Wintertime Pick Me Up's

1. Keep warm

With a cute hot water bottle, ideal to snuggle up with or to tuck under the sheets before bed, they keep you toasty for hours! I just adore this luxe blush pick, it's unbelievably soft! Soft unicorn slippers, billowy blankets and snug fluffy dressing gowns (this Topshop cloud like one is incredible!) are all ideal for keeping warm in autumn/winter too - light a few candles and sip on peppermint tea for cosy nights in!

2. Treat yourself

Whether it's to a festive Lush bath, a new book (this is next on my to read book, it has rave reviews even though it's a Childrens book!) or to a fresh Essie mani. A little treat can be the perfect pick me up and mood booster if you're feeling under the weather. I've recently splurged on the dreamy Diptyque Vanille candle, with sweet, woody accents and a hint of spice and smoke, it's divine!

3. Nourish

Eating well during the colder months is essential for me, whilst I definitely still indulge in plenty of treats (especially over Christmas!) I try to stick to eating well around 80% of the time to keep my immune system in check. The Eat Pretty Every Day book is my go-to for inspiration, daily snippets and nutritional guidance (love the original Eat Pretty book for seasonal eating too!). Opt for warming soups, stews or stir fry's packed with veggies, dark leafy greens and protein rich pulses. The Deliciously Ella Cookbooks are great for healthy meal inspiration too!

Try topping up your vitamin D intake during the dark wintry months with a spritz of vitamin D spray, or safely in the autumn sunlight with spf on to keep blues at bay.

4. Dream

Dark mornings can leave you feeling a little groggy and tired. Try a misting of the ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray before bed, this soothing sleep spray contains lavender, chamomile and leaves you well-rested and relaxed!

The Lush Sleepy Body lotion is the ideal bedtime treat, with skin softening oats, coco butter and calming lavender it helps you to drift of to sleep! Soft pyjamas and fresh bedding are a must-have too - this luxurious satin set looks like just the ticket!

5. Me time

Take a little time out for you - self care is essential as the weather gets colder! Whether it's pampering, colouring in, watching Netflix, reading, or melting into an uplifting Lush bath, try and schedule some time to do the things that you enjoy the most!

What are your Wintertime essentials?

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Autumn Style Staples

This autumn, I'm all about slouchy jumpers, a-line skirts and western style ankle boots. Throw on a cosy scarf or bobble hat (blush pink of course!) and you're good to go! Autumn/Winter fashion is my favourite, I just love layering, wrapping up and adding winter accessories to my outfits! 

- a little note, check out the lovely Michelle's gorgeous new shop Honey + Chai for autumn staples & heavenly hand-picked pieces!

I picked up this gorgeous, soft blush scarf from Asos, it's one of those long, squashy types that you can bundle up in and wrap around and around you to lock out the cold. It's ideal for adding a little colour and pairs well with grey or black coats. I also adore a blush bobble hat, mines an oldie from Topshop but this Asos one is just as cute!

Another staple for me in Autumn/Winter is a watch. I really don't enjoy fumbling around in my bag with gloves on, trying to check the time on my iPhone and so I always make sure to wear a watch to keep track of the time. The Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield* is a divine pick - minamilistic, classic and chic, it works well with every outfit! 

A-line skirts are a must-have for me in autumn, they're so flattering and ideal to pair with the cult Primark fleece-lined tights (SO snug)! I picked up this cute jacquard print skirt last year, this Asos denim pick is the latest addition to my collection and this cute burgundy cord piece is ideal to tuck slouchy jumpers like this dusky Pull & Bear number into.

Lastly, I can't be without my Ash Jalouse-esque New Look boots, they're comfy, stylish and super affordable at just a fraction of the price of the Ash pair. These cute Western boots are similar too, they work so well with skirts, dresses, ripped jeans...they're a staple for autumn!

What are your Autumn style staples?

