An Autumnal To Do List

There are so many things to get out and do when this time of the year comes around. Similarly, there are so many things to do inside when this time of year comes around. I want to enjoy it all, and therefore, I thought to compile a list to ensure that nothing gets missed off. So grab yourself a cup of tea, cosy up and have a read. 

Pumpkin Picking - I have never gone to a patch and picked the pumpkins myself. It was always pop to the supermarket closest to us and pick one from there. I want to change that! Nothing felt more autumnal than picking which pumpkins to take home from a field full of them. 100% going to make this a yearly thing. Even in the rain, it was so much fun. I also haven't carved a pumpkin for some time, and we also have that too look forward too. 

Autumnal Baking - Sam recently ordered some autumnal cookie cutters, owls, leaves, pumpkin's etc, and I cannot wait to make some biscuits with them. I'm thinking something with mixed spice and that goes down perfectly with a big cup of tea. Mmm. 

Finish Autumnal Decorating - I have accumulated some new bits recently from places that we have visited and I need to find a home for them! I also am on the hunt for some new autumnal candles - my last few trips to TKMaxx and Homesense have been disappointing. Is it just me or were there next to no autumn items this year?! I managed to stock up on Christmas scents, but want to find cosy autumnal scents, as I have now burnt through them all. 

Make A List Of Films - I want to make a list of films to get through before the Christmas films become my first choice. I haven't ever really been one for watching Halloween films and I am not a fan of a horror film. We have watched so far, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. If you have any recommendations for any Halloween-esque films, please do let me know.

Plan In As Many Autumnal Walks As Possible - Westonbirt Arboretum is my happy place. I love wandering around underneath the canopy of the trees. The ever changing colours of the woods is breath taking, and nothing will make you feel more autumnal. Can't wait to wrap up warm and grab a hot chocolate there too. 

I am very much looking forward to ticking all of these activities off my list. This truly is the best time of the year.

What is on your autumnal to do list?

Amber X

An Autumnal Wall Accessory With Photowall*

 *This post contains a gifted item*

As Autumn is officially upon us this week, I couldn't wait to get the Autumnal decorations plastered around my room. So when Photowall got in touch and kindly offered to gift me one of their products, my mind wondered to one thing, and one thing only.. Autumn. 

It was so hard to try and narrow down which print to choose as the Photowall website is filled with numerous gorgeous prints, for all tastes and for all spaces. Wallpapers, canvas prints, posters, framed prints, wall murals, you name it and I'm more than sure you can find it on Photowall. I opted for this simple, yet perfectly Autumnal pinecone canvas print. 

My print arrived within 2 days of ordering and was received beautifully packaged with instructions and all the items needed to easily assemble the canvas ready for hanging. I have never really been good with flat packed furniture or items and following instructions to assemble them. With that being said, within 10 minutes, the canvas was assembled. I can assure you, that if I can do it, then I am more than sure, anyone else will be able to do it too haha. The canvas itself is made from 100% cotton, is UV resistant and doesn't fade in sunlight, meaning it can be hung anywhere and will remain just as beautiful over time, as it did when it arrived. Amazing. All canvas prints are custom made to order, meaning that waste is minimised, and makes each order that much more special. 

I opted for propping the canvas up on the top of my ladder shelves for now - but I love that I can eventually hang it else where when the season changes. I don't have any wall hangings in my room other than 1 photo frame, but now having this canvas print, I can't wait to finally get redecorating (at some point) and add more prints to the walls. 

Not only do Photowall offer the above, there is also a feature to be able to create your own posters, wallpapers, canvas prints and more, which is such a lovely touch. You can even edit a print that is currently listed on their website, to make it the perfect fit for your space. What a great way to be able to personalise your walls. 

If you fancy treating your walls feel free to use the discount code "amberatlanta25" for 25% off any product on the Photowall website. 

Are you decorating for Autumn?

Amber X

*This item was kindly gifted to me by Photowall for review, but all opinions are 100% my own. For a full disclaimer, please visit my "about" page. Discount code lasts for 1 month*

Autumnal Photo Props

We are officially in the -ber months of the year, aka, the best months of the year... I cannot wait for the long Autumnal walks when our surroundings are filled with reds, oranges, amber and brown shades. This time of the year is truly when I am at my happiest. Not only do I prefer my content most throughout the Autumn months, I also find myself more inspired to plan posts and focus on the outcome of my photos. 

