Favourite Finds in 2016

Starting with food (of course!) it was all about the comforting, affordable meals for me in 2016. Soups, stews and chilli's were made up in batches to last or freeze for a later date. I made warming pot's full of Dal with lentils, cumin and tonnes of tumeric (super anti-inflammatory), indulged in divine Booja Booja Praline Salted Caramel vegan ice cream and treated myself to the incredible Salted Caramel Co Yo as a weekly treat!

For TV series, I don't even know how to start proclaiming the amount of love I have for Gilmore Girls, it's quite possibly my best discovery of the year! It's a feel good pick that's charming, light and witty - It's up there with my love for Harry Potter! I also adored Parks and Rec, was captivated by Reign and finally binge watched Game Of Thrones!

Home-wise I welcomed a few new cacti and a lot of new succulents into my home thanks to Stanley, my Ikea plant sprouting tons of babies (so cute!). I introduced a lot of greenery this year - luckily as it's pantone's 2017 colour of the year next year!

I also started to upgrade our furniture and decor in 2016, these bathroom ladder shelves are a favourite find along with these salad servers and anything blush pink, brass, agate, crystal-like or gilded! 

Another great discovery for me was Anthropologie candles, The Illume Boulangerie Pumpkin Souflee Candle smells divine! The dreamy Diptyque Vanille candle was another top pick for me this year, a gorgeous sweet, smoky, woody and spicy scent, it's ideal for Winter!

I made a few new Lush finds too, their Dream Cream was a saviour for my parched, unhappy skin. It hydrates and soothes with a heavenly mix of oatmilk, rose water and chamomile blue oil. The Lush Comforter Bubble bar is another lovely pick, Lush Sleepy, a wintertime lavender body lotion is also a new firm bed-side favourite!
I've also loved the ThisWorks Deep Sleep Spray, misted over your pillows this chamomile and lavender soothing spritz sets you up for the dreamiest nights sleep!

For beauty, I have to give a mention to the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, Cannes is a dream, an everyday warm rose that's SO flattering on! The Essie Gel Couture range is also a delight, a long lasting formula that boasts impressive wear time and a gorgeous colour range. Lastly I've been smitten with  Becca Highlighters, Opal is a heavenly pick - a saturated golden peach that leaves you with a pretty, dewy candlelit glow. 

Harry Potter is always a favourite but with the release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and  Fantastic Beasts, I've loved it more than ever this year. Fantastic Beasts is well worth a watch, I'm so glad there's more films to come!

So that's it! All of my 2016 Favourites rounded up, I'd love to know what your favourites were this year!

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Boxing Day Sale Picks

Today, I'm staying in my pj's and dreamy new M&S robe, indulging in leftover chocolate and keeping an eye on the rosemary roast potatoes and honey glazed carrots that are slowly roasting in the oven in prep for Christmas dinner round 2!

I'm not a fan of braving the in-store boxing day sales but I just couldn't resist taking a peek at the online steals! With Christmas money and gift cards to be spent, I've found some great picks and treated myself to a thing or two too, here are my picks of the online sales today - happy browsing! 

25 Things To Do Over Christmas

1. Watch Christmas films all morning, in cosy, festive pyjamas. I love this cute set!

2. Treat yourself to a little something, Merry Christmas To Me, From Me! (This dreamy cushion was my pick!)

3. Eat advent chocolate for breakfast.

4. And roast dinners, with rosemary roast potatoes and extra yorkshire puddings for tea!

5. Paint your nails with a gold glittery pick like Essie Glow Your Own Way.

6. Start a new book, opt for a festive, easy read like A Boy Called Christmas (which has rave reviews even though it's a childrens book!) or clothbound classic like A Christmas Carol for something a little more traditional!

7. Melt into a long, Christmas Lush bath, the Father Christmas Bath Bomb is a festive red and green candy sweet scented treat!

8. Listen to Heart Xmas whilst making paper snowflakes,

9. like these Harry Potter Snowflakes, they're definitely worth an attempt!

10. Highlight or circle your favourite picks in the Christmas Radio Times.

11. Wrap presents and embellish with bells, bows or try to DIY your own wrapping paper, follow Carrie's amazing guide here!

12. Snap up any last minute gifts, here's my gift guides if you're looking for a little inspiration!

13. Give. The MSF/Doctors Without Borders are a great charity to donate to right now.

14. Relax. Try to take a some time for yourself, unwind and indulge a little!

15. Opt for some festive brushed cotton bedding to keep you snug on the cold December nights.

16. Invest in some more fairylights, Winter is the ideal time to light up your home! These gem lights are beautiful, ideal for stringing up around the bedroom!

