Year: 2016

THE ART OF UNDERSTATED PARTY WEAR & NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Seeing Off 2016 In Style

Well today officially marks the end of 2016, and I thought what better way to see off the year than with one of my favourite posts and shoots of the year, and a little New Years party wear inspiration to boot. When it came to relaunching my blog last month, a key focus of the new era of mediamarmalade was to make every post feel super special, the best quality it could be and as inspiring or informative as it could be.

Whether that was informative and helpful careers and blogging tips for you, aspirational and useful travel editorials, or simply inspiring style features. I wanted every post to feel valuable to you, and something I could be proud of.

And one very important element of every piece of content I produce on here is of course the photography, I spend so much time, effort and energy trying to create the best visual stories I can, the most original photography to match my editorials, I wanted to only ever feature something I was proud of.

So when it came to relaunching my site, I wanted to create some editorials shot in my favourite land marks, showcasing my favourite pieces, and shared at the perfect moment. This understated party look was made for New Years. Shot on Westminster bridge, a bridge I cross by taxi at night more often than I should (and one of my favourite sites at night along with the National History museum), and a bridge that come New Years eve is one of the most magical spots in the world.

What better place to share a little New Years style inspiration, and what better way to see off 2016 in style.

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Setting Goals For The Year Ahead …

New Years is always such a pertinent time of the year, an opportunity to reflect on the fortunes of the year gone and a chance to set goals and ambitions for the year ahead. I’ve already shared my thoughts on both here, but whether you celebrate the moment or not, I always feel it’s the perfect time to embrace learnings and kick start your year ahead, and of course setting some SMART goals each year is key (you can have a look at my 2016 goals here, shockingly similar to the below – i’m a working project you see). For me my New Years Resolutions fall into three super clear areas:

1. My Health

My health is something i’ve taken for granted, why wouldn’t you when all is well, but it’s something i’ve begun to value more and more this year as my health has become more of an issue and something I now know needs a little more care. I’ve decided its time I look after myself, my health and my wellness as much as my career and goals as the new year comes. So aside from looking after myself and ensuring I don’t put my conditions under any more stress than necessary, I also just want to help my body feel strong and healthy again. And if that means actually doing exercise, then so be it.

Goals: Get active at least twice a week. Get back to my happy weight. Leave work on time when the opportunity arises. Keep on top of my health & don’t suffer.

2. My Career

I’ve always been a driven and ambitious person, and i’m old enough to know and acknowledge how much i’ve achieved for my age, and finally brave enough to say well done to myself. But despite all that’s been achieved, this year is the year I want to secure my next promotion, and on top of that really future proof my side hustle, mediamarmalade.com. Because ultimately one day I’d like to run my own business with my consultancy & content passions and experience combined.

Goals: Make it to managing partner by July. Secure a regular income on mediamarmalade.com with regular collaborations. Attend more events & say yes to more opportunities.

3. Buy A House

Its not often I talk about the day to day on here, but Jase and I have been together for 9 years in May, we love our home in West London dearly, but both of us would love to buy our own house this year and put Jase’s profession to some good use (he’s an architect). We’re keeping a beady eye on the market, but it’s fair to say my penchant for designer bags will take a slight pause whilst all our pennies are saved towards a little home we can truly call our own.

Goals: Start making serious savings each month so when the right property arises we’re ready to go. Be Patient.

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SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU SET SMART RESOLUTIONS

. How To Set Achievable New Years Resolutions . How To Define And Achieve Your Blogging Goals . Blog Tips: How To Set Goals . Finding A Better Life Balance In 2017 .

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SHOP MY NEW YEARS STYLE EDIT

. ASOS CASHMERE SWEATER . ASOS SILK WRAP SKIRT . ZARA PUMPS (ALTERNATIVE) . CHANEL BOY BAG (ALTERNATIVE) .

