4 Steps to a Sound Night's Sleep*

Hands up if you've ever felt personally victimised by cold mornings! If you haven't experienced them yet then you're one of the lucky ones (especially if you're in the UK, like me). With the sudden drop in temperature here it's becoming harder to hop out of bed in the mornings feeling refreshed and ready to work. 

Personally, I'm one extreme to the other- just the other day I didn't want to get out of bed because I'd been awake and peeping at a screen until 3am the night before. I'm either that, or bleary eye'd at 7am with a coffee in my hand and wonky eyeliner from buzzing about too early. There's just no in-between! I've put together a short list of components for a better night's sleep, explaining how important these things are to help us look after ourselves and get a good nights rest.

Have a routine

My boyfriend has been staying over in the week as he's been working in the city, so him bustling about the room at 7am means that I've been slowly dragged out of sleep every morning around the same time too. The idea of setting alarms gives me the shudders but it's amazing how great it is now that my body has started to naturally wake up at this time all by itself! Getting into a routine (yes, even on your days off) means that your body isn't disturbed in deep sleep cycles. You'll feel more awake and refreshed come morning!

Clean your sheets!

There's not much better than drifting off, dreaming in soft, clean sheets. I've rifled through Yorkshire Linen's (below) website and spotted that they have duvet covers made from 100% cotton! Think; super-soft, feather down, affordable luxury. Something that always feels good on your skin will make you want to snuggle down sooner, so pop your sheets in the wash with softener around once a week to keep your skin (yep, skin too) and night's sleep in good condition.

Use calmer colours

There's so much science behind colours and the way the mind feels about certain rooms, people and places because of this, e.g: Yellow can make you feel stressed, blues and purples can keep you calm (and you won't even know about it!) My eye was drawn to a few sets in Yorkshire Linen's range of duvet covers: the gorgeous sets above and in particular, the one below. 

I'm all into warmer colours at the moment despite my blue hair as they give off a certain vibe of cosiness, making me feel super relaxed.  Exchange your crazy coloured duvet to a calmer one and you'll be able to drift from reality to sleep quicker than you ever did before.

Set the mood

Aside from taking yourself on dates to amazing fairs and galleries, it's important to wind down and set a tone for the night so that you can drift off. Wrap up in your favourite blanket, like this fluffy slice of heaven from Next, and put your phone or laptop down for the night. Draw mindlessly, read or have a bath, anything that draws your mind back in and keeps you relaxed until you go to bed. Have you ever tried to sleep after an argument?

I hope these tips help you! What colour do you find most relaxing? How do you get a soothing night's sleep?

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4 Steps to a Sound Night's Sleep*

Hands up if you've ever felt personally victimised by cold mornings! If you haven't experienced them yet then you're one of the lucky ones (especially if you're in the UK, like me). With the sudden drop in temperature here it's becoming harder to hop out of bed in the mornings feeling refreshed and ready to work. 

Personally, I'm one extreme to the other- just the other day I didn't want to get out of bed because I'd been awake and peeping at a screen until 3am the night before. I'm either that, or bleary eye'd at 7am with a coffee in my hand and wonky eyeliner from buzzing about too early. There's just no in-between! I've put together a short list of components for a better night's sleep, explaining how important these things are to help us look after ourselves and get a good nights rest.

Have a routine

My boyfriend has been staying over in the week as he's been working in the city, so him bustling about the room at 7am means that I've been slowly dragged out of sleep every morning around the same time too. The idea of setting alarms gives me the shudders but it's amazing how great it is now that my body has started to naturally wake up at this time all by itself! Getting into a routine (yes, even on your days off) means that your body isn't disturbed in deep sleep cycles. You'll feel more awake and refreshed come morning!

Clean your sheets!

There's not much better than drifting off, dreaming in soft, clean sheets. I've rifled through Yorkshire Linen's (below) website and spotted that they have duvet covers made from 100% cotton! Think; super-soft, feather down, affordable luxury. Something that always feels good on your skin will make you want to snuggle down sooner, so pop your sheets in the wash with softener around once a week to keep your skin (yep, skin too) and night's sleep in good condition.

Use calmer colours

There's so much science behind colours and the way the mind feels about certain rooms, people and places because of this, e.g: Yellow can make you feel stressed, blues and purples can keep you calm (and you won't even know about it!) My eye was drawn to a few sets in Yorkshire Linen's range of duvet covers: the gorgeous sets above (1 & 2) and in particular, the one below. I'm all into warmer colours at the moment despite my blue hair as they give off a certain vibe of cosiness, making me feel super relaxed.  Exchange your crazy coloured duvet to a calmer one and you'll be able to drift from reality to sleep quicker than you ever did before.

