One of my favourite things to make when I'm craving something sweet are cookies. I have tried out a lot of different recipes and in my opinion I think I have perfected a gooey cookie that isn't neccessarily that unhealthy. I find a lot of recipe's add in way too much sugar and if you are adding in chocolate chips, you don't need much at all.
170g Unsalted Butter
1 1/2 Cups of self-raising flour
1/2 Cup of Cocoa Powder
3/4 Cup of brown sugar
1 L/XL Egg or 2 medium/small eggs
3 Tbsp Milk (use any kind of milk)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup of chocolate chips
2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Heat your oven to 190° C (356° F)
1. Mix together your sugar and butter until the batter is light and fluffy. If you are using soft butter, you can mix them together straight away but if you are using a hard butter, leave it out so it's at room temperature and easy to mix in or put it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
2. Add in your egg and stir.
3. Mix in your milk, vanilla extract and salt.
4. Stir in your flour, cocoa powder and chocolate chips until a dough is formed.
5. Spoon balls of dough onto a greased pan or greaseproof paper. You can vary the size of the cookies by how large the dough balls are. Remember that they do spread when cooking so leave at least an inch between each cookie.
6. Place in the pre-heated oven for 10 minutes, they will look half-baked but will solidify once cooled.
7. I like to crush salt on top of my cookies, especially if I have used milk or dark chocolate in the cookies. To make them cool down faster (so you can eat them when they are still warm) I tend to stab each cookie with a fork. Leave them to cool for about 5 minutes then they should be ready to move onto a tray etc and eat.
I hope you guys enjoyed this recipe! The first of many hopefully. Next up I am making a Chicken Biriyani followed by Cardomom Swirl Buns.
Laura x
One of my favourite things to make when I'm craving something sweet are cookies. I have tried out a lot of different recipes and in my opinion I think I have perfected a gooey cookie that isn't neccessarily that unhealthy. I find a lot of recipe's add in way too much sugar and if you are adding in chocolate chips, you don't need much at all.
170g Unsalted Butter
1 1/2 Cups of self-raising flour
1/2 Cup of Cocoa Powder
3/4 Cup of brown sugar
1 L/XL Egg or 2 medium/small eggs
3 Tbsp Milk (use any kind of milk)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Cup of chocolate chips
2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Heat your oven to 190° C (356° F)
1. Mix together your sugar and butter until the batter is light and fluffy. If you are using soft butter, you can mix them together straight away but if you are using a hard butter, leave it out so it's at room temperature and easy to mix in or put it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
2. Add in your egg and stir.
3. Mix in your milk, vanilla extract and salt.
4. Stir in your flour, cocoa powder and chocolate chips until a dough is formed.
5. Spoon balls of dough onto a greased pan or greaseproof paper. You can vary the size of the cookies by how large the dough balls are. Remember that they do spread when cooking so leave at least an inch between each cookie.
6. Place in the pre-heated oven for 10 minutes, they will look half-baked but will solidify once cooled.
7. I like to crush salt on top of my cookies, especially if I have used milk or dark chocolate in the cookies. To make them cool down faster (so you can eat them when they are still warm) I tend to stab each cookie with a fork. Leave them to cool for about 5 minutes then they should be ready to move onto a tray etc and eat.
I hope you guys enjoyed this recipe! The first of many hopefully. Next up I am making a Chicken Biriyani followed by Cardomom Swirl Buns.
Laura x
Hey guys!
It has been so long since I have posted on here. I've missed the world of blogs and really want to get back into it. I feel like since last time I was blogging on here, I have definitely become more confident with taking professional blog pictures and I'm no longer freaked out by having photos taken of me so it's the perfect time to try and combine words and pictures together over here. If you don't follow my instagram definitely go and check it out because that is where I upload all of my outfit pictures along with a variety of lifestyle shots.
