● Laura Thornberry ● Lifestyle Blogger ● London Based ●

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AD| It’s very easy to get stuck in a style rut. You love your favourite jeans, you adore that old t-shirt and blouse, and as for that eyeshadow palette? Well, you’ve been using it for years! Before you know it, you realise that your look hasn’t altered for a decade or so – which means it’s definitely time for a change. You don’t have to do a dramatic image overhaul. Sometimes, just incorporating a hint of the unexpected into your style can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you.

Accessorise with a scarf

The humble scarf has the ability to transform an outfit. Tie it around your neck to make your favourite blouse look instantly retro-cool. Wrap it around your head as a great alternative to a hat. They’re even good for tying around your wrist as a fabric bracelet. Try layering two to create added interest.

Get your lash on

Not a fan of mascara? Try using some false eyelashes instead. For a sixties vibe, go for thick, black lashes; or if you’d prefer a more subtle look, choose dark brown, thinner lashes. A good pair of false eyelashes completely open up the eyes, creating much more drama and sex-appeal.

Change your jewellery

Do you normally stick with delicate silver jewellery? If so, go for something bold and ethnic-inspired; such as a leather choker or fabric pendant. Alternatively, if you normally wear big statement pieces, try something petite and pretty for a change, or even some antique jewellery!

Get textural with your nails

Nail polish turns your hands into instant focal points. Rather than settling for just a pop of colour, choose some nail polish with texture, such as a glittery or crackle finish. If you’re feeling artistic, stick some cute nail stickers on too.

Go for a different cut (of jeans)

If you live in your skinny jeans, now might be the time to switch them up for something different. Try a slouchy boyfriend cut or a 70s flare. They’re ultra on-trend and breathe instant life into your wardrobe. You can also experiment with colour too – for example, if you usually stick to pale denim, go for navy blue or black.

Change your fragrance

If you’ve been wearing the same scent for years, now is the time to try a new one. Choose something that’s totally different to your usual fragrance. If you normally go for a floral scent, try out something fruity or musky. Masculine fragrances are also ideal – not to mention distinctive. Sauvage perfume is a great example.

Invest in new lip colour

Okay, so beige or nude lipstick feels nice and safe, and it’s suitable for work – hooray! But now might be the time to choose a few others shades too. A deep ruby red is perfect for going out in the evening, or if you want to get in a springtime mood, choose a burnt orange or pillar-box red.

Get experimental! You can have a lot of fun playing around with your look – and often, you’ll find long-forgotten clothing or cosmetics in your wardrobe, just waiting to be rediscovered. Get experimental and enjoy.

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AD - GIFTED | Recently, I had the chance to try out some amazing cosmetic products from Lavera. The brand has recently launched a new collection of exciting natural and organic colour cosmetic make up products, featuring a comprehensive range that has everything you need to fulfil your makeup bags. I like to keep my makeup routine fairly simple, but I am a huge lover of eye makeup and making my eyes the focal point of my face. Something that I was excited to try was the Lavera Lash Care Serum*. I wanted to put this product to the test over 30 days to see how it could improve my eyelashes and what benefits I could get from using the serum everyday.

This nourishing and hydrating Lavera Eyelash Serum* is formulated with organic caffeine that helps to strengthen and regenerate lashes overnight. For someone that wears mascara pretty much everyday, applying and removing mascara can take its toll on your lashes, but this serum has really helped to protect and keep my natural lashes looking full and fluttery. I also feel that the serum has helped to care for my lashes in terms of growth and fullness, making mascara application a lot easier and helping to define my eyes even more!

"End the day with happy and healthy eyelashes. Lavera Lash Care Serum is a gentle and effective way to protect and nourish each eyelash from root to tip."

Applying the serum is super easy. Once I have fully removed my mascara with a micellar water or cleanser, I simply brush on the serum to my lashes. I hold the brush horizontally and move it from side to side with a zig-zag motion, from the roots to the ends of the lashes. I like to apply a couple of coats to both my upper and lower lash line, and leave on overnight to help rebuild and revitalise my lashes whilst I sleep.

At the beginning of my 30 days testing the Lavera Lash Serum, you can see from the above photo that I naturally do have long lashes. However, as a mascara lover, overtime applying and removing eye makeup can lead to loss of lashes and sparseness in the lash line. The outer corners of my lash line are where I have the most fullness and length in my lashes. I wanted to see how well this serum would work to improve the overall appearance of my lashes, especially with growth in the inner corners and centre of my lash line.

The above photo shares what my lashes looked like on the 30th day of testing the serum, and honestly, I was super impressed with the results that I had. I did notice a lot of lash growth mainly from the centre to the outer corner of my lashes. They also appeared to be a lot longer, stronger and thicker compared to when I started the test.

As you can see from the photo above, I have applied mascara to my lashes after the 30 days are complete, and with just one coat of mascara, these are the results I am seeing. I'm extremely happy! My lashes appear thicker, longer and definitely more fluttery towards the outer corner of my eyes. A definite 10/10 from me!

Have you tried the Lavera Lash Care Serum? What are your favourite lash serums?

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With Spring on its way, I wanted to have a little wardrobe clear out and replace some of my old pieces with some new bits and bobs. My first place to check out was PRETTYLITTLETHING. I've only ever placed an order from there once or twice, and I was really excited to have a browse of some of the new pieces they had on their website.

