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!




♥   ♥   ♥

Something To Put A Smile On Their Face | Operation Christmas Child 2015

Halloween is out of the way, Bonfire Night will be done and dusted by the end of next week so why not get a little Christmassy here on my blog today. Today i'm going to be sharing with you an initiative called Operation Christmas Child by the charity Samaritan's Purse. I'm going to put it straight out there, this is not sponsored. Blogging allows me to connect with people all over the world, therefore I feel it is my duty to share good things and thoughts in order to have a positive influence on those reading. Anyway, let's get on with this and allow me to explain a little more about it.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Samaritan's Purse is the charity that runs Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child allows anybody in most countries around the world to send a shoe box full of gifts including hygiene items, school supplies and toys to a child somewhere in a less developed country to enable them to have a happier Christmas. If you'd like to find out more, just search Operation Christmas Child followed by where you live as each country has a different website with specific details on how to pack a box. For example, Operation Christmas Child UK. Or you can click here, if you're from the UK.

How to pack a shoe box?

First of all you should wrap your shoe box ensuring the lid and box are wrapped separately. You should then pop a label on top stating whether your box is for a boy or girl and which age range. I did a box for a boy and a girl, both aged 5 to 9.

Next you should fill your box with gifts, including hygiene items, school supplies and toys. However, I must make you aware there are some restrictions on what you can put in as these are going to be flown across the world, therefore you should avoid food, liquids and sharp objects. There are also some restrictions on toys such as war-related toys(soldiers, guns, knives), hand-made stuffed toys and playing cards. If you're unsure, click here to find a more in-depth list of what you can and can't include. 

Here I've included pictures and a list of what I've packed in each box, i'm sure you'll be able to tell but the first is for a boy(aged 5-9) and the second is for a girl(aged 5-9).

HYGIENE ITEMS

-Toothbrushes

 -Toothpaste

-Bar of soap and a flannel

-Comb/hair brush

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

-Notebook

-Ballpoint pens
-Pencils

-Colouring pencils
-Ruler

-Eraser and sharpener 

TOYS

-Train set
-Truck

-Animal figures

-Doll

-Jewellery making set

OTHER
-Hat/Scarf/Gloves
-Hair accessories

-Colouring/Activity book

-Sweets(best before date must be at least March of the following year) 

MAKE SURE THE LID CAN SHUT!

The only items missing are a colouring/activity book for both and hair accessories for the girl as I feel the box is a little emptier compared to the boys. You should also make sure that the lid of your box can close properly, you don't want to loose anything!

How much will this cost?

I know you're probably thinking this, how much is this going to set me back? 

Not a huge amount in my case, though it does depend where you shop.

I cannot recommend Wilko enough for hygiene and stationary items. For example for a two pack of toothbrushes it cost just 18p! I went for the bigger pack of pencils which cost 50p each, however they do have smaller packets for 18p so it depends on your budget.

For the toys, i'd shop around the pound shops. I have a few in my town so I went into each looking for appropriate toys, a hat and glove set and sweets. 

So far in total i've spent £16.09. You must also donate £3 for you box to be shipped, you can either include this within the box or you can pay online. I am going to do this online as they give you a barcode which you can stick in your boxes to track them. You will then recieve an email in the new year to find out where your box has gone!

Grand Total(2 boxes) = Under £25

Of course, I understand that not everybody has that much to give. You could just do one box, which would come in under £15 with the £3 donation included in that price. However, you could do a box with the basic necessities including hygiene items, some stationary with one or two toys, which would be even cheaper! I'm sure whatever you can give will put a huge smile on a child's face. You and your friends could also gather any small change/pocket money you have to create a box between you. There's no better feeling than doing a good deed! 

How do I send it off?

Once everything is in your box, including the £3 donation to ship it- i'd recommend putting an elastic band around it to keep the lid on and to prevent loosing anything from your box. You should then take it to your local drop off point. This can be done from today up until 18th November, so you've got just over 2 weeks to do so! You'll be able to find your local drop off point, here.

And that's it, you've done your good deed for the day and i'm sure you'll make a child very happy on Christmas morning! There's no better feeling!

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This post was a little different to what you'd usually see on my blog, but I hope you enjoyed finding out about an amazing initiative and I really hope some of you will go and look more into this. Of course, if it's not practical for you this year due to lack of funds or time then you can keep it in mind for next year!

I hope you've had a lovely week. Let me know what you think of this idea in the comments below!

