Hello, lovelies! I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas. If you're like me and the celebrations have finished then you may already be planning the shopping trip to indulge yourself in. I'm currently on my way to the shops and while I wait to get there, I've put together some tips and tricks.

Boxing Day shopping is a lot like a military operation. There are certain steps that must be taken in order to have a successful shopping trip.

If you don’t know already, I am obsessed with fashion and beauty and I L O V E to shop! For the last 4 years, I’ve ventured out after Christmas for the Boxing Day Sales and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way to making it a successful shop. Because going out shopping and not picking up anything is the worse thing! Especially when you’ve dedicated a day to it!!

Like I said earlier, Boxing day shopping is a lot like a military operation and here is how we conquer it…

Step 1- Be prepared! It can feel a lot like you’ve landed in chaos when you get to the shops. To land on your feet, have a few ideas of what you want to buy and where to go. Before I go out, I put together a small mental list of some items I’d like to pick up. On the way there, my friend and I plan the shops we want to hit and in what order. This will set you on your feet and after a successful purchase, you’ll find your rhythm.

Step 2- Arrive Early but not too early! You want to get there somewhat early to have a good choice of the items in the sale but you don’t want to get there too early otherwise you’ll get stuck in the queues and waste your day. Arriving a little later will guarantee a good choice of what’s on sale and you’ll miss the queues by 15-30 minutes.

Step 3- Shop methodically. Stick to the plan you made of what shops to hit and in what order. Once that’s done and you have most of the things you came out for, you can start looking in other shops.

Step 4- Don’t Rush and stay calm. There’s no need to rush around like headless chickens from shop to shop. You’ve dedicated the whole day to shopping and by taking your time in each shop, you’ll find some hidden treasures. You’ll also find yourself as the calm amongst the storm which is great for the mind. 

Step 5- Boxing Day shopping sets off the new year. I always pick up a few clothes that I know will sort me through the year ahead. Take advantage of the sales and buy things you like! Don’t feel restricted by the weather outside, I’m that person who buys a few summer items when it’s minus 2 outside. My Mum’s always telling me off but I was brought up to take advantage of the opportunity. And that, I do

Those are my tips and tricks for conquering the Boxing Day Sales. Whether you’re ready to hit the shops on the busiest day or wait a few days, 
Happy Shopping!!


Love, Aoife x
Happy Christmas Eve!!! Aren’t you feeling Christmassy this cosy evening? Before I begin…..

I just wanna wish you all a Merry Christmas! Whether you're celebrating it with family, friends, loved ones or by yourself, from my family to you, have a great Christmas! Best wishes, Aoife xx

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I’ve seen this Tag bouncing around on other blogger’s site’s and I thought I’d give it a go! We’re coming to the end of Blogmas and before I write my last post, I wanted to do something a little more relaxing. Anyway, I’ll get on with the questions!

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Mariah Carey all the way!! All I want for Christmas is my go-to Christmas song. It gets me in the mood every time!

What’s your favourite Christmas film?

I love watching the rubbish Christmas films!! You know the really cheesy, often low budget, cringe films. With really bad actors that are usually shown on Channel 5 or Netflix. Like the romantic ones that sometimes have princes involved. You know those ones? Those- I love them!

What’s your dream place to visit for the holiday season?

I’d love to experience Christmas in Australia! Or somewhere hot. Everyone will be relaxed and you wouldn’t have to worry about being freezing!

But I’d also like to celebrate it somewhere in the Alps with log cabins, snow, UGG boots and cosy jumpers.

Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Not that I know off. But it sounds amazing though!

Is your tree real or fake?

Fake! All the way! Whilst I love the idea of having a real tree and bringing nature into your home for the festive period. I could not cope with all the needles and bald necks. I might get one in the future but for now, I’m perfectly happy looking at my fake one.

What’s your favourite colour combination of Christmas decorations?

There’s a lot of reds and golds around my house. They compliment the green and go with the interior decor at home.

Does your family have any Christmas Traditions?

We only have one and that falls on Christmas Eve. Before the actual day, me and my Brother always have a bath or shower so we go to bed squeaky clean ready for Santa to drop his gifts during the night. I’m sure that was a trick by my parents to make sure we washed more but it’s stuck. And I think the idea’s cute!

What time do you wake up on Christmas Day?