A November To Do List

November's quite possibly my favourite month - silver frosted morning's, glittering skies and the lead up to Christmas, plus it's my birthday month! With a lot of life admin, a move and Christmas shopping on the agenda this month, I'm still planning on squeezing this list into November's busy days...

1. Take a peek at the new Essie Luxe 2016 collection - they're such festive glittery picks!

2. Find a pleated midi skirt to pair with a slouchy knit and ankle boots. I love this mauve pick, this pink satin finish skirt also this pink Topshop velvet number is the dream, it's SO pretty!

3. Crack out Michael Buble's Christmas album. 

4. Revel in the incredible TV/Film picks this month - Gilmore Girls (Nov 25th), Fantastic Beasts (Nov 18th) and GOT (S6 on DVD, finally!)

5. Give Thanks. I know it's not really the norm to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, but considering that UK brands have jumped on the Black Friday bandwagon, I think It's nice to embrace Thanksgiving too! 

6. Spice up my hot chocolates with cinnamon, praline, gingerbread or toffee nut syrups!

7. Catch a glimpse of the supermoon on Nov 14th, it's the largest and closest to the earth the moon has been for a long time!

8. Check out the calm.com app - as I'm moving home, things are bound to get a little stressful this month!

9. Grab a Lindt advent calendar, last year I missed out as they flew off the shelves!

10. Invest in new trinkets and decor for the home. There's so many irresistible, cute pieces in stores right now!

What's on your to do list for November?

My Go-To Autumn Eyeshadows

As the harsh, colder weather has started to settle in I've been reaching for shimmery, autumnal shades to wear. Burnished bronzes, warm coppers, champagne golds and rusts have become part of my daily make up picks - I just love pairing a soft smoky eye, a wash of dreamy rose gold or shimmery champagnes with a berry lip!

I always pull out my Urban Decay Naked 3 palette around this time of the year, with dreamy soft pinks, mauves and shimmery rose golds it's ideal, perfect to carry you through to the December party season too! The buttery smooth texture of the eyeshadows in this heavenly eyeshadow palette makes them effortless to work with, they blend like a dream and last well on the eyes. 

The cult Stila eyeshadow in Kitten is a saviour for brightening tired eyes. I use this as a highlight for the inner corner, brow bone and blended on the centre of the lids, or even just brushed over the entire lid for a shimmery eye. It's such a pretty champagne nude shade that's so versatile, I love wearing it dusted over cheekbones as a highlighter too!

One of my favourite eyeshadows Nars Outer Limits (affordable dupe here!) is a dreamy, sparkly iridescent rose gold. The peach toned base with flecks of pink and gold glitter running through it means that you can simply wash this mesmerising pick over the lids or pat on lightly to give an effortless shimmery eye with a rose gold sheen. 

I'm so smitten with the new Illamasqua Eyeshadow in Jubilance, although this looks like a burnished bronze in the pot, it translates to a divine metallic rose gold with silvery sparkles. Despite the fine glitter particles, it has a buttery texture, applies with little fallout and has a beautiful colour pay off - it's so flattering on!

Lastly, MAC Honey Lust is a gorgeous peachy bronze hue with a hint of sparkle. This dreamy pick looks pretty paired with fluttery lashes and a vampy lipstick!

What are your go-to shades for autumn?

Autumn Dressing Table

As you can probably see, I've been getting into the Halloween spirit quite early this year! I normally throw up a few decorations on the week of Halloween but with an upcoming move on the horizon I'm enjoying the decorations before they have to be tidied up and packed away.

I bought the cute gold Trick or Treat banner for a steal from paperchase in the summer sales (they're available now here), I cut mine to size before hanging it above my dressing area - I love the way it looks!

I've also planted a few diptyque candles atop my dressing table, they look beautiful flickering in the low autumn morning light and help to brighten up the space. Pomander is a favourite, with orange, cinnamon and clove it's ideal for frosty autumn mornings!

