December's Most Wanted

Fleur de Figuier ♦ Tray ♦ Lipstick ♦ Photo frames ♦ Freak ♦ Chocolates

So it's finally December! I say finally - I feel as though this year has just flown by! In fact, I really don't know where the last two years have gone. I think everyone else in their twenties feels the same. It's all downhill from here, guys!

In an effort to cheer us all up, I've compiled a Christmas wishlist. Just so you know, I'm not spoilt enough to expect all these things - to be honest, I've struggled to think of things I'd actually like this year, my favourite present last year was a new lamp! That's a sign you're growing up if ever I heard one ...

Fleur De Figuier eau de parfum by Roger & Gallet

I discovered this unusual scent in the form of a sample I received with my Vichy Dermablend foundation a few months back. I tend to go for sweet younger scents so I was surprised by how much I liked this muskier perfume. As the name suggests, fig is the top note. The packaging kind of reminds me of a room spray but at the same time, I quite like it. It's cute and more practical than a glass bottle.

H&M Home tray

Although my dressing table at home is actually an IKEA desk, I'm attempting to dress it up as though it were a Parisian vintage vanity station. An essential part of this transformation is locating the perfect tray to organise my lotions and potions. I really like this metal mirror style, however I may scour the charity shops instead for something a bit more unique.

Lime Crime Lipstick in Chinchilla

I've never owned a product by Lime Crime, but I've long admired their beautiful unicorn lipsticks and this particular colour is one I've been coveting for the longest time. Chinchilla is a beautiful lilac grey and I feel it's a great place to start if you want to try more bold lip shades. This would be a perfect day colour for me.

Oliver Bonas photo frames

I have recently fallen in love with Oliver Bonas' home range collections, particularly these gorgeous frames. I'd make like Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter and make beautiful collages rather than just adding photographs to them.

Illamasqua Freak Perfume

Whilst working at Victoria's Secret, a friend introduced me to Freak by Illamasqua. Just like Fleur de Figuier, it's a more sophisticated scent than I'm used too, but I love it! Maybe I'm growing up, but I'm really into muskier darker perfumes and I just adore the packaging on this - I can't decide between the classic or Freak Scarab, they are both so lovely! I've not actually asked for this for Christmas as I think I might treat myself as New Year present, but it would make a fantastic gift for someone special. The Scarab variation of this scent is unisex, so it might make an interesting present for a guy with edgier taste.

Nectar & Stone Chocolates

I truly love looking at Nectar and Stone's beautiful creations. With aspirations to be a stylist, I'd love to use their artisan chocolates or ice lollies in a photoshoot. they look absolutely delicious and I would love to receive a box of these gorgeous choccies. Do check out their website and Instagram for more lovely images. You will not be disappointed.

So I have a question for you all - what was your favourite present of all time as a child? I think mine was my Winter Wonderland Bratz doll, I remember I was so excited to have her!

♣

Winter Weekend Break 2014

This weekend, my Mom, Dad, little brother, Alfie (the puppy) and I went to Whitemead in the Forest of Dean for a Christmas weekend break. We stayed in a lovely apartment on the resort and had the most lovely time. We've been coming to Whitemead since we were little so it's a place that's very dear to me. The pictures below are from Taurus Craft Centre which is full of stalls selling vegan and veggie food, handmade gifts, luxury deli items and much more. 

Hope you had a great weekend!

♣

The A/W Edit 14

The temperature has plummeted, the nights are drawing in and the dark lip stains are coming out. Despite an unseasonably warm September, in comes November and we are in no doubt that Autumn is here and Winter is on it's way. So put your brolly away, make a cup of tea, get your feet up and enjoy my picks for everything you need in the beautiful seasons of Autumn and Winter. 

The Outfit
Keeping warm and stylish in the cooler months...

do I have resting bitchface..?

I typically wear darker hues at any given time but in the latter end of the year, they seem most appropriate. I love this faux fur collar from eBay and have been wearing it with everything - it instantly adds a touch of glamour to even a simple outfit. Boots are must - these are from New Look. I picked up this hat in an Antique/vintage store in London and I think it's perfect for the season.  

