Sunday 15 November 2015

The Autumn Tag/Fill In.

Hey,

I haven't posted in AGES and it feels weird to be writing again. My Macbook broke (I know, it was a tragic moment) so I had been 'borrowed computer' bound until my wonderful grandparents bought me a new laptop! Not much has happened tho, a lot of anxiety-filled moments, but that is it. Well, anxiety-filled things are not great but there is not much I can do about that!
I have been to London, and there is a post coming about that soon. I also have many Christmas, Autumn and Winter related posts coming soon but I also have lots of photo's to take! I will take them soon and then blog posts will be coming thick and fast (hopefully).

Well, today I am going to be doing the Autumn Tag so lets go..!
1. Okay we're talking coffee's - what's your favourite seasonal drink from Starbucks/Costa/Cafe Nero etc? 
I am a lover of a Gingerbread Latte or White Chocolate Mocha. I am most defiantly swaying towards hot drinks in the colder months!

2. Accessories - what do you opt for, scarf, boots, gloves?
Scarf or Boots are my saviours in winter and autumn! You have no idea! I live in a pair of black boots from Next last year and a scarf from New Look last year as well. I also own many other scarfs and boots which you will see in my Fashion Staples soon!

3. Music - what's your favourite music to listen to during Autumn?
I like many, many different genres and bands so there is really no telling! But if you want to you can check out my Spotify! The user name is Runbambi (don't judge, it is old and I can't be bothered to make a new one!) so you can see all my music on there! I am also loving Eve Bennett on Spotify so check her out as well.

4. Perfume - what's your favourite scent for this time of year?
I am a lover of a more deep, musky kinda scent for the pure fact that you do not really want to walk around smelling like a garden when it is raining! I am loving Smoky Rose from The Body Shop this Autumn! Go and give it a smell, but I don't know if it is for everyone!

5. Candles - what scents will you be burning this season?
As you may or may not know, I am not allowed to burn candles per rules of my mum so I do not have any that I like! Tho I am a lover of Clean Cotton and other scents from Yankee Candle that I would most defiantly burn if I could!

6. What do you love most about Autumn?
I love the weather and the cosy nights! Cuddling on my own in a blanket on the sofa with a film or Spotify playing and Blogging or Online shopping or with my dogs and family! It is just an amazing time and atmosphere! The rain and having to rush out in the cold, having baths after being drenched and eating soup and crusty bread. Or a seasonal drink/cup of tea! Everything is just amazing... just don't get me started about Christmas!

7. Favourite makeup look?
I do not wear loads of makeup and it doesn't vary very much! Just gold lids and a matte brown through the crease. Or concealer on my lids and just a matte through the crease. I don't branch out on my lip colours either. I'm boring in that respect.

8. What are you looking forward to most in Autumn?
I don't really know to be honest! Mostly the things I listed above and CHRISTMAS! Oh my, I love Christmas! I won't go into that too much as I am trying to restrict myself until December but I don't know how long that will last... Yeah, I don't think it will be too long. I have many, many a Christmas post coming soon so keep your eyes peeled! If you have any idea's and if anyone is actually bothered, comment them below?

And that is all! I am sorry that most of my recent posts have been tags and I will try to get back to better posts asap. I will most probably write one on my day in London and hopefully more that I had planned to as soon as I get my photo's back from my broken laptop.
Thank you,
ChangingTimes x


Tuesday 20 October 2015

This Or That.

Hey,

Today I am going to be doing the This Or That tag because my laptop has broken so I am trying to write a few quick posts that I can get up whilst I am finding out what is going on with the photo's I have on my broken laptop for future posts. So here is the This Or That tag!

Makeup;

Blush or Bronzer
    Bronzer because I am so pale! I swear I am part Vampire.
Lip Gloss or Lipstick
    Lip Gloss because I find Lipsticks that match my lips hard to find
Eye Liner or Mascara
    Mascara because I think that you immediately look different and eye liner without mascara looks crazy!
Foundation or Concealer
    Concealer because I don't wear foundation,
Neutral or Colour Eye Shadow
    Neutral because I am not that daring and my mum would kill be if I wore bright colours.
Pressed or Loose Eye Shadow
    Pressed because loose goes everywhere!
Brushes or Sponges
    Brushes because I have never used a sponge.

Nails;

OPI or China Glaze
    OPI because I have never used China Glaze.
Long or Short
    Short because as an Athlete I need to keep them short.
Acrylic or Natural
    Natural because I have never had Acrylics.
Brights or Darks
    Darks but mostly neutral because I like greys, pinks and plumbs.
Flower or No Flower
    No Flower because most of the time I am too lazy to paint my nails anyways.

Body;

Perfume or Body Splash
    Body Splash because they are most affordable!
Lotion or Body Butter
    Body Butter because I think that they moisturise my legs better.
Body Wash or Soap
    Body Wash because I think they are more hygienic.
Lush or Another Bath Company
    Lush is my babe.

