this post is about 3 months late but here i am! to be honest i cant even believe its been 3 months already since we got home from the cruise. time literally flies
i was going to write an in-depth day to day post (or several) about the cruise but i figured it will probably be more enjoyable to have some more photos to view. but please feel free to contact me via email, on here or on any of my socials (instagram @lifebyssblog) if you have any questions on the cruise etc!
i would highly recommend cruising and exploring the south pacific islands! we cruised with Royal Caribbean on the Explorer of the Seas and loved every minute of it. i don't think we have any complaints at all.

Love is in the air! and Valentines Day is literally around the corner. so i thought i would put together a little gift guide for finding the perfect gift for him or her.

Your significant other can be one of the hardest people to buy gifts for especially when it comes to Valentines Day. Hopefully this gift guide will give you plenty of ideas and inspo for you to find the perfect gift.

Valentines day: a day of romance.
unfortunately with romance comes price. Valentines day can be one of the most expensive days of the year for you and your significant other.
this year i want to celebrate without going over the top and spending money on all the commercialised BS. my boyfriend and i have decided to ditch the presents this year and focus on the true meaning of Valentines day.

so with that, i have been brainstorming date ideas for us that wont break the bank and thought i would also share them with you!

1.INDOOR PICNIC
throw down a blanket and throw up some fairy lights in your living room or bedroom and have a romantic picnic inside without the bugs and birds. get out the picnic basket and fill it with your favourite finger foods; sandwiches, dips and cheese, breads, cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries or whatever you fancy.

2. DESSERT DATE
skip dinner entirely and head straight to your favourite dessert place (preferably one with candle light) or make your favourite desserts at home.

3.GAMES NIGHT
head to your favourite arcade or bowling alley and have some friendly competition. these dates are always end in fun and laughter. plus, you can win your valentine a present (if that doesn't scream cute i don't know what does)

4. NETFLIX & TAKE OUT
order your favourite takeouts and stock up on some of your favourite snacks together and chuck on your favourite series or movie on netflix- your night is set (or for those who don't have netflix like me, harry potter will do). basically like going for dinner and to the movies but in the comfort of your own home in your pyjamas.

5. ICECREAM & STARGAZING
head to your nearest look out or even venture a little further with ice-cream or dessert in hand and look at the stars and the city lights.  guaranteed to be romantic!

6. MINI GOLF
mini golf is one of my favourite things to do with my boyfriend, it is always guaranteed to be fun! but if this is something you don't do all the time then research the BEST mini golf in your area and book it in.


i hope these ideas have given you some inspo (especially you bae if you are reading this).
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LOVERS.





please credit me if you are going to use these ideas for a blog post of your own :)

Nike Epic Lux Running Tights $110
Black/Anthracite/Gunsmoke
i find shopping for tights SO hard especially because everything full length is always too long for me then everything 7/8 is always full length so i cant really win. but i have found that Nike do the best tights and i can generally work with their sizing. i LOVE these tights, i already have them in 3 different colours/lengths (capri & 7/8) but they fit perfectly and are super comfy. i am all here for the design of these because they aren't plain but also don't have a crazy print on them. definitely will be the first item i purchase from this list. 


Nike Pro HyperCool Training Tight $90
Gunsmoke/Heather/Volt Glow
i am also looking to branch out from the Epic Lux tight this year and try a different style of Nike tight. i like the design of the Nike Pro and it would be interesting to see if their 'hypercool' technology makes any difference during training. i like the colour of these and funnily enough i don't actually own a pair of grey tights. these are definitely something i will be looking to invest in, hopefully they aren't too long *que eyeroll*  

Nike Lunar Charge Essential Shoes $160
White/Grey/Black
i. love. these.
literally from the moment i laid eyes on these i knew i had to have them!! Nike, why do you do this to me.
these are described as "lifestyle shoes with an innovative design to incorporate the support and comfort of a training shoe", so i think they would be perfect for the gym.

Nike Air Rally Crew Sweatshirt $85
Purple/Black
i am all for comfort so of course i had to include some sort of pre/post gym gear. i generally am not a colour type of girl, i normally stick to your standard monochrome colours but i came across this sweatshirt and i really like the colour. i think it could easily be styled with any colour tights aswell as trackpants for post gym comfort.

Nike Drawstring Bag $20
Lilac & Black
gym bags are one thing i don't own, usually i just chuck all my stuff in a shopping bag. but if i am going to go to the gym 5 days a week i probably should invest in one. i don't want anything too big so i think this design works and will be effective enough.

Beats X Wireless In-Ear Headphones $199.95
White
i don't know about you but i HATE trying to work out with a cord dangling in front of me with my phone stuffed into my tights. so its only necessary a pair of wireless headphones made my wishlist. my boyfriend uses these at the gym on a daily basis and highly recommends them.

Nike Indy Soft Training Bra $59
Particle Rose & Pure White
this made it onto my wishlist for two reasons: 1. its blush 2. its blush.
i have 2 indy bras already and like them for lower intensity activities as there are comfortable and are probably one of the more 'stylish' sports bras on the market.


Ivy Park Logo Mesh Insert Bra $44
Grey/Black
i haven't tried any of the Ivy Park range before but i am keen to see what all the fuss is about.

Fitbit AltaHR $249
i have recently been using the Fitbit Flex 2 and love it. i am literally obsessed with trying to meet my daily steps especially working in an office, it has been interesting to know how long i am stationary every hour and how many steps i take in an average day. its such an easy way to check your sleep too. but since its now always on my wrist and has basically replaced the ability to wear a watch, i would love to upgrade to the Fitbit AltaHR which has the heart rate monitor and watch.

Nike Printed Training Gloves $42
lifting weights with rings on generally kills my hands/fingers so this year i want to invest in some training gloves to solve all my issues.

so i probably should have realised that almost every item was going to be Nike.
i hope this post gave you some inspo and motivation to reach your active goals this year with some new gear.

all products are linked.

CREDIT:
ASOS
NIKE
THE ICONIC
FITBIT

Santa (aka myself) got me the Fenty Beauty foundation, primer and foundation brush. i can confirm that it is amazing!!! (there will be a review post) aswell as some makeup brushes and a onboard antler suitcase. i am crazy i know

DAY 12

DAY 11

i felt like today deserved two posts considering that they are both pretty short posts and its Christmas eve eve!! i can't believe there is only 1 day to go and that 12 days went so quickly!!