I don’t know about you but the sunny weather of the last few days is making me think about Springtime a little bit too often. This softly warm sun heat is actually making me crave proper Spring even more! You’ll know I’m always very excited about the change of season, but this time it’s more than that! It must be that Spring is my very favourite season (I say it for every season, isn’t it? But Spring is my *very* favourite!) or that I’m spotting tulips a bit everywhere (from the shops to my Instagram & Pinterest feeds), but I’m finding myself wanting colours and springtime activities in my life even more than usual: nursery visits on a weekend, immersing my hands in soil and start growing my own little mint and basil plants, trying my hands at new DIY and fresher recipes, go for nice reinvigorating walks… and yes, even spring cleaning (can you even believe?).

A part from those I’m also lusting over a few too many spring related clothes and books and stationery and candles. I’ve been rearranging and cleaning my wardrobe lately and, probably due to this book, I’ve discarded 2/3 of what used to be my too messy wardrobe in one afternoon: it felt liberating and lovely! Apparently most of my wardrobe was made of unworn neglected items I don’t need anymore (who knew!) and what’s more exciting is that now I know what it’s really missing between my clothes and what I should purchase next! Plus now that my wardrobe is all nice and neat I feel like I really need some gold hangers in my life – together with a new vanilla scented candle, please!

. L I N K S .
01. H&M A-Line Blue Denim Skirt ;
02. Pieces Kolleen Point Lace Wrap Flat Shoes ;
03. ASOS Lily Pad Nude Ballet Flats ;
04. Hello Nature Activity Book ;
05. West Elm Atelier Stella Bowls ;
06. Anthropologie Idiom Pencil Pouch ;
07. Zara Home Set of Gold-Toned Hangers ;
08. Season Paper Jardin Notebook ;
09. Paddywax Vanilla + Oakmoss Mini Jar Candle .

***

What’s on your Spring wishlist this year? x

I’ve always been a morning person ever since I was a little girl. There’s no way I can manage to sleep until late morning or afternoon, even if I’ve been awake for most of the night: to me, not waking up early is missing on the best, most productive part of my day, I’d end up feeling like I actually did nothing the whole day! I really don’t get how people don’t enjoy mornings, with the brightest freshest light of the day and productivity being at its finest!

There are so many things that make morning my favourite part of a day, starting from a precise routine for example – I’m a creature of habits and like my routines. Last year I wrote my about my morning routine and since things have slightly changed ever since (and especially after being inspired by this lovely post by Chevrons & Eclairs), I thought an update was overdue!

So here is what I’m up to on a Winter morning…

The next thing I do

While I’m a big lover of tea, I like to have coffee as first thing in the morning. I’m very sensitive to strong coffee though, so I usually jump between decaf & nice organic coffee (did you know IKEA not only does the best homeware but also the nicest organic coffee? It’s my fave!). I also like a good splash of cold non-dairy milk in my coffee in the morning.

My Beauty Ritual

My morning beauty routine used to require a good half an hour each time, but today it’s a lot shorter and more basic: with my skin being super sensitive to most beauty products, I decided to just stick to the basics and only go for cleanser and moisturizer these days. Recently I’m loving the Lavera 3 in 1 Wash Scrub Mask (for cleanser) & the Aveeno Oatmeal Daily Moisturizing Lotion (for moisturizer) combo!

The last thing I do before work

Right after working out I usually fancy some hydrating tea and quick and easy energizing snacks. I love green tea right after yoga, and dates to go with it! This is also usually the time I write down my to-do list for the day ahead and get started with work.

***

And that’s a wrap! Would love to know what your winter morning routine looks like!
And if you’re one for coffee or tea as first thing in the morning! x

With Valentines Day behind the corner, shops dusting off all the lace lingerie and chocolates, I don’t know about you but I’m feeling the love! I actually never used to enjoy Valentines Day but at a certain point in my life (and no, not since I’m not single anymore) I came to realize that besides all the consumerism behind it (which I appreciate anyway!) there’s much more: it’s a recurrency to remind us to love, love ourselves, love someone else, love your family and friends.

Even if you’re single, I think Valentines Day it’s also about you, about self-love and about loving others. Would a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates make you happy anyway? So buy some for your family, friends or even yourself, because why not!

Whether you’re single or paired this Valentines Day I have a little love guide and date ideas if you still haven’t anything planned for the day!

Don’t know about you but to me there’s no fancy restaurants, cinema dates or romantic sunset walks that could beat the warm hug of a home, the smell of a delicious fancy dinner prepared together and curling up on the sofa sharing chocolates or popcorn while watching a nice movie kind-of-date!

On Valentine’s Day we usually like to cook and bake together, treat ourselves to a nice croissant for breakfast, eat a lot of chocolate and just stay cosy! We also shared a couple of slightly different date ideas last year over here if you fancy some inspiration!

***

The best solo V-Day date idea? Pop into Lush and buy yourself the prettiest bath bomb you can spot: Lover Lamp*, with its vanilla scent and cocoa butter to spoil your skin will fill your bath with the most adorable little butter red hearts – but also Rose Bombshell* would be a perfect pick if you like floral scents! Put on your favourite music and a nice moisturizing face mask (my favourite? The Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Mask!) and enjoy your treats and Lindor Milk Truffles* all for yourself!

***

What have you in plan for Valentines Day this year?! x

* Thanks to Lindt & Lush for being my sweetest Valentines this year!