Fashion;

Jeans or Sweat Pants
    Jeans all the way.
Long or Short Sleeves
    Short sleeves with a jacket because I love my arms! Weird, I know!
Dresses or Skirts
    Skirts but overall I prefer jeans.
Stripes or Plaid
    Plaid because plaid shirts and scarves are just the best.
Flip Flops or Sandals
    Sandals because I don't really like my feet and flip flops are just weird.
Scarves or Hats
    Scarves because I have a tiny head and hats just don't suit me!
Studs or Dangly Earrings
    Studs but I rarely wear earrings.
Necklaces or Bracelets
    Necklaces all the way!
Heels or Flats
    Flats because I am quite tall so I don't want to be any taller..!
Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots
    I don't really know what either are.
Jacket or Hoodie
    Jacket because I think they are smarted and look more out together.
Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe
    I have never shopped in them but I would probably say Charlotte Russe,
Abercrombie or Hollister
   Hollister as we don't really have an Abercrombie near me.
Saks 5th or Nordstrom
    Never shopped in either!

Hair;

Curly or Straight
    Straight because I straighten my hair everyday.
Bun or Ponytail
    Ponytail and Bun but I don't really do either unless I am running or going somewhere fancy!
Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clips
    Bobby Pins.
Hairspray or Gel
    Hairspray because I have never used gel.
Long or Short
    At the moment it is long but I had it short for a while!
Light or Dark
    I'm kind of in the  middle.
Side Sweep Bangs or Full Bangs
    Side Sweep bangs because my Full bangs were a bad fashion time!
Up or Down
    Down because I don't like my ears...

Random;

Rain or Shine
    Rain... I know I am weird.
Summer or Winter
    Winter, I love the cold and the atmosphere.
Fall or Spring
    Fall, again the atmosphere and fashion.
Chocolate or Vanilla
   Vanilla but I do love a bit of Chocolate.
East Coast or West Coast
   I have no clue what that is! I'm an England Gal.

Thank you and I will try to get back to better posts soon!
ChangingTimes x

Saturday 17 October 2015

Books Wanted.

Hey,

So like I said, here are the books I want and are interested in reading. They are a wide range of different genres so I hope that at least one of these books will appeal to you!


  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is quite a well known book and I think it is about time that I read it. My friend Hope has read this book many times and recommended it to me many a time. I have watched one of the films but I want to read it before I watch all of the films. It is like my book and film motto.

  • Girl Online On Tour by Zoe Sugg
It is a new release on October 20th. I hope I will get this book as soon as possible and I will give you a review then! I loved the first book so I cannot wait to find out what happens. I can't say that the first book was the most challenging read and I finished it in a day but it was still gripping.
  • Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
This has been recommended by my friend Maya and she adores books. She always gives me the best recommendations and I have also heard so many good things about this book so here we go. I will try to bring you reviews for the books I am recommending after I have read them.
  • The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
My friends are obsessed with both the books and the films so I though I would jump on the bandwagon. I am not normally one to join hypes and it took me ages to read The Hunger Games and Divergent but as soon as I read them I fell in love with the dystopian genre. So I thought I would read these a little sooner. 
  • Delirium by Lauren Oliver
I heard about this from Sasha Alsberg (Abookutopia on YouTube) and I was intrigued by the idea of the book. I also watched a review on YouTube and I was even more drawn in by the concept. It is another dystopian novel but it seems so interesting and different.
  • Will Grayson Will Grayson by John Green and David Leitherman
Another recommendation from Maya and of course I'm going to read it. I love John Green and I am so interested to see what else he can do. I loved Looking For Alaska and The Fault In Our Stars but I'm wanting to see what he can do with another author. I have also never read a book written by two author which I am guessing this is. 
  • Paper Towns by John Green
The movie to this has recently been released as I am guessing that you know. I am interested to see what Cara DeLevingne can do on the screen and I just want to read more of John Green. I know, I'm late to the trend!
  • The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
This is another book I have seen in Waterstones (A English Bookstore) and on YouTube. I love the idea of this book and I want to see what it is about. I am hoping that this is a thriller and I want to kinda extend my genre that I am reading. 
  • Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Another recommendation from Sasha and I think it is dystopian. I don't really know how to expand on this one so this is all I can write!
  • The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Seen once again on YouTube. I have seen so many people rave about how they cannot put it down. I am loving these type of books. The types of book you can't put down are the best of books.
  • The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
How many times am I going to say that I have been putting off reading because of the popularity around them? Many I think, because here is another! I want to read it so much because of the film as well.
  • Where She Went by Gale Foreman
I don't think that this book really needs a review because if you have read If I Stay you would immediately want to read the squeal. I really want to read this because the cliffhanger at the end of the first book and it is killing me not knowing what happens. This book is told from Adam's point of view and I think it will be really interesting to see what goes on in a different characters head.
  • Noughts & Crosses and Knife Edge by Malorie Blackman 
The concept of these books baffle me. They seem so interesting and initiative. They are about if white people were the minority, and if the black treated the white how we treat them. Or at least that is what I think it is. These two books are quite high up on my list. 
  • My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
This is a book that I have only ever heard of once and I can't for the life of me remember where! But it has been living in the list on my phone forever. I cannot remember what it is about but I just have a little inkling in the back of my mind that I will really enjoy it. 
  • To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
As you may or may not know, the novel recently celebrated a big milestone and it made me realise how few classic books I have read and I want to read more of that genre and era. I already own Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and I have got a copy of Jane Eyre available to me to read when I have a free space. Which will probably not be anytime soon!
  • The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
This has been recommended to me by my English teacher and the last book recommended to me by a teacher was Wonder by R.J. Palacio and it was one of the most inspiration books I have ever read!
  • The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephan Choskby
I have watched the film and it was amazing so I just want to read the book but it was against what I normally do. I was ashamed but anyways, I will read it.

