December in Photos

This past month seems to have flown by, I can't believe we're nearly into the new year! When I look back over my photos from December I'm reminded how much I've managed to fit in and what a great month it's been! I enjoyed catching up with friends over a delicious Christmas Afternoon Tea at a local pub complete with mini mince pies, festive sandwiches and a tasty fruit punch. I was lucky enough to attend the X Factor final. It was an amazing night with good friends and seeing Adele perform live was a definite highlight! I had a lovely festive weekend in London seeing the Christmas lights and decorations whilst doing some Christmas shopping and going for brunch at one of my favourites, The Diner (they do the best blueberry pancakes!) I did yet more shopping, this time in Manchester and I managed to fit in a trip around the Christmas markets too. I baked some festive treats and I was really pleased to finally master the art of piping cupcakes (thank you Lakeland!) I enjoyed a lovely relaxing Christmas at home with my family and watched some of my favourite Christmas films whilst working my way through some of the Christmas chocolates! I got my nails done and went for Shellac Plum Paisley with a glitter accent nail for an added bit of sparkle for the season. I'm looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring and celebrating my birthday in a few days time! 

What were your December highlights? 

Top 5 Beauty Products of 2015

It's safe to say I've purchased quite a few new make up and skincare items over the past 12 months, you just need to look at my overflowing beauty cabinet to see this! I've tried some great new products from brands I hadn't used before as well as continuing to be impressed by new and innovative products from some of my favourite brands. I've also received some lovely beauty gifts for Christmas which I can't wait to use! These are my top 5 favourite beauty products of the year...

1. Benefit Roller Lash

I made sure to pick up a copy of Elle Magazine at the start of the year to try the sample size Roller Lash mascara from Benefit which came with the March issue. I'd seen lots of reviews already popping up across the blogosphere and with They're Real! being a firm favourite of mine I was keen to try Roller Lash too. It exceeded my expectations and instantly became my everyday go to mascara. Previously I'd often find myself using numerous mascaras to try and achieve a lash perfect look but Roller Lash does all of this in one! Its hook and roll brush curls, separates and lifts lashes and gives you a wide eyed finish. I've repurchased this twice since and I'm sure it'll remain a firm favourite in my make up bag this year. 

2. Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette

I remember the hype around the launches of the Urban Decay Naked Palette's and wondering what all the fuss was about. I thought it seemed like a lot of money to spend on eyeshadows and doubted that I'd use many of the shades. However when I discovered the Naked Basics Palettes on offer one day last December I added it to my birthday wishlist and I was lucky enough to receive the Naked Basics 2 Palette  for my birthday at the start of the year. I love the range of shades in this palette and the pigmentation of the shadows. Primal has become an everyday favourite (I wish they sold it separately too!) The palette is small enough to fit in my make up bag and it's been great for trips away to save having to pack multiple individual eyeshadows. 

3. Benefit Air Patrol

It's no surprise another Benefit item has made it into my top 5 of the year. I'm rarely disappointed with their products! I was really pleased to receive a sample size Air Patrol in September as part of one of their social media campaigns. I've never tried an eyelid primer so I was slightly sceptical if it would work. I was happy to discover the first time I used it that it definitely does! I always used to hate how my eyeshadow would crease or fall towards the end of the day but Air Patrol resolves this. It feels cooling when you apply it too. I've found it really handy recently for events such as weddings when you want your make up to last all day. I've found it helps eyeshadow last for 12+ hours. I received a full size Air Patrol for Christmas so I'm very pleased I'll be able to use it more in the New Year! 

4. Mac Russian Red Lipstick

Mac Russian Red is the first Mac lipstick I've owned. I wanted a classic red that I'd get a lot of wear from. It's the perfect true red shade and gives a matte finish. It looks great as an everyday red lip for the winter months and it's my go to for a night out or special occasions. I've bought a few other red lipsticks throughout the year but this remains my favourite. 

5.Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 

I'd never paid much attention to Micellar water in the past believing it to be something people seemed to be stocking up on when visiting French pharmacies or paying extortionate shipping fees to get their hands on. When I saw that Garnier had released a version I decided it was worth a try. I was instantly converted and now wonder what I did before! I use it to take off my make up before using a cleanser. It even removes stubborn eye make up. I have one of the big 400ml bottles for using at home but find the mini 125ml bottles really handy for when I'm away. You can often pick up the mini bottles for 99p in Home Bargains and Bodycare. 

What are your favourite beauty products of 2015? 

