Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

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I don't know about you, but I've left my Christmas shopping to the last minute this year. I've taken the more relaxed approached, but with less than a week to go until the big day it's looking like I'll either have to attempt the shopping chaos or make the most of next day delivery. I wanted to create a last minute gift guide for everybody, full of perfect gifts for that special someone in your life. 

Homeware can be hard to be choose from you don't know the person that much, but a houseplant always goes down well - this Sainsbury's Faux Succulent which looks real and great for anyone who has recently moved into their own house. A candle is another great option and this Anthropologie Capri Candle not only has a dreamy scent, they'll be left with a gorgeous glass jar too. 

Jewellery is always a good idea if you're stuck on what to get your loved one, this Fossil Braid Bracelet is my boyfriend, whereas Missoma, Astrid & Miyu and Skinny Dip are currently my favourites on my wishlist. This Gold Coin Arc Necklace is absolutely gorgeous, but Missoma actually do bundles of jewellery which is great if you want to spend a little bit more and Gold Roman Necklace Set will go down a treat! 

Food hampers are perfect for last minute present ideas, but you can do the same with self care gifts too. Think a pair of cosy socks, a face mask or this Origins Mask and Go Set, their favourite snacks and even maybe a pair of PJ's like this Satin Contrast Piping Pyjamas. 

What's your top last minute presents to buy? 

A Favourite Christmas Playlist

Tis' the season to listen to Christmas music, eat your body weight in cheese and cosy up for the evening! I've been putting together my festive playlist for a little while now, consisting on my classic favourites to a couple of new tunes too. This playlist is perfect for popping on in the background as you're working, baking or wrapping up your presents - great for bopping and singing along. 

With only one week left until the big day, I will probably be adding some more songs to this list as it goes on, so make sure you check back or save for your own use. 

What's your favourite Christmas song? 

15 Things To Do This Christmas

Can you believe it's only ten days until Christmas? This month is going so quickly and before you know it, it'll be New Years Eve, therefore I want to make the most of it and tick off everything from my festive to-do list. 

• Tasty Food. I mean December wouldn't be the same without a cheeseboard and delicious treats to consume over the month. I've been training myself for the big day, by having lots of roast vegetables and making the fluffiest Yorkshire puddings too, but it's not just savoury food I'm eating as I'm on dessert duty this year again and I need the practice. 

• Watch Every Christmas Film. I've created a blog post containing 25 Christmas films and I've made it my mission to watch them all or at least watch as many as I can. To be honest, I've just been enjoying settling down with a film in the evening surrounded by blankets and all the snacks - currently it's all the Harry Potter's we're watching! 

• Start and Finish My Shopping. I know this may be a shock to some, but I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet, but luckily I don't have too many to buy for this year and the people I do, I have an idea of what to get them. My wrapping theme this year is brown paper with red string and I may attach some cinnamon sticks, red bows and fir springs. 

• Go To a Christmas Market. I really want to go to a Christmas market again this year as they've always got great food and mulled wine to delve into - the perfect way to make you feel festive. 

• Enjoy Cosy Evenings In. I've been loving a cosy night in, bundling up in blankets, with a fresh set of pyjamas after completing my full skin and haircare routine. I turn on the twinkling Christmas tree lights, light a few candles and turn on the fire to make it feel toasty warm. 

• Have a Night Out. I'm all about cosy nights in if you couldn't tell, but I love how sociable people can be during the month of December and I'm making the most of it. I've already had one of the nights planned where we ate lots of food and drank amazing cherry beer, but I've got a couple more upcoming too. 

• Watch a Pantomime. I haven't been to see one for many, many years, but if you're stuck on what to do with kids or you fancy something different then I'd recommend checking your local theatre out. 

• Go Ice Skating. Wrap up warm and don your skates as it's the perfect time to go ice skating! There's something so festive about this activity and if you can head to one of the famous ones, the Christmas tree makes it even more magical. 

• Play Board Games. Tis' the season to play board games! I love a classic game of Scrabble or Monopoly at this time of the year with friends or family. A cheese board if optional, but always well received. 

• Get Crafty. Stuck on what to get somebody for Christmas? Want to unwind with an activity at the end of a long day? I always recommend getting your arts and crafts on. There's so many of ideas on what to make on Pinterest, maybe a festive garland, hot chocolate kits or creating your own candles. 