Thank you, if anyone has read any of these, please tell me what you think.
ChangingTimes x

Wednesday 7 October 2015

Sweater Weather Tag.

Hello! 
So as you way or may not know, it is autumn now in England. Well at least it feels like it! So to introduce the fall series to my blog! I am trying to get into the fall spirit and to be honest, it is not very hard! I love fall so much! So here we go…

1) Favourite candle scent?
I don't really use candles because my mum won't let me light them! So, none!

2) Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate?
Tea! I love a good cup of English Breakfast Tea with milk and half a sugar. However, I also love Hot Chocolate and a Gingerbread or Caramel Latte from Costa! It is such a hard decision but I love them all.

3) Best Fall Memory?
I can't pinpoint a specific fall memory that sticks out as being the best, I just love this time of the year and spending time with family! So I don't have a best fall memory! Sorry! I will try and fill you in on good memories as they come!

4) Which make-up trend do you prefer- Dark lips or Winged eyeliner?
For me, winged eyeliner. Dark lips really don't suit me, because I'm just so pale! My skin is a bit weird and I just don't think they suit me. I can't do winged eyeliner but if I could, I would try to rock it!

5) Best fragrance for fall?
I am wearing the Body Shop body mist in 'Indian Night Jasmine' at the moment! I am looking for a new fragrance, maybe a more expensive one for Christmas coming up! (On a side note, I am so ready for it.) And maybe another body mist to see me through. If you have any recommendations, please tell me!
Also I am thinking of making a social media for my blog, if anyone would even care… Let me know and what platform you would want it on. Thank you!
And on we go!

6) What is autumn weather like where you live?
I live in England and it is always cold! And rainy! Cold and rainy. All the time. So, you only leave the house if you have to or have fifty million layers of clothing on and then it is a struggle to not be soaked through! So, all in all pretty rubbish but I still love it!

7) Most worn sweater?
As much as I like a good jumper, I have bought mostly new ones since last year so I couldn't comment. I could say my most worn item, which is a Jack Wills cardigan that I have worn to death since I got it for Christmas last year. It goes with pretty much anything and I adore it! You will probably see it as the colder weather goes on and in various favourites.

8) Must have Nail Polish for this season?
Tanya Burr nail polish in Penguin Chic. Just a plain dark grey but I love it and it goes with most outfits. I have just started growing my nails, so I will be expanding my collection in the months to come,

9) Football Games or Jumping in leaf piles?
I think this is an American tag but I would chose the sport option all the way. I am more of a Rugby gal but a good 'Soccer' game isn't so bad! Although I have a younger brother, the leaf pile jumping looks like it might be happening!

10) Skinny Jeans or Leggings?
Skinny Jeans all the way. Leggings are so comfy but I don't like wearing them out of the house as I feel very self conscious. So, for me, jeans are my staple.

11) Combat Boots or Uggs?
That is a very tough choice and I don't think I can choose! They are both so comfy and cosy and I own at least a pair of each. I can't choose!

12) Is Pumpkin Spice worth the hype?
Now, this is were I fail as a girl in 2015. I have never had Pumpkin Spice!
 *Gasp!*
I know! It is on my list and I will try my hardest to bring myself to try it. I'm never one to jump into hypes so it may take a while!

13) Favourite Fall TV show?
I am currently binge watching Gossip Girl on Netflix. It is so good. But if we are talking about shows that only come out in Fall, it would have to be The Apprentice on BBC1 and Great British Bake Off on BBC1. They are both british shows and I watch them every year! I am not ashamed!

14) What song really gets you in the fall spirt?
I am that person that will listen to Christmas songs in August so any Christmas songs! I am going to create a Christmas Playlist and it will be amazing.
Another cosy song I like to listen to is Wonderwall by Oasis and Champagne Supernova, also by Oasis. I love both Oasis and The Kooks on those cosy days to relax and unwind.

And that is the end on that! I loved writing that and really thinking about it while wrapped in a blanket and drinking a cup of tea! Thank you,
ChangingTimes x



Sunday 4 October 2015

Autumn/Winter Read List.

Hello,

So today I have my base Autumn read list. This is kind of the minimum I want to read the Autumn and Winter months, with the addition of the books I get for Christmas. So, here we go. My read list.

One.
Life of Pi.
I have started reading this one already and I can't really get into it. I have included this on my list because I will probably end up putting this down to read at a later date. I have heard many great things about both the book and movie so it is defiantly a thing I will crack down on when I'm trapped on a rainy day. (Update; I put it down. Lets hope I can get through it!)


Two.
The amazing mind of Alice Makin.
I read this a few years ago and I want to read it again. I loved it then but I don't remember it too much! I want to re-read it before I recommend it to my cousin. She is really interested in reading so I hope to recommend this to her.

Three.
Watership Down.
This was a classic mistake of not finishing a holiday read. I don't really remember what it is about but I will try to write a review on it!

