Life through Instagram!

Hello lovely people! :) 

I love seeing instagram updates on blogs and also love creating posts like this just as a quick recap on some happenings, I suppose its an easy post to write but still enjoyable so without further-ado lets get to it! 

I've done my fair share of baking the past few weeks. Some pretty pink vanilla cupcakes, strawberry and banana muffins and peanut butter and banana pancakes! YUM, all of which are followed by some jasmine white tea from Thailand. I am also decorating my parents 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary cake so will post about that shortly.  

I have also had a bit of a tidy up, although looking at the current state of my room you wouldn't think it! I cleared my makeup, brushes and vanity tray and bought a lovely sausage dog ring holder!

Speaking of purchases, I saw this lovely grey top as photographed above from Oasis and loveee it especially as its so comfy! In addition one of my best friends recently went to America for several months and has just returned. She bought us each little presents and I received some Willy Wonka Nerds, EOS Strawberry Sorbet Balm and a Vanilla Cupcake Yankee Candle, what an amazing friend!! The small things in life eh :) 

xx

The Weekend | Cambridge & Punting

Owh.. I was ill on Saturday so not a lot went on other than 'buming' around catching up with YouTube and Saturday night TV, exciting I know. Although I still felt ill I managed to make my way up to the beautiful Cambridge to visit my boyfriend and his family where his mum had kindly booked us a punting trip and a Sunday lunch.

Although born and raised in London I absolutely love East Anglia, the peaceful way of life and unique little cobbled streets, I know one day I shall be moving up there so I am so thankful I picked a boyfriend who lives in the area ha (well done me). More to the point, we started the day with a guided punting tour of the colleges by the river and the history of the bridges. It is so pretty and I would recommend it to anyone. Here's a handy hint, make sure you face the way the boat is going as it saves the neck strain that I experienced. 

After the 40 minute tour we headed a little out of town to a pub called The Old Crown in Girton! It's around 20 minutes outside the city center but an absolutely beautiful pub with incredible deserts.. just check out my instagram for the boyfriends eton mess. Looked like heaven. Tom and I decided to head back into the center to walk through some gardens however we got chucked out by one of the guards who shouted at us that it was closed, if a gate is open, you presume its open right? Oopsie ha. 

The only thing I could remember from the time I went to Cambridge when I was a youngster was the Fudge shop that is actually named Fudge Kitchen. Luckily Tom knew what I was talking about so we headed straight there and I immediately bought some dairy free fudge and some rum & raisin for my parents.

What a lovely day and I hope everyone had a lovely weekend too:) 

I have a lonnnggg week  ahead despite having today off so think some baking is in store today x

Kathryn Bakes: Banana, Honey & Meringue Cupcakes

Yesterday I opted for a slightly different baking technique for cupcakes that contains no butter using a recipe I found in the new Cupcake Heaven magazine. If you have read my posts before you will know that whenever I use a recipe they mostly always come out wrong, so yup *sigh* to my surprise these you could say came out wrong but I would much prefer to say that they 'weren't exactly what I was going for'. 

Not that they aren't nice because they really are, they just aren't really what I would usually look for in a cupcake. If you like a solid cake such as a banana loaf then voila, this is for you. If, however, you have a sweet tooth like me and love butter cream with a light sponge then maybe another one of my recipes would suit you. Either way here is the recipe for Banana, honey & meringue cupcakes: 

P.s this is a small batch that only makes 6

For the cupcakes you will need:

• 150 g of plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 2 ripe bananas, mashes
• 1 medium free range egg
• 40 ml of sunflower oil
• 75g of honey
• 80 g of chopped almonds 

For the meringue frosting you will need:

• 2 free range egg whites
• 100 g of caster sugar
• A pinch of cream of tartar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 
• Pearls and banana chips to decorate

1. Pre heat the over to 180 degrees C and line a muffin tin with 6 cases 
2. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl
3. Whisk together the bananas, eggs, sunflower oil and honey to combine and then tip in the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth then add the almonds
4. Spoon in the mixture and bake for 20 mins. Cool in the tins or a few minutes then place on a wire rack 
5. For the meringue, mix the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl and place over a pan of boiling water. Whisk until a sugar thermometer reads 60 degrees C then remove from heat
6. Continue whisking till peaks form, add vanilla then chill for 10-15 mins in the frige
7. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe a swirl on top of each cupcake
8. To finish I added yellow sprinkles and a banana chip!

