My Wonderful Christmas

Christmas traditions have been the same in my house for as long as I can remember. Opening stockings, running downstairs to see the presents flooding the bottom of the tree, excitement to give and receive the thoughtful gifts. I woke up this Christmas morning with the same happiness, excitement and gratitude as each year before.   

I had been working full time for almost all the festive period. Seeing customers come and go each day, pleased and excited with their purchases for Christmas, telling me all about who their gifts were for, would brighten even the busiest days. Most people uttered their desire for Christmas to be over as soon as possible but my feelings couldn't be further from that. As busy as it has been, as stressful and tiring, working the festive season kept me buzzing and I'm sure many of you working in retail will admit this too!

My Christmas Day was spent with my Parents, Brother and Nana who came over for Christmas lunch and an afternoon of relaxing. We sat down at the decorated table with colourful paper hats and hungry stomachs to fill with delicious food. My Mum and Dad prepared their first Christmas roast together this year, normally we would visit my Grandparents' houses so it was nice to enjoy it in our dining room for a change. From turkey to roast potatoes, carrots to Yorkshires, it was the perfect meal to fit the festive fever everyone was feeling on this special day. I'm sure you will all agree that nothing beats a Christmas roast!

I have been so lucky this festive period, filled with the love of friends and family. I just wanted to write this little blog post to share the small aspects of the big day that make me so grateful to have such a wonderful family and everything that I enjoyed this Christmas. 

I hope each and every one of you shared an amazing Christmas with your loved ones, took the break you deserved and received presents that made you smile. Merry Christmas! 

- Becca x

♡

A Snowy New York City

Back in February, I was lucky enough to have the chance to visit one of the most amazing cities on the planet - New York City. After enough persuasion, my Media Studies teacher sorted everything out for a lucky few of us to travel over to the Big Apple for an experience of a lifetime. As one of the most memorable trips I will probably ever have, I wanted to share a few of my favourite moments and memories and the pictures that captured them all. I hope you enjoy!

The Rockefeller Centre

Having just got off a 7 hour flight and attempted to eat dinner, we made our way to the top of the Rockefeller Centre to see the beautiful city lit up before us. The view was absolutely incredible, the lights continued for miles and miles, the true size of New York so overwhelming in the best way possible - I couldn't believe I was seeing it with my own eyes! From left to right, skyscrapers rose to cover the night sky, the roads below laced with tiny cars. It's one of those experiences that can't even be described! Just standing and looking across the city was the perfect way to start the trip and sparked my excitement to explore each and every part possible in the few days I was able to.

Central Park

A snowy Central Park is another memory that will always stay with me. I was so excited to be able to visit somewhere I've seen in so many movies (as corny as it sounds). We walked through the park, laughing as we slipped on the icy paths, stunned at the beauty of the snowfall. Perfect blankets of snow covered the grass and painted the branches and lampposts. How wonderful it must be walk through there each and everyday. We watched those skating on the ice rink and the children playing in the snow with their families. It was so comforting to explore the natural beauty amongst the skyscrapers and roads. A calm amongst the busy city and a familiarity amongst the unknown. I can imagine Central Park is as great as it was all year round, but the snow-covered grounds just made it even more magical. I couldn't have asked for a better morning, enjoying a different side to the New York I had met at the top of the Rockefeller.  

 Times Square

The first time we visited Time Square, we had managed to get a bit lost and had to walk absolutely ages before we could say we were close. We studied our map, desperate to tell us we were close when we turned the corner to see that right in front of us was the Times Square we had been searching for. We stood in a row, our mouths gaped open, in shock at the amazing sight. Another tourist offered to take a picture for us (far right), saying we looked so excited to be there. He was right! The rows of shops, covered in bright lights and flashing screens. The busy atmosphere of happy shoppers and excited tourists. We didn't know where to start! We looked in all the different American shops, some that we can't get here in the UK and some just because it was Times Square, like M&M World. We walked up the steps to get a full view of the place and couldn't believe our eyes. 'We are actually in Times Square in New York City' I thought to myself over and over again. To be somewhere you hear so much about, see so much on TV and know you'd do anything to visit, to finally be there was one of the best things in the world and us girls shopped to our hearts content and loved each and every second we spent there.

The Statue of Liberty 

We managed to take a little trip on a boat to see The Statue of Liberty in all her glory. We never actually planned to do this so it was a little extra that was so much fun. It was amazing to see such a famous landmark in the flesh and hear and see all the excited people around me, pointing and gasping with excitement. We had so much fun on that little boat too, holding each other to mimic the scene in Titanic and laughing as we took pictures against the stunning canvas. One of the best things about the trip was the atmosphere. Being with a group of people all so excited to see the sights of New York City completed the already incredible memories.

I'd love to go back to New York City, I'm certain one day I will. Everything that made up the trip was perfect, we even got to visit a little diner for breakfast to complete the whole experience. My trip to New York made me realise to never push something out of mind. I've dreamed of going to New York and now I have! It would have been easy to let a fear of flying or visiting a different country put me off, but when would I get this chance again? If you ever get the chance to visit this beautiful city, don't say no! Thank you New York for being such an amazing host and leaving me with memories to last a lifetime. 

- Becca x

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Current Fave Five

I have been very absent from here recently, my time occupied predominately by work, and I really have missed writing on here! The whole reason I set this blog up was to continue my passion for writing and I really hope I can find more time at such a busy time to write a lot more than I have been! Due to the lack of posts, especially the Fave Five posts which I would normally write monthly, I have chosen to do a more generic version today, updating you on five things I am currently loving. Do read on and share with me what you have loved over the last few months!

