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Wednesday 31 December 2014

Looking Back at 2014

Hey,
So it’s a new year soon and 2015 is in the near future now. I decided it was the perfect time for a reflection of 2014 and time for me to share my plans for 2015 and mydaisychaincloset.

It’s been an amazing year, and I really have loved it. I feel 2014 was the true beginning of this blog and it’s been such a privilege to write for you. I feel my writing and photography has all improved and hopefully my posts have got even bigger and better. Blogmas was really enjoyable too, although a struggle, and a great way to end the year. If you have any thoughts on my posts last year, or anything like that, just let me know in the comments because you are the best way I can learn and better myself.


I hope 2015 will hold great things for this blog too. I’ve got a few new ideas to play about with, and I think a few of the series I created last year will also re-appear! I have decided that in order to keep the quality of my blog posts, and reliability of them fluent, I will keep to my current two posts a week schedule. However I have decided to change my upload day from Wednesday to Thursday, so posts will be Thursdays and Sundays!


I am currently holding a Q&A over on my Q&A page, where you can ask questions anonymously and it only takes a few seconds! You can ask me anything, as there isn’t a theme, so if you have anything about fashion, makeup, blogging etc just head over! I hope your new year’s all begin well and you have an amazing start of January! I think 2015 is going to be great!


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Wednesday 24 December 2014

Merry Christmas ! | Blogmas Day 24

Hey,

So it’s the last day of Blogmas and I can’t quite believe it. It been 24 days of blog posts on mydaisychaincloset and thankfully I haven’t missed one! I would just like to thank all my readers who have kept coming back to read daily, it means a lot. I’ve really enjoyed the experience of blogging each day, even though it’s been difficult and I know a few of my posts could have been better.


So it’s Christmas Eve and I can’t think of a better time to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! I don’t know if there’ll be a blog post before the New Year, but I feel like I’ll be taking a little break after Blogmas. I hope you all have a lovely, festive Christmas full of turkey, chocolate oranges and crackers. No matter how you celebrate this time, I hope it is happy for everyone!

It’s been lovely writing for you all year and I have thoroughly enjoyed making and creating content for this blog.

I’d love to know how you celebrate Christmas in the comments below and your thoughts about this Blogmas. May your Christmas Eves’ be merry and, if you’re on Santa’s good list, then I hope you get many presents,

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Tuesday 23 December 2014

Stained Glass Window Star Biscuits | Blogmas Day 23


Hey,
So today’s post is going to be a recipe that lets you make these tasty festive stained glass window star biscuits. The biscuits are so cute to make and would be perfect for a gift or just a winter treat. I also love how they look festive but are an alternative to the usual traditional recipes.
One this I would say is that they are definitely a required taste and are not like a usual biscuit or cake because the sweet center adds a fruity sugary flavour. 

To make these biscuits, you will need:
·         90g of butter softened
·         100g Unrefined golden caster sugar but I ran out so used a mixture of granulated and caster sugar
·         1Egg (free range)
·         1tspVanilla extract
·         200gPlain white flour
·         ½tspBaking powder
·         ½tspSalt
·         Boiled sweets
·         75g White Chocolate


1.       Mix together the flour, salt and baking powder in a small bowl. Set this aside.
2.       In another larger bowl, cream the butter and the sugar together.
3.       Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar.
4.       Now mix in the dry ingreiants, from small bowl, into the larger bowl mixture. Slowly add until a dough is made.
5.       Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for one hour.


6.       After one hour, heat the oven to 170.C and flour the surfaces. I found that I had to pat quite a lot more of plain flour so that the dough was dry enough to roll.
7.       Now chose how you will make the biscuit shape. I used cutters I already had, but you could always print off some images of the internet.


