JANUARY'S PINK FAVOURITES

Starting with a few lifestyle favourites, I've been scattering fresh flowers around my home this month to brighten things up a little and boost my mood on dark winter mornings. This dreamy cat mug is another new favourite, the ideal size for a hot chocolate it's been the perfect choice for icy days. I've also picked up knitting again, as I seem to do each new year, let's hope I can keep it up for a little longer this time!

Having finally discovered the allure of Lush's bubble bars last year, I had to include one in this month's favourites. So far, The Lush Rose Jam bubbleroon is my top pick, it creates a bath full of dreamy, soft pink bubbles and the scent is divine! I'm hoping to try The Comforter next, it sounds heavenly!

Another great discovery for me this month are Cheerz, who have made editing and printing out my photos and instagram snaps a dream. It's such a treat to have actual printed copies of my favourite photos, it's let me tick off my resolution to print out my photos already! Use the code SOP4WC for £4 off at Cheerz if you wanted to print some too!

For beauty, MAC's Well Dressed has perked up my complexion this month, it's cool toned pastel hue works perfectly with highlighted skin for a dewy complexion. Another pick that instantly freshens up my make up on these gloomy January days is the Nars Lip pencil in Yu, a creamy textured pigmented shocking pink that stays put for hours.

Lastly, I've been testing out Essie shades from this set for my wedding day mani and currently Essie's Sugar Daddy is sitting in the top spot. This delicate sheer pink nude looks so pretty on the nails, it looks like it would work perfectly for a french mani too!

What were your favourite products in January?

A WEDDING 'TO DO' LIST FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

1. Find a Wedding Planner book, I didn't realise quite how much there is to note down! Having somewhere to hand when I'm out and about or when inspiration hits sounds ideal, I love the look of this notebook.

2. Design our wedding rings. 

3. Start trying on dresses. With ASOS (love this one!) and Needle & Thread (so dreamy) conveniently now selling bridal dresses I really need to start the process of finding the perfect dress

4. Cake tasting. Chocolate cake, caramel cake, sponge cake, red velvet... can I just have a tier of each?

5. Choose my wedding fragrance, so far it's a toss up between Ellie Saab Le Parfum and a Jo Malone cologne, they all smell heavenly!

6. Pick a lipstick, I have a feeling that choosing my wedding make up may take me a while. I'd love one to keep as a keepsake after the wedding, so possibly a Charlotte Tilbury one (that packaging!), I just can't decide on the shade!

7. Browse Pinterest, brochures and blogs for the perfect honeymoon/wedding destination. The Maldives was my ideal choice but as you can't actually officially get married there and so I'm still on the look out for other locations.

8. Research flowers for my bouquet, let's face it I'll probably end up with something simple like some gorgeous peonies & a spray of gypsophila but I want to see what will be in season and readily available - there's something quite therapeutic about looking at so many pretty floral arrangements!

9. ...Then hunt down a shop that will turn my fresh bouquet into a paperweight to keep forever - like this. I love the idea!

10. Splurge on this Love, Laughter & Happily Ever After passport holder, it's adorable!

5 PICK ME UP'S FOR JANUARY

I think we've probably all had our fair share of January Blues this winter, with bad news rolling in (devastated about Alan Rickman) and bitterly cold, dark days it's been quite a tough start to the year.

I've pulled together a list of 5 things that have helped to cheer me up this month, (here's a little post from last year too) hopefully these can help to pick you up if your feeling the January blues like me!

1. Lush's Unicorn Horn. 

This magical, multicoloured lustre filled bubble bar is the ultimate mood boosting treat. Full of relaxing lavender and uplifting neroli, It's the perfect little pick me up, Neroli oil actually increases serotonin levels in the brain (which makes you feel cheery) plus the dreamy watermelon pink water and sparkly bubbles are guaranteed to make you smile!

2. Loungewear. 

You probably spotted my ode to Asos pyjamas here last week, there's something about these super soft, cosy pyjamas that have totally brightened up my January. As part of my restful, recharging January plan, these along with Netflix, blankets and tea have helped me to keep cosy, relaxed and warm.

3. Getting lost in a good book. 

The Harry Potter series never fail to cheer me up. After pulling all of the squashy blankets that I own onto the sofa, I light a few candles, pop on some fairy lights and pour myself a large mug full of hot chocolate, It's my fail-safe, comforting pick me up ritual. 

I've recently pre-ordered a few new books too to give me something to look forward to in the months/days ahead. This is my latest preorder, written by the same author as The Selection series, hopefully it will be a good read to get lost in!