I love seeing other peoples creations so if you are a baker or happen to use one of my recipes (in my dreams) then please give me a taggg on instagram or twitter (: 

Happy baking beauts x 

Shopping Haul | Pandora, Essie, Nars etc.

Another pay day...another shopping spree. I like to think I am good at saving money but lately I have just had to urge to work, spend, work spend, which really isn't the way to be! First stop on my spree was Boots. I have a shellac set at home and love it to bits but I really wanted a white nail vanish fast, so I purchased Essie Blanc as well as a topcoat, take a look at my instagram for close up as I lost my camera and now I have chipped a nail... not a good look! 

Then into SpaceNK where I purchased NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade Vanilla. I am so sick of my Collection 2000 that I thought I would treat myself (not that I needed too) and buy one that actually matches my skin tone. So far so good but it's only day one (:  

Oh Pandora! All my girls have Pandora rings and although I have had my bracelet since my 16th birthday, I just never considered myself as a ring person...until now. This is from their Autumn collection and I am slightly in love, looking to purchase the earrings to match, uh-oh. 

Then onto River Island where I bought this black simple top. I never wear black so this is a bit out of my comfort zone but the v-neck is so elegant and classy that I can see myself wearing it a lot! Following on from buying my adorable Koala Slippers I was eager to buy a dressing gown. How pretty is this one from Boux Avenue? I have worn it every day since and loveee it to bits, its so me! 

And there you have it, think I got over excited with money but ohwells... that's why you work eh?!

:) Kathryn x

The Weekend | London Town The Shard

After a long tiresome day that was followed by a night out at a rollerskating disco, I headed back into London on the Sunday to reunite with my fellow uni friends. First stop was Covent Garden aka the meeting point of every trip to London, and I insisted we bought some paella in the market mmmm, a must if you are heading into Covent Garden quickly!

Hoping back onto the underground we decided to have drinks up the Shard! This was such a lovely experience and as a bonus you can walk into Aqua Shard for free, although I suppose you pay for it through the cocktails ha! I am unsure of the name of my cocktail but it was a take on my favourite cocktail, the beautiful Pina Colada but martini inspired! 

If you are following me on instagram you will have seen a lot of recent purchases, oopsie but these means there is a lovely haul in store tomorrow! 

Much love :) It's nearly Friday, whats your plan for the weekend?

xx

Olivia Burton Large White Face Watch

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my Michael Kors watch however lately I'm finding it hard to style with particularly when I wear more delicate jewellery and especially as it was around four years ago that I bought it, it's not looking its prettiest. After seeing several posts about Olivia Burton watches I decided to have a little google and I am so thankful I did as a few days ago I stumbled across The Dressing Room online who happen to stock Olivia Burton watches and to my surprise had a store located near me. 

Originally I had my eye on their exclusive watch which you can find here, but I felt the rose gold was just too much and too similar to my Michael Kors that I decided to buy the Large White Face Watch in Rose Gold & Pearl Pink Croc instead. Ohhhh I love it, I wore it today and felt all girly and pretty. It's so beautiful and although it doesn't feel anything like my MK, it is still high quality for £75 and looks stunning with any elegant silver bracelet. 

Like it? Which watch is on your wish list? I would love to know (: 

Kathryn xx

The Weekend | London Town O2 Climb

Although I technically don't live in London, I like to class myself as a London galll and love going in town for little adventures to discover new places. This weekend was a special one as it was the last 21st birthday of our friendship group and we sure did celebrate it well. The first adventure of the day was climbing up the O2 ( you know the one, that big dome by the river in Eastenders). I hadn't a clue what to expect and can safely say I was least prepared girl in the group... I even had to purchase some socks because I stupidly thought my shoes would be suitable. All geared up in some uber attractive climbing wear we were ready to take on the huge challenge of accomplishing the O2, that's a slight exaggeration ha.

I really would recommend it, we had such a laugh and although it's not the highest of buildings the view was still vast, especially seeing the cable cars over the Thames. I think that will be my next on my to-do list in London. Being the classy girls we are, half of us ordered a sushi whilst the rest of us ordered a Nandos takeaway... can't beat a good Nandos pitta :)

Birthday girl!

I have a post to follow and after my previous post I feel really excited about my blog and my upcoming posts! I really hope all you lovely followers still enjoy my blog but I understand if you are more interested in the beauty side of things, who knows I'm sure a makeup post will pop up here and there :)

P.s Thank you everyone and also so proud that I reached 100 followers on instagram today! You are all wonderful people and have made me a very happy blogger <3  

Whats In My Bag | Weekend Edition

 Yay! My laptop is fixed which means I am back on the blogging scene finally. Over the bank holiday weekend I visited my boyfriend and whilst I was packing I thought it would be a good idea to do my first little Whats In My Bag post. 