• Find a Pub With a Fire For a Roast. I love a roast with all the trimmings. Crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, honey roasted parsnips and all the vegetables, but makes it even better is one by a fire in a pub where you can hide out from the cold or warm up from a day out. 

• Wear The Most Garish Christmas Jumper. If you need me, I'll be in a Christmas jumper pretty much until the end of the month - they make me happy and the more cringe it is the better. 

• Go For a Chilly, Frosty Walk. I took myself for an early morning frosty walk the other week and it was amazing! It woke me up ready for the day ahead and I took lots of dreamy photographs of the trees and berry bushes covered in magical glistening frost. It's equally as good at night as well, wandering around the streets looking for the best Christmas lights in your area. 

• Make a Festive Playlist. I've been slowly putting together the ultimate festive playlist to listen to over the next 10 days or so. There's an equal balance of classics and cringe ones, perfect to dance around to. 

• Give To Charity. Whether it's volunteering, helping the homeless or giving to your local food bank, giving to charity at this time of the year is so important. Head to here to support! 

Sparkle Makeup Favourites

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Tis' the season to... add sparkle and shimmer to your makeup! Festive makeup for me is all about a glowy base, a classic red lip and an abundance of glitter. If you're the same as me and you want some inspiration on what makeup to wear this season, then I recommend you read on. 

It starts with the base where I apply the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow* to help illuminate my skin, giving a lit from within look that blurs pores and blemishes too. After foundation, concealer and powder, that's when the fun starts with highlighter and I've got the tricky decision on what one to use. The ABH Amrezy is a firm favourite, but it isn't readily available anymore, but theBalm Mary Lou Manizer is just as good for a champagne sheen to the cheeks. 

For my cheeks, it's the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blusher* that I reach for. It doesn't have to be the classic bronze or champagne shade to be a favourite as this blusher proves that pink can be just as pretty. 

The star of the show will always be my eyes where I can experiment with eyeshadow and eyeliner to create a variety of dreamy looks. The Hourglass Blaze Scattered Eyes is a favourite as the warm tones really compliment my complexion and can be used on it's own for a wash of colour or mixed with other eyeshadows for a smokey look. For a more subtle look, it's the Charlotte Tilbury Jean Eyes To Mesmerise* that I opt for as it can be blended easily and looks beautiful paired with the Nudestix Golden Rosé Roller Eyeliner*. 

What's your favourite makeup for added sparkle and shimmer? 

Cosy Christmas Evening Guide

Friday's in December are all about cosy evenings in with a classic Christmas film, snacks all around and bundles of blankets! I feel like this is something I need now more than ever, so I thought I'd share with you my favourite ways to relax and unwind over the festive season today. 

I start off with a spot of baking as it means not only do I get something tasty to eat later on, but I find it a great way to take my mind of the day. I've recently whipped up a batch of double chocolate muffins which I'll leave to cool, whilst I head out for a walk. Wrapping up warm, even with a hot drink in hand, I like to take a wander as the sunsets down by the river or if it's later on, I go on the hunt for the house with the best Christmas lights! 

When I get home, I run myself a steaming hot bath with either a bubble bar to create an abundance of bubbles to delve into or a bath bomb that will help me to relax. As I soak, I pop on a face mask, light a couple of candles and either stick on my rainy day or festive playlist. After I get out, I continue with my pamper; moisturising all over, fake tanning if I wish and then I paint my nails too (glitter optional).  

During the festive season I like to wrap presents up as I go and I actually find it super relaxing to do so. I stick on a Christmas film, turn on the twinkling tree lights and get wrapping! After I'm done, I snuggle up on the sofa with a large hot chocolate with all the trimmings, snacks and blankets too. Here are a few film suggestions: 

- Elf
- Home Alone
- Harry Potter
- The Holiday
- Arthur Christmas 
- Love Actually 
- Four Christmases 

Once the film has finished, I head up stairs to freshly washed sheets which I can slip into and relax. I light a candle on my bedside table and turn on one lamp or fairy lights to add a ambience to the room where I'll read my book for the rest of the evening before I fall asleep. 