Classic Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

A constant battle of mine is against dry and chapped lips. I have tried so many different products and brands to combat this, from Vaseline to Nivea, yet nothing I have ever used compares to this product. My Mum purchased the Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm for me about a month ago, the '#1 Pharmacist Recommended Lip Balm' standing out to her on the packaging. I had heard of it, but having tried the Cherry flavour before, wasn't really sold. I must admit the flavour of the Classic Carmex isn't something worth raving about, but the soothing and healing nature of the lip balm is incredible! It tingles your lips to let you know the product is working (something I did have to Google when first applying!) and it leaves my lips hydrated for hours before I have to reapply it. I, personally, would recommend this product to anyone who struggles with chapped lips like me. It used to cause me so much pain and I'd hate applying lip balm so often. They also have different flavours, so if you really can't tolerate the odd flavour of this (which, I guess, I have grown to like!), why not choose the cherry or even strawberry flavour! 

VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist

This next product I used to adore and was an absolute staple in my haircare routine. I strayed away from it a few years ago, but on a recent shopping spree, believed it a good idea to revisit it. The VO5 Miracle Mist is a life-saver for my frizz-prone hair. Just spraying a little on frizzy hair can immediately make your hair look more tamed and sleek and when used before blow-drying can make a real difference to the general appearance of your hair. Most products claim to work wonders but often require to be teamed up with lots of other products to make a great deal of difference. It doesn't matter what shampoo or conditioner you use, a little spray on dry hair is a quick and easy fix for frizz and flyaways. I don't know why I ever let this slip from my collection! This is a got-to, handbag product that does exactly what it says on the bottle and what's more, it smells gorgeous too! 

Poppy Shearing Trim Lace Up Ankle Boot in Tan

My third favourite is a fashion fave rather than the beauty products that normally control these posts. I recently saw these adorable little boots on Boohoo.com and completely fell in love. These boots are laced with a soft and cosy fury inside that flaps over the edge, complimented with little buckles. These are the perfect winter boots, keeping my feet nice and warm against the British weather and looking lovely with all my winter outfits. I think the tan brown is a shade that fits with any jeans, leggings or tights and I have already worn these boots with pretty much every outfit since I bought them! 

Radox Herbal Bath Soak Relax

Thanks to the chill in the air at this time of the year, I have been treating myself to more and more baths, the perfect way to relax after a busy day. The Radox Bath Soak in Relax is such a soft and gentle scent of Lavender and Waterlily and has been my favourite product to bubble my bath up with. I chose this over some of the other scents because it isn't floral or overpowering. Of course a scented bath is wonderful, but when all you can smell is a strong and powerful scent, it can be a little too overwhelming and distract from the bath you're trying to enjoy. Radox have formulated this particular bath soak to help relax your mind and ease stress, something I can very much agree with. Lavender can be a difficult scent to get right but I love this fragrance and how at ease it makes me feel, so, if you're feeling the stress at this time of the year, this would definitely be something I would recommend you give a go to treat yourself and enjoy a little pamper!

Finally, I couldn't write this without mentioning CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! Christmas is one of the best and most exciting times of the year and the fun begins with shopping for all your friends and family. I absolutely love choosing presents for all my loved ones. As a very sentimental person, I try to put a lot of thought and effort into my presents. I very often don't plan my shopping adventures and just stumble upon the perfect gifts, seeing something and thinking 'they would love that!'. With just a month until the big day, I am so pleased with all my gifts so far and can't wait to keep on shopping!

I hope you've enjoyed reading my current favourites and I'll try my hardest to keep on top of the blogging! 

- Becca x 

Classic Carmex Lip Balm Tube - RRP £2.69

VO5 Nourish My Shine Miracle Mist - RRP £4.39 (for 150ml)
Poppy Shearing Trim Lace Up Ankle Boot in Tan - £20 from Boohoo.com
Radox Herbal Bath Soak Relax - RRP £2.00 (for 500ml)

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A Day at Weymouth Sea Life Centre

On a recent holiday with my family to the lovely area of Dorset in the South of England, we spent a visit to the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, home to a range of aquatic animals. I must confess I am a huge animal lover and was more than excited to take a trip here, not only to enjoy the fascinating behaviour of each animal but also to admire the hard work the staff put in to help with the conservation of some species which the world could soon be saying 'goodbye' to.

From otters to eels, sharks to penguins, Weymouth's Sea Life Centre lets you get up close and personal with so many creatures and animals in fun and exciting ways. I had been here before but I was much younger and on my second arrival couldn't really remember any features. What's more, we'd chosen to go during term time which meant we didn't have to push through waves of people to get a glimpse of our favourite animals.

The underwater tunnel is something I had faded memories of and one of the best parts of the whole day. The tunnel allows you to walk underneath a giant tank full of swift sharks, beautiful and colourful fish and gracious sea turtles. It was such an incredible experience to be surrounded by the hundreds of different creatures - it almost felt as if you were in the tank too! Everywhere you looked, there was something interesting to watch. The way the sea turtles bob in the water with such grace or the the way the clusters of fish shimmer in the spotlights. I found it such a calming experience to lose myself in the creatures around me.

Another part of the day that I personally loved was our visit to the penguin habitat. Anyone who knows me knows I'm mad about penguins so I had to restrain from squealing upon arrival. This visit was different to any I had experienced in any zoo though, and in the best way too! The penguins were perched on the rocks right by where we were stood. This meant I could see every tiny detail all over their little faces and bodies. It was also adorable how the Centre had specified which couples were together, referencing the coloured armbands they wore to match them up. I feel like this added a cute and exciting feature to the experience and I could see all the other children matching up the penguins as they watched.