I thought I would start off this new chapter of my blogging life with 6 Affordable Spring Dresses. If you're like me you might dread the idea of spring or summer where outfits should be simple but are so much harder to throw on because really they're just one or two garments so they need to be cute staple pieces. I've recently found that dresses are the way to go to get a quick, easy outfit and I have found it essential to have some go-to dresses that you know you're comfortable in and can just throw them on heading out of the house.
This red dress has become one of my favourites because it is so comfortable and really not something I ever pictured myself in but, I love it?!
It is actually heavier material than it looks so it works perfect in spring if you have a cute cardigan or thin coat to throw on then once inside it's perfect to roam about in. It's so soft and can become quite dressy or casual. For this outfit I just style it with my (also ASOS) white trainers. White trainers are crucial in my mind for transforming dresses into a casual daytime outfit. I also paired it with my Radley London backpack.
This dress I was really undecided about for a while. It reminds me of a night dress in many ways but actually once I styled it up it made a great casual, flowy dress that similarly you can dress up or make it quite casual. A white dress that isn't see through is always a bonus, this dress is made of quite thick material so it's perfect for those days when its eventually warmer to throw on and not feel self conscious in at all.
This dress was something out of my usual choice because I thought it might have been a weird length but really I think it worked quite well. The tie-in waist was fab for giving some shape with this kind of dress and it made the look less casual. Vibrant, bright colours are always great in Spring because especially when it's warm enough to throw on only a dress, it's nice to wear a statement piece.
Over to this M&S dress. I'm a fan of shorter dresses but for spring weather in England, you definitely still need some tights or over the knee boots! These boots from Evans were such a good purchases because they actually keep your legs really warm and if any of you need wide fit boots they do really great ones in a variety of calf sizes. This floral dress was really flowy and great for daytime outfits or evening.
This Primark dress has to be one of my best finds this season. It originally had a belt which I just wasn't a fan of so I got rid of it and it transformed this dress into a really cute, casual outfit. Personally I always find if you stick to darker colours for cheap dresses they can look really expensive. I would definitely wear this into summer because it was made out of quite light material.
Finally, we are onto our last dress. This New Look dress is so comfortable and flowy, it would definitely work well with trainers or dressed up in the evening with some heels. I love the colour and the print, it would work quite well to match with accessories.
That concludes my 6 Affordable Spring Dresses, I hope you guys enjoyed it and I will now be catching up on all the blog posts I have been missing out on over the last few months! I'm off to Paris soon so I'm thinking of documenting some good Paris spots to try out, as well as shooting some outfits over there.
I hope you all have a lovely week and I will be back soon,
Laura x
Hey guys!
It has been so long since I have posted on here. I've missed the world of blogs and really want to get back into it. I feel like since last time I was blogging on here, I have definitely become more confident with taking professional blog pictures and I'm no longer freaked out by having photos taken of me so it's the perfect time to try and combine words and pictures together over here. If you don't follow my instagram definitely go and check it out because that is where I upload all of my outfit pictures along with a variety of lifestyle shots.
I thought I would start off this new chapter of my blogging life with 6 Affordable Spring Dresses. If you're like me you might dread the idea of spring or summer where outfits should be simple but are so much harder to throw on because really they're just one or two garments so they need to be cute staple pieces. I've recently found that dresses are the way to go to get a quick, easy outfit and I have found it essential to have some go-to dresses that you know you're comfortable in and can just throw them on heading out of the house.
This red dress has become one of my favourites because it is so comfortable and really not something I ever pictured myself in but, I love it?!
It is actually heavier material than it looks so it works perfect in spring if you have a cute cardigan or thin coat to throw on then once inside it's perfect to roam about in. It's so soft and can become quite dressy or casual. For this outfit I just style it with my (also ASOS) white trainers. White trainers are crucial in my mind for transforming dresses into a casual daytime outfit. I also paired it with my Radley London backpack.
