Valentine's Wish List

Hi everyone!

So tomorrow is Valentine's Day and whether you're single or madly in love, I'm pretty sure any girl wouldn't mind being spoilt with these gorgeous goodies (myself included).  Hint to your man, get something for your mom or your sister or why don't you treat yourself?  Here are my ingredients to the perfect Valentine's day:

1. Yankee candle in Red Velvet to set the mood. 
2.  J.C. Le Roux because no occasion is complete without champagne.
3.  I love... in Vanilla and Ice cream  bubble bath my goodness does this stuff smell so amazing you'll be tempted to eat the bubbles.
4.  Valentine's teddy to cuddle.
5. Ceramic travel mug for some hot chocolate.
6. Strawberry body butter for soft skin and a come hither aroma.
7. Elizabeth Arden moisturising lipstick in Electric Pink to pucker up and look super cute at the same time.
8.  Lindt ball chocolates to munch on to make the day extra sweet.


Happy Valentine's Day for tomorrow!  I hope no matter what you're doing or who you're with on the day that you spread the love all around you :)

Jasmine

 Future Miss South Africa {my sister} is taking centre stage on my blog today.  It was this glamorous creature’s matric dance on the weekend.  Don’t you think she looked beautiful?

Dear Jasmine

You are my best friend, my soul mate, my chief advisor and my pillar of strength.  You are as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside and you make us all so incredibly proud of the lady you have become.  I love you.

Xxx

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Graduation Day

For those of you that follow me on twitter you will already know that last week was my graduation.  I received my LLB cum laude and it was a very emotional experience.  It was as though a chapter in my life had closed and a new one is about to begin.  I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I do, because without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. 

Arum Lilea meets Law Degree.  (oh yes)

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Arum Lilea's Guide: What to wear for Valentine's Day

Mr Price shirt | ribbon from a fabric shop | YDE dress worn as a skirt | Michael Kors watch

Sass Diva bracelet

Stressed over finding the perfect outfit to wear for Valentine’s Day?  Never fear for an Arum Lilea Guide is near.

To begin, make sure you are comfortable.  If you’re going on a date, chances are you don’t know where you are going so you need to be prepared for anything.  Don’t wear your shortest, tightest, hottest dress if you think you might be going for a 5 course meal.  By the end of dinner you will be regretting your tight choice.  It will also be problematic if you’re surprised with a picnic and have that embarrassing realisation that your dress is too short to sit on the ground.  Rather be safe & pick something with a little more length and room to move around.

It’s a special day so why not play with a different texture of fabric.  Bring out your tulle skirt or try something with a little bit of lace for an added feminine touch.  I’m a real traditionalist when it comes to colours on Valentine's Day.  I love to see red everywhere.  This doesn’t mean you need to dress head-to-toe in it if you find it too bold.  A red belt, shoes or red nails are great ways of incorporating the colour into your outfit.  These are also perfect ways of jazzing up your perfect LBD.

Personally, I love heels.  My go-to outfit will always have heels however I have learnt from experience (my unpredictable boyfriend who loves surprising me) that they are not always practical.  A good idea would be to pack flats in your bag if your date is anything like mine.

What about make-up?  Less is more ladies.  Men don’t like it when you leave your whole face print on their shirt.  Red lips might be a very tempting way of adding the colour to your outfit, but you will regret it when your Valentine’s smooch leaves you both looking like vampires.  A touch of foundation, blush, winged eyeliner, lots of mascara and a great lipgloss will have you looking gorgeous in no time. 

As for your hair, leave it loose, add some waves and you’re ready for a perfect night out.

 

I hope these tips help!  Let me know what you think

xxx

Lilac & Blue

 Cotton On blouse | Robot skirt | Forever New bag | Europa Art shoes | Sass Diva accessories | Michael

Kors watch

Hi girls!

I celebrated my birthday for the second time in a week, this time with all my friends.  We went to Koi in Rosebank (probably my favourite restaurant) for dinner and it was such a great night.  There's nothing like being surrounded by all your closest friends.  Those are always the best nights for me, regardless of whether there is a birthday happening or not.  I'd be lost without my fabulous group of friends.  I love you all!

Hope you had a great weekend!

xxx

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Birthday Girl

Pick 'n Pay blouse | Zara jeans | Europa Art shoes | Ray-Ban sunnies | Forever New purse

Sass Diva neckace | Michael Kors watch | Tiffany & Co. necklace

Hi Girls!

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday.  It poured with rain the whole weekend but we managed to

grab these snaps.  I had such a lovely birthday.  I celebrated with my family over Sunday lunch

at the Rusty Lady in Kensington.  It's definitely worth trying lunch at that gorgeous spot.  I love

it there.  Hope you had a great weekend!

xxx

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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

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 

Love at the Lamp post

My sister was asked to her (now) boyfriend's matric dance.  She was so excited - what girl doesn't enjoy an occasion to get dressed up and have a fancy time?  None I say.  In my family we get very excited for one another and naturally we all tagged a long to see everyone looking so smart.  Doesn't my sister look gorgeous???

Happy Monday everyone!

Photos by boyfriend's mom ;)

100

This is a post to all my readers!  Thank you so much for being interested in my little blog.  It gives me such joy and its something I'm having run raising like a parent.  It's only 6 months old and I'd say we're doing okay.  What's a blog without readers and you are such wonderful ones.  Your comments are so positive and they make my day.  I read all of your comments and I try to get back to you as soon as possible.  

There's lots of room for improvement and I'm always looking for new ideas.  Is there anything you would like to see more of?  Or something you haven't seen on Arum Lilea as yet? 

Thank you so very much for the time you've spent reading my little ramblings on about life and pretty things.  I hope we have a long friendship.  Here's to you, you precious people!

xxxx

Valentine's recap



From here

From here

From here

My incredible boyfriend blew me away on Valentine's Day by whisking me off to the beautiful Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton for the special day.  The last two pictures are from our room overlooking Nelson Mandela Square.  It was a magical experience! 

Images 4,5,6,7 for Arum Lilea.

L.O.V.E.

 

From Here

From Here



From here



from here


Happy Valentine's Day!!!  I hope everyone has a loving day.  Let the people closest to you let you know how much you love them because life's short and a day we don't say could be a day we regret.  Its a happy day whether you're single or not so I hope everyone has a great time!  My post couldn't be complete without a picture of my most favourite couple.  Wonder what they're doing to celebrate?

Plans for today?  Baking a Love Cake (my Valentine's tradition).  Later?  Some mystery evening with my special person - whose birthday happens to be tomorrow.  I'm so excited and can't wait to find out what we're doing.   Does anyone have anything planned?

xxxx



As Valentine's Day is getting closer and closer I'm getting increasingly excited.  I love the day.  I don't think it matters whether you are in a relationship or not to enjoy the day. 

I went to a girls' school so you can imagine the excitement that was in the atmosphere on this day.

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Birthday Girl

Today is my birthday!  I'm 22 today.  My 21st has easily been the most incredible year of my life.  I've experienced so many learning curves and challenges, I've realised that I have the most wonderful group of friends who are so caring and supportive, I've had heartache and love and I've been able to do things in this past year that have left me bright-eyed and breathless. I have so much to be thankful for.  Thank you to all the superstars in my life.  You make my days wonderful.

 I hope 22 brings just as much excitement!

Image for Arum Lilea.