The Christmas Tag

I thought I'd get a festive tag in before the big day... hope you are all ready for the big day tomorrow!

On a scale of 1-10 how much are you in the Christmas mood?

I'd say I was about a 4/10. I'm working right up until 430 on Xmas eve and apart from the extra food that is going round, our office is lacking the Christmas spirit big time. I think I'm more looking forward to having some time off work than Christmas itself! I need to have children to help bring that festive mood back!

2. When wrapping presents is it a fail or are you a pro?

It depends what mood I'm in. This year I'd say I'm a pro because I bought loads of pretty ribbon (actual ribbon) of all different colours and patterns, and I've gone with brown paper for the majority of my presents to give it a bit of a vintage twist, so I'm quite happy with how they've turned out this year. 

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3. When did you put your Christmas decorations up and do you do anything special while putting them up? 

This year I put them up the first weekend in December. And I usually try and get Mike to help me whilst listening to some Christmas songs, but that didn't happen this year and I ended up decorating the living room in a rush, with no help or music. Boring!

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4. Do you get dressed up or stay in your pjs on Christmas day? 

I prefer to always get dressed before I go downstairs and open any presents. I have to feel like I'm ready for the day. Wearing PJs for a long time in the day makes me feel unmotivated and dirty.. I don't know why! I love my PJs at night though!

5. What would be your dream place to go during the Christmas season? 

I'd have to say New York.. ice skating at The Rockaefella Centre is always something that I've wanted to do.. Ice skating at night with that huuuuge gorgeous Christmas tree by your side. I'd love it!

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6. What is your Christmas tree decorated like?

My Christmas tree is a little different this year and probably one of those that you either love or hate. I've had to go for a twig tree (see my Christmas home interior post) simply because I've had to downsize. I know people have these twig trees up all year round, however I've tried to bling it up with some baubles, and although I love it to look at, it just isn't the same.. 

7. Can you name all of Santa's Reindeers? ( without googling ) 

Yep, I know the song to this so as long as I sing it I will know each and every one.. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph!

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8. Are you on the naughty list or the nice list this year? ( be honest ) 

I'd like to think I was on the nice list! I very rarely do anything naughty!

9. Name three things you love to do coming up to Christmas? 

Listen to Christmas songs

Bake 

Watch Christmas movies a few days before 

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10. Any Christmas Wishes?

Hmmm.. not really?!

11. Name 10 Christmas songs you love? 

Wow, I can't even think of 10 but here's a few faves ...

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You

2. Fairytale of New York

3. Last Christmas

12. Name 3 Christmas movies you love? 

1. Home Alone

I know there are more that I like but I'm not good with movie titles!

13. Do you like white lights or coloured? 

I like them both - I think white lights look more classy and 'clean', whereas coloured lights look a lot more festive. I've actually become quite fussy with my lights - I hate those fluorescent blue type ones. I love the old fashioned traditional looking lights, it evokes a lot more memories for me. 

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14. Which do you like a little better, Christmas day or Christmas eve?

Umm, I like them both for different reasons - Christmas eve because the anticipation is still there and I feel most festive at this time.. I like to settle down and watch a Christmas film after having a bath (this year with a lush bath bomb!). I may do some baking tonight if I have time too. Christmas day I like because it always seems to be full with things to do - present unwrapping, watching (arguably) good TV, eating yummy foods, playing games with family then tinkering around with any new gifts you may have received. 

15. What is your favourtie Christmas make-up look to wear? 

I honestly don't change my make-up a lot of Christmas day.. I'm likely to change my nails or go for a red lip but that's as good as it gets. 

16. Right now as your answering these questions, how long is it till Christmas? 

Christmas is tomorrow! Whoop!

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17. Do you have any presents that you open on Christmas eve? 

Nope. I have noticed PJs is a very common thing to be opening on Xmas Eve - I didn't realise exactly how popular this is until this year. Everyone seems to be doing it!

18. Name three things on your Christmas list?

I actually don't have a Christmas list this year - The 2 main things that I want is dollars (for our Florida holiday next year) and Lush bath products, and I know that I have got both of those. 

