A Gift Guide - Stocking Fillers

Stocking Fillers! My absolute favourite gifts to buy - one of my favourite parts of the Christmas prep is to stuff a stocking full to the brim with wrapped gifts, treats and sweets galore! I've pulled together a list below full of inspiration for stocking filler gifts, ideal for secret Santa presents too!

I'm always happy to find a Lush treat tucked inside, their little shower gels are divine - there's something for everyone! The heavenly scented Magic Wand Bubble Bar is a great festive pick, swirled into the bath it turns the water a gorgeous pink, makes a blanket of soft bubbles and smells candy sweet!

For a beauty lover, opt for a glittery polish like Essie Glow Your Own Way, a sparkly bronze or Essie Leading Lady, a festive glittery red. The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella would make a luxe treat or even a mini Diptyque candle (the dream)!

This Pixapet is a great retro gift for those who loved their Tamagotchi's! Throw in some sparkly colouring pencils and the Harry Potter Colouring in book for a magical treat!

Here's some more picks below...

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A Gift Guide - For Her

I probably should have named this 'my Christmas wishlist' as I pretty much want everything on this list! I've included everything from fluffy scarves and dreamy jewellery to perfume and statement pieces - so many pretty finds!

I just adore these sparkly Topshop heels, they're ideal for the party season, Diptyque Eau Duelle, a wintry spiced vanilla fragrance looks like the perfect luxe treat or you can't really go wrong with a cosy scarf or a pair of Asos pyjamas!
Here's my Christmas picks for her....

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A Gift Guide - For Him

One for the boys, I've rounded up a few festive picks - whether your planning on splashing out on a shiny new Xbox One S (there may be one under the tree for Alex this year!) or filling under the tree with affordable gifts, there's so many options to explore...

For a book lover, opt for a clothbound classic like Oliver Twist, the Animorphia colouring book, Jamie Oliver's Christmas Cookbook or Norwegian Wood, Chopping, Stacking and Drying - if he's seen the birth of a tool on youtube, then he's bound to be a fan of this new trend! Socks are always a winner - this Star Wars pair are so fun, great to pop in a stocking or ideal to pair with a matching Star Wars Chrome Captain Phasma Mug!

This sleek Apsinal of London wallet is a classic, timeless staple. A pocket square, tie clip or aftershave is always a good bet too! For a tea lover, this adorable Nessie strainer is a great pick, add a pack of loose tea and a tea for one set for a cute lil gift!

Lush has some great picks for men - their Kalamazoo beard and face wash, the Hot Toddy shower gel or this handy Lush Mechanic hand soap! Here's a few more of my picks below...

Wintertime Pick Me Up's

1. Keep warm

With a cute hot water bottle, ideal to snuggle up with or to tuck under the sheets before bed, they keep you toasty for hours! I just adore this luxe blush pick, it's unbelievably soft! Soft unicorn slippers, billowy blankets and snug fluffy dressing gowns (this Topshop cloud like one is incredible!) are all ideal for keeping warm in autumn/winter too - light a few candles and sip on peppermint tea for cosy nights in!

2. Treat yourself

Whether it's to a festive Lush bath, a new book (this is next on my to read book, it has rave reviews even though it's a Childrens book!) or to a fresh Essie mani. A little treat can be the perfect pick me up and mood booster if you're feeling under the weather. I've recently splurged on the dreamy Diptyque Vanille candle, with sweet, woody accents and a hint of spice and smoke, it's divine!

3. Nourish

Eating well during the colder months is essential for me, whilst I definitely still indulge in plenty of treats (especially over Christmas!) I try to stick to eating well around 80% of the time to keep my immune system in check. The Eat Pretty Every Day book is my go-to for inspiration, daily snippets and nutritional guidance (love the original Eat Pretty book for seasonal eating too!). Opt for warming soups, stews or stir fry's packed with veggies, dark leafy greens and protein rich pulses. The Deliciously Ella Cookbooks are great for healthy meal inspiration too!