Base

Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc.

I actually am having a bit of a love hate relationship with this at the moment. I find it has a good lasting power but its starting to look 'cakey' on my skin, especially my forehead and I feel the colour is making me look so washed out. I think I'll re-go to SpaceNK to see what a different lady would match me up with. 

Concealer: Collection in Light 2.  

I have learnt a little goes a long way with this and it easily works for both my blemishes and under eye. 

Powder: Vichy Dermablend Translucent Powder

I for one am not a powder person, my skin is dry enough and I feel that my face looks quite flat with it on. I do use some just under my eyes though to keep the concealer for budging! 

Contour/Blush/Highlight: Nars Crimes of Passion palette and High Beam

This has both Laguna and Deep Throat which is so handy as it saves me from taking both separately! I then top with High Beam for a quick glow. 

Eyes

Brows: Brow Zing and Gimme Brow.

God knows what I used before I had these two ha. I am starting to love the wax in the Brow Zing more than the powder at the moment but it just so small and perfect to carry around. In addition I took my Gimme Brow (thank god because I accidentally forgot my spollie) to neaten them that little bit more.

Mascara: Extreme Dimension Mac

 Hm, I received Mac's Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash mascara so thought I would take it along to test a little bit more. It's not the best but it comes off easily unlike my Benefit They're Real.

Eye Shadow: Nars Crimes of Passion palette

This has 3 great shades that work wonders together. I use the Jezebel (cream shade) all over then Naiade (brown) in the crease.  

Finishing Touches

Perfume: Laugh with me Lee Lee by Benefit

Sometimes I really dislike taking my expensive perfumes away so usually end up taking this. It is the only scent I like from their range and seems to last for ages on my clothes! 

Lipstick: L'Oreal Color Riche Tender Rose

I loveee this lipstick. I take it everywhere and its so easily to apply on the go! Its a very girly pink for sure but it just adds something to my look and makes me feel confident when I wear it. Well done L'Oreal!! 

P.s I use a Ted Baker makeup bag which seems to fit everything I need perfectly, including all my brushes

Still no laptop.. iPhone Weekly Update

I sure hope everyone from the UK had a lovely Monday Bank holiday despite the horrid weather! I certainly did although I have had a rotten cold which being nominate by several people now for the ice bucket challenge will 100% not help fix that. Having a current 9-5 part time job has really taken its toll on me and I still haven't had time to sort out my laptop... can't quite believe I have gone a week without it now, although I suppose I use the majority of my work time on Bloglovin anyways.



Here is a quick little update of life through my iPhone, seeing as I can't publish any of my posts without the good quality photographs :( 

 

Rocky Road Cupcakes - Recipe to follow!



My ca-uteee new iPhone case



Best new slippers!



Bringing back the beach look using Texture Spray





First time using rollers in ageesss

Follow me on instagram for more updates @kathryns_cupcakes :) I reallyyyy do hope I will have a laptop fixed by next week! 

Living with a Broken Laptop | Top Reads from Kathryns Cupcakes

:(

 

The day my parents went on holiday, along with the iPad happened to be the day my laptop gives in. So unfortunate and annoying as I had so many upcoming posts!

 

I will get this fixed soon as but in the mean time why not have a look at some older posts :)

1. New Instagram Account : Keep Updated
2. Thailand Holiday Video : For some Sun, Sea & Sand
3. Interview Makeup #FOTD : Job Hunting Season
4. Mac Girl About Town Review : Favourite Mac Lipstick
5. Michael Kors Selma Bag : Favourite Bag
6. Clinique Cheek Pop Blush Plum Pop : Favourite Blusher
7. Fizzy Pink Lemonade Cupcakes : Summer Cupcakes
8. Perfumes : My Top 5
9. Haul : Zara & Topshop
10. Nails of the Day: Shellacs

Sorry, will be back ASAP. Oh and if you are wondering how I have posted this.. I am at work.. oopsie haha!

 

xxx

 

21st Birthday Haul!