8.       I rolled out the dough into the thickness I wanted and then I cut out the shapes I needed. Then I used a smaller cutter to create the star shape inside them. Then I repeated until all of the dough was used. This made about 20-30 biscuits.
9.       Place the biscuits onto a buttered piece of baking paper, on a baking tray. It is important that you butter the paper so the sweets don’t stick when they melt.
10.   Bake in the oven for 8-12 minutes until the sweets have melted.
11.   Let the biscuits cool and then put them in an air tight tin/ box. I used an old celebrations box.
12.   Now you must make the icing decoration. I used melted white chocolate but you could always use plain icing.


13.   To melt the white chocolate, chop it up into small pieces.
14.   Then I boil the kettle, and put a small amount into a saucepan. This method of melting chocolate is called a bain-marie.
15.   Put the small pieces of chocolate into a bowl that will balance on top of the saucepan but the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Then stir the melting chocolate with a wooden spoon.
16.   When all the chocolate has melted, I take it and put it into a piping bag. If you do not have a piping bag then you could try using a knife or a homemade piping bag- there are lots of tutorials for this on youtube.
17.   Now is the part for getting creative. Take your piping bag of chocolate and creat whatever shapes you want.
18.   Place to chill in the fridge so the chocolate can set. This will take only 10 minutes.


Done! These adorable biscuits are perfect for making with the family or just as a gift. If you make them let me know down below, I hope you all have a super Christmas-y Christmas Eve Eve, have a great day, 

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Monday 22 December 2014

My Blogging Tips and Tricks | Blogmas Day 22


Hey,
So today I wanted to write a non-christmas related post because I know there may be readers that do not celebrate this time of year and because I don’t want to repeat similar posts. Today’s post is going to be about how I run mydaisychaincloset and my tips and tricks.

#1 Creating your Blog

My first tip is a tip for anyone creating a new blog, coming up with a theme, a name and the look of your blog. Your title will need to be something that you will blog by, you can’t change it so you can’t mess it up. Now, I’m not saying mine is perfect, but these are my thoughts. You have one chose with a title- include your name or not. It’s a personal choice and I, personally, decided that I did not want me name in it. Mydaisychaincloset was inspired by the initial theme of my blog (fashion) and my personal fashion choice (floral/ flower), together I mixed some ideas until my daisychain closet came together. Whatever you go for, make sure it is something you won’t get bored of, won’t date too much and isn’t too same-y or similar.
Another one of the most important parts of your blog will be the visual. It only takes a few seconds for a reader to like or dislike your blog or your blog post, and that few seconds needs to be impressive. Now I’m not saying that you need a professional to design your blog but you need to take care and take time. Think about fonts, think about backgrounds, think about titles; think about a colour scheme that can be applied to all these aspects.
Also, when you are comfortable with the look of your blog, make sure the layout of your blog is easy to use. Personally, I made a mock up blog to practice this with, which let me navigate and work on creating new pages etc., without risking a mistake with my actual blog. 

#2 Organising your Blog

Planning, scheduling and preparing my blog is a key feature in how I stay committed to blogging and creating good quality content. I have a blogging notebook and in it I brainstorm and plan monthly. I have a calendar, where I write in my posts and any other key dates, in it and this is where I organise the type of posts I will write. Planning ahead means that you can take photos ahead of the day and write the posts when you have plenty of time, not rushed. Sadly, this Blogmas my plan wasn’t very good and I have had a few days where my posts have been late and the content isn’t to my normal standard. Trying to come up with a post idea, with photography and subjects to include, on the day can be difficult and stressful. Planning changes this.
Also there is nothing wrong with scheduling posts, most professional bloggers do. Being ahead of the game gives you more time and freedom within posts, and allows you to put the posts up on a weekly schedule- time and day. This will boost your readers because they can rely on you to be regular.