Try topping up your vitamin D intake during the dark wintry months with a spritz of vitamin D spray, or safely in the autumn sunlight with spf on to keep blues at bay.

4. Dream

Dark mornings can leave you feeling a little groggy and tired. Try a misting of the ThisWorks Deep Sleep Pillow Spray before bed, this soothing sleep spray contains lavender, chamomile and leaves you well-rested and relaxed!

The Lush Sleepy Body lotion is the ideal bedtime treat, with skin softening oats, coco butter and calming lavender it helps you to drift of to sleep! Soft pyjamas and fresh bedding are a must-have too - this luxurious satin set looks like just the ticket!

5. Me time

Take a little time out for you - self care is essential as the weather gets colder! Whether it's pampering, colouring in, watching Netflix, reading, or melting into an uplifting Lush bath, try and schedule some time to do the things that you enjoy the most!

What are your Wintertime essentials?

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Travel Beauty Essentials

I'm currently in the midst of a big move and so with all my belongings tucked away in cardboard boxes, I've pulled out the essentials to carry around with me. I thought that I would share a little peek at the beauty picks that I've rounded up to last me the week as we flit to and from our new flat!

Firstly, I couldn't be without Lush's Dream Cream. A soothing saviour for dry skin this versatile cream treats any dry or unhappy skin. I'm happy to sacrifice some bag space for this large pot - with oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil, this hydrating cream is a must-have for parched skin!

I've also pulled out a few perky, brightening picks to combat my stressed, tired skin. Moving really takes it's toll and I need all the help I can get right now! The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat is a dreamy coral pink blusher, the powdered pigments and swirls of ambient lighting powder work together to create a flawless, radiant glow. Paired with the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam, they make the ideal match for dewy, glowing skin.

For eyes, I've grabbed the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Alhambra, a pigmented, buttery soft champagne rose and gold duo. This light reflecting, dewy set brightens up tired eyes, it's compact and so ideal for travelling. With the H&M Soft Eyeliner in Pale Nude popped in the waterline, they make the perfect brightening combo! Another pick to combat tired eyes is the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, coconut, rosehip and lemon peel oils, it brightens, tightens and fades dark circles!

I've kept lips quite simple, a swipe of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes is all I need for an everyday lip. It's such a flattering shade, a pretty, saturated warm rose that's comfortable on the lips, applies like a dream and sets in place for hours - meaning minimal top ups throughout the day! 

The rest - concealer, contour, mascara and liner are my standard picks; the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, L'Oreal Super Liner, Essence Lash Princess Mascara and the Sleek Contour Kit, I rarely stray from them! I've also added a sample pot of a Nars foundation to test out, I seem to be in-between two shades, I can't decide which one to go for! I've popped in my favourite Essie nail polish too - Essie Bordeaux is a chic, deep wine/burgundy, it's glossy on the nails and perfect paired with a glittery accent nail!

Lastly, for beauty tools, I've packed my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for impressive fanned out lashes and my everyday brushes - the MAC 150 Large Powder Brush for contour and blush, the Zoeva rose gold brushes to pair with eyeshadow and highlighter and the dense Sigma 3DHD to flawlessly blend out my foundation and concealer.

What are your beauty travel essentials?

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Autumn Style Staples

This autumn, I'm all about slouchy jumpers, a-line skirts and western style ankle boots. Throw on a cosy scarf or bobble hat (blush pink of course!) and you're good to go! Autumn/Winter fashion is my favourite, I just love layering, wrapping up and adding winter accessories to my outfits! 

- a little note, check out the lovely Michelle's gorgeous new shop Honey + Chai for autumn staples & heavenly hand-picked pieces!

I picked up this gorgeous, soft blush scarf from Asos, it's one of those long, squashy types that you can bundle up in and wrap around and around you to lock out the cold. It's ideal for adding a little colour and pairs well with grey or black coats. I also adore a blush bobble hat, mines an oldie from Topshop but this Asos one is just as cute!