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Happy New Years

And of course on top of these are to cherish my passions even more than normal, travelling, photography, and most importantly seeing and spending quality time with my friends and family. Starting off with tonights celebrations, a casual affair with close friends and Jase, popping fizz and calling my loved ones when midnight strikes. All whilst wearing this understated yet innately chic look; a statement silk skirt with my cosiest cashmere sweat. Oh and Lady Chanel of course too.

I’d love to hear about your new years goals and how you’ll be celebrating the New Year?

December 31, 2016
MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS OF 2016

From Me, To You. My Favourite & Most Recommended Skincare Products …

So as 2016 is coming to an end, and my beauty cabinet is inevitably starting to run out, I thought it would be the perfect moment to do a little wrap up of the skincare products i’ve been loving and using this year, and will be taking with me into 2017 too. It’s not often I share my skincare and beauty posts with you all, i’m no skincare or beauty expert that’s for sure, but when it’s something I love or something I feel you would love too, I always like to share my learnings & experiences. Just like in my favourite beauty product round up earlier this year.

And these products (as you can tell from the empty bottles) have been my ‘go to’ products throughout the year and come highly recommended by yours truly.

My skin is notoriously tricky these days (I was a lucky teen with flawless skin, but have suffered with bouts of adult acne since I was about 26), so finding products that keep my combination skin clear, my breakouts at bay, and my blemishes hidden is no easy feat.

But like I said, don’t give up when it comes to skincare because there is literally something out there for everyone. Patience is key.

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MY FAVOURITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS OF 2016

Cleanse & Tone

Elemis Nourishing Cleansing Oil

I wasn’t sure any cleanser could come close to my all time favourite Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm, but I have to say the nourishing Omea- Rich cleansing oil (another one from Elemis) has been an incredible alternative. The Elemis cleansing range converted me to oils and balms back in 2014 and I’m yet to try one of theirs I don’t love, it makes face washing super easy and luxurious, not to mention leaves my skin feeling thoroughly soft and hydrated, something I don’t get with many other cleansing products.

Elemis BIOTEC Skin Energising Cleanser

Since converting to oils and balms back in 2014, I haven’t really used many traditional face washes but the Elemis biotic skin cleanser was a relied on favourite during the summer months this year and a good alternative to the oils I usually use.

Dr Houschka Facial Toner

Being rather novice in the skincare game, a cleanse and routine is not something i’ve particularly embraced, in fact most nights I fall asleep with my makeup on (shocking i know) but when I treated myself to a few Dr Houschka skincare products earlier this year I became obsessed with the smell of the facial toner, so the pure luxurious smell has encouraged me to start toning my face a little more. Most the time I just give a few spritz after I’ve cleansed.

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Skin Imperfections

La Roche Posay Effaclar A.I

La Roche Posay is a brand i’ve relied on for blemish solutions for a long time (I shared my experience in detail back here if you remember), after having the effaclar range recommended to me when my breakouts first started happening, i’ve been buying into the brand ever since. Of course there’s no instant miracle cure, but I find the Effaclar A.I a soft but effective treatment cream (it certainly reduces inflammation without burning the skin like more specialist products).

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

Alongside the A.I treatment, I also rely on the afflaclar duo as an all over blemish soothing moisturiser. I don’t use this product everyday, but when I’m suffering a bad bout of spots I’ll swap this product into my routine as opposed to my other moisture products.

Pan Oxyl Spot Cream

I’ve tried many a spot product over the years, both branded treatments and behind the counters as well as some random products from chemists in France and Turkey (I like to give it all a go), but it was my local chemist who recommended the Pan Oxyl spot cream to me earlier this year, and it’s the most effective treatment yet. Much like the prescription cream Duac, the Pan Oxyl spot cream totally strips back the skin and dries the skin and effected area entirely. It reduces inflamed areas & dries spots in just a few days, but as with any acne treatment product it does give a chemical peel type affect. So be prepared for lots of dry skin.

