Got a Sweet Tooth?! Get Baked...

This has to be the best discovery I have ever, and will ever, make in Leeds... Get Baked! If you're on a health kick you may want to look away high calorie content follows. 

Photos taken from Get Baked, I eat mine too quickly to take a photo...

If you're not from Leeds (or Manchester), Get Baked is an online delivery service which specialises in outrageous dessert concoctions, American Sweets and now Get Shaked Milkshakes (if you're a fan of Breaking Bad you'll appreciate some of their names)... If you're not already Googling the place to order from it I'll be severely disappointed in you all.

I've ordered Get Baked more times than I care to admit, and every time their treats have tasted amazing. I follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (which are hugely enabling so don't follow/like unless you have some serious willpower!) and they are always full of banter. Their menu changes on a day-to-day basis and has something for everyone from cakes, pies and tortes to cheesecakes, brownies and waffles.... Yuuuum! 

The cheesecakes are my favourite and between the household I think we've had (among many, many others) Oreo, Crunchie and NutOreous BIG alongside a few cans of Cherry Pepsi and a fair few bags of Pick 'n' Mix... Sorry, I'm not sorry. 

The pricing isn't outrageous; £2.50 for a slice of cake and prices start at £1.40 for American Sweets, minimum orders are however £10 and you don have to wait until 7PM rolls around to make an order. They're open 'til 2am over the weekend though, so it's perfect for those midnight munchies after a night out or to stock up on treats for a girlie night in. 

Excuse me, I'm off to place another order, I've got some milkshakes to try...

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Get Baked

16A Stainbeck Avenue

Meanwood

Leeds

LS7 2PA

Tel: 0113 2282666

Two Product Skincare Routine: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil & La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo...

When I run out of my ProActiv, my skin goes into a panic and breaks out something dreadful, which honestly makes me think the products were doing absolutely nothing useful to treat my skin. 

So when all else failed, I gave into beauty hype and purchased La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo and rummaged my stash to find DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil. I've used ONLY these two products for the best part of a month now and my skin has never looked better!

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - £4.50 for 30ml

I received the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil in a GlossyBox a while back and it's been sitting unloved in the back of my bathroom cabinet even though I really enjoyed using it (original blog post here). Now i've revisited this souped up water-soluble oil I can safely say that this is literally THE BEST makeup remover and cleanser I've ever used... Including Bioderma! 

I've been pouring a small amount of this oil into my hands and applying it to my full face of makeup, gentle massaging it into my skin and across the eye area. My makeup comes off with no scrubbing or pulling at my skin and there's not a speck left after washing the product off my face with a splash of water. After, my skin feels so soft and hydrated.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - £13 for 40ml

Effaclar Duo is a skin care treatment from the Effaclar range which is developed for the various stages of oily and acne prone skin. Effaclar Duo is aimed specifically at skin with severe imperfections and claims to purify pores and reduce the imperfections. This little serum has been hyped about so much across the blogosphere and has been credited for completely altering the appearance of blemished skin, I can now see why!

After the first few uses, there was no difference, but after a week, new blemishes stopped appearing,old blemishes were healing and any redness was dramatically reduced. Now, I don't recoil in horror every time I look at my face sans makeup and even the boy has noticed the improved condition of my skin (you know there's definitely a change when the boyfriend notices!).

The skin loving ingredients in the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil combined with the purify ones of Effaclar Duo have worked wonders on my skin, I don't feel the need for other products at all. Sometimes stripping skin care back to basics is all your skin needs.

I really want to try more products from the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Range, do you have any suggestions?

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Video: The Chubby Bunny Challenge...

What happens when you buy a huge bag of marshmallows and are in a bit of a silly mood? THE CHUBBY BUNNY CHALLENGE of course...

I'm still laughing at this now, who knew marshmallow eating could be so hilarious!

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Sleek Blush in Rose Gold: A Nars Orgasm Dupe...

Sleek Blush in Rose Gold £4.49

My favourite, and most used Blush of all time has to be Nars Orgasm but when mine bit the dust I decided to pick up this well known dupe by Sleek, Rose Gold. 

Rose gold is a gorgeous rosey pink colour packed with gold shimmer. This Blush highlights the cheeks really nicely as well as adding a natural flush. The packaging is lovely and compact with a great huge mirror making it perfect for your handbag. The product itself is nicely pigmented and can be built up if needed. I love the look it gives with a quick swish across the cheeks after a bit of bronzer. There is literally no need for a highlighter with this one either! The gold shimmers catch the light and add luminosity to the face, perfect for Summer. 