Another staple for me in Autumn/Winter is a watch. I really don't enjoy fumbling around in my bag with gloves on, trying to check the time on my iPhone and so I always make sure to wear a watch to keep track of the time. The Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield* is a divine pick - minamilistic, classic and chic, it works well with every outfit! 

A-line skirts are a must-have for me in autumn, they're so flattering and ideal to pair with the cult Primark fleece-lined tights (SO snug)! I picked up this cute jacquard print skirt last year, this Asos denim pick is the latest addition to my collection and this cute burgundy cord piece is ideal to tuck slouchy jumpers like this dusky Pull & Bear number into.

Lastly, I can't be without my Ash Jalouse-esque New Look boots, they're comfy, stylish and super affordable at just a fraction of the price of the Ash pair. These cute Western boots are similar too, they work so well with skirts, dresses, ripped jeans...they're a staple for autumn!

What are your Autumn style staples?

Hydration Hero's For Dry, Lacklustre Skin

Lately the days have become bitterly cold, frosty mornings and harsh gales have wrecked havoc on my skin - autumn is well upon us with winter closely behind! With my complexion suffering and in serious need of a hydration boost, I've pulled out a few rich, nourishing, picks to put me back on track to plump, radiant skin.

The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is ideal for lacklustre skin. With restorative vitamins and cleansing pumpkin enzymes it helps to even out skin tone and leaves skin radiant and smooth. It's my go-to cleanser to combat dull skin, it perks up the complexion and leaves skin so soft!

I've also pulled out the Origins Night-a-mins Oil Free Renewal Cream for a radiance boost. This lightweight, gel moisturiser helps to fade acne scarring and perks up tired skin whilst nourishing and softening the skin - ideal to slather on at night in prep for dark autumn mornings!

For a luxuriously rich cream, the Kiehls Ultra Facial balm is the one. A thick, balmy cream that yields impressive results - skin feels plumper, soothed, smooth and hydrated. I find that this is best applied warmed up slightly between your fingers and dabbing on your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck before smoothing upwards and outwards over the face and neck.

The last pick in my hydrating skincare line up is the Pai BioRegenerate Oil, a divine, nourishing rosehip oil that works to promote clear skin (it's ideal for those tiny under the skin bumps!), fade acne scarring and deeply condition. Rich in omegas and antioxidants it helps to repair and protect the skin, I've been using this for about three weeks now and it's made my skin glow! Paired with the Jade roller it makes a dreamy duo, it's the ideal match to combat lacklustre skin! After applying the oil I sweep the roller (love this affordable face massager too!) in long strokes working away from the nose, it leaves my skin feeling pampered and polished.

What are your hydrating heroes?

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Lush Christmas Treats

With shimmering snowflake lustre, festive candy sweet and spiced cinnamon scents it's no wonder the Lush Christmas collection is one of the most coveted drops in November. Lush bath's are such a welcome treat on icy wintry days, I save up my pennies for the occasion, having a huge splurge each year to re-stock my stash! Here are my Lush Christmas picks this year...

Snow Angel Bath Melt

Ideal for autumn and winter, this luxe pick contains rich cocoa butter to pamper and moisturise parched skin. I just adore this heavenly angel, it's such a pretty pick! Relax and unwind enveloped in the balancing, warming and comforting fragrance as it dissolves into flurries of foam with shimmering golden and silver lustre - bliss!

Mistletoe

To be totally honest, I initially picked this up for it's instagram potential! The swirls of pink, mint and purple look fairytale-esque, it's divine! I'm so glad that I snapped this up, the scent is unreal - a soothing, calming but fresh, floral and wintry aroma with jasmine, ylang ylang and vetivert.