It varies every year but usually between 8 at the earliest or 10 at the very latest.

Favourite part of Christmas dinner?

Umm…. Pigs in Blankets, obvs!

What is your favourite Christmas drink?

I love a good cup of Cocoa! It has to be Cadbury’s original hot chocolate- the one that comes in the purple tub. Yes, that one!!

What is your Christmas Day Fashion?

The first half is spent in PJ’s. Unwrapping presents, eating breakfast etc. Then it’s time to get ready. I usually wear an occasion dress to make things feel special. 

Do you open your presents before or after dinner?

Before! I mean who’s prepared to wait when there are wrapped gifts under the tree It’s the first thing we do when we come down. 

Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer? 

Not really, I know there’s Rudolph. I could attempt the rest but I’ll probably end up embarrassing myself.

What makes the holidays special for you?

I think it’s that the whole family comes together. It’s the one time you can guarantee that the whole family will be able to spend more than six hours together! I love that everyone comes together, family, friends, even people you don’t often talk to. It’s the season to show love and be kind to one another. To show you care. It’s a beautiful season. 


Well if you got to the bottom, well done! I hope you enjoyed this little post because I certainly liked answering all of them.

Merry Christmas,


Aoife x
London is such a beautiful city! One of my favourite things to do during winter is to walk around and look at all the winter lights around the city. As London is so massive, with lots to do and see, I thought I do a little post on some of the must-see lights of London. All the pictures were taken mostly at night as that’s the best way to see them. 


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The other day I went out by myself for a mini adventure around London. I started at Somerset house to see the big Christmas Tree next to the skating rink they put up.


From there I walked up to Covent Garden to catch a look at the giant Baubles and Mistletoe. After taking a billion pictures of the baubles and around the square, I walked through Leicester Square and over to Piccadilly Circus, London’s mini Times Square.



Heading up Regent Street, I walked up towards Oxford Circus stopping to look at the Hamley’s window display. I remember as I kid being fascinated with the window displays; they were always amazing to look at!

I took quite a few pictures of the angels hung above the roads. They’re so cute and innocent hung up there. It makes the road beneath feel special.


I followed Oxford Street down to John Lewis to pick something up for my Mum, looking at the hanging lights and Christmas displays around the store. 

I then walked down to Selfridge’s which I ended up getting lost in. They have some cute lights on the side of their building which I think encompasses the romance of Christmas.


After that, I headed back up Oxford Street to walk down New Bond Street, which is my favourite street ever! It’s a road full of designers from Valentino, Dior, Chanel, Cartier, Ralph Lauren, Gucci etc. I love walking down the road when it’s dark and during winter. All the stores glisten and sparkle; it’s magical. I had a lot of fun walking down this street.


I then headed towards Green Park station to head home. London is a great place to walk around and explore as all the attractions are spread out across the city.

Love, Aoife x

P.S- Any places I've missed? Comment recommendations below, I'd love to visit xxx

I love a good nude polish on my fingernails. It's simple, elegant and a colour that compliments every single outfit. And every single skin tone.

When it comes to the festive period, people generally shift towards darker colours. Choosing dark reds, purples, greens to keep in line with the festive colour palette. However, that doesn’t mean we have to leave the nudes outside. 

The great thing about nude colours is that there are so many. The colours that come under the 'nudes' palette is browns, beiges, pastel pinks, whites, and light greys. 

I’ve chosen my top 5 nail polishes that are perfect for the festive period:

1. Essie, Matter of FictionThis pink has a slight sparkle to it, making it the perfect festive pink.

2. Barry M, Cashmere- Usually with such light pinks, they get darker after the second coat. However, this one keeps it's lightness, maintaining the barely there look.
3. Nails Inc, Cornwall Gardens- Grey used to be the colour that was avoided. Now it's not and instead, is a perfect colour to wear. Grey nail polishes nowadays contain warmer tones, meaning it is much more complimentary.

4. Barry M, Almond- It's slightly darker than the Nails Inc one but looks just as great in the cold outdoors.

5. Models Own, HyperGel Naked Glow- This shade is more of a beige colour and it's a gorgeous nude. Perfect for this time of year.


Love, Aoife x


Cinnamon is the perfect winter spice. A little bit of cinnamon in the air brings back a thousand warm and cosy memories. 

