A Hansel & Gretel Afternoon.....

....without the eating children bit!

For my birthday this year, I was bought a fairy tale house mould as a gift! It was predominately for making a chocolate house (yes, it's as amazing as it sounds)! However, since it's getting so close to Christmas, we decided to see how it would work as a gingerbread mould! This is a tradition that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and there are lots of shops introducing kits with all of the ingredients measured out and templates or even the gingerbread baked and ready to put together. We opted to start from scratch!

Once they were all mixed together and formed a soft dough, we then just pressed it in to the mold and put it in the oven - we even had enough left over to make a gingerbread boy and girl!

This is what we came up with!

If you want to make a gingerbread house this Christmas but don't want to buy a mould, you can do what we did last year and print a free template from the internet. Bake batches of gingerbread and while it's still warm and soft, cut it to the shape and size you need! Last years effort is in the pictures below!

We're not sure what was more fun...... making or eating our house! We'll tell you once we've come out of our gingerbread induced comas!

If you have made any festive food, post your links so we can check it out! 

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

We are taking part in The Big Blogmas Project this December along with the below lovelies! Check out their blogs too for more festive fun!

Coleoftheball                 Hanclarky                         Cometomybdr                  Bw_sheep

Kammitted                    Ambipage                          Ohkalukalay                    Lovelyjubbly8

 Pp_puff                        Jessbarnes                         Missmills_                         Nikmakeupjunkie  

Missbeccabeauty         Amelia_florence               Tansandtiarasx                    Thebeauty_baker   

Vintageteapot              Likeslippy SGBlogxx       BethanywellsMUA             April_todd    

Berrycrumblexxx        _Sammyjane_x                  Bexclaree_                         Sassydoveblog

 Kellovesclothes           Hannahlouisa__              CourtneeeyJ                        2sisters1blog

Unexpected_roar         Char_beyy                         Neyavbeautytalk                Naomi_joy_  

Victoiraearls                 Anothergirlyblg                 Beautyblogger20               Cerysannex   

Missksmudger              Sarah_lumsden                 Byalextweets                     Sarahivell8    

Jessicakbrown              Shadowlinergirl                Allmadeup21                     Hintofsparkle  

Jessiekinsxo                  Srslylou                           Tayscollectionn                   Lianne84  

 Cutelil_b_blog           Chloe_bellamy                    Kendalsblog                       CMWB   

Lucy_a_bigail             Sophieeroseex                     Jesslynjuly                         Misslaurameow    Adaynasaur                Hitnmiff                              Knitteddaisy                      Sweetsparklyser   4evafashion92            Mallowbeauty                     Beautysupergirl                Aqeela_mua   Jordanmarie89           Polkadotteapot2                  Fashforeverblog               Kelseyshepherd_ 

Hmkeyes                    Dixxgina                              Uggynog                            imogenrose20   Joni_blog                  Laural0uisee                        Frostedplanet                     Rowbowk   Maclovergirl96         Danniannie                          Juststephblog                    _bethhenderson  

 saloca                        Kaitlynisabel                      _nameofbeauty    

Big Blogmas Project!

Happy 1st of December!

We can't believe how this year has flown by and we're already getting ready to open those little doors on our advent calendars! 

As this is our first Christmas since starting the blog, we wanted to do something fun and festive to celebrate! We were asked if we wanted to join in with the #bigblogmasproject. This involves us blogging everyday from the 1st December, through until Christmas eve! We jumped at the opportunity and have been busily planning what we want to blog about over the next 24 days!

You'll find lots of beauty posts, Christmas fashion and lifestyle posts, as well as some fun things about what we're getting up to this Festive season! We hope you enjoy our involvement in the Big Blogmas Project and that you check out some of the other lovelies who are also taking part!

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

Coleoftheball                 Hanclarky                         Cometomybdr                  Bw_sheep

Kammitted                    Ambipage                          Ohkalukalay                    Lovelyjubbly8

 Pp_puff                        Jessbarnes                         Missmills_                         Nikmakeupjunkie  

Missbeccabeauty         Amelia_florence               Tansandtiarasx                    Thebeauty_baker  

Vintageteapot              Likeslippy SGBlogxx       BethanywellsMUA             April_todd    

Berrycrumblexxx        _Sammyjane_x                  Bexclaree_                         Sassydoveblog

 Kellovesclothes           Hannahlouisa__              CourtneeeyJ                        2sisters1blog

Unexpected_roar         Char_beyy                         Neyavbeautytalk                Naomi_joy_  

Victoiraearls                 Anothergirlyblg                 Beautyblogger20               Cerysannex   

Missksmudger              Sarah_lumsden                 Byalextweets                     Sarahivell8    

Jessicakbrown              Shadowlinergirl                Allmadeup21                     Hintofsparkle  

Jessiekinsxo                  Srslylou                           Tayscollectionn                   Lianne84  

