Bronwyn's Beauty Blog

Approx. 75g Raspberry or Strawberry Jam

Equipment:

2 Piping or Sandwich Bags
Large Star-shaped Nozzle
Baking Tray
Baking Parchment
Electric Hand Mixer

Method:

Preheat your oven to 170C (Fan)/190C/Gas Mark 5 and line a baking tray with baking parchment.

Use a clean round surface, such as a glass, to trace a guideline using a pencil. Mine were approx. 6cm in diameter. Make sure there is at least a 2cm gap between each one to leave room for the biscuits to spread out.

Combine your butter, flour, icing sugar, cornflour and vanilla essence in a bowl until smooth.

Spoon your mixture into a piping or sandwich bag with a star nozzle and pipe in circular motions within each of your outlines. If they're not perfect not to worry, they are homemade after all!

Place in the oven for 13-15 minutes in batches. Make sure you have an even number to make sandwiches!

Once your biscuits have cooled, whip your cream until it's very firm using an electric mixer.

OR 

Whizz up you butter, icing sugar and vanilla extract with an electric mixer.

Using a second piping bag with the same (clean) nozzle, pipe the cream or icing on the underside of every other biscuit. 

Spread a teaspoon of jam onto the underside of the biscuits without the cream/icing. Then place a jammed biscuit on top of a cream biscuit in a sandwich formation!

You now have some delicious summer treats!

Myself and the rest of the family really loved these biscuits so I hope you do too. If you make them drop me a picture on Instagram or Twitter @bronwynsbeauty or Facebook /Bronwyn's Beauty Blog!

I hope you enjoyed this post,
Bronwyn x

Ingredients:

1 Easter Egg (equal to 100g)
100g Baking Butter
200g Self Raising Flour
200g Brown OR Caster Sugar

Optional (pick one):

Cadbury's Mini Eggs
Mini Oreos
Cadbury's Mini Creme Eggs
Cadbury's Dairy Milk/Daim/Oreo Eggs

Method:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over a very low heat.

2. Take off the heat and allow to cool slightly then stir in the sugar and eggs.

3. Add the self raising flour and cocoa powder gradually folding them in as you go.

4. Pour the mix into a greased square tin (30cm x 35cm).

5. (Optional) Push in an extra Easter chocolate per estimated portion. 

6. Place in the oven at 180° for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

Top Tips:

2. You need this to cool ever so slightly so you don't scramble the eggs but do not allow to cool completely, you only need around 60 seconds.

4. I placed a sheet of greased baking paper at the bottom of the tin and greased the sides and it slipped out nicely.

6. The brownies are meant to be gooey inside so don't worry if they appear raw. You will know that they're cooked if the top is dry and slightly tough to touch. If you want more of a cakey consistency just pop them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes (checking after 5). You should allow them to cool before cutting and serving them otherwise they will be a sloppy mess, yummy but sloppy! You could heat them up again if you wanted to serve them hot but I didn't try this so do so at you own peril! 


I thoroughly enjoyed these brownies; well, the half of one I got to try before my family swooped on them like of flock of seagulls! I just liked to see my Easter chocolate being put to good use. I used the Milk Chocolate Daim Eggs and I think they worked pretty well but my initial thought was that it would be great to be able to use a whole Easter Egg set until I noticed Cadbury has decided to reduce the extras to one per box! Dear Cadbury, where is my second Creme Egg? What is happening to this world? Next they will be selling Easter Egg halves!

If you try out this delicious recipe then tag me in some pictures on Instagram or Twitter @bronwynsbeauty! Also, if you have any other ideas feel free to leave them in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed this post,
Bronwyn x

Hello Everyone! 

I had a pretty average January as most people do, I spent most of it wrapped up in a blanket instead of bearing the Winter chill that crept up on us. December seemed to keep us in a false sense of security and then January came along and was like: 'Bam! In your faces you luke warm imbeciles! *Blows cold air in faces*. Anyway, not amused!

Due to the lack of outside in my life you can probably imagine that my favourites are rather limited and mostly Netflix based. But, do not fear there are some goodns about this month!

I finished Jessica Jones this month and it is, as predicted, bloody brilliant! I started watching it for two reasons: David Tennant and Marvel, but it is so much more than that. It is similar to Daredevil in the way that it is set in Hell's Kitchen, New York and there is a similar format however... as some of you may be aware they are supposed to be linked for the final series in the collection which brings together Daredevil, Jessica Jones and the yet to be released Luck Cage and Iron Fist called Defenders... I am too damn excited!






I hope you have enjoyed this post, tell me what your favourites have been in the comments below,
Bronwyn x

Hello Everyone!