To do that, as many other bloggers, I like to have a selection of items to hide in the background of photos, to fill the space and to also give that Autumnal vibe. I thought to share with you, some of my favourite items to capture what I consider the perfect photo. All of these items double up as seasonal décor - my favourite :-) 

Autumnal Leaf Garland

I brought >this< garland from Amazon last year. The different colours of the leaves, and the few little flowers that are wound around into it, make for such a pretty garland. The garland itself has wire wound around the middle, making it so easy to wrap around whatever you desire. This also comes in handy for taking photos as you can shape it however you so wish. 

Autumnal Leaves

>These< are great - you can sprinkle them everywhere and everywhere to give an autumnal feel. I ordered these ones last year, and they did take a rather long time to come. But at only £1.16, you can't go wrong. Just make sure that you order them a couple of months in advance haha.

Pinecones

Again, >these< were from Amazon. I ordered them for Christmas content, to attach to my Christmas Wreath DIY and to also put into bowls around the house to make each room a little more festive. They double up perfectly for Autumnal décor, I also made a garland out of these for my bed frame and I can't wait to see what else I can use them for this year. 

Candles

I am a lover of having candles in my room all year round, but there are no better scents than the cosy Autumnal and Winter scents. Theses are also perfect for hiding in the background of shots, especially when Bath and Body Works candles look as pretty as they do.

Ceramic Pumpkins

>These< cuties are a recent purchase of mine. After having seen them on The White Company website, I could not resist. I feel like these could go anywhere in the home and they are perfect for many of you, who don't want to go all out for seasonal décor, but want something subtle. They're so cute. 

Glitter Pumpkins

I brought these from Tesco last year. Supermarkets can have some really lovely seasonal décor bits! They came in a bag of 9. 3 orange, 3 green and 3 purple. I usually just use to orange ones and sit them on top of the leaf garland. When the light catches them, it makes the room sparkle. These were a bargain at only £1! I would stay away from them, if you're not a fan of cleaning up after glitter haha.

What are your favourite autumnal décor pieces? I am always after more!

Amber X

Autumnal Eyeshadow Goodness

It's just that time of the year again. I thought to share some of my eyeshadow favs for this part of the year. I 1000% embrace all of the berry and gold tones that bring out the blue in my eyes. Of course, nothing stopping you wearing these colours all year round. So if you're into those shades of eyeshadows, this one is for you.

Starting off with this beauty - The Huda Beauty Desert Dusk palette. Sooo many gorgeous shades in this palette. The opportunity for beautiful eye looks are endless. My personal favs for autumn from this palette are: Blood Moon, Royal, Turkish Delight and Angelic. Of course, I think it's pretty obvious which are my most used shades from this palette haha. Blood Moon, Turkish Delight, and Royal are all cranberry/purple shades. Definitely good for those days where I want to jazz up my eyeshadow a little. All shades look insane with blue eyes - they really bring out the blue.

Dirty Sweet in the Naked Smokey palette is one of my favourite gold shades for the eyelids. It's the perfect toned yellow gold, and looks pretty blended into browns and orange transition colours. If it's not this gold shade that I gravitate towards, it's putting a bit of the Becca Champagne Pop over my lids.

Lastly, the Kylie Jenner Burgandy palette screams autumn. The copper shade as well as the cranberry shimmer shades have been my go to at the moment. They're super creamy, easy to blend and last all day. Although, one thing I would note about these eyeshadows, after working all day, I do tend to find that they transfer onto the upper part of my eyelid from where I have been blinking. It could completely be down to the environment I work in though.

What're your favourite autumnal eyeshadows?

Amber X

Lipsticks I Cannot Wait To Start Wearing

It's that time of the year again, where our surroundings change hue and colour. The best time of the year in my opinion. I love to draw inspiration for the changing of the season, and reflect this in my lipstick choices. Here are my fav lip colours for the Autumnal months.

