Autumn Pretzel Treats

 

Yet another recipe...I'm addicted at the moment! I saw this on Pinterest and decided to put my own spin on it - Autumn themed chocolate coloured pretzels. They taste so good and are ideal as a snack for lunchtime, or to pile into a gift bag and give to a friend for Halloween. One of the recipes went wrong so we had to adapt it slightly, who knew that melted chocolate could go so weird when you added a bit too much food dye? Anyway, I'm rambling. All you need to know (except from how to make the treats) is that these pretzels are hella cute and super tasty.

 

 

Ingredients:

Pretzels

Milk Chocolate

White Chocolate

Orange Food Dye

Autumn Sprinkles

Green M&Ms (you don't actually need these for the recipe I did in the end, but I'll explain how you could incorporate them if you wanted to)

 

 

Recipe 1: Milk Chocolate, 'Leafy' Pretzels

• Melt half a bar of milk chocolate and set out a baking tray with a baking sheet on the top of it.
• Cover the pretzels in chocolate and place them on the tray.
• Place three leaf sprinkles on the treat, and then dust some orange edible glitter on the top for extra pizazz.
• Keep in the fridge for 15 minutes and then take out and eat! Yum.







 

Recipe 2: White Chocolate, Orange Pretzels

• Melt some white chocolate and stir in some orange food dye so the mix goes bright orange.
• If you don't completely mess up your batch of chocolate, then place on a tray and put a green M&M on the top to look like a pumpkin stalk - a pumpkin pretzel if you will!
• If you mess up the first batch like Harry and I and you don't have much dye left, make a new batch and only slightly colour the chocolate. Coat the pretzels and sprinkle with orange and yellow sprinkles. We also added a pumpkin shaped sprinkle on the top.
• Keep in the fridge for 15 minutes and then take out and enjoy!



I actually decided to bag mine in these little pink and white bags and give them to family as a cute little treat bag! It's such a cheap and easy gift and goes down so well - who could resist something as yummy as this?

What's your go-to Autumn treat?
Stay beautiful!
Emily xoxo

My Best Fashion Find This Year

 

 

I am EXTREMELY excited to share this post with you guys! The title is intriguing is it not?!

Basically, I've found a dupe for Topshop's Plunge V Neck Cami (here) that everyone raves over. The Topshop version however pretty it might be, isn't right for my body shape, and that honestly saddened me a lot before I found this dupe. New Look have released a range of Double Strap Layered Camis (here) which I think look super similar to the Topshop cami - and, its £3 cheaper! That might not seem like a lot, but when you plan to buy a TON of colours like I do, it adds up. 

  

 

I wanted to show you how versatile the shirts are, so I put together a casual and a dressy outfit for you to see what I mean. In the first outfit I paired it with a pair of Damask Velvet patterned pants from Forever21, which are so beautiful and were a steal for £14 (I think). If I was actually leaving the house I'd probably throw on a black leather jacket or a white cardigan for warmth, and a pair of black flats. In the second outfit I paired the white cami with a Pelmet skirt from Urban Outfitters, that I bought in the sale a while back and is surprisingly warm. 

 

 

 

This fashion find made my whole day when I discovered it, and I can't wait to order more colours. Especially because - top tip - when you use student discount the cami only costs £11.70!

 

Are you a lover of basic camis like I am? 

Emily xoxo

Blogs to Watch Out For

This past week I've really enjoyed sitting down for half an hour each night with my green tea and reading some blog posts. It baffles me that even with the sheer number of bloggers out there, we manage to show such individuality with our pieces! I thought that since I didn't have anything that exciting queued up I'd do a post all about my favourite bloggers right now, so that hopefully you find some new reading material and I draw attention to some really amazing people!

1. Hannah Gale (Visit the blog here)

I LOVE this blog! I'm fascinated by 'list' posts lately, I think reading a long list of ideas or life lessons or funny anecdotes is so relaxing. I've always been the girl with millions of To-Do-List notebooks, so a blog that incorporates all of that into well written posts accompanied by pretty photography absolutely had to make it onto this list. There's something so refreshing about a blogger that tells you how it is, and doesn't sugar-coat everything so it appears picture perfect. Also, her new kitten Granger is totally adorbs. 

2. Salt and Chic (Check it out at this link)
You know the type of blog that just has it all? The type of blog that makes you feel really glad that you stumbled across the whole community? Yep, I've found it. I love to read posts that make me think, and Amy's recent post on social media was equal parts shocking and fascinating - similar to an issue I raised in a post earlier this year, I think the whole debate is super interesting and should be discussed more. Please go read that post, and whilst you're at it read everything else!

