Blue vintage rose nail art

A few weeks back I did a similar post with a blue and pink vintage rose look and I loved it so much I decided to do a blue version as nearly all my clothes are blue!

Step 1: paint your nails with two coats of a opaque white polish, I used gallery colours in shade white lightening.

Step 2: once the white has dried make 2 or 3 splodges (very technical I know, just very rough circles) with pale blue nail polish, I used accessorize green lagoon.

Step 3: use a tooth pick to paint dark blue lines around the splodges and a dot in the centre of each splodge. Then use the tooth pick to paint green flicks that look like leaves from the edges of the flowers.

Step 4: use the tooth pick to fill the white space with tiny blue dots.

Step 5: once all the nail art is dry seal with a top coat.

Daisy nail art

This is a really cute and easy look for summer.

Step 1: paint two coats if a metallic blue polish.

Step 2: once the blue has dried, use a dotting tool to create 5 white dots in a flower shape.

Step 3: make 2 more white flower shapes with the dotting tool.

Step 4: use the dotting tool to create a yellow spot in the centre of all the flowers.

Step 5: complete with a top coat.

Flower nail art using Barry M Gelly polish

I absolutely love the Barry M gelly polishes. They apply evenly, have a good shine and only need one coat. The colour selection is also really good but my favourite by far is Guava. 

I painted one coat of the polish in shade Guava. Then used a dotting tool to create a white flower in the corner, then filled the remaining space with white spots. I completed the look by adding a gemstone in the centre of the flower.

Vintage flower nail tutorial

I've worn this nail look for about a week now and I have had so many compliments on it and so many people have asked me how I did it so I thought I'd make a blogpost about it. It looks really difficult but it's actually pretty easy to do. You don't even need loads of nail art equipment just 3 polishes and a toothpick! 

Step 1: paint your nails with two coats of a pale turquiose polish, I used accessorize green lagoon.

Step 2: once the blue has dried make 2 or 3 splodges (very technical I know, just very rough circles) with pale pink nail polish

Step 3: use a tooth pick to paint dark pink lines around the splodges and a dot in the centre of each splodge.

Step 4: use the tooth pick to paint green flicks that look like leaves from the edges of the flowers.

Step 5: once all the nail art is dry seal with a top coat.

Prom nails

For prom I wanted something sparkly but with a bit of nail art too. My dress is a teal colour so I made the flowers and spots match my dress but you could use any nail polish to make it match or contrast with your dress.

Step 1: paint nails with two coats of sparkly silver and wait to dry.

Step 2: Using a dotting tool paint 5 dots in the shape of a flower with the teal polish.

Step 3: Using the opposite end of the dotting tool paint approximately 5/10 blue dots equally spaced on the nai

Step 4: once the flower has dried use a smaller dotting tool to make a black spot in the centre of the flower.

Step 5: once dry finish with a top coat.

Blue spot and flower nail art variations

This nail art is relatively easy if you have a dotting tool. If not you can pick up a pack of 5 from ebay or amazon for £1/2. I will show you various flower and spot designs that are all simple and achievable.

For this tutorial I used an accessorize polish-green lagoon for the base colour. The flower petals and the blue spots were painted in rimmel salon pro-713 Brit pop. The silver spots and centre of the flower were painted in gallery colours- silver sparkle 419

Step 1: Paint 1/2 coats of green lagoon and wait for the last coat to dry.
Step 2: Using a dotting tool paint 5 dots in the shape of a flower with the Brit pop polish.
Step 3: Using the opposite end of the dotting tool paint approximately 5/10 blue dots equally spaced on the nail.
Step 4: Once the blue is completely dry paint a silver spot in the centre of your flower using a slightly smaller dotting tool.
Step 5: Using the opposite end of that dotting tool paint approximately 5/10 silver dots equally spaced across the nail.
Step 6: Once all your nail art is completely dry, finish with a coat of clear nail polish to make your beautiful nails last longer.