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Moisurise

Elemis BIOTEC Day & Night Cream

When it comes to moisturisers I swap and change a lot, i’m not sure if this is a good thing or not but I tend to have three or four on the go at anyone time, and I pick and choose dependent on my mood and how my skin is feeling. Probably two of my favourite moisture products this year have been the Elemis biotic day and night cream, I used these religiously until they ran out (I need to pick myself up some more) and loved the routine they encouraged me to commit to, and also how fresh and energised they left my skin feeling and looking.

Elemis Pro Collagen Day Cream

Another firm favourite of mine, and one I use on a daily basis is my Pro collagen day cream from Elemis, another one of their products that has totally stolen my heart. This cream is IT, it’s probably my number one favourite moisturiser, thick in texture, yet so easily absorbed and leaves my skin feeling like it’s had a proper pamper. You pay for what you get with this moisturiser, for me it’s worth every penny.

Dr Houschka Melissa Cream

I bought myself the Dr Houschka Melissa Cream for one reason, it’s my name. haha, easily sold me. The product smelt like a dream and was something I used daily until it ran out, but in hindsight I realised this cream was making my face excessively oily and not sitting with my makeup well. I loved it a lot, but isn’t one I’ll re-buy as i’m not sure its good for oily skin types.

Elemis SOS Cream

Another rather oily number, but a miracle cream for those dry winter skin days is the Elemis SOS cream, this moisturiser is so thick and oily it’s like a treatment for your skin on those days or months when your skin is just feeling and looking dry and dull. I use this on a one off basis when my skin really needs it and for those post spot treatment dry skin periods.

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A few more for luck

Cowshed Moody Cow Room Spray

I’m obsessed with this room spray, obviously not a skincare product particularly, but it’s a vital part of my evening skincare routine. Once i’ve cleansed and moisturised like a good girl, I give my pillows a good few squirts of this Cowshed Moody Cow spray and it’s just like being in a spa.

Kiels Dark Spot Solution & Kiels Midnight Recovery Oil

I’ve shared my Kiels products with you before, but two products I am keen to get more use out of in 2017 is the midnight recovery oil (I currently have two bottles ready and waiting to be used) and the dark spot solution serum which is meant to do wonders for dark marks and scarring. I bought this in the airport over a year ago, but i’m starting to use it every night before I go to bed now to help with my skin recovery. I’ll keep you posted.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser

A classic product thats come back into my life recently is the Clinique dramatically different moisturiser. Clinique was a firm favourite growing up and I still love their products now (their blemish solutions kit is excellent and I frequently use the moisture serge eye cream and their makeup products) , the dramatically different moisturiser is an all time classic and I’m already loving using it again, plus the pump bottle is just so simple.

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MY SKINCARE FAVOURITES

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So there you have it, a pretty big round up of my favourite skincare products of the last 12 months. I’m relatively loyal to the brands I know and love, I trust their products and find no matter what products I use they’re always effective and good for my skin. All of these products are ones I use day in and day out and find most suited to my skin. If you fancy seeing more of my tried and trusted beauty favourites then have a little nosy over here.

I’d love to know if you use and love any of these, and if there are any products you’ve particularly loved this year & recommend I try?

December 29, 2016
WHY YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS A JUMPSUIT

A New Take On Winter Wear. The Jumpsuit.

It may be the depths of Winter in the UK right now, but as far as winters go, this one’s been pretty mild and with so many of my favourite bloggers living overseas, winter as a fashion blogger doesn’t necessarily mean just cosy coats & black boots anymore. So with Autumn temperatures holding on tight, I thought why not give my knitwear a little rest and showcase something a little more summer inspired. And not only that, a little something that would work perfectly for a new years house party …

SHOP MY LOOK

. ASOS FLORAL JUMPSUIT (SIMILAR) . ZARA PUMPS . CHLOE HAYLEY . KAREN WALKER SUNNIES .