17. Keep an eye out for early sales - snap up a bargain from Anthropologie with up to 50% off!

18. Make orange hot chocolates in a festive mug, topped with marshmallows (these are great for veggies!) and a candy cane!

19. Bake gingerbread men to dunk, nibble or gift. This recipe is delicious!

20. Eat Quality Street whilst watching Elf.

21. Pick up a new tree ornament, love this gold leaf decoration!

22. Master a luxurious cocktail or mocktail recipe, something with nutmeg, salted caramel or dark mint chocolate!

23. Bundle up in layers and go for a walk on a crisp wintry, sunny day to top up on vitamin d.

24. Rock a red lip, Nars Cruella is my fave!

25. Drink mulled wine and sing christmas carols.

I hope you have a lovely Christmas!

Festive Reds & Glittering Golds

'Tis the season! With only a week to go, it's all about the festive reds and glittering golds right now. Sparkly metallic nails and a chic red lip are just the thing for these Christmassy days, pair with a cosy knit and a mug of spiced hot chocolate for a festive treat!

Reds
MAC Mineralize Blush in Gleeful: My December staple, I always pull this out at this time of the year! This gorgeous, wintry blusher blends seamlessly over the skin and the luminous pigments enhance the cheekbones - it's such a flattering shade. Also, as it's so saturated, you only need the smallest amount of this soft wine blusher for rosy, flushed cheeks!

L'oreal Lipstick in Blake: My go-to when my lips are feeling a little dry, the addition of jojoba oil in this classic red lipstick helps to keep lips soft and lightly hydrated. Great for the festive period, this sophisticated matte red gives an effortless, polished look that lasts thanks to it's matte formula. It works so well paired with shimmery highlighter, winged liner and tonnes of mascara!

Essie Aperitif: A classic cherry red and suits all shade, this can be opaque in just one coat (although I prefer two) for a fuss free, polished mani. It's a gorgeous rouge for the festive season and my go-to all year round red!

Essie Leading Lady: One of the most festive nail polishes, this is a sparkly, deep red pick with flecks of raspberry glitter running through it. It's so pretty on, a little more understated than your standard bold red sparkly christmas mani, but looks just as festive on!

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella: Lastly in my festive red line up, this heavenly velvet matte lip pick is a dream for the Christmas period. I'm all about this matte scarlet red hue, it's pigmented, matte and so chic - the perfect Christmas day shade!

Golds

Nars Alhambra: This brightening duo consists of two pigmented, shimmery shades - a golden champagne and a metallic rose gold. The formula of this dreamy duo is unreal, buttery soft, light reflecting and lasting, it's divine!

Urban Decay Half Baked: Another buttery pick, this warm gold hue is ideal for everyday wear. This looks gorgeous blended all over the lids, along the lower lash line and paired with tonnes of mascara.

Essie Glow Your Own Way: Reminiscent of a sparkling snow globe, the bronze gold and snow white flecks of this festive pick are ideal for Christmas and the party season. This works beautifully worn on it's own, layered over another shade or as an accent nail!

Essie Getting Groovy: Perfect for December, this metallic palladium gold is so flattering on. Under a light it shimmers and sparkles a dazzling gold. It's ideal for gilded tips too!

What do you think of my picks?

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Christmas Wishing

It's Christmas week next week! Is anyone else slightly panicking?! I feel like I have so much left to do, December has just flown by this year!

I love reading Christmas list posts for last minute ideas and for boxing day sale inspiration and so I thought I would share a peek at my Christmas wishlist this year too! Here's whats on my list...

I've popped so many warming, comforting things on my list this year - soft pyjamas, dressing downs, billowy blankets even thermals (I kid you not!) so that I'm well prepped for the harsh winter in my icy new flat! For the home I also love these gorgeous gem fairy lights, this pot holder these adorable salt and pepper shakers are on the top of my wishlist too!

As Santa ;) is getting Alex an Xbox One S this year, I've asked for the new Harry Potter BlueRay Boxset, the ultimate treat to binge watch on dark rainy days!

Another pick goes to this dreamy Anthropologie rose quartz coaster, I just adore the Diptyque Espices candle, Essie polishes are also always on my list too!

Here's a few more of my picks, what's on your Christmas wishlist this year?