What's your ultimate cosy Christmas evening routine? 

A Christmas Pamper Routine

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This December I have vowed to have as much of a stress-free month as possible, filling my evenings up with Christmas parties, great food and cosy nights in. A pamper always plays a part in making me feel relaxed, so I wanted to share with you the lotion and potions I've been using recently to relieve the festive stress. 

It starts with a luxurious bubble bath and of course a Lush bubble bar is my top pick. I've done a full blog post featuring my top Christmas Lush products, but the Magic Wand, a sweet scented reusable bar is what I'm reaching for. As the bubbles start to tower up high, I start lighting several candles around the bathroom as well as turn on the twinkling fairy lights. 

After thoroughly cleansing my skin, I pop on a sheet mask in the form of the Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask* and then I sit back and relax letting it do it's work. I stick on my relaxing rainy day playlist (I've shared it before in a previous post) which helps me unwind further. 

There's something about exfoliating your whole body, shaving all over and doing full haircare routine that makes you feel so much better. I'm loving using a hair mask post-shampoo, but it's the Olaplex No3 Hair Protector that I've continued to thank for making my hair feel fresh and clean. As I get out the bath, I wrap my hair into a towel and another one around my body ready for the next part of my pamper routine. 

I apply the L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate* all over my body as soon as I get out of the bath and then I finish up with my skincare. Whilst everything is sinking in, I paint my nails with a couple of layers of whatever Essie Nail Polish which helps to finish everything off! 

To finish off my evening, I kick back and relax with my Christmas tree lights twinkling and the candles scenting my home. I've been loving re-watching Harry Potter, the ultimate cosy pick, as well as getting an array of snacks to delve into. 

What's your favouirite Christmas pamper picks? 

Festive Party Makeup

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Every December, I like to make an extra effort when it comes to my makeup as I have lots of Christmas parties to go to, but even in general I like to spruce up my everyday makeup routine. It's all about adding extra shimmer and sparkle, so today I am sharing with you my favourite festive party makeup look. 

I start with the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow* before my foundation as it adds a luminous base that I can easily work from. It's great for when my skin needs a pick me up and when I want my skin to feel more primed before doing a full makeup routine. 

After applying my foundation and concealer, I go in with my Huda Beauty Easy Bake Loose Powder* as it never fails to prolong the longevity of my base and leave my skin looking matte, yet never feeling cakey. Then it's onto contour, where I use a mixture of cream and powder formulas to achieve a warmer and more chiseled complexion. Charlotte Tilbury helps me once again as I use their Hollywood Contour Wand first and blend it seamlessly into the skin, finishing up with the Filmstar Bronze and Glow* to achieve a more striking (yet natural!) looking look. 

The eyes are where I like to concentrate the most on, I'll either be going for a smokey eye or an easy sparkly look. The latter is super easy as I just use the Stila Shimmer and Glow Liquid Eyeshadow* to sweep a wash of colour over the lids and followed it up with mascara. My favourite at the moment is to wear the Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon on the lash line and followed it up with Cyprus Umber from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette* smudged around the eyes. 

For my lips, I finish off with either a striking red or a easy to wear nude. The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk* is an obvious favourite, but I've also been loving their Legendary Queen Lipstick* as well. To finish it all off, I wear and then bring out my Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume* in this mini form, this was gifted to me from World Duty Free and it comes in super handy when I need a top up throughout the evening. 

What's your favourite festive party makeup look? 

What's On My Christmas List

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My Christmas wishlist this year has swapped limited edition beauty sets for brass cheese boards, so I think it's safe to say... I'm getting older! I find these types of posts very inspiring if you're stuck for ideas on what to ask for or even get other people, so I decided to share with you some of the items I've currently lusing after. 

High up on my wishlist is jewellery this year as I've been looking at Missoma and Astrid & Miyu pieces all year. The Missoma Lucy Williams Gold Arc Coin Necklace is back on my wishlist as I've sworn that I will treat myself to it sometime this year, although the Missoma Mini Fang Necklace may have to come home with me too. In terms of earrings, I've been looking at the Mint Velvet Mini Star and Moon Hoops which I think would go with a lot of my outfits and also look super cute, whilst these Astrid & Miyu Mystic Spice Hoops are also high up on to-buy my list. 