The Beauty Stuff

Wind-resistant hair and smoky eyes ...

My make-up is pretty minimal when it comes to my eyes, but recently I've been smudging a little eyeshadow on my lowerlash line and flicking out out towards the end. It gives a grungy yet pretty look, I've been following Beautycrush's tutorial below to achieve this.
My hair is mainly covered up with a hat through most of the colder months, but when I do decide to brave the elements with a bare head, I have to make sure my locks are on point. My go-to hairstyle recently has been a high ponytail secured with a cute bow hair bobble. I find it's easiest to achieve if you tip your hair upside down in order to gather all the stray hairs. I also love a fishtail plait to the side as it looks good on it's on or peaking out under a hat. 

The Music & Movies
The sights and the sounds ...

Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean you need to put the scary movies away. I used to hate horror movies but recently I've found myself watching lots, from golden oldies like Poltergeist to the absurdly awful Drag Me to Hell. When it comes to new movies, I'd highly recommend Gone Girl - at two and half hours it's a long one so I'd skip the large-size drink if I were you! I also am cautiously optimistic when it comes to the new Paddington film (Nov 28), I just hope it doesn't ruin my childhood!

Of course, when Halloween and Bonfire Night are out of the way, it's time for festive films! One of my absolute favourite Christmas films is the Patrick Stewart version of A Christmas Carol - I watch it several times on the run up to Christmas.For nostalgia, I love Mickey's Christmas Carol and when I'm done with all the mushy movies, I just have to crack out Bad Santa!

Recently, I've been listening to Justin Sane's album Life, Love & The Pursuit of Justice. His mardy, whiny voice is right up my street and just puts me in the mood for the cold weather. I have to be honest, the new tunes haven't really dazzled me this season, but I'm loving Janet Devlin's second album Running With Scissors, checking out her Friday I'm in Love cover.

The Food Stuff
What to munch on ...

My spicy bean burger with cheese and mango chutney - amazing!

Of course, candy apples are the way to go! My friend Alex posted a great tutorial last year for these treats, check them out here. When it comes to dinner, one of my favourite winter warmers is a large steaming bowl of chilli (veggie of course) and tacos. Chilli is one of the easiest meals to cook as you literally just throw everything in a pan and let it do it's thing. If you don't fancy cooking, The Spode Cottage in Rugeley is one of my favourite places to eat - they do amazing burgers with really delicious and unusual topping combinations. If you'd like to check it out, I have a review of the place here 

The beverage of choice has to be a milky hot chocolate - preferably with squirty cream and a little cocoa powder dusted on top. However, the amazing Divas Can Cook recently uploaded a tutorial on how to make delicious caramel apple spice drink. I'm yet to try this myself but it's definitely an activity for chilly cosy nights. I was recently introduced jasmine green tea which I'm loving. 

Hope this gave you some ideas for the upcoming months!

♣

Twas the night before Christmas...

Twinkle twinkle!

December has flown by and it's now Christmas Eve! I'm pleased to say all Christmas shopping is completed and presents are neatly adequately wrapped up underneath the tree. We've always had a real Christmas tree and I suppose we always will. When it comes to Christmas, my family has quite a lot of traditions; emptying our stockings on our parents bed before opening our presents, each of us taking a turn to stir the Christmas cake and of course a helluva lot of baking! I attempted red velvet cupcakes and they're gorgeous, mind you, I did cheat and use a cake mix this year. Do you have any Yuletide traditions?

I hope you have a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

♣   ❄

Christmas Shopping

I have no idea what this robot was trying to advertise. He just wandered about the town making odd noises.

Jumper - Boohoo ♦ Shorts - eBay ♦ Shoes - Topshop ♦ Headband - Claires ♦ Necklace - Narzipan 

I visited Stafford today to get as much shopping out of the way as I could; I'm ashamed to say I hadn't bought one present. In my defence, for the past few weeks I've been trying to get all my assignments done and I honestly Christmas presents were pretty low on my list of priorities. There was a lovely Christmas market in the square with all sorts of handmade and creative gifts. It was a pretty productive day as practically all my presents are sorted, just a few little bits and bobs to pick up now. Phew! 

