spot gift box. It includes 5 of the Benefit blushes and Hoola bronzer.
7. Baths or showers? Why?
    I am a shower girl. I prefer showers as they are less time consuming and plus nobdy in my house really uses the bath so it has to be cleaned before we use it which doesn't really appeal me when I can just hop in the clean shower.
8. Who do you look up to?
    My Mum and one of my best friends as they are really strong people and don't have a bad bone in their bodies. If I turn into a person half as good as they are I will be a happy bunny.
9. What was the last show you marathoned on Netflix?
    When I had my last Netflix subscription before it was cancelled I watched about 4 and a half seasons of Gossip Girl.... I then bought the entire box set so I could finish it as my subscription ended.. yep I liked that show A LOT.
10. What does your average day look like?
    Wake up, school, get home, watch friends, have tea, revise, watch TV/YouTube, bed. I know sounds riveting right?
11. What is one fact people are shocked to learn about you?
    That I am younger than people think I am, I am very used to the 'oh my gosh no way I thought you were older than me, oh my gosh you look so grown up' kinda thing ahah!

I would like to nominate:
Jenny from A Frugal Of Perfection
Ray from Il Est Ray
Elish from A Piece Of Elish
And anyone else who would like to do this tag:)

My 11 questions to you are:
1. Who is your favourite blogger/youtuber?
2. Favourite high street store?
3. Favourite film?
4. Are you excited for Christmas? What are you asking for?
5. Favourite TV show?
6. What did you do for Halloween?
7. Favourite meal to have?
8. If you could change something about the world what would it be?
9. Where do you want to travel to the most?
10. Have you bought an Advent calender yet?
11. Whats your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

Thank you for reading

Ellie x

   

Vintage Collective - Vintage Fair

Yesterday I was invited to a vintage fair hosted by Vintage Collective in St Andrews. There were so many unique items from fur coats to cake stands made from old records. The prices ranged from 50p to over £200 so there was something affordable for everyone. The atmosphere in the hall was lovely as there were so many people searching through the clothes racks and trying things on in front of the mirror. Some girls I saw looked like little kids on Christmas morning, their eyes lighting up when they saw what they were after. I don't think I have ever been to a vintage fair before but now I have experienced one, I will definitely be attending ones that come to town! There are so many quirky and unique pieces that you'll be spoiled for choice but my personal favourite was the stall showing how to make different, useful objects out of our old vinyl records.

Here are some photos:

Vintage Collective is a business run by two former students, Nikki and Jasmine, of St Andrews University who hosted their first vintage fair in 2011. Nikki and Jasmine started their vintage inspired business as they saw a huge gap in the market. I think you would all agree with me that vintage shops are not a very common thing to see and that is why Vintage Collective started. Whilst talking to Nikki she told me finding vintage clothes takes a lot more effort than regular shopping and that is half the fun of it. Having an image in your mind of something you would like and then starting something similar to a treasure hunt to find it, gives you a feeling of accomplishment. The fact that you can find something nobody else has, something one of a kind is what interests Nikki about vintage. It is so easy to walk into Topshop or H&M and pick up something that thousands of others will pick up as well, but with vintage it requires more thought and hunting to find what you are after. Vintage Collective is all about bringing vintage together and maybe making it a bit easier to track down what you are wanting. After a recent revamp of the brand Nikki hopes there will be more events coming all over the UK, so keep your eyes out as I would highly recommend going down and seeing what Vintage Collective has to offer.

Thank you for reading

Ellie

Mini Fashion, Beauty, Haircare Haul

So this week my Mum and I went down to Norwich and since Norwich is one of my favourite places to shop I couldn't resist picking up a few things.

Here is what I got:

To start I got this New York City tank top from River Island. I will be in this all summer next year but until then, I will be piecing this with layers!

I then picked up this simple black t-shirt as I realised I didn't have one. It's such a basic piece to have in your wardrobe and can be worn many ways. When I started imaging all the outfits I could wear using this, I had to pick it up!

Since dying my hair last year it is in need for some TLC, so after an informative chat with one of the ladies in Lush, I bought the Seanik Shampoo bar which has sea salt and seaweed in for 'soft, shiny hair' which is exactly what I am after. Later on I picked up Tresemme's Keratin Smooth Deep Treatment Masque, to be used once a week when your hair needs a refresher. 

Finally I picked up 4 MAC eyeshadows (the last four on the bottom row) to complete my palette. I got Swiss Chocolate, Sumptuous Olive, Club and Contrast to add a little colour to my palette. I was a very happy girl when I placed the shadows in and saw my palette complete, I know it's sad, don't judge!

Thank you for reading

Ellie 

John Newman - Tribute Tour

Last night my family and close family friends had the pleasure of seeing John Newman live on his Tribute Tour. John has such an amazing voice and the performance skills to go with it. From dancing, (yep he has some serious moves), to making the audience sing and clap along, he makes sure you are involved and having a great time throughout the whole concert. I had such an amazing night and highly recommend going to see him live.

Here are some photos from last night:

Thank you for reading

Ellie

Forgans Restaurant - St Andrews

Last night my family had a meal out at Forgans in St Andrews. I have never had the pleasure to eat in there but as soon as I walked in I really hoped the food was as good as the restaurant looked! The food definitely met my expectation and all four members of my family thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Forgans has a rustic looking interior and has a relaxing atmosphere. I would recommend Forgans to everyone as in my opinion I think everyone would love it.

Forgans is situated in a little alleyway, which is beautifully decorated, coming off Market Street, St Andrews

Now...look inside. I bet you love the interior as much as I do!

The menu has a choice of many delightful dishes and I'm sure everybody will be able to find something to their taste. Here is what my Dad and I ordered

My Beef Bourguignon ie. a fancy beef stew with wine, carrots, mushroom and other wintery vegatables. It was lovely

My Dad's Rib eye steak with onion rings and chips. My Dad had his steak cooked rare and when I asked him if if he enjoyed it he replied with 'Oh, beautiful.'

My Dad's Chocolate Cup dessert

My Macaroon Cheesecake

I have a VERY sweet tooth and desserts are my favourite thing in a meal. This dessert was perfection for me. It was light, creamy and I may or may not now be craving it!

Forgans is a beautiful, elegant restaurant with food to match! I'm sure my family will be returning the next time we have the chance to go out for a meal. I would definitely recommend this restaurant if you are looking for somewhere for a treat or special occasion. Now I will just get back to day dreaming about that Macaroon Cheesecake.

Thank you for reading,

Ellie:)

Meet The Vamps Tour - 2014

Last night I had the pleasure to go see The Vamps as they are one of my favourite bands on the planet! The show they put on was insane, it was packed full of energy! Brad, James, Connor and Tristan are four massively talented guys and I can't think of one bad thing to say about the show, everything about it was awesome. They had three support acts, E of E, Luke Friend and Nina Nesbitt. My friend and I absolutely loved E of E and were so happy when they were standing outside the venue after the show taking photos with fans! The Vamps played most of the songs on their album but also sung covers and had solo performances. So here are some pictures from one of the best nights of my life:)

One of the support acts E of E

Meet The Vamps

One of my favourite parts of the night Tristan's drum solo 

All together

Brad

James

Connor

Tristan 

I had such an amazing night thanks to my best friend who invited me to go with her! These are also her pictures she's let me use as all the ones on my phone are horrific. The whole night was absolutely outstanding and would highly recommend it! If you are going or have been let me know your experience and if you have any questions about the tour tweet me @BeauteByEllie

Thanks for reading

Ellie xx