February favorites.

H E L L O  friends.

Let's all say hello to March. To be honest, I was really hoping that this month would bring slightly better weather, not snowing (than raining) again. I mean, I love winter and wearing all those lovely warm layers, I love my coat and scarf and stuff, but I think I had enough. I actually can't wait to take my beloved brown leather jacket out for a spin. So I'm really craving for warmer weather.
February was a good month. I had some free time so I finally got to do some reading which I'm really happy about because for a long time I couldn't find time to do that. (So there will be a book coming your way in this favorites. Yaay!)
There's a few things I wanna talk about in this post because I've been really loving them, so let's just get to it, shall we?

And starting with beauty stuff, I have to mention my new concealer. And it's Maybelline Affinitone Concealer in 02 Natural and I just love it so much. The wand application makes it super easy to apply to certain areas. I've been using it to cover circles under my eyes and I have to say it is just perfect for it. In a second it lights up my eyes so much and it feel very light on my skin. I don't know how I could live without it for so long. It also covers all spots, blemishes and impurities very well. So definitely a must have if you struggle with those! And you can find it in a drugstore.

Another beauty favorite is a nail polish that's been on my nails for the whole month, basically. And what else then s.he which is definitely my favorite brand when it comes to nail polishes because they have such beautiful colors and so many of them. And this one is gel-like, long-lasting in the shade 545. It's very lovely dark purple-ish red. It's kinda autumnal but I found out it goes very well with my winter coat which is navy blue with red details so... Perfect match is perfect match!

Next on the list is a Nourishing Lip Balm with Raspberry Scent from Yves Rocher. I often struggle with my lips getting very dry, especially in winter when it's really cold outside, so a good lip balm is essential for me. And this one is so amazing. It really helps my lips to stay moisturised and I just love the raspberry scent. Though I have to admit the application is not perfect with this packaging, you basically have to do it with your finger and that's not very practical, especially if you have longer nails, but on the other hand the packaging is very small and good for travelling because you can just throw it in your handbag and it doesn't take up big space. Which is good for me as I'm constantly moving between two cities so I can have this balm with me all the time.

Moving on to hair care, I wanna mention Nutri-repair treatment shampoo and conditioner from Yves Rocher with jojoba + the conditioner is enriched witch oil of sweet almond. The smell is very nice, kinda sweet and very refreshing. My hair has been so much better since I started using this. It feels nourished, repaired and lighter. And I just love the smell.

Staying with lovely smells, my favorite perfume this month was Chloé's LOVE. It has very fresh flowery scent, and it's just so lovely, and I've just been loving it this month for some reason.

Moving on to fashion, there's one particular piece I've been loving this month. I've been wearing the hell out of this black & white striped dress from Reserved. They're so comfortable but also so chic. They're elastic so they make very nice silhouette. You can dress them up, dress them down, whatever you like, because they are very versatile with this neutral color scheme.

Now, as I promised, book of the month. And it's Girl Online by Zoe Sugg. Yes! I finally found time to read it. I've been planning to do it for such long time and I'm so happy that I finally read it. I've actually read both of Zoe's book, so Girl Online and Girl Online On Tour and I loved them both very, very much but I felt like putting just the first one into my favorites. And let me tell you why... First of all, after reading those two books, I felt really kind of lucky and grateful that I don't struggle with anxiety. Because it really seems like a very hard battle so I gained so much more respect for Zoe and everyone who has to cope with anxiety. And the reason I'm putting the first book into my favorites is that, personaly, I think there were so many useful things and tips how to actually deal with this problem, how to have your anxiety under control a little bit, and most importantly the book just gives you the feeling that you're not alone, you're not the only one with this struggle. And I really think that helps. Even though I'm not familiar with this problem, this book gave me a little inside look into the life of someone who is. And I feel like I understand it a bit more, although I think it's more complex and individual. I would say that anyone who struggles with anxiety should read this book. I think there's a lot of important and useful stuff in it. And Zoe is my hero! You probably know her already, but just in case, check her blog and YouTube channel.

Concerning TV stuff, I have to mention Once Upon a Time. I FINALLY got time to catch up. I finished 4th season and actually managed to catch up to where it is now so I'm currently waiting for the new episode on Sunday and I just can't wait. The 5th season so far is sooooooooo good, OMG!! I can't even! And last episode was just... so heartbreaking. I've been shipping Emma and Hook since like... forever. So... Oh my Good! Emma, save him! SAVE HIM, for Christ sake!!