Cinnamon Palmiers are my favourite things to make! They’re easy, simple and extremely tasty. I originally got the recipe somewhere off the internet but I can no longer find the original site. But, luckily, I’ve managed to create my own recipe.

Disclaimer- When you become a confident baker, recipe’s start becoming almost like guidelines, they’re there but you don’t have to follow them. With that said, whilst I consider myself a confident baker, I never said I was a great one.


Cinnamon Palmiers:

55g Sugar + spare to use
2-3 teaspoons of cinnamon
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
Ready rolled Puff pastry

To make things simpler, I use a ready rolled puff pastry. This just saves the time of having to roll out a block but it’s up to you. Remember to take the pastry out of the fridge before making the sauce.

Gently heat up the butter in a pan until melted. Keep it on a semi-low heat and slowly add in the sugar whilst stirring to keep a runny consistency. Once that has dissolved, add the cinnamon to the sauce. You’ll end up with a thick runny brown coloured sauce.

Roll out the pastry, making sure it’s flat before spreading the sauce over. Reach all the corners so everything is covered. Once the pastry has been covered, sprinkle a little sugar over the top. Remember to save the rest of the sauce for later.



The next bit is both the fun and tricky part. On the longer sides of the pastry, start rolling the edges towards the centre. Make sure the rolls are tight as this will make the round circles of the palmier. 

Place back in the fridge, wrapped in clingfilm for another 20 mins for the pastry to cool again.

After 20 mins, take the pastry out and unwrap the clingfilm. Get a knife and cut 1.5/2cm thick slices. Place them, with the spirals facing up, on a baking paper lined tray. Once all the pastry has been cut, use the leftover sauce (it may need reheating) and spread over the pieces, sprinkle a little more sugar over them for an extra crunch.

Place in the oven (200 degrees) for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. 

Bon Appetit!



Love, Aoife


One of my favourite memories about Christmas is that every year on the first weekend of December, we’d take out all the Christmas decorations from the attic and spend the rest of the evening putting up the tree, decorating the house with tinsel and mini Santa’s. It was a tradition that started the official countdown; once the tree was up, the countdown to Christmas Day began!

In my second Blogmas post, I wrote about how I was getting into the Christmas spirit whilst living in uni halls and did a little haul of all the decorations I had bought. But that wasn’t enough for me and I somehow managed to encourage all my flatmates to build a tree together. 

We only had two weeks left before we all went home and as we’re too poor to buy a proper tree, I thought it would be cool to make one out of all the plastic bottles. Since we’re all drinking bottled water (the tap water here is gross), it was the perfect thing to use. Our tree is probably the most student thing you’ve ever seen! 

It’s now sitting in the corner of our kitchen, with lights draped over it and it’s the cutest thing you’ve seen!

In life, we’re not always given everything and I’ve always been taught to make do with what we’ve got. I know this tree isn’t the same and doesn’t compare to life’s problems but it’s an example of using what you’ve got and turned it into something positive.

Anyway, I made a video of us constructing our magical and eco-friendly tree. Check it out below or watch it here.


Like articles on sustainability and eco-friendly resources? Read my review of reusable cotton pads here, or how I got on with using a natural deodorant here. Or, if you're interested in becoming part of the sustainable conversation, read some tips here.


Nighttime is one of my favourite times of the day. It’s the only time we get to truly be ourselves. We wash off the mask we’ve worn all day and have a chance to unwind. It’s in those moments before I slip in between my sheets, where I can pamper myself and reflect on the day I’ve just had. It’s the only time I can be myself; I’m finally not busy. No ones pushing me towards anything and I’m not in a hurry. It’s a beautiful time.

One of the ways I like to unwind is by washing the day off my face, giving it a little pampering after the harsh conditions it faces throughout a normal day.

I have to say, I didn't realise how many products I use until you put them all together. They're usually in different places around the room.

My first step is removing any make-up and bits of dirt with Garner Micellar Cleansing Water. It’s literally the greatest thing for removing make-up and doesn’t leave your face feeling dry like Face wipes do.

After that, I’ve been using La Roche-Posay Effacular Purifying Gel wash for oily sensitive skin. The lovely people from PR sent it over and it’s honestly my favourite thing. Compared to the previous face wash I’d been using before, I definitely felt as though all the excess sebum had been removed and my face felt cleaner and refreshed. This face wash definitely goes deeper in removing excess oils than other high street brands, so you actually feel fresh-faced. For £12 it’s definitely worth it. I’ll have a post coming out on that soon!