#3 Photography on your Blog

One of the aspects of my blog I am most proud of is my photography on my blog. I am hugely lucky to have an amazing camera, a Nikon COOLPIX L320, which I received last Christmas. When I began my blog I didn’t have this but I have definitely noticed a difference in the quality between my old basic photo camera and this one. If you are really interested in blogging, and making your blog successful, then it may be something to put on your wishlist or to invest in.
When taking photos, think about focussing, light and interesting factors in your post. I have been inspired by these posts about blog photography:
Zoella’s post, A Beautiful Messand a post about blogging backgrounds 

For example, to create the photo in this post (shown above), I had to create an aesthetically pleasing layout and try many different angles etc. I had to think about adding interest, for me it was the fairy lights, and then create a photo that focused even with the confusing lighting of the lights and computer screen. For this one photo, I took 21 shots, which shows how you will need to experiment to create a professional final shot. Furthermore, I then had to edit it on Photoscape. Photoscape is a photo editing software that you can download for free online. It offers many options, including cropping, lighting and collageing/ combining images, and I would really recommend it. 

And those are all the tips and tricks I’m sharing. If you liked this type of post, then let me know and I might make it into a possible series about how I blog. I wish you all a very merry day, just three days to go now, 

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Sunday 21 December 2014

Christmas Time Photography | Blogmas Day 21


Hey,
So today I just wanted to share some photos that I took recently. I hope they put you in a festive mood. It really is a beautiful time of the year.
To find out how I decorate my room click here.
To find out how I made the glitter tea lights click here



Yes that is a cost coffee cup you spy, I just had to keep it as it's so cute!








The main family tree is themed around gold and teal as our main room is teal coloured.




I hope you liked my photos, and I would love to hear your comments on having photography type posts on my blog as well. Have a great day, only 4 days to go!

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Saturday 20 December 2014

Friendship | Blogmas Day 20

Hey,
So today I wanted to do one of my quote-y lifestyle posts because I haven’t done one in ages and I have been feeling very reminiscent lately.


The importance of friendship in our lives is something as valuable as diamond. For me, my friends are the ones that take me away from the stresses of life and give me the opportunity to be the best me I can.

My best friend is the person I can always turn to, whether I’m on top of the world or in a pool of my own tears. When we became friends we never expected for such a friendship to begin but I am so thankful that it did. When a person comes into your life and turns into your best friend, it is more than a gift- it is a promise. So many times I’ve relied on her, and all I can do is hope that my problems never hold her down.

Everyone has those people in their lives that don’t really earn the title of a ture friend, but all that matters is that you have someone or some people that do. In school life, and adult life I’m sure, friendship is a complicated subject and one that can be beautiful or hurtful. If you are ever in a situation where you believe that that person who you call ‘best friend’ doesn’t deserve it, and is actually hurting you, I beg you to get out.

The quote is so true, a friend is the one that goes above expectation to always help, listen and love you. Thankfully, I have never been in a situation where my best friend has become someone who isn’t but I have had the odd person in my life that I am happy to have removed. Happiness is a two way gift and that is something you must always remember. You are valuable and warrant better.  There is always someone who needs a friend, and especially in this merry time of year, I suggest that you help them in their mission. You can never have too many friends after all.

So that’s all I wanted to say on this subject. These are my own opinions obviously, and if you disagree then that’s fine but I just wanted to make my point. I am the luckiest person to have the loyal friends I do, and I know that. I hope you all have a lovely day,


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Friday 19 December 2014

My Travel Diary: London at Christmas | Blogmas Day19


Hey,
So I’m really excited for this post because when you read it I will finally have got off school today for the holidays. I can finally sleep in the mornings and not have to wear uniform for two weeks! Time to relax and enjoy the last few weeks of the year!

Today's post is part of my travel diary because last Saturday, my family and I went to London on our annual Christmas day out. We always go, every year, because it is so festive and everything looks so beautiful at this time of year. The shop windows are always so amazing and Christmas-y and the whole spirit of the day has become a tradition on my family's calendar. 

We visited Harrods, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and also did a spot of shopping in Oxford Circus. Everything was so lovely and we also had an amazing lunch at Strada. 

Here are some of the photos I took, I hope you enjoy them.