Also (obviously) I've been loving new season of The Amazing Race. And not just because Tyler Oakley's in it (though that is definitely one of the reasons). I've been loving The Amazing Race for years so I'd be excited for the new season no matter what. But these teams are just soooo good!

Now, music. Byrne and Kelly all the way!! New album is out and it's called Echoes and oh my...! Surprise, surprise, I love me some Irish guys! ^_^ But these two are seriously so amazing, there are no words to describe it! You know I love Ryan's solo music very much (you can read about it here), but when he joins the forces with Neil, it's just magical! Just go here, give it a quick listen and I bet, you'll decide to buy it. The passion the two of them put into their songs it's just amazing! And totally visible in every song on the abum. My favorite is definitely The Garden, because it brings back all the memories from my childhood, but I also adore Belfast or Home from Home. 

Favorite moment: trip to mountains. It was just for one day but it was for the first time this winter and I was really starting missing snowboarding, so I was just really happy to enjoy a bit of riding again. Even though the weather was not so good!

And that whould it for my Fabruary favorites. Let me know in the comments what you've been loving the past month. And I talk to you soon.

Have an amazing rest of the day and take care!

Lil'
xxx

Things I've been loving in 2015.

A L O H A  friends.

It's the middle of January and I'm thinking that it's also about the time I'd tell you a little something about my 2015 favorites. There's quite a few things I wanna talk about so let's just get to it, shall we?!

Let's start with the beauty stuff.
I definitely have to mention Rimmed Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation that I've been using for the whole year, basically every day. It's just that good! It's not really "liquidy" so it's easy to apply, it covers all my spots very well and it lasts for the whole day easily. I actually got to try two shades before I found the perfect one matching my skin color so I can tell, even though I'm not very in favour of that, it would probably be perfect for contouring. And at the top of all that, it's not very expensive so it's totally affordable.

Another beauty favorite is a bronzer, specifically Essence Sun Club Blondes. It's not expensive and it last very long. I bought one maybe even more than a year ago and I still haven't run out. You don't need to use much of it and it gives you a very nice color without looking unnatural. It also has quite a range of shades so there's always the perfect one for you skin tone.

Next thing is my all-time favorite mascara. I'd gone through so many before I found the perfect one. And it's NYC Big Bold 24H Mascara. The applicator is just perfect!

My next beauty favorite is an eyeshadow palette 'Love is a story' by Zoeva. With confidence I can tell that it's definitely the best beauty thing I own right now. It has such a chic and sophisticated color range. It's inspired by the make-up of the early '60s and movie stars with the classic color variety of brown, teal, violett and grey. The nude/brown shadows together with the shimmery bronze one are perfect for every day look and I've been definitely using those ones the most, but violett and teal tones are really great for the night out. You'll be the star of the party! And the palette itself looks really cute. And it won't ruin your wallet neither.

My favorite lipstick of 2015 was Maybelline New York Color Sensation in shade 422 Coral Tonic. It's such a vibrant color and I just love wearing it so much. Coral is one of my favorite colors so this lipstick was a must have for me, for sure. And it lasts really long!

Then there are two perfumes: Roberto Cavalli's Just with a nice sweet fragrance and Jimmy Choo's Exotic (the name says it all!). I just love wearing them. And my girlfriend loves them on me... That's basically all I have to say.

Moving on to bath stuff, there are two things I've been using that I just love and wanna mention them here.
First is Shivon Soap. I won't say much about it here because I've already wrote about it in this article so go give it a quick read to find out more. Now I just say that it's the best soap I've ever used in a bath. And it's 100% natural. And handmade. And Irish! What else could you need?!

Second thing is from Oriflame, from their 'Discover' line of bath products, and it's 'Parisian Delight' body scrub. And it smells like lavender! My skin has never been better, seriously! I feel always so fresh, getting out from the shower after using this. It just smells like heaven, reminds me of holiday in Provence.

Now, let's move on to some fashion pieces.
Definitely have to mention Fashion Code Clutch from Zara that I just love. It's quite small and perfect for a little runs around the town. It's just for a wallet, a phone and a few necessary bits and pieces. And it's so chic!

