What better way to make use a holiday then theming some baking around it?? I know I love it when you can make seasonal baking treats, it’s exciting! Especially as I’m not a halloween fan, I can get some joy out it is by baking. The recipe I used is from the hummingbird bakery cookbook (I changed it slightly) and I loved it so much! It makes the yummiest red velvet cakes.


 For the cupcakes

•  • 60g unsalted butter (at room temperature) 
•  • 150g caster sugar 
•  • 1 egg 
•  • 20g cocoa powder 
•  • 40ml red food colouring 
•  • ½ tsp vanilla extract 
•  • 120ml buttermilk - if can’t get ahold off make yourself
•  • 150g plain flour 
•  • ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
•  • 1.5 tsp white vinegar

 For the icing

•  - 180g of icing sugar
•  - 140g of butter
•  - 2 tbsp of milk
•  - Halloween themed sprinkles

 For the cupcakes
1. Preheat the oven to 170'C
2. Put the butter and the sugar in bowl and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
 3. Turn the mixer up to high speed, slowly add the egg and beat until everything is well mixed
 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, red food colouring and vanilla extract to make a very thick, dark paste
5. Add to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined and coloured
 6. Turn the mixer down to slow speed and slowly pour in half the buttermilk - beat until well mixed, then add half the flour and beat until everything is mixed. Repeat this process until all the buttermilk and flour have been added
 7. Turn the mixer down to low speed and add the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar - beat until well mixed, then turn up the speed again and beat for a couple more minutes

 8. Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the sponge bounces back when touched
 9. Once cooked, leave the cupcakes to cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely
10. Once all cooled, pipe the icing into the cakes and decorate with sprinkles

 Me and my friend had an amazing time doing this! We spent the entire day baking these and they came out amazing and went down a treat between our families! I would so reccomend them!

 Bailey ♡ xxx

 I haven’t really got much new makeup recently, I’ve been loving what I’ve got and just not needed to try anything different so I’ve stuck to that, until now. Last month I was lucky enough to win 3, yes 3 giveaways!!

 This meant I was left with so many new products I could try and I just couldn’t resist doing a blogpost showing you guys my opinions! Drugstore makeup can be so underrated! I know some products are proper gems yet others are hidden secrets and I’m always out to trying and finding them both!!


 To start with, I got the revolution ultra contour kit - lightening in contour 02. I knew instantly I wouldn’t like the cream highlighter as I don’t like creams and I was right so I can’t judge that since I’m instantly biased. the powder highlight is okay, it’s nothing special and kinda powdery but the contour shade is the same! I love the tone, since it’s light it works on my pale skin and isn’t too orange. I don’t think the palette is special, I like it and I’ll use it now I’ve got it but I wouldn’t re buy. 

Next is a lipstick i got, honestly I don’t think I’d have chose this in the shop - the brand or the shade but I’m pleasantly impressed it’s the Nyx pin-up pout in resistance. I love the creamy formula of the lipstick and how it isn’t drying yet full of pigment! Personally the colour is out of my comfort zone but I’m trying, it’s not too far! I don’t know if I’d wear it out the house all in all but I’m going to try since I do like the dark autumnal vibes of it.

 Next is another product I don’t think I’d have chose this in the shop it’s the Collection finishing touch liquid highlighter in gleam 1. I’m not a liquid highlight person either, they don’t impress me in the slightest as I can’t use them so I’ve been mixing this under my foundation and I’m glowing with it! It’s not too much but it’s there and it helps me look so much healthier. I might not be using it for its original purpose but I’m loving how I’ve adapted it.

 Finally is the Nyx contour intuitive eyes and face sculpting palette in jewel queen. This is the product I haven’t reached for the most as it’s got coloured shadows I wouldn’t wear and coloured highlighters. Honestly I’m impressed with the pigment, nyx did come though!! Nothing is powdery it’s just honestly what you’d expect.

 I so think the drugstore is underrated, they have some gems of products that people find realise and I know I love them! I always go to the drugstore before high end as sometimes you don’t need to spend lots to get your moneys worth.

 Bailey ♡ xxx

Autumn is the real season when makeup changes - the full coverage foundations are back, bronzer is on and warm tones and I’m so so down for it! I can see myself gravitating to new products and my makeup is changing.

 I’m noticing it most in the lips, in grabbing the darker grungy nudes that got so neglected in the summer and they’ll be back loved now! A chunky knit paired with these colours is going to look a dream.

 I’m going to start with a gloss and I had to include my fenty gloss bomb lip gloss!! This is my favourite gloss of all time with a darker sheen to it compared to normal glosses so its perfect to transmit into autumn (on windless days, I’ve made the mistake too many times!) and I love wearing it as the weather gets colder as I love how cute it makes me makeup look and a bit of a change from something matte.