Four.
The Harry Potter series.
I am a serious Potterhead and am not afraid to admit it. Personally, I am a Ravenclaw and proud. I have already read the series about three times but I want to do it again! I own the full set of both DVDs and Books and I am hoping that I can read and watch all if them through the colder months. I've got through about a third of Philosophers Stone and I have a feeling I will finish all seven quickly!

This is the list of books that I own that I plan to read, and a Books Wanted post will be going up ASAP! Thank you,
ChangingTimes x

P.S. Not my finest photo's, Autumn lighting is messing with me!








Monday 21 September 2015

Beauty Staples! Autumn/Winter 2015.

Hello!

So here in England it is getting colder by the day, meaning that Autumn is getting ever closer.

I. Love. Autumn.

So I thought that I should write my Autumn Staples/Essentials. My essentials include a lot of monochrome and berry colours. I am trying to put more green into my wardrobe as well. I am going to split this blog post into three different posts. Beauty and Fashion and other. Today, I have my beauty staples.

Number One
Lip Balms/Butters.
My lips get extremely dry in the colder months so I use some heavy duty, moisturising lip products to try and prevent that. I love the Nivea Vanilla and Macadamia Lip Butter. I got bought it by the amazing Hope (Hey_ItsHope xo on YouTube) for my birthday in 2015 and I have used it everyday since. It is like the best lip product ever. I can not rave about this enough.

Number Two
Pink Lip colours.
I recently bought Rimmel Kate Moss 38 after seeing it in many Zoella video's and I have definatley not regretting it. It is a beautiful pink, peach colour and it is the colour I wear most days. However if I want a brighter lip colour I wear the Collection Work the Colour lip butter in 3 Vintage Rose. Its a more vibrant colour and I love it A LOT! I have had this about a year and I still wear it. I am not a fan of Plum lip colours but I do love CT Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry and MAC Rebel. If I had the money I think they are the colours I would buy.

Number Three
Nail Polish.
Berry and Grey tones. Currently I am wearing a berry/plum shade from Avon. I couldn't tell you the colour but I will switch between these three colours most of Autumn and Winter. They suit me the most I think.

Number Four
Fragrance.
My go-to fragrance is the Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine. It is musky but floral fragrance, it is one of the best. As a 'chuck in my bag' spray I have Charlie Black. That is Mandarin, Cherry and White musk.  Although, they are similar sents as I like to stick to these kind of sents and they make me feel warm and Autumnal.


Number Five

Eyeshadow.
I have green eyes so copper and gold shades make my eyes pop. I have the MUA Undressed pallet and a small duo of copper eyeshadows. A copper/gold shade across the lid and a matte brown in the crease. This is what I do everyday that I wear makeup and it is so simple.


That was installment one of three, so keep your eyes out for the next two!
ChangingTimes x

Sunday 13 September 2015

Easy Reads.


Hello! 
So today I have an easy reads collection of books. As it is coming up to Autumn and Winter, the cold is coming so that means more books needing to be read! Here it comes… 

  • If I Stay by Gayle Forman 
Oh my days. This book is just AMAZING! I loved this so so much, I finished it less than a day. It was unreal. So the book is basically about a car crash and a girl named Mia. It is also about her flirt with death. It is told in minutes with the way the theme of the book effects the characters. I will try not to spoil it for you but IT IS SUCH A MUST READ! That is all I will say. There is also a film if books are not your thing.
  • Girl Online by Zoe Sugg
This book is also a very easy book to finish. With the sequel to this coming out in the next few months, I recommend it. It is told in the point of view of a girl named Penny from Brighton. It follows her on her trip to New York City and boys and her blog and friends and everything in between. There was a lot of controversy surrounding this book about ghost writers but either way, it is well written and a page turner. I would recommend this for teens just starting Senior school, but I think anyone would enjoy it.
  • Four by Veronica Roth
This is the fourth and final book in the Divergent series. So I would recommend reading the three books before but they are not so small. This shows you the life of a character called Four (Tobias) on his journey to becoming Dauntless (a faction in this distopian world that Roth created). I also finished his remarkable quick but this is what I do with my free time. Run, Blog, Read, Eat. Basically my life. I do go out… Occasionally… The book is well structured and just gripping, I feel like it is one of the best from the series..!
  • The Amazing Mind of Alice Makin by Alan Shea
This book I read a few years ago but I remember it being good. It is set around the second world war. It is around Alice and just her things she does. Loved it. Defiantly going to be a re read and then I will get back to you! Sorry I can't write as much about this.
  • The Highlander's Hope by Cali MacKay
This book I have on my Kindle and I have read it around twice now. It is a romantic drama I think and it is about a American Historian and she tracks a rare artifact to Scotland and inlists the help of a clan. A tricky relationship blossoms but not without a few bumps along the way. The way the book twists is so unimaginable and it just springs up on you! A definate read!
  • Abby Clements Books
I read a few of her books on my Kindle again and they are very stereotypical sappy romance book but you just glide through them.

Thank you once again,
ChangingTimes x

Saturday 5 September 2015

The Book Tag.

Hey,
So, like I said, I would like to start talking about my love of books on my blog. I thought I would kick that off with The Book Tag! So, read on…

1) Do you have a certain place at home for reading?
No, I live between both my Mums and my Dads house so I read wherever I feel comfortable. Comfort is key. If I don't feel comfortable I can't fully absorb myself in a book, in a different world. So, no.

