Eton mess cupcakes

I know Valentines day isn't everyone's cup of tea and to be honest it isn't really mine. I cannot be dealing with over the top shows of affection, not me at all! Instead I'm much more of a 'token' person. My boyfriend normally makes me a CD and buys dinner and I like to bake him something in cute little heart cupcake cases, purely because it gives me an excuse to buy them. He's an eton mess fan so last year I made him eton mess cupcakes, they are as good as they sound! They can be a little bit of effort (making the strawberry sauce) but that was all part of the fun for me and made me feel like a domestic goddess (which isn't a way I'd normally describe myself). Even if I do say so myself, they taste great, if you're not making them for val day, just make them! I don't know whether or not to go for the tried and true eton mess cupcake again this year or broaden my baking horizons a bit further? Any ideas? Let me know if you try them! I followed this recipe here. The silcone heart shaped cases are from M&S!

For the cupcakes

• 125 g Golden caster sugar
• 125 g margarine
• 125 g self-raising flour
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Red food colouring, optional
• ½ tsp vanilla bean paste or 3 drops of vanilla essence

For the buttercream

• 100 g butter
• 220 g icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence

For the strawberry sauce

• 15 strawberries
• 2 tbsp soft brown sugar

To decorate

• 1-2 meringue, crumbled
• strawberries

LUCILLEX

All them things that are nice

Trousers: Topshop, Jumper: New Look, Shirt: Only via Littlewoods, Necklace: Accessorise, Shoes: Topshop, Jacket: ASOS, Fur: Topshop

I decided to just snap my outfit today, even though the light is awful in my room! I hope you don't mind! This is another one of my go-to outfits at the minute. I love these cords from Topshop sale, so high waisted, no love handles in these. The jumper was a Christmas present from New Look and I have worn it to absolute death and it's already looking a bit bobbly, think I'm gonna have to go for another colour! The jacket was another present from Asos and I think it's great, so happy to have a fresh, new blazer in my wardrobe instead of my tatty old ones.


This week is turning out pretty chilled, no pressing deadlines for now and I am making the most of it. Hoping to finally see Sherlock Holmes in the next few days before it closes and I am craving a Nandos big time. Chicken wrap and spicy rice is my order if you're interested.


Just a little thank you as well because I am still overwhelmed by all of your lovely comments. I know my blogging is a bit shitty at the minute, I'm working on it, I'm even picking my uni room for next year based on best outfit photo potential! I'll leave you with this to say sorry...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DussnqvJy1g

LUCILLEX

Frankie says

Trousers: American Apparel, Necklace: Vivienne Westwood via Urban Outfitters, Clutch: See by Chloe via Net a Porter sale, Watch: Michael Kors via Ernest Jones, Flats: French Sole, Bag: Vivienne Westwood via Selfridges, Glasses: Ray Ban, Sunglassses: Cutler and Gross via Net a Porter, Purse; Miu Miu via Net a Porter

Deadlines are over! I can't even tell you how lost I feel without having a mountain of work looming every morning I wake up but I'm starting to feel truly relaxed. Until the next one in a couple of weeks I guess.


I'd love more than anything to be able to take some outfit photos and the like now I've got the time to do it but dear lord the lighting in my uni room is horrific. I live in the scabby garage bit, booo, don't know why I didn't realise that was a terrible idea at the time?! I have found a new house for next year though, 5 other lovely girls and a truly nice place so fingers crossed that final year will be the year I love my accomodation!


So Christmas is practically only just over but I can already start thinking about my 21st in February! I was more than spoilt for my 18th birthday so I'm imagining this one to be a little more played down but I think my Mum wants me to have something I can keep. The first things that came to mind were some AA disco pants (not really in keeping with the whole 'something I can keep' thing), seriously someone needs to have words with me. I have honestly wanted them for absolute years and the sudden re-surge in their popularlity is making me pretty determined not to get left behind this time but we'll have to see how my thighs cope in all that stretchy, shiny glory. My wishlist is kind of what I would ask for if I was extremely cheeky and pushing my luck, don't worry I'm not that bratty, but those are the most fun right?

LUCILLEX

Alarm

Jumper: Warehouse, Dress: Topshop, Belt: Primark, Boots: Topshop, Nails: Topshop 'Blitz'

Hello! I've made it out the other side of a huge deadline with minimal lasting damage. Still have to present to about 50 people tomorrow though which isn't the greatest feeling, and get a 'book' done for Monday. Sorry I haven't been able to post in the madness, but I have been keeping up with reading your lovely comments, thankyou so much! 


This is pretty much my favourite outfit at the minute. This midi length dress has replaced my beloved skinnies, but the sweater love hasn't died out quite yet. I've been wearing it with ankle boots, knee high boots and my studded pumps but am struggling to find the right jacket to go with it. I was certain it would be hideous on me but I personally love it so definitely try it if you're like me and are a bit apprehensive about mid lengths. 


We've just had our fourth fireman in the house since last night and our sixth since we've lived here! We had a fire alarm going off for about an hour yesterday and in the end they had to sort it out for us and fit us new ones. Honestly, every single one that has been round has been the loveliest, funniest person and they genuinely care about us being safe. Such a selfless job. Unfortunately they're all generally old enough to be my dad though. I will probably struggle to post much until I have handed in project number two, but after that I have a lot of time and a lot I want to share with you so stick with me!

LUCILLEX

Hardly working

 

Fur knit: Topshop (sale), Cords: Topshop (sale), Jumper: New Look, Dress: Topshop, Blazer; Asos

Brow kit: Benefit, Paul and Joe nail enamel in Oh Holy Night, Topshop nail polishes in Blitz and Miasma,

 GOSH nail glitter in Gold

Flower and bow necklaces: Local boutique, Moustache necklace: Accessorize, Shoes: Topshop

Does anyone else find that they seem to be working non stop but their workload isn't getting any smaller or more manageable?! Stressed is not how I wanted to start the new year but oh well, life. It'll be over soonish and life will be brill! How has your start to the new year been? I realise in the grand scheme of things that lots of uni work isn't actually that bad, especially after such a lovely and lucky Christmas!


Just thought I'd show you some of my new bits, mostly gifts but a couple of cheeky sale buys. I've also bought some bargain H&M boots and trousers which you will see soon enough! Everything I got for Christmas was perfection and so well chosen, beautiful surprises, I was very lucky. I've worn the Topshop dress so many times, I was so unsure whether it would be hideous on me but I'm officially in love and am very much considering the navy. The ASOS jacket is actually my first ASOS piece of clothing and I'm impressed, it's so flattering and a great addition to my wardrobe. I'm so happy to finally have the vectras, Topshop shoes have been incredibly comfortable this year. Also, I must recommend Benefit Browzings if you haven't tried it. Medium is the ideal colour for me and I find the application easy and the results impressive! 


I hope this doesn't come across as boastful in any way, I genuinely thought I should share these bits with you as they are all new favourites (I have a big family and lots of siblings!). Oh, and finally, this 5 year diary was one of my favourite gifts, beautiful idea and the book itself is so pretty!


LUCILLEX