Set the mood

Aside from taking yourself on dates to amazing fairs and galleries, it's important to wind down and set a tone for the night so that you can drift off. Wrap up in your favourite blanket, like this fluffy slice of heaven from Next, and put your phone or laptop down for the night. Draw mindlessly, read or have a bath, anything that draws your mind back in and keeps you relaxed until you go to bed. Have you ever tried to sleep after an argument?

I hope these tips help you! What colour do you find most relaxing? How do you get a soothing night's sleep?

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Week Journal #3 | A Night in Gotham Hotel #MCRChristmas

It's been slow and steady on the blog front for a few weeks now, even though I've been busy it feels good to have some awesome things to share with you all! On the 21st November my boyfriend Josh, his family and I went to Hotel Gotham in Manchester for the night to late-celebrate his 21st birthday. His birthday was back in the heat of August though I still remember being told what his present was (a night at the hotel and celebrations around Manchester) like it was yesterday. In fact, one of my favourite posts is about that awesome day!

We set off first class in the morning and arrived around noon, by then we'd already had a glass of wine on the train and I'd never been first class before so this was super exciting for me, haha! We were greeted at the door by bellboys taking our bags, a swift check in and gorgeous complimentary cocktails at reception. The staff were so, so lovely and super helpful.

After checking in, we headed out to the Christmas markets. Josh treated me to a beautiful raw cut crystal pendant- neither of us can remember the name of it but I think it means Moon in Greek!

Me with a llama, amazing

 We enjoyed a couple cups of mulled wine before lunch and cocktails at Revolution de Cuba. Tapas, woooooo! The tapas were incredible! If you ever get a chance to go to Revolution de Cuba, don't pass it up. The cocktails are bomb and everything had so much flavour. 

I went out searching for the Scallop dress on my November/December wishlist with no luck, but got to try on some £825 Louboutin (no, I could never afford these) and trot about in them for a while before I had to say bye. One day, one day *shakes fist*.

I had no idea that there was a bar in Selfridges until that day, when we were treated to a glass of wine in the extravagant Bottega, surrounded by shoppers and diners who were dressed to the nines. I was still in ripped jeans and my cosy parka so felt a little out of place but it was beautiful there none the less! After all the hustle and bustle of the city had taken it's toll we headed back to Hotel Gotham for some rest, to get ready then see the night life. This was our room.

le excite

Add caption

Rooftop view from Club Brass

The decanter lights in the photo above are from the bar, Club Brass which was so ambiently lit that I couldn't take any good photos in it. We ordered some cocktails (we were all about the partying this weekend) which took a little while to get to us but they were brilliant, Josh's auntie had a joker playing card in her Bramble, a super awesome touch considering the name of the hotel is Gotham. Ayy Batman!

Included in the cost of the room was a two course meal, anything more was added to the bill. The meal was brilliant! We all had different things, I can't vouch for the whole of the menu (obviously) but everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the waitresses/waiters were again so lovely. After this we hopped out to a few local bars as a group.

Bottega and a photo in our room

Hotel roof

Bedhead!

On the 22nd we checked out at 11. I have never slept so well! The bed was the softest thing ever and came with the fluffiest, suede on one side rug. It could've easily nestled down in it forever! The hotel kindly kept our luggage for the rest of the day while we were out with a few places left to visit. The day before, we'd spotted The Botanist. Josh's parents had been there before but we hadn't and the with glittery lights, nobody could keep us away! 

If I had one thing to complain about, it'd be the train journey home. Hands down the saddest train journey ever. It was so nice having a taste of how the other half lives and knowing I'll probably never get the chance to go back is upsetting, haha. If you want to book Gotham for yourself head here.

It's not all doom and gloom though as Josh and I are heading to Edinburgh with a friend as you read this, to see Bring Me The Horizon. Drop me a line if you're there!

Have you been anywhere amazing lately? What do you think of Gotham?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

Week Journal #3 | A Night in Gotham Hotel #MCRChristmas

It's been slow and steady on the blog front for a few weeks now, even though I've been busy it feels good to have some awesome things to share with you all! On the 21st November my boyfriend Josh, his family and I went to Hotel Gotham in Manchester for the night to late-celebrate his 21st birthday. His birthday was back in the heat of August though I still remember being told what his present was (a night at the hotel and celebrations around Manchester) like it was yesterday. In fact, one of my favourite posts is about that awesome day!

We set off first class in the morning and arrived around noon, by then we'd already had a glass of wine on the train and I'd never been first class before so this was super exciting for me, haha! We were greeted at the door by bellboys taking our bags, a swift check in and gorgeous complimentary cocktails at reception. The staff were so, so lovely and super helpful. 