First thing that I looked for on the website is for some new jeans. 9 times out of 10, I'm wearing black/dark blue jeans as I find these so much easier to style and pair with different tops from my collection. However, I want to try out light blue jeans for a more casual, everyday look. The first pair that I found are the "MID WASH DISTRESSED 5 POCKET SKINNY JEAN". Retailing at just £28.00, these are a super affordable pair of jeans. I love the mid-wash blue colour and think the ripped detail would really add a cool and casual vibe to an outfit.

Something that I think will pair nicely with the ripped jeans for a super easy outfit is the "SHAPE BLACK RIBBED LONG SLEEVE BODYSUIT". The body is made of a black ribbed fabric with long sleeves and a popper front design which I think would be so flattering on all body types. What I love about this bodysuit the most is that it can be styled up or down depending on the occasion. Pair it with jeans, leather trousers, skirts, shorts or joggers, and you've got yourself a perfect outfit! At only £12.00, I would definitely be tempted to pick it up in a few colours. I'm loving the look of the burgundy, charcoal and camel versions.

For days where I'm just lounging at home, I really want to pick up a few more of the PRETTYLITTLETHING SPORTS BRAS. I recently picked up the maroon bra, and have got so much wear out of it, that I really need to get a few more. Priced at just £10.00, they are so soft, so comfortable and super practical. A dream to wear! They fit so well and I like the addition of the thick band with the PLT slogan. They definitely beat wearing your standard bra. I love the look of both the NUDE and LIGHT GREY colour ways, and these would definitely be the next colours I would pick up.

For those days where you just want to wear something comfortable and warm, the "GREY MARL CALIFORNIA SLOGAN OVERSIZED SWEATER" looks like the perfect piece. I love a good oversized sweatshirt, and this grey marl colour top with a contrasting California slogan on the front would be a great wardrobe essential. Simply pairing it with jeans, leggings or joggers, makes the perfect cosy day outfit all year round. Priced at £18.00.

Another item that I think would be a great spring basic is the "PRETTYLITTLETHING WHITE SLOGAN OVERSIZED T SHIRT". Oversized t-shirts are my absolute favourite, and they just pair so nicely with anything in your wardrobe. I would style this top simply with some blue jeans, trainers and a leather jacket for an easy casual look. This tee comes in a variety of colours and is priced at just £10.00. I would also pick it up in the khaki and grey!

Another pair of jeans I liked the look of, and a little less distressed that the pair previously mentioned are the "MID WASH KNEE RIP 5 POCKET SKINNY JEAN". The ripped knees are probably a lot more wearable than the other pair I mentioned, but they would still be a great piece to add to your wardrobe. Priced slightly cheaper at £25.00, these are a definite bargain for such nice looking denim.

What are your Spring fashion essentials? What have you ordered from PLT recently?

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AD - GIFTED | These are not your boring old brownies…they are loaded with delicious popcorn, luxurious white chocolate and a splash of rich dark chocolate to give it a fun twist on the classic recipe. Popcorn and brownies might sound like an odd combination, but after reading this post, you'll definitely be off to the kitchen to whip some up!

Double Chocolate Berry-Licious Popcorn Brownie Cake

I was kindly sent the popcorn* for this recipe post from The Popcorn Shed. They offer a wide selection of gourmet popcorn, including flavours such as Pecan Pie, Salted Caramel and Say Cheese, to name a few. For this recipe, I opted for the Berry-licious flavour, a magical mixture of fruity tart raspberry and indulgent smooth rich dark chocolate. Whether it's nuts, chocolate, or fruit, their tasty treats are so much more than just popcorn.

You will need...

1 Chocolate Cake Mix (I used one from ALDI)

1 packet of Popcorn - (I used Popcorn Shed*)

1 bar of Dark Chocolate

1 bar of White Chocolate

Cold Water

Vegetable Oil

2 tsp of Butter

Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line your baking tray with greaseproof paper.

Step 2 - Add the brownie cake mix to a large bowl and pour in the water, oil, melted butter and a splash of milk. Mix well with a whisk.

Step 3 - Break up 3/4 of both the white chocolate and dark chocolate into small chunks. Fold these into your brownie mix and stir.

Step 4 - Pour half the brownie mixture into your prepared cake tin. Sprinkle in a handful of the popcorn, and cover with the rest of the brownie mix. Then press in a few pieces of popcorn into the top of your brownie. Then you are ready for the oven!

Step 5 - Cook the brownie cake for around 40 - 50 minutes. You can test your brownies are ready if you press a skewer or knife into it. If it comes out clean, your bake is ready!

Step 6 - Once out of the oven, leave to cool for around 30 minutes before. Once cooled, I topped my brownie cake with some melted chocolate and extra popcorn!

This brownie cake was SERIOUSLY GOOD. All kinds of textures to get your mouth watering.. crunchy popcorn, oozing chocolate chunks and a moist sponge. The Popcorn Shed Berry-licious popcorn was seriously good! The fruity raspberry flavour really stood out and helped contrast the flavours of the chocolate. I think the Salted Caramel popcorn would be a great alternative to use in the brownies!

You can view the full range of Popcorn Shed popcorn here.

What are your favourite recipes for brownies? Have you tried Popcorn Shed popcorn before?

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