Snow Fairy Body Conditioner

I just couldn't resist this skin softening treat, simply slather this dreamy cream over your skin whilst in the shower, rinse and then pat dry and allow the conditioning, nourishing oils to sink in. This pampering treat leaves skin silky soft and the candy sweet scent lingers on for hours -  it's a staple for the colder days!

Lush Magic Wand Bubble Bar

Swirling this reusable bubble bar through the water transforms it into a gorgeous pink bath with a blanket of soft bubbles. With rippling shimmer and the sweet scent of candyfloss, it's a lovely bath-time treat.

Star Dust

This adorable little star is one of my favourite picks this year. Affordable, simple and understated it transforms the bath into a blue lagoon with snowflake lustre and releases tiny stars as it fizzes and melts away. The scent is gorgeous, earthy, sweet with vanilla and uplifting bergamot, one to lift spirits on gloomy days!

Rose Jam and Snow Fairy Shower Gel
These glorious shower gels are festive staples. With sharp, sweet and floral notes of rose and vanilla and with nourishing argan oil, Rose Jam is a dream! Snow fairy is the perfect in shower treat, pretty, pink and candy sweet, it lingers on the skin and keeps skin soft.

Sleepy
Quite possibly my favourite of the bunch, this twilight scented/malty lavender wintertime cream contains skin softening oats, soothing lavender water and nourishing coco butter. The ideal bedside table accompaniment, it's calming, sinks quickly into the skin and helps you drift off to sleep - I think I'm going to have to invest in the larger pot!






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Festive Essie Picks

I just can't resist Essie's seasonal glittery picks, they're always released sometime around my birthday and so each year I treat myself to a few shades (there's always a 3 for 2 deal on in Boots or Superdrug too!). This year didn't disappoint, Essie's Luxe picks for 2016 are a dream - glittery, festive and gorgeous hues. I picked up two glitters and a gold from Essie's winter range...

The glitters are divine, tiny micro specks that translate beautifully on the nails - like sparkling stars in glittering night skies. Best applied and dabbed on with the middle of the brush (as is holds and distributes the most glitter!) and paired with a topcoat to smooth over, they last well on the nails and look gorgeous on!

The first shade that I picked up was Essie Glow Your Own Way, a heavenly polish that Christmas dreams are made of! It's sparkly and bronze gold with tiny white specks, reminiscent of falling snow - a little snow globe-esque! Ideal for the party season, this works beautifully scattered over the nails, or layered up as an accent nail. I'm smitten with this polish, it's so pretty!

The next glitter that I reached for was Essie Disco Doll, a delicate silvery pink. This wintry polish is gorgeous, a cool-toned blush rose with micro flecks of silver, again perfect for the party season and for the New Year. It's so flattering on the nails and looks beautiful paired with a mauve polish!

Lastly I opted for Essie Getting Groovy, a metallic palladium gold. This opulent polish is unreal, under a light or in sunlight it glitters and sparkles a dazzling gold. I bought this for gilded tips, but it's so beautiful worn alone too - it's a must-have for December!

I'm so in love with these luxe picks, I may have to go back for the third glittery shade, Essie In The Mood Ring, a glittery onyx and gold!

Have you spotted the new range yet?

Birthday Snapshots

This weekend I had a long, glorious break full of birthday celebrations - family visits with Christmas-worthy roasts, indulgent shopping spree's and cakes and doughnuts galore! I had the time of my life celebrating this year, after a mini meltdown in the months leading up to the day, I'm surprisingly feeling positive about turning 30 - more focused, determined and inspired.

I thought that I would share a few snippets of my day, a little haul of my 'treat yo-self' orders and snapshots of the weekend. This dreamy Agenda was on the top of my wishlist this year, with hopes to be a bit more organised and to fill next year with wonderful plans, it's ideal! I also received a gorgeous jade facial roller to help me in my bid to take better care of my skin, it's perfect to massage and tone, remove toxin build up and even out my skin tone!