For the home, I've been after a Himalayan Pink Salt Lamp to create a cosy ambience in our bedroom. I'm super picky with the one that I want, so although I've eyed up this Moon Shaped offering, I think I've settled for more of a classic look with a wooden base at the bottom. 

Beauty products are kept to a minimum this year, but that doesn't stop me from looking at the Fresh Soy Cleanser and Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Honey Bath - two of my favourite products that I'd like to stock up on. 

I can't tell you how long I've lusted after a pair of Gym Shark leggings, but I always stop myself before buying as I'm unsure on what size, style and colour to go for - the ultimate dilemma! I think I've decided on the Flex High High Waisted Grey/Pink Leggings, so I just need to wait for them to come back in stock. 

Now onto the dream part of my Christmas wishlist, the place where I put all the "one day" and "if I win the lottery" items. I've never really looked at Mulberry Handbags before, but both the Small Red Harlow Satchel and Small Red Darley are calling my name! 

What's on your Christmas list? 

You can find my Christmas list below. Use the arrows to scroll: 

25 Films To Watch This Christmas

Christmas season is here and that can only mean one thing... Christmas films! I love to settle down at the end of the day in comfy pyjamas surrounded by snacks and blankets for the ultimate cosy night in. I've put together a collection of my favourite festive picks for you watch in the run up to the 25th. 

First up we have the classic category full of the films that you can't help, but feel festive whenever you put them on. They've either got a funny element to them or a cheesy romantic storyline, but I've been trying to make my way through this list myself as it's only in the month of December you can get away with watching these (or twice!). 

• Elf 
• Home Alone
• The Holiday
• Four Christmases
• The Santa Clause
• Klaus 
• The Christmas Chronicles 
• Bad Santa  
• Love Actually
• Christmas With The Cranks
• Nativity!
• A Christmas Carol
• Home Alone 2 
• Arthur Christmas 
• The Grinch

Next we have the films that hasn't got traditional festive storylines, but they remind you of the Christmas season nevertheless as they're always on the television over December. Harry Potter had to be top of the list as although there's only a couple of festive scenes, the magic just shines through! 

• Harry Potter 
• Die Hard
• Rise of The Guardians
• Mean Girls
• Gremlins 
• Wizard of Oz
• Lord of The Rings
• The Hobbit
• Matilda
• Beauty and The Beast

Have I missed any of your favourite Christmas films from this list?

Nourishing Winter Skin Picks

- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but sent with no obligation to post. All links in this post are affiliate links. 

With a combination skin type, my complexion tends to lean more towards being dehydrated in the Autumn and Winter season, so I rely on nourishing formulas that keep my skin in tip top condition. To my surprise, I feel like I've got my routines down and I've managed to keep my dry patches at bay most of the time and I put it down to these handful of products. 

The Herbivore Emerald Oil* is perfect if you suffer with lacklustre skin and you're in need of some serious hydration. This adds a subtle glow to the skin, but as it's super thick and doesn't necessarily sink in ultra-quickly, I use this a few times a week similar to a treatment. 

I've been using Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream* for a while now and I just knew that when I started, I would be grateful for my tub when the weather started getting colder and I was right! It's thick, it's creamy and it's extremely luxurious, everything I love in a Winter moisturiser. It sinks in quickly and makes my complexion feel super soft and hydrated perfect for not only under makeup in the morning, but a thicker layer in the evening does the world of good too. 

I believe that one of the main reasons why my body doesn't feel scaly like it usually does is because of the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil*. If, like me, you struggle with giving yourself a full body moisturise after getting out the bath then this is perfect as you just lather it up whilst you're under water and let it do it's magic. It's a great alternative to shower gel and although I don't use it everyday, it's a great treat for your body on days when I need some extra TLC! 

For an extra boost, I opt for the L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate* to smother all over my body and lock in moisture. It smells delightful and as it isn't a super intense scent it doesn't mess with your perfume if you're wearing this during the day. It makes my skin feel soft and supple -  perfect for the Winter season. 

