Letter Writing - Is it really outdated?

WHen i was younger, my parents owned a caravan at the Littlesea Holiday Park Haven Holidays site in Dorset. I met a few friends there and at the ripe age of 11 i began writing to them on a regular basis when i got home.

After a few years the letters became left frequent, making way for the Social Networking sites such as MySpace and nnow Facebook.

Although until quite recently, it didn't bother me too much, thyen i was chatting to one of the girls that i met at the holiday camp 'all those years ago..' and she suggested we start writing to each other again.

Until then, i never realised that i missed it or that it was really becoming a thing of the past..

I was speaking to Sonic about it and he was telling me that his best friend had  said that his girlfriend was doing the same thing, although he couldn't figure out why an earth you'd want to write to someone when you can just send an email??

This got me thinking. It is a lovely, traditional thing to do that i do want to make more time for. Technology is so advanced now that i don't think that half of the children nowadays might Ever write a letter and post it themselves into an iconic red postbox.

I'm not ready to say goodbye to this tradition yet though, that's for sure!

Silent Sunday

NEW Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in Turquoise Forever - 26J600

After seeing quite a few others talking and blogging about this product i just couldn't help trying this out for myself!

My question: Can it really stay on all day with no sign of wearing off or having to re-apply?

As a big fan of the Maybelline brand i definitely wanted to give this new phenomenon a go as i find that almost all of their products are brilliant!

I got mine: Superdrug - £4.99 (also 3 for 2 on all Maybelline products!)

After looking through all the available options, i chose Turquoise Forever as i thought it looked a bright and fun colour and would be perfect for spring too. It was very eye-catching and would be perfect to stand out.

The product comes in a small pot with a see-through lid that allows you to see the exact colour before purchase. 

The sticker on the bottom is also in the colour of the product and also states the name and shade number.

20- Turquoise Forever

The product is a gel-creme which is very easy to apply - i use a small eyeshadow brush to apply this as it is soft and easy.

As it was my mom's birthday yesterday and we were going out for a family meal, i decided it would be the perfect time to try this out properly.

I brushed some on to my eyelid and added 2-coats to ensure the colour was even and bright.

Teamed with eyeliner and mascara, the product made my eyes look bright and widened with colour. It was really easy to apply and the colour was absolutely gorgeous!

I applied this around 3pm and by the tiome i arrived home that night at around 11pm - it had stayed exactly as i it had as soon as i put it on!

No smudging or fading of colour - i was really impressed!

I always usually remove my make-up before bed but i decided to test this product properly so keep it on. As it states to stay on for 24hrs..

This is my eyes at 12:30pm the next day..

The product really works for how long it states! I'd been wearing it for 21 and a half hours and the colour hadn't faded!

I couldn't believe it but it has just restored more faith in Maybelline products for me.

Definitely thinking about going to Superdrug to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer whilst i can at this price!

The product will probably last me atleast 3 months.

Verdict: A brilliant product that will almost certainly replace a lot of my eyeshadows. It really does last as long as it states and has beaten my expectations!

NEW Batiste Dry Shampoo - 'fruity & cheeky' Cherry

I always love trying new products and i am already a big fan of Batiste Dry Shampoos as they do really work!

I am also a big lover of Cherries - fruit, print or smell so i couldn't wait to try out this product!

Bargain Price: Superdrug - £1.45 for 200ml!

I loved the character of the bottle as soon as i saw it, i think it makes the product look fun and very eye-catching.

The thing about Batiste that is brilliant is that it's for All Hair Types! 

It is a product that is desxigned for you to use between washes that takes around 5 minutes to use - with no water of anything else needed other than a hair brush and a can of Batiste. It revitalises hair and removes any excess grease and leaves your hair looking fresh with added body an texture.

From my experience it really does work and is a real bargain as a 200ml bottle usually lasts me between 1-2 months.

They're great to take on weekends away or just to shove in your handbag incase you're going out after work or you've got to stay somewhere unexpectedly - also brilliant for music gigs and festivals especially!

I wasn't sure before i used the product if it would actually smell like Cherries as with the cosmetics market, smells always seem to be a lot different to how you imagine them - but i was really surprised! Within the first spray i felt surrounded by the smell of fresh cherries - it was gorgeous! I had people comment on my hair too as they asked what i used on my hair that smelt so nice!

I would definitely recommended this product as it leaves you looking and feeling refreshed and is great for all last-minute rush situations.

Baking Day! Recipes

Yesterday i decided to have a baking day whilst Sonic and his friend went out to play snooker.. i tried 3 new recipes that i have never used before and i can honestly say they turned out brilliantly and i had loads of fun too!

The men obviously loved returning to the house to find baked goods for them to chomp on too!

Mocha Coconut Balls

These are a great adult party treat but if you're not fond of very strong coffee, i'd recommend only adding 1 teaspoon of coffee!

