Christmas Wish List 2015 | Bags, Beauty and Fragrance

Seeing as it's the first week of December, I thought what better way to start the month than with my Christmas Wish List. I know a lot of you will be starting to look what to ask for this year or maybe even looking for gift ideas so perhaps this could help you either way. Please note this is a 'wish list' so of course I don't expect to receive everyone of these items, if any! This is just a select few items that I would love to receive. Let's get into it!

1. Zara Soft City Bag

I love this bag! I'm definitely in need of a new one as I've had my last Zara bag for nearly two years, it's looking a bit worse for wear so I think it's time I got myself a new one. I saw this bag in a haul on YouTube and I knew it had to be mine, especially as it's only £20. Unfortunately it's now unavailable on the website but I have a sneaking suspicion that Santa may have heard my pleads. Let's hope I find this under the tree!

2. Purse

Seeing as this is a 'Wish List' then i'd really love the Ted Baker Colour Block Matinee Purse in Nude. I could've sworn they did this in the summer but they must have stopped making it as I can't find it anywhere. So I wish that said purse still existed an I wish that I had £75 to spend on a purse but this one from ASOS is lovely too. I like large purses so something simple like this is perfect for everyday and will sit nicely in the bag I mentioned previously.

3. Origins Night-A-Mins Moisturiser

In last years Boxing Day sales I picked up an Origins Sample Set. This was included within the set and I loved it, however I don't love the price. It's £35 which has put me off repurchasing it but i'm thinking I could pop it on my Christmas Wish List and maybe a kind someone will put it under the tree for me. If not, I think i'll definitely have to purchase it myself. It's 50ml so should last me ages, right!?

4. Soap and Glory Body Gift Set

I can't believe how long I've loved Soap and Glory, it's been 6 years since I received my first ever Soap and Glory products. Can anyone remember The Big Thrill Hat Box set that went from £50 down to £20? My Dad rushed out to get it for me! So it's become a tradition that every year I receive a Soap and Glory gift set and i'm definitely not complaining! As much as i'd love the Whole She-Bang set, it's a little pricey so i'd be more than happy with Soaper Star set as it contains a few of my all time favourite Soap and Glory products. 

5. Soap and Glory Well I'll Be Glammed Makeup Gift Set

Another Soap and Glory set, but this time it's makeup! I've not actually tried much of their makeup range. Only a primer, the Brow Archery and a Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss. This set is such a great deal, I'd really love to find this under my tree and would be a great way to test out more of their makeup range!

6. Benefit Pump Up The Party! Gift Set

You may have seen me mention before but I've not actually tried many high-end makeup brands. However, everything I've tried from Benefit I've loved! Again, I think this set is a great deal and would be perfect to try out more of their products! The Rockateur Blush looks right up my street and is included in this set. Also, I think this would be a great gift for someone wanting to experiment more with makeup and dip into the high-end side.

7. Perfume 

I'm not entirely sure what perfume i'd like, which isn't good as i'm so fussy when it comes to perfume. However, I think i'd like a more affordable perfume for daily wear. As much as I love my Giorgio Armani Si, it's quite expensive for everyday wear and is more of an evening scent. I did notice they now do an Eau De Toilette version so maybe that's lighter and more appropriate for daily wear? I don't know but the bottles really pretty, haha!

8. Yankee Candle Pink Sands Jar

And last but certainly not least, I'd love this candle. I've tried a load of the wax melts and samplers and this has been my favourite by far so i'd love to have the large jar to burn. Also it's pale pink so will look super cute in my room, what more could I want!?

I hope this has helped you if you're stuck on what to ask for or what to buy for your loved ones. I've actually finished my Christmas shopping which is good but also not as I keep seeing other things and spend even more money. I should be saving to learn to drive so I suppose that's another thing i'd like- driving lessons, something practical! I'd love to know how much shopping you've done. Let me know in the comments!

WHAT'S ON YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST?

♥   ♥   ♥

The Autumn TAG | Hello Autumn!

I love Autumn, I think it may be my favourite season. Seeing as it's starting to creep in, I'm talking cold, damp mornings, crunchy leaves and rainy evenings. I thought what better way to note my first Autumn post this year than with an Autumn TAG- I wasn't tagged to do this but I love participating in TAGs every now and then!