This dress I was really undecided about for a while. It reminds me of a night dress in many ways but actually once I styled it up it made a great casual, flowy dress that similarly you can dress up or make it quite casual. A white dress that isn't see through is always a bonus, this dress is made of quite thick material so it's perfect for those days when its eventually warmer to throw on and not feel self conscious in at all.
This dress was something out of my usual choice because I thought it might have been a weird length but really I think it worked quite well. The tie-in waist was fab for giving some shape with this kind of dress and it made the look less casual. Vibrant, bright colours are always great in Spring because especially when it's warm enough to throw on only a dress, it's nice to wear a statement piece.
Over to this M&S dress. I'm a fan of shorter dresses but for spring weather in England, you definitely still need some tights or over the knee boots! These boots from Evans were such a good purchases because they actually keep your legs really warm and if any of you need wide fit boots they do really great ones in a variety of calf sizes. This floral dress was really flowy and great for daytime outfits or evening.
This Primark dress has to be one of my best finds this season. It originally had a belt which I just wasn't a fan of so I got rid of it and it transformed this dress into a really cute, casual outfit. Personally I always find if you stick to darker colours for cheap dresses they can look really expensive. I would definitely wear this into summer because it was made out of quite light material.
Finally, we are onto our last dress. This New Look dress is so comfortable and flowy, it would definitely work well with trainers or dressed up in the evening with some heels. I love the colour and the print, it would work quite well to match with accessories.
That concludes my 6 Affordable Spring Dresses, I hope you guys enjoyed it and I will now be catching up on all the blog posts I have been missing out on over the last few months! I'm off to Paris soon so I'm thinking of documenting some good Paris spots to try out, as well as shooting some outfits over there.
I hope you all have a lovely week and I will be back soon,
Laura x
Too soon to pick up a few pre-autumn pieces? I obviously don't think so.
I headed out to TK Maxx this week to go and search for what I had been told, were new autumn pieces. I was slightly let down with how much I found but then again, it has just only turned August so I can get over it.
I needed some new homeware bits and I always find TK Maxx is a great place to pick up random bits and bobs. Firstly, I found this adorable mug and white pot. I haven't invested in a cute mug before and this one I actually would consider featuring in pictures. My idea for the white pot was that I needed a sugar pot. I don't drink much tea or coffee myself but I really needed one for when guests are round; I mean it's not the most appealing thing getting the sugar out and it's just sat in it's original bag, is it? To go along with this pot, I picked up this pink jar that I thought would work perfectly for teabags. By storing 'guest' essentials in cute jars like this, I feel like it will give a more homely feel (my mum would be so proud).
I mean obviously if you're buying a mug, you've got to buy coffee too, right?! Like I said, I don't drink much coffee myself but if there is a type to get me in the mood for it, it would be these warm, autumnal vibe flavours. I've always loved the Cinnamon Roll by Dunkin Donuts so thought this time I would try out 'French Caramel' to see how it compares. My ideal situation would be in future to gather assorted flavours of coffee for guests and display them in some sort of cute basket, so by that, I mean coming soon...
That concludes my TK Maxx haul. I hope you guys enjoyed and you will be seeing a lot more content on my blog as we head into my favourite time of the year. If you aren't following my instagram yet go and follow to see more of my hauls over there - @laurajanestanley
Too soon to pick up a few pre-autumn pieces? I obviously don't think so.
I headed out to TK Maxx this week to go and search for what I had been told, were new autumn pieces. I was slightly let down with how much I found but then again, it has just only turned August so I can get over it.
I needed some new homeware bits and I always find TK Maxx is a great place to pick up random bits and bobs. Firstly, I found this adorable mug and white pot. I haven't invested in a cute mug before and this one I actually would consider featuring in pictures. My idea for the white pot was that I needed a sugar pot. I don't drink much tea or coffee myself but I really needed one for when guests are round; I mean it's not the most appealing thing getting the sugar out and it's just sat in it's original bag, is it? To go along with this pot, I picked up this pink jar that I thought would work perfectly for teabags. By storing 'guest' essentials in cute jars like this, I feel like it will give a more homely feel (my mum would be so proud).