3. Corrie at Dizzybrunette 3 (which you can view here)
Corrie's blog is one of my all time favourites, and one of the first blogs I ever started to read. Her posts are addictive, because she's truly found her 'voice' in blogging and the photography is always on point. Despite the fact that Corrie is one of the bloggers with a larger number of viewers, she never acts superior or better that anyone else, and I think that's so important and an admirable quality. Her dog is the cutest ever, and the engagement video might just make you shed a tear - if you haven't seen Dizzybrunette3 then you 100% need to re-evaluate your life choices and click that link, you won't regret it I promise!

4. Dorkface (you know the drill, click this link!)
Let me start by saying how genuinely nice Jemma is; I met her briefly at a meet up not too long ago and she just seemed so lovely! Her blog is quirky and unique with the bright colours and anecdotes, and she just won two awards for it all - congrats again Jemma! Her etsy business is so impressive, and if I wasn't the poorest I've ever been ever, I know I'd be popping over to spend some $$$. I honestly think that this blog has something for everyone, so it's worth having a read to see if it floats your boat (I can guarantee it will).

I hope you enjoy these wonderful blogs, and never forget to share the blogging love, because we sisters have to lift each other right on up! (Literally can't believe how many exclamation points I just used, it must be some sort of record).

Stay beautiful!
Emily xoxo

Current Favourites

I haven't done a favourites post in AGES, mainly because I think putting one up every month gets a little repetitive and tedious (along with a monthly playlist, I think doing regular posts got me into a rut where I was bored of my blog content). I still like to write and read favourites posts however, so I'm just going to do the occasional post on it!

 

Eylure Volume Lashes - I LOVE THESE LASHES. Literally the best lashes I have ever tried, I don't think I'll be purchasing any other type for quite some time. They don't look too garish and fake, they look natural but add a ton of volume to any eye look. And for only £4.99 (£4.50 with student discount), they're such a steal.

 

Me Me Me 'Beat the Blues' Highlighter in Pearly Pink - I don't use this every day, but I've been using it a lot more these past few weeks. I apply bronzer first, and then add a few dots of this above it, ready to blend. It doesn't look shiny like some highlighters, it just looks slightly dewy and gives you a healthy glow. I'm not sure where you'd buy this as I got it in a beauty box, but I'm sure you could locate it on the interwebs somewhere.

 

Sephora lipgloss in 'Fresh Peach' - This looks so pretty over a nude brown lipstick, or just on its own. I didn't use this in Summer, but now that we're moving onto Autumn I think it looks super lovely.

 

 

(We see you creeping Bobo)

 

Garnier Ultimate Blends Shampoo - I am extra fussy about shampoo, because some brands tend to clog up my hair and make it feel dirty as soon as its been washed (cough Pantene cough). I'd been having a love affair with a Tony&Guy shampoo ever since Christmas, but its a little pricey and so when I found this shampoo, I knew I'd hit the mark. It's affordable, but makes my hair feel so soft! Also, the honey smell from this lasts from wash to wash, I've been told that it makes my hair smell nice, so that's always a bonus. The only thing I'm not really a fan of is the packaging, but ah well, its what's inside that counts.

 

Philosophy the Basics by Nigel Warburton - I've been reading a few Philosophy books and articles lately, since its the subject I want to study at Uni next year. Of all the books I've tried this is by far my favourite; it explores most areas of the subject (at beginner level) using clear language and not over complicating things like these books usually do. It's got me completely hooked and I can't put it down - if you want to know a little bit more about Philosophy, or want to get ahead, read this book!

 

My True Love Gave to Me - This is a collection of short stories by leading authors, such as Stephanie Perkins and Rainbow Rowell. I honestly don't care that its October, Christmas is well under way in my mind and there's nothing I love more than settling down by the fire with a great book. Since I've been busy with schoolwork I haven't had a lot of time to read for leisure, so a book with short stories is ideal to fit into the pockets of time I have to fit around homework.

 



 

Scarf (New Look) - How gorgeous is this scarf?! I'm definitely a scarf person, and after adding this one to my collection its made its way to the top of the stack. It's so Autumnal, with purple, gold and navy blue tones. It goes with a lot of outfits and keeps me warm throughout the day - SO happy about this purchase!

 

What have you been using a lot lately?

Emily xo

DIY Autumn Drinks

 

Hi guys! So you may have already guessed by the title - this post is another recipe to add to my collection. I had so much fun making this DIY Autumn post, and I truly feel like its helped me get my blogging mojo back, which I felt myself losing last week. Anyway, these drinks are super delicious, and I know you probably just want me to get on with it, so here are the recipes!