2) Bookmark or Random piece of paper?
Currently I am using a Jack Wills clothing tag as my bookmark. I don't exactly know why but it does the job. My pet hate is when people fold the corners of books, especially if they borrowed those books from me.

3) Can you stop reading at any time you want or do you have to stop at a certain page, chapter, part ect.?
I prefer to stop at the end of a chapter but I can't always do that so it is normally at the end of the chapter, closest to the top of the page. It is wherever I feel like I can that day.

4) Do you eat or drink while reading?
Yes, I try to have either a cup of tea or glass of water while I read. Otherwise I get a headache so I prefer just reading than the headache as well.

5) Can you read while reading music/watching TV?
I can, but only music. I listen to music on low to drown out talking but TV messes with what I read and what I listen to. But I prefer silence if I can. The only problem is if I hear noices I freek the eff out. So a little bit of music always helps.

6) One book at a time or several at once?
One at a time all the way. I get so confused otherwise. My current read is The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks, which I am a chapter in but expect a review soon! I also have reviews on If I Stay and the Divergent series. So I hope you enjoy them!

7) Reading at home or everywhere?
Everywhere. I read all the time, if I can. So, yeah, everywhere.

8) Reading outloud or silently in your head?
Silently. I hate to read outloud unless I have to. I prefer to be absorbed in the world not listening to the real one!

9) Do you read ahead or skip pages?
I am guessing this is about school, so I am a definite person to read head. I hate having to stop if I am enjoying it so I don't mind having to read it again.

10) Breaking a spine or keeping it new?
Keeping it new! I love how they look on a shelf then. Is that sad? Oh well I love it!

11) Do you write in books?
 I like to keep my books clean, even though I am starting to like the idea of highlighting your favourite book quotes. I am trying to weigh up the pros and cons in my head before I start anything. Any advice?

There you go, get ready for more on books! I will mix everything up so I hope that even if you don't like books you will still enjoy my blog! Please? Thank you.
ChangingTimes x

Wednesday 2 September 2015

Back-to-School Tag 2015.

Hey,
Today I have a Back-to-School tag for you. I want to start posting more so I am trying to think up good idea's. If you have any, and you care, please comment them! Thank you so much!

What grade or year of collage are you going into?
I don't really want to say but I am in Senior school in England which I think is High school in America.

What are you excited and/or nervous for?
I am excited to see my friends and finally get closer to leaving and getting to persue my dream job. I am nervous to complete my French GCSE, it is a lot of hard work and I am struggling a bit but I will do it!

What's your favourite part of getting ready to go back to school?
The supplies shopping! A new bag, books and a chance to start a fresh! You can completly change who you are if you wanted to and that is pretty cool.

When do you go back to school?
On September 2nd. The day this goes up so wish me luck!

What grade did you start wearing makeup to school?
Year 6 in England, only concealer.

From where or whom do you get your inspiration for your back to school style?
I have to wear a uniform so I don't really get to choose a style!

What are you favourite upcoming back to school/fall trends?
I honestly have no clue?!

Where do you like to go shopping for your back to school supplies?
WHSmiths, Wilko's and Waterstones/Oxfam Books. You know, reading?!

What are your favourite stores to go back to school shopping?
Uniform soooo...

Will you carry a backpack or purse?
I carry a handbag which you can see here.

What are three non-beauty essentials you carry in your bag?
A reading book, my pencil case and a bottle of water. Keep hydrated and that.

What are three beauty essentials you carry in your bag?
I carry a deodorant/body spray, hand sanitiser and a hairbrush with hairbands. Get your clean out.

What are your go to makeup products and go to look?
The Natural Collection concealer in Fair and the Rimmel London Wonderful mascara in waterproof. You know what you do with that!

What are your go to clothing items? Accessories?
… really we are going through this again..? But I wear a watch.

Thank you for reading!
ChangingTimes x

Monday 31 August 2015

Tanya Burr's Cookies.

Hey, 
So I made Tanya's Cookies, modifyed. So, here is my 'Baking Routine', if you could call it that!

Ingredients
  • 200g Butter
  • 300g Caster Sugar
  • 275g Self-Raising Flour
  • 75g Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 Large Bar of Chocolate (Whatever      flavour you want)


Step One


Put your music on and turn it up! You have that solo dance party!







 Step Two


Preheat your oven to 200 degrees centigrade, weather it is a fan oven or not! I made this mistake but DON'T CHANGE IT! Leave it be.


Step Three


Cream the butter and sugar together. You can use an electric mixer but when I am cooking to relax, I normally just use a wooden spoon! Put it in the bowl and MIX IT UP! Then add the egg and mix it in well.





Step Four


Put all the dry ingredients in the bowl with the eggy, buttery, sugary mixture. Mix it in carefully, trying not to spill it! It needs a bit of welly in it, so it is mixed really well.



Step Five


Break up all the chocolate and add it to the bowl. Mix it in with the wooden spoon, and then finish it with your hands. They should be evenly dispersed.
Step Six


Line two baking trays with grease proof paper. I like to use pizza trays because I find that it cooks them better. I don't know why, but it works! 





Step Seven


Roll five balls onto each baking tray. Don't worry about the left over mixture. Pop your trays in the oven. You will have about half left over, you will fill four trays in total. If you can do them all in one go, you do that! Cook them for exactly 11 minutes.