 A Charlotte tilbury lipstick, I don’t think this is a surprise to anyone. Very Victoria is my go to and that’s not going to change no matter what season it is as I reach to it more then any! It’s my go to, it’s so wearable and has the best formula I’ve ever found in lipsticks so I can’t not always have it near me.

 Next is a more autumnal colour compared to all the other shades I normally have. It’s the nyx pin up pout lipstick in the shade resistance. I won this in a giveaway and I’ve fallen in love as it’s a comfortable formula, a lovely warm toned autumn mauve / plum colour and so grungy, it takes me out my comfort zone which I love. It’s the perfect time to wear in with the colder weather.

 Another ‘darker’ nude for me is the revolution x soph lipstick in the shade ‘fudge’. I am in love with this! It’s more out my comfort size with it been alot darker to the nudes I normally wear but I really like it as the formula is satin, it’s hydrating and it lasts! It’s perfect for this season.

 Finally is an old favourite that always comes out, the Nyx soft matte lip cream in Dubai! I love the way this is a brown nude but not too dark so it’s so wearable for me and a completely different formula to what I’m used it. I always go to this as it’s everything I love but I just wish it was more long lasting.

 Every season my makeup changes so much and I’m so down for it, these lip colours are gorgeous and I love them all as they’ve been in my collection for awhile and will be getting lots of love this autumn!

 Bailey ♡ xxx

 I honestly don’t think I could go a day without doing skincare - it’s one of my favourite things and with having such bad skin at times I need to keel up with it!! I love trying new skincare more so recently but I’ve found some of my favourites and I stick by them.

This is since this routine has just worked for me and my skin. Over the past few months this has changed so I wanted to update it! I love all these products and I think everyone should use / try them.


 So to start with on a morning, this product hasn’t changed! I wash my face with my favourite face wash the L’Oréal pure clay detox & Brighten cleanser. I have been using this for so long and I love it - the way it foams up and makes my skin feel so soft and refreshed in a morning I really get excited to use it.

 Next I tone with an old favourite the Liz Earle instant boost skin tonic. This is the first toner I ever tried and I love it so much, it’s got the best rose scent and it leaves my skin feeling so soft and luxurious. It’s like such a treat for me to use have to say it’s got to be my favourite one I’ve ever used so I had to go back to it.

 For my moisturiser, I’ve pretty much constantly raved about this ever since I got it and I don’t think I could look back! It’s the Clinique moisture surge moisturiser. I got this in the airport at a bargain price and I’ve pretty much used it every day since. It’s a light, gel hydrating texture that feels amazing and I couldn’t live without it.


 Onto my night routine now, i start by taking my makeup off with Clinique take the day off cleansing balm. This is one of the most amazing makeup removers where only a small amount can take off a full face. I feel like my makeup melts off when they hits my skin and It leaves it feeling clean and soft so it’s a perfect product to use!

 Next I have to double cleanse! Even though most my makeup comes off, I always seen it’s not all been wiped so I follow it with the elmis cream cleanser! This had the softest nicest scent and leaves my skin feel so good! It’s like a lovely luxury product I get excited to use as it gets all my makeup off, smells divine and my skin is left completely clean.

 I tone again with the same Liz Earle so I don’t need to repeat myself.

Finally for moisturiser, I have a prescription one from the doctors as my skin breaks out bad so this helps control it. I use it every night and it’s a gel texture. I don’t like it honestly buttttt I know it helps clear my skin so it’s worth it!


 My routine is something I enjoy doing so much and has changed quite a lot since the last time but Incase you want to check that out - https://www.baileyleah.com/2018/02/morning-night-skincare-routine.html and it will change again soon! I don’t intend to use a lot of high end either I just always reach for them. couldn’t recommend these products any more they are so worth buying

 Bailey ♡ xxx

 The weather is getting colder, the nights are darker and Sunday dinners are back every week! Me and my family always have our Sunday dinner every week and with that we have a desert. Since I love baking I always love baking out deserts.

