Hello again

Oh what a weird and wonderful few months it has been. And by a few months, I of course mean around one and a half years. I won't go on and bore you all with an explanation but lots of things have been happening over the last wee while and this has resulted in me not having time to dedicate to my blog. Boy, I missed it. 
I hope to be back in the swing of things again soon and aim to have a post or two out every week for the foreseeable. I also want to implement more travel alongside lifestyle and beauty which is what I already posted about.
Who knows, I might even start blog designing again as this was thoroughly enjoyable.
I hope you have all been well and am excited to be chatting to you all again soon!
♡

Wishlist: Summer lovin'

River Island - Purple V neck shirt (£12.00) Newlook - Floral Bomber Jacket (£10.00) Newlook - White floral print dress (£15.00) JD Williams - Maxi dress (£25.00) River Island - Gold tone sunglasses (£10.00) ASOS - Jazzlyn Espadrilles (£12.00)
The warm weather here up North has made me realise how very impractical the clothes in my wardrobe are. It's no secret that I much prefer Autumn over the other three but when you are faced with temperatures up 24C in your home city and are in a puzzle over what to wear that's when you know you need to go shopping! Above I have listed a few pieces of clothing I have my eye on and some I have already purchased. I think it's important to purchase clothes that could be worn throughout the year where possible and hopefully, some of the items I have listed above will help me meet that goal.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post, Summer is almost over but for now lets make the most of it :) ♡

Wishlist: Cushion Galore

I've been doing up a few rooms in the house recently, specifically transitioning the rooms from the Autumn/Winter decor to give it a more Spring/Summer type of feel. This obviously means brighter colours or even pastels - something a little more vibrant. The easiest way to transition rooms into the next season, I feel, is by upgrading your cushions. This small change can bring around such a huge difference to any room, be it the lounge or even the bedroom. I thought I would share a few of my picks today...
I'm loving this bright yellow cushion, it features a quarter foil print and would make such a huge difference to a room, it's from Yorkshire Linen Co's linen cushions collection and is so inexpensive. I have one very similar in the office and it looks great against my white furniture, really brightens up the area. Bright colours are really eye catching, but cushions with one-liners are too. This cushion from Etsy is dark in colour but the bright white slogan is apt for the current season! The next two cushions are from H&M, they have such an amazing range of homeware and the items are so inexpensive. I love these geometric cushions! My fifth pick is a lot pricier than the others but you totally get what you pay for. The geometric print is on another level, and the blue and peach shade blend together perfectly - it's from Urban Outfitters. My last pick is a must have check cushion cover from Dunelm, this light blue shade would look perfect with white decor.
Hope you enjoyed this post - I included a few different stores just to give you some variety. In the Spring and Summer, I always go with brighter cushions in general. Geometric patterns seem to have carried through to this season which is nice to see so that too is a great way to update your rooms!
Let me know what you think? Do you update your decor often? I probably do it excessively! 
♡

Fudge Urban Hair picks

I've recently become boring in terms of using the same few products for my hair just because I know they work and I didn't really want to try anything new in case it wasn't as good. I was so glad though to come across the Fudge Urban brand. I thought I would review a few of the items I got...

GIVEAWAY + Box Of Wax Monthly Candle Subscription Box

I've tried a few monthly subscription boxes so far this year, this one involves candles! I was so excited to see this box from Box Of Wax land on my doorstep, the variety in the box is just amazing - I have been making such good use of some of the candles already and you can too with my giveaway below...

A few Sanctuary Spa Skincare bits

I love Sanctuary Spa and have been using their body care range for a good few years now. I really love the quality and the price is pretty reasonable too. I recently came across a few new items I hadn't tried before and thought I would review them for you today...

House of Wonderland: monthly subscription box

This is literally the first ever subscription box I have tried, what even. I am only around 18 months late to the hype, but it was because I never really came across a specific box I really wanted to try until the other week. House of Wonderland (HOW for short), are a company who sell quirky items whilst placing a huge emphasis on the art and design of them. As a 'designer' myself, this totally drew me in. I really love quirky graphics they have across the whole range - plus, they are based in Edinburgh so what's not to love...

Debenhams flowers x Valentines Day + 25% off code

I was so excited to see this huge bouquet of flowers delivered to me the other day - who doesn't love receiving flowers? If it was up to me I would have probably ordered every single bouquet off the Debenhams website.

The Cocoa Brown Collection.

I feel like this post is long overdue because of how long it's been since I have been using items from this brand. As you may have already noticed, due to previous posts and the occasional tweet, Cocoa Brown is my favourite tanning brand. The quality of the product compared to the small price tag is an absolute win...