The Best of Beauty Sales 2015

My idea of fun doesn't involve getting up at 5.00am on Boxing Day to join the queues for the sales to try and grab a half price perfume set or find that item you've been after amongst the deluge. I much prefer the online sales when you can browse from the comfort of your sofa whilst wearing your PJ's and working your way through the Christmas chocolates! I never have much luck with clothes in the Boxing Day sales (it often looks like half of the items would never normally be seen on the rails!) but I do like looking at the beauty sales especially when theres some great discounts on offer. You could treat yourself with your Christmas money and pick up that gift set you've been lusting after or try out some products from a new brand. These are some of the best deals I've seen...

Clinique Primed Pink and Plush Gift Set - Debenhams - Was £40.00 Now £28.00

Bare Minerals Complexion Perfection Palette - Debenhams - Was £25.00 Now £20.00

Liz Earle Skincare Gift Set - John Lewis - Special Buy £21.00

Benefit Lee Lee's Beauty Secrets - Debenhams - Was £39.00 Now £26.00

Origins Handy Hydrators Gift Set - Feel Unique - Was £15.00 Now £11.25

Soap and Glory Scents of Occasion - Boots - Was £12.00 Now £6.00

Grooving Gold Eyeshadow Palette - The Body Shop - Was £16.00 Now £8.00

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara Set - Boots - Was £22.50 Now £15.00

I often stop and look at Bare Minerals counters and the Complexion Perfection Palette looks like a great introduction to their products. It comes in a range of shades and includes a mineral foundation, concealer, bronzer and luminizer alongside the mini brushes you'll need to apply them. It comes in a handy zipped clutch. Soap & Glory's Scents of Occasion gift set contains 4 x 100ml body sprays including my favourite Sugar Crush. They're a great size for keeping in your handbag.  I often pick up one of the Lancome Mascara gift sets around Christmas. They're great value for money and include a mini kohl pencil and 30ml of Bi-Facil eye make up remover for the same price you would pay for the mascara on its own. They're even better for just £15.00! 

What bargains have you found in the sales? 

Christmas Gingerbread Recipe

I love getting up on Christmas Eve and heading into the kitchen to do some baking whilst listening to Christmas songs on the radio. My list of things to bake over Christmas seems to grow each year but one thing I always try to make time for is baking some Gingerbread. It's quick and easy to make and the kids can join in with the decorating too. I've never been brave enough to attempt a Gingerbread house (yet!) This is my simple gingerbread recipe if you fancy having a go too:

You will need:

• 350g/12oz plain flour
• 175g/6oz light soft brown sugar
• 100g/4oz butter
• 1 medium egg
• 4 tablespoons of golden syrup 
• 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger

Remove the butter from the fridge half an hour before you plan to start so it's easier to mix

Pre-heat the oven to 180C / 350F / Gas Mark 4

Combine the flour, butter, ground ginger and bicarbonate of soda in a mixing bowl and mix together with fingertips until it's crumbly

Add the sugar, syrup and egg and mix until it forms a firm pastry mix

Make sure the surface and rolling pin are well dusted with flour. Roll out pastry to approx 5mm thick and cut into shapes

Place the shapes on a greased or non-stick baking tray

Bake for 15 minutes

Decorate & Enjoy!

What are your Christmas Eve traditions? 

Top 5 Diaries & Planners for 2016

I love going shopping for a new diary each year. I can spend ages scouring my favourite stores looking at all the different styles and designs trying to decide which to choose. Alongside putting all my important dates, meetings and appointments in my phone I like to have them in my paper diary too incase my phone dies. I'm a little obsessed with making lists (you should see the amount of Christmas based lists currently in the notes section on my phone!) but I also love desk planners and list pads so you can see what you've got to do that day and tick it off as you go along.

1. Kate Spade New York 17 Month Organiser - John Lewis - £30.00

2. Happy Jackson Spiral Bound Diary - John Lewis - £8.99

3. Busy B Weekly Planner Pad - Busy B - £8.99

4. Mini Pocket Leather Diary with Pen - Aspinal of London - £40.00

5. Provence Rose A5 Diary - Cath Kidston - £15.00

Kate Spade have some gorgeous stationery (along with pretty much everything else they sell!) and this organiser is ideal for keeping everything in check. It includes sections for you to list each month's celebrations so you don't forget anyone's birthday. I love the stylish white and gold design.Busy B are one of my go to brands for stationary. They have so many great products to help you stay organised in cute and quirky patterns. The weekly planner pad is a must buy each year for me. You can list what you have on each day and there's a handy to-do section for each week too. If you're looking to spend a little more this mini pocket leather diary from Aspinal of London comes in a variety of colours. It features a week to view layout and has a handy pen attached. You can even get it personalised for free with your initials.