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This jumpsuit was something I actually picked up pre Christmas for my trip to Thailand, it’s one of those versatile pieces that works for summer holidays, everyday weekend wear or even dressed up for evenings out or those special occasions. And that’s why every wardrobe needs a jumpsuit, they’re versatile, sophisticated, comfortable & if anything an undeniably classic number that can be styled for any and every occasion.

With new years around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to showcase this particular number & also a great opportunity to browse the best of the high streets jumpsuits (and boy there are so many I want). My new years will be spent with a few friends, BBQ’ing & making home brew cocktails at home, and so an ensemble like this one is the ideal option. And as soon as 10pm strikes I can kick off these hills and swap them for my UGG slippers! ideal.

Are you a jumpsuit coveter? What are your New Years plans, do you have your outfit sorted?

December 27, 2016
5 INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Christmas Traditions; The Perfect Festive Weekend

When it comes to Christmas I’m a creature of habit, habits formed over almost 30 years are so engrained that each year our Christmas traditions happen without a seconds thought or hesitation. Of course the festivities really begin on the arrival of the Christmas markets, the annual work party, the putting up of the Christmas tree & the start of the (never ending) Christmas shopping.

But for me, it’s when I leave London and drive home for Christmas that I really start to get in the festive spirit.

For me each Christmas is spent at home in Winchester and every boxing day with my dad and Jase in London, before we begin our annual tour of the South West squeezing in as much time with our friends and family as possible. This year the festive break is a little shorter than normal, but even still I managed to drive home Thursday to get the festivities started.

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5 INGREDIENTS FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

The Last of The Christmas Shopping

It doesn’t matter how prepared or planned I think i’ll be, each Christmas I always have a mad rush to get all my gifts finished each year. This year most my shopping was done online, but there’s always the few extra things I like to pick up back home in Winchester, and it’s almost become tradition to leave a little until the end. Yesterday Lily and I went into town to pick up our final few bits and there’s just something about the town at that time of year that really gets me ready for Christmas.

Christmas Eve Wrapping

Every year I leave my Christmas wrapping until Christmas Eve, I like to lay all my presents out in the lounge, with a baileys in hand and my favourite Christmas movies rolling on repeat (queue Elf, The Grinch, The Holiday and Home Alone), and spend a good few hours lovingly wrapping them all up. It’s actually one of my favourite traditions and there’s nothing better than doing it all in one big go and seeing all your gifts ready to be put under the tree.

Festive Cocktails

I’m a cocktail fan at the best of times, but when it comes to Christmas aside from the fizz and wine that gets consumed on mass, there are two retro cocktails that we always have on hand. Baileys on the rocks, Gluewien and the 70’s favourite, The Snowball. These drinks are something we always have on Christmas eve and Christmas day itself and they just sum up festive drinking in my mind. There’s nothing better than having a few festive drinks on Christmas Eve whilst everyones snuggled up watching the Christmas favourites.

The Christmas Spread

Now of course we know Christmas is more than just presents and celebrations, but my goodness, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the annual festive spread and feast that rolls out each year. From our annual party tea on Christmas Eve (queue all the best party food you can think of), to the salmon, eggs & fizz on Christmas day, followed by the infamous Christmas dinner & evening supper (more party food please), to our boxing day feast with canapés & fizz for presents, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and a ham for supper. It’s really quite the banquet Christmas, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Loved Ones

And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without being surrounded by your loved ones. Whether they’re with you on the day or not, Christmas is the time to share the love! I love that the festive period and Christmas brings everyone together. It’s the most critical Ingredient for the perfect Christmas.

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As for me the Christmas shopping is done, Harry Potter is rolling on the TV, my baileys is poured and i’m about to tackle the Christmas wrapping head on! Bliss. I’d love to hear about your Christmas traditions & how you’ll be spending your festive break this year?

Merry Christmas

December 24, 2016
FINDING A BETTER LIFE BALANCE IN 2017

Finding Balance, In More Than Just Your Wardrobe & Bank Account.