On this design I love how the ring finger is the accent nail which draws a nice focus to the piece.

Step 1: paint your nails with two coats of a pretty base polish, I used rimmel salon pro in Brit pop.

Step 2: use a small dotting tool to paint white dots over all your nails except your ring finger.

Step 3: use a slightly larger dotting tool to make 5 dots in the shape of a flower on the top corner of your nail.

Step 4: repeat step 3 in the bottom corner of your nail.

Step 5: use a small dotting tool to fill the space on your ring finger with dots.

Step 6: use a small dotting tool to do black nail polish in the centre of your flower.

This design features one larger flower in the centre and is easier if you are new to nail art because it is bigger you don't have to be as precise. 

Step 1: paint your nails in a light base colour, I used a white gallery colours polish.

Step 2: wait for it to dry and then paint 5 blue spots in the shape of a flower using a dotting tool.

Step 3: wait for your blue spots to dry, then using a smaller dotting tool paint a black spot in the middle of your flower.

Step 4: use a silver glitter polish and a dotting tool to add a spot to each corner.

How to use striping tape for nail art

Striping tape can be used in various ways and is super cheap to buy from ebay.

The most simple way is to simply paint your nail in a pretty colour and then lay the striping tape in a pattern. Then finish with clear nail polish.

Another way it can be used is to paint a base coat and then apply the striping tape, you the tale as a guide for where to paint to. Then remove the tape and add gemstones along the line.

Cute toe nail art

This is pretty simple but looks so much nicer than plain toe nails. People don't usually do nail art on their toes but I really don't understand why.

Step 1: paint your nails in a pretty base colour.

Step 2: use a large dotting tool to place 5 large spots in the shape of a flower.

Step 3: use a smaller dotting tool to spot the remaining area of the big toe and all the other toes.

Step 4: once the flower has dried, use a small dotting tool to place a black spot in the centre of the flower.

Homemade pore strips

These aren't exactly the same as ones you buy in the shop but they give a similar effect and are much much cheaper. All you need is PVA glue.

Step 1: use your finger to thinly apply the glue to your nose area

Step 2: wait for the glue to mostly dry

Step 3: gently peel the glue off

Best ways to keep fit

Here are 5 relatively enjoyable ways of keeping fit, let me know if you try any of them :)

1: an obvious one go to the gym, particularly if you go with friends this can be a good laugh.

2: just dance or an exercise DVD, these are fab because you burn loads of calories and barely feel like you are exercising

3: trampolining, this is good fun and you'd be amazed how many calories you burn by jumping!

4: rollerblading, again enjoyable, particularly if you go to a roller disco and dance to tunes at the same time!

5: biking, not only a good mode of transport, this is great exercise but doesn't feel too intensive.

Prom make up ideas

Prom is in a couple of weeks and many of you will be doing your own make up because getting it done can be sooooo expensive. So here's what I'm planning.

For my face:

I will start with the benefit porefessional primer. Next I will use collection lasting concealer under my eyes and on any spots. Then I will use a small blob of rimmel stay matte foundation mixed with my normal moisturiser. This means the foundation applies smoother and looks less noticeable. Next I will put a small amount of blusher on and leave it at that.

For my eyes:

I am doing a silver smokey eye. Starting with a pale shimmery silver in the inside corner of my eye. I will then add darker shades as I get further round my eye and finish with a black in the crease. I will use w7 mascara on my lashes and rimmel eyeliner on my water line.

For my lips: 

First I applied a pretty pinky red toned lipstick then blotted it and finished with a really glossy clear lipgloss.

Budget skincare products

The beauty palour chocolate face mask, it is really smooth and applies really well, it's got a nice strong chocolatey smell and is a great face mask for sleepovers. It will last ages as because it applies so well you don't need that much each time.

