So last Sunday was Bonfire Night, which is personally one of my favourite things about the nights drawing in.

My family live on the outskirts of our village so we don’t have close neighbours so we had our own Bonfire Party.

My Dad built the bonfire and one of my sisters made our Guy Fawkes (complete with very historical curly wig and baseball cap).

One of my other sisters made us homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate flakes and hot salted caramel. This was quite possibly one of the best things I’ve ever had and it doesn’t matter what Costa or Starbucks have got on their Christmas menu, they won’t be able to make something as good as that.

Standing around in the freezing cold, wrapped up in warm hats and gloves while sipping a cup of this magical hot chocolate is what Bonfire Night is all about.

We lit the bonfire at 6pm and watched our Guy Fawkes go up in flames before having some fireworks.

Mum, Jared and I had been hard at work preparing Bonfire Party food to warm us up. We had baked potatoes with mango chutney curry, butternut squash and chorizo pizza, vegetable crisps, honey mustard sausage rolls and cheese straws. We made mulled cider to drink along with plenty of wine and beer. For pudding we made toffee apple crumble with salted caramel sauce and chocolate and marshmallow roasted bananas. 

I sadly didn't get a chance to take any pictures of the food as everyone was too busy scoffing it, but I'm sure you can imagine it.  

Some of the recipes we just made up, such as the crumble which I never use a recipe for and just do it by eye (and taste). However I've linked any recipes that I did use, or was inspired by in case you fancy making some of them yourself.

Everything was quick, easy and filling and crucially we prepped almost all of it the day before to make life easier.

It was a great evening spent with family, enjoying each others company and tasty food.

Did you celebrate Bonfire Night? Or make yourself some seasonal treats? Let me know!

20 Reasons to be excited for Autumn

Like every blogger in the world I am super excited that Autumn is just round the corner now we're in September. Without wanting to sound like a dick, I liked Autumn before it was cool and all about chunky knitwear and berry toned lipsticks. 

It's been my favourite season since childhood and people used to tell me I was weird for liking it better than summer. I suspect it's because I've always associated it with going back to school and the fresh start that it brings.  Like the true goody two shoes I am I've always loved school and got excited about going back to learn new things.

In some ways Autumn is sad because it's the end of the summer, but to me I've always seen it as more than just pretty coloured leaves. It represents wiping the slate clean, ready for a fresh start to be born come spring. I also secretly love the stark barren landscape of Wiltshire in the winter. It has it's own unique beauty to it that is masked by all the growth of the summer. 

So because blogger cliches are cliches for a reason here is why I am excited for Autumn to arrive!

1. Layers. All the layers. You're not really that British unless you have got more than one jumper on. You can whip out your chunky jumpers. Your fine knit ones. The oversized sweatshirts. And the fun doesn't stop at jumpers, your extensive cosy scarf collection comes out of hiding. Time to wear all. of. it. 

2. Being able to wear ankle boots with every outfit. Doesn't matter what the outfit is, a sassy black ankle boot with a mid heel will instantly improve it. 

3. No more shaving your legs. Or painting your toenails for that matter. Your razors can gather dust because those babies are not seeing the sun again until mid June at best. Let's face it, it's way too much effort anyway. 

4. Picking blackberries and making the world's sexiest blackberry and apple crumble with enough custard for the crumble to do laps in.

5. Making homemade jam, or going pumpkin picking, or whatever other wholesome venture your heart desires that can only be done properly at this time of year. 

6. Feeling no guilt whatsoever about spending your evening snuggled up watching Harry Potter because there is zero point in doing anything productive when it's already dark and raining.

7. Your extensive blanket, candle and fairy light collection is finally dusted off and put to good use again. 

8. Baking gingerbread to make your house smell warm and cosy. And because baking is a million times more fun with a hot cup of tea and a soothing cooking programme on while you wait for it to come out of the oven. 

9. Getting up early, making yourself a flask of steaming hot chocolate and taking yourself for a walk in the crisp air. 

10. Knowing that every Friday brings you not only the weekend, but that little bit closer to Christmas and all of the magic that December holds. 

11. Forget PSL (gross) it's all about the Spiced Apple tea. If you've never tried this then you need to, it's the most warming and comforting thing ever.