♥   ♥   ♥

America Haul | Beauty, Fashion and Homeware

 I mentioned in my last post that today's blog post would be America and shopping related, did you guess it? Of course i'm doing a mini America haul. Unfortunately, I didn't go to America- my sister did. She asked if there was anything i'd like so of course I wasn't going to pass up on this opportunity to try American drugstore brands! I compiled a list of mainly things I couldn't pick up here in the UK or things I knew where cheaper in the US. Although I didn't get as much as i'd of hoped, as she could only find one thing on my list, she did however surprise me with some other gifts instead which I am so grateful for- thanks sis!

Focus on the swatch, not the rest of my hand pls

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt

Now, I know you can actually get these in the UK but I believe they're a little cheaper in America and i'm all for saving pennies. The Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk has been raved about, however I didn't really feel that I needed a white cream eye shadow so I decided to ask for Yogurt which as you can see is this gorgeous slightly pink toned bronze that will be amazing as a base! I haven't yet tested this but if I do like it, I shall be picking some more up. 

Crystal Point Pendant Necklace

This is something I usually wouldn't pick up for myself but I love it! I'm so pleased my sister picked this up for me as the green is gorgeous and will look amazing with simple monochrome outfits. I'm not too sure where my sister bought this but i'm sure if you search crystal point pendant then you'll be able to find similar!

Bath and Body Works Mini Candles

I knew I couldn't get these anywhere in the UK so I asked if she saw a Bath and Body Works store could she pop in and pick up a couple of their mini candles just so I could try them. I didn't request any particular scents as I couldn't smell them so I asked if she could get ones she thought i'd like and she did very well!

Island Tiare Flower- I definitely can't describe scents but I can tell you this smells very similar to the Yankee Candle in Pink Sands which is my favourite!

Coconut Vanilla- Does this really need explaining? I love the scent of coconuts and vanilla so this is perfect!

Pomelo Paradise- Again this one smells similar to Pink Sands by Yankee Candle but is slightly different from the first but I like it so i'm not complaining!

And last but definitely not least,

Las Vegas Mug

I don't think I've yet mentioned where she went but she visited Las Vegas and San Francisco. She knows how much i'd love to go to Las Vegas or pretty much anywhere in America so this was perfect for me as she also knows that I love a cup of tea. This is huge so I only tend to fill it half way but come winter time, I know this will be the perfect cup to warm me up after a long day at work!

I'm so grateful for her searching high and low for the products I ask for, although they were sold out unfortunately. I'm sure there will be another time i'll be able to ask someone to pick them up for me or they'll be more accessible in the UK. And of course i'm ever so thankful of her being so thoughtful and bringing other things back for me.

Have you been to America?

It's definitely near the top of my bucket list to go!

♥   ♥   ♥

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,

♥   ♥   ♥

It's nearly Christmas! | The Christmas Countdown

Hello!

Yes finally I've broke up from college and the countdown to Christmas is in full swing for me! I thought I'd give a small update on what to expect from me in terms of blogging. As you may or may not have seen, I am in fact doing Christmas posts- I've posted Gift Ideas and a Christmas TAG collab so far, both of which you can see here and here.

Lined up I have a Christmas Eve routine and my Christmas FOTD, so keep an eye out for those!

As I've said I've finished college, we actually finished a week early as we did one full week in placement which I loved(if you didn't know, I do work experience twice a week in a day nursery as I'm studying childcare)

The last week of college was completed with the exchanging of gifts as we did Secret Santa, here is what I got for my recipient along with some Cadbury's Snowballs chocolates which went down a treat! 

And this is what I received some Thorntons, yum- I was more than pleased! (FYI I watched The Polar Express while eating the bare minimum of the chocolates I really like)

Speaking of exchanging gifts, now that I am on my Christmas holiday I'm finally allowing myself to wrap presents that I have bought for my family members. I love chucking on a Christmas film while wrapping, it puts me right in the mood! How are your wrapping skills? Mine are pretty average!

Seeing as I work in retail, my shifts are going to be hectic and that's the only thing that puts me off Christmas! Though I will be working a lot, of course I will be posting as regularly as I can up until early January before I go back to college! Is there anything in particular you would like to see?

I'd also like to address that this year my parents have decided to give me money as they think it will be more well spent and I will get a lot more in the sales, so I'm thinking of doing a 'What I bought in the sales' kind of post.

That's all I have to update you on for today, keep a look out for my Christmas posts by following me on bloglovin or instagram, both linked here.

Merry Christmas and of course Happy Holidays to those of you who don't celebrate Christmas. Enjoy your day however you spend it!

Until next time,

♥   ♥   ♥

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