What I Got For Christmas 2015 | Beauty, Fashion and Homey Bits!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas spent with your loved ones, I sure did! For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you've had a lovely few days nevertheless. Today I'm going to be sharing with you what I got for Christmas. I know how boring it can get with the usual disclaimers at the beginning of these posts and videos but I'd just like to put it out there, I'm super grateful for everything I have received this year. I love reading these posts so I thought I'd do one myself! I'm just going to get straight into it.








 First, I'm going to start with my stocking. We've had stockings in my house for as long as I can remember and over the years Santa(wink wink) has gotten so generous and made them larger each year. I have to say, I love stockings and would be more than happy with just a few stocking presents on Christmas Day. In my stocking, I tend to get the same kind of things every year like beauty essentials including cleansers, cotton wool pads and face masks etc which I love as it means I won't have to go out and make the same repurchases over and over again. I've been trying to take care of my nails this year and I kept loosing the tools so I received this dinky little set which is so handy, hopefully I won't loose them now!



We also tend to get a huge amount of chocolate, like most people I assume? Usually it would be gone within a few days but I'm pacing myself this year, sort of. Haha! I'm sat here wondering where it's all gone, hmm..





I also received some lovely candles including this mini vanilla frosting jar and lots of tea lights which are essential for my tart burner. I'm the worst for burning myself whilst lighting candles so my mum picked up this long lighter to avoid that, what a life saver haha! This was well needed.




Now I'll move on to the presents under the tree. My parents told me as I was getting money, I wouldn't have many presents to open but they were wrong! I was still completely shocked with the amount in my pile. I received lots of homey bits this year. Now, when I say homey bits, I don't mean home ware, I mean lots of bits that I'll use whilst relaxing at home.






First up which is possibly my favourite gift out of the lot was a new dressing gown! I've had the same one for about five years now and it was really on it's lasts legs- it wasn't the most subtle either- it was a hot pink leopard print one. The one I received this year is more subtle, a taupe/dusty pink colour. It's so cosy and I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear out of it. I also received this white snuggle blanket, we had one of these in our living room and it was held hostage up in my room for a while so my parents decided to get one for myself. It's so cosy, looks cute on my bed and will be perfect for the rest of the season. Oops, I forgot to take a picture of it but it's used as a background in the rest of these pictures.



Pyjamas are mandatory at Christmas, am I right? We always end up with a pair or two and I'm not complaining. I live in my pyjamas when I'm at home! First I received these super cosy Bambi pyjamas. These are similar to a pair I had last year, again from my sister but this time they have cuffed bottoms which I love as it means I won't trip over trouser legs that are too long!

I also had these pretty cloud pyjama bottoms, again they're cuffed. These feel so comfortable and stretchy so will be perfect for lazy days- by the way, these are from Sainsbury's if you're wondering as my mum left the tag on. What is Christmas without socks? I had three pairs of cosy socks which will be ideal to pair with my new pyjamas!

Next from my sister I had a lovely mug which came with a whisk, hot chocolate and mini marshmallows. It was perfect for during the evening on Boxing Day!



I've really loved Yankee Candles since I first discovered them a few years ago. I'm always tempted by the jars however I find the votives and wax tarts are such great value for money that I won't splurge. From my sisters boyfriend, he very kindly got me a load of votives and this rustic star holder. These will last me a good while and I love all the scents he chose so I'm so grateful.






From my other sister I received an adult colouring book. It was a good while since I'd been eyeing these up whilst shopping so I was so surprised that she remembered! She also got me some new colouring pencils and this lovely Cath Kidston pencil case to store them in. It's from the Kids section as she said the prints were nicer in there compared to the adults, haha!





I'm a huge fan of Olly Murs and was gutted when the calendar had sold out last year, therefore I had to go a year without one but this year my sister picked up the unofficial one- it's got some lovely photos in it so I'm not complaining. I also received an Olly Murs poster, my siblings know me too well!



Now I shall move onto the fashion and beauty gifts I received. I was so happy to receive a new watch as my other one had been playing up, this ones from Avon and is black with a rose gold bezel. I love it!



I saw this bag featured in a haul on YouTube and fell in love with it, especially when I found out it was only £20 from Zara. I put it on my wish list and my sister bought it for me, it's such a great size, looks like real leather and has a longer strap to carry on your shoulder or wear across your body. I can't wait to use it!












Last but not least, onto the beauty bits. I hinted to my parents that I'd love the Soap and Glory Whole She-Bang set and bless my mum, she was up at 7am on her day off to head onto the Boots site to order it. So lovely and I'm so thankful as it has some of my favourite products in and new bits I'm yet to try.






My sisters boyfriends mother was also kind enough to gift me with The Body Shop Coconut set. I love Coconut and The Body Shop so this is a win-win!

I received this really lovely eyes, nails and lips set, I swatched the products and was shocked by their pigmentation as these are from Primark! I'll definitely be looking to try more of the Primark Beauty.



My mum knows I love Real Techniques brushes so picked up the Expert Face Brush for me, however she accidentally ordered three somehow. I asked could I exchange one of them for a different brush and she said yes, we requested a return on Amazon and they accepted and told us not to bother returning the brush and refunded the money. I technically got a free brush, somehow!? And I've now ordered the Setting Brush. So lucky!