The one thing I can't appreciate enough is all the work that the members of staff at the Sea Life Centre do for the animals in terms of conservation and protection. It's no secret that more and more sea life creatures are becoming endangered due to fishing, poaching and pollution. The ways the staff recognise this and tell visitors of their breeding programmes and conservation schemes boasts the importance of supporting and understanding why and how these are so important. The visit was not only fun and enjoyable, but educational. I learnt surprising facts that definitely changed my perception on the protection and conservation of endangered species. Did you know that less that 10 people are killed by sharks each year, but 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year? Shocking facts like this really made me appreciate the wildlife around me and feel proud to be supporting such a great cause through my visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed my day here and would definitely recommend a visit to anyone and everyone. Whether you're an adult, child, grandparent or family, the experience at the Weymouth Sea Life Centre was so enjoyable and even now I desperately want to go back! There are Sea Life Centres dotted all over the country including London, Blackpool and Brighton so, even if Weymouth is particularly out of reach for you, I'm sure a local Sea Life Centre would be happy to have you. For more details visit: http://www.visitsealife.com/

I took lots of little videos throughout the day and have edited them into a short and sweet video to show some of my favourite parts of the day! Take a look below!

Thank you for reading and maybe I've even encouraged you to visit!

- Becca x

P.S My blogging hat is most definitely back on again! Due to work and the holiday I had away without my laptop, my blog has desperately lacked in posts. I have some exciting ones on the way and am excited to be able to start writing again!

♡

The Best Summer with The Best People

From picnics to parties, time with family and time with friends (captured in my little edit above!), my summer was packed full of good times and great memories. It's sad to think the majority of my friends are now packing their bags, ready to set off to University; a lot of them are already there too. It didn't quite kick in until our goodbye drinks last Thursday that the next year will be so very different to any before. I definitely welled up giving the final hugs 'goodbye' to friends I wouldn't see for at least a couple of months. I'll try my hardest to visit them all but with my new jobs and busy times approaching, it'll be difficult to squeeze it all in.

I'm feeling quite bitter-sweet. As happy as I am with my summer and as excited as I am for all my friends to start this new chapter in their lives, I feel like I'll miss them even more. Because my life is staying the same, I feel like I'll notice their absence even more. I couldn't possibly ask for a better group of friends though and have made some memories for life over this summer.  

Some of my favourite moments were my Camping Holiday with my best friend Hannah in the New Forest (I've written a blog post all about that here!). It was so nice to escape and have a little adventure with just the two of us, something I really hope to do again soon. I also had so much fun at a 'slip and slide' BBQ with everyone. We covered my friend's trampoline in washing up liquid and water (see the picture at the top left!) and spent an afternoon sliding around and into each other. I completely underestimated how difficult it would be to stand up! What I loved especially about that day was how carefree we were. No thinking about Uni. No thinking about the future. All we did was mess about and have fun, enjoying each others' company and laughing until our stomachs hurt. 

I want to wish all my friends the best of luck at Uni. It'll be crazy and it'll be stressful, but it's all part of life. I can't wait to hear all their stories and, maybe, I'll even have a few of my own to tell them when they get back. Until then, thanks for the best summer guys and here's to the next! 

- Becca x

♡

Fave Five: August 2014

I did quite a bit of shopping this month and bought some new things that I have absolutely loved. This is quite a beauty-heavy Fave Five as I've discovered/re-discovered some gems this month! So, let's get started!

I have had quite a few big changes in my life recently. I have begun not 1, but 2 part-time jobs to raise funds to support my university life and studies. This has meant my weeks have become far busier and are moving along much quicker than I thought. This has been quite overwhelming and stressful at times but also enjoyable at others and it's exciting to think I'm now starting a completely new chapter of my life.

Superdrug Face Masks

The first product to feature in this month's Fave Five is something I have not used for a while but I am so happy to have re-discovered over the current period where 'me time' isn't exactly abundant. Face masks are one of the best ways to pamper yourself and relax while also making your skin look and feel great. I picked up a selection of the Superdrug face mask packets like the two pictured above. These are cheap and easy to apply and have left my skin soothed, as well as given me a chance to take a break and relax. You can find different masks that seek to achieve different goals, such as de-stressing or even anti-ageing. Each are packed with vitamins and extracts to help you put your feet up for a bit and give your skin the pampering it deserves! If I ever need a little break, I will definitely reach for these again and, even better, check Superdrug for these are always on little offers!

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious

My second favourite I have actually already reviewed in a blog post on it's own, and that is the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious. It, of course, deserved a mention in this Fave Five for there has probably only been collectively 4 days in the entire month when I haven't actually used it! I used my previous mascara the other day as I was in a rush and the difference is so incredible, it made me love it even more. My lashes are not only long and fluttery but also look so much fuller than before. I think I probably spend the most time out of all my make-up on my lashes as they can add so much to an eye look. This mascara effortlessly lengthens and thickens my lashes - very noticeably as well as I've received many compliments! What's more, thanks to the waterproof formula that I picked up (it is also available as standard, non-waterproof mascara), it stays all day, not smudging below my eyes or losing it's amazing look. I would really recommend this to anyone who is searching for that perfect mascara to primarily lengthen their lashes but also add a touch of volume for a price not too over-budget for the great quality!