Once I’ve washed that off, I use Witch Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash to remove the dead skin cells and build up in my pores. I love that this is gentle and boosts the skin's hydration. Exfoliating daily helps to encourage blood flow to the face and it’s what gets you that natural glow.



My favourite step in my skincare routine is moisturizing. I’m obsessed with it! After I’ve pat-dried my face, I go in first with Simple Kind to eyes soothing eye balm, lightly patting it over my eyes with my ring finger. I then use Tea Tree Essential Oil which is great for targeting spots. It’s the most effective treatment I’ve found that does actually target and reduce the size within a few hours. I use my pinky finger and apply a little dab of oil on any spots.


Once my skin has a chance to absorb that, I use a little Bio-Oil. I’ve only started using this recently and it was actually my Mum who recommended it to me. She said it would be good for the light scaring I have on my face and clearing away the blemishes. So far so good. I was a little worried that to would leave my face looking really oily but as it spreads easily you only need a little bit.

After the Bio-Oil, I go in with my moisturiser. Olay Complete lightweight day fluid. It’s perfect for oily skin and it contains extra vitamins and SPF. I love applying moisturiser on a soft, smooth and freshly washed face. It feels heavenly.

I’ve also made a little video sharing the steps down below. So check it out! 


What do you guys do to rewind in the evening?


Love, Aoife x


It's almost Christmas! For this Blogmas post, I wanted to do something a little different. It's the most magical time of the year and I thought I'd share this post since it's about a magical place I visited in the summer. Enjoy! x

It felt like I'd stepped into a fairy tale. I'd never seen anything like it. It was so beautiful; magical. Sintra is like a real-life version of the animated Disney Princess films. You just have to walk around the village and look at the view of the mountain front of you, to feel how awe-inspiring this place is. Sintra, for sure, is one of the most magical places I've ever visited.



My Friend and I walked around the National Palace of Sintra and I remember looking out of one of the windows onto the village in front, on the side of this mountain. I had to stop for a moment and just stare at the scene in front of me. It was like I was living in a fairy tale. As if any moment Belle or Cinderella or Aurora were going to pop out from a side road and walk down the road swinging their basket of fresh bread. The view from the window was breathtakingly beautiful and I wish I could live in a fairytale land. I could picture the life behind the window, people walking around the village, horse and carts on the road.

And the magic didn't stop there. About 15 minutes from the main village, we came to the gates of Quinta da Regaleiara. It had been suggested by one of my friends that it would be more worthwhile to visit this palace and gardens than the Pena Palace and I'm so happy we ended up going here. It was exactly like Beauty and the Beast. Every part of the gardens and the architecture on the house reminded me of the Beasts Castle.

There was no escaping it with the large foresty gardens and distinctive architecture, that this place contained something so beautiful, it was almost magical. I could picture beast living inside the palace, swinging from the roof as he landed on a foresty path with statues. Every corner of the gardens was a new place to explore; they had underground passageways, wells, ponds and waterfalls. Don't even get me started on the decor inside the castle. There were little tea cups that reminded me of Chip and the dresser in the bedroom looked exactly like the one in the film, Madame de La Grand Bouche.




It was a great day out and I'd recommend it to anyone who's visiting Lisbon to travel up to Sintra and explore the magical village on the side of the mountain. Have you ever visited somewhere almost magical too?

Love, Aoife x


Dare I ask the question- have you started present shopping yet? Getting your Christmas present shopping done early is the best thing as you can be nice and relaxed by the time Christmas Day comes along. The key to a great Christmas gift is that it’s heartfelt and there was thought put into it.

Being obsessed with everything fashion, beauty and lifestyle, it made sense that I put together a wishlist of my top picks for what to get for Christmas. My edit includes a few must-haves for any fashion lover and those interested in Style, Beauty and personal appearance.

Books

Apologies for the colours, having issues with backgrounds in my uni room
How to be a Parisian- I have been obsessed with everything French lately. They just do everything better from romance to fashion to skincare. How to be a Parisian is a book written by a group of French women who write about every aspect of life. This is definitely one of those of books that anyone interested in Lifestyle would love and for those interested in French living.