Whilst on a spree, I picked up these beautiful decorations from H&M home, they're silver tipped, glittery and so so festive! I also treated myself to a few of the new Essie glitters and had a huge Lush splurge (the experimenter is in the snap above), I'll pop up a post with my Christmas picks later this week! Lastly, I spotted this adorable Starbucks cup, It's what tumblr dreams are made of - with a gold glitter wrap and a peach/pink lid it was love at first sight!

Champagne & Berries

November has finally swept in with silvered frosty mornings and bitter cold nights. Whisper's of Christmas and the bustle of festive shopping has started as pumpkins are tidied away and the leaves drift from the tree's. I've pulled out one of my favourite colour combinations for the chilly days - champagne and berry, my go-to November colour palette!

First up is the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise in Jean, a divine pick. This shimmery champagne cream eyeshadow brightens up tired eyes with light reflecting pigments and gives a heavenly soft sheen to the lids. Also, it's enriched with vitamin e to keep the eye area hydrated - ideal for the colder days!

For a dreamy glow, the Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish is the one. Creamy, iridescent and almost ethereal, the slight pink peach tones in this pearlescent champagne highlighter perks up tired skin - it's SO flattering! I like to dab this on my cheekbones, cupids bow and down the centre of my nose for dewy skin, it blends seamlessly and gives a gorgeous runway glow!

The last of my champagne picks is MAC Soft and Gentle, a gorgeous golden champagne highlighter with subtle sparkles. A light dusting of this mineralised highlighter awakens and brightens the skin with luminous, shimmery pigments. It doubles up as a eyeshadow too!

Moving onto berry tones, Mac Plumful is a beautiful pick for every day wear. As a lustre finish it's light and comfortable on the lips and the mauve pink tones are soft and subtle - it's so pretty on.

For a bold, saturated pick, the NYX Soft Matte Lip cream in Copenhagen is divine. A glorious deep matte burgundy it packs a punch and lasts for hours and hours. Plus, it smells like vanilla buttercream - heavenly!

Lastly, Essie Sole Mate, a glossy berry is ideal for a quick, fuss free mani. A staple for autumn, it looks chic worn alone or can be paired with a glitter accent nail for a festive touch!

What are your favourite champagne and berry tones?

A Wintry Home Wishlist

Lately I've been pining for wintry picks for my new home, there's something about an upcoming move that just makes me want to invest in new pieces! M&S currently have some incredible Anthropologie/West Elm style decor for just a fraction of the price and the Anthropologie Christmas collection is a dream! Here's a little round up of my current favourite picks...

A November To Do List

November's quite possibly my favourite month - silver frosted morning's, glittering skies and the lead up to Christmas, plus it's my birthday month! With a lot of life admin, a move and Christmas shopping on the agenda this month, I'm still planning on squeezing this list into November's busy days...

1. Take a peek at the new Essie Luxe 2016 collection - they're such festive glittery picks!

2. Find a pleated midi skirt to pair with a slouchy knit and ankle boots. I love this mauve pick, this pink satin finish skirt also this pink Topshop velvet number is the dream, it's SO pretty!

3. Crack out Michael Buble's Christmas album. 

4. Revel in the incredible TV/Film picks this month - Gilmore Girls (Nov 25th), Fantastic Beasts (Nov 18th) and GOT (S6 on DVD, finally!)

5. Give Thanks. I know it's not really the norm to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the UK, but considering that UK brands have jumped on the Black Friday bandwagon, I think It's nice to embrace Thanksgiving too! 

6. Spice up my hot chocolates with cinnamon, praline, gingerbread or toffee nut syrups!

7. Catch a glimpse of the supermoon on Nov 14th, it's the largest and closest to the earth the moon has been for a long time!

8. Check out the calm.com app - as I'm moving home, things are bound to get a little stressful this month!

9. Grab a Lindt advent calendar, last year I missed out as they flew off the shelves!

10. Invest in new trinkets and decor for the home. There's so many irresistible, cute pieces in stores right now!

What's on your to do list for November?