I will definitely be picking up more Sleek Blushes next time I'm in Superdrug, what are your recommendations?

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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MusicMagpie: A New Way to Recycle Old Clothes...

This is a sponsored post for MusicMagpie

I'm all for reusing and recycling in order to keep my house clutter free and organised, my mantra? If you don't need it or use it, throw it or donate it. I always thought that MusicMagpie was a way to recycle your old games, CD's and DVD's and make a little bit of money. It is. However, you can now recycle your old clothes on there too... Hello 21st century!

If you're anything like me, you hang on to clothes like nothing else, even if there's no way you're ever going to wear them again (hello 6 year old ripped baggy boyfriend jeans), creating a mountain of fashion fails in the bottom of the wardrobe and never being able to find anything to wear. I usually put current season items up for Auction on eBay, but what do you do with the stuff that doesn't appeal to anyone... Bin?!...

No, MusicMagpie! Getting cash for clothes on MusicMagpie couldn't be easier, you literally type in the brand and type of garment you're selling and you'll be given an instant quote, no matter how out of fashion it is ;) They even have a free send service and from home courier service if you have lots of items to recycle. You can choose to be paid via Bank Transfer, Cheque, E-Vouchers and even choose to donate it all to one of their chosen charities. 

So if you're having a massive clear out, maybe moving house, sorting through things getting ready for Uni or saving for a special purchase, get onto the App Store, download the MusicMagpie App and consider sending some of your unused and unloved items off, after all every little helps!

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Nailstagramming #3: Polka Dots...

Polka dots have to be THE easiest nail art to do. No tools or skills needed, just two or more of your favourite complimentary polishes and a (mildly) steady hand. Here are the way's I've been spicing up my manicures with Polka Dots for this Spring:

Orly Rage - Base, Models Own Lemon Meringue, OPI Rumple's Wiggin and What's With the Cattitude - Polka Dots

Primark Beauty Pastel Blue - Base, OPI The World is not Enough - Polka Dots

Nails In Caramel - Base, Rimmel Apricot Punch and Peppermint, Barry M Strawberry Ice Cream and Berry Ice Cream - Polka Dots

Rimmel Apricot Punch - Base, Orly Rage - Tips and Polka Dots

Be sure to follow me on Instagram (Link below) for more Nailstagram posts and comment your photos with the hashtag #lamourlauran if you'd like me to see yours.

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx

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MUA Bronzed Perfection: Budget Beauty Buy...

There's Summer sun on the horizon and my pasty complexion just ain't gonna to cut it. In steps this budget beauty buy, the HUGE MUA Bronzed Perfection Bronzer, which is a mere £3.

 

The thing that panics me with cheap bronzers is the colour, there's only ever one and it's always too shimmery, muddy and orange. MUA really have hit the mark with this one though, there is the tiniest bit of shimmer in it which doesn't transfer to the skin. It's a lovely soft powder with great pigmentation, it is a little dark for my skin tone, but a light hand with my Real Techniques Blush Brush works a treat to contour my cheeks and add a lovely post-holiday glow to my skin. 

The packaging is nothing special, but it does it's job and doesn't look too cheap. If you have a medium skin tone I'd definitely recommend that you pick this up, for me it's really comparable to the Bourjois 'Chocolate' Bronzer and is half the price!

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Gourmet Hot Dogs: Primo's...

Primo's has to be my absolute favourite place for Lunch in Leeds. The small little relaxed restaurant in the Corn Exchange offers a number of Hot Dog combinations, using everything from Lincolnshire to Chorizo sausages, alongside Bagels, Nachos, Salads and Fries. 

The Boston and The Matador Hot Dogs.

Between us, me and the boy have devoured pretty much the whole Hot Dog menu, my favourites being the Big Easy and the Utah, but their Onion Rings are absolutely amazing too and you can create your own combination if nothing off the menu appeals. I love the fact that they have an array of American drinks and sweets on offer... Root Beer is NOT for me...and they offer a loyalty card where you get your 10th Hot Dog free!

It never seems to be busy which is nice as it definitely feels like a little secret place to eat, the decor is really cute with quotes such as "Eating three sensible, well balanced meals will only spoil your appetite for Hot Dogs." and "I'll diet when the earth runs out of food." The food has always been good and the prices are reasonable. Whenever we're stuck for somewhere to eat Primo's is always a winner.  