Mac Viva Glam 3
This gorgeous plum toned lipstick looks incredible on the lips when wearing camel. I love to pair it with my lovely camel zara coat. A dream match made in heaven. Definitely one that's on the bolder side of lipsticks, but if that's your thing, you'll adore this shade. It being a matte too, makes it so easy to wear.

Mac Retro
A shade that I chose to wear with my sixth form prom dress, but one that I still love to this day. It's a brown toned red, in my opinion. Very warm in colour. Again, a matte, that lasts all day and night!

Top to Bottom - Taupe, Viva Glam 3, Heartbreaker, Perfect Red, Retro. Diva. 

Mac Diva

One I'll always love. A very deep, berry red. Beautiful with a smokey eyeshadow look. For some reason one that I used to always choose to wear on New Years Eve?? No idea why.. Smudges VERY easily, so definitely bring some makeup wipes with you to tidy it up. Or it could just be me haha.

Mac Taupe
The newest of Mac lipsticks in my collection. I wrote >this< post on it in more depth, if you're interested. One that I haven't warn enough, and one that I definitely want to be wearing - perfect for this time of year, so I'll make it my mission. One that you're more than likely to see in a favourites post.

Huda Beauty Liquid Lipstick in Heartbreaker
Another one that has already had a feature >here< on the blog. The perfect true red shade, that looks incredible with whatever you pair it with. It looks nice with a darker red lip liner, and a lighter red lip liner. The formula of these liquid lipsticks is insane. They last FOREVER!

NYX Matte Lipstick in Perfect Red
This is one that I have loved for years. Whenever I wear it I always receive copious amounts of compliments on the colour. It's just the ultimate red shade. It's so comfortable on the lips. It doesn't feel drying or go drying which is amazing considering it's a matte shade. And it's the cheapest lipstick of all those mentioned on my list! You must try this range - you will never be disappointed.

What is your go to autumnal lipstick?

Amber X

Embracing Autumn

Eeee, my favourite season is just around the corner!! Something about this time of the year that makes me so god damn excited. The best months of the year are yet to come. Here is a list of all the things autumn I plan on doing..

One of the things that as of last year is up there for me, is visiting Westonburt Arboretum, but a few weekends ago, I went back. It was a completely different experience to last time I went. This time round we went just as the children had gone back to school. It was a Saturday but it was no way near as busy as it was previously. Some of the trees were starting to go their gorgeous brown and red colours, and last time, they were all completely brown and red. Just as pretty this time round though. There is something about walking amongst the giant trees that makes me feel so peaceful. It's such a happy place for me, and is definitely going to be somewhere I plan on going every year, when Autumn comes around.

Burning all the autumnal candles. I treated myself to a really delicious one. It's called 'Apple Cider' and smells fruity, but not. The red packaging makes my room glow red - adding to the autumnal feel. Nothing more cosy than autumnal smelling candles. I cannot wait to transition into burning the Christmas ones too (sorry if I'm getting too far ahead - I'm just so excited if you can't already tell haha).

Have all the baths, filled to the brim with Lush bath bombs and bubble bars. A nice bubble bath, to end a busy day of working - nothing beats it.

Baileys hot chocolate's have been life since it's been all drizzly and cold in the evenings. Something I am definitely going to carry on with haha. If you've never tried one, I HIGHLY recommend that you do..

What're you most looking forward too this autumn?

Amber X

October Favs

It's that time of the month again! I know that favourites posts aren't a frequent feature on my blog, but I felt that there was a fair few new things that I have been into this month, and thought that would be worthy of a ramble. I have been LOVING October - this half of the year is by far the most enjoyable in my eyes. The cosy nights in are made 1000x more cosy when it's cold, dark and foggy outside - basically my favourite thing to do 24/7. So here are the things I have been enjoying in the month of October.

Burning candles
Obviously, the dark cosy nights are complimented with burning a candle in the corner of any room. I have been burning two this month. One is a Sanctuary candle that I got last Christmas, but wanted to save it for the colder months of the year, as it's called the cosy candle. That's exactly what it is. It smells super warming, and cosy. Nothing else to be said really about a cosy candle. The second candle I have been loving is 'Christmas Eve' by Yankee Candle. Yes I know it is only October, but I can't help but be excited for Christmas! It smells like everything Christmassy, and I love it. Go and have a sniff of the Yankee Candle Christmas range, I'm SO tempted to buy some more of them.

Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette 
There is a post dedicated to >this< beauty on my blog, but I have found myself reaching for this palette most, if not every morning, this month. It's just so versatile. As you can see, it is well loved, but specifically, I have been loving the shade 'Retrograde' the most. It's a gorgeous brown based shimmer shade, with a slight blue reflect. Paired with browns and oranges in the crease, it looks beautiful.

Music
The most played this month has to be Kings of Leon and Jungle. Jungle released their second album in September and I am obsessed. If I fancy putting some music on to have on in the background whilst I am trying to concentrate, Jungle have been the ones that I have chosen to play. 'House in LA' and 'Mama Oh No' are the ones I like the most from that album. As for Kings of Leon, they have been played on repeat in the car, and I am just loving them.

Watching 
The Gino, Gordon and Fred: Roadtrip showing on ITV has been brilliant. The 3 chefs are going on a roadtrip around their home towns, France, Scotland and Italy, collecting ingredients for cooking. They are such a good trio, and whatever they end up doing is made funny by their loud personalities. If you want something to sit down and watch, whilst fancying a giggle, stick this one on. As well as this one, I have been religiously watching the Great British Bake Off. Who doesn't love this programme?! It's so cosy, and I just love it.

What have you been loving this month?

Amber X

Autumnal Adventures

Autumn is probably my favourite time of the year to be outside. Winter is far too cold to be exploring for long amounts of time, and in the summer it's far too hot to be venturing far (as you can see, I'm generally easily pleased..). Autumn mornings are fresh and frosty, highlighting all things pretty about our surroundings. Whether you live in a city, or deep in the countryside, I personally think that autumn brings out so much colour allowing anywhere to change into something beautiful. 

Callum, a uni friend of mine came down to visit and we took the trip to Ashton Court Estate. If you're from around the Bristol area, then you will be aware that Ashton Court is where the annual Bristol Balloon Fiesta is held every August. Other than attending the balloon fiesta, I haven't been to Ashton Court, and thought it would be the perfect place to explore. It was. The weather was beautiful, but still a little cold. 

I'd definitely recommend taking in all your surroundings as it transforms into an autumnal paradise. I know I have aged before my time (21 going on 71) admitting that I enjoy walking around stately homes and exploring National Trust locations. Especially when I can wrap up warm. Go collect all the pinecones, acorns and pretty leaves. I dare you.

Do you love autumn as much as I do?

Amber X

10 Reasons Why I Can't Wait For Autumn

Autumn is my fav. I just love everything about it. The change of the season is so beautiful and I love nothing more, than walking over brown, crunchy leaves and watching them twirl and fall from the branch that they used to cling, to the most probably, soggy ground beneath them. The evenings creep in so much earlier, and I welcome that too. More reasons to cosy up and put on a film with a candle burning in the background. Here are the reasons why I can't wait to get all Autumnal.

Scarves, oversized coats and jumpers, boots and thick socks are my weakness. You can never have enough, and I just love not having to think too much about what I'm wearing. ANY jumper and jeans combo goes with a coat and boots. 

Bonfire night and Halloween are just great. 

Doesn't get much better than wholesome, warming foods like soup, cottage pie, and loads of vegetables - they are the best on a cold evening. 

Baths!! It's cold enough to sit endlessly in a scorching hot bath again - yay!

Hot chocolates.. Especially after a cold walk. 

Berry and red toned lipsticks are definitely worn on the daily basis, and it's so refreshing to switch out the bright, and muted tones for something that's more of a statement. 

Frost mornings are genuinely so pretty, and one of the better ways to wake up.

Dressing gowns can be brought back out of the wardrobe, and dusted off from being neglected over the summer months. Dressing gowns truly solve everything. If you don't own a dressing gown, you're missing out. Honestly.

A weird one, but... I swear scents are just so much better. Bonfires, spiced cakes and coffees, pumpkins even!

Conkers and pinecones too, of course.

Why do you love Autumn?

Amber X

Christmas Reds

Christmas is the season of the red lip. Of course, by all means, you can wear a red lip any time of the year, but for me, red is definitely my Christmas lip colour of choice. Finding the right red lipstick can end up being quite the chore. There are so many undertones to consider... so I thought I'd share with you my favourite red lipsticks that I will without a doubt, be wearing the hell out of up until Christmas.