19. Your having a down day, Your not in the Christmas mood. What do you do to change your mood and become Christmas happy? 

Listen to Christmas music and watch a Christmas film (preferably Home Alone!)

20. What is the best thing on your plate when you have your Christmas dinner? 

Definitely a good roastie and stuffing!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas at Home ♥

The run-up to Christmas has felt a bit strange for me.. Sometimes I'm in festive mode, then other times I feel a bit deflated about the whole thing. Maybe it's cos I'm working right up until Xmas Eve, maybe its cos I haven't got children, so at 29yrs old, as you can imagine the excitement of Christmas has pretty much gone.

This year for Christmas we have a new addition to our living room furniture wise. This has taken the place of where the Christmas tree usually goes so we've had to down-size on our tree and resort to a twig tree. I really like how this looks, but lets face it, it doesn't ooze Christmas like a proper huge green bushy tree!

I've completely changed the colour scheme in our living room as well so being a bit OCD, I had to have christmas decs to match, so I'm lacking the traditional Christmas colours, instead sticking with whites, silvers and the odd glimmer of blue.

I've tried to accessorize our living room as much as possible in order to make up for the fact that we haven't got a 'proper' tree. I do like the result but I still feel like Christmas looks like its lacking a little in our household this year!

A lot of people have these twig tree's plain, but more so because its an extra tree for them. However, because for us, this is our main tree, I felt it needed some baubles on to bling it up a little, however I was selective with what I popped on, knowing weight would be an issue with the branches. I do however love the baubles that I have managed to pick up this year, spending a little bit more than usual! Oops!

This fishbowl was a quick DIY project - I needed a way to inject a bit of colour so put a load of blue and silver baubles in this bowl along with some battery-operated fairy lights and bingo!

I've had this tray of candles on my fireplace nearly all year and I've never lit these pillar candles, however now its Christmas I've decided to light them a bit more. I've added a few unused baubles on this tray too. In the right hand corner you may see a pot tea light house. I found this in The Range for £4.99 and think it looks so cute with a candle in at night time. It makes it look like there's someone living in the house and all the lights are on as the candle flickers through the windows!

This pastel stocking garland I do love, however because of the colours it reminds me of something that belongs in a children's nursery. The colours go perfectly with my living room though!

My mum gave us these coloured fairy lights, so I put them to use over our sideboard (this is the culprit that stole the Christmas tree's spot!). I've placed them ontop of white tinsel which makes it sparkle at night. The silver glitter 'Merry Christmas' wooden garland I ideally wanted on the wall, however my boyfriend refused to put nails in the wall so I hung it on here instead.

These ceramic 'baubles' I love, but again, due to their weight were too heavy to go on the tree so I hung them over this picture frame instead.

 

Are you all ready for Christmas?!

Christmas Parties with Debenhams

The big party season is fast approaching and I know I for one am in the process of deciding what to wear. I'm attending a works masquerade themed ball so I'm looking more on the glamorous/formal side as opposed to on-trend statement pieces. However! Being still fairly young myself, I didn't want to banish statement fashion altogether and dress old before my time...
I don't often have the opportunity to go into a Debenhams store, simply because we don't have one locally, however I did pop into one last week when I was on a city break and managed to pick up some really good Christmas gifts. I always forget how wonderful that shop is! Since then I've been browsing Debenhams website for Christmas party ideas and this is the style I'm hoping to achieve for my ball...

The Black flock glitter embellished dress is beyond perfect for my figure. Having a curvy shape I need to accentuate the positives and downplay the negatives. The skater style cut is perfect, masking my lumps and bumps and (hopefully!) accentuating my bust! I love the unique neckline on this, and how the dress dips into a small U shape.. Because of this I don't think any necklaces are required - Never take the attention away from an already interesting neckline because you can overdo it! Also, not only does the big bow add simple yet effective detail to the dress, it will hopefully hide any sins around that area! The print itself I thought was elegant with a touch of festiveness with the glitter background, without being over-kill.