When it comes to balance in your life, it’s not just about balancing colours and monochrome, or designer shoes with your bank balance, balance is so much more than that. Balancing work and life, friends & family, health & fitness, wellbeing & career, money & socialising … balance is one of those never ending quests in life.

As we start to think about wrapping up 2016, my mission to balance my work and life, my health and happiness with everything else life throws at you feels more important than ever.

As it stands 2016 has been a real mixed bag, full of wonderful life & career highs (like travelling to Thailand & relaunching my blog, to presenting at Cannes Lions, winning a multi million pound piece of business and having some incredible blog collaborations to celebrate) but balanced with the usual health and wellbeing struggles I always have. But this year shit got a little more real as I faced some health issues that i’d been ignoring through being ‘too busy’ to make time to visit a Dr. (i’m fine, fear not).

So as the new year draws ever closer, so does the opportunity to find that balance i’m sure we all seek every year (at some point we do have to start looking after ourselves you know) and what better time to begin than the official start of the Christmas Holidays …

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SHOP THE STYLE

. JIGSAW COAT (SIMILAR) . ASOS CASHMERE JUMPER (SIMILAR) . ZARA RIPPED KNEE JEANS (SIMILAR) . RUSSELL & BROMLEY LOAFERS . CHLOE HAYLEY .

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The Christmas holidays tends to be the only time of year we all truly stop to take a break, if you’re anything like me holidays are always working trips (when everyone else is still working at 120mph its hard to truly switch off) and weekends are the opportune time to do my blog as well as cram in spending time with all my nearest and dearest. The point is, there’s no rest for the wicked right?

I saw a post Lucy wrote recently about how being a workaholic is almost a badge of honour these days, and I can’t help but agree. My commitment to work and my drive to achieve the best in my career and run a successful blog is great, admirable perhaps & certainly well respected, but it’s fair to say i’ve sacrificed my health and wellbeing in my quest for success! And there’s nothing great, admirable or respected about that. But this year has caused me to rethink a little, yes id like to be MD if not CEO one day and yes I’d like my blog to grow & achieve the same successes I see others getting (a bad goal I know), but i’d also like to feel healthy, happy & spend more time enjoying life itself this year.

“Don’t get so busy making a living, so that you forget to make a life”

So as well as focussing on balancing my savings with my shopping addictions (easier said than done my friends), my ever growing bag collection with my shrinking wardrobe space (as much as I love my bag collection, my own house wouldn’t be a bad investment either), my quest to travel with my ambitions for my two full time jobs (my career & my blog aren’t the simplest of things to juggle), i’m also going to be more committed to balancing my health, my wellbeing and my happiness too (that work hard play hard ethos I’ve talked about before and a goal I talk about every year but never quite deliver on). Because after all, whats more important than health & happiness.

Have you mastered that work life balance in your life? Have you set yourself any life goals for 2017?

December 23, 2016
THE ULTIMATE LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE (FOR HIM & HER)

Your Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide. For Him. For Her. You’re Welcome!

Twas the weak before Christmas, and all hell had breaketh loose, for her Christmas shopping was stilleth not complete. As she went to bed that night she prayed, ‘lord help me, what on earth shall I buy my loved ones this year?’ (or something like that anyway) …

And just like that, her prayer was answered with this ulmighty last minute Christmas gift guide.

Because if you’re anything like me, each year ends with the kick, bollocks, scramble to get all those pressies, bought, wrapped and tucked away under the tree ready for Christmas morning. It doesn’t matter if i have tons of ideas, or non at all, Christmas shopping is always a somewhat last minute affair. But fear not, over the years I’ve found benefit in shopping last minute and haven’t yet missed that last Christmas delivery.

So without further ado, here is your ultimate last minute Christmas gift guide, packed with things for him and for her, that you can buy online, in store and that regardless of your shopping preference, will hopefully spark some last minute Christmas present inspiration if you’re a little stuck for ideas.

