25 Random facts about me

Hey everyone, i have seen quite a few of the '50 random facts about me' tag floating about on youtube. I really wanted to do a similar one on here. So instead of trying to a)Think up and write down 50 & b) to save you from boredom, I shortened it down to 25. I thought this post would be approproiate because you don't all yet know the person behind the camera plus its something fun! Let me know if you have done something similar i would love to read!! Leigh xo

(this is me as a little nipper and my Granddad. Because posts are boring without pictures.)

1. I have a 16 month old son called Ewan.

2. I am a short arse at 5'4.

3. I hate not knowing the future.

4. My favourite song and the one that sums me up is 'Dancing with myself - Billy Idol'

5. I love watching the crime and investigation channel.

6. My middle name is Hazel, named after my grandmother i never got to meet.

7. When i was younger i wanted to be a criminal defence lawyer.

8. I love horror films the only one that has ever scared me is 'The Strangers'

9. An anagram of my name 'Leigh Buttrey' is 'The Ugly Biter' (not quite sure what to make of that?)

10. I am not a vegetarian but i would happily only eat vegetables for the rest of my life.

11. My favourite sound is rain pattering on the window or on a tent, it relaxes me.

12. I have two tattoos and i can't wait to get a sleeve on my left arm.

13. My all time favourite word would be Haemoglobin, I say it in this stupid voice because it makes me happy.

14. I have never been good at mental arithmetic and still sometimes use my fingers to count.

15. Under my quilt is my Safe place. (where i feel most at ease)

16. I have never stepped foot out of Europe.

17. I only have 3 close friends i can rely on.

18. People who are ungrateful really annoy me.

19. My favourite dish that my mum makes would have to be Lasagne.

20. I don't want to get married. (After all you don't need a piece of paper to tell you that you love one another)

21. I believe entirely on second chances.

22. People usually take my kindness for weakness.

23. I have a dimple on my right thigh.

24. Small talk makes me anxious

25. I am a registered Anthony Nolan doner.

Leigh xo

Wayfaring Stranger

WHAT IM WEARING: Top/Primark Jacket/F&F Leggings/Monki Boots/Asos Necklace/Delilah Dust Bracelet/Delilah Dust Earrings/Primark

Another day at the university and above is what i wore. I recently brought the chiffon sleeved top from Primark, Its thinner than it looks so i layered underneath. The chiffon and contrast of the sleeves makes the top a little bit unusual, i love the way something so simple can completely change the entire look.

On the other hand today i received my order from Missguided, but its sad to say everything will be returned. Being a brand i am not familiar with, you have to expect these things. The shoes i ordered were too big for me and the quality was not what i had expected for the price.. I like to make sure i buy good quality shoes after all they are for protecting my feet as well as looking pretty ;). If anyone can recommend a good pair of black flat boots i.e biker let me know please :) Have you ordered from Missguided, whats your views? Leigh xo

Monsoon Season

WHAT I AM WEARING: Jacket/Primark Jumper/Topshop Disco Pants/AA Chelsea Boots/Asos Chain/Vintage

Hey everyone today i had to run some errands and this is what i chucked on. The weather has been much milder today so this bomber jacket was enough to keep me warm, i do have a vest on underneath also. I brought this bomber jacket around 5 months ago. I loved the print on the jacket and it was exactly like the one i saw in Zara except this was only £5 in the sale. I brought it thinking i could get loads of wear out of it. But to be honest this is the second time i have worn it, I just can't seem to find anything for it to look good with! It was a really grey day today and this added a bit of colour into my dull days, especially my Sail La Vie lipstick! Bright lipsticks tend to fool people which is why i love them so much :)

Today i also decided on some last minute shopping and drove up to Primark I brought a few things if you would like to see them? Have you had a good day? Leigh xo

Monochrome Madness

 

WHAT I AM WEARING: Jumper/Monki Trousers/Monki Chelsea boots/Asos Necklace/H&M Watch/Camden Market

Hey everyone, the past week has been a little hectic moving around again so i have had to re adjust myself to living with the parents again. I was really disappointed i couldn't get a chance to take a photo in the snow, but you all know what it looks like right? ;) Above is the best i could make out of a messy situation. 