I mean obviously if you're buying a mug, you've got to buy coffee too, right?! Like I said, I don't drink much coffee myself but if there is a type to get me in the mood for it, it would be these warm, autumnal vibe flavours. I've always loved the Cinnamon Roll by Dunkin Donuts so thought this time I would try out 'French Caramel' to see how it compares. My ideal situation would be in future to gather assorted flavours of coffee for guests and display them in some sort of cute basket, so by that, I mean coming soon...
That concludes my TK Maxx haul. I hope you guys enjoyed and you will be seeing a lot more content on my blog as we head into my favourite time of the year. If you aren't following my instagram yet go and follow to see more of my hauls over there - @laurajanestanley
So, I have splurged out and had microblading done. Super exciting. It was quite a spontaneous decision brought on by me booking a last minute holiday and not wanting to have to worry about makeup. Personally, I always need brows and lashes done to leave the house, I don't care about foundation or bronzer but if I don't have brows and lashes on, I feel a bit naked. I always notice my brows in pictures and if you read my "brow transformation", you will know I have become way more confident with my brows since knowing what shape suits me to fill in, but the problem with going abroad where it's high humidity, means that I won't want to wear makeup really. I started looking into how much it would cost and tried to find someone who could do them quite naturally.
I found a technician in East Sheen, Richmond, who is an expert at microblading. Here's my tips if you're thinking of getting it done:
- Find a technician that has created similar brow shapes to what you want
- Save images of the brow shape you want and bonus if you followed number 1, bring/save images of their work that you like
- Spend time making sure the drawing is just how you want it, don't feel awkward to adjust it slightly. I asked my technician to square my shape more and not have a very prominent arch because that's just my preference.
- Wear comfy clothes if you can, I was sat getting mine done for 3 hours.
It's not that painful, it just feels like small scratches when they're doing the microblading but they use numbing cream so you won't feel much. I would say on a score of 10 being painful, it was about a 2/10. Really not bad and top ups aren't done often so if you can bare being a bit uncomfortable during it, it's worth it to not having to worry about makeup or creating a better brow shape to make you feel more confident with.
I'm now a week on from having them done. I absolutely love the outcome of my brows. I feel like I have makeup on ready to leave the house from the moment I wake up. I personally don't think the price of them is bad considering if you fill your brows in like me everyday, it takes so much time off your morning routine and it can really help you to feel confident with your brows. I have my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks time to retouch any faded areas. You should only need this touch up and then they last at least a year.
I'm now a week on from having them done. I absolutely love the outcome of my brows. I feel like I have makeup on ready to leave the house from the moment I wake up. I personally don't think the price of them is bad considering if you fill your brows in like me everyday, it takes so much time off your morning routine and it can really help you to feel confident with your brows. I have my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks time to retouch any faded areas. You should only need this touch up and then they last at least a year.
I really recommend getting them done if you're considering it! If I had the money to get it done before now, I wish I would have, but at the same time, it almost came at the perfect time where I had figured what brow shape I like/suit so knew exactly how I want them adjusted using microblading.
Let me know if any of you are considering having it done or have! I love looking at transformations. If you want to see my experience, I also videoed it for my Youtube channel - so go and check that out as well.
So, I have splurged out and had microblading done. Super exciting. It was quite a spontaneous decision brought on by me booking a last minute holiday and not wanting to have to worry about makeup. Personally, I always need brows and lashes done to leave the house, I don't care about foundation or bronzer but if I don't have brows and lashes on, I feel a bit naked. I always notice my brows in pictures and if you read my "brow transformation", you will know I have become way more confident with my brows since knowing what shape suits me to fill in, but the problem with going abroad where it's high humidity, means that I won't want to wear makeup really. I started looking into how much it would cost and tried to find someone who could do them quite naturally.