How have you guys been getting on with Christmas shopping

♣

Gifts for Him

Keyring ♦ Chocolate road signs ♦ Watch ♦ Rockers ♦ Hip flask
Photo credit: Notonthehighstreet.com Karmaloop.com Iwantoneofthose.com Drinkstuff.com

Guys are awkward to buy for. Whether it's your dad, your brother or your boyfriend, you might struggle to find a suitable pressie, so I've picked out a few stocking fillers for the guy or guys in your life. 

I know it's a little cheesy, but I think this keyring is such a cute idea! Definitely a daddy or a boyfriend present, you can choose a significant date and caption it underneath the calendar. This would make a sweet stocking filler for a long term boyfriend.

Everyone loves chocolate, so these novelty choccies would be the perfect present for the guy in your life who loves his cars. What's nifty about this gift is that after you eaten all the treats you can use to bucket style container as storage for all your bits and bobs, it would actually look pretty cool in a garage. I'd get this for either of my two brothers or my dad.

This wicked watch is the perfect pressie for a younger bro or a style conscious boyfriend. It's not too pricey either which is a bonus. I'd actually wear this watch myself - it could even make a unisex present for a girl who likes bold accessories.

All men like a drop of whiskey, so these rockers would suit any of the boys in your life (as long as they're of age!). I think these look so fun and they are practically unspillable, which is great for a clumsy dad. Apparently, these wobbly glasses were designed for use on ships to combat the motion of the waves! 

Another booze related pressie! The flask comes in a padded wooden display case, so you can either store it away safely when finished with it or keep it in pristine condition and display it as a piece of memorabilia. But let's face it, it's more fun to drink from then to look at!

Hope you found my stocking filler ideas somewhat inspiring, good luck buying for the guys! 

♣

Christmas Decor Wishlist

                     

Photo Frames ♦ Lantern ♦ Lights ♦ Deer ornaments ♦ Bambi Lamp
Photo credit: Littlewoods, IKEA, Cable & Cotton, Candy Candy Jewellery

I know it's only November, but Christmas doesn't feel far away at all! I'm such a homeware fanatic and I think one of the most wonderful things about crimbo is the decoration, so I've been trawling the internet, picking out my favourite Christmassy pieces for the house. 

These baroque style photo frames would make such unique tree decorations. I'd add pictures of my family and friends so that I could use them throughout the year. I think they're too pretty to save just for Christmas!

IKEA is literally my heaven for homeware; I love a good pointless item that's only purpose is to look pretty in a room and IKEA is full of them! I actually own a red version of this lantern, but I think this silver would make a beautiful centre piece at Christmas Dinner.

 I've long been a fan of Cable & Cotton's beautiful lights; you can choose between their pre-selected designs or create your own like I did. I thought this icy inspired string of lights would look great draped around a mirror or above the mantelpiece during the countdown to Christmas.

Candy Candy Jewellery  always have the cutest pieces. I know the Bambi light isn't really festive, but I adore it! It goes so perfectly with the fawn ornaments. I think this is a bit of a Marmite item, you either love it or hate it and as you can tell, it's totally my thing. Bambi is one of my favourite Disney characters - this rule of thumb with me is if it's got Bambi on it, I want it.

Have you started decorating your house for the Season? 

♣

CHRISTMAS! ❄

Hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas, I certainly have.

 

We weren't able to fit all the presents under the tree, and even then, we still had even more to put under! We were all completely spoiled - everyone bought really thoughtful lovely presents. I want to show you a few  gifts that my amazing family and friends gave me.

A few of  my Pressies! 

My best friend Alex bestowed the gift of a wonderful bag of goodies upon me. Let's take a look inside...

She knows me so well. I'm obsessed with all things nail-y. How cute are these? My favourite is the little cats! I've always wanted to get some for my nails and I can't wait to pair them up with a design.