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms

Next is another product by Revlon and one that I didn't intend on buying but, am so glad I have now! My mum was on the search for some new lipsticks and we stumbled upon the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. Like a pen, these lip colours are easy to apply and have a wide variety of vivid and beautiful colours. The effect is much deeper and vibrant compared to the Colorburst Lip Butters which I also own and are perfect for a quick and easy bright lip look that lasts well. I first wore this on a night out with my friends and was surprised to see how well it stayed put the whole night. The two colours I picked up were Flirtatious, a bright and deep red, and Whimsical, a glittery purple. Both shades are glamorous and glittery, although I find the glitter a lot more prominent in the purple shade. I adore the richness of both the colours and, now that I am adventuring into different lip colours rather than staying in the comfort zone of my lip balms and nude lip glosses, I am so excited to continue wearing both these gorgeous lipsticks. Another bonus is the balm aspect makes sure my lips don't become dry over the course of the day!

Collection 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

Some of you might be surprised to read that, although I am a self-confessed beauty and make-up fanatic, I have always stayed clear of liquid eye liner. On an everyday basis, I sport khol pencil liner and have been too scared to attempt liquid eye liner. Constant complaints of the difficulty is what essentially put me off liquid eye liner, as I didn't want to spend hours trying to get both 'wings' to match. When on holiday, however, I didn't take any make-up apart from mascara and pressed powder and so, borrowed the eye liner that Hannah had brought. She had been using the Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner. I was surprised at how quickly I got the hang of applying this liner that is basically a felt tip pen, and the similarity to my familiar pencil liner. I purchased it myself when we got back and, even though I wasn't too adventurous on holiday, I have attempted a few different looks over this past month and have actually really enjoyed using it (something I never thought I would say about a liquid eye liner!). I haven't myself worn it for 24 hours to test that aspect of it, but it does stay put all day and looks really nice on the eye. I would definitely recommend this to rookies like myself and one of the best parts is the price at only £2.99!

Finally is a music feature and something I'm sure most of you are already aware of! I have been a fan of Ed Sheeran for absolutely ages and am in love with his voice and style of music. I was so excited to hear his new album X and must admit it has been constantly playing over the past month. I just love the feel good and happy vibes his music has given to my summer and how his wonderful songs have accompanied the good times I've spent with friends. My favourite songs are Don't, Thinking Out Loud and Bloodstream but, every single track is amazing and truly boasts the talent of Ed Sheeran. If you haven't given his album a listen, it's a definite must and you might end up obsessing like I have been the last month!

That's all this month! What have you loved through August? I hope you all had a wonderful and memorable summer!

- Becca x

Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (For 15ml Packet)
Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - RRP £7.99
Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99 
X By Ed Sheeran - RRP £8.99/£10.99 (For Deluxe Edition) on iTunes or RRP £8.99/£12.99 (For Deluxe Edition) as Physical Copy

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ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

I'm sure you will have all heard of, maybe even participated in, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, something that has been floating around the world of social media for a while now and, it was finally time for me to take part after my friend Natalie nominated me!

If you're unaware of what the challenge is, you have 24 hours after being nominated by someone else to fill a bucket with water and ice and pour this over yourself, or have someone help do it to you! It's a fun challenge that many celebrities have taken part in too, but it's all to bring awareness to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. This affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Due to the fact symptoms of ALS include feeling numb, the 'Ice Bucket Challenge' was created as a way to simulate this effect for the participants to bring awareness to the disease. Each participant must also donate money to the cause!

I think this idea is brilliant and not only fun, but a great way to raise money for such a worth while cause that affects so many people around the world. I was more than happy to do the challenge as well as donate. So, here's the video of my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge! (Thanks go to my Dad for throwing the water on me!)

Have you done the Ice Bucket Challenge yet?

- Becca x 

For more information visit: http://www.alsa.org/ 

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Review: Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara By Grow Luscious

I naturally have long lashes so generally, when it comes to buying mascara, I tend to opt for cheaper options as I never found that it matters. There are a few negatives with cheaper mascaras though such as it tends to be more clumpy and maybe not look or apply as nicely as a more expensive or better brand of mascara would. When I received a No.7 mascara as a gift, I was immediately aware of the difference from this to my normal cheap mascaras and was encouraged to branch out and try a few different brands including Revlon, one that has now become one of my favourites. 

As the days of summer began, I knew a necessity would be a waterproof mascara, as well as a decent mascara in general that I could use on an everyday as mine was drying up. I picked up the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara in an offer and couldn't wait to try it out. 

The first time I used it, I was actually heading off to a BBQ and 'slip and slide' party with my friends - something that would involve water fights, sliding around on a soapy trampoline and just generally getting soaked! What better way to test the 'waterproof' label on this mascara, I thought. After a fun day, I checked to see if the mascara had stayed put and I was very happy. It had worked great considering all what we had been doing that day involving water and hadn't smudged or flaked off onto my face. 

What's more it does a great job of making lashes appear really fluttery and long. I wouldn't say it gives a great deal of volume to the lashes, something it does boast on the label, but for length it is great and I have since used it everyday! The brush itself is a real brush, not a plastic applicator, something I admit to using often through purchasing cheaper mascaras. I really like how easy it applies onto the lashes and the product isn't at all clumpy, in my opinion. 

Overall, I am really happy I picked up this mascara. It has definitely persuaded me that it's sometimes better to go for quality over price and hopefully, I'll branch out and treat myself and discover a few more makeup treasures. Even if you're not looking for a waterproof mascara, the normal Revlon Lash Potion Mascara can still be found for the same price! I would definitley recommend this for the wonders it does with length and for how it doesn't smudge or run, even on a day-to-day basis. (Look how pretty the packaging is too! Maybe not something you keep in mind when purchasing mascara but it had to be said!)