I've had my eye on the Stila palettes for a while and when my brother asked was there anything I wanted from the ASOS beauty sale for Christmas, I said I'd love this Stila Eyes are the Window Palette in Spirit. I definitely didn't think he'd get it for me and I was so shocked to open this on Christmas Day. Such a surprise and I'm so thankful!

Like I said earlier, my 'main' present from my parents was money. I also received money from my Nan, Grampy and Aunties etc so I shall be putting that money towards a new purse, probably more makeup and hopefully(if all goes to plan) driving lessons. I'm determined 2016 will be the year I start driving, we'll see eh?

There you have it, what I got for Christmas! I was spoilt this year, as I am every year and I couldn't be more thankful. Of course, Christmas isn't about receiving, it's for giving, loving and spending time with your loved ones. Gifts are just a bonus! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that Santa was kind to you!




I'd love to hear what you got for Christmas so feel free to leave a link in the comments to your post/video!




♥   ♥   ♥

My Top Five Festive Film Picks!

Today I thought i'd share with you my top five festive film picks. I don't tend to enjoy films often, my attention span is poor and I lose interest. However, I love Christmas films because, well how could you not!? If you're planning on binge watching Christmas films in the run up to the big day then I've listed my five favourites, starting from five and reeling them off til my ultimate favourite- number one. Let's get started, shall we?

5. A Christmas Carol (2009)

This stands a firm favourite as I first saw it in the cinema with my family on Christmas Eve. As well as being nostalgic, it's also a great film where it follows the life of Scrooge in the run up to Christmas. Of course, i'm not going to spoil it though I'm sure most of you will have seen it or know the story. The most recent release of it is definitely worth a watch!

4. Nativity!

This is one I watch numerous times in the month of December. As you could've probably guessed from the title this one is based around the preparations for a school nativity. It's a hilarious comedy, how can you not love Mr Poppy?! Also, fact of the day: one of the children in the film actually went to my primary school. How cool is that!?

3. Love Actually

Believe it or not, I had never seen this until last Christmas. So many people raved about it so I thought it was about time I saw what it was all about. I loved it, hence why it's made it's way into my top five. If you haven't seen it, the film basically follows a number of different couples during the run up to Christmas. I probably haven't made that sound too appealing but it's a rom-com so you definitely won't get bogged down with slushy couples. If you haven't seen it- make sure you give it a watch this year! Let me know what you think of it, if you do.

2. Home Alone

A classic. I'm almost certain that everyone has seen this film- if you haven't, you've probably been living under a rock. Is there really any point in trying to explain this film? The title gives it away right? I've seen this countless times and I never get bored of it, it's hilarious and i'm completely hooked within the first few minutes. The second film is also just as good, the ones after aren't so.

1. The Polar Express

You were expecting me to say Elf right? If i'm honest, it's never been a favourite of mine- don't get me wrong it is a good film but I can't take too much of it. The Polar Express however is a different story. It's just so magical and exciting. It follows the journey of a little boy who struggles to believe, he is taken on a journey to the North Pole that shows him the excitement never fades for those who believe. You'll also fall in love with the lone boy singing at the back of the train, 'it's so much fun when Christmas comes to townnn!' Just me? Ok then...

So there you have it, a run through of my favourite Christmas films. Do you love any of these as much as me? Let me know or leave me any festive film recommendations! I'll be back Sunday to share my idea of a perfect movie night!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM?

♥   ♥   ♥

My Christmas Eve Routine! | CHRISTMAS 2014

Hello!

It's Christmas Eve and quite frankly I can't believe how quick it's come around.

I love seeing what others get up to over the festive period so I thought i'd share with you my Christmas Eve routine as of course it's different to any other usual day.

I'm not working this Christmas Eve, thank goodness! So I'm going to have a lie in this morning despite being super excited! Once i'm fully awake i'll laze around in bed watching Christmas YouTube videos and reading festive blog posts! I'll next somewhat find the courage to move out of bed and get ready for the day ahead, though i'll be staying in my pyjamas all day! I'll also have a quick shower to wash my hair as i'll usually have a Lush bath later in the day.

Also guys, what other way to celebrate Christmas Eve than having a snowman shaped crumpet for breakfast?

In my festive attire(aka Reindeer Pyjamas) I will make my way to the sofa with a line up of Christmas films, here are some favourites although there are many I don't have physical copies of so i'll watch them on the TV of what i've downloaded.

Today I plan on watching Home Alone 2, The Grinch, A Christmas Carol and Nativity, followed by many Christmas Specials.

Apologies for the changing quality of these photos, they were taken at different parts of the day and with my iPhone.

After endless amounts of chocolate and candy canes it's probably time to move and prepare for Christmas Day so i'll collate all the presents i've bought for others into neat piles ready to give to each person on Christmas morning. Probably one of the toughest decisions comes next, what to wear tomorrow!?
I'm thinking some black jeans, heeled black boots and a turtle neck- plain and simple but super comfy!
Next up is makeup! After a little while of experimenting I will probably opt for a shimmery nude eye look with a dark or even red lip.