Life lately through Instagram

An inspirational quote, that was very much needed ☻  Trying to get out of my comfort zone and regretting it - ouch ☻ Feeling festive in Glasgow ☻ Pretty John Lewis displays ☻ Trying to get back into photography and snapping away ☻ Wintery skies are so pretty ☻ Oliver, my prince ☻ Pretty balloons that somebody needs to surprise me with 
What have you been up to lately? ♡

Recent Models Own picks.

I'm quite picky when it comes to choosing nail polish colours, mostly because of the environment in which I work - let's be honest, If it was up to me I would have some fun with bright shades and possibly even year 2000 style nail art pens. (jk) Anyway, because I have to stick to neutral shades, I usually just rock a french manicure and this has resulted in me lacking on the nail polish front. Until I saw a Models Own stand that is...

Beauty tools you need.

I do love abit of beauty, but I personally feel beauty itself should not just be limited to the perfect eyeshadow or ideal lipstick, but beauty tools too. In today's post I thought I would run you through some of my favourite beauty tools that I personally feel are an absolute must have...

Two Oh One Six

Oh hey, nice to meet you again. 
As cheesy as it sounds, I actually cannot believe 2016 is upon us - where has the year gone. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was sitting down and writing my 2015 goals.
2015. What a year...

3 fail safe Christmas presents.

Okay, so can we start off by saying I am the worst present buyer ever. Not in the sense that I buy rubbish presents, but in the sense that I'm pretty last minute and indecisive.... and then when I do eventually buy something I tend to go WILD. Furthermore, I don't think there is any harm in asking people what they would like - it certainly makes life a lot easier for the present buyer. I've got quite a variation here so hopefully you will be able to get some ideas? Next up we have something beauty related, I don't want to talk about this one too much as I will have a separate review on it soon. The Urban Decay Naked palettes have been hyped for so long and for good reason too! I have the first and third version pictured, but there are also blush palettes and more. Urban Decay is such a great brand, so if you are looking for something beauty related and are a bit stuck as to what exactly to get I would definitely look into an Urban Decay palette - I was so excited to be given mine.  Secondly, we have something for the home; most people love a candle or two so I think these are ideal. I have a few bits from FATFACE*, one of which pictured above. I really love the new range that has come out and would be pretty pleased to see these on Christmas morning. I'm quite picky of scents and wary that they will be too strong but these are perfect. I've got Vanilla Creme, in both the jar candle and the multi-wick tin candle - both of them leave such a cosy scent in the room without it being too overpowering. They have a few different scent variations so I thought I would go for the mini scent reed diffuser set too just to try these out. In this 3 pack, you get Vanilla Creme, Lavender and mimosa and fresh linen. All three of them again smell absolutely lovely and not too over powering. I love the little bottles - they match my decor so well and make a great addition. The box itself is presented so beautifully too. (I have more photos to share, but the weather is total pants and I've retaken on 4 seperate occasions - fifth time lucky I hope? My final pick is this beautiful scarf from The Tartan Blanket Co.* I do love a good British brand and the story behind The Tartan Blanket Co is just lovely! I opted for the Lifestyle New Wool Scarf in Beehive, it's hand woven and, of course, made with such great care. You can really feel the quality in this scarf - I am so excited to get lots of use out of it now that winter has arrived! It's definitely going to go with pretty much any outfit I choose to wear. In addition to this, the presentation of the box it arrived it was beautiful - it's hand wrapped in tissue so all ready for the 25th!
Are you still shopping for Christmas presents? ♡

A little beauty wish list

Seventeen - Mini lip gloss set  £6.00 Ted Baker - Magnificently Manicured  £14.00 Sleek Makeup - eye and cheek palette £9.99 Hannah Maggs - The Henley £19.95 Ghost Girl - Eau de Toilette  30ml/£32.00 Real Techniques - Nic’s Picks £25.40
Oh hello there! I thought I would write up a little beauty post today. I can't remember the last time I bought something completely new that I hadn't tried before. I feel like this year, I have either been trying to use up the copious amounts of makeup I already own, or I've been repurchasing all time faves I have used up and needed to replace.
First we have the Seventeen lip gloss set, a relatively new brand to the UK. I love the look of this set, it's a great way of trying out different shades. Next up, I've picked the Ted Baker, manicure set these colours are perfect for me as I prefer nuder shades, I just think they look more classy. Perfect for this season too! I actually don't already own a Sleek palette, I know, shock horror! I love the look of this one as you have the option of cheeks shades as well as eyeshadows. I've been following Hannah Maggs for a good while now and absolutely love this makeup bag - shame it's always out of stock! I will need to be quicker. Second to last is the new Ghost Girl fragrance. I actually got a sample of this when placing a Boots order last month and I absolutely love the smell. I don't particularly like floral scents, but this one has a hint of muskiness to it <3 Finally a new set of Real Techniques brushes. I have been using Sam's picks ever since I got them so these would make a great addition.
I'm looking to revitalise my makeup collection with some new bits so if you have any favourites just now, then please do let me know! My makeup collection is looking a bit sorry for itself, and I'm getting pretty bored of using the same products all the time.
♡