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Unit 12 A/B, 

The Corn Exchange,
42 Call Lane,

Leeds, 

LS1 7DA

Tel: 0113 345 8901

New Look: Spring Picks...

This is a sponsored post for New Look.

My wardrobe is in need of a huge overhaul, there's no qualms about it, but when spring hits it sends me into a dilemma; Shorts? Jumpers? Sandals? Boots?! The British weather has us all on standby with brolly in hand. Here I've picked out a few little pieces from New Look that will keep you looking stylish in these uncertain Spring months...

Striped Midi Skirt £14.99, Coral Cropped Jumper £14.99 and Rose Gold Necklace £6.99

I've been after a pair of cut-out boots for a while and these £59.99 ones are at a great price point. The cut outs look gorgeous teamed with ankle socks and add a tough edge to girly tea dresses. White is making waves on the high street at the minute and I'm falling hard for white handbags. This one has a high-end luxe feel to it and is a definite steal at just £39.99.

I love a good knee length dress, team it with Aztec prints and you've pretty much got me sold. I'd team this Midi with this Neon Clutch Bag for a girly night out. For those chillier days, this Oversized Blazer is perfect, roll up the sleeves for some extra detail and let your shirt cuffs show through. 

What are your Spring picks? Let me know in the comments below!

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Let There be Meat: Red's True Barbecue Leeds...

Ok, I am in no way a food blogger and don't really know a lot about food, but I DO know a good restaurant when I see it (well, eat at it) and Red's True Barbecue is definitely one of those. I've been meaning to try Red's since my friend's boyfriend became a chef there and I was told how amazing the food was, and a few weeks ago me and the boy went down to check it out. 

"Red prepares your meat way in advance of it reaching your plate, giving it time to soak up the rich flavours of our trademark blend of rubs and marinades for no less than 24 hours. Then, it's cooked low n' slow – for up to 18 hours – over Hickory and fruit woods inside our custom Oklahoman smokers. Then we'll add the best sauces and sides your tongue will touch and serve them to you, our faithful flock. Our cooking has its roots in the deep south, but our food and ingredients are sourced from Yorkshire, God's country. World-class quality, locally sourced.

So gather, feast and enjoy True Barbecue and spread the word of Red."

Situated on at the top of Call Lane opposite the Corn Exchange, Red's is all about the Meat; Ribs, burgers and steaks smothered in an array of smokes and sauces... If you've ever seen Man v. Food you can imagine where I'm going with this! (In fact they have some eating challenges of their own ... 1 Metre of Onion Rings and Devil Hot Wings anyone?) Each dish comes with recommendations for drinks, from beers to shakes, which is a great idea. The source all of their ingredients locally and have a genuine passion for food.

I went for the Donut Burger... Yep... Steak burgers, cheese, fried onions and dirty sauce sandwiched between two sweet glazed donuts... I can tell you now, it was worth every single one of the 2000+ calories! It tasted amazing, the perfect balance between sweet and savoury.

The boy went for the Pit Burger, which was piled high with brisket, pulled pork, bacon and cheese and from the giant mouthfuls and empty plate, this was definitely a hit with him. 

The service was great, really quick and the staff were upbeat and genuinely interested in what they were serving. We went around 3PM and there was no queue, but usually there's a pretty long wait for a table, they offer to take your number and call you when a table is ready for you, so you can go and enjoy a drink down Call Lane in the mean time. The decor of the restaurant consists of wooden tables and chairs, an open kitchen and chalkboard menus giving it a real American BBQ Restaurant feel. There are big communal tables (think Wagamamas) as well as 2/4 seating tables making it a great place for a big get together (they do sharing platters of meat!) with friends. I've just seen on Facebook that they've started doing a Brunch menu too; Hash Browns, Waffles and Bacon... Yuuuum.

If you're in Leeds, you definitely NEED to check out Reds, I for one can't wait to eat there again!

Let me know about what you think of these types of posts, I'm thinking of doing a series about places in Leeds to go and to eat at, so please leave a comment below if you've found any gems in the city.

Much Love, 
Lauran 
xxx 

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Red's True Barbecue,

Unit 1 Cloth Hall Street,

Leeds,

LS1 2HD

Tel: 0113 834 5834