TRICK OR TREAT

Happy Halloween everyone!

Wow, I can't believe we are celebrating Halloween already! Where is this year going?

Nevertheless, I love Hallowern so much! Part of my love for Halloween came from living in America, I think. They really do go above and beyond! From decorations to endless costume possibilities. It's crazy. But in a good way! I can't help but be a little disappointed with the lack of effort people make in the UK. We are lucky if we have even ONE trick or treater at our house! Oh well, more candy for me!😜

Tonight it's just my mum and I so we're having a girls night in. A warming Chilli Con Carne for dinner, followed by some homemade Halloween goodies and some spooky films. Perfect! 

What's your plans? Enjoy your night whatever you do! 

NEW IN: WINTER PIECES

Today, when out shopping with my mum, I picked up some great new additions for my winter wardrobe. When it comes to the colder months, there are certain pieces that are staples in my wardrobe. Namely, a warm jacket and the perfect pair of everyday boots. 

A fur jacket is something I have been longing after for quite some time. Not only are they extremely warm and cosy in the winter months, they are also the perfect mix between between causal and formal and can be worn with pretty much any outfit. After hunting high and low for one last year, I just wasnt able to find one in the right colour, style or length. 

Initially, when Whistles released the Kumiko Faux Fur Coat earlier this Autumn, I fell in love, as the lilac colour was just really unusual and different from every other jacket I own. But with a £275 price tag, I just couldn't justify buying it. So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across this gorgeous Aldora jacket in Monsoon. 

At £99, it was still expensive but much more affordable. When I tried it on, I actually liked it better. It seemed to fit me perfectly and as it's black, it will go with literally anything. I love it and can't wait to start wearing it! 

Admittedly, I already have a few pairs of black leather boots. But when I saw the Nima Ankle Boots from Dune, I couldn't resist. I love the style of these boots. They have the perfect heel- not too high and not too low. Perfect with tights and a winter dress or skirt, in my opinion! 

I just love Winter fashion. There's something so chic about a cosy jacket and a good quality pair of leather boots. 

What's on your Winter shopping list?

PRODUCTS OF THE MOMENT

When it comes to anything makeup or beauty related, I am always so eager to try out new products and/or new brands. Lately, I've started using a few new items. So I thought I would share just a few of my favourites with you. 

First and foremost, this gorgeous set from Laura Mercier. 

I got this Lip Transform Trio Make-up Set collection in "Pink Spark", from John Lewis just the other week and have already worn it so much. The colours really are the perfect shade of pink and can be worn with any outfit, for any occasion. The lipstick, liner and gloss can be worn all together or separately. Although some of the products are "mini", I can already tell they are going to last a while as a little goes a long way, and the products are rarely having to be reapplied during the day. At just £25 for all three products, you really can't argue. Perfect as a gift or for a little self indulgence!

Dior Blossoming Bouquet Eau de Toilette

I got this perfume in Marbella back at the beginning of September, and have been dying to use it ever since. I love Christian Dior perfumes. Each one has such a distinctive, feminine smell.

I finally opened up the packaging yesterday and used the perfume for the first. Falling in love almost instantly. Remembering just why I bought it in the first place! If you love feminine, sweet perfumes, you have to give this one a try! 

L'Occitane Shower Gel

L'Occitane shower gels are my all time favourites. In fact, they are the only shower gels that I use. Not only do they smell amazing, they last so long. This new, Bonne Mere Peach Shower Gel is to die for. It smells incredible and leaves my skin so much softer every time I use it. Definitely worth a try. If the peach one isn't to your liking, the new Bonne Mere range comes in several different scents including Honey, Lemon and Rosemary. 

Have you tried any new products recently?

BLOGLOVIN

My blog is now on BLOGLOVIN, check it out and follow! 

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HALLOWEEN IS COMING

Our outdoor decorations

Last week, my boyfriend and I decorated my house for Halloween. And I have to say, I am really in the spirit now, despite not having any actual plans! 

For some reason or other, Halloween seems to be completely regarded as a day for children. It's almost as if anyone over the age of 16 don't dare get involved. Does anyone agree with me? 