As the clock strikes twelve, thoughts of new beginnings buzz over in your mind 'New year, new me!' and all the other cliches that coincide. So, for the first week or so, you try to hold back from the choccies and do yoga every morning. However, you then remember the Christmas left overs (cheeses, biscuits and the like), how comfortable your bed is when you hit snooze and your other average Winter comforts. I personally also find myself over the 31 tedious days of January conjuring the resolutions that I should have made on Day 1. It was actually a post on Facebook that made me wonder; 'Can't we just start over on Febuary 1st?'. I pondered this idea for some time and came to the realisation that, really, January 1st is just another day and in fact you should be able make your wishes come true at any point during the year. Being limited to that crucial moment when Big Ben strikes 12 just leaves us with missed opportunities stored up in our Idea-Composing-Combibulator at the back of our brains.

After all this hard turning of the rusty cogs some call a 'brain' I came up with the most original, ground-breaking idea known to man... A to-do list! That's right, I decided that this year I will complete 61 things that I came up with over the first month of the year. Listed below are the said 61 things; they range from the deep and potentially life-changing to the completely insignificant to the rest of the planet. In my mind these 61 things are all achievable unlike the resolutions I would have made under the restraints of just 1-4 ideas.



To be able to make an impact on your life I believe that it's the little things; making myself and, in some cases, others feel that little bit happier from a fun activity or maybe just trying something new, are example of this. I believe that the changes you desire to make are not, in reality, too far out of reach so small bursts of imagination are completely adequate for reaching your potential. Of course this doesn't mean to say that there may be some of you out there that think completely differently as this is based entirely on my opinion. Feel free to share yours in the comments below.

What changes will you make this year? Have you got a to-do list? I am so interested to hear all about it!

I hope you enjoyed this post,
Bronwyn x

Hello Everyone!

New Years Eve is a day for reflection, thanks and most importantly partying! This year was slightly different for me,  I spent it at the highly popular Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter! I had the most amazing time, there was something so magical about it with being able to see everything you've seen in the films come to life! As a Media Studies student and film lover it was brilliant to see all the hard work and 100s (if not 1000s) of hours that goes into making these 1.5 to 3.5 hour masterpieces. I would love to share all the 352 photos I took of the day but, instead, I thought I'd capture the highlight through a small array of pics, enjoy!

An early 7.30 am start took us up to the north of London and the Leavesden Studios, this enormous building was like a shining beacon at the end of the journey! How handy is it that they actually have there own branch of Starbucks? Early mornings = Caramel Macchiato... Grande!








This is not a sponsored post.

Hello Everyone!

How y'all doing on this fine CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!! I know everyone says it at this time of year but by golly has 2015 just flown by! As I mentioned in my previous post I have abandoned you for too long (damn you Geography Controlled Assessment!) but here I am with a nice lot of posts lined up for you over the next few weeks! Today's being my December Favourites and there's good bunch here I have to say!


Firstly, Smashbox On the Rocks your Christmas/New Years party companion! I have been loving using the darker shades for a really simple smoky eye with lighter colours for highlight. It's so easy yet effective!







I hope you enjoyed this post, merry Christmas,
Bronwyn x

Leaves have started falling from the trees and my winter woolies are on - it's autumn! It's crept up rather quickly and I'm very excited for what it has to offer, here are 10 reasons why...

1. Layering Up

I am all for a bit of check and a wooly sweater when the temperature falls, I love being able to wrap up warm in all my cosy things!

Check Shirt - Topshop

Boots - Dune

2. Hot Drinks By The Gallon

I'm talking Pumpkin Spice and Gingerbread Lattes here guys, you know it! There's nothing better on a chilly day than ducking into a coffee shop and warming your hand on a coffee or hot chocolate. For a few of my favourite hot drink recipes check out this post.

3. Berry Tones

I jump at a dark lip as soon as I hear the word Autumn and the nails come soon after. My favourite lip products have to be these four, they're all quite deep but surprisingly easy to wear.



4. Cosy Evenings In

After a long day of school there's nothing better than to come home to a lit fire, cup of tea and a blanket. Something about darker evenings that makes me feel all warm inside. Also, all the good telly is starting to pop up, Doctor Who being my main example here!

5. Autumnal Scents

Lighting a candle is one of my evening rituals. I particularly enjoy this one (a birthday present from one of my lovely buddies) that is a perfect transition from fresh to spicy. 



6. Walks

Fresh air and crunchy leaves around the pond; a perfect way to spend an Autumn Sunday morning!



7. Comfort Food and Baking

When you're chilly nothing beats something warm in your belly! Bake Off has inspired me to start baking again too so I have made three quiches, cupcakes and a lemon drizzle in the last month, this might be an obsession...


8. Orange Leaves and Chill In the Air

This seems quite specific but what I mean by this is just the whole Autumn experience; the lowering temperatures, trees changing colour and the nights drawing in, there's just something about it that makes me happy!



9. Halloween and Fireworks

I love Halloween, it's not something that England has quite yet embraces to its full potential but it's great nonetheless! What are you dressing up as this year? Tell me in the comments below or tag me in your Instagram pics with @bronwynsbeauty. If you're out of ideas this is what I wore last year - check out my tutorial here!



10. Christmas Preparation

I'm sorry to mention the C word but guys... it's almost CHRISTMAAAAAAS!!! I have a Christmas shopping trip planned, presents shall be wrapped before December and I'll be singing Jingle Bells before you can say 'Father Christmas'!

