Festive Gift Nails

Festive nails are the bestest nails. That statement is 100% factual and definitely not up for debate. I had a go at painting a bow on my signature nail as if it's a wrapped present and for my first attempt I'm quite impressed. My nails will get more festive as the month continues but for now I think this is pretty.

I used the 'Teal' by Barry M, white Models Own nail art pen and just your bog standard silver glitter polish to add a little sparkle - N.B. all festive nails must feature some glitter.. it's like the rules of feminism.

Aside from the 5 hours of uni today, this is the most productive thing I've done. My evening has been spent catching up with last night's Made in Chelsea and watching tonight's I'm a Celeb. I'm definitely Team Kian.

Have you been watching it? Who do you want to win?

Lucy ox

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Everyday I'm crumblin'

Comfort food is undoubtably a favourite at this time of year and what's better than an apple crumble for dessert.

Ingredients:

• 3 Cooking apples
• 75g Butter
• 100g Sugar
• 150g Plain flour
• 1tsp Cinnamon 

Mix the sugar, flour and cinnamon in bowl then add the butter. I find it easier to chop the butter into smallish cubes.

Use your fingers to gently rub all the ingredients together, making sure you do so evenly until it resembles a fine crumb like texture with no big lumps of butter.

Next, peel and core the apples before cutting them into cubes.

Saute the apples in a frying pan with a teaspoon of sugar. Stir occasionally until the apple cubes start to soften.

Transfer to an oven proof dish and sprinkle on your crumble topping.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180ºC for 30 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown.

What are your favourite comfort bakes for winter?

Lucy ox

Happy December!

'Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la..

So I'm a little bit excited that it's December. This month will see my final assignment submission of 2013, some festive trips with friends, manic alcohol and food consumption, buying gifts for my favourite people, and of course going home to my friends and family. I haven't seen my Mum since September so as you can imagine I can't wait to give her a big old Christmas cuddle! 

To celebrate the start of this festive season, I thought I'd browse the web to bring you the most bestest, most cheesiest, most festive jumpers I could find. I currently own three festive jumpers and two festive t-shirts.. yup! I'm quite the expert. Here's what I found..

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Unlike last year where Primark reigned supreme, almost every shop on the highstreet and interweb has offered up their serving to the festive plate of Christmas jumpers.

I'm particularly impressed with Topshop's present jumper. It's a more sophisticated style, one that my Mum would love and who doesn't love sequins at this time of year?! The same can be said for River Island's bauble jumper, although at £50 I think it's one to buy in the pre-Christmas sales.

The iconic coca-cola truck is a safe bet as far as festive wear goes. Good news is that Primark have many similar as well as a T-shirt version which I was gifted a few weeks ago by my lovely Mamma. 

New Look's pastel Christmas tree jumper has a secret.. it lights up! Yep! You thought you'd seen it all then BAM! Amazing! Along with Miss Selfridge's 'I want it all' jumper, I'd say these are the most subtle and sweet options out there. Definitely one for the girly girls. 

Which are your favourite? Have you bought one this year yet? I'm loving the Mickey bauble jumper which is actually from Topman. Love it!

Happy December :)

Love, Lucy ox 

Monthly Playlist: November

I must confess, I've listened to a limited amount of music this month. My time's been filled up with uni work and deadlines and taking time to chill out and browse Spotify has been considered somewhat of a luxury. I have however been listening to the radio most afternoons and that's where I've discovered most music this month.

I think it's fair to say that Lily Allen's comeback has kicked ass! I've been a fan of her music since the MySpace days and my goodness am I happy she's back. 

I kept hearing a song I really liked on the radio but never knew who the artist was. Eventually i googled the lyrics and was surprised to learn it was James Blunt. Don't get me wrong, his hits Beautiful and Goodbye my lover used to be regulars on the iPod but I'd kind of forgotten his musical existence (oops). Bonfire Heart is really good though and if you haven't given it a listen because you didn't like his old stuff then I recommend you do.

Now people who know me will tell you that I'm a closet Directioner so i was excited to hear Story of My Life this month and obviously I'd been anticipating Midnight Memories for a while now. When I first heard Story of My Life I've gotta admit I was a little disappointed. See the reason I love 1D is their cheesey, up-beat pop tunes that you shouldn't love but do. SOML is completely different with much more of a mature sound. As you'd expect, my love for 'the boys' prevailed and the song has grown on my like a wart on the end of my nose (*DISCLAIMER* I don't have a wart at the end of my nose.. or anywhere for that matter).

What have you been listening to this month? Are you happy Lily's back? 

ox Lucy