 What better time then autumn to bake an apple pie?? They’re hot, cozy and taste amazing so I love baking so much so autumn is the season for it - the Cosy, warm and sweet treats make the cold nights taste better. (I got this recipe from Asda but I did change it myself)

Ingredients
 - 225g plain flour
- 2+ tsp cinnamon and any other spices you want!
- 140g chilled unsalted butter
- 100g Demerara sugar
 - 15g caster sugar
- 8 Cox apples = peeled & cut into wedges


 Method
 1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Start by sifting the flour and cinnamon into a bowl. Rub in 125g of the butter until it looks like breadcrumbs, then stir in the Demerara sugar to finish the crumble
 3. Melt the remaining butter and the caster sugar in a large pan, then add the apples.
4. Cook over a gentle heat, tossing now and then, until they begin to soften.
 5. Once they’re soft, pour into an ovenproof dish. I liked to sprinkle some more cinnamon on the apples and mix but that’s completely optional.
 6. Sprinkle the crumble over the fruit, put the dish on a baking tray and cook for 30-35 mins till the crumble is golden brown.
 7. Leave to cool and cut into slices, serving with custard or ice cream and enjoy!


 Me and all my family loved this (I’ve been requested to bake it again!) so I defiantly will be. I think there’s no better time them autumn to make an apple crumble (cimble crumble) and I will be making more flavours 

Bailey ♡ xx

Yes I’m that basic when autumn comes. I revolve my life around olpumpkin things as much as I can get it to. I know lots of you will be rolling your eyes but to the few people who are fellow pumpkin scented things lovers I’m hoping they love these as much as I really do.


 I love the typical autumn ‘vibes’ and getting cozy for the season - just by chance I’ve pumpkin scented products to make it more cozy to help me! I just love it so much and for anyone who feels the same why not share some of my favourite pumpkin products??

 I don’t think many people know about this but a small coffee brand called beanies sell pumpkin spiced coffee and woah it’s amazing! It doesn’t taste like a pumpkin spiced latte, but it tastes quite similar!! I really love how sweet yet spicy it is, it makes me feel so autumnal so I’ve been drinking maybe 1 cup every few days and I think I’ll need to buy another jar soon.

   Another thing I think that’s pretty much expected in the post is a Pumpkin candle. Mine is from bath and body works, I ordered it off eBay and it’s in the scent ‘sweet cinnamon pumpkin’ and I’m so in love. The scent is pretty much self explanatory as that’s literally the best way to describe it. I really want to try more pumpkin candles as I love the smell!

 Finally is something I’ve admittedly had since last year and been saving till now to use, it’s the body shop vanilla Pumpkin shower gel. This scent is such a sweet smell with the Suttle hints of pumpkin and I love putting it all over my body, I just wanna eat it!

It’s amazing and has such a strong scent that lingers I really want more pumpkin scented / flavoured things! I’m looking for more so why suggestions in the comments would be great. I hope my excitement for pumpkin scented things will rub off on you, they’re only out September / October give me a break.

 Bailey ♡ xx

 Another half a year year, more dry skin that’s a pain - especially since the weather is getting cold again! around 6 months ago I did a post like this but in the past half of a year I’ve found more ways to deal with my dry skin (here’s the first post - https://www.baileyleah.com/2018/03/how-to-manage-dry-skin.html)

 My skin hasn’t got any better but I’ve been able to manage it alot more! I’m loving how these products just help so much. My skin is just at a strange stage and just staying on top to keep it as moisturised as I can has made the world of a difference.

 To start with, masks are the best way to help deal with dry skin! Recently I’ve been into sheet masks and I tried this one but I did not expect to if have such long effects. I used it once and it lasted longer then 5 days of keeping my skin so much mite nourished. This is the skin treats it’s skin the fresh mask in avocado for high - nourishing the skin. I’m so happy I found it for a £1 in b&m and I’m going to get it again!

 For moisturiser this is my new love! It’s the Clinique moisture surge moisturiser! It’s become my new everyday moisturiser as it’s a hydrating gel that keep your skin feeling soft, hydrated yet not greasy. I got this so cheap in duty free and I’m obsessed and I will be using this till I next find something as good as this. It’s a sure holy grail and I think it’s so worth. Next onto exfoliating is something abit different.

I’ve never tried a chemical exfoliant and I’m still experimenting with this but I’ve only had good results so far! It helps my skin look that little bit more alive, feeling soft and less pores! I use it once a week under my moisturiser. It’s not a lifesaver but it’s a product that I feel helps my skin stay on top and be that little bit better.

 Finding a new solution to helping my dry skin is great! At the minute I’m loving all these and they’re helping my skin stay hydrated. I’m so glad I’m dealing better then last year! I still use all my old dry skin products but the more that help the merrier??

 Bailey ♡ xxx

 Blogging isn’t as easy as people think it is. It’s a hard long process where you need to learn so much and develop so many skills but is such a rewarding process! I would recommend starting one to anyone if you’re willing to put the effort in! But getting people to read your blog is hard.