And that’s all. I had an amazing day and if you get a chance to see London this Christmas I would really recommend it. I had an amazing day and it has made me soooo excited for Christmas. Less than a week to go now, have a wonderful day,

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Thursday 18 December 2014

How I Wrap my Christmas Presents | Blogmas Day 18

Hey,
So I know this post is late, and tomorrows might be too, and I’m sorry about this but school has been very busy over these last days of term. Hopefully this last week of posts will be better timed but better late than never I guess. Today I wanted to do a post on how I wrap my Christmas presents. I’m a bit of a wrap-a-holic and one of my favourite things to do is wrapping presents.  My friends always say they love my wrapping so I thought I would show you how I am wrapping my Christmas presents this year.



So this year my theme was red, silver and gold. Last year I had a red, green and brown paper theme, so this year I wanted to try something new. My paper was from Next and came as a 4 paper roll pack. It was a little pricey at £5, but for that I got a selection of 4 papers and golden tags.
So in the example I used the gold and white star paper. I am guilty of overcutting paper, but once you have, make sure you make neat folds and tight corners.

When you have the basic present wrapped, you can decorate with any bits or bobs you have on hand. I bought this red ribbon and a 4 gift ribbon set from Clintons and I also accessorised with my own handmade glitter letters and twine. Twine is a really good cheap alternative to ribbon, and you can get it at most supermarkets and home stores. I think it adds a really shabby sheek, homemade feel as well.

The glitter letters were also so easy to make. Just cover a white piece of thick paper/ card with PVA glue and sprinkle on a glitter colour of your choice. Then shake off the excess. I then choose the letters I wanted, and the font I wanted, and printed them off my computer. When printed, I stuck the sheet onto the back of the glittered card BACKWARDS- so that the letters come out the right way in the end. Once cut out, just add to a present to personalise it and make it look a lot cuter.


So, that’s how I wrap me presents but how do you wrap yours? I hope you’ve all had a lovely day, 

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Wednesday 17 December 2014

Christmas Tag | Blogmas Day 17

Hey,
So today I planned for a Christmas Q&A but I didn’t get enough questions, so I decided to do another Christmas tag instead! I would love for you to do it to so I tag all my readers. I found this tag on Katie’s blog Can I Borrow That Top and loved it. I love this blog so much so if you haven’t already, go over and see her blog because it’s definitely one of my favourites to read!


1. What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
It’s so hard to pick just one thing but I have chosen the festive feeling everyone shares at this time of the month. Everyone smiles just that bit more and, when everyone shares this precious feeling, the stresses of life seem to disappear.

2. Giving or receiving presents?
Definitely giving. I get so overexcited before Christmas with presents for my friends and family. First I stress over ideas, then I am gleeful when buying and then I spend hour’s wrapping- I have a bit of a wrapping obsession.  

3. Real or fake tree?
We always get a real one if we can because it looks that bit nicer and it always smells incredible!

4. If you could only buy one person a present this year, who would it be?
I’m taking this as someone that I am not buying for and would like to, because it makes more sense to me, so I would say Jodi Ann Bickley- writer of One Million Lovely Letters. If you don’t know who she is, she basically created an amazing project where she sends letters to others who seek advice, help or just a pick me up. She’s so inspirational to me and is the type of person I aim to be when I’m older. I’m not sure what I’d get her but probably something sentimental.

5. Do you open your presents in the morning or evening?
On Christmas day I open my stocking in the morning and then main presents after lunch to evening time. This is just what we traditionally do because I’m normally at home for Christmas when I wake up and then go to visit family.

6. Handmade or bought Christmas cards?
This year is the first year I haven’t handmade my family cards but sadly I ran out of time this year. I’m always late with my cards so I decided that this year I’d get them done on time and not make them myself.

7. Do you like to stay in your PJ's or dress up for Christmas?
In the morning it’s PJs and then I dress up for the actual day. We do normally stay in PJs to about 9-10 but it depends on how long it takes for us to open stockings and have breakfast I guess!

8. What is your favourite Christmas film?
I can never choose this! There are so many amazing Christmas films and they all mean and remind me of something different. I think the family favourite is National Lampoons Christmas Vacation!