I found a technician in East Sheen, Richmond, who is an expert at microblading. Here's my tips if you're thinking of getting it done:
- Find a technician that has created similar brow shapes to what you want
- Save images of the brow shape you want and bonus if you followed number 1, bring/save images of their work that you like
- Spend time making sure the drawing is just how you want it, don't feel awkward to adjust it slightly. I asked my technician to square my shape more and not have a very prominent arch because that's just my preference.
- Wear comfy clothes if you can, I was sat getting mine done for 3 hours.
It's not that painful, it just feels like small scratches when they're doing the microblading but they use numbing cream so you won't feel much. I would say on a score of 10 being painful, it was about a 2/10. Really not bad and top ups aren't done often so if you can bare being a bit uncomfortable during it, it's worth it to not having to worry about makeup or creating a better brow shape to make you feel more confident with.
I'm now a week on from having them done. I absolutely love the outcome of my brows. I feel like I have makeup on ready to leave the house from the moment I wake up. I personally don't think the price of them is bad considering if you fill your brows in like me everyday, it takes so much time off your morning routine and it can really help you to feel confident with your brows. I have my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks time to retouch any faded areas. You should only need this touch up and then they last at least a year.
I'm now a week on from having them done. I absolutely love the outcome of my brows. I feel like I have makeup on ready to leave the house from the moment I wake up. I personally don't think the price of them is bad considering if you fill your brows in like me everyday, it takes so much time off your morning routine and it can really help you to feel confident with your brows. I have my follow up appointment in about 6 weeks time to retouch any faded areas. You should only need this touch up and then they last at least a year.
I really recommend getting them done if you're considering it! If I had the money to get it done before now, I wish I would have, but at the same time, it almost came at the perfect time where I had figured what brow shape I like/suit so knew exactly how I want them adjusted using microblading.
Let me know if any of you are considering having it done or have! I love looking at transformations. If you want to see my experience, I also videoed it for my Youtube channel - so go and check that out as well.
Most of us have seen The Devil Wears Prada or The Hills, and wondered if there might be any similarities interning at a fashion company - well there is. Throughout my art foundation year and university, I've interned for six different fashion companies.
Do you really need a makeover to fit in?
Just like Andy (The Devil Wears Prada), I started my first internship wearing a standard 'workwear' outfit. I threw on my most professional looking pencil skirt and paired it with a motif jumper. I walked into the office and instantly regretted my choice. Everyone dressed to match the current trends - their version of workwear attire. Stilettos and designer bags are normal at a fashion company. Everyone always looked very glam at the companies. Meetings are happening throughout the day which means you are constantly networking. I quickly adjusted and found my work style to fit in. It's fine if you're not comfortable wearing heels, you can style up some trendy trainers or flat shoes into your outfit as well. All of my internships have involved running around doing all the tasks that the employees don't have time to do, so if you're wearing heels, make sure they're comfy for a lot of walking about and always keep a blister plaster on you. Your outfit needs to look sophisticated but trendy at the same time. On your first day or interview, definitely dress smarter than you think you need and whilst you're there look at what everyone is wearing so you have an idea of how to dress. I find the classic is some smart jeans and a loose stylish shirt.
Do you get paid?
I haven't found many companies that offer pay with fashion internships, however the majority of them do offer travel expenses and some cover a bit extra for lunch etc. There definitely are internships that pay but be warned they are very competitive and rare. Keep checking websites like fashionworkie.com for new opportunities. After most of my internships have ended, I have been offered to stay on or been told to reach out when I finish studying. If you can't afford to have a free internship, which is completely understandable, there are some that offer part time internships or if you reach out through email, you might be able to arrange that.
Are carbs a thing?