I still wanted a statement item with my outfit to add a little uniqueness, so I opted for this Coast Pizzaz clutch bag. I love electric blue so this was right up my street. It's bright and bold and spices a formal outfit up without being too extreme.

I wanted to tie the bold blue in a little more, so I opted for a few elegant jewellery pieces, the first one being this pretty Mood Luxe Blue Stone Bangle - I think this is the perfect combination of statement and elegant rolled into one.

The Jon Richard earrings are so gorgeous don't you think?! This kind of stone always reminds me of Kate Middleton's engagement ring that went viral in replica's. Due to wearing no necklace, I always think its fine to go a bit wild with earrings, as long as you avoid looking like Pat Butcher! I thought these were the perfect drop length, they ooze elegance, and both the blue and silver tie in perfectly.

When I go to a more formal event, I tend to wear my hair in a low bun to one side of the face, this way the earrings are on show and there's no fear of hair frizz! To add a little glamour to the hair, I have opted for this Jon Richard Vintage Flower Hair Comb. So pretty and I can imagine this to catch any light reflections in the evening and make you sparkle!

Shoes are something I occasionally struggle to team with an outfit, and I find myself not being very adventurous with styles. Again, I've gone for an elegant shoe, and decided on these Black Beau Court Shoes. I'd wear nude tights with the dress as opposed to black, simply to enhance the style of the shoe and the pretty bow. They're not too high so hopefully won't make you crippled before the dancing commences!

Are you going to any themed Christmas parties this year?

This blog post is an entry for Debenham's Christmas Party Outfit Competition.

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas...

I wasn't going to do a post focusing on Christmas (that has swam past us like it never existed), but then I felt like it didn't seem right to continue with posts without a mere mention of my own celebrations.

This year was a very quiet one for us. Myself and my boyfriend exchanged presents in the morning, then went over to his parents house for Christmas dinner, just the 4 of us. We were later joined by my boyfriends younger sister and his nephew, before resorting back home to chill.

Christmas in my living room...

The last few days have been a bit of a blur if I'm honest (and no, not through alcohol either!). We actually braved the boxing day sales yesterday (and was so surprised (but glad!) of the lack of crowds!). I picked up a few home accessories which will be coming in a blog post shortly.

Present wise, I got pretty much everything I asked for. As many of you know, I love to travel (whether it be in the UK testing out new hotels, or further afield), so one 'main' thing that I asked for was a night/weekend away. Although that hasn't been booked yet as such, the main focus is there - Mike got me a pair of tickets to go and see Ant n Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway in Manchester. I've got a bit of a thing for Dec (for those that get them mixed up, its the smaller lighter coloured hair one!) so that along with a weekend in Manchester is right up my street. We both love Manchester, and have visited there a good handful of times since being together, so its becoming tradition to go there on a break now! My crafty side also asked for a sewing machine. Now I didn't think I was going to get this because my boyfriend believed it was going to be one of those 'fads' that I'll use a few times then it'll never see daylight again. Because of this, he didn't overly splash out on one, 'just in case', but instead got me a middle of the range one. Although he did promise that if I 'prove' I am using it enough, he will buy me an upgrade!

My Presents..

I also got lots of vouchers to spend it various shops, nail art goodies, home accessories, candles, bath products, PJs, notebooks and way too many chocolate treats that I am now officially sick of the sight of! (and yes, I did just say that!).

I'm sad that my Christmas holidays are almost over. I have just the weekend left to play with then I'm back to the grind. New Years Eve is going to be another quiet one for us. We've decided to go for a meal then see where the night takes us (home, probably!).

How cute are these wine decorations? I won them (and the wine!) as part of a hamper...

 

I hope everyone had a fab Christmas!

 

 

Christmas Gift Ideas: Marvel Lovers

My boyfriend is a huge Marvel/DC fan, so each birthday and Christmas I try and include at least one marvel item in with his presents. However as the years go on, it gets more difficult as his collection gets bigger and bigger (and I refuse to buy another Marvel T shirt, I'm sick of seeing them!). I've been browsing the internet to get some more ideas so I thought I'd create a moodboard to share with you that might have a male relation that is also into their boys toys!