These pens are more efficient then stripers, as they won't blotch as much. One is a fine liner pen and the other is a polish pen in a chrome-like grey colour. She also gave me a new black polish and awesome neon green. 

Check out this unusual eyeliner. I've never seen one like this before, when I first opened it I thought it was a pointy lipstick :') I look forward to using this, less messy than a liquid and less painful than a pencil. Perfect.

Nail foils! Look at the cute candy cane ones, so appropriate for Christmas. I seriously love the harlequin ones , they even match the gift bag. 

Ohmigosh, look at all those colours! I love these little pots; the pigments are really strong and vibrant. My favourite colour is the aqua green, but I'm also really liking the look of that shimmery bronze. Stay tuned!

The trend I've been longing to try - the caviar manicure! No, not literal fish eggs, but pretty pearly ball bearings that stick onto your nail polish to create a cool textured look.  

And lastly, some lovely earrings. I love the delicate silver dream-catchers and the bright doughnuts will be perfect when I'm feeling more playful ;3

Next present ...

How cute is this gorgeous bag? My sister Rosie picked this for me, in my favourite colour! It's supposed to be an owl, but I think the little button looks a bit like a nose, which makes him reminiscent of a little bush-baby or squirrel :3 I love it so much, I actually can't wait to use it! 

Next up ...

Here's the charm in it's box

You jelly? Here are my beautiful Vivienne Westwood earrings from my boyfriend Jack. Total shock! I couldn't believe it when I opened the package. He also hid my lovely new Pandora charm inside a Kinder Surprise egg, very creative, don't you think? 

Also...

Jack's nan also bought me a Westwood gift, Naughty Alice perfume. I've been wanting this for ages  and  it smells gorgeous. I love the cute charm it comes with. 

And finally ...

I finally have a sewing machine of my own! I'd been using my Nanny's old Singer up until now, which is beautiful and I love, but quite old and difficult to master. Now I'll be able to run up some mad creation with no trouble at all. Look forward to seeing what divine (ahem) things I come up with.

Christmas cats

So those are a few of my many pressies. I love my wonderful family and friends, I think it's safe to say this has been one of my best Christmases yet. I'll be off to spend my Christmas money soon as the sales are here My veggie Crimbo din dins was spot on; I ate so much and had another huge dinner on boxing day.

 It's likely I won't be fitting any of my clothes ;D

What did you guys get?

Enjoy the rest of the Christmas season ..

♣❄

My Christmas Jumper

Last week of the semester, and I can't wait for Christmas. It's kind of hard to get excited about it right now, what with all the deadlines and such, there's hardly any room in my brain for anything else but coursework. This is why I've decided to show my Christmas jumper. You've seen it before, but it is my all-time favourite. 

My friends say I look like a shiny wrapped up present ❄

This is my wonderful Narzipan jumper, isn't it amazing? It's my favourite colour too, definitely my best purchase of 2011. I bought it at the Clothes Show last year, and I'm gutted I couldn't make it this time around. If you went I seriously hope you checked out their stall, I've seen their latest stuff and it's just as fierce, plus they're really lovely peeps ☺

Jacket - Peacocks, Jumper - Narzipan, Leggings - Primark, Boots - Hypnotic

Bit blurry, but you can see the beautiful detail better 

Been doing a spot of cooking - it was kind of like a chilli, but it didn't have mince, or kidney beans, so it actually it wasn't like a chilli at all. I'm not sure what it was, but it tasted fine. It had sweet peppers, onion, garlic,  Quorn chicken, paprika, coriander, tomato and basil sauce and a splash of olive oil. 

Domestic goddess fer sure 

Okay, the rice came out a bit gloopy and sticky, and I'm really not sure why. Maybe we over boiled it? Goodness knows, but it was kind of inedible, so we just munched around it. It was quite a tasty winter meal.

Luckily, my uni work woes have been sorted this week - woohoo!

Hope you're all surviving uni/work/school, remember, it's Christmas soon! ..♣

Oh, by the way, Narzipan's new line will be their website soon, you must check that here