Earlier this week I was contacted by easyjet asking if I’d like to participate in a little competition to win a trip to Amsterdam;
I have family in Holland (I’m actually going out to visit soon and can’t wait) yet have never really managed to spend any time in the captial, so I’m entering the contest and keeping my fingers and toes crossed!

My Amsterdam City Break look for the easyjet holidays competition

To me a shopping city break is all about comfort and style. I’ve chosen this fabulous jacket from Lavish Alice to keep out the chill whilst adding an injection of glam. Under that I’ll be wearing acid wash skinny jeans from New Look for understated fashion chic, teamed with this on-trend and snug jumper from George at Asda who are killing it right now with their A/W collection! On my feet will be these Cheap Monday boots from ASOS which look sleek and smart, with a heel just high enough to add some height and interest whilst remaining comfortable.

My trip will be split between shopping (HELLO Monki store!), chilling at the super cool sounding House of Bols cocktail bar and staying at the immense looking 4 Star Eden Amsterdam hotel.

For more information and to enter yourself, check out the competition page here

What’s your dream Amsterdam look? Any recommendations of things to do and see there?

xxx

I’m not easily provoked, and it is unfortunate that the latest wave of Anon comments came at a time where I had no home internet to defend myself…

I want to address the main issue that seems to be causing so much conflict; my weight.

I am a recovering Anorexic. I have never kept my illness a secret on my blog and I have no issues in it being public knowledge.
What bothers me is when people jump to conclusions without knowing me and accuse me of seeking attention or validation through my blog.

If you took the time to read back, or even drop me an e-mail (I don’t bite) you’d know that I have blogged consistently despite what stage I am at. Right now I am in the process, at long last, of gaining some weight back, and I have no intention of stopping blogging as soon as I hit healthy. I don’t only post pictures when underweight,
I posted leading up to my hospital admission, and straight after, depsite a massive change in my appearance.  I don’t see why I should give up, or feel guilty for doing something I love just incase someone wants to make a decision about my supposed intentions without getting their facts straight.

I KNOW I’m not 100% right now, I know things need to change, and dammit, I cannot click my fingers and fix it over night no matter how much I wish I could. I’m sorry if my blog upsets or triggers some people, but I cannot  and will not be held responsible for that. You make the choice to click on my page and I promise I will not be mortally offended if you choose not to view it,
in fact, I’d prefer it if you didn’t.

All I ask is think before you type. I do not need to be accused of flaunting a figure that I’m trying to change for the better, I’ve made several references of late to how I am trying to get well and put weight on…telling me how shit I look and what a bad, terrible influence I am isn’t going to change that. Blogging has been the one thing I have had throughout being ill, the one thing that wasn’t taken away from me. There’s a lot I’ve lost over the last ten years of my life and this won’t be one of them. If you don’t like that, then fine. If you have something to say, fine. Just don’t hide behind a mask…be brave enough to leave a name.

To those who have supported me and held me through the ups and downs. Thank you.

To the rest of you *shrugs*
there’s not much this post will change, no doubt. But I didn’t get the chance to defend myself in comments and this seems to cover most areas of concern.

Watch this space for the new and improved Laura. I’m getting there, slowly. Something is different this time, very different and I’m looking forward to sharing the adventures.

The Best of British will be showcased on the catwalk for London Fashion Week and so all eyes will be focused on spotting the next big trend, but models and designers over at Anya Hindmarch are already one step ahead as they sip on Pukka’s Peppermint and Licorice Tea backstage, proving that the next big thing is not only confined to the stage. Already a favourite of fashion’s sweetheart, Erin O’Connor, Pukka tea will provide a much-needed sense of calm during the biggest event in the fashion calendar.

• Enhance skin complexion
• Aide digestion
• Calm and Soothe

I was sent a box of the tea to sample for myself and I was pretty excited; I do love my coffee but I’m also a big fan of herbal teas. Sadly my tastebuds aren’t very fashionable and I didn’t enjoy this as much as I hoped I would, it was still really drinkable though and I think I’ll keep the rest of my box at work to try and instill a sense of calm!

A selection of the teas are stocked by Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and other leading retailers and independent health stores, while the complete range is available online at www.pukkaherbs.com.

The generous folk at MotelRocks.com are making the end of summer and back to school blues dissapear by offering £10 off when you spend £40 or more!

Their amazing MotelRocks.com has just launched online so this is the perfect excuse to shop! My top pick? It has to be the Lucinda Maxi Dress in black with gold studs, £48

Gorgeous, non?

If you don’t already, you really need to head over to facebook and like Motel’s page, when they reach an incredible 50,000 fans they will be celebrating by giving away LOADS of vouchers and holding a massive flash sale…
what are you waiting for?

What do you covet from the new collection?

xxx

Cake decorating is not an easy job. You need to have an eye for detail and skilled hands in order to create a masterpiece from your cake design. Creating perfect flowers, fondant accents and swirls require a lot of time and preparation – but studying useful tips and ideas for cake decorating ideas is the way forward if you want to impress someone with their birthday cake.

Questions you should ask yourself before embarking on a new baking project:

• How do I ice an immaculate, crumb free surface?
• What type of icing should I use for my cake decorating job?
• How do I add colour to my icing or fondant?
• How do I select decorating bags?
• How do I add impressive finishing touches to my cake?

If you know answers to the above questions then you have probably got years of experience in professional cake baking. If you struggle to find answers it is probably best you turn to the cake decorating experts such as Dunns Bakery online shop to make sure your cake decorating design has ticked all the boxes. Remember that cake decorating is an art and only patience and devotion will bring the results you are expecting. For example, some consider cake decorating a sugar art and baking contests and competitions prove there are people out there that will do everything to make their cakes and cookies visually attractive. Are you one of them? Or should you maybe take up a professional cake decorating course?

3 Epic Ideas for birthday cake designs from Dunns Bakery

Before you start creating your perfect cake think of the overall look you want to achieve. We already know you do not want a plain cake – so maybe you want your cake to be sculpted to resemble three dimensional persons, cars, gardens or children toys?! Yes, everything is possible! Below you will find inspirational ideas for cake decorating designs.

Basket of flowers – cake design idea for her birthday

The basket of flowers is a classic example of a beautiful and elegant cake. It features decorated roses that can be presented to any woman who is close to your heart.

Toy Story Bed – cake design idea for children

This cake looks just like a funny bed – yes! Using variety of colours and magical characters will make your child very happy!

Football pitch cake design for men

Excellent for football game lovers, an ideal cake to kick off a football season!

Celebration birthday cakes for men, women and children can come in a variety of shapes and designs. As birthday cake forms the center piece of everyone’s birthday make sure you have possessed all the information and skills to create the perfect cake design for your family and friends.