Younique Splash Liquid Lipstick in Sizzling

Last Christmas, this was all I wore on my lips. Red lips make me feel super festive, and I couldn't put this one down. The formula of this lipstick is somewhat like a mousse, and this makes application easy. It lasts on the lips - even after eating Christmas dinner, so that must be saying something haha!

NYX Perfect Red Matte Lipstick

Every time I have worn this red, I am always asked what I have on my lips. Even though it is matte, this lipstick doesn't dry out the lips and is comfortable to wear for a long period of time. It definitely is a perfect red shade that looks amazing with winged liner and lots of lashes. I'd definitely like to try more colours of this range from NYX, especially as it's the most affordable of my favourite red lipsticks.

Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick in Merry 

Merry is a much deeper red in comparison to the other two I have mentioned so far and it dries down completely matte. I love the berry/pink tones in this liquid lipstick, but I am not massively keen on the formula. The smell is a bit too overpowering, and I found it made my lips feel very dry. That being said, Merry looks gorgeous with a red gloss over the top, which also helps with the drying formula. 

MAC Diva

Diva was one of the first MAC lipsticks I ever got, and I used to wear it non-stop. I find that applying this lipstick in different ways gives you a different shade of red, which I am not mad about. Dabbing this lipstick onto the lips creates a slightly lighter, but still deep toned burgundy red, whilst applying like a normal lipstick gives an intense burgundy finish. I cannot wait to whip this one out again!

Charlotte Tilbury in So Marilyn

So Marilyn gives the lips a beautiful red sheen. It's not a matte lipstick, it's definitely more on the satin side. It's not hard to wear, doesn't dry out the lips and is the perfect size to throw into your handbag. I love the fact that these lipsticks are mini... You can essentially give the shade a proper try before you commit to a full size lipstick! Who can resist a mini lipstick though?!

What's your favourite red lipstick?

Amber X

Bonfire Inspired

Bonfire night is tomorrow (!!!) and it's one of the things I look forward too each and every year. Something about standing around, out in the cold, wearing every jumper, scarf and pair of socks that you own that brings me such joy. I took inspiration from all of the warm and smouldering colours that I associate with bonfire night. 

Starting off, I used the Morphe 305M (no surprise) palette and blended a bright orange colour into the crease and up towards my eyebrow. Next I took a deeper orange shade and blended this shade directly into the crease. To add further depth, I took a red eyeshadow and blended this shade into the middle of the crease only using a windscreen wiper motion. Secondly, I took the shade 'Hot Chocolate', a true dark brown shade, from the Anastasia Self Made Palette. Using a 231/luxe petit crease brush from Zoeva, I blended this colour into the outer third of my eye, and my inner corner up into the crease of my eye. I then took 'Spirit Rock', a black from the same palette and placed it over 'Hot Chocolate'. 

For the cut crease look in the middle of my eye, I used the Bourjous Radiance Reveal concealer with a detailer brush from Real Techniques. I always set my concealer with powder or a light eyeshadow to allow the eyeshadow placed on top to not stick or 'cling' to the concealer. The copper shade, 'LA' on the lid is from the Kylie Jenner Burgundy Palette. My lashes are in the style #213 from Red Cherry, and I always get my lashes from here. Red Cherry lashes are so affordable and can be used multiple times before having to get rid of them. Highlight of choice was the Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop to tie in with the warm orange shades used in the eyeshadow look. 

What's your favourite part on Bonfire Night?

Amber X

(Disclaimer: I am definitely no makeup artist, I just enjoy putting makeup on my face!)

Making The Most of Autumn

It honestly feels like all I have spoken about on my blog recently is Autumn. Well, in fact it is all I have been posting about. I can't help it. All of the autumnal themed posts make me feel motivated and I just love reading them. Autumn is a lot of people's favourite season and if you look around outside, and in the shops, you can understand why. 