Love x Style x LifeGarance Dore - This is definitely on my wishlist for Christmas. I’m going to say it’s somewhat similar to How to be a Parisian as it’s like a guide that takes you through different parts with personal stories weaved in. Nicknamed the French Grace Coddington, this book is guaranteed to set hearts racing and provide an insightful guide to the life of a fashion blogger.

Inside Vogue, Alexandra Shulman- For those who have ever wondered what being the editor at Vogue is like, this book is one for you. It’s a diary by the fabulous and former editor Alexandra Shulman taking the reader through the centenary year. She talks about the Fashion Weeks and Designers to the business of running a magazine and all the work behind the scenes. This book is not only perfect for those interested in fashion but also those interested in magazine journalism too.

The Bare Essentials, Tracy Martin- The perfect stocking filler! For anyone with a love of lingerie and the relationship we have with it, this book is perfect. It’s a short and sweet little book examining the history and how underwear has evolved through the years.

Films

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Confessions of a Shopaholic- For all my shopaholics out there, this is your film! It’s the perfect girls night in film or for when you just need a good laugh. Based on Sophie Kinsella’s novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic (you should read that too), the film featuring Isla Fisher is perfect for anyone obsessed with fashion and shopping. The laugh out loud comedy is full of clothes, shopping and more clothes! A dream, right?

Sex and The City- Friends, Fashion, Manhatten and Sex! The perfect combination. The Sex and the City series and films are a must see!

Devil Wears Prada- Nothing beats a Meryl Streep film especially when she's playing Miranda Priestly. Featuring Anne Hathaway, this film makes the list of films you have to watch at least once and know about.

If you're looking to spend a little more cash, a Jo Malone candle, like this one, is the perfect gift! It smells heavenly and is loved by everyone!

It's a short little edit but those are just a few ideas of what you can get a fashion/ beauty/ lifestyle obsessed fanatic. Some of them I even have on my own wish list!

Love, Aoife x

Winter is well underway now and with the weather getting colder it’s time to update and add a few more pieces to the winter wardrobe. As you may already know, I love to shop and it's probably one of the main reasons why I can cope with the season. The feel of wearing new clothes and the new outfit possibilities is enough to keep me going through the cold.

I thought I’d share with you and do a mini haul of just some of the new pieces I’ve picked up to give you an idea of what I'll be wearing this winter and that might also help you with your winter wardrobe. 


Short Check Dress, Zara- Checked dresses never go out of fashion and this one from Zara is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. It's long sleeve and made of a slightly thicker material to keep you warm on the cold winter days. It's casual and stylish with a relaxed A-line silhouette. Accessorise it a thin brown belt and some cute boots. Price: £29.99



Over-the-knee socks, Primark- When you're bored of wearing trousers and tights, over-the-knee socks are a perfect alternative. They keep most of your legs toasty and warm, allowing you to show a little leg and wear a cute miniskirt. The one you never thought you’d get to wear once it hit December. Price: £3





Grey Star Dressing Gown, Next- Sometimes you have to splurge a little to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Next have always had great nightwear/ loungewear that lasts for ages. Sitting in my cold uni room, this dressing gown has been a lifesaver! It’s so cosy to snuggle into and watch a film or just lounge around the house in. It’s one of those dressing gowns you know will keep you warm for years and doesn’t have a one-year expiry date. Price: £26

Down Puffer Anorak with contrasting hood, Zara- I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get on the Zara puffy coat bandwagon! Not only is it stylish and casual, it's so warm! I’ve been missing out on this. All those days I spent cold in a cheap jacket when I could have been warm and toasty wrapped up in a Zara puffer. Also, the hood is huge and I love the detachable fur trim. Price: £69.99


White Knitted Top, Lindex- I am obsessed with this top!! I love the sleeves and how they flare out, adding a little something to the otherwise plain jumper. It’s 50% wool and is the softest thing I think I’ve ever owned! I usually wear it tucked into my favourite pair of green trousers or some jeans. The only downside is it’s hand wash only so that’s going to be fun. Not. Price: £29.99


So those are just a few recent pieces added to my Winter Wardrobe. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found inspiration. The key to buying winter clothes is to make sure their versatile (can be worn anywhere) and that they can be worn with anything. Nothing's worse than only being able to pair a jumper with black skinny jeans.


Love, Aoife x