 Cutelil_b_blog           Chloe_bellamy                    Kendalsblog                       CMWB   

Lucy_a_bigail             Sophieeroseex                     Jesslynjuly                         Misslaurameow    Adaynasaur                Hitnmiff                              Knitteddaisy                      Sweetsparklyser   4evafashion92            Mallowbeauty                     Beautysupergirl                Aqeela_mua   Jordanmarie89           Polkadotteapot2                  Fashforeverblog               Kelseyshepherd_ 

Hmkeyes                    Dixxgina                              Uggynog                            imogenrose20   Joni_blog                  Laural0uisee                        Frostedplanet                     Rowbowk   Maclovergirl96         Danniannie                          Juststephblog                    _bethhenderson  

 saloca                        Kaitlynisabel                      _nameofbeauty    

Beau XOXO Giveaway Video! *LAST FEW DAYS!*

We are now in the final few days of our fabulous GIVEAWAY! We have created this little video to give you some more information on Beau XOXO and show you what we couldn't resist buying from this stunning online boutique!

This giveaway will run through to 29^th November 2013! Anyone can enter and the winner will get a gift card to spend in the Beau XOXO online store! Here's a little link to the website for you so that you can pop over and see all of the beautiful items on offer!

http://www.beauxoxo.com/

‘Beauxoxo is an online boutique that boasts an array of lovingly handmade pieces, for wonderfully affordable prices. What started back in 2010, as a girl's dream for chic yet inexpensive hair accessories, has now blossomed into a worldwide success, and now everyone is able to adorn pieces that are complimented by a unique blend of both whimsical and playful charm.' 

We’re so excited for you to get involved, so please feel free to share this on twitter and social media! Obviously don’t forget to enter the competition to your hearts content! 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas Caking, Baking, Making Time!!

Christmas Caking, Baking, Making Time!!

It is a bit early to be cooking Christmas puddings, however, Fiona (Orla's sister) came across a picture of a Santa cake! No instructions or tutorials just a picture, and Orla believed that she could make it! 

So we studied the picture, and put our plan into action! We decided to make a Sponge Cake, 

with jam and Buttercream filling!

We stacked the sandwich tins to find out how many layers of cake we would need to get the height needed, and 4 sandwich tins were about right, so 2 cakes worth! 

We got on with making the "2" sponge cake/ "4" single sandwich tins worth. This was the recipe we used, good old "Mary Berry"!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/mary_berrys_perfect_34317

 Leave them to cool as normal...

Whlist they are cooling down, make your Buttercream filling. This was the recipe we used,

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2451647/buttercream

Remember : You have to double everything! As you have to fill and cover 2 cakes! 

It seems alot of everything, buttercream etc, however you will need/use it ! Trust us!

Once all the cakes are cool, start to build your tower of cake! Fill each layer like you normally would, Jam and Buttercream between each layer, once it looks something like this...

You will need to stableise it!! Take 3 straws/chop sticks and cut to the height of the cake and insert in a 'triangle' shape through the middle area of the cake.

Time to CARVE! Take a bread knife, with a serrated edge, and make a Dome shape. Try and make it as smooth as possible, it will look a bit dogy...but go with it! 

 

You will need to give the cake a crumb coating next! Take your left over Buttercream, and go around the cake, (you may need to make some more) Making a smooth layer all around the cake. Making sure you get all the loose crumbs. (This is what makes it smooth and not lumpy when you put your layer of fondant ontop)

 Then put in the Fridge! Leave until its really solid and cold!!!
LEAVE IT.....!!!! I SEE YOU!

Now for the fun bit! DECORATING! Grab your Fondant, White, Red, Black...

Roll out the red into a thin circular sheet of fondant. 

Remember - to put down icing sugar on the surface or it will stick to the table!!

Using your rolling pin, roll a side of the red sheet around the pin, lift, and then drape the sheet over the cold cake. This should create this type of image...

Carefully using your fingers and cupped hands, smooth down the edges and flare out the bottom of the sheet until you cover it evenly.  
TIP - (Use a pizza cutter to put around the circular cake)

Your almost there!!

Time to get fiddly with the fondant, create a thin layer of white, cover the Cake Base, Put the Red Cake on the white base...

 Then create another thin layer of white, shape into a beard, and use water to stick it to the cake. Carry on making the eyes, nose, little arms, and legs with cuffs on all four. Make a little hat for Santa and finish off by making a little buckle!

If you have a red ribbon, and a little 'Merry Christmas' sign (you could pipe it on) then stick it on!

and YOU'VE DONE IT! Fun and Easy! Its a simple cake, but looks great! and We've really enjoyed making and decorating it!!!

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

Third & Final Day In Disneyland Video!

Hello lovelies!

Only one day to the weekend, so to give you all a boost this chilly Thursday, we have posted the final video in our Disneyland Paris October trip series! Enjoy watching what we got up to and please let us know what you think or if any of your are planning to visit soon, or if you went during Halloween too!