- Becca x 

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara By Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99 

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Meatball Subs Recipe!

After seeing a picture in a magazine, I was quick to decide that 'Meatball Subs' was definitely something I needed to make - or at least try to! I don't honestly do a lot of cooking apart from the odd easy meal like pasta. My skills mainly lie in the culinary art of microwaving. Yet, I was won over by how tasty these subs looked and, with the help of my Dad, made this delicious dinner!

INGREDIENTS 

• 750g packet of Minced Beef  [*NOTE* This made us 24 meatballs, so 6 each for a family of four. A 500g packet will make around 12 meatballs if you are serving fewer people or want less meatballs for your subs!]
• Jar of Bolognese Sauce [*NOTE* You will not need a whole jar!] 
• Two Small Tiger Baguettes
• Mixed Herbs Seasoning 
• Salt and Pepper Seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Grated Cheese 

Serves: 4

RECIPE

1. Take your Minced Beef out of the packet and put into a large bowl. Separate it using your fingers.

2. Add your preference of mixed herbs, pepper and salt and mix this in using your fingers again. You could also add other ingredients to your meatballs like onion or chilli but we stuck with just simple seasoning on our first attempt! 

3. Make your meatballs by picking up some of the mince and squeezing and compressing it (so that they don't fall apart) before rolling it into little balls. Make sure your balls aren't too big and thick otherwise they may not cook completely through. 

4. Add olive oil to the pan and heat this up. Make sure there is quite a lot of oil in your pan/s, I recommend about 1tbsp. 

5. Once the oil is hot, begin to place your meatballs in the pan. We didn't have enough room in one pan for all the meatballs so had to use two! WARNING: Be careful, the oil does spit! 

6. Once all the meatballs are in the pan/s, turn them over to the other side and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Keep turning the meatballs in this time to ensure all sides that look pink become brown!

7. After the 10 minutes of cooking, add a little of the bolgonese sauce, enough to coat and flavour them all - not the whole jar otherwise the subs will become too soggy. 

8. Allow the meatballs to simmer gently in this sauce for a few minutes. 

9. While the meatballs cook in the sauce, cut your Tiger Baguettes in half widthways so that you have 4 subs. Cut these in half again although not all the way through this time!

10. Turn the heat off the meatballs and begin to load your sub with the balls. You can do this however you want - I chose to line mine up like in the middle picture above! Sprinkle with some grated cheese and you're ready to eat! 

And that's it! Make sure you have a piece of kitchen towel or napkin handy when eating these subs as it can be messy! That's all part of it though and I am so glad we chose to make these and will definitely be trying them again. Although it's not the healthiest recipe on the internet, you can of course substitute some of the ingredients to make it on the healthy side for example using Quorn or other meat alternatives instead of the beef or even just adding vegetables if you want to. I really hope some of you give this a go, it's definitely something I'll take with me to University as an easy and delicious meal as well as continue making it at home with my family!

Bon Appétit!

- Becca x

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Fave Five: July 2014

Nude Lips

The first of my favourites for this month isn't so much a product but more of a 'look' that I've loved wearing. If you've read my last Fave Five (click here if you haven't!), you'll know that I hav ealways been quite shy of wearing colour on my lips and am always trying reaching to just a boring lip balm over a lip stick. I must say I've made a lot of progress with this and have often sported my new Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter down the town or out with friends. Although I have been wearing colour on my lips a lot more often, it hasn't meant that every outfit or every occasion suits the limited lipsticks in my make-up collection. I recently retrieved a palette that I haven't really used at all yet which included this nude lip gloss above. I instantly feel in love as soon as a put it on. It also sent me back to my mid teens when all my friends and I were obsessed with lip gloss like this one because, of course, we weren't allowed to wear make-up. What I love the most about this is the subtle shine and shimmer it gives to your lips without adding a colour too intense. It's perfect for not only everyday but also much more dressy occasion when you have perhaps much more dark or dramatic eye make-up, something you don't want to lose behind a bright lipstick. Overall, I have been wearing this beautiful nude lip gloss so much over the last month, this specific one from a limited edition palette I received as a gift from Marks & Spencers so I do believe it isn't available any more! There are so many gorgeous nude lip glosses and lip sticks available for a range of prices from Boots or Superdrug however which I will definitely seek to discover once this has run out!

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

Having read both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire last year, I couldn't wait to read the final conclusion to the trilogy - Mockingjay. With the reading I have been doing for my school courses, I had been too busy to start this until now. I'm only about half way through the book so far but I am really enjoying the storyline. I love Suzanne Collins' writing and the depth of description she portrays in each novel. The character of Katniss is also an aspect which encourages me to pick up the book each day and it's so interesting reading how the events unfold from her perspective. I can't wait to read further and discover how the book, and the events built in the previous books, end! 

NYC Nail Varnish in Midtown

Painting my nails is something I have very much missed since becoming so occupied with my studies. I find it so relaxing and love spending time choosing colours and creating cute little designs. I've recently been redesigning my nail varnish storage and sorting through the many nail polishes I own that are way past their expiration date! While my nail polishes were away as I created their new home, I borrowed this shimmery pink from my Mum. I instantly fell in love with the colour and knew this would most definitely be one of my favourite things to wear on my nails over the summer. Clothes wise, I wear alot of monochrome but also a lot of pink, so this colour could compliment nearly any outfit. This nail polish, by New York Color, is a stunning bright pink with shimmer running through it to give it a glossy and glamorous edge. I'm known to go bold with my nail colours so this colour was right up my street and steered away from the plain, block colours I have opted for recently. This exact shade is Midtown and as it was purchased a while ago I'm not sure it is still available. I must say however, that I am rather impressed by the brand NYC, as the quality is rather decent for the really cheap price at which these polishes can be purchased. If this colour isn't still available, I would definitely recommend exploring the NYC collection for similar colours or just others that scream summer like this one does (and for half the price of most other brands)!  