On my first day at an internship I actually witnessed someone eat a whole packet of chicken satay because it was low calorie and didn't involve carbs. I was sat there with my Pret chicken hot wrap. Working at a fashion company means that the employees tend to want to stay similar to the sample size to be able to fit into them when they're sold off cheap at a sample sales. I got to experience a work sample sale and let me tell you, it was chaotic. Discounts as high as 70% off means that it gets brutal - survival of the fittest.
Do you ever leave the office?
Yes. During fashion week? No.
I know interns that haven't slept during fashion week. You are expected to work just as hard as the actual employees. Even though this will seem hectic for unpaid work, it means you get to experience what it will be like when/if you actually end up working there. One thing to note is that if you're an intern and you want a future job at the company, you need to go out of your way with no pay and show your commitment. You want to be one of the last people in the office and make sure you don't leave until you've checked there is nothing else left to do. I've seen interns leave the day early when they have plans or don't think there is any work left and the employees have noted that down. This makes it really tough to stay motivated when you feel like the hardest worker. If you're looking for a great reference or a job at that company, impressions count so work hard. (And learn how to make a good cup of tea.)
Most of us have seen The Devil Wears Prada or The Hills, and wondered if there might be any similarities interning at a fashion company - well there is. Throughout my art foundation year and university, I've interned for six different fashion companies.
Do you really need a makeover to fit in?
Just like Andy (The Devil Wears Prada), I started my first internship wearing a standard 'workwear' outfit. I threw on my most professional looking pencil skirt and paired it with a motif jumper. I walked into the office and instantly regretted my choice. Everyone dressed to match the current trends - their version of workwear attire. Stilettos and designer bags are normal at a fashion company. Everyone always looked very glam at the companies. Meetings are happening throughout the day which means you are constantly networking. I quickly adjusted and found my work style to fit in. It's fine if you're not comfortable wearing heels, you can style up some trendy trainers or flat shoes into your outfit as well. All of my internships have involved running around doing all the tasks that the employees don't have time to do, so if you're wearing heels, make sure they're comfy for a lot of walking about and always keep a blister plaster on you. Your outfit needs to look sophisticated but trendy at the same time. On your first day or interview, definitely dress smarter than you think you need and whilst you're there look at what everyone is wearing so you have an idea of how to dress. I find the classic is some smart jeans and a loose stylish shirt.
Do you get paid?
I haven't found many companies that offer pay with fashion internships, however the majority of them do offer travel expenses and some cover a bit extra for lunch etc. There definitely are internships that pay but be warned they are very competitive and rare. Keep checking websites like fashionworkie.com for new opportunities. After most of my internships have ended, I have been offered to stay on or been told to reach out when I finish studying. If you can't afford to have a free internship, which is completely understandable, there are some that offer part time internships or if you reach out through email, you might be able to arrange that.
Are carbs a thing?
On my first day at an internship I actually witnessed someone eat a whole packet of chicken satay because it was low calorie and didn't involve carbs. I was sat there with my Pret chicken hot wrap. Working at a fashion company means that the employees tend to want to stay similar to the sample size to be able to fit into them when they're sold off cheap at a sample sales. I got to experience a work sample sale and let me tell you, it was chaotic. Discounts as high as 70% off means that it gets brutal - survival of the fittest.
Do you ever leave the office?
Yes. During fashion week? No.
I know interns that haven't slept during fashion week. You are expected to work just as hard as the actual employees. Even though this will seem hectic for unpaid work, it means you get to experience what it will be like when/if you actually end up working there. One thing to note is that if you're an intern and you want a future job at the company, you need to go out of your way with no pay and show your commitment. You want to be one of the last people in the office and make sure you don't leave until you've checked there is nothing else left to do. I've seen interns leave the day early when they have plans or don't think there is any work left and the employees have noted that down. This makes it really tough to stay motivated when you feel like the hardest worker. If you're looking for a great reference or a job at that company, impressions count so work hard. (And learn how to make a good cup of tea.)
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