2012

This year has been remarkable.  I'm so blessed to have had such a good year.  Here are a few highlights of 2012:

1. Travelling the world great big chunks  one step at a time.  This year I've been so fortunate to have been able to travel to Thailand, Czech Republic, Austria (twice in one year), Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands.  I did this  in a series of three separate trips. I have sat in many airports, through many sleepless flights, spent many hours planning routes and booking hotels.  I experienced so many different cultures, languages, foods and people.  I can't wait to find out where 2013 will blow me to.

2.  I started this blog this year and it's been wonderful watching it grow.  I love waking up in the morning to a bunch of friendly comments from the sweetest readers which encourage me to continue blogging about my insignificant little life.  It has also been wonderful to watch other blogs grow alongside mine.  I think supporting one another so important in life and I feel so happy to see reader's blogs doing well.  Yes, I read your blogs too!

3.  I achieved the biggest accomplishment I could ever have wished  for in 2012.  I completed my LLB degree.  That's right,  I'm now a lawyer.  I love the quote that you can never be overdressed or over-educated.  The anxiety, stress, hours and hours (and hours) of studying, the tears, the panic was all worth it in the end.  I owe a HUGE thank you to my support system.  These people saw me through every step of the way and believe me it wasn't pretty.  My friends and family are the pillar of strength that I am able to stand on.

4.  International travel has already been mentioned but I live in the most beautiful country in the world, South Africa.  I don't have to travel far to have my mind blow by landscape and scenery.  This year I've spent time in Cape Town in all it's glory.  I've been on safari in Pafuri, a private concession of the Kruger Park.  I have hiked through (21km of) Champagne Castle in the Drakensburg.  I've sipped wine in Magaliesburg and bellinis in Umhlanga, Kwa-Zulu Natal.  To anyone who has never been to Africa or, more specifically, South Africa, get your passport out and get moving already!!!

5.  I watched my little sister grow into a gorgeous young lady.  I often talk about my sister (here and here) probably because my life would be incomplete without her.  Thanks, Jasmine for being so willing to help me plan outfits and for your constant inspiration. You have blossomed this year, inside and out.

6.  I've found that I have a love for great tailoring and great collars this year.  I predict 2013 will have many more posts on both.  I love sophisticated glamour and throwing in a pop of colour so watch this space for more.

7.  While I'm slowly expanding my social networking skills, throughout this year I've been exploring these.  You can now follow Arum Lilea on GFC, Bloglovin', Chictopia, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and (I'm most excited about this one) Instagram.  All the links can be found on the right or with the name Arum Lilea.

Thank you to my wonderful readers for leading me on this interesting path.  A blog is nothing without its readers, so without you there would be absolutely no reason to carry on.  I wish you all the very best for 2013.  May you have a safe New Years celebration surrounded by all those dear to you and may all your wildest dreams for 2013 start unfolding before your eyes.

xxx

Pretty Pastels

 Cotton On top | Mr Price skirt and necklace | Forever New bag | Sass Diva bracelets | Michael Kors watch
H&M shoes

Hi Everyone!

I'm still spending time on holiday with my family at our beach house.  Grant took me out for a special night of cocktails and dinner at the Oyster Box hotel in Umhlanga and it was the most wonderful night.  I highly recommend it if you're in the area.  The weather has been so beautiful here and, bar minor sunburn, I seem to be catching a tan. 

xxx

Read more »

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!  I hope you are all having a wonderful festive season.

I'm spending this time with my family and eating way too much delicious food.

I hope you have a special time with those most important to you too.

Love from Team Arum Lilea

xxx 

Salzburg, Austria

Thought I'd share a few snaps from Salzburg with you.  I could have spent a lifetime staring at the gorgeous view and listening to the church bells chiming.  It was delightful!

I'm leaving to our family beach house tomorrow so within the same week I will have gone from snow to sun and sand.  I can't wait to spend some time with my family out on that side of the world.

xxx

What to get her

Christmas stocking by Arum Lilea 

Red shirt, | J.Crew cotton sleepwear | Knee length socks, | Ruby shoes |  Prada eyewear | Bobbi Brown Cosmetics cream eyeshadow | Carolina Herrera perfume | Hot Tools curling iron | Essie nail polish | La Maison du Chocolat Coffret Maison Chocolate Set | Dot  Travel Mug Red With Silicone Lid


Hi lovelies

I've arranged an assortment of goodies that I'm sure most girls would love to find under the Christmas tree on Christmas day.  I may or may not have a few of these goodies on my personal wishlist.  

I love Carolina Herrera's perfume!  Just opening the bottle gives off the effect of a happy potion.  I think every girl needs a great curling iron.  Mine gets a lot of use!  Winter PJs and slippers are always a great present.  I really like these cute velvet ones with bows.  I also love really cute socks so why not buy a fun seasonal pair!

I hope this helps you find great presents for the special ladies of your life.  Don't you just love this festive time of year?

xxx

Winter Wonderland

Hi lovely ladies!

I'm back from the most amazing winter holiday filled with Christmas lights and markets, gluwein, hot chocolate and lots and lots of snow. Here are a few snap from my trip to Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria - perhaps you've seen it on Pinterest.

xxxx

Read more »