12. Sitting inside on a Sunday with a good book, listening to the rain outside.

13. Making the incredibly difficult decision of which one of your 487895521 winter coats you're going to wear to work today. 

14. Your biggest, fluffiest dressing gown can become your favourite item of clothing again.

15. Treating yourself to a new, fluffy pair of slippers because a girl has got to have warm tootsies at all times. 

16. Shepherd's pie, lasagna, toad in the hole, roast potatoes, gravy... you can stick your fancy summer salads and get back to the old school hearty basics.

17. Halloween and Bonfire night are just around the corner.

18. It's no longer so hot and sweaty that showers are all you can stand. A good long soak in the bath after a long day is just what you need. Preferably with candles, a good book and your favourite bubble bath.

19. Putting your wellies and a coat on and getting out of the house for a good walk to clear your head. Even if it's raining. 

20. The magic of the first proper frost. The cool crisp air, the way everything is really still early in the morning. How the landscape seems so unfamiliar. 

Are you sad the summer is over? Or are you secretly like me and prefer the subtle charm of Autumn and Winter? Let me know what you're looking forward to!

Exploring Wiltshire - Trip to Avebury

Ah Wiltshire. The glorious county that I am lucky enough to call home. After 4 long years in urban Southampton I am so relieved to be back in the countryside where I can actually breathe.
At the same time that I moved back here my boyfriend Jared also moved in with my family, which was a huge change but I have to admit I am surprised how well its going so far.

Despite being a country boy at heart Jared has grown up in the suburbs and is entirely new to Wiltshire and the many hidden delights it has to offer.

When most people think of Wiltshire's landmarks (and the UK as a whole) they often immediately think of Stonehenge. However as a local I find Stonehenge to be a tourist nightmare that I have seen so many times that it kind of makes me want to claw my eyes out.

So for Jared's first trip round Wiltshire we jumped in the car and drove the 45min to Avebury.
Less well known than Stonehenge and much larger, I've always preferred the freedom to explore at your own pace offered at Avebury.

The stone circle is not fully complete (but then neither is Stonehenge) as a lot of the stones have been pilfered to build the gorgeous old stone houses that are nearby. It is also free to visit and there are numerous walks you can do that connect Avebury to nearby attractions such as Silbury Hill and the East Kennet Long Barrow.

After merrily sailing past the car park and having to find somewhere to turn around a very kind Australian tourist gave us his all day parking ticket. The National Trust car park is free for members or £7 for a whole day. This seems steep  but contributes towards the maintenance of the site.

We wandered around the stones for an hour marvel ling at how ENORMOUS they are and how on earth anyone managed to move them in the first place.

The best thing about Avebury is that there are no tour guides, just signs that you can read at your leisure. As we went on a pretty overcast weekend at the beginning of October there was hardly anyone else there which is always pretty magical.

My parents used to take us to Avebury a lot when we were small as its a great day out for kids. There's lots of space for them to run around and let off steam and most of the other visitors were young families out for a cheap day out in the fresh air.

The village itself is actually set in the heart of the stone henge and after a chilly walk we headed to the local pub, the Red Lion for lunch. Warm and cosy with friendly staff we filled up on fish and chips and a toastie for less than £20 with drinks for both of us. The pub is considered to be the most haunted pub in Britain with an ancient well in its centre that has been converted into a table. There is said to be a female ghost that is seen entering and leaving from the well... Spooky.

It was such a lovely day out and it was really nice to revisit a place that I used to go often as a child.
If you're ever in Wiltshire and don't fancy forking out a fortune to visit Stonehenge then Avebury is well worth the trip as an alternative. 

Trip to Beer in Devon for Hannahs 21st

With the birthday girl

Spent this weekend on an amazing trip to Beer in Devon for my friends 21st.

Her extremely generous parents hired out a Youth Hostel for Hannah and her twin Abi's 21st party.

Set off on the train down there and after a bit of a struggle to find a taxi that ended up with Hannahs mum having to come and rescue us, we arrived!

At the beach

First things first, the town is actually called Beer. Makes me giggle just thinking about it. Also the youth hostel looks like a bloody manor house. Ive stayed in some pretty crappy youth hostels on geology field trips but this one was lovely.

