WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Happy Christmas Eve all.

I am not going to lie, I have struggled this year to get in into the Christmassy mood. I haven't even managed to top my 14 Christmas movie PB this year either. What is all that about?

TEA OF THE WEEK - CHRISTMAS TEA

What better way to spend Christmas Eve than snuggling up with my pug dog, a terrible Christmas film which has been my guilty pleasure all season and sipping on our tea of the week. Christmas Tea.

Packed full of spices this really is the ultimate winter warmer.

CARAVAN KINGS CROSS

When I think about the word Caravan it just reminds me of piling my Mum's little Red Micra sky high and driving down Scarborough way to the Blue Dolphin for a week of absolute Haven fun with my Mam, Nan and Aunt Hilda. 

I blooming loved heading off to the middle of nowhere and camping out in a little caravan. Cutting out and saving up tokens from The Sun newspaper so that we could have the holiday of lifetime. Which it was by the way!! Who needs Barbados when you have Bridlington right round the corner?

Well, this Caravan is a world way from those Dino Bikes I used to whizz around the campsite on. It is a million miles away from mini me flaying myself down some crazy slides and singing along to some Abba tribute band in the concert hall.

GIVE VEGAN A GO

Friday is my most favourite day of the week.

Not only because it is technically the weekend (for us tea ladies the weekends don't really count as that is when we are at our busiest). It is my favourite day of the week because it is Vegan Friday down at Tea House HQ.

TEA LADY WEARS - BRUNCH WITH A LASSIE

I go to bed one day and wake up the next getting ready to be on TV. This year has been a real crazy one.

I actually feel like the luckiest girl on the planet right now. I am being whirled around in a Sunday Brunch storm and I am loving it.

This really is what Tea Lady's dreams are made of. I can't believe this has even happened once, never mind twice! 

Hold on to your brew's Tea Bee's you are in for a real treat this December.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE, OH CHRISTMAS TREE

I love going Christmas Tree shopping.

CANTEEN & COCKTAILS NEWCASTLE LAUNCH NIGHT

I feel like I haven't dined out for ages. I am not to sure what has been going on but time has really ran away with itself recently.

Saying that, I think I have exhausted all my local haunts and I am hanging off the edge of my seat waiting for somewhere new to open. 

I was in luck. I jumped into the Tea-Mobile and off I popped to Newcastle, fleeing the Teesside nest to attend the brand spanking new Canteen & Cocktails Launch Night. 

TRANQUILITY ME

It's not very often I get chance to take a little time to myself.

Now don't go all boohoo on me. It's my own fault. I am one of those people who if they aren't doing something feels guilty so will search for work to be done. If I am not whipping up cakes or brewing up pots of tea I am sat here typing away listening to O-Town and editing my blog.

BAKING WITH ZAC & LILY

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Novemeber!

HAPPY NOVEMBER - MEET MY SPONSORS

Are we this far through the year already? Where has the time gone? I have boxed off a fair few Christmas presents already which is super not like me at all and I may even get some wrapping up done tomorrow since I found the perfect paper and supplies.

So without further ado I want to introduce you to my November sponsors.

TEA TRAIL LONDON

TEA LADY WEARS - PLUM OF LONDON

Baby it's cold outside but it's my favourite type of cold. Is that even a thing? Well it sure is now. When it's too cold for just a jumper so you need a coat, but it doesn't need to be fastened up just yet. You can layer up and leave your zipper open and flash at the passers by.

I love knitwear. I never leave the house without a knitted jumper, cardigan, hat, scarf. You name it I most likely have it. There is something so warming and cosy about throwing on a knit that sets you up on a bitter November day.

TEA OF THE WEEK - TEA DOCTOR

As we all know I am one to jump on the bandwagon way after it has left the station, done a round trip and then set back off again.

After hearing all those horror story's about the 'Teatox' tea's making you super slim after a week of drinking a herbal remedy that make the contraceptive pill not work. I was a little bit dubious to say the least. Queue the baby boom of 2015.

FEELING UNIQUE

Gosh have I tried ever so hard to be a beauty blogger. A whole lotta good gosh at how I have failed in every attempt at this.

I do not like being put in front of a camera. Not even a tripod when alone with an afternoon and armed with an empty memory card and full battery.

I put far too much pressure on myself when it comes to trying to looking good, let alone in front of a camera. However, arm me with a dog and I'm all yours.

When you are baking up a storm in Tea House HQ and you feel like your face will melt off when you are in and out of the oven, it's probably best to go au natural in the make up department. For a nice little date night to the supermarket, yes I did say that, and yes, late night supermarket shopping is one of my faves. Grabbing a 4 pack of pork pies on the journey home is a must.

 Young love at it's finest.

Sometimes I do like like to doll myself up and pop on some glittery shoes with a bunch of nice make up on.