Final Day

Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this! Don't forget to also follow our blog using the Bloglovin link below! Comment below if you want to share your looks - we love being nosy and seeing what you're up to too!

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

Christmas Is All Around!

So the time of presents, food gluttony and Christmas parties are upon us! Its November (or Movember for some!) and already Christmas decorations are up in Shopping Centers and in Towns all around the UK! It always surprises both of us how quickly it comes around, however were not complaining! 

Christine and I have always been huge Christmas lovers! So much so, that Christine got called "Christmas" at work for a good while, which always put a smile on all our faces!

Both of us have a real thing for Christmas decorating and baking! Every year we like to either change up the themed colour on our trees/table decorations, or try and create and make a new Christmas bake to share with everyone! Whether it be biscuits, a highly decorated cake, or a cluster of christmassy cup cakes!

So we have already been buying a couple of Christmas Bits, I bought a new PJ top, £6 in 'Primark!'

 Its a combination between Disney and Christmas which puts a big smile on our faces!

Primark's a great place to get lots of Christmas bits and bobs this year. From candles, gifts, bedding, decorations and wrapping, its a one stop shop for a big Christmas splurge!

This being our first Christmas with our Blog and YouTube channel!  I'm sure we'll be doing festive updates with all the seasonal activities we'll be getting up to. Whether its Christmas hauls, baking, or general festiveness! 

Watch this Space! 

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

Hair 'Style' Today, Gone Tomorrow.....

This weekend was quite a lazy one for us. We were both feeling a little bit under the weather and not on our usual top form. Instead of risking making ourselves feel worse, we did what all self respecting girls do and headed out to the shops to stock up on chocolate and diet coke, before heading back and watch an entire season of Sex & The City! (The Aiden years, of course. what was Carrie thinking letting him go)?!

Anyway, while we sat and ate our weight in chocolate we also spent the afternoon playing with our hair. We have both had short hair in our time. Orla used to be a hair model (as mentioned in our introduction video). During this time, she didn't really have much say in the length or colour of her hair and ended up with some amazing styles. The later styles she sported were usually very short or even shaved right up at the back with just length left on top. I on the other hand have been cutting my hair short since I was in my late teens. The reason being, my hair is SO thin and fine and it usually looks much thicker when cut shorter.

While I enjoyed the illusion of thicker hair, I didn't like not having any length as I used to enjoy playing with different styles and designs in my hair. As my most recent short cut was a graduated bob, I do have some ways to go to get my hair to a decent one length style.

Orla on the other hand has already grown her hair to a better length and has managed to have the length evened out. This is largely why the hair styles this weekend were all on Orla's hair. Also, the hair extensions we used we old ones of mine from 5 years ago when I wore hair extensions most days. The colour match was much better for Orla than the ash blonde colour of my hair currently.

I started off by straightening and putting the hair extensions in Orla's hair. When she looked in the mirror, this cemented her decision to grow her hair!

The first thing I tried was a waterfall braid. I love this look as it looks really intricate. I think this would look better in hair with darker undertones or low lights, to really highlight the design of this look. The idea is to make your side pony tail look like it's encased in a cage of hair. This look would also work well on a normal ponytail. 

For a different look at the front of the hair, this simple twist is fun to add interest. We used a spiral stud to enhance the look and secured with a bobby pin underneath. 

For a more formal look that would work for a prom or posh 'do' this half up style is really cute! It was surprisingly easy to achieve and really suited Orla. With flowers added in the summer, this would be adorable festival hair! 

I then tried my personal favourite, fishtail plait. This is the style I want to wear the most, but my hair is still far too short to make this work on my own hair. It looks really chic and bohemian and I definitely think Orla needs to learn to do this one on her own hair! Super cute!

So which style do you like best? Let us know if you would like us to film any tutorials on how we achieved these looks or try out any others! We're currently looking for a new brand of hair extensions to try out too, so if you have any brands that you love, leave them in the comments below so we can check them out!

Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this! Don't forget to also follow our blog using the Bloglovin link below! Comment below if you want to share your looks - we love being nosy and seeing what you're up to too!

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw

Disneyland Paris Video - Day 2.....

Happy Monday one & all!

We thought we would treat you on this rather dreary Monday to the second installment of our Disneyland Paris October trip! Enjoy watching what we got up to and please let us know what you think or if any of your are planning to visit at Christmas time! We wish we were going back already!

Day 2 

Please like, comment and subscribe to our channel if you enjoyed this! Don't forget to also follow our blog using the Bloglovin link below! Comment below if you want to share your looks - we love being nosy and seeing what you're up to too!

Thanks for checking this out! 

Twitter 

@twiceuponblonde

Instagram 

Twiceuponblonde

Youtube 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKztQ7sRCbFQZeGXdQOMEOw