Ingredients:

125g Butter, softened

1 cup Icing Suagr

3/4 cup Coconut

3/4 cup Rolled Oats

1-2 teaspoons Instant Coffee

185g Cooking chocolate (white or plain)

Method:

1. Cream together butter and icing sugar ustil creamed in a mixing bowl

2. Add coconut, rolled oats and coffee, and mix well until all combined

3. Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls and stand on a plate

4. Refrigerate them for atleast 2 hours

5. Using a small saucepan on a medium heat, add a small amount of boiling water and rest a bowl on top

6. Place the chocolate into the bowl, using a metal spoon, stir until chocolate is melted

7. Remove the balls from the fridge and roll each of them into the chocolate until coated

8. Set the balls back onto the plate and refrigerate for around 15 minutes until set

9. ENJOY!

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Honeycomb Toffee

This is a fun recipe for all the family and takes almost no time at all!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Golden Syrup

1 teaspoon Bicarbonate Soda

2 tablespoons White Sugar

1 tablespoon Butter

Method:

1. Grease a small/medium dish with butter

2. Into a medium saucepan, place sugar, butter and golden syrup over a medium heat

3. Allow to boil and stir gently for around 5 minutes until mixture is a golden-brown colour

4. Take off the heat and immediately stir in the bicarbonate soda very quickly

5. Tip into the buttered dish to set - this takes around 30 mins

6. ENJOY!

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups

Makes 12

These are just something a little different that are for all the family! To make them extra chocolatey, add a teaspoons of Nutella in the centre of each one as soon as they come out the oven!

Ingredients:

100g (3.5oz) Butter

150g (5oz) Caster Sugar

1 medium Egg

1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract - optional

150g (5oz) Self-Raising Flour

75g Milk (or flavoured) Chocolate Chips

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180c/350F (Gas 4)

2. Line a 12-hole bun tray with cake cases

3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and caster sugar until creamed

4. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until completely combined

5. Sieve in the flour until the mix forms a soft dough (add a little extra if mixture isn't quite a dough) then mix in the chocolaate chips until well combined

6. Using a tablespoon, spoon the mixture into the cake cases (usuing 2 spoons to each case)

7. Flatten them slightly so they are not peaked then bake for 15 minutes until risen and slightly golden

8. After removing from the oven, use the back of a spoon to press the centre of each one down, therefore creating a 'cup' shape

9. Add Nutella now if you wish as they will be hot enough to melt in the centre

10. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely

11. ENJOY!

Red or Dead - My Picks from the BANK sale

Red Or Dead is a brand that i have been quite taken with since i was younger.

I have always had a bit of a quirky style and i like to dress a little different, but what i love about the Red Or Dead brand is that it incorporates the quirkiness into fashionable pieces - which in my experience has loads of people asking where you got your clothes from!

They also have an Amazing range of shoes!

Right now, BANK online have an amazing up to 60% sale with loads of Red Or Dead pieces included! So click over there and take a look!

My Picks:

Red or Dead  Avoca Hoody was: £30.00 - NOW £10.00!

I love this hoodie as it's fitted but really warm! It has a unique pattern and stitch which is suitable to wear all year round thanks to the zip-up front!

Red or Dead  Ada Jacket was: £55.00 - NOW £35.00!

This coat has a timeless design which is warm and with it being a monochrome colour, it will go with everything! You can wear this with anything from laidback jeans and converse to smart dresses and heels! It has a flattering flap at the back and the lapel badge which shows it's unique

Red or Dead  Helenae Maxi Dress was: £30.00 - NOW £10.00!

I fell in love with this dress as soon as i saw it! It's got that classic and simple look which really appeals to me. There is so many occasions that i could wear this dress for! not only taking it on holiday in the summer, but i could throw flat boots and a leather jacket over it when it's a bit chillier and still acheive the same classic look.

Red or Dead  Slaney Tulle Dress Was: £32.00 - NOW £10.00!

This dress is a little unusual but would be sure to turn heads! It's a unique piece perfect for parties and smart occasions and it's also quite fun! The seuqin, pearl and net textures mixed together still make it look quite classy too!

Red or Dead  Pinnie Dress Was: £35.00 - NOW £19.00!

I shoved this in my basket as soon as i saw it! I'm not sure what it is about the classic dungarees look but i absolutely love it and i couldn't resist! It's a perfect spring look that can definitely be taken into summer and even autumn if teamed with a long sleeved top or an added cardigan! This will definitely be my wardrobe staple!

So.. they're my picks and i hope some of them might give you some inspiration too!

Setting up a new tv..

Last week i spent almost 2 entire days trawling around Currys and PC World stores in search of the 'Perfect' tv..

My boyfriend has a little 'OCD' when it comes to buying electricals and since we wanted a tv of good quality, durability and that will be with us *fingers crossed* when we move out within the next 12 months.

Atlast we eventually found a Panasonic model: TXP42ST50B which is a Plasma 3D tv.

It was in the sale too and with the Currys website going down last weekend we were able to get an extra 5% off!

To be safe, we decided to purchase an Insurance policy called 'Anything Happens' which for the cost of £7.50 a month, we are covered for literally almost Anything that goes wrong.

After getting up on my alarm at 7am this morning due to delivery times (anytime between 7am-7pm!) i sat and waited for the arrival.. it was delivered at 3:30pm...

Now begins the task of putting it together... Along with my boyfriend... Hmm...

The box, was MASSIVE.. ridiculously big!

Next came the unwrapping...

That was the easy bit..

Now when it came to assembling the stand, using mini screws and the men's dreaded INSTRUCTION MANUAL..

Luckily, we did it Together and it worked out fine.. although i did accidently try to put the wrong screws in and wondered why they didn't fit!

OOPS!

But thankfully, down to some determination and well-practised patience it eventually all got set up.

The tv is bigger than we anticipated for the bedroom, but will look brilliant when we do move out.. it's like having a sort-of cinema screen!

Thankfully, i'm now typing this review as my boyfriend happily settles into his gaming (that thankfully works perfectly - even FIFA 13 has no lag!)