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Glittery Party Picks

Unfortunately my Christmas party plans have fallen through this year (gutted I won't be able to wear this beauty out!) but I'm still planning on indulging in a little party prep - I'll find somewhere to wear my dress, even if it's ringing in the new year at home with a glass of sparkling elderflower! I've pulled together a few of my fave finds and sparkly picks for the festive season to help me get party ready.

The Phyto Botanical Straightening Balm* is great to tame tresses, I simply run a small amount through damp hair before styling to control frizz and it leaves me with manageable hair that's ready to style! Packed with heavenly, botanical ingredients it's lightweight, hydrating, strengthening and protects against heat damage - it's divine!

After pampering and preening the skin and before applying a base, I like to smooth on an illuminator like the Nyx Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam (a great Nars dupe!) for a dewy glow. The shimmering pearl hue with a hint of pink brightens and perks up the skin for all over radiance and it helps to create a flawless complexion!

For cheeks, I've pulled out a complimentary, dreamy duo, my new go-to combo for a chic party look! The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is a lovely pick, this silky soft blusher blends seamlessly and leaves a gorgeous soft focus to the skin. The swirls of radiance powder enhances the complexion and the dusky mauve pink hue sculpts the cheeks - it's perfect to wear with a red lip! The Mac Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam works so well paired with this, it's a gorgeous silvery champagne beige, a shimmery highlighter with subtle sparkles - heavenly!

For eyes, the By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock is a fail safe option. A lavender taupe with fine silver glitter running through it's creamy, pigmented, blends like a dream and once set, it's completely budge-proof! Paired with the Ardell Demi Wispies lashes and liquid eyeliner this looks unreal, and so festive!

A glittery mani is a Christmas party must-have! I'm planning on opting for a festive sparkly gold, try Essie Getting Groovy, an opulent palladium gold with Essie Glow Your Own Way, a glittery bronze gold with snow white flecks for the ultimate gilded Christmassy nails!

Lastly, a red lip is a Christmas party staple. You probably know by now how much I adore the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a long lasting, matte scarlet red, it's so flattering on - I always get compliments when wearing this!

What are your Christmas party picks?

Christmas Home Updates

I'm not sure whether it's my recent move, 2016's generally grim vibes or this sudden mild weather but I've felt a lot less festive this year. With our apartment finally unpacked and embellished with tinsel, candles and festive decor, I'm hoping that things will start to pick up a bit and I'll begin to feel a little more excited for Christmas soon!

To get me in the festive mood I've started burning The White Company's Winter candle, a divine pick with warming notes of orange, cinnamon and clove - it smells like Christmas in a jar! A cosy treat to light on an evening, the scent fills the whole room. It's ideal for burning whilst watching a Christmas film or two!

I've also decorated my dressing table for the occasion with candles, baubles and trinkets. I've pulled out a few festive beauty faves too - red lipsticks, sparkly eyeshadows and glittery nail polishes for the party season (see my festive beauty picks here!).

The shelves are adorned with bells, lights and yet more candles (I'm obsessed with this dreamy soy Anthropologie set!), I have my Roberts Radio playing HeartXmas and I've been whipping up cinnamon hot chocolates to sip on in my favourite new Anthropologie mug whilst the tree twinkles merrily in the corner.

My bathroom is still smelling incredible, thanks to my Lush Christmas Stash! My top picks this year have been the Magic Wand, a heavenly, candy sweet bubble bar and Sleepy, a dreamy, soft lavender body cream. I really need to pop back to stock up on some more bits, or perhaps splurge on a gift set!

Here's to hoping that things will start to feel more christmassy from now on, I think I'll pop on Elf or Arthur Christmas later and crack open a tub of Quality Street to try and make things more festive still!

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A Gift Guide - For The Beauty Lovers

There are some amazing gift sets available this year, the Becca Glow on the Go set is an incredible set and Charlotte Tilbury's dreamy kits are sure to be adored by any beauty lover!

For the skincare obsessed, the Pai BioRegenerate Oil is a divine nourishing treat for winter, rich in omegas, antioxidants and hydrating nutrients it leaves your complexion glowing! The cult Oskia Renaissance Cleanser is another great option, a gorgeous pick for super soft skin!

A glittery Essie nail polish would make a lovely festive treat, Glow Your Own Way is ideal - a sparkly bronze with white snow flecks, it's so festive!

Here's a few more picks below...

Festive Beauty Picks

It's finally December (or Decembrr!)! The tree is up, slumped heavy under the weight of bells, baubles and garlands, there's fairylights draped over rooftops and frost bitten mornings call for slippered feet and winter spiced hot chocolates - it's officially Christmas! To further mark the occasion, I've pulled out my favourite sparkly, glittery beauty picks, plus a couple of fail-safe red lipsticks too!