Favourite thing about Autumn?

It's got go be cosy nights in with the fire on, whilst binge watching films or catching up on TV programmes. Let's be honest, TV is usually better come Autumn/Winter!

Favourite drink?

I'm guessing this means the seasonal drinks at Starbucks and Costa. I'm not a huge fan of spices, so the Pumpkin Spice Latte is not for me! I love tea, I don't drink as much in the summer so I make the most of it during Autumn and Winter!

Favourite scent/candle?

As I've mentioned, I don't like spices much- the taste and smell. I do love vanilla based candles though as they're so warming and comforting. I don't do sickly sweet neither, so it'd have to be Sunlight on Snow by Yankee Candle- fresh but comforting!

Best lipstick?

As I'm writing this, I'm currently testing the very much raved about Rimmel 107. I shall update you on my thoughts, I'm sure. I love dark and Berry toned lips around this time of year, my go-to shades are usually the Maybelline Colour Drama Velevet Lip Pencil in Berry Much or MUA Matte Lipstick in Wild Berry.

Go-to moisturiser?

In terms of day moisturisers, I love the Garnier Moisture Match range. I usually opt for the mattifying one for oily skin but my skins a little dry at the moment so I may pick up another in the range. For the night, I love the Origins Night-A-Mins but I only have a deluxe sample of that so I've been using it sparingly- I must pick up the full size at some point!

Go-to colours for the eyes?

I rarely steer away from neutral colours on my eyes, usually I go for mattes in the day time and shimmery for a night look. I do like to add more copper tones during the Autumn, I think they make my blue eyes pop too!

Favourite music or band/singer to listen to?

I don't think my music taste changes much throughout the year, I love Olly Murs, Ed Sheeran and just pop in general.

Favourtie outfit to wear?

Autumn/Winter is all about jumpers, jeans, chunky knit tights, ankle boots and huge blanket-like scarves!

Autumn treat?

I'm not really sure what this means, does it mean in terms of food?

I love homemade soups, especially my Mum's Lentil and Vegetable soup, with crunchy bread- yum!

Favourite place to be?

As I mentioned earlier, I love being cosied up in a blanket on the sofa with the fire on but I also love Bonfire Night! It's nice to just wrap up warm and go out for the evening with your friends and family to watch the amazing firework displays and  make your way through a toffee apple before you start to feel a little bit sick!

I wasn't tagged by anyone to do this, but I will tag a few as I'd love to hear your favourite things about Autumn.

I TAG:

Jess from Hey It Is Jess

Nicole from Thrifty Vintage Fashion

and

Geraldine from Geraldine's Wonderful World

Look forward to seeing your answers girls!

See you Sunday with a haul!

♥   ♥   ♥

The Sunday Edit #8 | Appointments, Shopping and Catch Ups!

I didn't have much planned for this week so I was sort of taking every day as it came, I did have a few lazy days but I thought i'd share my week with you anyway!

Monday, not a lot was done as the weather wasn't too great and it looks like Autumn is coming- hence why I wore a chunky scarf and not a lot of colour. I woke up early and booked my doctors appointment. My sisters text me to say that they were coming around my house so I was quite excited as I hadn't seen them both much in a little while. We spent the afternoon nattering away about anything and everything- it was so nice to have a good catch up! My mum then decided to drag me to B&Q with her, yawn! We also popped into Asda to buy some fruit so that I could make some smoothies and juices in the week. I then persuaded my mum to take me to McDonalds which was super naughty! As if we didn't have enough takeaway while we were away.

Tuesday was the day I had been dreading for a little while, I had to go to the doctors to have a Meningitis vaccine. I've had quite a few needles in the past few years but for some reason I was really nervous, it didn't help that the person before me was screaming the place down while having theirs done. The nurse was lovely though and it was over within two minutes. Again I went shopping with my mum and we got a free packet of Disney Princess cards for spending over a certain amount- woo! 

I spent the evening watching Educating Cardiff and if you weren't aware I'm actually from Cardiff myself. It was cringe worthy but it made me miss high school a lot!