 

 

Festive Christmas Jumpers

Christmas jumpers seem to be getting more and more popular as the years tick by. I remember only a couple of years ago, you'd struggle to find one, and now you get slapped in the face by them every time you go shopping around Christmas.

I'm not sure of my opinions on these jumpers, I don't love them, and yet I don't hate them either. I just feel like too many people have jumped on the Christmas Jumper bandwagon, (mainly for attention seeking purposes) and therefore I think I'm secretly refusing to buy one because I don't want to be one of those clones! My boyfriend cannot stand them and would most definitely disown me if he ever caught me wearing one!

Either way, I know many of you love them, so here are a few of my favourites.

 

 

 

 

Which are your favourites?

 

 

What I got for Christmas - 2012 Edition!

Hope everyone had a fan dabby dozy Christmas. Hopefully you're all still enjoying the holidays. For those that are already back at work. Owch. Unfortunate. Although I'm back on Monday. New Years Eve. What a horrid day to go back on! But unfortunately I only had 1 day of my holidays left to last me till April 1st. Not good, not good at all! So I had to be wise about how many holidays I took!

The Christmas holidays have been fairly quiet for us. We're not one of those families were uncles and aunties, cousins and babies all gather together and have a big festive knees-up. Sometimes I wish we were because I read about everyone elses family antics and kinda feel like I'm missing out. But then I know if I was to have those same moments every year, I'd long for those quiet and relaxing Christmas nights just huddled up eating chocolate infront of the TV, so I won't complain too much!

For those nosey people who like a peek of what others received for Christmas, I may have the perfect video for you! Hopefully some will come in my subscription box feed soon too!

I didn't receive as much as I know a lot of people would, but for me, it's a lot and I'm very grateful for.

I've been eating way too much junk food, I feel like my body needs a good detox. Roses and shortbread for breakfast and no exercise since I care to remember. January 1st, where are you?!

I hope you're all making the most of the festive season and have lots planned for New Years Eve! I think we're going to our favourite Indian Restaurant, then onto a few bars for cocktails. Maybe we will actually stay out till midnight this year instead of being old-timers and stepping through the front door at 11pm like we did last year. Oh how rock n roll are we?!

Till next time!

Sale Shopping!

Any other year I'd go crazy in the sales. This year was a little different as it's the first year in our house, therefore a lot of my wages have to go on the house now. Therefore I unfortunately couldn't go OTT, however I did pick up a few things, these aren't all of them, but I'm sure you don't want to see lounge wear. Everyone knows what hoodies and joggers look like!

I've been wanting an aztec cardigan for a long time now. I spotted this in Matalan for a steal at £12.50 reduced from £25. I was a little unsure of the pattern at first, but I now love it. The front is a wrap around style that I keep together by adding a thin black belt. It's mega cosy and the warmest cardigan I've ever owned!

I'm gonna be honest - I don't own an expensive handbag. Never had and probably never will (unless I win the lottery). I have a mortgage to pay for, a mega expensive holiday to save for and a car that is recently costing me the earth to get fixed, so I'm not a super rich girl, and unfortunately probably never will be, so it'll be very rare that you'll see super high end brands on my blog. Ok, now we've got that cleared...
My trusty handbag (that infact looked super similar to this one) that lasted me over a year finally started to show her age just before Christmas, so I invested in yet another super expensive one, this time from F&F in Tesco. I need a large(ish) bag for work, and this was ideal. It's black, it looks sophis, and has a strap that turns it into a body bag if my poor shoulders begin to ache.
£10 reduced from £14. Not a massive saving but I like nonetheless.