Simple spotless skin anti blemish moisturiser, this is nice and light, I wouldn't say it's helped my spots go away but I don't think it's caused any either like lots of moisturisers do. I bought it for £3 from tesco so it's quite affordable as it looks like it will last a long time.

Superdrug deep action facial cleansing pads, these are really affordable but really help to improve skin quality, one side is rough, the other side is less rough but still textured, I find it particularly good for forehead spots. The main downside is it does have quite a strong smell.

Simple spotless skin rapid action spot zapper, this is great for getting rid of spots you already have, it claims in 4 hrs but I think it takes more like a day or two.

Marble chocolate and vanilla cake

This is a delicious soft cake that is nicely flavoured and attractive. It's pretty quick to make and the perfect cake for a friends birthday.

Ingredients:

300g light brown sugar

300g butter

250g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

3 tbsp cocoa powder

6 eggs

Step 1: Cream together the butter and the sugar in a bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Add some of the egg and fold in some of the flour and baking powder.
Step 4: Add some more of the egg and fold in some more flour and baking powder.
Step 5: Add the rest of the egg and fold in the rest of the flour.
Step 6: Stir until all the ingredients are combined but take care not to over stir it.
Step 7: split the mixture and put one half in another bowl and flavour it with the cocoa powder.

Step 8: using a teaspoon alternate the plain and chocolate mix.
Step 9: bake in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 mins.

Step 9: wait for the cakes to cool, then take them out of the tins.

Chocolate cornflake crunch

This is ever so quick and easy to do but tastes super yummy.

Ingredients

225g chocolate (milk or plain)

3 tbsp golden syrup

50g butter

125g cornflakes

Step 1: melt the butter, chocolate and goldn syrup in a pan over a medium heat.

Step 2: once melted take off the heat and add the cornflakes.

Step 3: stir well then pout into a tray/cake tin.

Step 4: put in the fridge for 2 hours to set.

Collage pen pot

This would be a lovely Mother's Day gift as mums love neat stationary. You can make it in her favourite colours or to suit her office/workspace.

Step 1: get some magazines or pretty papers.

Step 2: rip out some colours/patterns you want to use.

Step 3: cut a Pringles tube to about 12cm

Step 4: glue your pretty papers onto the Pringles tube with PVA glue and cover the whole way round.

Step 5: cover the whole pencil pot with PVA glue to seal it all in and give a shine.

Choc chunk flapjacks

Here is a recipe for yummy, gooey flapjacks with a gorgeous chocolatey flavour :)

175g soft brown sugar

175g butter

2 tbsp golden syrup

1 tbsp plain flour

225g porridge oats

120g chocolate/chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 160 degrees.

Step 1: melt the butter with the sugar and golden syrup.

Step 2: once melted take off heat and add oats and choc chips.

Step 3: stir well.

Step 4: pour into a baking tin and press the flapjack down with a spoon

Step 5: bake for 20 mins.

Beaded friendship bracelet

These look really effective and are quite simple to make, the hardest bit is finding pretty beads that will fit on your embroidery silk.

Step 1: measure 30cm of embroidery silk and cut it. Measure 120cm of the same colour and cut it.

Step 2: fold the long piece in half and tie a knot capturing the short piece also and leaving a loop.

Step 3: do two square knots.

Step 4: slide a bead onto the middle piece of silk.

Step 5 continue steps 3-4 until the bracelet is the desired length.

Step 6: tie a knot and cut off the excess making sure you leave enough to tie it on your wrist.

Under £20 make up look

Here is a make up look for considerably less than £20. Nowadays you can get so many great but affordable products.

Foundation- rimmel stay matte in ivory. This was the most expensive product as it is about £6 from most drugstores.

Concealer- collection 2000 lasting concealer. I purchased this for £2.09 from wilkinsons but usually it is £4 from most drugstores.

Eyeshadow- beauty uk eye shadow palette 7-naked. There are lots of shades of browns in this palette which are perfect for creating a nice smokey eye or a neutral daytime look. I purchased this for £2.50 from a makeup shop called zest.