4. Treat yourself to something new. 

Whether it's a new lipstick, nail polish, candle or fresh flowers sometimes a new luxe treat can help to cheer you up and make you feel a little happier. I'm tempted to splurge on this dreamy Diptyque candle (that pink packaging!) or maybe pick up some pink tulips to brighten up my mood this winter!

5. Plan the year. 

This January I decided to make a note of all of the positive things upcoming in the year ahead. It's so nice to have the year mapped out with so many things to look forward to and it really helps me to keep a positive mindset. I note everything down each month, from exciting events to book/film/dvd/product releases. For example in February there's my brothers 18th, Valentines day, a planned Ikea shop and lot's of exciting DVD releases to look forward to (The Intern, The Scorch Trials & Hotel Transylvania 2!), in May/June I can look forward to peonies, strawberries and ice cold smoothies, November brings my Birthday, great films - (Fantastic Beasts!!) and a potential trip to the Harry Potter Studios and then there's always so much to look forward to in December!

How do you stay happy in January?

WINTER BEAUTY PICKS

The combination of bitterly cold days and drying central heating this winter has left my skin looking a little lacklustre and in serious need of a hydration boost. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel has continued to help to restore my complexion, the cleansing and softening vitamins and pumpkin enzymes of this dreamy pink gel cleanser work well to leave me with radiant, soft skin

I've also pulled out the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil for winter, this heavenly oil glides effortlessly over the skin and works wonders as you sleep. Rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil you only need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that glows.

Lastly for skin Lush's The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been my favourite skincare treat this month. The papaya enzymes work to exfoliate whilst moisturising honey nourishes the skin, the fresh ingredients combine to leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

For body care I've been using a dreamy duo to keep my skin silky soft. Packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter, Lush The Rough with the Smooth is the perfect fix for parched winter skin. Paired with a rich moisturiser like Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream they make the perfect match leaving my skin feeling pampered and polished.

On my nails, I've been keeping it simple this month, after December's glittery mani's a swipe of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil is all I've been wearing most days. If I do reach for a shade, It's been a pretty nude like Essie's Sugar Daddy, a gorgeous sheer pink polish which gives a delicate no fuss mani.

I've also been keeping my make up quite simple this month, opting for dewy, natural shades. A shimmery champagne pink like MAC's Naked Lunch is perfect to brighten up the eyes, concealing tired peepers effortlessly with just one swipe over the lids.

For blusher, MAC Well Dressed is my top pick for winter, the cool powdery pale pink tones are ideal for the icy cold days. Paired with a shimmery iridescent highlighter like one from the divine Sleek Solstice Palette they work together to give a healthy luminous glow to the skin.

For lips, I can't be without Nuxe Reve De Miel in winter. With honey, sweet almond oil and shea butter it's my lip saviour for the colder months. I've also been reaching for MAC Mehr daily, the latest addition to my lipstick collection this dreamy mauve pink shade is so flattering and a new firm favourite.

What are your beauty picks for Winter?

Shop the Post

A COSY PAIR OF PYJAMAS FOR WINTER

With weather promises of ice and snow I was a little disappointed with the mild December days. This week, it has finally felt like winter is on it's way. Frosty mornings, bitter cold gales and scatterings of snow have finally hit and I'm holding tightly onto all of the cosy, comforting, wintry things. 

When I saw these adorable pyjamas from Asos I snapped them up straight away, last week on twitter I professed my love for the gorgeous Space Set, I've been practically living in them! They're super comfy, so soft - almost like brushed cotton and the perfect set to hibernate in on cold winter days. Pyjamas>Clothes.

As soon as I spotted them, I needed this Robot Set, a few clicks away and they landed on my doorstep last week. Whoops. They're not quite as soft as the Space Set - but probably nothing a couple of washes won't fix.

The best/worst thing is that Asos seem to have an array of this style of dreamy loungewear and it keeps coming in new cute designs. Here's a few of my favourite picks, I LOVE the cloud set and the donut ones, I'm patiently waiting for this Unicorn set to come back in stock too, maybe just one more set...

P.s The Unicorn Slippers are from Topshop! 

NEW YEAR HOME SNIPPETS

With the Christmas decor tucked safely away for another year my home always feels a little bare in January and so I've been busy adding new decor and cosy little touches to our home.

Fresh flowers are a must for me in the New Year, they really help to brighten things up. I recently picked up this gorgeous vase for a steal from Wilkinsons - it was just £3!

Another Muji drawer is high on my wishlist this month, I've switched out a few of my lip products and blushers for winter and the slow transition into spring but I need a little more space for my everyday make up. These clear acrylic drawers make reaching for my make up a dream, I love the clean, minimalistic feel they give too.