On Wednesday, I woke up early well at least it was earlier than I have woke up in a while. I love the summer holidays! To start the day I had a pineapple, apple and carrot juice and got ready for the dentist. I was scared that i'd have to have another filling but no, all went well thankfully! I then popped into the agency I've started working for, for a meeting then went to visit my friend in work. Although I am trying not to spend at the moment, I couldn't resist a browse in town as I had two vouchers for Topshop (and other stores within the same group) and Boots. I was a left a little disappointed when I didn't manage to spend my Boots one, shock horror! I just wasn't really feeling anything. I did however pick up a pair of new pointed boots for Autumn/Winter from Dorothy Perkins and I love them!

MMM!

Not much was done on Thursday, except blogging! Me and my sister decided to pop to IKEA on Friday though, she is a teacher so was in need of a few bits for the classroom but I couldn't resist a trip to IKEA as i'm a lover of all things home ware! I didn't need anything so I didn't get anything, apart from Pick N Mix which I never have so I allowed myself. Last minute me and my friends decided to go out for food, we went to Las Iguanas again which was lovely! It was really nice to have a good catch up too!

I've not got much planned this weekend so i'm going to leave it there, however if something drastic happens i'm sure I will update you! I'm not sure if you'll see a Sunday Edit from me next week as it's Back To School week and i'll be busy sorting out things for work for when I start, however you shall see other things from me! 
Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO THIS WEEK?

♥   ♥   ♥

July Goals Update | Life

Seeing as there are only two days left of July, I thought i'd update you on my July Goals(here) as promised. I'm also planning on doing a favourites this month so keep your eyes peeled for that on Sunday. Lets see what I've managed to complete this July then...

1. Finish college and my work placement. 

Check! College and placement done and dusted, I completed my diploma in Childcare and Education and came out with an A which i'm super pleased about! I also finished my last days experience in a local primary school and although I was sad to be leaving. I was so excited to start my summer holidays. I also received some lovely gifts from the children and staff, including a gorgeous personalised photo box and beautiful flowers-  which may I add are surprisingly still alive, 2 weeks later! You can see these on my Instagram (@xtracesofmythoughts)

2. Get a job interview. 

I finally got a job interview after handing in many applications to fill the role as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. The interview didn't go too bad, besides not getting it- I received some good feedback! I am also in the process of enrolling with teaching agencies so hopefully I can get on doing supply work in September!

3. Complete a Paediatric First Aid Course. 

I am now qualified in Paediatric First Aid, woo! Not only will this help me in search for a job but this is also a skill I think everyone should have some knowledge of. I was surprised how little I knew but now I know what to do if someone started choking or was unconscious and not breathing- hopefully those situations never arise though!

4. Spend more time outside.

The weather hasn't been too amazing the past couple of weeks but at the beginning of July we were experiencing a mini heatwave. When the weathers been ok I've tried to sit in the garden and get some much needed vitamin D but I've also tried walking places more to save money and keep fit.

5. Spend more time with family.

I've been to a couple more family gatherings, it's been so nice to catch up with family I haven't spoken/seen properly in years and I hope to visit more often throughout the month of August.

6. Exercise more.

I was going to half cross this out but I thought i'd better not cheat. I was planning on going running a couple of times or more a week, that hasn't happened as my friends been busy and has been fitting her fitness in before/after work at the gym. I however, well I've been walking a lot more so that sort of counts right?

7. Choose healthier options.

For the majority of the month I've been trying to prepare healthier meals, sweet potatoes have become my best friend as I cannot stay away from carbs and they're a little healthier than your regular white potato. I've also been trying to encouragement salad/veg to every meal(except breakfast) and I've been making smoothies/juices with our new blender. I'm also trying to cut out the snacks after 8pm, which i'm doing quite well at!

8. Give my room a little makeover.

I've not had chance to do this unfortunately. I did however pull everything out, hoover, polish and basically spring clean my room. I have a net above my bed which i'd like to take down but i'm stuck on what to put there instead as i'll just have plain white walls which will look a little odd.

9. Give myself a little makeover.

Another, I've unfortunately not been able to achieve. I wanted to do something with my hair like dye it or get a new style but i'm too scared to dye my hair again as it takes for ages to grow out and I really don't know what to do with my hair. 