Nivea Moisturising After Sun Lotion

My skin is fair, very fair in fact, so sun burn is always something I seem to struggle with as the summer months begin and the sun starts to make an appearance. Therefore, I often seem to strongly rely on an 'after sun' to apply after I have spent long periods of time outside. I had been using this one by Nivea prior to my holiday and to that point, it has soothed and calmed the little sunburn I had attracted. When it came to my camping trip in mid-July, I was fairly confident that either I wouldn't need 'after sun', what with all the sun cream I would be a applying, or that Hannah would bring it instead. I was soon to find out she didn't bring any either. Yet, on the second day of our holiday, having gone kayaking at midday, our legs exposed by our shorts and soaked from the sea, we soon came to realise how sunburnt we had become on our legs. I must say this was probably the worst sunburn I have ever experienced, it literally felt like our legs were physically burning. We were quick to run to the local store and buy some of this, Nivea's Moisturising After Sun Lotion, to apply. I was so pleased at how quickly it seemed to cool the burning sensation and although we were still experiencing pain, it was a lot more bearable and the next morning, we could already notice how much of a difference the lotion had made at soothing and fading the burn. After the week or so of using the product, the burn had completely faded into a lovely tan without any peeling. This is quite an odd product to feature in my Fave Five but I had to give it a place after having saved us while on holiday and benefited my skin greatly since!

Camping Holiday with Han

Finally, my favourite thing for the month of July was the holiday I spent with my best friend Hannah. We ventured to The New Forest for 4 days, to camp and explore the surroundings all by ourselves. It wasn't exactly the crazy clubbing experience most teenagers dream of when they finish their exams but I wouldn't have changed a single thing! It was the most fun I've had and we spent the whole trip being silly and laughing. I have written a whole blog post on my holiday: CLICK HERE to read it! Above is a collection of photos from the trip which I love! 

That's all for this month! I can't wait to see what things will be in my top 5 next month, so, until then!

- Becca x

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - RRP £7.99 

New York Color Nail Varnish in Midtown - RRP £1.79 (For the NYC Minute Nail Varnish Collection) 

Nivea Moisturising After Sun Lotion - RRP £10.00 (For 400ml)

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Camping Holiday in The New Forest

Between the 14th and 17th of July, my best friend Hannah and I travelled to the New Forest, a National Park located in southern England, where we were set to camp and explore. It was amazing experience to travel without our parents and families, doing everything on our own and escaping just us two. As I mentioned in my 'This Summer' blog post, we literally had nothing planned, the whole trip would be one big spontaneous idea each day, which I guess didn't really hit home until the night before as I tried to scrape together a bag full of necessities not sure what I might be lacking or not even need.  

DAY 1

We arrived at the campsite in the morning of the 14th. We'd chosen to stay next to the little village of Ashurst, where there were plenty of services in case we needed anything and was a mere 2 miles from Lyndhurst, deemed to be the 'capital' of the New Forest. The campsite was really nice, luckily we'd picked to visit out of peak season so it wasn't too crowded and the staff were very friendly and welcomed us onto the site. The New Forest is famous for its animals that roam freely through the National Park, especially the beautiful New Forest Ponies, many of which wandered happily through the campsite, as Hannah shows in the picture above. We pitched the tent before adventuring off for our first insight into the New Forest environment for a picnic. We came across a stunning woodland which featured not only the famous ponies but also deer and cattle, enjoying the summer weather just as much as we were. The afternoon was very relaxed as we continued on exploring further into the woods. We came across wonderful fields full of life, igniting our excitement to further explore the New Forest over the coming days. We headed back, enjoyed dinner at the local pub 'The Happy Cheese' before settling in for an early night in preparation for the following day.

DAY 2

The night before our second day, Hannah and I had picked up as many leaflets as we could carry to see what we could plan for the next day. After discovering a 'New Forest Tour Bus' with 3 different routes, we settled on seeing where that could take us and what we could do. We caught it early morning, travelling via the 'Green Route' stopping in Brockenhurst, Lymington and Beaulieu. When stopped off in Brockenhurst, we phoned through to a place where you could hire kayaks in Lymington to find out the prices. We then decided we should go for it, without having ever kayaked before or wearing any of the right clothing to do so. We arrived in Lymington and made our way to the quay, where we were set to kayak, or at least try to! After being suited up in our life jackets and mistaking 'dry bag' to be some sort of sophisticated jargon (but literally meaning a bag for our belongings) - the man who helped and served us was most probably awfully worried for us by this point -  we made our way to the water, filled with excitement and nerves. We were both surprised how easy kayaking was and after a little practice we became more and more confident and our two hour adventure began. I am so glad we chose to do kayaking. I must admit, I was nervous and knowing we had no knowledge or experience with kayaking, I was terrified we'd fall out or something, especially knowing our luck! It was so much fun though and I would really recommend it to anyone up for a laugh and adventure with their friends or family! After this, we were quite happy to relax by the river in Beaulieu Village. This was a nice conclusion to a packed day, along with a nice meal at 'The Forest Inn' after which we fell asleep, pretty worn out and sunburnt from all our activities!