Her parents cooked us delicious food, provided us with plenty of booze and left us to it. I had such a great time and after a night of heavy drinking and (sweaty) dancing her parents treated us to a hangover curing fry up. I have never been so happy to see bacon. After stuffing ourselves we headed down to the beach for some Geology nerding and to clear our heads before setting off home.

Massive thanks to Hannah and family for such a fabulous weekend. If you ever get the chance, check out Beer, it is the cutest little place.

Enjoy the pictures!

Its literally bloody Hogwarts

Doing some geology. LOL it looked pretty so I took a picture.

Such a cute little place!

I just wanted to go in all the little shops

If I had a beach hut I would want it to look like that

Halloween Madness!

Ok first of all, massive apoliges for neglecting this. But hey, I'm a new blogger, its allowed. I've been really busy but I thought I would do a quick series of posts for you on the main things I've been up over the past few weeks.

First of all lets start from where I left off: Halloween!

My flatmates and I hosted a witches tea party with spooky snacks and we had a few friends over before heading out for the night. Beforehand my flatmate Nicola took her turn to cook for us and made us a yummy spinach and ricotta cheesy pasta bake.

Nicola and I spent the night before tidying the house and making the snacks (mostly Nicola, I 'helped'). There was an unfortunate incident with the jelly when Nicola opened the fridge and the unset jelly fell out and went EVERYWHERE. Really gross and sticky but we managed to clean it up eventually.

Was such a fun night with everyone dressing up. I was a witch although my hat kept falling off my head and I lost it when we went out...

Had to get up horribly early the next morning to catch my train home as I needed to get my passport before my trip to Tenerife.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Picture kindly provided by Nicola :)

Outfit of the week

So I've decided to try something new this week and share with you an outfit that I have been wearing.

I absolutely love this dress and I wear it a lot, as its so relaxed and comfy. Also the loose fit hides any bloating. YAY!

This look is perfect for warmer Autumn days like we've been having lately but I will still be wearing it when it gets a bit colder but maybe with a big parker jacket instead.

I love this monochrome, slightly grunge look as its literally effortlessly elegant (I got ready in 15min this morning).

The boots and scarf add an autumnal feel and provide a bit of colour. I am in love with these boots at the moment and I'm wearing them with 98% of my outfits. They are just so bloody comfy and perfect.

The cardigan is something I've had since about 2007 (I'm that cool) and I've only recently rediscovered how awesome it is. It goes with everything and is great for layering and I plan on wearing it a lot more.


Dress- Topshop but old (Similar one here)
Scarf- Newlook but again old
Cardigan -Newlook (also old but similar one here)
Boots- Joe Browns £44.95
Lipstick- Clinique So Sweet £17.50

My new Autumn/Winter Lipsticks

Here are the three new lipsticks I've invested in for Autumn/Winter 2014. Best bit was I bought all three of these using my Boots points, so they were essentially free! How I love getting stuff for nothing. And I'm sure you guys are gonna love my make up free, just woke up face and bedhair. Enjoy that.

1. Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Rose Nu £21.50

I've struggled forever to find a nude lip colour that actually suits me and I've come to the conclusion that it's because my natural lip colour is quite pink so brown shades look weird me on me. I'm literally in love with this colour as its such a subtle pink you can wear it everywhere. Also its so silky and nourishing yet barely there. Its such a classy, timeless colour and instantly makes you look more polished and out together. So far I've worn it out for dinner, out shopping and to lectures. Still loving it!

2. Clinique Long Last Lipstick in So Sweet £17.50

I love Clinique make up as I think it gives you the quality of designer brands but at a slightly more affordable price. This is a lovely soft red and the warm colour makes it perfect for Autumn/Winter but it's still toned down enough to wear in the daytime which is a massive plus. I've worn it to lectures a few times and got several compliments on it.

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish in Starry Eyed £4.99

This is a different shade to what I would normally go for as with my olive skin I tend to buy a lot of red lipstick. I've been following this vampy lipstick trend for a while now and have recently found myself pinning quite a few on Pinterest  so I've decided to take the plunge and have gone for this warm, wine coloured one. The price is incredible and the colour lasts a long time and it's clearly perfect for the long dark nights ahead. Probably more of a night time lipstick (unless you're brave) and I wore it out last week. Only problem is its a bit drying but as it only cost a fiver I am not complaining.