10. Blog more.

My blogging schedule before July was posting once a week on Sundays. However, I wanted to up my game and blog more often as I enjoy it so I've been posting on Wednesdays and Sundays. As I've been getting more ideas recently, I may post once or twice more throughout the week in August. Very exciting!

Overall, July hasn't been that bad. I do not have to wake up before 7:30 for the time being and I've been a lot happier! I'm very much looking forward to August as i'm hoping to see more of my family, there are a couple of birthdays and I may be going away for a few days to South Devon so watch this space as i'm sure there will be travel related posts to come if I decide to go.

What are your plans/goals for August?

Let me know!

♥   ♥   ♥

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!

♥   ♥   ♥

The Q&A ft. Liebster Award | Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle

Source: here
Edited with PicMonkey

I've recently surpassed 50 followers of my blog via bloglovin' so I thought what better way to allow my followers to get to know me a little bit more than doing a Q&A? I asked here and on Instagram if anybody would like one and if so to leave their questions below in the comments. I've also recently been tagged by Sophie from Sophie Louisa who runs a fashion and beauty blog to do the Liebster Award(thank you!), so go and check out her blog to see what that's all about and i'll answer here questions here too.

The Q&A

1. What is your go to outfit? - @heyitisjess who also has a blog, here.

I'm definitely a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, I like to be comfortable and that's usually what i'll throw on. I try to make dresses and skirts casually work for me but I can't seem to find any that I feel completely comfortable in without having to worry about a gust of wind to bare all. 

2. Would you ever start a YouTube channel? - @phoebescotland

I've always thought about what it would be like to make YouTube videos but realistically speaking, when i'm home I like to be in my pyjamas with no makeup on and my hair thrown into a bobble. So probably not as i'd also be super awkward in front of the camera, not to mention looking horrendous! 

3. What are your favourite type of blog posts to read? @thriftyvintagefashion who's also a fellow blogger, here.

I love reading about fashion and beauty, mainly beauty though. I enjoy reading reviews to find out whether or not I should give a product a go and finding out dupes of high end brands. Though I also really enjoy favourites and beauty rants, I love reading a good discussion!

4. What made you/inspired you to start a blog? - @amymayyx who also has a YouTube channel, here and Lucy from Ooh La Luce.

I think I read blogs before I even realised what exactly they were, but a few people over on Instagram started blogs not long before me and it seemed they were really enjoying it and I loved reading them so I thought why not give it a go myself? And I love it!

5. Best bargain of 2015? - @amymayyx as mentioned previously.

I had to think a little about this as I've not really bought that much. I'd have to say my Origins Skincare sample set as it was reduced by nearly £15 in the sales and I really like a few of the products in there, which you can read about here. 

6. What can you not leave the house without? Lucy from Ooh La Luce.

As much as I hate to say it, my phone. I honestly feel so lost without it as I don't wear a watch, so it would put me out of sync for the whole day. Also what else do you do when you're the only one sat outside the classroom waiting for your lesson to start?

The Liebster Award

(In case you are unaware of this award, it's basically a tag where you answer questions given to you and then write questions for the ones you've tagged. It also helps smaller blogs to gain more recognition and to make friends in the blogging world)

1. Do you prefer to take baths or showers?
Definitely a shower, they're much quicker and I can't seem to relax in the bath anyway!

2. Would you rather go without concealer or mascara?

Concealer, as I would just use a heavier foundation to cover blemishes. I also look ill without any mascara as I've learnt.

3. What is your dream job?

I honestly do not know, I think i'd love to have my own daycare nursery or have my own business as a children's party organiser. I'd also love to be a makeup artist for a while!

4. How do you see yourself in 10 years?

I'll be nearly 28 so i'd like to be happy in my job and maybe married or engaged- haha!

5. Who is your role model?

It's cliche, but definitely my mum as she's worked hard for what she has now and has put up with a lot of crap.

6. What is your favourite piece of makeup that you own?

I love my L'Oreal True Match foundation and the Naked 2 palette dupe, the W7 In the Buff palette!

