Friday 25 October 2013
Tuesday 22 October 2013
Relaxation night
I've been very busy lately and so I've been enjoying the odd evening of relaxation, so I thought I would share the way I relax and keep calm! We all get a little caught up in upcoming events, things we need to do, and a little alone time can really ease the burden, if only for a short time- it helps.
Ingredients:
-A candle
-Norah Jones- 'Feels like home' album
-Blanket
-Fairy lights
-Facemask
-Tea
Having wanted a christmassy-scented candle for a while now (yes even during summer), I finally found a candle that is both bargainous and smells delicious. I popped to the homeware section of Asda, with not the highest expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised, they had a fair amount of Yankee candles (which I plan on trying soon) and then there was a whole row of about 5-6 different scents, all of which were £1! I chose the Apple and Spice candle, after smelling each one and also being drawn to the Vanilla variety. The candle I bought has hints of apple, cinnamon and pine from what I can tell before burning it. I recommend candles for relaxation as they fill the room with a scent that can put you in a different mood than you had been before lighting the candle, and they are also cosy and homely feeling.
I chose to be specific and say Norah Jones for the music, however this is personal preference, you can of course use music of your choosing. I would say that my recommendation of Norah Jones is appropriate, as it has such an ambient sound, each and every song is different, yet each has such a soft and soothing sound- it's enough to make anyone settle down for a bit. Personally, I like to listen to this jazz and country- inspired album all the way through, as I feel that the songs flow very peacefully into each other, but if I had to say standout songs for relaxation, they would be:
-What am I to you
-Those sweet words
-Be here to love me
-Don't miss you at all
Aside from credit to Norah Jones whose voice is pure and beautiful in this album, the instrumentals are also lovely, and really add to the overall vibe.
This album or her album 'Come away with me' also make fantastic background music for a dinner party or drinks, as they would contribute greatly to the atmosphere.
I'm sure the blanket needs no explanation, if you live in England like me, wrapping up in something soft is a no-brainer, especially when it's raining - I don't know about you but I love watching people walking past outside with umbrellas while I'm all snuggled up in the warm.
Fairy lights add a real warmth and festivity to a room, I have recently put mine up for the season and it makes such a difference to my evenings!
A pretty obvious one maybe, but putting a facemask on can add to the pampering feeling of the end of the day. I recommend the Lush Catastrophe Cosmetics mask, which has a lovely blueberry scent and makes your skin soft and glowing, I swear by this.
As a true Brit, I can't deny the comforting qualities that a nice cup of tea has to offer.
Throw these ingredients together and you've created the perfect evening in, enjoy some quality alone time and take a moment to recharge your batteries.
Hope this mini guide helps you relax as much as it does me!
Lots of love
Holly x
Saturday 19 October 2013
The autumn tag
I haven't done a tag so far on my blog, so I thought I'd give
this season-appropriate one a go!
Favourite thing about Autumn?
This is a tough one, there are many, but I'd have to say big,
cosy jumpers because they're just such a comfort and a little
hiding place from all the cold!
Favourite drink?
This is easy for me, it has to be Starbucks' pumpkin spiced latte,
it's heartwarming, tasty and just so festive. If I'm having a drink
at home, it would be a traditional hot chocolate, but for the morning
it's always coffee.
Favourite scent/candle?
Cinammon. I associate this gorgeous scent with all things Christmas,
and I love how a candle smelling of this can fill the house with joy, for
me anyway.
Best lipstick?
Plum is the most autumnal lip colour in my opinion, and so my most
worn lipstick is Rimmel's Kate Moss collection lipstick in 107, a lovely
matte, maroon-toned plum, that is significantly cheap for it's wearability.
Go-to moisturiser?
Although it's technically a cleanser, Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a firm
favourite of mine all year round, and I feel that it does multiple jobs, without
lacking on any part- it gives radiant and supple skin.
Go-to eye colours?
Soap and Glory's Tricks Of The Shade palette has a variety of eyeshadows that
can be used throughout the seasons, my favourite colours for autumn are: mudhoney
a matte dark brown perfect for the crease, and Aubersheen a lightly metallic brown for
full lid coverage.
Favourite music?
Passenger is my most listened to artist throughout autumn, he's so comforting and
his voice is soothing on a cold winter day, he just makes you want to wrap up and rest.
Crows in the snow, and snowflakes are particularly Wintery, have a listen, you won't regret it!
Favourite outfit to wear?
A cosy jumper layered over a dress with some thick black tights and little chelsea boots,
accessorised with a black or grey bag and simple brown coat.
Autumn treat?
Regular hot drinks from Starbucks/Costa/Caffe Nero/random coffee shop when I'm out
and about.
Favourite place to be during Autumn?
I would say bed, but I also love to cuddle up on the sofa with a good film and some soup,
wrapped up in blankets and sipping a coffee, movie nights are so relaxing!
Thursday 10 October 2013
Outfits: The autumn edit - Morning coffee
Outfits: The autumn edit - Morning coffee by holly-gonsalves featuring super skinny jeans
The perfect outfit to throw on in the morning when you're craving a caffeine kick, while still looking stylish!
Sunday 6 October 2013
Top five holy grail lipcare products
I've chosen these five products as my holy grail, because they are invaluable and never let me down!
Enjoy.
The first product is the Mary Kay Triple-action lip enhancer.
This is a great product as it can be used for three different purposes; to mattify the lips, to simply smooth and even out the lips giving a nude balm effect, or as a primer under a lipstick.
This retails for around £6 and can be bought here
The second product is Carmex, which is a classic glossy lipbalm which leaves the lips soft and moisturised, I would recommend using a small amount for a subtle effect rather than full on gloss.
This comes in three flavours; strawberry which is pictured above and is my personal favourite, mint and classic.
This retails at £2.89 and can be purchased here.
My third product is the Lush Mint Julips lipscrub.
This works wonders for dry, chapped winter lips and my favourite thing about it is that it's edible and it tastes great!
This also comes in popcorn flavour which has slightly less taste, and bubblegum which is nice but can get sickly sweet after a while.
This retails at £5.50 and can be purchased here
This product is the classic care lipbalm from Labello.
Just what yo uwould expect from a lipbalm this soothes and cares for lips, however the standout feature of this is the baby-softness it gives, and the duration this last for- you can feel the difference all day. Overall a great product and perfect for on the go.
This retails at around £4.60 and can be bought here.
Last but not least, is the Lipcote lipstick sealant.
This is definitely my most essential night-out product as it gives lipstick colour staying power, even through a meal out, a dance and plenty of drinks- this is unbeatable!
Hope you enjoyed my holy grail products, and will try them out for yourselves!
Hols xo
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