Here is my first 'real' beauty post in collaboration with Feel Unique with my face actually right there staring at you on your screen. Please, go easy on me.

LAURA MERCIER

So, I am not going to lie, I wasn't too sure what to do with this little beauty? Was it contouring kit? Was it a nude matt lipstick? No Carli, it is your dream product! It is a Secret Camouflage Palette to help cover those dark circles under my darn tired eyes. Pop it on after foundation and you see an instant colour change. It just lifted my under eye colour and made me feel a little more confident.

Ooohh I just love this Second Skin Cheek Colour. It is the perfect pink shade for a girl like me who loves a good blush. It's nice and light so it's easy to layer up on top of contouring or even just a ping on top of a little highlighter.

KIEHL'S

Not one for applying products on my skin that make it feel like there is something on it, if you get me. I was a little wary of how this Daily Reviving Concentrate would shape up in my beauty regime. I was pleasantly surpirsed how refreshing this really is. The scent of orange is one of my favourites, with ginger, sunflower oil and tamanu oil making up this radiant product. Add a couple of drops from the pipet to your skin on a morn to make your skin super fresh. I have heard this is a real go to product before I even clapped eyes on it, so yes, this is surely one staple in my make up bag this winter.

I am a sucker for not keeping my hands in good condition when it comes to keeping them soft. I spend a lot of time washing up, baking up and sweeping up that my hands really get a good old battering.

It is one thing that just tends to go on the back burner, keeping my hands hydrated and well looked after. This Richly Hydrating Hand Cream keeps them super soft . I am not one for a grapefruit scent but this isn't too overpowering and I can actually pop it on without my nose having a fit. I will be trying my hardest this winter to take care of my hands a little more.

I love how I have come along the past few months with my make up and beauty regime. I like to make an effort and try and look all pretty,  even if it's just for a football match. You know me Laura Mercier in one hand and pint of stout the other.

I will most definitely be grabbing a a few more bits from Feel Unique this season. What do you think of this look? I am still in love with my Fleur De Force 'Written in the Stars" Lipgloss, it's such a beautiful nude shade.

Murphy also loves it as you can see.

Foundation - No7 Airbrush Away // Concealer - Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage // Contour & Highlight - Collection Contour Kit // Blusher - Laura Mercier Second Skin // Eyeliner - Rimmel Soft Khol // Eyeshadow - Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette // Mascara - No7 Dramatic Lift // Eyebrows - Collection Eyebrow Kit // Lipgloss - Fleur De Force 'Written in the Stars'

Peace out , enjoy life and live the beauty adventure. Boom!

x

PATATAS BRAVAS

It's time. It's time for another recipe don't you think?

It's this time of year I love to indulge in potatoes. Any variety of potatoes pass me that little beauty of a carbohydrate and get it in my mouth.

LOVE ME DO, LOVE ME BEAUTY

One thing that does make you feel better is to treat yourself. Treat yourself and blooming love yourself!

JAM TREACLE TART BARS

Nothing gets me more in the mood for winter than a good old stodgy home baked pudding,

One of my favourites, along with bakewell tart has got to be a treacle tart.

CHRISTMAS WITH RINGTON'S

When I say tea, you say bee, tea, (bee), tea. (bee).

Oh yes, as you can see below I have literally come back from tea bee heaven.

TRICK OR TREAT

I love Halloween. I love everything about it! You should see the tea house at this time of year. I may have gone a little over board with pumpkins and decor but hey, it's ok!

TEA LADY WEARS - STRIPES & DUNGAREES

Sometimes it's just soooo freaking cold outside that the only way is to layer up in a cosy jumper and a pair of dungarees. I use to love rocking a pair of floral dungarees when I was a nipper, there is something so very, very comfortable about them don't ya think?

NO7 - BATH AND BODY LAUNCH

I am not the most organised person in the world. In fact far from it. But the past few weeks I have been really ahead of myself one minute and then right behind the next, and I am not sure how or if I really like this feeling of being a bit of an organised yo-yo.

I go through spurts of this, thinking I have plenty of time to plan and sort things out and then, bam, before you know it its come and gone.

At the moment this is in relation to Halloween, Bonfire Night and then Christmas. I always need to be a little ahead of the game running my own independent business. Planning is essential.

BREKKIE AT THE ALCHEMIST

Leeds, Leeds, Leeds!

COCKTAILS IN KINGLY

I LOVE Kingly Court!

When I was a Londoner for all of 10 months a few years back, I could not stay away from this place.

I am a total home girl and miss the sea, the hills and for some unknown reason to man, Middlesbrough.

FLEUR DE FORCE - MAKE UP COLLECTION

If you have been keeping up to date with my social media accounts or have been tuning in over here on the blog, you will know I was down in the big smoke last week attending the amazing launch of Fleur de Force's new beauty line with the babe that is Thumbelina Lillie.