Increasing motivation/productivity for work and university

I can't believe it is September already, this year has flown in super quickly. Bitter-sweet, but I am so happy that Autumn is finally here - even though I am currently loaded with the cold due to the slightly colder weather!
Anyways, as you are all probably aware, I feel like this I have had a constant battle with finding motivation this year and last. I have been researching endlessly looking for techniques to keep me focused, so today I thought I would write about what has and hasn't worked. Hopefully, it will help some of you, particularly those who work from home or go to university.
+ Plan and organise This is probably the most obvious one, plan, plan, plan. I invested in the Filofax earlier this year and whilst it took me a good while to get used to it; I have finally come up with a way that works for me. Personally, next year I will look into buying the day per page layout as you can fit more in, but the miracle for me was the check list stickers! I found these online, and as someone who loves ticking off  to do lists I am now able to do the same in my planner. It helps keep me so much more organised. I am also still loving my today's activities pad from Sighh Designs, I really love the style of it.

I have an idea of what needs to be completed in that day and then with the checklist stickers I tick them off as I complete them. Some people, however, plan their day by the hour; this isn't something I have ever done, to be honest, but I will be giving it ago when the new weeks starts to see if it is any better.
+ Switch off technology Social media is such a distraction and it is sometimes hard to switch off if you are the Queen of Procrastination. In the past, I have found that I'd say to myself I would just quickly check my Twitter feed, and then one hour later I am still on Twitter! There is a plug-in on Chrome called StayFocusd and it allows you to temporarily block sites. This avoids you getting distracted.
+ Listen to music I love listening to the 'work' playlist on Spotify. The playlist is an accumulation of calm music that apparently helps you to focus better - I personally think it works. If you don't have Spotify, there is a 'work playlist' on youtube - just search for it.
+ Take breaks This won't apply to those who work for other people, but if you work for yourself or are still in education it is so incredibly important to take multiple breaks. I have quite a short attention span as much as I hate to admit, so for me breaks are vital. If I work around 20 minutes straight I normally then have a short 5-minute break. It helps refresh your mind allowing you to concentrate when you recommence your work.
+ Set goals I love setting goals, long term or short term they are a way of providing motivation. I have a section in my planner where I keep both and again, once completed I tick them off. If you are passionate about something, you will be determined to complete the tasks required to achieve that goal.
+ Eat healthy The biggest bane of my life, probably. Eating the right food is so important. I notice if I eat something heavy, I feel sleepy and de-motivated and that's no help at all. I came across an infographic here from Citrix GoToMeeting which shows a few healthy alternatives you can snack on. I have personally found fruit smoothies, trail mix and wholemeal toast with avocado increases my productivity. 
I hope you enjoyed this post, I really hope it helps some of you guys! If you have any other tips, do let me know.
♡ *sponsored post all opinions my own

A short London break

If you follow me on Twitter you will know that I have been wanting to take a short break away to London for a while now, particularly in the later part of the year. Whether that will happen or not is another thing - damn you commitments!
Regardless, I thought I would write a post of all the things I plan to do in the hopes it might give you guys some ideas should you be planning something similar. I have divided this guide into 3 distinct categories.
PLACES TO EAT + Laduree, Harrods: What would a visit to London be without dining in Laduree. As you may already be aware, Laduree is home to beautiful macarons and pastries. They are the best macarons I have ever tasted. This place screams luxury, but I would confidently say that it is money well spent. +Aqua Shard, The Shard: I am not particularly fond of heights, or places that have an open view of what's below, but I have heard so many great things about Aqua Shard. This cosmopolitan restaurant is situated on the 31st floor with panoramic views of London. They offer British cuisine.
THINGS TO SEE London is full of places to see and I assume everyone knows the famous tourist attractions! So whether it be a peruse in the London History Museum, a walk along the Tower Bridge or even a lift up to the 87th floor of the beautiful skyscraper, The Shard, you will definitely have something to do and lots to see.
And if you are a theatre kind of person, seeing a show is a must. On my list is The Lion King (of course) and Wicked. I have already seen Wicked, but because it's a classic I just have to see it again!
PLACES TO SHOP What's a trip to London with a bit of shopping?
+ Harrods: Even if you don't buy anything, I think a trip to Harrods is a must just because of the experience. Nuff' said.+ Sephora: I absolutely love Sephora, it's like an absolute dream. The variety of makeup is just amazing and you are sure to come with a small bag of goodies to try! + Tourist shops: I might be in the minority here, but I absolutely love touristy shops. Yes, they may be brimming with tack at times, but souvenirs hold memories so many great memories.
PLACES TO STAY And of course, finally a place to stay. I recently came across Rosewood | London, if you are looking for something luxurious this beautiful hotel is ideal. Not only does this hotel allow pets, they also have their own spa and fitness suite. The decor is divine and the location is appealing. Rosewood is quite centrally located, not far from Covent Garden and Soho, so you are fairly close to all the major tourist locations. London has a great underground system too! If you are looking for something a little less pricey you can, of course, find an alternative. 
I hope you enjoyed this post, these are just some of my ideas at the moment. Do let me know of your recommendations in the comments.
♡ *sponsored post // all opinions my own, as always