Have you got your diary for next year yet? 

How do you stay organised? 

A Festive Weekend in London

Last weekend I spent a few days in London. I especially love wandering around the city at this time of year to see the Christmas lights, even amongst the crowds of Christmas shoppers Oxford Street looked beautiful lit up in gold and silver. Carnaby Street has a vibrant Christmas party theme this year complete with sparkling glitter balls and colourful stars. Covent Garden is one of my favourite places to visit, especially to see the giant Christmas tree! I loved the mistletoe decorations hanging down above the market. With Christmas day just a few days away I thought I'd share some of the photos I took of the lights and Christmas displays over the weekend..

Where are your favourite Christmas lights to visit this year? 

A Visit to Manchester Christmas Markets

I always make a date in my diary for Christmas shopping in Manchester & visiting the Christmas markets. The smell of mulled wine and hearing christmas songs playing whilst you walk around definitely leaves you feeling festive and gets you in the Christmas spirit! They're the best Christmas markets I've been to and stretch across the city spanning 10 different locations. This year there's a French Christmas Market along King Street, a German Christmas Market in St Ann's Square, a World Christmas Market down Brazennose Street and not forgetting the large Christmas market at Albert Square. There's a range of tasty treats and food from the continent on offer including crepes, dutch pancakes, fruit strudels and traditional bratwursts. I couldn't resist buying some dutch gouda to enjoy over Christmas, it always reminds me of visiting Amsterdam. You can also pick up a mulled wine or warm fruit cider in one of the Manchester Christmas Market mugs and get this refilled as you wander around. It's not just food, there's plenty of gift ideas and craft stalls too. I love looking at the traditional style Christmas tree decorations and ornaments and picking up a couple to remind me of the day. It's a great place to shop if you're looking to buy something a little different for gifts this year.

Manchester Christmas Markets are open until Tuesday 22nd December

Have you visited any Christmas markets this year? 

The Best of Beauty Christmas Crackers

I like to have crackers on the Christmas dining table each year, it just doesn't feel like Christmas dinner without them. I'm always the one insisting people wear their cracker hat too! We usually opt for traditional crackers with their paper hats, bad jokes and novelty gifts (those tiny screwdrivers come in so handy when you need to fix your glasses!) I've also attempted the make your own sets in the past but then comes the dilemma of what to include. This year I've been very tempted by all the beauty crackers I've seen. Not only would they look great on your Christmas table they'd make great gifts too.

Kissmass Cracker - Soap & Glory - £6.00

This cute mini cracker contains a handbag size of the popular Sexy Mother Pucker lip gloss in a pink shade, Rose and Shine. It'd make a lovely gift for Soap and Glory fans and it's a great size for popping in a stocking.

Clarins Christmas Crackers - Selfridges - £49.00

These luxury Clarins Christmas crackers are exclusive to Selfridges. You get 6 for £49.00 so they work out to be quite reasonable at just over £8.00 per cracker. They feature a selection of Clarin's most popular products including a Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, a miniature Rouge Eclat Lipstick, A Miniature Wonder Perfect Mascara, A Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream, Beauty Flash Balm and Eau des Jardins Treatment Fragrance. They look ideal if you're planning a get together with the girls over the festive season and want to treat them!

No7 Glamour Cracker - Boots - £8.00

The No7 cracker from Boots is also a bit of a bargain containing not 1 but 2 miniature make up items. Pull apart to reveal their Intense Volume Mascara and a Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in black, a perfect combination for creating party looks!

Ultimate Christmas Cracker - Jo Malone - £205.00

If you're looking to splash out and treat yourself (or you're the best host ever) the oversized Jo Malone cracker contains a selection of luxury gifts including a Pine & Eucalyptus Candle, Mimosa & Cardamom Body & Hand Wash, Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Creme and 100ml of my favourite Jo Malone cologne Pomegranate Noir.

Cowshed Christmas Cracker - John Lewis - £8.00

The Cowshed Christmas cracker comes in a stylish monochrome design and contains natural products. It features their bestselling Cow Pat Moisturising hand cream in a generous 50ml size and their Lippy Cow lip balm.