Life Hack 


If you have no grease proof paper, butter your tray and then cover it in plain flour so it sticks to all the butter and then knock off the excess. It will not stick any more!





Step Nine


Have another dance! My album of choice today was Taylor Swift 1989. You can always have a good jam to that.
 Step Ten


Take the cookies out of the oven and leave the two trays to cool for 2-3 minutes. Don't worry if they don't seem cooked, they harden when they cool. Prep the next batch/ten cookies and put them in the oven with the same cooking times. 



Step Eleven


Leave them to cook for about 15 minutes or until you can hold them and they don't feel too hot. Now present them however you want to.

 You could put them in a jar as a present?
Or just on a plate or tub?

Put them in an air tight container to keep them.

ChangingTimes x







Sunday 30 August 2015

The Fun Questions Tag.

Hey, 
So I was reading around one raining day in August (I know! Rain in August, it shouldn't be allowed!) and stumbled across this tag. I realised, that if there is anyone reading this, you don't really know a lot about me. I want this blog to be anonymous but there is nothing wrong with you knowing a bit about my personality and if I get to the confidence, I might share more and more with you. But that will come with time. 
For the time being, here is The Fun Questions Tag;

1) When is your birthday? 
(You don't have to include the year if you don't want to.)
February 21st. Winter going into spring, it is always beautiful but always raining!

2) What are three of your favourite colours?
White, Grey and Light Blue, kind of a duck egg colour.

3) What are your three favourite quotes?
"We have all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on, thats who we really are." -Sirius Black
"You are confined only by the walls you build yourself." -Unkown
"If we stop defining ourselves by what we are not, and start defining ourselves by who we are, we can all be free." -Emma Watson
(I am not even joking, that was so hard to decide! I am a massive quote person! I have so many more I could've put in!)

4) Are you addicted to YouTube?
To put it simply, no. I watch it now and gain but I could quite happily go days and weeks without watching it and not really miss it. I am much more of a books and music kind of person, being sucked into another world and forgetting about the real one. Much more my scene.

5) What are three of your favourite shows on TV or YouTube or both?
GBBO (Great British Bake Off), Gossip Girl and Bad Education. Three very different shows but I love them all.

6) What are three qualities you look for in a best friend?
Loyal, the same sense of humour/a good sense of humour and able to keep a secret.

7) Do you like your name?
Meh.

8) If you got to have the choice to pick your own name, what would it be?
I have always loved the names Abigail, Mia, Emily, Victoria… The list goes on. But I would keep my name because I can't imagine being called anything else.

9) What is your fantasy dream?
Just to be happy. I struggle with anxiety so to be happy and content and loved is just a thing I would love in my life. Not that I don't have friends or family that don't love me, but that life long companionship you read in Nicholos Sparks novels. 
Or to travel the world.
Or to go to University.
But you know, the first one.

10) Do you wear makeup?
I do. Concealer, Powder, Eye Shadow, Mascara. Not loads but it makes me feel confident.

11) If you could write a book, what would the title be and what would it be about?
I acctually have no idea. I would probably go John Green style for my theme or Distopian like The Hunger Games trilogy and Divergent trilogy but I honestly don't know. If I ever got the chance to write a book, that would be a shocker anyways!

12) What makes you cry?
The song 'Happy Ending' by Mika. Oh my days, it has so many meanings and strings attatched for me so it is just so emotional to listen cause it causes those memories. There are books and movies as well but that is the main one.

13) What makes you angry?
Idiocy, Racism, Cancer, War and when people think it is funny to make fun of people who can't fight back. People who find the above things funny. There is no need to do that, you don't know what is going on behind closed doors for other people and after experience this myself, I am extra careful and aware because it hurts. It really does.

14) What makes you happy?
A good book. It is an amazing way to escape and I love them so much. I probably own way to many.
*Wink Wink* Bookshelf tour and reviews coming soon.

15) What is "Fangirling"?
The obsesion over a person or thing that resolts in an unhealthy addiction to that thing. Extreme joy and in some cases crying, laughing and obsesive stalking.

16) What are your three favourite snacks?
Cookies, Strawberries, Raspberries and Pineapple.
Oooo, such a rebel, four choices, but I just couldn't choose!

17) What are your favourite foods?
Roast Potatoes, Salsa/Homous and Pasta of most kinds. Love 'em.

18) What are your three favourite drinks?
Water, Tea and Mango Juice.

19) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Nope, sorry, maybe another time?! Is that annoying? If it is, I am truely sorry!

20) What are ten random facts about you?
-I am an Athlete.
-I am a lover of Rock Pop. Foo Fighters, Green Day, Oasis, The Killers, The Kooks.
-But I also love Taylor Swift!
-My favourite shop is H&M.
-I have two Springer Spaniels and two Cats.
-My camera is the SonyAlpha 200.
-My favourite subjects at school are Geography, RE, PE and Maths.
-I love English but I wish I was bilingual.
-I don't drink anything other that water most of the time because it breaks my skin out and makes me feel like rubbish when I run, therefore effecting my performance.
-I am female.

21) What are your three fun things to do?
Reading
Listening to music
Sport; Netball, Rugby, Athletics.

Hope you liked that! I will probably do more tags once school starts because I will not have as much time to write and take photo's.
ChangingTimes x

Saturday 29 August 2015

What Is On My Desk? Autumn 2015.