I was planning on buying a burgundy or dark green turtle neck but I simply couldn't find one, hence the not very festive grey and white one(although I do love it)
Primark Turtleneck Top- £6
New Look Black Jeans(I can't remember how much as it was a long while ago)
Primark Silver Chain Link Necklace- £3

Late afternoon calls for a Lush bath and a face mask- both can vary but this year I've chosen Butterbear as it's supposed to be super moisturising and a Vitamin E Moisture Mask from The Body Shop(if you've not heard, I love the Vitamin E range)

You've probably guessed it, the rest of the day will be spent in my pyjamas and watching something festive but when other can you rock Christmas pyjamas and acceptably watch huge amounts of Christmas films!?

Just before bed is the time to put out a Mince Pie, an alcoholic beverage(naughty Santa) and a few carrots for the reindeer. Me and my siblings full well know that my mother will consume them minutes after we've gone to our rooms and will put the carrots back in the veg rack but it's a tradition not to be missed!

Lastly without fail i'll put on the Polar Express, it's my favourite Christmas film and is based on Christmas Eve so what else?

Just after brushing my teeth I will put my stocking which is rather large at the end of my bed and hope it's not filled will coal when I wake in the morning.

What do you do on Christmas Eve, do you have any traditions?

Let me know below!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas that is filled with happiness and have a great day if you're not celebrating!

Much Love,

♥   ♥   ♥

The Christmas tag!

Hello lovely people(if you're reading this)!

So basically I was going to do the 'this or that' tag as a sort of 'get to know me' post, I got that idea from omgchl0e's blog and I was just about to link her in my post then I saw this! When I saw this tag I had to do it immediately, it's less than a month so why not? (PS go check her blog out, it's one of my favourites!)

1. Do you like to stay in your PJ’s, or dress up for Christmas? 

I've got to admit, I have been lazy before and stayed in my PJs all day- new Christmas ones ofc! But during the morning when opening Christmas presents, we stay in our PJs and then get changed and dress up a little for Christmas dinner and evening!

2. If you could only buy one person a present this year, who would it be? 

This ones so hard! Probably my mum as she's the one who holds the family together, especially at Christmas! And shes done so much for me this year!

3. Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? 

I know a lot of people who have theirs at midnight, but that still counts as Christmas Eve right? It's still Christmas Eve until the morning to me! I think i'd hate that though as when you wake up on Christmas morning you wouldn't have that much to look forward to. Unfortunately my brothers too old to believe in Santa but we still open them on Christmas morning.

4. Have you ever built a Gingerbread house? 

I built one last year! I love gingerbread so we bought a kit and I was so excited to decorate and eat it! But unfortunately the gingerbread was disgusting! so it just sat over Christmas and looked pretty!

5. What do you like to do on your Christmas break? 

Christmas is all about family, Christmas films and dressing cosy! So for me this is the one time of year my family see's each other properly, I love seeing us all together being happy as larry! I think this goes for everyone, Christmas Eve is spent watching Christmas films with the family getting all excited for Christmas the next morning! Then Christmas day is just spent with my mum, dad, sisters and brothers. My nan has 2 sons so she goes back and forth each year, it's our year this year so I'm so excited to spend it with her!

6. What’s your favorite Christmas meal or treat? 

I'm not fussed on full roast dinners but i'll tell you what I do have which is my favourite! I don't have meat, not because I'm a vegetarian just because I only like chicken and I only like it in breadcrumbs/battered(so basically nuggets and stuff like that). I do have vegetables though, my favourite is sweetcorn! Not to forget the pigs in blankets, wait that's pork? I like pork too but not like the pork you would have on roast dinners! Yorkshire puddings are the best to complete the dinner!

7. What’s your favorite holiday movie? 

This is definitely hands down The Polar Express, I saw it in the cinema when it was out on Christmas Eve! Its just such a cute film, it probably still puts a quick thought in my head Santa is real! Wouldn't it be fabulous if we all believed until we became parents? But Christmas is especially for the children!

8. Candy Canes or Gingerbread Men? 

We hang candy canes on my tree and are only allowed them on Christmas eve or later so I do love candy canes for that reason. But gingerbread men are beautiful!

9. Have you ever made a snowman? 

We use to make one every time it snows! Whether it was good or not is a different story! I love the snow, but I hate being cold so I don't tend to go out in it anymore which is sad!

10. Which do you like better, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? 

I love the excitement of Christmas Eve but definitely Christmas day, its a day full of happy families, giving, kindness, laughs and alcohol(only a little though, nobody likes forgetting what happened on Christmas!)

11. White lights, or colored lights? 

Both! They are so pretty! I have coloured lights in my room to reflect off the white walls and look pretty! But my tree usually has white lights, they remind me of fairies/angels a lot which is nice to think loved ones who have passed are still around joining in the Christmas festivities!

Ok this has made me soo excited for Christmas! 

Everyone should do this and comment below if you've done it so I can see what you get up to on Christmas!

I definitely think I'm going to do a series of posts Christmas related seeing as I loved doing this one!

Talk soon! X