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FOR HER

Shopping for the lady in your life can be tricky, whether it’s the designer taste or the lady who has everything, but this Christmas there’s tons of must have treats, luxury gifts and wonderful surprises you can pop under the tree. From her favourite scents & beauty products, to those ‘it’ books & luxury foodie treats, or to the blogger favourite camera. Have a browse & get inspired.

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FOR HIM

Shopping for the man in your life can feel repetitive year on year, those socks & his favourite whisky always go down well, but sometimes you want to get a little something different. This years gift guide is for those men in your life who would love to get spoiled once in a while, even though they ask for socks & slippers each year.

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MORE INSPIRATION?

If you need more inspiration then check out our shop pages & why not browse his & her favourite stores? Most stores guarantee delivery for Christmas on orders made up until midnight tomorrow, with some even offering delivery until 23rd. And the benefit of being so last minute is many of the stores below already have 30% and 50% sales on … Happy Shopping.

. THE WHITE COMPANY . MATCHES FASHION . NET A PORTER . MR PORTER . JOHN LEWIS . ASOS .

. SELFRIDGES . URBAN OUTFITTERS . ANTHROPOLOGIE . KATE SPADE . OLIVER BONAS .

December 19, 2016
PARADISE: KOH YAO NOI

The Paradise, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

The final leg of our Thailand trip was spent on the Island of Koh Yao Noi. We wanted to end our adventure with 4 nights somewhere relaxing, tranquil and a little set aside from the rest of Thailand, and Koh Yao Noi offered just that.

After travelling back from Khao Sok National Park we hopped on a private boat transfer with a local at a tiny little boat port in Krabi, and whizzed across to the beautiful island of Koh Yao Noi. The transfer took around 30 minutes, and as with any island commute in Thailand, was just the perfect chance to see more of the countries beauty and generally catch a little sunshine on route. We spent four nights staying at the Paradise, a beautiful secluded island resort surrounded by jungle and beautiful white sand beaches (expect to see lizards and flying squirrels ‘strolling’ around the grounds).

The resort was true to its name, a little taste of paradise, with nothing more to do than relax, swim, play beach games and enjoy the very regular happy hours that the hotel beach bars put on.

The resort is staffed largely by island locals, so whilst you’re staying in luxury, it feels very authentic too, which I personally loved. If you’re looking for some down time, the perfect spot to truly unwind and relax, and a chilled out slice of luxury on your trip to Asia or Thailand, then Paradise comes highly recommended.

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The resort was definitely one of our more upmarket stays, and along with The Racha was a real treat during our travels. Jase and I booked into one of their more deluxe rooms with it’s own plunge pool and we couldn’t have been happier with our base for the week (we paid £800 for 4 nights so definitely one of Thailands more expensive hotels, but a third of the price of Racha & also the islands other luxury hotel The Six Senses). Much like most of Thailands upmarket hotels all the stops are pulled out. But one of my favourite things abut our room in Paradise, was our outdoor bathroom overlooking the bay, with it’s own plunge pool, chill out area, including a sweet rope swing which made it all the more special.

Our days were relaxed and routine, we started of course with a yummy breakfast on the beach front, which was regularly followed by lazy snoozes on the beach front before our midday smoothies and lunch on the beach. One morning we took a thai massage on the beach front which was glorious. As afternoon fell so did the beach games, from badminton to boules, the loser of which was first to get the happy hour rounds in. The evenings were spent relaxing in the beach bar before a tasty dinner in the resorts main restaurant (a real mix of thai and western food to choose from). Our stay was low key, relaxing and certainly everything we had hoped for. The Paradise Resort was the perfect sampler of Thailands relatively untouched, authentic paradise.

Are you planning a trip to Thailand or Asia soon? Have you enjoyed my Thailand travel edits? If you’ve missed any of them then be sure to catch up on all my travel edits here.