*Disclaimer* The animals we petted and took pictures with in the New Forest, we approached with caution and as soon as we saw they were comfortable, went on to pet them. They did not react negatively or appear unhappy when we did so. We didn't do this for every animal we came across and are well aware that some of the animals in the New Forest aren't as comfortable with human interaction as others. Also, although it looks like it in the picture above, I assure you I was not feeding the donkey!

DAY 3

On our third day, we decided to hire bikes locally in Ashurst, something we were certain we wanted to do from first planning the holiday. We cycled the two mile trip to Lyndhurst, the unofficial 'capital' of the New Forest, and upon arrival, were eager to explore the town and environment around. We first greeted a few animals that relaxed by the gates, who gave us a warm welcome into the surrounding land, filled with nature and beauty as far as the eye could see. Shortly after, we made our way down the high street. Lyndhurst boasts lots of cute and quirky shops, as well as a large variety of cafés selling delicious 'New Forest Ice Cream', an absolute must when you visit of course! After enjoying a short exploration of the local shops, a peaceful lunch in the solitude of the open countryside and befriending a couple of adorable donkeys, we headed off for what would be the longest bike ride I've ever experienced. We'd bought a cycle map in the morning and chose a route near Lyndhurst, but also with lots of different options for where to go. We cycled along the path through the woods, our eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any wildlife. It was so peaceful to cycle through this part of the New Forest, away from the roads and busy tourist spots to simply enjoy the area and beauty within it. We caught sight of buzzards and deer on our adventure while having fun cycling up and down hills - although we are guilty of walking up most of the hills, especially towards the end! - and along the paths under the summer sun. Four hours later, at about 9pm, we finally made it back to Ashurst to return our bikes and placed a rather large order at the local Fish and Chips shop, hungry and thoroughly worn out from our trip in and around Lyndhurst.

DAY 4

We woke bright and early on our final day to give us enough time to put the tent down, pack all our things away as well as get ready for the day we still had planned. Once we'd cleared everything, we said our final goodbyes to the campsite, that had treated us well for the past couple nights, and the ponies, that had kept us company - one even poked their head into our tent that morning! We planned to visit 'Longdown Activity Farm' for the day, where you have the chance to feed and hold lots of different farm animals. The farm was quite small but there was so much to do. We got to see so many cute animals that were roaming around in the lush weather. It was quite funny how we were seemingly the oldest people there that didn't have children! It was such a fun experience though; I love animals and it was so nice to just spend a day watching all the cute pigs, little ducklings and adorable donkeys happy and doing what they do best. We also saw the smallest and sweetest baby guinea pigs, something I've never seen before, running around in their little pen - trust me, it was far more exciting than it sounds. All in all, the day was much more relaxed and not as jam-packed as the rest, which was definitely for the best as we were quite worn out by this point. We still had a lot of fun at the farm, feeding the animals, bouncing on the trampolines and just acting like big kids for the day! We the made our final trip to the local pub for a refreshing cold drink to cool us down before making our way back home, having had one of the best times ever. 

This little holiday was one I won't forget. If I had to choose one word to sum it up, it would be hilarious! I had so much fun with my best friend and it was a great experience to not only have the chance to choose whatever we wanted to do but also decide it all spontaneously! I really hope I get the opportunity to do something like this again and would recommend each and every thing we did to anyone wanting to get away and explore the New Forest!  

- Becca x

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25 Things To Do This Summer | #4 Summer Bike Ride

Edited using Pixlr-o-matic

I used to love riding my bike but, since falling off several years ago, I was too scared to pick up a bike and go cycling again. I didn't even have a bike to encourage me to face my fear and do the activity that I used to love so much. When my friends invited me out on cycle rides, my excuses merely related to my lack of owning a bike than my lack of confidence. A friend of my Nana's had given her a bike that she bought but just hadn't used, asking her to give it a new home. With a positive frame of mind, the bike soon became mine and I was excited to take it out for a ride once exams had finished and summer had begun.

My best friend loves going out on cycle rides and phoned me up a few days ago, asking if I wanted to join her. No excuses now, I thought. I accepted, not only because I was excited to ride a bike again but also to tick the first thing off my 25 Things To Do This Summer list. We set out one afternoon, unsure of what we would uncover on this little adventure.

We cycle down a local cycle track, continued through a housing estate and onto another cycle track. We then faced an overgrown footpath that seemed to take hours to navigate. The nettles hung over the path and, as Hannah cycled on ahead, I could barely see her through all the green leaves that hindered our cycling. Although slightly scary and overwhelming, particularly for me having just reclaimed my confidence on a bike, the end result was worth it. We discovered a little field, littered with sheep and a beautiful river. It was so peaceful to sit there and watch the animals, the soothing sound of the running water a perfect accompaniment for the scenery.

It was so nice to spend a day trying something new. Although I started shaky, I never realised how much I had missed cycle rides and just going on an adventure to see where you end up. Today, we're so focused around technology, sitting on our laptops and smartphones, oblivious to the simple activities with which we can still have a great time. If I've learnt anything from this little outing it's that, although it's easy to stay in your own comfort zone and stick to the things you know you enjoy, taking up an old hobby might surprise you and open up a new window of experiences, even if it's just for a day.

So, when's the last time you did something for the first time?

- Becca x

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Fave Five: May & June 2014

Due to revision and exams, I didn't have enough (or enough to talk about) for a Fave Five at the end of May. So, this post will be featuring five things I've enjoyed over the past two months, rather than just one. So, here we go!