Mascara- w7 show stopper. The brush for this is really good and it gives your lashes a good definition. I purchased this for just under £2 from boyes.

Lip gloss- I love...raspberry and blackberry glossy lip balm. This gives lips an attractive pink colour and leaves them feeling nice and soft. I purchased this for £1 from superdrug.

How to decoupage a box

You can use a variety of things for decoupage, decoupage paper works well but is quite expensive. Magazines and comic books work well and are much more affordable. You can even use napkins as you can get them in a huge variety of colours and patterns.

Step 1: rip up the paper you are using

Step 2: mix half PVA glue with half water

Step 3: cover the box in the glue mixture

Step 4: cover the box with your paper

Step 5: wait for it to dry

Step 6: cover it in PVA glue to add a seal and a shiny finish

Super quick and easy chocolate cheesecake recipe

This is so tasty and perfect for when you have friends over, theyll think you're really talented and have spent ages when really it's super quick and easy.

Ingredients

100g butter

25g cocoa powder

150g digestives

200g chocolate cream cheese

100ml double cream

30g caster sugar

Chocolate buttons to decorate

Step 1: melt the butter and cocoa powder in a pan over a medium heat.

Step 2: take off the heat and add the digestives

Step 3: stir well then pour into a well greased cake tin.

Step 4: put your base in the fridge.

Step 5: whisk your double cream until it forms soft peaks.

Step 6: add the chocolate cream cheese and the sugar and stir well.

Step 7: spread the chocolate cream cheese mixture over your base.

Step 8: decorate your cheesecake with the chocolate buttons.

Step 9: cover in cling film and leave in the fridge to set for 2 hours.

Heart salt dough decorations

You may have done these when you were little and think this is just a little kids craft but it can be done at any age and you make far better quality items when you're older!

You need:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1/2 cup water

Cutters

Paints/pens

Step 1: make your salt dough by mixing the flour and salt with the water until it forms a dough

Step 2: dust your surface in flour and roll your dough out using a rolling pin

Step 3: use your cutters to cut out shapes from your dough and use a needle to make a hole (big enough to thread ribbon through) in each shape 

Step 4: put the shapes on a baking tray

Step 5: bake for 20mins at 200 degrees

Step 6: take them out and wait for them to cool

Step 7: decorate them using felt pens or paints

Step 8: wait for your design to dry and then thread a ribbon through the hole

Cookie dough pizza

This is gorgeous, deliciously chocolatey and gooey :)

110g soft brown sugar

115g butter

150g self raising flour

As many choc chips as you want

4 tbsp water

Preheat oven to 180 degrees

Step 1: cream the butter and sugar

Step 2: add the flour, water and choc chips

Step 3: stir well so all the ingredients are well mixed

Step 4: spread the cookie mix over a baking tray or in a cake tin, it will be quite sticky

Step 5: put in the oven for 10 mins 

Step 6: take out of the oven and serve with ice cream and chocolate sauce

Gorgeous primark buys for spring

This is a perfect summer dress although it could be worn in spring with leggings or tights and a cardigan or jumper. I really like the floral pattern on the top as it makes it more delicate and pretty. It looks great with a belt around the waist for extra intresta and definition. This was only £5 which is great for a nice dress.

The colour of this top is bang on trend for spring and the little flowers add a nice pattern. It can be worn with shorts for a summery look or jeans for when it's a bit colder. This tops was only £3 which I think is a great price.

I love this top, the patterns lovely and you can make so many outfits from it. It looks great with jeans, leggings, denim shorts, or coloured cardigans. This top was only £4 which I think is amazing as lots of floral stuff is really expensive this year.

This dress is good for spring as the sleeves are longer and it look good with leggings. The pattern is simple but flattering and a belt makes the dress look much more fitted. This was only £5 which is good value for a nice dress.