Hey,
So here is a what is on my desk, but guiltily, most of my blogging is done on my bed. It's bad, I know. I use it for homework and revision and to get ready in the morning so I thought I would share.

My desk is an IKEA white Table. I am not exactly sure which one it is or how much it cost as my Mum decorated my room as a suprise when we moved and I went away on holiday with my Dad.
The jumper on the back of my desk chair is a Jack Wills Cardigan from the outlet website for around £50. I love it so much and I put it on to snuggle in the evenings or when I get cold. My desk chair, which you can't see, is a pink faux leather one from Argos for about £20, I think.

 So on the far right of my desk I have a pile of books. The bottom of the pile is a memory/notebook from The Works for £2. It is grey, pink and mint green on the cover and I use it to write memories ect. in. Above it I have the April edition of Vouge. I wasn't too impressed by it so I didn't buy any more editions. I kinda got a bit bored, but then again, the articles are quite good. I'm not sure, so I keep it and read it again every so often. Next, I have an Encyclopedia of World History. My Mum bought this for me years ago but it is so useful, it is unbelievable. I love history so sometimes I will read it. Sounds sad, I know but it facinates me. Then I have a miniature Teen Vouge which was slightly better and it came with my full size Vouge. You've already heard all about that. Above that is ELLE May. The Rebel Wilson edition. I love Rebel and this article is amazing, so funny and quite well written. Loved it. So much. Next, yet another notebook and we all know what they are. It is from WHSmiths, around 5 years ago. 
 Then I have my Pointless Book above that, which I don't really use. I bough it because it was a YouTuber book, one of the first. And I keep it for the same reason. Then my recipe book. I like to write down any recipes I don't want to forget. It's getting quite full and I love it! The top of the stack is a set of Old Royal postcards from an exhibition. They are so beautiful. Then my badges from various things like guides and what I did growing up. The Vase and Flowers are from IKEA. The vase was £1, the Pebbles £1.50 and each flower was £1.50. I have one in white, one in a deep pink and one in light pink. My Purse is from Egypt and is Micheal Kors. 

Next is the far left which houses my TV, cotton pads and buds in an IKEA pot and Laptop charger. Quite self explanatory. 

This is my makeup and other stuff that I like to keep on my desk. My skincare is elsewhere. My Body lotion is the Boots Botanics range and I got that for Christmas from my Grandma. The Body Mist is from the Body Shop and is in the smell Indian Night Jasmine. It was £7.50 but it smells AMAZING! I use that most days. In th small M pot is loadsa 5p's and rings and hair clips. Basically loads of rubbish.
Then it is my makeup and brushes. It is just a few bits that I wear at the weekends.

Next to my desk books is a glass of water. I keep a glass or bottle of water on my desk so it reminds me to drink. Behind that is a glass bottle in which I put smoothies or juices on days where I might be cooped up doing revision or homework. Then is another glass bottle with pens and pencils in. 

So there it is, my desk. Obviously, it doen't always look like this. It gets messy with books and pieces of paper and pens within the first week of school! But I try my hardest. 
ChangingTimes x

Friday 28 August 2015

A Little Haul.

Hey,

So, today I have a little haul for y'all. Just some of the things I have bought for school and stuff! Sorry if you don't care, but I thought you might want to know what I have bought in the last few days. It is not a lot but I don't really know what else to write.

 The first thing I bought a 50 pack of Index Cards from Wiko for 75p. These are for notes for Language exams and stuff where I need to remember.
(If you want revision tips, it might be coming soon?!)

 I have bought two A4 folders for 50p each to put my books in so they don't get ruined. One is for my French work as at the moment it is in paper folders and they just fall apart ALL THE TIME! They are so rubbish. The paper folders not these ones! Aha...

 I am a big lover of Fine Liners. For AGES I had the Staedtler Fine Liners but they ran out. I saw these ones for half price, so I thought I would give these ones a go. They were reduced/on offer/half price. £5 to £2.50 and the Staedtler ones were around £7.

The final thing was a pair of Nike Pro running leggings for £22.99 from Sports Direct. As you may or may not know, I am an athlete/do athletics and I needed a pair for winter training and when the weather gets colder.

ChangingTimes x

Thursday 27 August 2015

What is in my School Bag? Autumn 2015.

Hey,

Today I have a what is in my School Bag for you for Autumn 2015. I go back to school on the 2nd September so I have most of my school supplies ready so I thought I would share it with you!


My School Bag is the Lottie Tote from New Look and it is £27.99. It is the perfect size for school to carry books, lunch, stationary ect.
I love it and it feels like it will last a long time.



Firstly, I have my pencil case. The actual case is from Wilkinson and I think is was about 59p around two years ago. Inside I have a pair of Sissors, gifted for me by my Grandma for Christmas, just white and metal and always handy for at school. I have four Bic 'brite liner grip' in Pink, Yellow, Blue and Orange which are perfect for my work as I am doing my MFL (Modern Foriegn Language) GCSE early so I need to be uber organised and focused. Also, it contains, two Bic 'round stic' pens, two pencils, a red pen, ruler, protractor, ruler, rubber and Bic 4-way pen. I will end up collecting more stationary throughout the           year so don't worry, I will have more!