Although I won't be getting dressed up or venturing out to trick-or-treat, I am still very keen to celebrate this holiday somehow or other. Hence, the decorations around the house! 

Thankfully, my mum is exactly the same as me and has an abundance of decorations for all imaginable holidays. 

How cute are these candles?

How are you getting into the Halloween spirit? Have you got any plans? 

AUTUMN IS HERE

Autumn is finally upon us. Gone are the sunny(ish) Summer days and here to stay it would seem, is the continuous downpour of rain! 

It has to be said, I love it this time of year. The ever-changing colourful leaves. The cool, refreshing air. The need for warmer clothes, and possibly a small shopping spree for a new and updated Fall wardrobe ;-). And of course, Thanksgiving. The epitome of the Autumn season for me. 

Although my family and I no longer live in the US, we still make a conscious effort to celebrate Thanksgiving each year. It just wouldn't feel right to pass it by and give it a miss. It is a holiday which I think has a really special and significant message: being entirely grateful and thankful for all that you have. Whether that be the people in your life, the chances and opportunities you have had, good health, your lifestyle, the list goes on. It is a chance to reflect on how lucky we are and reminds us that although we all lead busy (and at times, stressful) lives, we must not forget how fortunate we are. 

Not to mention Thanksgiving food is some of the best. Having spent a huge chunk of our lives in Texas, my mum has managed to successfully master the art of the Thanksgiving Dinner. From sweet potato casserole and cornbread to pecan pie and turkey, our Thanksgiving Dinners are pretty special, and are probably closer to a full-blown feast than a dinner, to be truthful. Nevertheless, it's the time for indulgence. The day the diet gets left at the kitchen door and the inner fat child inside of me comes out! With all that delicious food filling our huge Dining Room table, it is simply impossible to resist. Just thinking about the feast we are in for this year, is making me hungry! 

What makes Autumn for you? 

BUSY

The last few weeks have been really hectic. Uni is in full swing again which only means two things: endless reading and an influx of deadlines. With all that being said, I've finally reached my third year! Only two more years to go before I will (hopefully) be standing on that stage accepting my degree classification. Both scary and exciting! So for now at least, I don't mind the extra reading and hardwork so much. 

It's not been all work and no play the last couple weeks. My boyfriend Jamie came to spend two weeks with me and my family. Jamie lives in London which means that fitting in the time to travel and see each other can often be stressful and difficult. Those of you who have experienced a long distance relationship can sympathise, I'm sure. Even though it can be hard at times, we make it work. A lot of people seem to have negative views about long distance relationships. Yes I agree, they aren't ideal,but I believe in that old phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder". It's true- the longer you are away from somebody you care about, the more you seem to appreciate that special time that you do get to spend together. If you want something to work, you'll find a way. 

Jamie & I

During Jamie's time here, we managed to do a lot and enjoyed spending quality time together, eating at some of the best restaurants along the way. We went to one of my favourite restaurants ever. The Marcliffe. The food there is just second to none and I'm really glad Jamie got to experience the food and the atmosphere there before it sadly closes down. He had a huge sirloin steak which, (judging by the time it took him to finish it), I'd say he enjoyed ;-). And I had the amazing Caesar salad, complete with tempura prawns and Canadian maple bacon. Heaven on a plate. 

Huge sirloin steak… 16oz to be exact

Simply delicious!

We also dined at Nargile the night before Jamie left. I hadn't been to this restaurant in quite some time. (Over 2 years!). But I was so glad to learn that the standard and quality of food had stayed exactly the same during all that time. They do the best Turkish/ Mediterranean food. Most of which is surprisingly healthy. Bonus! 

We ordered three starters- calamari, hummus and pitta bread and arancini (risotto balls), all of my which were delicious. I could have easily just eaten starters all evening! For main course, I had the best steak and prawn kebab which was served with rice and a small side salad. All round, this meal was pretty amazing and I will definitely have to return sometime in the very near future!

Sadly, Jamie has gone back to London now but hopefully he will be back sometime soon and we can enjoy spending time together again! Until then, I go back to my full-on university life where the reading is mounting up and the deadlines are looming!