For beauty, I'm still so drawn to blush and gold's but I've also added burgundy tones, berries and hints of copper for autumn. 

The Nars blush in Dolce Vita is a beautiful pigmented berry red blusher that packs a punch, you only need a small amount for rosy, flush cheeks!
I'm all about dewy skin this autumn and the Topshop Glow in Polish is a heavenly pick - it's a gorgeous iridescent highlighter, the pearl pink/peach tones lift the complexion and give a divine, luminous glow. 

My eyes are made festive with a smudge of purple along the lower lash line, ideal for the lead up to Halloween. Or, for an every day pick the silvery, sparkly rose gold tones of the Illamasqua eyeshadow in Jubilance brightens up tired eyes and looks unreal paired with a berry lip!

Lastly, I've pulled out my favourite nail polish picks for this time of the year, Essie Sole Mate, a glossy vampy berry is an autumn staple and Essie Summit of Style is a gorgeous bronze glittery pick, ideal for an accent nail! 

What do you think of my autumn set up?

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Lush Halloween Treats

Last weekend I popped into Lush to pick up a few pieces from their Halloween collection, I wasn't too drawn to the spooky pieces like boo or the goth fairy, (although I've heard great things about them!). Instead I gravitated towards warm autumn hues, cute pumpkins and pretty leaves. I only picked up a few things from the new range, (I'm saving my pennies for the Christmas collection) but I'm so happy with my purchases, they've already filled my home with an incredible scent - fresh, sweet and spiced fragrances, so festive!

Autumn Leaf

This magical treat creates beautiful pastel yellow, red, orange and green clouds as it slowly fizzes and melts away. The scent is ideal for autumn - reminiscent of fresh, crisp autumn mornings and crunchy falling leaves! With sweet Japanese maple, soothing sandalwood oil and uplifting bergamot and neroli, it's the perfect pick me up!

Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar

A repeat purchase for me each year and another uplifting pick for colder, darker days, I simply adore this sparkly little pumpkin! The scent is heavenly, a comforting, bright citrus and cinnamon mix, it lingers on the skin and creates mounds of bubbles!

Pumpkin

This is the main pick that's filling my home with the most delicious fragrance - although it's not really the vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie scent that I had hoped for. Instead it's a sharp fruity, citrus, fragrance with just a hint of spice that transforms the bath into an orange lagoon, it's not my favourite of the bunch, but a great pick for Halloween nonetheless! 

Sea Salted Caramel

I just love the heavenly scent of this buttery, sugary toffee pick - it's sweet, salted caramel notes make it smell good enough to eat! With moisturising ingredients like agave and coconut oil, this pampering soap is ideal for the colder days, it's filled my whole bathroom with it's dreamy fragrance and lingers on the skin!

Have you picked up anything from the Lush Halloween range? 

Autumn Wishing

Ah autumn, my favourite time of year to shop! I'm so happy that cute boots, scarves, woolly hats and cosy knits are back again. I've already placed a little Topshop order and now my Asos wishlist has stacked up once more and I'm tempted to splurge on a few staples below for autumn!

I'm also pretty excited that my favourite Asos pyjamas are back, Asos pj's are the one, they're the softest, cosiest picks, ideal for the colder months ahead - I practically live in them throughout autumn/winter! This space set is at the top of my wishlist, also I'm not 100% sure how to feel about this fluffy soft pink twosie (available in petite too!), but I'm pretty sure it's love!

A Pampering Routine For Fall

Autumn is my favourite time to pamper - the cold, unforgiving days are ideal for hopping into a hot bath of an evening, it's the perfect season to light sweet pumpkin spiced candles, switch on fairylights and pull out berry picks to paint on your nails. This is pretty much my standard pampering ritual, one that I like to complete once a week - usually on a cold weekday evening or a lazy weekend!

