Daily Outfit: The Rose of Winterfell

The snow came falling down a couple weeks ago much to my delight as I absolutely love snow. There's just something incredibly calming about the way snow falls, it's so graceful and seems to bring a sense of peace and beauty to our landscape, so I decided to join in on the blogger fun and take advantage of its brief visit to play dress up.

Iceland was the last time I wore this outfit and although I very rarely wear Lolita fashion now, having parted with most my wardrobe, I find that because of all the layers it's really suitable for the cold weather. After admiring the fashion for many years this dress from Princess Doll was actually the first Lolita dress I ever bought and remains to be one of my most favourite designs.

These Dr Martens Darcie boots are perfect for frolicking in the snow, believe it or not I've found Ugg boots are pretty much useless outdoors in cold snowy weather and even though these Darcie boots have a heel they have a pretty good grip on the ice and they keep your feet nice and dry which is a must if you're ankle deep in snow!

♥ Cape/Coat - Topshop
♥ Dress - Princess Doll
♥ Shoes - Dr Martens
♥ Fur Stole - Vintage
♥ Floral Crown - Beau xoxo

Snowflakes & Winter Roses

Cate

xoxo

5 Handmade Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

I think Valentine's Day is a great excuse to get crafty but don't worry if you're not that skilled even making a cute card to give to your sweetheart is a beautiful gesture, so you're looking for some ideas, running out of time or just can't find that perfect gift then check out these great handmade gift ideas.

Valentines Crochet Necklace

The added details of gold thread used in the heart gives it that extra sparkle and I love the addition of the arrow, this is a truly beautiful necklace and the perfect gift for your sweetheart.

Bomb Diggy Valentines Bath Bomb

Baths can be so relaxing and romantic so I don't think you can go wrong with some great smelling bath bombs, whether you use it before your big date to get you in the mood or for a romantic night in this one has an added hint of Ylang Ylang a popular aphrodisiac *wink*

Red Heart Patched Leggings

You guys already know I'm pretty much "hearts on everything" type of person so I thought these legging were adorable and simple gift idea which you could even try making yourself.

4 Hand Stamped Rings

Rings have become that universal symbol of love and I adore the idea of personalising them and being able to share something that can also be worn as one, it reminds me of those friendship necklaces I used to have with my school friends, so cute.

Icelandic Soy Wax Candle

Iceland is a country that has stolen my heart and candles always make wonderful gifts which can be very romantic to, there's nothing quite like that soft candlelight glow to get you in the mood for love.

Love & Cupcakes

Cate

xoxo

Things That Make You Go Oooooo (January 2013)

A new year is upon us and the first month is already over how has your 2013 been so far? I feel like 2013 hasn't really started for me yet as I'm still feeling the effects of 2012, I haven't even thought about what I'd like to accomplish this year! I am slowly starting to get into the right frame of mind as there's so much great advice out there so check out these links for some inspiration.

♥ Make 2013 The Beast Year Ever - Love these resolutions and have already started to introduce a few into my daily life and you should to!

♥ 7 Things To Remember When People Don't Support You

♥ Beat the Freshman 15 - Even if you're not starting college this year these tips are great for everyone and sure to keep you healthy.

♥ Being Kind - I love this story about random acts of kindness, a small thing can brighten someone's day and I think we should all make an effort to be more kind to each other.

♥ The Pressure To Be Naturally Perfect

♥ Superfoods - I haven't been as healthy as I've wanted to this month but I've decided that February I'm going to get back on the health train so I will definitely be trying these out!

♥ Candid Thoughts On Ethically Produced Clothing - This is definitely something that has been on my mind for a few years now and one of the reasons I've changed my shopping habits. I love supporting independent and handmade designers even if they cost slightly more especially because I'm part of that community and the fact that bigger brands are starting to make that change to is amazing!

♥ Time To Chose Your Own Adventure For 2013

♥ 10 Ways To Get Your Creative Juices Flowing - These are some great tips, every so often I find myself in a creative rut but I find once I unplug and have a bit of "me time" my brain is full of ideas again!

♥ Good Ideas Take Time - This is so true and there are some really great tips here which actually work, sometimes you just have to take a break to come at something with new eyes.

♥ Work, Life And Side Projects

♥ Buy Nothing New For A Month - Sometimes I feel like I want to throw out everything I own and just live clutter free so I'm loving these tips although some of them are only relevant to Austraila I'm sure we can all take something useful away from it.

♥ How To Optimize Your Instagram - I've been kinda confused about what to do with my Instagram (and Facebook) lately after all the "changes" they announced so these tips offer up some great advice for creating a place that's interesting and appealing.

♥ What Kind Of People Are Writers?

♥ How To Dress Glamorously Without Attracting Unwanted Attention? - Love this advice from Dita Von Teese it's so true, never be discouraged from dressing they way you want to dress!

♥ The Art Of Being Happily Single - If you find yourself celebrating another Valentine's Day along then do not be sad being single is one of the best things in the world so make the most of it and celebrate you!

♥ Five Must-Do Workouts For Cold Weather Fan

♥ Apple Plush Pillow Tutorial - We all want something to cuddle up to in this cold weather and this is just adorable!

♥ How To Stay Focused When Working From Home - Anyone who works at home knows how easily distracted you can get so a schedule is great thing to have!

♥ Dealing with Change: How to Hold on when the World is Spinning

♥ Do You Have A Frankencloset? - I'm all about de-cluttering and these are some great tips on how to get your closets purged and organised

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Snowflakes & Cinnamon

Cate

xoxo