Chocolate tiffin

This is really delicious and a perfect treat for when people come over. It's really easy and quite quick to make.

110g butter

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tbsp golden syrup

4 tsp cocoa powder

225g digestive biscuits (crushed)

1 large handful of raisins 

150g milk chocolate 

50g white chocolate

Step 1: melt the butter, sugar, golden syrup and cocoa powder in a pan over a medium heat.

Step 2: once the butter has completely melted add in the crushed digestives and raisins.

Step 3: pour into a tray.

Step 4: melt the milk chocolate and pour it over your tiffin mix.

Step 5: melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the milk chocolate.

Step 6: leave it to set in the fridge for 1 hour.

  

10 places to go/things to do with your friends

1. Shopping-whether it be serious buying or just window shopping, you can have a great laugh shopping with your mates.

2. Going to the park-walking the dog, playing football or just chilling, it can be nice to leave the house particularly on a sunny day.

3. Sleepover-they can be hilarious fun and brings you closer to your mates.

4. Movie night-all bring along your fave films and eat popcorn.

5. Spa day-you could go somewhere posh to have a treatment or you could do some DIY ones at home, manicures, pedicures and facials are quite easy and cheap to do.

6. Go out for a meal-this can be great fun, just make sure wherever you choose is within everyone's budget and there is something that appeals to them on the menu.

7. Rollerblading disco- these can be hilarious and good exercise too. Don't worry if you can't skate it just makes it even more of a laugh.

8. Swimming-whether it be for exercise or just for a laugh, you can have a great time without spending too much.

9. Cinema-watching a good film with your friends is always good, especially when it's on the big screen.

10. High ropes course-these can be expensive but they are great fun and you feel a good sense of achievement when you've completed it (especially if you're scared of height!)

Triple chocolate cookies

Ingredients

100g Butter

75g soft light brown sugar

175g self raising flour

2 tbsp Milk

2 tbsp golden syrup

50g White chcolate chips

50g Dark chcolate chips

25g Cocoa powder

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees

Step 1: cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.

Step 2: add the flour, cocoa powder and milk and mix well.

Step 3: add the white chcolate chips and the dark chcolate chips and mix well.

Step 4: use a tea spoon to spoon a small amount of mixture onto a greased tray.

Step 5; place in the oven for 8-10 mins.

Step 6: take out of the oven and leave to cool.

White chocolate and cherry cookies

Ingredients

100g Butter

75g soft brown sugar

175g self raising flour

2 tbsp Milk

2 tbsp golden syrup 

50g White chcolate chips

20 Glacé Cherries (halved)

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Step 1: cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl.

Step 2: add the flour and milk and mix well.

Step 3: add the white chcolate chips and the cherries and mix well.

Step 4: use a tea spoon to spoon a small amount of mixture onto a greased tray.

Step 5; place in the oven for 8-10 mins.

Step 6: take out of the oven and leave to cool.

Fimo cookie necklace tutorial

This necklace is quirky and goes with lots of styles. This tutorial is for a choc chip cookie but you could use red for cherries or blue for blueberries.

Step 1: soften a small lump of dark brown and pale brown polymer clay.

Step 2: roll the pale brown fimo into a ball.

Step 3: squash the ball until it looks a good cookie size.

Step 4: roll the dark brown fimo into a thin sausage.

Step 5: cut small chocolate chips from the dark brown.

Step 6: gently press the dark brown chips into the pale brown cookie base.

Step 7: carefully put a head pin through the cookie and put in the oven at 110 degrees for 30 mins.

Step 8: once cool brush the cookie in polymer clay varnish to make it shiny.

Step 9: use pliers to turn the end if the headpin into a loop.

Step 10: thread a piece of black cord about 30cm through the loop in the headpin.

Step 11: attach a cord end to both ends of the cord.

Step 12: attach a jumpring to both ends and attach a lobster clasp to one jumpring.