The Nars Outer Limits eyeshadow (dupe here!) is perfect for this time of the year, it's a dreamy, sparkly iridescent rose gold that's ideal to dab on top of any eyeshadow. The flecks of pink and gold glitter add a shimmery, festive touch and it transforms eyeshadows with minimal effort!
Another festive pick is the heavenly Illamasqua Jubilance, a buttery soft eyeshadow with metallic rose gold and silvery sparkles. Paired with red lips and winged liner it looks unreal!

For lips, I've pulled out the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a divine, flattering, deep scarlet red. This creamy yet budge proof, chic shade is not only a must-have for the party season but it also looks so festive paired with a cosy scarf and bobble hat too!

The Sleek Matte Me in Rioja Red is a long lasting lip saviour - it's incredible staying power means that I can indulge in as many veggie roast dinner's and chocolate oranges as possible without worrying about smudges or too many top ups throughout the day! The applicator is a little tricky and as it's a liquid lipstick it can be difficult to apply, but once set it lasts for hours and hours before fading to a stain.

Festive nails are a must-have for December! I've been reaching for Essie Glow Your Own Way, a gorgeous sparkly pick with flecks of bronze and snow white glitter and Essie Leading Lady, a deep glittery red!

For highlighter, I've opted for the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, a gorgeous golden peach highlighter for a candle lit glow. The texture is dreamy, silky soft and so saturated, you only need a light dusting for dewy, luminous skin. The peachy tones are so flattering, it's the perfect complexion pick me up!

Lastly for blusher, I've pulled out a couple of heavenly picks. The dusky mauve/pink Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure sculpts the cheeks effortlessly and the swirls of ambient lighting powder perks up lacklustre skin (ideal for winter). I'm also smitten with the Nars Dolce Vita Blush, this rosy berry red blusher packs a punch, you only need a small amount for flushed, rosy cheeks!

What are you favourite festive beauty picks?

A December To Do List

1. Decorate! String up fairy lights, hang tinsel, baubles and embellish the tree. We're still unpacking and so I've resolved to sort out the flat before putting the tree up, hopefully it will be this weekend!

2. Paint my fingers and toes with all of the sparkly, glittery nail polishes! Essie Glow Your Own Way is a current fave, it's a gorgeous pick with bronze and white glitter flecks! 

3. Splurge on the Diptyque Espices et Delices Christmas candle, a divine gingerbread, honey and star anise scented treat - Merry Christmas to me, from me!

4. Have a weekly festive ritual - pop on a Christmas film whilst tucking into a tub of roses or a chocolate orange, with candles and tree lights twinkling and spiced mulled drinks! Try belvoir for a glorious non alcoholic version of mulled wine!

5. Pull out the soft, festive, brushed cotton bedding (from Primark, of course!) - I'm so happy that it's finally cold enough to put back on a snug winter set!

6. Cheese. Buy all of the vegan cheese (Thank you Sainbury's & Violife!!) to have on crackers. Stock up on olives, sauerkraut, jalapeños and grapes to pair with - isn't this just the best time of the year?!

7. Have a huge Lush spree, stock up on all my festive faves before they disappear (sob!).

8. Read the Fantastic Beasts Screenplay, I loved the film, how cute is that lil Niffler!

9. Snap up one of these chic River Island party dresses, I can't decide between this velvet number or this lace tiered dress!

10. Pick up the Christmas Radio Times and circle all my picks - a yearly tradition!

What's on your December to do list?

A Gift Guide - For The Home Decor Lover

This was quite possibly my favourite gift guide to compile, I literally want everything on this list! If you spotted my Black Friday Anthopologie splurge here (which included the gold salad servers!), you can probably tell that I'm totally obsessed with homewares at the moment!

Candles are the ideal gift, Anthropologie have some dreamy Soy candles (it's also where I picked up the heavenly gift set above!) and Diptyque candles are divine for Christmas, they're such a luxe treat! The Diptyque Vanille candle is unreal, a gorgeous mix of sweet, smoky, woody and spicy scent, it's perfect for winter!

A Robert's Radio is a great gift for music lovers, available in an array of shades, there's a pick for everyone. I've had mine playing HeartXmas non stop, it's great to pop on whilst cooking, cleaning or for sitting down to a candlelit meal!

For a book lover, a stone bookend is a good pick, mine's from west elm (currently sold out in white) but M&S have an affordable similar pair! Oliver Bonas also have some beautiful gilded agate ones too!

Here's a few more picks below...