Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
The other day, yesterday to be exact, I visited Kew Gardens with my friend and flatmate Nazani. I had seen on Facebook a few months ago about an exhibition at Kew Gardens and it'd been on my list to visit ever since. It was a silly day to visit since it was pouring down with rain. Although, there was something beautiful and relaxing walking around a large, quiet park listening to the light raindrops hitting the umbrella and trees.
The exhibition, Life in Death by Rebecca Louise Law, showcases a collection of plants and flowers that have been dried for over six years. The flowers and plants are hanging like garlands from the ceiling. It sounds beautiful and it was! All the flowers were so delicate and preserved exactly how they were when they were alive.
Walking around the exhibit got me thinking about both life and death. Sometimes we can spend so much time thinking about when things are going to end that we forget to live in the present. Our surroundings morph into one, they become a blur of time we don't remember. I've lost count of how many times I've cried about the time I had left.
It led me to think that if we spent our time appreciating every second and every moment, then we wouldn't be so upset when it was over. Instead, we'd smile at the memories and the time that was shared. The present is called a present for a reason. It has so many gifts that we should appreciate and not overlook because we're too blind to see it. There's beauty in life, in the little moments, and in everyone and everything. The exhibit shows how beautiful every living thing is and that there's life in death and it's been frozen in time to make us see it clearly.
Love, Aoife x
The other day, yesterday to be exact, I visited Kew Gardens with my friend and flatmate Nazani. I had seen on Facebook a few months ago about an exhibition at Kew Gardens and it'd been on my list to visit ever since. It was a silly day to visit since it was pouring down with rain. Although, there was something beautiful and relaxing walking around a large, quiet park listening to the light raindrops hitting the umbrella and trees.
The exhibition, Life in Death by Rebecca Louise Law, showcases a collection of plants and flowers that have been dried for over six years. The flowers and plants are hanging like garlands from the ceiling. It sounds beautiful and it was! All the flowers were so delicate and preserved exactly how they were when they were alive.
Walking around the exhibit got me thinking about both life and death. Sometimes we can spend so much time thinking about when things are going to end that we forget to live in the present. Our surroundings morph into one, they become a blur of time we don't remember. I've lost count of how many times I've cried about the time I had left.
It led me to think that if we spent our time appreciating every second and every moment, then we wouldn't be so upset when it was over. Instead, we'd smile at the memories and the time that was shared. The present is called a present for a reason. It has so many gifts that we should appreciate and not overlook because we're too blind to see it. There's beauty in life, in the little moments, and in everyone and everything. The exhibit shows how beautiful every living thing is and that there's life in death and it's been frozen in time to make us see it clearly.
Love, 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.
* * *
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 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
Love, Aoife x
P.S- Any places I've missed? Comment recommendations below, I'd love to visit xxx
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.
* * *
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 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
Love, Aoife x
P.S- Any places I've missed? Comment recommendations below, I'd love to visit xxx
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
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
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
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
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
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
It’s Blogmas day 2 and the festivities have hit me in full force! I spent the first day sick in bed and it was horrible! But I’ve taken some medicine and I’m on the path to recovery. I woke up feeling much better and it’s like a light has been switched on inside- the countdown has officially begun!
I find putting up Christmas decorations is definitely something that gets me in the festive mood. It’s a great feeling and gets my excitement up for the month. Christmas atmosphere is the best! I love walking through the Christmas markets and going to see the lights. The atmosphere is made up of good times and happiness and it's good to carry that through into your home.
I love putting Christmas decorations up around the house. It gives life to the dark, making the cold winter nights that much cosier and warmer. I went out yesterday to buy some decorations to make my uni room feel a little bit more Christmassy. I’m only here for two more weeks before I go home so I didn’t want to go overboard. I ended up picking up a few bits in Primark.
LED light Tree, £8- I love this tree; It’s so cute and minimalist! The metal frame is simple making it the perfect Christmas decoration that doesn’t make the room look overcrowded. It’s the perfect touch for a bedroom decoration.
LED firefly lights (40), £2.50- I have been obsessed with these lights lately! I already have two sets up in my room and bought another set to hang over my bed. With all the lights hung up and switched on means my room looks super cosy. The perfect winter atmosphere!
Large Cream Throw, £9- Primark throws are the best; they’re warm and oh so affordable. I had a grey one previously but I decided to get a cream one as it brightens the room up and softens the atmosphere. Plus, it makes my bed look gloriously, inviting which is a dream!
Those are just a few little pieces I've bought and surprisingly they have made such a big impact.
Have you started decorating yet? If so, what have you bought?
Love, Aoife x
It’s Blogmas day 2 and the festivities have hit me in full force! I spent the first day sick in bed and it was horrible! But I’ve taken some medicine and I’m on the path to recovery. I woke up feeling much better and it’s like a light has been switched on inside- the countdown has officially begun!
I find putting up Christmas decorations is definitely something that gets me in the festive mood. It’s a great feeling and gets my excitement up for the month. Christmas atmosphere is the best! I love walking through the Christmas markets and going to see the lights. The atmosphere is made up of good times and happiness and it's good to carry that through into your home.
I love putting Christmas decorations up around the house. It gives life to the dark, making the cold winter nights that much cosier and warmer. I went out yesterday to buy some decorations to make my uni room feel a little bit more Christmassy. I’m only here for two more weeks before I go home so I didn’t want to go overboard. I ended up picking up a few bits in Primark.
LED light Tree, £8- I love this tree; It’s so cute and minimalist! The metal frame is simple making it the perfect Christmas decoration that doesn’t make the room look overcrowded. It’s the perfect touch for a bedroom decoration.
LED firefly lights (40), £2.50- I have been obsessed with these lights lately! I already have two sets up in my room and bought another set to hang over my bed. With all the lights hung up and switched on means my room looks super cosy. The perfect winter atmosphere!
Large Cream Throw, £9- Primark throws are the best; they’re warm and oh so affordable. I had a grey one previously but I decided to get a cream one as it brightens the room up and softens the atmosphere. Plus, it makes my bed look gloriously, inviting which is a dream!
Those are just a few little pieces I've bought and surprisingly they have made such a big impact.
Have you started decorating yet? If so, what have you bought?
Love, Aoife x
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