Firstly, sorry for the in-your-face flash on the box! After the crowds had finally died down in boots, I went and had a look at the remainders of what was left. Even though I had received 2 lovely perfumes for Christmas, I was curious to see if I could pick up 1 final bargain for my collection. There was hardly any left but I was pleasantly surprised to find this. Yes, I know, I know, Gucci Rush is mega old now. But this perfume is nostalgic for me. My friend always used to wear this back in the day when we used to go underage clubbing! (I'm talking 10yrs ago so how old this perfume is I don't know!). I remember having pre-drinks in her bedroom that used to stink to high heaven of Gucci Rush and I used to love it. Ever since, every time I get a whiff, I think of this and my friend. This is definitely a perfume I'd wear for a special occasion. It's not my average sweet and sugary smelling scent! £24 reduced from £35.

Christmas Goodies

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! Although I didn't over-indulge on the alcohol, I definitely made up for it in the food department. Over indulging doesn't even cover it, and I'm definitely not getting on the scales till the new year now. I don't think I've had a proper meal since my Christmas dinner, that tells you how much snacking I've been doing *blushes*

I've been enjoying reading over what everyone has received for Christmas so much so that I decided to show what I got. The majority of what you see is from my boyfriend, who has spoilt me rotten as always.

Whats included:
Fluffy dressing gown
Gift Voucher for Boots
Dollars for Vegas
Fujifilm Finepix camera, camera case, mini tripod, memory card and screen protectors (phew!)
Nintendo Wii Mario Kart bundle (Yes, I know I'm about 5yrs late jumping on the band wagon!)
Just Dance 3, Rayman Raving Rabbits and Zumba Wii games
Vera Wang Princess gift set
Beyonce gift set
Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation
Take That Progress Tour Live on DVD (we went to the concert and they filmed on the night we were there so we're in the process of trying to spot ourselves at the front!)
'I Heart Vegas' book by Lindsey Kelk
A costume ring and hair slide
A mini eyeshadow palette
Nail file from Avon
Thorntons Chocs (the only ones I received this yr, thank god!)
A cute little vintage wooden drawer set that I could store jewellery in?
Items from the 'Country Range' collection from Avon - if you like the floral shabby chic design then this is for you.. it's like a spin off from Kath Kidston but cheaper, obviously! Most of the items aren't in the photo but I received a cute little pot with a padded lid, a floral hand towel and flannel (the towel is folded neatly on my dressing table to prevent any stainage to the white wood!). 3 cute padded hearts with scent inside them which I've hung around my make-up room. I also got a purse with a floral keyring.
Hanging from the camera is a long vintage style necklace, and to the right of them (although you can't see them) is a pair of cute pearl earrings with diamontes surrounding them.
I also got money and a onesie which isn't in this photo.

Overall I am extremely happy with my gifts. Some of them I asked for, some were surprises.
If you see anything you'd like me to review then feel free to ask.

Weekend Roundup

This weekend has helped me feel a little more festive..
I began the weekend on Friday dinnertime, were I had a much needed afternoon off work, to get some valubale Christmas shopping done! We got the majority of presents within a whole afternoon, which I was pleased. Theres nothing worse than trapsing round the shops, people standing in the way and standing in mega long queues, weighed down by heavy bags getting all hot and flustered. Thankfully I only have my boyfriends to buy now, although he's probably the hardest to buy for.. I've been with him 4 years now so the presents are beginning to get a little repetitive.. how do you get round this problem?! Get a new boyfriend? I'm joking Mike, I'm joking!

Friday night I put our Christmas tree up. Its our first christmas together in our new home so it's all exciting! Unfortunately the tree can't hack a topper :-( we did have a nice glittery silver star but the top is just not wanting to stand upright!

Saturday night was my staff Xmas meal - We went for an Indian, not very christmasy but we've had bad experiences with food + venues the past couple of years so decided to stay safe! Went into a few pubs afterwards, although it was mega busy and stuffy.. I'm getting too old for that now!

We had a walk round our local garden centre today.. so many pretty decorations but not very pretty prices so close to christmas. We both agreed to get some decorations in the sale, ready for next year instead :-)

We finished the weekend with some present wrapping whilst listening to Christmas songs (its rare for my boyfriend to play them so was nice!).

I've also been drinking a lot more hot chocolate just recently, not good for the waistline, but so good for the tastebuds! I've been sampling a lot of different ones, they're all so yummy!