Fiery Pink Pepper Cracker - Molton Brown - £20.00

Re-Charge Black Pepper Cracker - Molton Brown - £20.00

Molton Brown have designed not only a fabulous looking women's cracker but one for men too.  The women's pink pepper cracker is blended with notes of ginger and patchouli and contains a full size 40ml Pink Pepperpod Replenishing Hand Cream, a 50ml Pink Pepperpod Body Wash and a 50ml Pink Pepperpod Nourishing Body Lotion. The men's cracker contains 3 of their iconic grooming products to get him ready for the festive season, a 50ml Black Peppercorn Body Wash, a 30ml Ultra - light Bai Ji Hydrator to moisturise the skin and a 50ml Black Peppercorn Nourishing Body Lotion. Both are priced at £20.00

Do you stick to traditional crackers at Christmas or will you be indulging with a beauty cracker this year?

10 of the Best Christmas Jumpers

It wouldn't be Christmas without some novelty knitwear. I've seen some really cute Christmas jumpers on the high street over the last few weeks. Christmas Jumper Day takes place on Friday 18th December this year with everyone being encouraged to wear their favourite festive knit to school or work to raise money in support of Save the Children, Macmillan Cancer Support and Make - A - Wish UK. Even if you're not at work on Friday you could still take part by wearing your Christmas jumper and make a donation. The Text Santa appeal will be live on ITV1 on Friday evening from 8.00pm.

Bauble Jumper - Warehouse - £36.80

Embellished Stag Knit - Oasis - £42.00

Let it Snow Sweat Top - M&S - £19.50

Penguins Sequined Jumper - H&M - £14.99

Sequin Embellished Snowmen Jumper - M&S - £28.00

Vintage Reindeer Jumper - John Lewis - £49.00

Grey Sequin Penguin Jumper - Dorothy Perkins - £22.40

Vintage Fairisle Knit - Joe Browns - £29.95

Candy Cane Knitted Sweatshirt - Topshop - £35.00

Rupert Robin Knit - French Connection - £75.00

The baubles jumper from Warehouse is one of the nicest festive jumpers I've seen. I'd happily wear this throughout the holidays! I really like the sweat shirt style design of the 'Let it Snow' jumper from M&S. It looks really comfy if you're looking for something different from a traditional knit. There's lots of sequins and sparkles if you're looking to jazz up a pair of jeans with a festive jumper, the H&M and Dorothy Perkins jumpers both feature sequin embellished penguins to keep you sparkling throughout the season. 

You can find out more details about Christmas Jumper Day and the Text Santa Appeal including how to get involved and make a donation by clicking here

Have you got your Christmas jumper yet? 

Five things to do in London at Christmas

I love visiting London especially at this time of year with all the Christmas lights and decorations it feels truly magical. You don't have to spend a lot (in fact some of these are perfect activities if you're trying to stay away from the shops!) to have a great day out and indulge in some of the Christmas festivities the capital has to offer.

1.  Christmas Lights
I love going to see the Christmas lights ( I haven't made it to the switch on.. yet!) Catch the tube to Oxford Circus and walk along Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street and then into Carnaby Street to see the light displays. There's a different theme each year and I can't wait to see them this weekend.


2. Christmas Markets 
There's Christmas Markets popping up across London but my favourite (and sometimes what feels like the busiest!) to visit has to be the traditional style market along the Southbank. You can pick up a mulled wine to keep warm whilst you stroll along the riverbank looking at the range of stalls housed in little wooden chalets. It's a great place to buy food gifts for Christmas including cheeses and some delicious looking Gingerbread! The market runs until Christmas Eve.

3. Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House hosts an outdoor ice rink until 10th January. It looks like something out of a Christmas film when it lights up in the evenings and is lovely to visit even if you're not a keen ice skater (I could fall over without the added ice!) If you're looking for some Apres-Skate you can indulge with a range of treats at Fortnum's Lodge or grab a festive cocktail at the Skate Lounge whilst watching the action on the rink.

4. Department Stores Windows
Another great free activity is to take a trip to see some of the famous department stores Christmas window displays. I try to go to Selfridges, John Lewis and House of Fraser on Oxford Street before calling in at Liberty which looks extra special at this time of year. Don't forget to visit Fortnum & Mason and Harrods too for more dazzling displays.

5. Covent Garden 
Covent Garden is one of my favourite places in London (once you're through the gauntlet outside the tube station!) It's a great place to shop and relax with lots of great bars and restaurants to choose from. I always make sure to go and see the giant tree, it looks so pretty especially when dark falls and it lights up the piazza. I love the decorations they have throughout the market and I can't wait to see this years!

What's your favourite thing to do in London at Christmas? 

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

I always find when putting together Christmas gift guides when it comes to compiling the items to be featured in the women's gift guide I inevitably end up taking inspiration from things I've seen that I would like myself! Even when buying for friends or family with similar taste to yourself it can become tricky when you feel like you've exhausted all your ideas or they already seem to have everything so here's a few ideas to suit a range of budgets to hopefully help you out if you're stuck for what to buy...