I always, without fail, have a book in my bag. I am a total book worm, (I will be posting a few book reviews soon, if that is what floats your boat) and I am currently Life of Pi by Yann Martel. So far, I don't quite know what to think. But… I have just been on Holiday to Egypt and managed to read four books; Insurgent and Alligent by Veronica Ross, Looking for Alaska by John Green and When God was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman. All of them were amazing and reviews will be coming soon! Anyways, I have to have a book for Tutor and English lessons. I try my best to read about 4 books a month, if I have bought enough, because I feel so good after I have read a good book. Relaxed. Refreshed. Wierdly informed. Books are an essesntial for me to have for school.


Next is my purse. I always have my purse with me as it holds all the money! It is Micheal Kors and I loooveee itttt! Well… Egypt Micheal Kors..! It has all my cards and change which I am sad to say that it is quite empty and it makes my sad.  The purse is such good quality and I can't believe it! My other purse, a smaller one I will probably be swapping this purse out for is a £5 cream and gold from Peacocks. It is about half the size if this one so it will be better one I get all my books.






Here, I have a representation of my books and folders that I will be given on my first day back. I have all my French books so far as I am in my second year of excelorated GCSE and it is SO MUCH PAIN. It will be worth it tho… I hope. I will also get by school Planner which is my old one pocking out of the corner over there!

Earphones! I am not aloud my phone in school. I know. Tragic. But I take earphones anyways. You never know when you will need a pair. IT, Tech even English! They are just the Apple iPhone 5c ones but they are honestly some of the comfiest pairs ever!

Also is a hairbrush with hairbands. The brush is just from Primark and I got it a few years ago for Christmas so I just carry it around for PE and those days when your hair just doesn't play ball. Always there and always used.

I have my essential beauty/life things that everyone needs in thier lives. The lipbalm is just a Fanta Lipsmacker as it is just the easiest and most compact one I could find. It is £3.50 from Claire's accsesories and it does the job. The hand sanitizer is the Mango one from The Body Shop, £2.50. Oh My! It's the best smell EVER! I love it! Can't even explain to you, you just need to smell it! Finally I have an Impulse Body Spray in Vanilla Kisses. The smell is okay but I am going to buy a new spray because we are not aloud to take aerosolse to school because of asthmatics. It is £2. I also keep a deodrant and other essential things in there but you don't probably want to see that.


At my school, we have to have a thing called Drama Shoes. When we do Drama we have to have specific shoes. Mine are just plimsoles from Primark so I can just shove them in my locker and forget about them for the year. Nothing special.


That is everything that I keep in my school bag at the start of term! By the third week, we all know that it will be full if scrap pieces of paper and wrappers and other random rubbish that we don't need. That's not just me right?! So, I will see you next time?













Thank you, 
ChangingTimes x






Wednesday 1 July 2015

June Favourites.

Hey,

So, with a new month, comes new favourites. 
This month there are not very many. I don't know why,
but this month I stuck to what I liked. 

Up until June, I had never read any of the Hunger Games Trilogy and never seen any of the films. Now, they are some of my favourites. The films are amazing and the books are my rivaling Harry Potter in my rankings(which is my favourite series of ALL TIME). I cannot wait until Mockingjay Part 2 comes out in the cinema's. OMG, there will be tears. Probably a lot, but who can blame and me, lovers of the books will know what I mean.


In the UK, we do not see sun a lot. So when we see sun, we jump at the chance. It is beaches and walks and BBQs. So, I had to whip out my shorts. I'm going to Egypt in August, so I think i should get my summer wardrobe sorted ASAP. The shorts I own are the MOM shorts from TopShop. They are £28, a little on the expensive side, but well worth it!


 Carrying on with the theme of summer, this it the best. I am so pale, I'm like a ghost, so when it comes to summer I have to try to prepare myself for shorts and tops. No more jumpers and jeans! This tans so naturally, you can barely tell. Yet it tans enough for you to look like a ghost that may had been in the sun for a while. Or at least I think it does!

Another thing that I have tried this Month was Toner. I'm still not exactly sure what it does but it seems to make my skin clearer. Since I am an Athlete, I am out in the sun a lot, and in the sun you sweat. When you sweat, you break out which is not good when you are trying to be a natural beauty to be by the pool and the beach. But, this seams to help. The Simple Toner cost £1 and the Nivea Toner cost around £2.



Many of my favourites seem to make me come back to the organ that covers my whole body. I think it is a bit weird but what can I do. This stuff is THE BOMB. Along with the Toners, the Garnier Micellar Clensing Water, and the wipes I will talk about in a minute this has been my saviour. I decided that my plan is to look after my skin now, before it is too late. I think future me will thank present me. 

Like I said, I have some make up wipes to talk about. I'm lazy. After I get back from training, the last thing I want to do is wipe some water things all over my face. I climb into bed, grab one of these from the pack that I keep by my bed and wipe the stuff off my face as quick as I can. I have to say, they are amazing but can take time to take off harsher make up. 





This month, I have been trying to grow my nails. Since I can remember, I have bitten my nails. It was a hard habit to break but I have finally done it! I am so happy but I keep breaking them! I cannot do a sprint start without at least one snapping off. I hope I will get used to them soon!







Hope you liked it,

ChangingTimes x