7. Do you watch YouTubers? If so, who?
To be honest, mostly all the popular beauty guru's that everybody watches!

8. What is your favourite piece of clothing?

I love my Zara shopper/tote bag- i've used it pretty much every day since I got it last year!

9. Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate?

Tea, Yorkshire Tea all the way!

10. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Check my phone and then pee- haha!

11. Would you rather spend your money on clothing or beauty?

Beauty but I should really start investing some of my money into new clothes!

I should now be nominating 11 others to do this but I've previously done this TAG and I can't think of others off the top of my head to tag, so i tag you all- if you'd like to do this!

My questions for you are:

1. What do you most enjoy about blogging?

2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

3. Where is your favourite place to eat out?

4. Who are your inspirations?

5. Where would you most like to visit in the world?

6. What are your hobbies aside from blogging?

7. What is your go to outfit?

8. Books or films?

9. What is your current favourite song?

10. What are your favourite kind of blog posts to read?

11. Are you a glass half full or glass half empty kind of person?

Let me know if you do decide to do this TAG and i'll be sure to check it out.
Thank you to those of you who asked questions and thanks again to Sophie for tagging me!
See you next time,

♥   ♥   ♥

Fashion, Beauty and Homeware Haul | January 2015

I'd been waiting for the Boxing Day and January sales for the whole of December seeing as my purse wasn't in the best state, I love a bargain so was excited to see what the sales had to offer. I can't be the only one right?

Though I didn't find as much as I'd of liked to, I thought I'd still share what I've accumulated recently.

I'm not one for in store clothing sales, I just imagine rails of unwanted clothes with the odd few gems, but damn it- it's not in your size! I did brave a few shops on Boxing Day before work but I didn't find anything so resorted online.

First up is this lovely pale pink fluffy jumper, which I must admit I didn't really need but I really liked it and thought it would be comfy and casual to throw on with jeans for college or shopping. It was also down to £5 from H&M, such a bargain! 

Like I said I didn't find much in the way of clothes so lastly I bought a white oversized T-Shirt(I haven't pictured as it is pretty basic). Again I thought it would be a perfect go to casual piece to throw on in a rush with leggings or tucked loosely into jeans! I believe this was £4.

Moving onto beauty, I was planning on splurging a little on whats considered 'high end'. After browsing the sale and finding many products that I wanted sold out *huge sighs* I found this Origins sample set- perfect as there was quite  few items in the set I wanted to give a go. I'll have a review on this set next week, so keep your eyes peeled for my thoughts on that! This was down from £35 I believe to £22ish, which is no longer available I'm afraid.

Seeing as I had a boots voucher to spend, I thought I'd purchase a couple of items on my to-buy list. I've wanted the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge to a while now, seeing as a few Youtubers have raved about it- not to mention their foundation looked flawless. So it went straight into my basket as soon as I got my hands on it for £5.99.

Apparently my fingers are very red and stumpy, hope this gives some idea of what the colour shows up as on the skin.

Desperately in need of a new blush the Sleek blush in Rose Gold went in my basket. Its a gorgeous coral pink with beautiful shimmer and after I bought it, I heard its a dupe for Nars Orgasm! This was only £4.49 too, a steal!

I also spent the Argos voucher I had for Christmas on the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette dupe, the W7 In the Buff palette, here (which is also available on Amazon, here). Let me know if you'd like to see a review and/or a look with this palette.

Lastly in terms of beauty a couple of repurchases, the Garnier Moisture Match in Shine Be Gone and Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. My skin definitely loves Garnier, I repurchased both of these more than a few times last year!

Moving onto homeware, I picked up a couple of pieces from H&M Home online. Who doesn't love rabbits? *rolls eyes at anybody who moves to raise their hand* I couldn't leave this cute pair, a rabbit and a squirrel printed on candle jars, so sweet and only £1 in the sale!

I have a slight problem when it comes to buying duvet covers for my bed, I cannot stop.
I can never have enough but this will be my last for a long while as i'm trying to save money.
Such a pretty floral and bird print on a duck egg blue background, around £13 in the sale at Dunelm.