I have brought a few things recently in the Monki sale and i am wearing two of them above, I couldn't believe the bargains i snatched up!! I am in love with the fit of the jumper above its slouchy enough to be classed as oversized but ii isn't so oversized you can't even tell i am female! The pattern of the jumper fits right in with the monochrome trend straight from the catwalk. I am very happy to see my day to day black, grey and white attire has become fashionable :D I Hope you are all feeling dandy :) Leigh xo

Guest Post Sunday - Project Chi Chi

Hello everyone i wanted to welcome you to my first 'Guest post sunday' feature. Below is ChiChi my first guest blogger and i wanted to share with everyone ChiChi's style as it is so grounded and down to earth. I really love the way she uses colour throughout her shoe collection. Go over and visit her blog http://projectchichi.blogspot.co.uk. 

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Hi, I'm ChiChi, I'm a 17 year old sixth form student from Merseyside, currently in year 13. It's not easy. I study Chemistry, Biology and Psychology and I applied to study Neuroscience at uni in September. (geek alert)

WHAT I AM WEARING: Shoes: Docs/Jeggings: TK MAXX/Scarf: Charity shop/Shirt: Mum's/Poncho coat: John Lewis (old)

So, I know jeggings have kind-of gone out of style, but that doesn't mean you can't throw together a nice, simple outfit from it. I copped these docs for £20.12 as they were worn in the olympics once, which is kind of awesome. Went for a walk today with my little brother, thank god these shoes have grip, otherwise, i would have fallen over so many times. 

Describe Project ChiChi?

It's just my little space of the internet where I let go. Just a place where i can show others the cheap stuff i've bought, my own personal style and just to have a new experience as it's something i never thought i'd be able to do before. "project chi chi" is a mash up of my middle name and the show "Project runway" which i love whole-heartedly. 

What is your staple clothing/accessory this winter and why?

Hmm, it has got to be my leather jacket. I'm surprised it's still living after the amount of times it's been worn. It's such a versatile item, it can be worn with casual outfits, e.g jeans and converse or with dressy outfits, bodycon dresses. I think it'll take a lot for me to stop wearing it.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from when it comes to style?

That's a hard one. I'd have to say a mix of everyday life and tumblr. All around you see different styles being mashed together and weirdly enough, they work together quite well. 

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Thanks for reading my first Guest Post Sunday feature. I hope you all enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next one :) If you would like to be apart of this weekly feature please email me at obviousleigh@gmail.com Leigh xo

Real Techniques Travel Essentials Giveaway

Hi everyone, i wanted to share a giveaway with you all!! At christmas i received the Real Techniques travel essentials brushes kit. I also received a boots gift voucher and i decided that i would prefer to get the Core collections kit. After umming and ahhing on whether to sell the travel kit i have decided to do a give away for all my subscribers :D. In the kit you will find a stand/case, Essential foundation brush, Multi-task brush and the Domed shadow brush. All you have to do is enter below using Raffle Copter !!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bare with me this is my first giveaway :D Leigh xo

Have you tried Pumpkin Soup?

I wanted to share with you a relatively new online store Pumpkinsoup. What do they have to offer? (I hear you say?) Superb vintage finds with some DIY pieces. I am a sucker when it comes to vintage accessories. I just can't get enough, So i was pretty impressed by what this store has to offer. Unlike most vintage shops that have slowly become overrated and overpriced, Pumpkin Soup offer affordable clothes and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety of decades carefully picked out. The website is really easy to use, it beats rummaging through all them clothing rails hey?. Here below is there December lookbook.. (I have my eye on the beige trench coat)

So why don't you hop on over there and use my discount code for 15% off "leighsale". http://www.pumpkinsoup.co.uk . Let me know your thoughts? anything thats caught your eye? Leigh xo

January's Wishlist

1//2//3//4//5//6//

Here are things i have seen, fallen in love with and want in my possession.. I should of really done this post at the beginning of the month (Maybe ill start that in Feb). I cheated a little bit with this because i have already purchased and i am waiting for the ox blood trousers from Monki to come through the post. I have been after a dogtooth patterned jumper after seeing Beautycrush wearing one in her videos, The one she has has completely sold out on Asos. Above is an alternative ^ i found on eBay. I have been trying to find just a plain pleather midi skirt for ages and have had no look. So a dress will do instead and that way i can layer it over with jumpers etc. Do any of you know where i can find this skirt??? 