My first favourite is something I have been addicted to over the last couple of months. It is a website and app called The Hunt. I first heard about it through watching one of Tyler Oakley's videos and the concept immediately appealed to me. For those who aren't familiar with The Hunt, it is an easy way to find clothes, make-up or other items that you've seen someone wear or you've seen in a Youtube video, for example, but aren't sure where you would be able to purchase the product yourself. The online community help you find the products you're hunting for and likewise, you can help them! I am constantly taking pictures of the TV or of my favourite Youtubers when I see an outfit I love and this site has helped me to find and discover so many items exactly the same or similar to those I am hunting for! I have really enjoyed how quick and easy it is to upload a picture as well as the freedom given to all the members to help one another. I must say I've contributed to more hunts than I have actually started but that's what makes this website so great, the fact you can help others too! I would truly encourage anyone who loves fashion, shopping and styling to give The Hunt a try through either the website or the free app from the App Store!
Click here to give my profile on The Hunt a look and feel free to follow to see my future hunts! 

Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner

This next product was a gift I received from my lovely friend Katie. We had both been discussing what different beauty and skincare products we really wanted to try and start using and, after mentioning how I would be very interested in experimenting with a facial toner, Katie gave this to me to see what it was like. On first opening the lid of the product, I could smell just how strong it was and I should admit that to start, I was a little scared to use a product that seemed so strong on my skin which is fairly sensitive. This being said, I am now, and have been for the last couple of weeks, using this cleanser and toner 3 or 4 times a week without fail. My skin felt so soft, smooth and clean after using this for the first time and I was blown away by the exceptional results that appeared almost straight away! This product does everything it says it will and it was incredible to see just how much make-up and dirt isn't actually removed when you take it all off at night. I also found this Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner to help reduce redness, blemishes and possibly scarring from spots. My skin was beginning to pay the price for the increased temperature and humidity levels that the summer time welcomes as I was experiencing a few more spots than I was used to. I believe using this, however, really helped to make my skin feel fresh and completely cleansed and I am so glad I started using it. What's more, it isn't at all expensive and, in my opinion, worth every penny! I do wish I had started using a facial toner earlier than I did and would recommend that it is incorporated into your skincare routines because the benefits are incredible! I would suggest, however, that those of you with very sensitive skin to opt for a product not so intense and strong such as the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, of which I am also a fan!

Lace Frill Socks

 This next Fave Five item is rather different but nonetheless something I have loved as we roll into the summery weather. I picked up this pair of frilly lace socks (as well as a pair in white) from Primark a while ago. I thought they looked really cute and reminded me of my childhood when I used to wear my little frilly socks to Primary School. For the many months that followed this purchase I never wore the socks at all. I guess I was just not sure what to pair them with. However recently, teamed with a pair of hightops, these socks have been some of my favourite things to wear to make me feel really cute and summery. I have loved wearing these with the hightops with just the little frill peeking out over the top but believe they would look just as adorable with a pair of brogues or boots and I am excited to try different fashion combinations this summer. I have also received lots of compliments from friends, asking where I bought my little socks. Although I picked mine up, rather cheaply I must add, from Primark, I am sure they are available from a variety of other highstreet shops including New Look and Topshop and are available in all different colours too!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

I have seen a lot of praise for these little lip butters from Revlon and had intended on buying at least one when I had the time to venture into Boots. So, once my exams were finished, I picked up this Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in the colour Strawberry Shortcake which is a cute pink colour. One of the things I love about these lip butters is the wide choice of colours they have available which in turn, encouraged me to spend about 30 mins deciding which colour to get. I never tend to wear any colour on my lips and am quite happy with just lip balm to make sure my lips stay hydrated. Yet, I really want to start wearing lipsticks and lip glosses that give my lips some colour and appear to dress me up a bit more. I wear a lot of pink as well as a lot of monochrome so I thought this colour was perfect. What's more, it's not too vibrant or shocking for my first proper taste of lipstick and could easily be worn on a daily basis, which I love. This pretty light pink colour also compliments my very fair skin complexion and applies really well onto my lips. These soft lip butters are beautiful and I would recommend them to anyone who wants a pretty lip colour without the strong intensity of a lipstick, something I was very scared about! Knowing I'd never really worn lipstick, I was scared that something like this wouldn't suit me and might be a waste of money but I was really pleasantly surprised and have worn this product almost every time I've gone out since I bought it, even if it's just down town!

Sandals from BHS

I am absolutely in LOVE with this final item of Fave Five. I have never really owned a pair of sandals which, as shocking as it sounds, just makes this purchase even more exciting. I knew that this summer would be a special one and I would be going out and doing a lot more things with my friends, so why not look the part too? When looking for a pair of sandals, I was in the position of knowing exactly what I wanted and not prepared to settle for something that didn't meet those requirements. I visited a lot of shops on many different shopping trips and found a few pairs, but nothing that caught my eye like these did in BHS. The colour is a soft tan and the little gold details make these sandals look really pretty. The colour is also something that could be teamed with almost any outfit. I really love that the buckles fasten above the ankle and the shape fits my small and narrow feet! Overall, I just love these sandals and I really don't think I can say any more to tell you that! I'm so glad I found this pair and can't wait to wear them this summer.

Hope you've enjoyed reading about my favourites for the past 2 months. The theme was very summery and hopefully you'll be inspired to try some of the things I've mentioned and will love them too! See you soon!

-Becca x

The Hunt - https://www.thehunt.com/
Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner - RRP £3.29 (for 200ml)
Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner - RRP £2.99 (for 200ml)
Frilly Lace Socks - £1.50 (for 1 pair) from Primark
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake - RRP £7.99
Tan Sandals - RRP £20 from BHS

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