So it was indeed my 21st on Thursday and I have had the best week celebrating it! I feel as if I have been absolutely spoilt and thought it would be nice to share with you some of the lovely gifts I received from my friends and family. By no means is this a way to brag, I just know I enjoy looking at peoples hauls and I know I will love to look back on this to in the future :) 

From my Nan I was bought this b.e.a.utiful (that was necessary right?) Royal Albert 1960's Golden Roses tea cup set from their 100 years collection. I am a massive tea fan and after bringing back some gorgeous tea's from Thailand I just can't wait to drink out of this.

She then went on and bought me some Mac products. Bless her, she had no idea what to get but I love it all.  I haven't yet tried them properly so will follow with some reviews I'm sure but in the mean time the products were: 

Sheer Tone Blush in Peaches

In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash

Plus Gloss in Posh It Up

  <3 

Aw my friends! Along with this stunning Whistles clutch bag, they bought me YSL Rouge Volupte in the shade 33 Rose Neillia, Benefit Dandelion Ultra Plush Lipgloss and a SpaceNK voucher for £15 (already spent). Later in the day I had a parcel through the door and my best friend from university and who I went to Thailand with bought me the cutest Elephant Pandora charm.. not the whole bracelet haha! So adorable :) 

And then the boyfriend... spoilt just a tad! Along with the beautiful flowers I recieved on my birthday, he bought me a Tiffany & Co. beaded bracelet, which I must of hinted for about 4 years to various people ha. We took a trip to Victoria Secret and he treated me to some products (not to be shared on here haha) and then a box set from Lush. His parents then bought me a Thai Cooking Book that has excited me more than it should have had haha. 

A big big thank you to all of them esepically my parents who bought tickets for me to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, dinner out in London and a spa day in Champneys! I got a luxury pair of pj's from them also and some little homely accessories! 

Ahh they all deserve some wonderful Christmas presents haha :) 

Kathryn xx

Happy 21st to Me! Day at Champneys Spa Henlow

21?! How on earth did that happen ha. Feels like only yesterday that I finished primary school and was moving up to the big scary old secondary school yet now I have 3 A-levels under my name along with a 2:1 honors degree in Environmental Science! Couldn't be more proud of myself!

Beautiful flowers from my mum & dad!

Anyway, yesterday was the big day and I was lucky enough to be treated to a spa day with my mum. We arrived at Champneys in Henlow at 9 am and received some fruit and herbal tea mmm! After getting into our robes we headed down to the pool for a swim then went for a boy treatment in the Thalassotherapy pool. This was a mineral rich pool with jets that stimulate and tone tired aching muscles, a bit like a jacuzzi only nicer! 

Following from this we stayed in the pool for some aqua-aerobics which was enjoyable and painful at the same time, lunch was booked in for 12 so we headed straight there after the class.

If only I could of taken some photos! The food was lovely, my ideal lunch with cold meats, salad, beans, humus without any of that fattening dressing. And now for the spa treatments. We chose a body radiance treatment followed by a facial. 

The body radiance treatment was an hour long body scrub and oil massage which was so relaxing. I wouldn't call it a massage but after a body scrub they massage back the oils into your skin rather than targetting specific back muscles that you would usually imagine. My skin felt so soft and smooth for the rest of the day (and today) and was a lovely treatment overall. 

Heading back into the waiting room I was called in for my facial. My skin has seen better days so I was a bit unsure as I didn't want them to scrub at it too much however it was perfect and also had a hand massage whilst the face mask was drying. 

After our treatments we switched into our gym gear and we headed for a walk around the grounds, it did unfortunately rain so we went to the gym instead ha. To finish with the spa we had a stretch and relax class!

An absolutely perfect 21st in my opinion with a lovely dinner and free prosecco at Pizza Express with the family to end the day. 

Then to make the day even more perfect, there were some beautiful flowers from my boyfriend waiting at the door step <3 

Life Through My Phone #1

Evening all :) 

I've been a busy bee lately and with my birthday coming up tomorrow I've had some pretty exciting days to the lead up as well as birthday celebrations at the end of this week. 

I have changed my instagram account since (you can now find me @kathryns_cupcakes) but in the mean time here is some highlights from the last few weeks, taken from my personal account :)! 

1/ New Purchase from Topshop 2/ Afternoon Tea 3/ Cupcake Baking 4/ Green Tea, Mint & Lime Costa 5/ Selfridges (excited for Great British Bake Off) 6/ Some early birthday presents 7/ Charlie & the Chocolate Factory 8/ Beautiful flowers from parents 9/ My friends cutest kitten

Tomorrow I am off to Champneys for a spa day with my mum, ekk.

Xxx