What do you all have your eye on? Leigh

The Mens Shirt

WHAT IM WEARING: Jacket/F&F Shirt/Ebay Jumper/Topshop Skirt/H&M Necklace/Vintage Find

Today was the day the whole of england was at stand still due to the snow. I was meant to be at university today but it was too dangerous to drive so i stayed at home with my boy. I really wanted to take some nice photos in the snow but it was literally a blizzard outside, so i stayed in the warmth. If it the snow is there tomorrow i will take some snaps playing in the snow. Its one of those days that allows you too stay on the sofa with hot drinks watching crappy daytime television!. 

I did have to step outside today to walk to the shop so here is what i wore. I never really layer that often but i quite like the contrast in patterns and textures. The shirt was a really good find on Ebay, it is a mens small and a bargain at £5. Although i am wearing a skirt i was surprisingly warm, it was my little feet that were freezing! 

I thought i would let you know that i have started the infamous 30 day shred, Would you like to see before and after shots? Everyone who has stuck to the full 30 days has lost nearly 10 pounds and a dress size or two. The first day was quite gruelling and i am aching now but they do say no pain no gain! So how was your day? Leigh xo

You notice patterns

WHAT I AM WEARING: Jacket/F&F Top/Matalan Disco Pants/AA Boots/Vivienne Westwood Scarf/Alexander Mcqueen Necklace/H&M

I took this photo on the weekend before i went out to do a bit of shopping, so i wanted to stay fashionably casual whilst still maintaing the practicality for the british rainy weather! The top i am wearing is a recent purchase from the january sales. It's not something i would usually wear, i don't own many clothes with patterns or colours, but i fancied a change. The shape and fit of the top keeps my outfit still casual even with a vibrant pattern. Do you like the top? Let me know by commenting Leigh xo

My daily face

Hi everyone i thought i would share with you my updated daily makeup. It hasn't changed too much from the last post here as i know what i like. Eyeshadow is still a no go for everyday makeup, I don't really see the point if i'm just running errands etc. The one thing i have changed for the better is my moisturiser/oil before putting my makeup on. I get extremely dry skin all year round, whilst tackling my constant battle with eczema. I have found my holy grail of products and that it the coconut oil. The oil really soothes my skin and clears up the eczema. (You will see a post on this very soon.) Below are the products i have used today to get the look above. Leigh xo

Face

Dr Organic virgin coconut oil moisture melt body oil

M.A.C face & body foundation (NW25)

M.A.C mineralize concealer (NW20)

M.A.C prep & prime transparent finishing powder/pressed

Cheeks
Bourjois bronzing powder (medium 51)
M.A.C blush ombre (Azalea blossom)

Eyes
Natural Collection liquid eye lines (Black)
Topshop lash catcher

Lips
M.A.C brave

Primark SS13 Collection

Here above is the new collection for Primark Spring/Summer 2013. After seeing it on the Look website, i have found some pieces i adore. I have put a few into the picture above. Most of these items are things i have wanted for a while like the patterned trousers and a fringed bag. If you have a look at the full collection here you will see that pastels are a big hit this spring and also monochrome. They have a few matching pieces as well. My favourite item would have to be the monochrome striped dress above, I am always after staple pieces in my wardrobe something that will last all year through. Take a look at the full collection and let me know what you think. Leigh xo

Thirteen little things

So i have decided to share with you my list of 13 'things' to achieve this year. I saw a blog post on Lindsey's blog re-capping on her nineteen-things-she-would-like-to-do-before-she-was-twenty list. I really enjoyed reading the post and seeing that she had achieved quite a lot. This gave me an idea to do this post. It's a bit late to be making resolutions so this list suits me fine, putting things into lists makes me happy! 

Have any of you made a resolution or a list of things to achieve. I'd love to read them. Let's see if i achieve them this time next year! Leigh xo 

Banana & Walnut Loaf

This is one of my proudest cooking/baking moments. The banana and walnut loaf is one of them cakes that all the family enjoy. The sweetness from the bananas and the warm tastiness from the walnut make this a perfect winter warmer to treat yourself to, with a cup of tea obviously (no pun intended!) Having never baked a cake i think this turned out pretty well. It got a thumbs up from everyone who tasted it! So heres how to make it 

Ingredients

- Baking paper

- 100g softened butter (with some more for greasing)

- 140g caster sugar

- 1 beaten egg

- 225g plain flour

- 2 tsp baking powder

- 3 medium sized very ripe bananas

- 85g crushed walnuts

- 50ml milk

1) Pre-heat the oven to 180C/ 160C (fan oven)/ Gas mark 4 / 350F. Using butter grease a 2lb loaf tin and line with baking paper, grease this also. 2) In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter, sugar and egg. Next slowly mix in flour and baking powder. Peel and mash the bananas, add to the mix. Add the milk and nuts and give it a final mix. 3) Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 1 hour on the middle shelf. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before removing it from the tin. 