December 18, 2016
FIVE SIMPLE WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR HOME THIS WINTER

My Top Five Tips To Refresh Your Home This Winter

As a fully fledged adult these days, home decor has become quite a big part of my life. It’s not something I all that often share with you here on mediamarmalade, but as I start to give my home a little revamp after three years of being settled, I thought i’d share some of my tips, decor inspiration and ideas with you too. And as timing would have it, Jase and I are also looking to buy a house with potential renovation involved (he’s an architect so we may as well maximise the talent), so this little segment could become an even bigger part of ye old blog in the future. But for now, when starting afresh or total renovation isn’t quite on the cards, I wanted to share some of my top tips & simple ways to refresh your home and give it a touch of ‘newness’ for the season ahead.

It doesn’t have to cost thousands and thousands, and you don’t need to move house to make your home feel all new and exciting again.

So whether you currently rent a flat or house, are a fully fledged home owner, are a new buyer, or simply looking for a little inspiration, hopefully these tips will inspire you to make some small updates to your abode, and help you find quick and simple ways to refresh your home this winter.

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FIVE TIPS TO HELP YOU GIVE YOUR HOME A REFRESH THIS WINTER

Get Your ‘KonMarie’ On

Okay first things first, and this one’s free, sometimes the biggest difference can come from simply giving your house a total, top to bottom, spring clean. Marie Kondo has inspired a generation of KonMarie converts (the life changing magic of tidying if you’ve not yet discovered this wondrous way of living), and I have to say, whilst I’m not folding my socks into an army of soldiers, the feeling of liberation that comes with giving your home a total overhaul is second to none. Earlier this year I stripped the entire apartment, from the cupboards I’d hoarded and hidden things in for three years, to the shit i’d forgotten about under my bed, and I was absolutely ruthless. Do i need it, do i use it, would someone else benefit from this? I cleared so much out and felt absolutely incredible afterwards, not only that I was able to donate so many bits to charity and to family & friends.

And of course the best thing about a top to bottom tidy, is that you can start building your home back up afterwards, finding new homes for things and new ways to organise your belongings. And what comes with clearing out, is the excuse to invest in new things …

Small Touches

Which leads me very neatly to the ‘small touches’ trick. I am a constant updater of my home rather than a once a decade overhaul (my Pinterest boards are constantly inspiring my home updates), and so investing in little bits for my home is one of my favourite things to do. Most recently, for the winter season i’ve added some incredible pieces from Amara Living to my home. You don’t need to replace your entire home to make things look different and new, sometimes small touches can make all the difference.

Simple things like my new tibetan sheep skin blush pink Amara cushions (I have this one & this one) in my bedroom & in the lounge, which gives both rooms just a lovely warmth and sense of hygge. To the new sheepskin rug i’ve added in the hallway and combined with some of my favourite prints & a DIY IKEA footstooll, all of which is very simple but makes walking into the house feel so much more welcoming & luxe. I always admire homes with styled and purposeful corners and hallways, and giving my own hallway this little bit of decor makes it feel far more exciting than simply a plain old corridor. And on top of that, i’ve changed our hallway lighting to match the scandi vibes & black trim of our prints with the Amara Vinti Pagoda Pendant Light. All super simple updates, but that generally have given each room a new slightly luxe and cosy upgrade.

A Lick Of Paint

Last year Jase took the time to paint our walls a bespoke slightly soft duck egg come grey colour, the change in wall colour from magnolia to something more bespoke, clean and warm made such a difference to our home. And more than that everything now feels very colour coordinated, with the dark tones of our furniture with the duck egg tones of the accessories, all finished off with wonderful pops of blush red & pink. My Amara cushions work so well with the wall colour it makes everything just come together, and i have to say giving your home some fresh paint and colour will make it feel brand new without needing to move home. It can seem like a daunting task, but if you take on each room one at a time, you can probably do your lounge, kitchen and bedroom in a weekend alone.