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what your Autumn Favourites are,
Bronwyn x  

The Harbour

Beach Volleyball

View from Jurassic Skyline

Punch and Judy Show

Harbour at Sunset

Rock-pooling - a 'must-do' at the beach

(This picture had to be lightened to death in Photoshop - sorry)

A big thank you to the Dorset Burger Company for being so friendly; they even supplied the birthday banner which was a very nice touch, and for the top-notch burger (and chocolate cake, but we won't speak about that)! I had the Dirty Moo burger and it was bloomin' delicious (you'll thank me for that). 

Weymouth is such a lovely place and I highly recommend it to any stay-at-home holiday maker!

I recommend:

Nothe Gardens

• Watching the Punch and Judy Show however old you are
• Having a drink on the wall in the harbour
• Visiting Nothe Gardens
• Trying your hand at rock-pooling
• Wandering round Brewer's Quay
• Going up the Jurassic Skyline
• Watching the fishermen bring in the crabs at dusk
• Enjoying Boho Gelato, some of the best ice cream around
• Admiring the sunset over the harbour
• Indulging in a cream tea at Time for Tea
• Ending the day with a stroll along the sea front
• Plunge into burgers-galore at The Dorset Burger Co.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if you've ever visited Weymouth in the comments below,
Bronwyn x

Hello everyone!

I wouldn't call myself a 'YouTuber fangirl' but I am partial to a bit of late night/early morning video marathon-ing! The following six channels are the ones I always look out for on my subscription feed and have spent time (hours) watching.

FunForLouis

Louis Cole is in a permanent gap year as a Nomad, living the adventure around the world almost 24/7. I want to have the same demeanour as him throughout my life, in the way that he makes the most of his freedom and opportunities. Also, travelling is one thing that makes me the happiest (post to come) and his many destinations give me inspiration for my 'travel bucket list'!

Tati

This lovely, talented lady has taught me so much about makeup and skin/haircare! Every video is packed with knowledge that you can use in everyday life as an average human being rather than a full-blown makeup artist.

Fleur DeForce

Fleur is your average woman who has a passion for fashion and makeup which makes her videos very relatable. Similarly to Tati, she gives advice from the average woman to the average to the average woman which makes watching her videos enjoyable, I find that some, from other YouTubers, can be too complex and therefore not at all enjoyable.

Jamie Oliver's Food Tube and SORTED Food

If you are a bit of a foodie like me you will love these two channels, I put them together because they are very similar but they do have their individual quirks! I enjoy watching their simple yet exciting recipes that I don't often try but always am impressed by. I have got a few bits and bobs they've shown stashed away in my brain that I am going to give a go so wish me luck!                                                                                                                                                                 
Convos With My 2-Year-Old

This channel is just brilliant! The main idea behind it is that two full grown men reenact hilarious and sometimes very relatable conversations between a Dad and his two year old daughter. As you can imagine, just the sight of a 'mature' adult (beard to prove it) acting and dressing as a female toddler is amusing in itself!

If any of these posts take your fancy why not check them out with the hyperlinks in their names!

I hope you enjoyed this post,
Bronwyn x

This post is NOT sponsored.

Hello everyone!

It's everybody's favourite time of year, Summer, and you know what that means... SUMMER HOLIDAYS! A time of fun, excitement and relaxation or, for most, YouTube, procrastination and daytime TV. The truth is that despite plans of adventure and new beginnings it'll just end up being like last year and that's what I am here to turn around!

Fun in the Sun

I know, I know everyone says it 'Make the most of the sun, it doesn't last long!' but it is important that you make the most of just getting outside and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. However, keep safe because as lovely as the sun is it can be dangerous!



Friends and Family

Whenever I get time off of school I love being able to meet up with friends and have family time, opportunities I don't often get when busy with coursework and revision. I find that it's nice to be able to catch up with school friends outside of school to have some proper bonding time (you know who you are ;-))!




Trying Something New

Let's be honest, when it's miserable and cold the last thing we want to be doing is windsurfing or skydiving so why not do it in the Summer instead? OK, so don't just up sticks and jump out of a plane, what I'm trying to say is think of something that you've always wanted to do or have a passion for and just go for it! Get out there and give it your best shot because you have (approximately) six weeks in perfect conditions with all the motivation to do so. It doesn't have to be major, maybe you want to play the guitar or be able to draw still life, whatever it is, now is the right time to kick it off!



'Me Time'

After all this socialising and adventure I think some relaxation is in order! One of my favourite things to do is sit in Costa with just a notebook, novel, cup of coffee my thoughts. Sometimes you just need to collect yourself, most of my blog posts actually come from coffee shop mind-mapping (this particular one came with a flat white and a flapjack!). I think this is a very important step, especially just before the start of the new school year, to make sure you are at one with your thoughts and ready to to reboot. Also, it means coffee or a bubble bath (maybe both) and who could refuse that!




I wish you luck in your quest for the best Summer holiday ever and hope you enjoyed this post,
Bronwyn x