Recipe 1: Cinnamon Roll White Hot Chocolate 

I'd never made a white hot chocolate before this, so I'm really proud of how it turned out and can't wait for you guys to experience this cinnamon-y goodness. It literally tastes like a hot cinnamon roll.

 

 

Ingredients (To make one mug):

1 cup of milk - I filled up the mug about 3/4 of the way up with milk to measure out the amount I wanted.

8 chunks of white chocolate

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 tbsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped cream

Caramel sauce

 

 

1. Pour the milk into a pan and set it to simmer on the hob. Add the cinnamon stick, and when the milk is hot, take it off the hob and cover with a lid. Leave for 8 minutes and then take out the stick.

 

2. Put the pan back on the hob after the time (about medium to low heat) and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. After about a minute add the vanilla extract and then the chocolate, stirring until all the chocolate has melted into the mixture.

 

3. Take the pan off the hob and pour into a mug. Fill the mug the rest of the way up with whip cream and drizzle with caramel sauce. I topped my masterpiece with some adorable autumn leaf shaped sprinkles that I found in TKMaxx, and an extra square of milkybar.

 

4. Voila! Pop in a straw and enjoy.

 

 

Recipe 2: Caramel Apple Cider Float

This one reminds me of Halloween! Also, sorry for the mad decoration - I went overboard and now it looks like Halloween exploded on it.

 

Ingredients:
Ginger ale
Apple juice
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel syrup/sauce

1. Fill a glass 1/4 of the way up with apple juice, and then fill it up to 3/4 full with ginger ale. Add a teaspoon of caramel and stir it all up for a good minute until the caramel has disappeared.

2. Add a scoop of ice cream to the drink, filling the glass all the way up (the ice cream starts to melt into the fizz of the ginger ale, producing a 'float' effect).

3. Drizzle sauce on top and add decoration - I put pumpkin shaped sprinkles and orange edible glitter on top and accidentally added wayyyy too much. Tasted good though!

 

If you try either of these then please do share your feedback, I'd love to know what you thought! This type of post is one of my favourites to make, and you may have gathered that I love trying out new drinks (view my smoothie recipe here, and my iced mocha recipe here.)

 

What's your favourite Autumn/Fall drink?

Stay beautiful!

Emily xoxo

 

All About Them Charms

Hola bloggersphere!

Todays post is all about my Pandora bracelet, a gift I was given years ago by my parents, which my friends and family have added to over the time I've had it. It seems like every man and his dog have a Pandora bracelet, but I love how you can make it personal, and I like to think everyone's charms have their own story to tell.

 

 

Hedgehog - This was the first charm I ever received (from my parents), to remember the years I spent volunteering at a local animal shelter which specialised in, you guessed it, hedgehogs.

 

Turtle and Frog - These were given to me by various friends, purely picked because of my love for animals. Plus, how CUTE are these?!

 

Snowman - My Christmas charm, which is so lovely and special around the colder seasons. I think I got this from my parents on a rare year when England got some snow!

 

 

Flower Patterned Charm - Possibly one of the prettiest Pandora charms I've seen, and definitely one of my favourites on my bracelet.

 

Heart - My Aunty and Uncle gave this to me way back when, and I love the simplicity of the design.

 

Tropicana Charm - My boyfriend surprised me with this charm a few weeks ago and I couldn't be more in love with it, its so lovely! Who knew boys could pick out pretty things?

 

 

Musical Note - My parents got me this one after hearing me play my guitar upstairs in my bedroom for hours on end, day after day, for months and months. Even though I don't play quite as much anymore, this charm reminds me of the summer I didn't put my favourite instrument down.

 

Teacup - My friend Hannah got me this one, partly because we love tea parties, and partly to represent Taylor (Swift), our shared love who used to host backstage T-Parties after every concert.

 

Baseball - To represent my trip to America, when me and my family embarked on a giant road trip, beginning in LA and ending in Las Vegas, stopping at many places (including San Francisco and Yosemite) on the way. This happens to be the only charm that I've ever bought myself.

 

Bible - I got given this when I was confirmed a few years back, and I love this one so much. I don't think I've ever discussed religion on my blog, but it feels nice knowing that I have my faith with me at all times in the form of this cute little charm.

 

I do own a couple more charms, but those are ones I don't really wear at all!

Do you have a charm bracelet? If you do, what's your favourite charm?

Emily xoxo



13 Reasons to Be Excited About Autumn

Guys. *Excited squeals* I can feel in it my bones (and also my toes, which are getting colder and colder by the minute) - we're about to receive a shedload of Autumny goodness and I couldn't be more happy to chill out by the fire and soak it all in. My favourite season is upon us, and I'm about to tell you just why I am so damn excited.