Serve up the cake with a dollop of ice cream. 

Happy Baking. Leigh xo

NOTE: THIS IS NOT MY OWN RECIPE I FOUND IT ON THE INTERNET, I JUST CHANGED A FEW INGREDIENTS. 

Uni Days

WHAT IM WEARING - Top/Matalan Leggings/Topshop Shoes/Asos Jacket/F&F Bag/H&m Scarf/Matalan Earrings/Asos

The first day back at university was a killer, after 3 weeks off, it took its toll getting up at half 6. That snooze button needs to be put in room 101! The top and scarf i found in the Matalan sale, no intentions to go to Matalan other than looking for home stuff but hey what do you know they were HALF PRICE! You always find some good bargains in unexpected places. I placed my hair in yet another ponytail (if you can call it that), wishing my hair to grow faster because its at that awkward length, so putting it up will do for now. Kudos to Emily for being my photographer, i should hire her permanently! Have a nice day :) Leigh xo

If you are at university or college, be sure to sign up to MyUniDays and get discounts of online shops including Topshop, Motelrocks, Missguided etc. Using the code below

http://www.myunidays.com/r/ACqs8RgLWsI

Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Below is how to make the household favourite noodle soup. This quick, cheap and easy soup serves around 3 people. Its super healthy and low in fat HURRAH!

Ingredients:

1L of chicken stock

2 large carrots (peeled & chopped)

200g egg noodles

250g of cooked shredded chicken

200g of frozen peas

1 bunch of spring onions (sliced, separating the white and green parts)

1 small red chilli (Sliced)

How to cook: Bring the stock to the boil in a medium sized saucepan. Throw in the carrots and boil for 4 minutes. Add the noodles and bring down to a simmer for 3 minutes. Add in the white part of the spring onions, shredded chicken, peas and chillies. Heat for around 1 minute until everything is hot through. Dish it into bowls using a ladle and then scatter the green part of the spring onions for decoration. 

This recipe is perfect with left over chicken or turkey. The chilli is optional if you don't like the heat but feel free to add more (maybe even scatter some chillies on top once served. ENJOY! Leigh xo

Playing In The Garden

WHAT IM WEARING - Jacket/Primark Jumper/Primark Leggings/Topshop Boots/Asos Necklace/H&M

Today was much milder so i decided to step into the garden and take some snaps before the sun went down. The contrasting jacket is my staple through the winter, i am obsessed with the colour Khaki at the moment and it looks nice against my skin tone. After eyeing up this jacket for some time in Zara i just couldn't afford the price tag, however trusty old Primark made a dupe for 1/4 of the price HURRAH! Leigh xo

Apple Crisps

I recently saw a post online on how to make homemade apple crisps, i have never tasted them before but seeing as I love the banana crisps you can get from Holland & Barrett  i thought i would give it ago. They are super easy to make and I'm always looking for healthier alternatives to give to my son (even better i can make these at home).

I used some of the child's sized apples you can buy at Morrison's (Just because thats all i had) but you can use any that pick your fancy. I sliced the apples using a knife (practice makes perfect). I then placed the apples in a bowl full of water and 1 teaspoon of citric acid for around 10 minutes. Instead you could swap the water for apple juice and the citric acid is optional, Just get experimenting at this point.

Next lay the apples separately on a a grill or a baking tray lined with a cooling rack. This allows air to travel all the way round the apple slices, drying it as it bakes. Bake them on the middle shelf of your oven at around 150 C/ 350 F/ Gas mark 2 for 25-30 mins (adjust times according to size of apple slices) Remove from the oven and turn the heat off, let the slices cool down for a minute or two. Put them back in the oven for 6-8 minutes to allow them to dry out even more.

And hey presto here are your very own homemade healthy crisps, perfect for them little mouths that want a snack! Leigh xo