BURGER WARS - SHAKE SHACK SHAKE SHACK

I have been slow on the old burger game recently. I do this, I find myself loving a beef patty one minute then find myself not being able to even look at that minced delight, sandwiched between a toasted brioche bun no matter how delish and un- keptchupy the piece de resistance is.

It was time to jump back aboard and go on the burger hunt and take a pit stop at Shake Shack. One of the most popular burger joints in London that I can't believe I haven't actually tried out yet.

BROOKS & BROOKS

There is nothing that makes you feel a million dollars than getting a new do is there?

I remember the feeling when I had a new hair cut and couldn't wait to go back to school with my new barnet, apart from that one time when it was wayyyyyy too short and I ran away from school because I looked like a boy after a sweaty P.E session. It was the same feeling I got when I had new school shoes too. Or is this just me?

When on my London advenutres last month I was invited to get the 5 star treatment at Brooks & Brooks in Bloomsbury before heading out to Fleur de Force's beauty launch.

Brooks & Brooks is a stones throw away from Holborn Station on the Central and Piccadilly lines so super easy to get to. It is one of a few independent shops on Sicilian Avenue which wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Italy. Small boutique shops selling spaghetti, stems, sandwiches and spectacles and yes it really does look as good as it sounds.

We entered though the huge wooden door, past the jar of brownies that you can help yourself to and into our seats for the consultation to began with our designated stylists Grace and Rosie.

The before photo...

Brooks & Brooks are three times winners of London Hairdresser of the Year along with a whole library of accolades.

It has a great atmosphere which leaves you feeling super relaxed with it's rich decor and wooden floors.

Grace was telling me the day after our appointments she was styling up hair backstage to the rich and famous for GHD at London Fashion Week. What lucky tea bee's we were.

After the most relaxing wash and head massage it was time to get my mop into shape and ready to be styled. A little dollop of Redken All Soft Argan Oil to protect my locks and a spritz of L'Oreal Professionel Volume Life to really get then curls to stay in.

My hair has a tendency to loose its curl so Grace was not taking any chances and got to work in pinning them in place and letting them dry so they would hold their shape.

Ta-Da - This is obviously the after photo right there.

If you are ever in need of your barnet taming when down in that London make sure you give these guys a go. Plenty of tea and biscuits and super friendly service. You will find them at 13-17 Sicilian Avenue, London, WC1A 2QH

x

TEA LADY WEARS - CLOTHO LONDON

Them leaves are surely falling, so it's here!! 

Autumn is all around us now, there is no turning back. 

And what do you mostly need during this strange weather when it is not too cold for a wintery fur number but too cold to have your arms out?  

A lightweight jacket is the simple answer to that.

Clotho came to my rescue and introduced it's lovely self to me. I logged on, made an account and right before my eyes was this Vintage Silk Jacket* waiting for my 'add to basket'. I snapped it up straight away.

I adore a good clashing pattern. Stripes, spots, floral, you name it, I love to pop them all on together. Colours, patterns and textures make me one super happy tea lady.

This lovely bag was a charity shop bargain but I have my eyes on this Aztec one to add to my collection. 

Similar // AZTEC BAG // NEW LOOK // £19.99

This jacket is the most perfect length for me and the sleeves are super cute too. Silky little three quarter length with plenty of room for a winter jumper underneath for when it gets a little more chilly.

I love this season and what it has to offer. You have got Halloween, Bonfire Night, which then leads up to THE season of seasons. Santa's season. Christmasssssss.

 I really like a long run up to the 25th of December. Get them Home Alone film at the ready.

WHITE TEXTURED PLIMSOLLS // NEW LOOK // £12.99

I popped on these little white plimsoles to go with my tennis player look by looks of things. It wasn't intentional honest. 

I had to run some errands and this was the comfiest outfit, with the silk jacket giving that little pop of  Autumn colour.

Similar // SAMI PLAYSUIT // TOPSHOP - MOTEL // £42.00

This is not actually a dress but a Romper I picked up in the Zara sale. It was love at first sight when it was full price but my size was not in stock so I went back a few months later and there it was in the sale waiting of me.

I have been super disappointed with Zara over the past few months with the quality of their garments and their slow communication. You win some, you lose some.

Now let me tell you a little bit about Clotho London.

Caroline & Vivien are the total best and we need to go for cake and tea when I am next down in London please girls!

They teamed up as partners in a Chemistry lab and their love for business and swapping clothes just boomed from there.

Clotho is a sustainable clothing exchange. Swapping your unused threads for something you really want to rock.

Pop your unwanted garments into the big pink bag they send you and wait for your account to be credited.

Every single Sunday at 9pm these ladies update the Clotho Shop and then you can spend away. I have my eye on a fair few items for this season.

I am such a sucker for an independent business and will shout the ones I love from the rooftops.

Pop over to Clotho London and take a peek for yourselves.

What are your staple season transition pieces? 

x

// Photos by Thumbelina Lillie \\