These gorgeous Pink Alabaster and Brass Coasters have helped to add a luxe feel to my table top. As well as the dreamy design, they're sturdy, weighted and will hopefully last me a lifetime. I also invested in this adorable cat mug, perfect for a hazelnut hot chocolate on these cold winter days!

There's an abundance of candles scattered around my home for a cosy, homely feel. Ideal for a gloomy winters day they brighten up the home and fill the whole room with fragrance. Diptyque Pomander is constantly burning in my home, it's divine and perfect for this time of the year. With orange, cinnamon and cloves it fills the home with a warming and comforting fragrance.
Among my favourite candles sits a couple of copper lights, this adorable star light is from ikea and my favourite desk lamp from homebase.

Lastly, this beautiful Harry Potter book boxset is the latest addition to my bookcase, my old set was looking a little worse for wear and so I was beyond thrilled when I opened this gorgeous set from my Mum at Christmas. My little Qudditich Harry stands pride of place in front of the set, I've heard that wave 2 with Luna and Yule Ball Hermione is about to hit soon - I can't wait!

Have you picked up anything new for the home recently?

UPDATED ESSIE COLLECTION

Having been around a year since my last Essie collection and with 3 for 2's, kind gifts and far too many treat yourself moments over the past year, my Essie collection has grown quite a bit. I though I would revisit my collection for a little update!

My most recent Essie polishes were actually a gift from Alex - I adore this dreamy Bridal collection set that he picked up for me. My next planned purchase is Essie Starry Starry Night, as soon as it's available again I'm snapping it up, it's been on my wishlist for the longest time - I'm so happy that Essie are bringing it back again!

After looking at my collection as a whole I seem to be missing a few lighter, summery shades, maybe next time boots have a 3 for 2 offer... I'd love to know your favourite picks!

The Berries

First up is my absolute favourite shade to wear, berry. There's something about autumnal hues, rich berries, plums and mulberry tones that I just love, they're flattering on the nails and work so well as the base for a glittery mani!

Essie Sole Mate is one of my top picks, a glossy, vampy shade, Essie Bahama Mama, a rich plum is another of my most worn polishes, then there's one of my latest additions Essie Fashion Flares, a magenta bar glitter that looks pretty simply brushed over the nails, Essie it's Genius - a violet quartz shimmer and Essie Angora Cardi a creamy, dusty mauve.

The Blues/Greens

I'm fairly surprised how many blues I have in my collection! I own - Essie's Midnight Cami a deep blue with twilight shimmer, Essie Aruba Blue, a flattering sapphire foil, Essie A Stroke Of Brilliance, a frosty periwinkle blue glitter, Essie Maximilian Strasse Her - a firm favourite of mine and the cult favourite Essie Mint Candy Apple.

The Pinks/Corals

Next up are three pinks, Essie Peach Daiquiri a dreamy vibrant coral, Essie Cute as a Button which is similar to Peach Daiquiri but a little more pink and Essie A Cut Above, a chunky, soft pink glitter.

The Nudes

Most of the nude shades that I own come from this dreamy bridal set, Essie's Vanity Fairest being the only exception, I've owned and loved this shimmery nude pink for a long time now!

From the set there's Essie Allure aka Kate Middletons Wedding day mani pick, Essie's Ballet Slippers (another cult shade) and Essie Sugar Daddy, one that I've coveted for a while now after spotting it a lot on Pinterest!

The Reds

Mainly pulled out at Christmas, Essie Leading Lady is a gorgeous, sparkly deep red that has flecks of raspberry glitter running through it, perfect for the festive season. Next up is Essie Bordeaux, a deep burgundy and my ultimate favourite shade. Lastly Essie Aperitif is a cherry red that makes the perfect red mani.

The Metallic Glitters

Some of the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch, my copper/silver/gold glitter collection has grown rapidly over the past year, I just can't get enough of these shimmery shades!

First off there's Essie Sparkle On Top (the last polish of the Bridal set), Essie Frillin' Me Softly, an icy silver bar glitter with flecks of frosty blue, Essie Rock at the Top - my top pick for gilded tips, the divine Essie Summit of Style, a chunky copper glitter and Essie Tassel Shaker, a gorgeous Copper and Bronze glitter.

The only treatment that I own from Essie is the Essie Nail Treatment Apricot Cuticle oil, it hydrates and nourishes the nails and cuticles with a blend of moisturising oils, just one quick swipe leaves my nails feeling supple and strong.

Phew, that's a lot of polishes! What are your favourite Essie Picks?