9. Have you ever made a snowman?
Yes, I have made many snowmen in my life. I couldn’t last year because we didn’t actually get any snow but when we do I normally make an effort!


And that’s all for the tag! I hope you enjoyed reading my answers and all have an amazing day!

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Christmas Party ~ Make Up Look| Blogmas Day 16


Hey,
So today I wanted to show you a makeup look I have been loving. Perfect for Christmas parties, this simple eye and lip combo will make sure you are ready for the party season. I based this look around a bold lip, using bronze/ gold tones on the eyes and a dark raspberry shade on the lips.


1.       To begin, complete your normal everyday base makeup. Today I just used concealer and powder, but you could contour and use foundation if you wanted.


2.       Next I begin on the eyes. I used the Sleek Au Natural palette to create this exact eye makeup, but you could use similar browns. I used the shade ‘Honeycomb’ all over the lid, which is a yellow toned brown.

3.       Next I take my colour infallible eyeshadow, in the shade ‘Hourglass Beige’. This is a lovely golden eyeshadow, and remember a little goes a long way with glitter shadows. I tap this all over my lid, on top of ‘honeycomb’.

4.       Now I take the shade ‘Conker’ which is a shimmery brown and I apply this to my crease. I blend the three eyeshadows together to create a smoky eye look.  

5.       Take an eyeliner of your choice and create a small cat eye look. I kept the flick quite subtle because, for me, this look is all about the lip colour. I also apply a bold mascara, and I choose to use my Benefit They’re Real mascara. This one is amazing for parties because it lasts a long time and makes my lashes look almost false.


6.       Now I move onto lips. I choose to moisturise my lips with my Nivea lip butter in the flavour macadamia and vanilla. Then I choose not to line my lips but go straight in with the lipstick. I love this lipstick shade because it is so wintery but is different to the more common bright red or dark red lips. This warm raspberry is shade 30 from the Kate Moss lipstick range and I adore it!


And that is the Christmas look I have created this year. I hope you liked it and will may be try it out for one of your Christmas parties! I really enjoy making these types of posts, and I hope you enjoy reading them as well! I hope you have an amazing day- only 9 days till Christmas! 

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Monday 15 December 2014

MyOutfit: Christmas Jumper | Blogmas Day 15


Hey,
So today’s post is going to be a new type of series. Similar to an OOTD, I want to create a series of ‘my outfit’ posts. I basically changed the way that I was doing these types of posts because I wanted them to be more like a series and I’ve decided that I dislike the phrase OOTD! I hope you like this, you’ll be seeing a few more soon I’m sure!

My outfit today is based on how I love to wear my Christmas jumper. Everyone has a festive jumper and they are perfect for this time of year for a simple look. My jumper isn’t too tacky or in your face, but this look can work with the fashion or cheesy type.




If you were wondering, my jumper has tiny little penguins and silver snowflakes on it and I choose it because it was subtle. I wanted something that I could style more, instead of a mad 3d creation-although they are super Christmas-sy and a laugh. The jumper is so soft and the grey colour makes it very wearable.

I styled my jumper with a black skirt and opaque black tights. The tights I am wearing are actually amazing because they are fleeced inside! This makes it so much easier to wear a skirt in winter! If you are really up for a novelty Christmas then why dont you wear a festive hat like my Christmas pudding one! Mines from Primark menswear. 

I am also wearing some shoes I am seriously excited for. I am very lucky ans I was recently bought these brown Chelsea boots after having wanted a pair for MONTHS. My Primark boots have finally given up and I wanted a neater less-casual pair for this winter. I love brown boots so much and adore this style but I hesitated because I wasn’t sure I could pull them off. However I eventually decided that I really did want them and I think they look so cute with these New Look frilled socks! I cant wait to wear them again and again!


And that is my outfit today. I hoped you like this post and will consider making an outfit similar with your Christmas jumper! I am feeling so festive at the moment as I begin to count down the days and I hope you are too! Have a great Monday,

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