1. Foldaway Overnight Bag - Cath Kidston - £40.00

2. Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lipstick Trio - Selfridges - £29.00

3. Kate Spade Metro Mini Watch - John Lewis - £150.00

4. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Twist & Spray Eau de Parfum - Debenhams - £76.00

5. Panda Slippers - Accessorize - £12.00

If you're buying for someone who travels a lot these foldaway holdalls from Cath Kidtson are ideal. They fold up into a small pouch meaning you can easily pop them inside another bag if you're planning to buy lots to bring back from a trip. I bought one in summer and it has since come in really handy and holds all your essentials for a weekend away. There's lots of different patterns to pick from too. Charlotte Tilbury has stormed the beauty circuit over the last year with her new launches, concept stores and rose gold packaging. This lipstick trio looks like a lovely gift for beauty lovers and contains 3 smaller sizes of some of the brand's most popular shades. I have to give a shout out to one of my favourite bloggers and vloggers, Brogan Tate xo for mentioning that Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum is available in a twist and spray design. It's one of my all time favourite scents and I was so happy to discover you could purchase it in the twist and spray as I always worry about packing the bottle when going away in case it smashes but with the twist & spray you can easily pop it in your bag. It'd be ideal for topping up during the day or on nights out too. It's definitely on my list to Santa this year!

6. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Scented Candle - Selfridges - £42.00

7. Liz Earle Sparkling Skin Duo - Liz Earle - £28.00

8. Travel Wallet - Aspinal of London - £125.00

9. Fragrance Mist Gift Set - Victoria's Secret - £21.79

10. Hot Chocolate Gift Set - Whittard of Chelsea - £20.00

I think I've doubled my skin care collection over the last 12 months. I'm constantly drawn in by new products claiming to improve my skin. One of the best purchases I've made is the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, I don't know why it took me so long to get round to trying it! The 'Sparkling Skin Duo' gift set from Liz Earle contains their renowned Cleanse & Polish, Skin Tonic and a pair of muslin cloths. It'd make a great gift as an introduction to some of the brands most popular products. The Skin Tonic is a toner spray which leaves your skin feeling really refreshed once you've cleansed. There's lots of gorgeous gifts available at Aspinal of London but I think the travel wallet would make a really lovely present especially if the lucky recipient has any upcoming holidays booked! There's a wide range of colours to choose from and there's space to store tickets, boarding passes, passport and any other documents as well as a zipped compartment for currency. It'd keep all your important travel documents secure and prevent having to keep switching between purses looking for currency once arriving at your destination. I love the fragrances from Victoria's Secrets. Although their prices aren't quite as cheap here in the UK as buying in the US you can often find deals such as 3 for £24 on their fragrance mists, I just wish there were more UK stores! I love receiving sets like the Fragrance Mists Gift Set for Christmas as it means you get to try out some of the fragrances you might not have had before and they are a great size for travelling and popping in your bag. This set contains my favourite 'Bombshell' which has a fruity and floral scent.

11. Shopping Organiser - Paperchase - £6.00

12. This Works Dream Team - Feel Unique - £10.00

13. Paisley Print Wrap - Oasis - £29.00

14. Benefit Pump up the Party Set - Boots - £29.50

15. Gold Sequin Pouch - Oasis - £20.00

I hadn't tried anything by This Works until the last 12 months but their Deep Sleep Pillow Spray has become one of my essential products (I'll be doing a full review post in the new year) and something I'll definitely repurchase when my current one runs out. The 'Dream Team' set contains a mini version of the pillow spray and a mini stress less roll on. They'd make a great gift for anyone who has trouble sleeping or relaxing. If you're looking to buy something different from a traditional scarf how about a blanket wrap? They adorned the catwalk at fashion week and can be worn in a variety of ways. I really like the classic paisley print and black and grey tones in this wrap from Oasis. It's really well priced at £29.00 too. I always seem to end up buying one of the Benefit Christmas sets each year either for a gift or as a gift to myself! They're great value and allow you to try out some of their products without committing to buying the full size. The 'Pump up the Party Set' contains everything you need for getting ready for a night out and features some of their bestselling products including a mini porefessional, rollerlash, high beam, benetint lip and cheek stain, rockateur blush and an eyeshadow palette complete with brush.

Have you nearly finished your Christmas shopping?

What's on your Christmas wishlist this year? 

You can catch up on the previous posts in my Christmas gift guide series by clicking here for gift ideas for him and clicking here for stocking filler ideas under £10.00