Wrist wear loving

When it comes to jewellery I am such a minimalist, and at this moment in time it’s wrist wear and nothing else.

So, today I thought I would share a few of my favourite pieces. The first one is a plait pastel threaded bracelet with rose gold detailing. I got from AliExpress for something silly like 80p, this included free delivery! I really like this bracelet, it has a t-bar style fastening and the colours are just beautiful. It also has a cute, pastel blue tassel on the side, with a gold coin design. LOVE.

My next favourite piece is of course my new Daniel Wellington watch, in St. Mawes. I have had this for almost a month now and have worn it near enough, every single day. I just love the way it looks, so classy yet stylish. The leather strap is high quality and the winner for me was the rose gold watch face. I find gold looks a little harsh on me so the rose gold option was totally welcome. Oh, my 15% off code is valid until the end of this month (31st) so make sure you type in ‘aleelily’ to get a cheeky little discount.

 Last but not least, my Pandora bracelet, of course. I have wrote more in depth about this before, but thought I would feature it again as I absolutely love this little bracelet. I really appreciate the fact you can purchase charms, each holds a different memory and meaning. I have a HUGE list of more charms I want so I really need to pop into Pandora soon. I have the Pearl, woven leather bracelet and find it matches with pretty much everything. I really like the look of their new ROSE GOLD charms.

You can also see my Rose gold bar bracelet, I got this sometime last year and again have been wearing this a lot. I love how it is 18k rose gold plated, I sometime wear it without taking it off and it hasn’t tarnished at all.  // sorry for the blurry pic! 

I hope you enjoyed this little post, let me know what you think? I always find I gravitate to the same few pieces, do any of your guys do this too?

♡

A little beauty wish list

1. Pixy Stix, nail polish - Orly 2. Naturalash Strip Lashes, 070 Black - Salon System 3. Ceramic Rodial brush - Head Jog 4. Mythic Hair oil - Loreal 5. Epic volume Shampoo - Tigi, Bedhead 6. Mint Hair dryer - WAHL 7. Sensitive skin care kit - Strictly Professional
A little while ago, I threw out about 80% of my makeup and skin care. I found I had so many products that were well passed their sell by date and things I just accumulated but didn’t actually use. It been great to refresh my collection and now I am able to just use what I have. However, whilst my huge clear out I have noticed I am lacking a few really important bits.  So I thought I would do a little beauty post today as I haven't featured beauty on my blog for a little while. This post contains miscellaneous beauty products that are currently missing from my collection. How cute is the mint hair dryer?
Hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know if you have given your makeup collection a recent refresh? I need to do this more often - it honestly feels so great being able to make use of products rather than them just collecting dust!
♡
*Sponsored post As always, all opinions are my own

Daniel Wellington: St. Mawes

I am so happy to bring you this review, I have been wanting to purchase a Daniel Wellington watch for a while now, especially after seeing so many blog reviews, particularly last year.  So you can imagine I was absolutely amazed and ever so delighted when the brand offered to send me one to review!

After spending quite some time comparing a few different styles, I finally settled for the Daniel Wellington, Classic St. Mawes watch. I absolutely adore this watch, I picked it because the brown leather strap will go with everything be it a smart or casual outfit or a day or evening outfit. I am glad I went for this shade as I have worn it almost every single day since receiving it.

With Daniel Wellington watches you have the option of selecting silver or rose gold for the watch face. I am totally a silver kinda girl, but I felt rose gold would match the strap colour a lot better.

You also have the option of changing the strap, this I what I am looking into next. I really want the 'Glasgow' strap,  this nylon strap has blue and white stripes.

The watch is really high quality, the strap took a few days to mould around my wrist, being leather. I have had so many compliments on it already, it just looks so classy. I absolutely love it. The watch face size I went for is medium/large, there are so many different options on the site. I found this size to sit on my wrist a lot better. The watch comes well presented in a box, and you can also use this as a place to keep your watch safe when not in use. 

Daniel Welligton have kindly given me a discount code to share with you all. If you type in ‘aleelily’ you will receive 15% off the website, until 31st August.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what you think?