Recycle & Rearrange

As a child I used to rearrange my room at least once a month. It was the odd Saturday or Sunday when I started to feel the need to give things a tidy and change up, i’d draw out my room and shuffle things around to see how it could all work together. I’d spend hours and hours and hours moving things and rearranging everything, and by the end i felt like I had a totally new bedroom. And whilst a house is a slightly bigger thing to juggle, to this day I still constantly look at ways to shift things around to make it feel new or a better use of the space.

Take my Fortnum and Mason hamper for example, this is an item i’ve had since i was about 6 years old, first off it was my toy box, it soon then became a bedside table, most recently it was a storage box for our bed wear, but as part of my new season spruce up, i’ve reinvented the box once more. Now it acts as a stand alone unit in our bedroom (still stuffed to the brim with bedding), simply throwing a shearling rug onto & piling on my books & candles, it is a feature in it’s own right now. Delivering both style and function.

Statement Pieces

And finally, if you’re really feeling motivated to give things a fresh look this season, then investing in some new furniture is another great way of making your home feel different and new without having to move entirely. Whether it’s a new sofa (i’m obsessed with getting a velvet sofa right now), new blinds, that bed you’ve wanted for ages (please santa), or a new coffee table, statement furniture can refresh the aesthetics of your home considerably. Most recently Jase and I invested in an armchair for our lounge, I wanted to create a cute snug in the corner of our lounge as a place to sit and read, and generally just chill out. The armchair was a small investment relatively speaking but completely changed the feel of our otherwise quite plain book shelves & an empty corner of the room.

Next on my hit list is this incredible fur bean bag … i mean how cosy!

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SHOP MY HOME REFRESH EDIT

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So there you have it, five very simple home update tips and tricks, that can be as cheap or expensive as you like, but that can very easily make your home feel very new, fresh and exciting again. If you’re in the mood for a little home updates then shop my edits above and I can’t recommend Amara Living enough for some luxe home furnishings & decor inspiration, I’m so grateful for them supporting this feature with me today and kicking starting my home decor series.

Do you have any tricks to help you keep your home a refresh this winter?

December 15, 2016
TRIED & TESTED WINTER OUTFITS

Tried & Tested Winter Outfits

Dressing in the winter takes some mastering, we talked about the challenges of dressing in the British winter here and whether its mastering your festive party wear, creating chic office work looks or simply defining your off duty style, winter style requires that little extra effort. After all you need to stay warm, stay chic and stay comfy.

I’ve shared many a winter outfit in my style archives over the years, but it’s fair to say that it’s the off duty ones that get recycled the most.

This outfit is a classic off duty look of mine, a pair of slightly worn and relaxed mom jeans (these are a Zara number but Topshop are the Queens of the MOM fit), a cosy knit jumper (this blush pink knit is from Jigsaw AW15), a full length wool coat (mines an old season Missguided number the items such a classic they have AW16 versions now too), finished off with a chic pump or loafer (these Chanel Dupes are a real find, i’ve shared some below that you can buy too) & my designer love affair of the moment (Lady Chloe).

It’s a look I rely on year after year, with only a few small tweaks, updates or changes to an otherwise tried and tested winter outfit.

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SHOP THE LOOK

MISSGUIDED COAT (NEW SEASON) . ZARA MOM JEANS (SIMILAR & SIMILAR) . JIGSAW KNITTED JUMPER (NEW SEASON) . ZARA PUMPS (SIMILAR & CHANEL VERSION & SIMILAR). CHLOE HAYLEY BAG .

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When it comes to running errands at the weekend or spending hours hunting for the perfect Christmas presents, this fail safe ensemble is always my go to. It’s timeless, comfortable and still looks chic which is ultimately what I’m looking for in my everyday winter style. And seeing as this weekend is going to be packed with last minute Christmas gift buying you can expect to see me running around London looking slightly flustered but sporting a look pretty much exactly like this.

What’s your tried and tested winter style?

December 14, 2016