Starting up and growing your blog is one of the hardest things of all because all you want is someone to appreciate your work and when’s it’s not happening it’s disheartening. But once you figure out some ways to grow your blog it’s really not as hard as you think. I know over my few years of blogging I’ve gathered some of the ways I’ve grown my blogs the most.

 Regardless of trying to grow your blog you should always share the love! We’re all in the same boats so there’s nothing better then supporting each other in the blogging community. comment on other posts, tweeting each others links and following each other. This just helps make people notice your blog (which means they’ll tend to return the gesture and bang you’ll grow from being a good person) and just shows how you’re supporting other bloggers which we all should do.

 Something that’s so important is interacting. make friends in the is so fun and exciting, having someone who will support you and who can help you with any blogging problems. Someone / a group of people just to be able to talk about blogging together is so nice. I love tweeting my mutuals and interacting with them, some of them i’d class as my friends.

 If you use twitter and want to grow your blog, do blogger trains! They’re the perfect way to gain followers, find new blogs and promoting yourself. If you share the love, it always comes back! People follow back, check out your blog and you grow. This is one of the main ways I’ve been growing my blog recently by doing these and I’ve gained so much from it. If you ask me this is the most obvious one there is.

As a blogger you need to devote so much time to promoting yourself and getting yourself out there as the blogging community is huge so it’s important for you to dive right you. Tweeting about your blog, telling friends & any other way you possibly can promote it just do it. It’s so worth it and people then love your blog.

 Being a small blogger in the large community is hard, but all small bloggers have to stay together and work together to help build each other up & help each other become successful. If you work hard, it’ll pay off and you’ll be surrounded by an amazing community which will help you get there.

 Bailey ♡ xx

 A year and a half ago, I did this same post sharing some of my favourite Netflix shows of the time ( check it out lol http://www.baileyleah.com/2017/03/netflix-shows-everyone-should-watch.html ) and since then I’ve watched so many more shows and what better to do them recommend them to people to watch!

 I really love watching Netflix and finding new shows, it’s so super exciting to watch them and I always end up binging it if I enjoy it so much and then wonder why I’m awake at 3am. I really think all of these shows are binge worthy and amazing and you all should watch them.

 A show that’s a special place in my heart is full / fuller house. Full house is a 90’s show that is all about family, with meanings behind and just makes you happy & fuller house is the follow on now when the kids are all grown up with their families. The shows are just something that picks me up all the time and I always know I’m going to enjoy it!

 I think everyone has already seen this and had strong opinions on it but I love 13 reasons why. I feel like it’s such an important show that shows reality of teenage ‘teasing’ and effects it has on other people. It’s a powerful, emotional show but it’s got important message behind it (and it’s a book to tv show!) so I think people should watch it.

On a lighter note I think Bad education amazing underrated show. It’s a bbc comedy and it has me in stitches! It’s got jack Whitehall and he is so so funny. I love it so much as it always cheers me up and is a breeze to watch over and over. BBC comedies never let me down they’re always funny.

Another show I love so much is suits, since it’s for Megan Markle in everyone seems to know! I’ve watch it for a year and a half and I love it’s originality! There’s so many storylines, character development and personalities considering it stays in the office! It never gets old and I love every season.

 A classic show I think everyone has seen but i had to include us friends! We all know & love it, and watch it whenever we can as it cures pretty much any mood. Sad? Friends happy? Friends bored? Friends! It’s the perfect happy show and we all love it.

A new but completely underhyped show is dynasty. This is honestly something else. The remake of the 80’s show is so full of drama there’s new and exciting things going on every episode! It’s so entertaining, enjoyable and really makes you wish you was rich, living like the carringtons but it shows you everything that happens - from the good to the bad and I think it’s so explosive everyone enjoys.

A show I stumbled across randomly is you me her. You’ll either love it or hate it as it’s quite different, involving a 3 way relationship! Personally i enjoyed it as it’s so different To what I usually watch and it was enjoyable for that reason!

 Next Is pretty much taking the uk by a storm and it’s Friday night dinner. It’s got will from the imbetweeners so you know it’s gonna be funny and it didn’t disappoint! If you need a good laugh this is the perfect show, it’s so easy to watch yet so addictive as it’s so funny.

  My latest discovery is one of my favourite. I wish I watched Brooklyn nine-nine sooner! This is such a funny, happy uplifting show with an amazing cast. I just fell in love with this show, it makes me happy and I reccomend it to everyone now. The show never fails to disappoint and I’m so happy it’s been renewed for season 5.

There are so many shows I haven’t watched and I’m going to - and I’ll share them once I have. You really never can run out of shows to watch as there are so many amazing shows to watch and having as much free time as me - you spend a lot of time watching them.

 Bailey ♡ xxx