Next up we have what I've been using on my lips, the Girl Undiscovered Pink Skies Lip Balm* which transforms from a balm to an oil with just the warmth of your skin. It's cinnamon scent feels very fitting for this time of the year and I like to use it from day to night for all day protection for the cold. 

What are your favourite Winter skin and body care products? 

Decorating Our House For Christmas

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I know that I did a Christmas decoration haul the other day, but I thought I'd share a few more in-depth photographs to show you how I've decorated our home for the festive season. I knew that I wanted a red theme throughout, but to make sure that each area of my home had a cosy feel to it. From cheesy novelty mugs in the kitchen to a soft, tartan bed set to dive into at the end of the day, here are my top picks and a look into my Christmas plans. 

My Christmas tree has had a full overhaul this year as I've opted for a faux one instead our traditional real one. I picked the Argos 6ft Snow Covered offering in the sale and it's better than I ever expected - it's so full and luxe looking! I've made it into my dream Christmas tree by adding poinsettias and candy canes alongside the red and dark burgundy baubles. I bought the fake poinsettias and removed them from their stalks so they sit amongst the pines perfectly! 

I'm still looking for a Christmas tree skirt, but I've started to decorate my fireplace to look festive although I'm still got a little way to go. Since the photographs were taken, I've stacked wooden logs either side of our burner which work well with the stocking hanging over the top of it and twinkling fairy lights along the bottom.  

I've swapped over the cushions in our living room and on our bed for more festive appropriate ones. H&M always does amazing homeware and the Stag Cushion Cover is perfect as I already own the inserts, so all I have to do is swap them around plus the green compliments my new Argos Stag Bedspread, a bedding set I picked up for a very reasonable price in the sale. 

My bedroom mirror has had a bit of a makeover too as I was mourning the loss of my orange Autumn leaf garland that I had draping off over it throughout the last couple of months, so I've switched it for a garland that I picked up from Wilko's. I knew that I wanted one like this, but I couldn't find one that I could afford, so instead I opted of going for a basic one and then filling it with the accessories I want. I originally wanted it over my mirror as I said, but in the above photographs you can see it has made to our bed frame and I think that's where it'll stay for the time being. 

In the evenings, I've loved popping on all the lights, snuggling under my new tartan blanket and get into my cosy pyjamas for the evening ahead. Candles are of course a must, but I also have several plates out ready for snacks! I picked most of mine up from H&M, Homesense and Flying Tiger, so if you're looking for little trinkets I'd definitely recommend there. 

Have you decorated your home for Christmas yet? 

5 Things I've Added To My December To-Do List

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Tis the season to be jolly! The last month of 2019 (and the decade!) is here and I've put together my December to do list to help my stay focused in this usually quite quick and busy time of the year. 

Continue Decorating| I actually put up my Christmas tree earlier this week despite my usual tradition of putting it up on the 1st, but I just couldn't help getting into the festive spirit early! I've been collecting lots of little bits and bobs for decorating our whole house as I've really gone all out this year to make it as festive as possible. We've got cushions, throws, a bed spread, garland and of course lots of twinkling lights, but I'm looking to continue decorating my house with everything I've picked up. 

Lots of Festive Food | Ahh... Christmas food! The excuse to test out the recipes for 25th as well as sample all the new in food in the supermarkets. I just love it all! I've been putting together cheeseboards already as well whipping up a veggie roast dinner on Sunday to get us prepped for the big day, but I think I'm going to try out my gingerbread recipe next. 

Make the most of this month | The fact there's officially only one month left of this decade is crazy to me and I'm sure the festive bubble I'm currently living in will be over before I know it. Therefore, I want to make the most of this month ahead; hunting out an ice rink, heading to Christmas markets and generally having cosy nights in. 

Post Daily On My Blog | Back in October, I challenged myself to post daily or at least as much as I can on my blog, something that I enjoyed thoroughly. I therefore want to continue this in December as well as creating content on my Instagram as well - I have so many ideas that I can't wait to get started. 

Pick Up Some New Winter Clothes | I don't know if it's just me, but the weather has got exceptionally cold this year and although I'm still wearing the coats I've picked up over the years, some are either looking worse for wear or they no longer fit me. I'm hoping to pick up some new Winter clothes to update my wardrobe. Below are the items currently in my wishlist: 

What's on your December to-do list?