On a crisp autumn Sunday morning, after a sleepy breakfast I throw up my hair, shrug off my favourite, soft dressing gown and step into a candlelit bath filled and shimmering with lush treats (reminiscent of the prefects baths at Hogwarts!). The Lush Sparkly Pumpkin is a firm favourite at this time of the year, an uplifting treat that when crumbled under running water creates a sea of vibrant, sparkling waters. Ideal for autumnal days or nights spent pampering at home, with candles flickering and warm squashy towels hung on the radiators.. bliss! 

Whist in the bath, I pop on a face mask, opting for a pick suited to my skin's current needs. For de-hydrated skin I recommend the Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask, for a boost of radiance the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask is a saviour, and for bad skin days, the Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask, with zinc oxide, and salicylic acid, is ideal for clearing up skin!

Once out of the bath, I slather on the Origins Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream, a indulgent, rich, nourishing cream that leaves skin silky soft and smells heavenly - like warm, sweet spiced ginger. After pulling on some soft, Asos pyjamas and slipping on a pair of fluffy socks, I set to work on prepping my hands and nails. The Salted Coconut Hand Scrub is my go-to pick for parched, dry hands. With exfoliating sea salt, nourishing argan oil and coconut oil, this pampering treat leaves hand feeling divine - so soft!

With candles placed atop my coffee table and a peppermint tea close to hand, I set to work on my nails. I usually reach for a combination of Essie Sole Mate, a gorgeous rich plum with an Essie Glitter like Summit Of Style, or Tassel Shaker, a pretty copper and bronze glitter for an autumnal mani. 

Once my nails are polished and preened, I pick up my tea, slip back on my sofa and prop my feet up with an autumn read!

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Autumn Beauty Picks

The crisp, autumn days have finally arrived!! My skin is already in serious need of a hydration boost and so I've swapped out my lighter night cream for the Kiehls Ultra Facial Balm - a luxurious balmy version of the cult Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, but without the addition of parabens. This rich, creamy balm is ideal for the gloomy autumn days, it leaves skin plump, smooth and super hydrated. To use, I simply warm up a very small amount between my fingers, tap on my forehead, cheeks and chin and then smooth upwards and outwards over my face and neck. 

Another saviour for parched skin is Lush's Dream Cream, with oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil, this soothing, hydrating cream treats and clears up dry, sore and unhappy skin!

Lush's The Comforter shower gel is a shower staple, the perfect treat on cold autumn days. The bright yet comforting cassis, bergamot and vanilla fragrance is warming and uplifting - the ideal fix to perk you up if your feeling a little under the weather!

My skin always looks a little lacklustre during autumn and so I'm relying on a couple of make up faves to perk up my tired complexion. The Nyx Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam is divine, a creamy, shimmery pearl highlighter with a touch of pink to brighten and give a dewy glow. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blusher in Mood Exposure is also ideal for autumn, this finely milled, silky soft blusher sculpts the cheeks flawlessly. The dusky mauve pink hue works well paired with a vampy lip and the swirls of ambient lighting powder brings light and radiance to the skin. 

For eyes, I've pulled out Illamasqua Jubilance a new, dreamy, rose gold shimmery pick and By Terry Misty Rock, a blendable lavender taupe with silver glitter running through it. Both look gorgeous blended on the lids and under the lash line with a slick of mascara and winged liner!

For lips, I've pulled out a selection of autumnal hues, Nars Walkyrie - a creamy, wearable, muted matte terracotta pick, Mac Rebel, a bold, rich berry and the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen, a chic long lasting and gorgeous deep burgundy red.

Lastly, on my nails I'm obsessed with these two beautiful hues from the Leighton Denny AW16 Roaring 20's collection. I've opted for Moonshine*, a dreamy soft nude with mauve tones and a subtle silver shimmer and Rebellious Heart*, a divine rich plum shade!

What are your beauty picks for autumn?

New Season Must-Haves

Now that we're heading into a new season, it's the ideal time to start switching things up and to invest in a few new staples for the cold month's ahead. I've rounded up a few of my autumn must-haves, beauty staples, hair saviours and home comforts to help get you through the chilly autumn days!