Next on the list is Keith Harkin Anchor Hat that I got in grey color, though I definitely will be buying it in some different colors too in the future because I just love it so much. It's basically adjustable, snap back baseball cap with moisture absorbing sweatband inside. I just love that nautical vibe it has thanks to that cute picture of an anchor and a little braid up front. And it freaking came signed by Keith Harkin! Duh! Best thing ever! Go to see this article to find out more about Harkin Headquarters and who's behind it and stuff.

Moving on to the next famous guy: Adam Levine. I managed to get my hands on three things from his fashion collection: cropped shirt in a Hawaiian style, stripped black and white pencil skirt and the third thing which I'm putting into my favorites is this cute cross necklace that I've been wearing basically the whole summer. It has kinda boohoo vibe to it so it's just perfect for the summer. But is looks damn good with fancy dress too.

Now I wanna mention the brand called Aeropostale. I found them when I was looking for a new watch to buy. And oh my... The watch they have! So so so beautiful! I almost bought all of them because I just couldn't decide which one to choose. In the end I went with white-gold one with a cute flower detail. And I also got and alphabetic rings set and a cool ear cuff.

I'd also like to mention this Marks & Spencer ankle shoes. I bought them for my trip to Ireland and they are just perfect. I love the color, the fact that they are actually slip-ons, and they are so comfortable. They were great for walking the streets of Dublin as well as the four-hour walk along the coast on muddy/rocky paths. And they are NOT that expensive!

Talking about fashion, I feel like I should mention a brand called Beautiful Halo that I got to meet quite closely in 2015. And there's no words to describe how much I love it and the people who stand behind it. Guys, check them out! They are not expensive and they have amazing stuff!

Now, interior-wise, there's one thing I'd like to mention. And it's an IKEA candle called SINNLIG. It's in a little cute glass, it's red and it smells like strawberries. And I just love that smell! Seriously, if you're planning to visit your local IKEA, don't leave without this candle. If you're not very fond of strawberries, they have this candle in many other colors/smells. I also got an orange one and a green apple one. And they're all amazing.

Moving on to some random bits and pieces I've been loving in 2015.
My favorite book was definitely Jeremy Clarkson's 'The Top Gear Years' which is just hilarious! I love his humor so much! Though, I've got to say... Maybe not the best thing to read on a subway... For some reason, people stare when you laugh that much!

Next thing is Kayla Itsines' Bikini Body Guide that I've been using the whole summer. And it worked! And I actually really enjoyed it. I wrote about it in this article so if you wanna know more, go read it. I really got into a better shape just after two months of using it. Now I'm getting back to it because... You know, Christmas!
Get the guides here.

Also, concerning my workout, I have to mention New Yorker's line of active wear.
They had really amazing stuff in 2015. Especially sport bras - very well adjustable, front closure, comfortable, in great vibrant colors. Perfect for jogging and all kinds of working out (I wore it for my first crossfit lesson).

Favorite thing to watch? Definitely Zoella! Obviously, I watched her vlogmas and 24 days of Zoella and I absolutely loved it. It totally got me into the holiday spirit. But I've been watching her a lot during the whole year. Platonically in love with her, duh! I've been also watching Tanya Burr and SACCONEJOLYs a lot, but Zoella is still my all-time favorite youtuber.

I also have to mention new Star Wars movie which I'd been excited to see for a long time. And I just loved it so freaking much! Though, I'm still not even Han Solo's death.

Favorite music.
Well, well... We all know what I'm gonna say now... A few months into 2015 I discovered Celtic Thunder and absolutely, totally, 100% fell in love with their music. They've made me find the passion for Irish music and I'm oh so grateful to them for that. After just a few weeks of listening to them I'd set a goal to visit Ireland. And I did. All in one year. 2015 was a great year! So to finish this article I have to say: Ireland, Dublin, is definitely the best place I've ever visited. I had a great time and I'm definitely going back there in the future. Read more about my trip here.

And to wrap this up, I'm gonna send a big THANK YOU to my girlfriend for being by my side in 2015 and supporting me in everything I was doing even though it wasn't always easy. I couldn't asks for a better person to share my life with. I love you! xxx

Have a great day, my friends, and the best of luck in 2016 to all of you!

Lil'
xxx

All photos from my Instagram.