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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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!

What are your favourite pampering picks for fall?SaveSave

15 Ways To De-Stress

I've had my fair share of stressful days lately - the anticipation of a potential move, heavy workloads, days spent fretting about the future, not to mention my macbook's daily tantrum's... it all adds up (totally blaming mercury being in retrograde throughout most of September too!). I've jotted down a list of simple, fail-safe ways that help me to de-stress, in the hope that it may help you too!

1. Breathe. Take a moment to take three deep breaths. Or try the 4-7-8 breathing technique, LOVE Dr. Weil, he does a great demo of this here.

2. Make a chamomile tea - it's soothing and helps you to relax and unwind.

3. Watch Gilmore Girls, Parks & Rec, or Friends. Anything light and easy that makes you laugh! 

4. Get Moving. Practice a gentle, yoga sequence to clear your mind - try this yoga for stress routine.

5. Learn a little about the stars. 

6. Look up. Looking at the skies, a blanket of stars or watching the sun rise is an instant stress relief for me.

7. Sleep. Or take a nap. Try the This Works Deep Sleep Spray, a divine pillow mist with lavender and chamomile for a dreamy night's sleep. 

8. Write. Treat yourself to some pretty stationery & jot and note down your thoughts, idea's and plans.

9. Do that task you've been putting off, you'll feel SO much better once it's done.

10. Light a luxe, scented candle. The White Company's Autumn Candle is ideal for this time of the year!

11. Tidy up. A clean and clutter free home can do wonders for your stress and productivity levels!

12. Take a trip to Lush, splurge on an uplifting, reassuring pick like The Comforter Bubble Bar, then melt into a long bath, filled with silky soft bubbles.

13. Think, list off and feel grateful for 5 little things that you love and that make you happy, this is my top way to break a downwards spiral - by the time I get to the fifth, I start to feel happier and less stressed. For example, mine right now (& normally always) is... Harry Potter, Christmas, Autumn, My engagement ring, Snow and Lush Intergalactic!

14. Laugh. Watch something really funny, this gets me every.time.

15. Climb into a cosy pair of Asos pyjama's (love these!) make a peppermint hot chocolate and binge watch Harry Potter.