Hair Clips
As the wild autumn breeze whips through styled hair, transforming it into a tangled mess in a matter of minutes, a pretty, gold hair clip is ideal for pinning back and taming tresses. I find that wind swept hair is often easily tamed by twisting and pinning back the side sections, giving you that effortless, messy, un-done vibe. I love warm gold clips for autumn, this Asos leaf clip is so adorable, icy silvers look dreamy too!

Berry Lips

Once autumn roll's around, bold, berry lips are a must-have. Paired with dewy skin, knitted grey scarves and shimmery champagne eyes, it's such a gorgeous staple beauty look for autumn. MAC Plumful is a beautiful pick for everyday, a pretty pink/mauve berry and as it's a lustre finish, it's light and comfortable on the lips. Mac Rebel is the ultimate autumnal hue, a gorgeous long lasting, rich berry.

Cups & Mugs
Cute mugs are a must for autumn/winter. I recommend this adorable blush cat print Anthropologie pick, for those frosty mornings when only a bowl full of hot tea will suffice, these pretty h&m mugs for a strong afternoon hit of coffee, and a monogrammed mug for hot chocolates, topped with cinnamon and marshmallows for Harry Potter marathons on a rainy day!

Netflix

For those dark evenings, spent inside snuggled up under a blanker or two, when it's waay too cold to venture outside, a Netflix spree can be that comforting fix that you crave during autumn. There are so many great series to get hooked on - try Stranger Things or Teen Wolf for the lead up to Halloween, catch up on Once Upon a Time ready for the new series (SO excited for S6!) or binge watch Reign, Gilmore Girls or The Originals!

Spiced Candles

Perfect to lift spirits, bring warmth, comfort and light to the home, is there anything better than an autumnal scented candle flickering on a rainy day?! Opt for a luxe spiced scent, that's fitting for the new season like Diptyque Pomander or this heavenly scented pumpkin souffle pick. Diptyque Baies is another dreamy scent, it fills the whole room with the divine scent of delicate rose and fresh blackcurrant leaves.

What are your must-haves for autumn?

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Early Autumn

The summer held on tightly this September, only letting the bitter autumn breeze whip through the streets in the early mornings whilst the sun rose. Finally cooler days are on the horizon and I for one, am ready to welcome autumn next week with open arms - knitted socks, crackling fires and crunchy leaves can't arrive soon enough for me! 

This Saturday, with a hot chocolate in hand and cosy, slippered feet, I tackled my cluttered home, tidying away the summer brights, sorted through my beauty stash, de-cluttered and passed along a few once-loved things to a better home. Once everything was sparking, clean and like new, I pulled out a few autumn comforts - candles, blankets and squashy cushions, to make my home warm and cosy. 

My pumpkin garland makes an appearance every autumn, it's currently hanging above a shelf filled with candles, fairylights and crystals - one of my favourite parts of my home! Stanley (my Ikea Hawthornia plant), my Roberts radio and a copper lamp also sits atop. Over the summer, Stanley surprisingly had three little baby plants which have to be removed and repotted in autumn, so that's at the top of my top do list for the early autumn days next week!

I've pulled out fresh blankets in burgundy and grey hues to pair with my blush pink and monochrome cushions, ideal for snuggling up on gloomy autumn evenings with a hot chocolate in hand. I've been burning the divine Pumpkin Souffle candle, a roasted pumpkin, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla and maple scented candle whilst reading - heaven!

Lastly, after organising my dressing table and pulling out a few burgundy, copper and shimmery hues, I sorted through my Lush stash, making up a to-use pile so that I can stock up on their Halloween and Christmas collections as soon as they hit the stores! I've also pulled out a few Lush staples, in prep for autumn, the Salted Coconut Hand Scrub leaves skin silky smooth and Lush's Dream Cream, a heavenly, soothing lotion is ideal for dry patches.

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