The last in homeware and final in this haul is this. I love how this eyelash printed dish looks on my dressing table though I'm not entirely sure what to use it for. Let me know otherwise this'll have to just look pretty without a use. At only around £3 though, it's not that big of an issue!

What have you picked up recently?

If you'd like to see what I thought on the Origins Skincare set then stay tuned til next week via bloglovin' as I shall be posting a review with my thoughts then.

Much Love, 

 ♥   ♥   ♥

P.S. I have linked the ones that I can find and that are still available.

What I Got For Christmas | Christmas 2014

Hello!

It's currently Christmas night, I'm currently reminiscing the day while in bed thinking of how thankful and fortunate I am. I must admit I was not expecting to do this post as I simply thought my mum was just giving money like we agreed, once again my family outdone themselves as they do every year. As I explained I am so grateful for everything and I thought I'd show what I received deemed as this is popular in the blogger world.

I'll split this into 3 categories, home ware, fashion/beauty and stocking fillers. If and when I purchase anything worth showing in the sales there will be a post up shortly after this but lets get started.

 The first present I opened was the largest, I mostly always go for the biggest as i'm so intrigued what could be in a big box. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this beautiful bird cage as i've been looking for one for a while but I simply didn't want to purchase one myself so it made the perfect gift. Inside holds four slots to burn tea lights, it looks so pretty and makes beautiful patterns on my walls.

Next up is the gift I received last when I thought I had finished unwrapping, I was again surprised with this- an Olly Murs photo frame wall clock. If you don't already know I am a tad in love with Olly Murs so this was great and I also received tickets to see him on his 2015 tour(tries to breathe)!

I also received some more sentimental gifts that can be put around my room, to the left is a photo cube from my sister(not yet with my own photos I must add), so i'll have to trawl through the albums to find photos that I truly love to display in here. To the right may be my favourite gift, small but so thoughtful! A little keep-sake with a photo of my grandparents on which reads 'To our Grandaughter Amy, Lots of Love Nan and Grampy xx' I welled up a little with how cute this is, I love it!

Next up is a load of candles, I love candles so I could't be happier- a mix of Yankee Candle, Votives, Wax Melts and the cutest tiny jar! Some may find this odd, but I also received a tiny frying pan as i've been loving egg muffins recently, how perfect haha!

Now i'll move onto the fashion, accessories and beauty bits I received. Firstly are these gorgeous black heeled boots from hiddenfashion.com, I picked these out myself and they're super comfortable as they're fur lined!

I didn't receive any clothes this year but I did have this dream. A fluffy Bambi pyjama set! I never want to take these off, they're the most comfortable piece of clothing ever and the look super cute. Thank you sister!

I've wanted something from Pandora for the longest time now and my sister said she'd get me something. I wouldn't really wear a bracelet so I opted for a Birthstone Ring. I am so content with how beautiful it looks and fits, i'm also wanting another dainty ring so I think that's what I'll spend some of my Christmas money on!

Speaking of rings, this was actually a stocking filler but I also go this lovely silver diamante key ring as I was complaining that the ones I currently have kept braking and although cute where also impractical so this will do the job!

In terms of beauty beneath the piles of wrapping paper held two Soap and Glory sets, one from my parents and the other from my sisters boyfriend- so kind! I love Soap and Glory so it wouldn't be Christmas without it, here I got The Soapremes and Soap for the Best. The Soapremes contain a range of full-sizes and minis where as the Soap for the Best contains all minis, perfect if you travel!

I also had a lot of beauty essentials in my stocking which is always useful, such as shampoo, smellies, cotton pads, makeup remover and lip balms etc. Stockings are my favourite types of gifts!

I had A LOT of chocolate and sweets this year(some of which I've already eaten), enough to last me a long while so i'm not complaining! When else can you acceptably receive ridiculous amounts of these sweet treats though?!

As I've said at the start of this post I am forever grateful for everything I received and didn't expect any of this as my mother said she'd give me money to spend in the sales, so I am over the moon with how generous my family were this year. I'm going to be doing a spot of shopping with my Christmas money so i'm sure a haul will be up shortly! 

I hope you had a lovely Christmas spending time with your loved ones and as we're near i'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year, let's hope 2015 is the best yet!

♥   ♥   ♥