Over the weekend, I went for a walk through a local wood. I always thought it would be extremely peaceful to walk through a woods during the autumn time - taking in all of the orange, yellow and brown crinkly leaves, brought about by the seasonal change and seeing all of the conkers and their shells covering the muddy floor... and let me tell you, it was! All I can think about is returning back to this wood on a crisp, frosty morning and seeing the place transform from this autumnal haven. 

If you haven't yet, make the effort to go and adventure somewhere new, or somewhere you love and take in all of the autumn-ness. Make the most of this beautiful season. 

Why do you love Autumn?

Amber X

My Autumn Essentials

If you're like me, there are always a handful of items that I love to have and wear when the Autumn time rolls round. Getting Autumn ready is always something I look forward too every year. Here is a small list of the things that I know I'll love throughout Autumn...

Scarves

Having a pretty scarf to pair with an oversized jumper or coat is the ultimate combination. Not only does it look good and somewhat put together, it's super comfy. It definitely makes stepping out the house into the cold, that little bit more bearable! There are always so many different patterns, colours, and styles to choose from... I just don't think you can go wrong with a cosy scarf.

Dark Nail Varnishes 

I have always been a fan of dark coloured nails and what better time to wear them. One of my favourites for this time of the year is 'Raspberry' and 'Blackcurrant' by Barry M. 

A Hydrating Moisturiser

Typically, during the colder months of the year, I tend to notice my skin feeling drier than usual. It only takes a cold breeze and a frosty morning and the moisture in my skin just disappears. Don't get me wrong, I love these things about the colder months, but I feel better in myself when my skin isn't dry. There are so many moisturizers out there to choose from, and personally, I think Autumn is a great time to switch them up. 

Lip Liner and Lipstick 

Using a lip liner makes wearing and applying a bold lip colour SO much better (well for me anyways). Lip liners stop lipstick bleeding, and makes application of lipstick much neater. If you don't have a liner that matches your favourite dark, berry tone lipstick, I'd advise you get one!

Winter Boots

 Boot shopping seems 100x better at this time of the year. Shops no longer stock as many sandals and pumps, leaving more room for all the winter boots you've been waiting for! Boots are great for colder weather, and I love chunky shoes. 

What could you not be without in Autumn?

Amber X

Autumn Appreciation

 There are many reasons why I want to experience and cherish all of life's little things when this time of the year rolls round. Not only are the changes in colours and tones of our scenery beautiful, it also can't help but make you feel cosy. With all of this excitement upon us, here are some reasons to appreciate the Autumnal months. 

Beauty 

Autumn is the season of the bold berry lip and gold, copper and cranberry eyeshadow shades. Palettes that contain nothing but these shades are right up my street, and I'm excited for all of the A/W releases. My dark lipsticks cannot wait to come out of hibernation and stop collecting dust. I am looking forward to not having to think my day through and ponder over which foundation will work best in the humid climates. Gone are the hot, sticky days!

Fashion

Dressing in the colder months of the year is so much easier for me. It requires no deliberating over whether a jacket is needed when leaving the house, and jeans can be worn on a daily basis.  Oversized or not, jumpers will always be an autumn staple. Soft, cuddly, woollen, scratchy, cropped, or thin, jumpers are made for the colder seasons. Scarfs are also another way of keeping warm and snug when in times of need. Being able to be comfortable and cosy without sweltering and feeling as if you're going to pass out, is a small victory in my eyes. 

Food 

Hearty, warm and wholesome meals are another reason why I really love autumn. Soups, stews, and cottage pie are some of my favourites. Nothing beats eating foods that make you feel warm within when it is sharp and cold outside. Also, cold weather means there are endless excuses for hot chocolates with all of the cream and marshmallows imaginable. 

Early Nights and Fairy Lights 

Early nights are great at the best of times, but now as darkness creeps up on the day earlier and earlier each time, I see it as even more reason to get into bed earlier. I am at my happiest when fluffy blankets and warm fairy lights are involved. 

Traditions

Bonfire night and Halloween are always days that I look forward too. Carving out pumpkins, buying all of the best sweets to give to 'trick or treater's', getting dressed up and having our faces painted is always something I will always remember from my childhood. There is such a contagious excitement that surrounds Halloween. Watching fireworks on bonfire night, especially when it is cold, and seeing the different coloured lights reflecting on people's happy faces is something I love. 

What do you love about Autumn?

Amber X