After checking in, we headed out to the Christmas markets. Josh treated me to a beautiful raw cut crystal pendant- neither of us can remember the name of it but I think it means Moon in Greek!

Me with a llama, amazing

 We enjoyed a couple cups of mulled wine before lunch and cocktails at Revolution de Cuba. Tapas, woooooo! The tapas were incredible! If you ever get a chance to go to Revolution de Cuba, don't pass it up. The cocktails are bomb and everything had so much flavour. 

I went out searching for the Scallop dress on my November/December wishlist with no luck, but got to try on some £825 Louboutin (no, I could never afford these) and trot about in them for a while before I had to say bye. One day, one day *shakes fist*.

I had no idea that there was a bar in Selfridges until that day, when we were treated to a glass of wine in the extravagant Bottega, surrounded by shoppers and diners who were dressed to the nines. I was still in ripped jeans and my cosy parka so felt a little out of place but it was beautiful there none the less! After all the hustle and bustle of the city had taken it's toll we headed back to Hotel Gotham for some rest, to get ready then see the night life. This was our room.

le excite

Add caption

Rooftop view from Club Brass

The decanter lights in the photo above are from the bar, Club Brass which was so ambiently lit that I couldn't take any good photos in it. We ordered some cocktails (we were all about the partying this weekend) which took a little while to get to us but they were brilliant, Josh's auntie had a joker playing card in her Bramble, a super awesome touch considering the name of the hotel is Gotham. Ayy Batman!

Included in the cost of the room was a two course meal, anything more was added to the bill. The meal was brilliant! We all had different things, I can't vouch for the whole of the menu (obviously) but everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the waitresses/waiters were again so lovely. After this we hopped out to a few local bars as a group.

Bottega and a photo in our room

Hotel roof

Bedhead!

On the 22nd we checked out at 11. I have never slept so well! The bed was the softest thing ever and came with the fluffiest, suede on one side rug. It could've easily nestled down in it forever! The hotel kindly kept our luggage for the rest of the day while we were out with a few places left to visit. The day before, we'd spotted The Botanist. Josh's parents had been there before but we hadn't and the with glittery lights, nobody could keep us away! 

If I had one thing to complain about, it'd be the train journey home. Hands down the saddest train journey ever. It was so nice having a taste of how the other half lives and knowing I'll probably never get the chance to go back is upsetting, haha. If you want to book Gotham for yourself head here.

It's not all doom and gloom though as Josh and I are heading to Edinburgh with a friend as you read this, to see Bring Me The Horizon. Drop me a line if you're there!

Have you been anywhere amazing lately? What do you think of Gotham?

You can follow me on Bloglovin' | Twitter 

Wishlist | Sparkling November Picks!

You caught me, I'm guilty of starting festive celebrations a little too early. A few days ago I went into the city with some friends purely to window-shop and sniff all of the apple pie and cinnamon candles I could see. But chances are, you've probably already said "Oooh that smells like Christmas" or oogled at a few metallic garments- that's exactly what I did the other day, so I've decided to put together a star spangled wishlist for those of you that are and aren't in the tinsel spirit yet. 

Starting with Jeffrey Star's new festive range of Velour Liquid lipsticks, I practically fell in love with the colour of 'Androgyny' the moment I saw it. There's something so luxurious, oddly glamorous about matte lipsticks and at $18 you'd think it was worth it. Unfortunately I believe this shade is sold out (it's limited edition!) so maybe I'll find one on Depop or eBay to pair with these awesome metallic dresses from Topshop.

The pink satin plunge playsuit would look awesome with dark hair, but I can't keep my eyes off the shimmer of the Gold sequin halterneck dress they have in stock, by Glamorous. Something I can really see coming back in style is backless or slit-backed dresses such as the Chainmail bodycon above. The dresses directly above (1 & 2) are my favourite, reminiscent of the Sayagata pattern and the 20's, Gatsby-esque gown that Kylie Jenner wore so elegantly earlier this month.

As more and more accessories are being tailored to outfits like this, I hope to see amazing pieces from Regal Rose such as the Orsa Crystal back drop choker (£32) below being worn way into the New Year!

The gorgeous rings above are from Norbu. Their prices are so reasonable while their jewellery is so beautiful! I've been meaning to buy from these guys for a long time but with budget near Christmas being so low and gifts to buy for others, I'll just have to window shop for now. No outfit is complete with a fresh head of dye (if you're into that), my plan before new year is to take the plunge and go totally blue. I've had my eye on this Vivid Blue shade by Pravana for a while, isn't it gorgeous? 

What are your November/December must haves? Will you be doing anything daring this season?

If retail therapy doesn't do it for you, see here for my top tips on de-stressing.

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