1. Dark lip colours
Oh deary me what a fun time of year this is for make up. No mid summer panics about foundation gradually sliding off your skin (although lets face it, when does it ever get hot enough to do that in England) and a ton of new berry and copper tones to add to your collection. My favourites for this time of year, lipwise, are 'Black Cherry' by Revlon or 'Wine' by Jack Wills.

2. Fairy lights and room décor
Lads, its time to get super cosy. At the moment I have a lantern on one side of my bed, this gorgeous light up E from RocketandRye on the other side, and fairy lights strung up above my headboard. I'm telling you, doing fairy lights halfway isn't doing them at all. Lighting up your room after a long day and chilling in your own little wonderland is one of life's small graces - never underestimate how a £4 string of fairy lights from IKEA can change your life.

3. Going to sleep with the sound of rain hitting the roof
Tucked up nice and warm under the covers, cuddling your kitty, with that absolutely lovely sound of rain-on-roof. Could anything be nicer than that? Oh rain, I do love you (when you aren't frizzing up my hair on the way to college).

4. Hot Chocolates
Oh my goodness the peppermint type from Starbucks makes my heart sing. I've always loved making my own however, and settling down with a good book. In the cupboard and fridge downstairs I have my all time favourite hot chocolate tools: Cadbury's cocoa, Gingerbread syrup, whipped cream and that delightful Starbucks caramel drizzle sauce. All of the calories, all of the fun.

5. My docs
This is the first Autumn that my violet Doc Martens have seen, and I swear that I can hear them squealing with joy at the thought of crunching through leaves. I've wanted a pair of these boots for years, and now that I finally own them, I plan on getting my wear out of them.

6. The countdown begins
You bet your cotton socks I'm a Christmas lover. And when I say that, I mean I've had a playlist since the first of September and have already bought a couple of gifts. Nothing excites me more than the festive joy at this time of year, and I wait all year to start baking batches of gingerbread stars whilst belting out Mariah Carey at the top of my lungs. I must stop talking about Christmas now, or I'll almost start crying with happiness like I did to Harry yesterday whilst describing my Christmas day routine.

7. All of the OOTDS
Beanies, jumper dresses, primark cosy tights. This is the season of solid OOTDs, where everyone can layer up so much that you could practically be wearing every brand available on ASOS all at once. I hate being cold almost as much as I hate being too hot, so I take it as my personal quest to find the warmest outfits possible.

8. The autumnal hand sanitizers
This may sound weird, but have you ever smelt the Bath&Body Works seasonal hand sanitizers? Give me all of them, please, thankyou kindly. My personal favourites are 'Autumn days', which kind of captures that crisp, sunny scent when you walk out of the house on an October Tuesday, or 'Iced Gingerbread', which just smells like something I would very much like to eat (are you sensing a theme with the Gingerbread here?)

9. Reading
I'm ALWAYS a bookworm, and it isn't dependant on the season, but for some reason I just enjoy it most in the colder months, with poolside reading in a close second. I like to get all my college work done pretty early in the evening, so I can relax and read a book by the fire, and lose myself in the characters. I'm reading 'My True Love Gave to Me' at the moment, which contains 12 short stories from the very best young adult authors. Nothing like a Christmas themed book to aid the countdown.

10. Wiping the cobwebs from the classic board games
Well, I don't particularly get excited about wiping cobwebs (spiders be gone), but the timeless favourites like Cluedo and Monopoly cause me to clench my fists with excitement. My family and friends are constantly dragged to the dining room table in the Winter to play a couple of rounds of Banagrams whilst we all sip from our signature mugs, and I find myself glancing around the table often, wondering how on Earth I got blessed with such lovely humans.

11. Hot Water Bottles
YES YES YES. Give me all of your warmth, you fuzzy pockets of portable sunshine. Getting into bed with a hot water bottle is one of life's simplest pleasures, and one that I enjoy very much.

12. Long Baths
I say this, but if I stay in longer than 15 minutes I am almost sure to spontaneously combust. Baths are the quickest way for me to relax, and I love to pop in a bath salt or oil to spice it up and feel the extra benefit. I haven't had a Lush bath bomb in aaaages, but I think I might head on in and pick up a few to take my bathing experience to the next level - sorry, that definitely sounded weird.

13. Walks in the Dark
I love it when the days lose light at like 5pm, and you can take a chilly walk on the beach with the moon making cute reflections on the water. Those are the kind of nights that make you appreciate living by the sea.

Writing this post has made me 100000000 times more excited for the fast approaching season, and I can't wait to share more Autumnal/Winter posts with you! What is your favourite thing about Autumn?
Stay beautiful!
Emily xo