All in all, a very festive weekend.

2 weeks today! Is everyone ready?!

Christmas Sparkles - Pt 2 - Shiny Shoes!

This week is part 2 of my Christmas glitter series, and it's something that I believe should be second in line when buying an outfit... heels!

Any of these would be a perfect finish to a Christmas outfit. I love them all but I think my favourite has to be from Schuh. I love the multi-coloured glitter and the silver distinctive heel. The price is pretty friendly too.

I think the majority of work christmas parties will be happening either this weekend or next.. (mine's on Saturday), so if you do have one coming up, having a fab time, and remember, don't over-do the glitter! ;-)

Which are your fave?

Christmas Wishlist!

Since moving into our own home, money has been a lot tighter which only means one thing; less treats for me. Therefore this christmas I've spent a little more time thinking over gifts that I need, rather than asking for things I would like (yes, there is a difference although sometimes it's hard to find!). I struggled with this list, and had to include a few luxury items that arguably I don't exactly need. Contradiction? Yep, I'm fully aware! Although 5 out of 8 essentials aren't bad, right?

1. Black Tux Superskinny Jeans - Dorothy Perkins. My jeans seem to be wearing very thin round the inner thigh area, and all pairs are on their last legs. Love the waistband on these jeans and the detailing down the side of the leg. NEED!
2. Dalmation Fluffy Robe - Topshop. I've been after a super fluffy dressing gown for a long time. All the ones I've had in the past I've wrecked with hair dye. I'm down to my last one that is mega short and is also covered in hair dye round the collar. Yuck. I don't care if it's not this exact robe, as long as its that extra fluffy material and a super cute design, I'm sold! NEED!
3. Jemma Kid Light As Air Foundation - Feelunique.com. I wear foundation on a daily basis. I've never indulged in a high end luxurious foundation, well ok, maybe twice. I've seen Tanya Burr and Fleur mention this over the months so if its good enough for them, its good enough for me! I'm 26 so I thought its about time to test the market a little more and see what I'm missing! NEED!
4. Beyonce - 'Heat' - Superdrug. I have 9 perfumes in my collection. Over half of them are 1/4 full so almost ready for the bin. My friend has been wearing a certain perfume to work for the past few weeks and I get a whiff every time I walk past. It fills the room and I love it! I'm always attracted to the celebrity perfumes and I don't know why! My purse surely isn't complaining though! This is a super fruity sweet fragrance that seems to have a fantastic staying power. WANT!  NEED!
5. Birdcage Table Lamp - Dunelm Mill. I've been spying on this for a few months now. It would go perfect in my little dressing/make up room with its shabby chic theme, instead of keep using the dingy light saving bulb lighting. Dont you just hate those? WANT!
6. Mischa Barton Handbag - John Lewis. My trusty Primark handbag is slowly coming apart. I noticed a rip in the material yesterday. Thats been a hardwearing solid bag for £9, and has lasted me over a year with massive usage! I need a classic handbag that I can use for work as well as the weekend, and this little beauty looks like it would do the perfect job! NEED!
7. Canon EOS 1100D - Argos. This is my most needed gift out the lot! There are several reasons why I need this. 1. My other camera's charging port is broke, and was rubbish at close up filming (and because of that I stopped filming for YT). 2. I want to take better pictures for my blog. I currently use my 5mp phone, which does a better job than my 12mp digicam.. makes sense! and 3. I'm going to Vegas next year to be a bridesmaid, so obviously want good quality photos for that. NEED!
8. Models Own BeatleJuice Collection - Boots. I've wanted this ever since they released it. I'm majorly addicted to nail polish at the moment, and it just NEEDS to be in my collection. WANT!

I could have added a lot more on here (eg. Ipad, numerous amounts of clothes and shoes, sewing machine, Cath Kidston galore, pretty little home accessories) but I know money doesn't grow on tree's....

I love looking at people's christmas wishlists for inspiration (as well as just to be pure nosey). Whats on your wishlist?