What I Got For Christmas 2013!

Merry Christmas everyone! Well actually, I suppose I should be saying Happy St.Stephen's Day, as Christmas is now over... Anyway I hope you've all had a lovely holiday and ate lots of lovely food and spent time with the ones you love. I had a lovely day. Now, of course Christmas is not about the gifts but who doesn't like seeing what everyone else received? I know I do, and if you're a tad nosey like me, hopefully you'll enjoy this post. Before I start, I guess I'll have to include the mandatory disclaimer that I am of course not showing off and this is simply a fun little post! If you don't enjoy these sorts of posts, feel free to exit right now. It goes without saying that I am genuinely extremely grateful for everything I received and for all the amazing people in my life. Here are most of the gifts I received this year...

Above, I have all of my Santa pressies. I honestly received alot more than I could have ever imagined. My main gift was a gorgeous embellished parka from Free People that I didn't include in the above photo, but if you fancy seeing a pic click here. The biggest surprise I received was the beats pill speakers. It is a tiny wireless bluetooth speaker and I love it! The sound is great and it's perfect for blasting music everywhere and anywhere! My stocking stuffers (which are my favourite bit!) included some MAC makeup, chocolates, Real Techniques brush sets, a Paris Street Style book and a fabulous vintage-style eiffel tower mirror. I also got a Babyliss curling wand- I can't wait to try and recreate some Kardashian waves!

Below, is a bracelet I also received in my stocking. It was a total surprise and I absolutely love it! It's from Ti Siento and it's a simple and delicate silver chained bracelet with a diamond in the middle. I love dainty jewellery such as this and I haven't taken it off since I opened it! On the right are a few gifts I received from my family members. I mostly received money this year but I also got a Benefit makeup kit, short grey Uggs and a Wildfox jumper.

Well there are my gifts this year, let me know what you received in the comments! I've had a lovely Christmas, relaxed and hanging out with family. Just how it should be. 

Christmas Gift Guide 2013 | For Her

Christmas is on its way and you know what that means- Christmas shopping time! In spirit with the festive season. This is the first in my "Christmas Gift Guide 2013" series for this year. I plan on doing a few more different gift guides this year so you can find the perfect gift for anyone!

Hopefully this list will help you decide what to get for the women in your life- or help you decide what to ask for this Christmas for yourself!

1. Bunny Ring Holder - €10.78 from ASOS

The perfect simple and adorable (not to mention affordable!) gift for any jewellery lover in your life.

7. Sloane Stationery - from €15.54

This is the perfect gift for every busy woman (or man)! I love their stationery as they have the cutest little messages on the front of them. Slogans such as "My Big Ideas" and this one which reads "Emails to write, Phone calls to have" make these a really unique gift.

2. Soap and Glory Clean Getaway - €14 from Boots

Soap and Glory kits are great as everyone likes them! Their pretty packaging makes this kit a must have which features four mini versions of some of their bestsellers.

3. Neon nail Art Gift Set - €17 from River Island

This a really fun kit for any nail-lover or teenager you know that is into beauty!

4. Headphone Hat - £18 from Topshop 

For the not so girly-girl this hat is perfect. It looks like your average beanie but actually has built in headphone- expect to get some cool points!

5. Ugg Slippers - €125 from Schuh

These are definitely on the pricier side but you are guaranteed whoever gets these will love them! I have a pair myself and they feel like walking on clouds. Plus they'll last forever.

6. Benefit Groovy kind-a-Love Kit - €39.50 from Debenhams

Benefit always do the most amazing makeup kits. This one is great value as it contains loads of amazing mini makeup products.

7. Sloane Stationery - from €15.54 

This is the perfect gift for every busy woman (or man)! I love their stationery as they have the cutest little messages on the front of them. Slogans such as "My Big Ideas" and this one which reads "Emails to write, Phone calls to have" make these a really unique gift.

8. Personalised Phone Case - €31.40 from Not on the high street 

This website does the most amazing, personalised and unique gifts. This is the place to go to shop for the person who has everything. These gifts are more personal and show you've put a bit more thought into it. I love this phone case as it lists all the things the person likes- perfect for a best friend!

What would be your favourite gift to receive?

Stay tuned for more instalments of this series in the coming weeks!

Monthly Favourites: June 2013!

Another month, another monthly favourites post! For Summer, I like to keep things light and fresh, and these products have been helping me do just that. 

As much as I love the sun, it can be dangerous sometimes. I've been loving MAC's tendertones this month as they contain SPF to protect your lips from the suns harmful rays but also add a bit of shimmer to the lips, and you know me, I can never say no to shimmer. Unfortunately these are limited edition and are no longer available but there are plenty other lip products that can do a similar job. Another great lip product is Revlon Lip Butter in 'Cotton Candy' (€11.18) . These are supremely raved about products, as they're butter smooth and add just the right amount of colour. This shade is a light pink that goes with anything.

As I like to keep my base makeup light, the key is to have glowy skin. The best product to achieve this is "High Beam" from Benefit. It's a iridescent highlighter and gives the most gorgeous sheen to the skin. I like to apply to my cheekbones and just beneath the brow for best results. Another great product from Benefit is their "Go Tropi Coral" lip & cheek kit (€35). It comes with a couple of products that help get the perfect look for Summer. 

My final two favourites this month are a slight step away from makeup. The first is the gel-look topcoat from essence. This bargain item makes your nails super shiny and gives them the gel-nail look without the price tag or the hassle! Finally, I have been loving Bioderma this month. Again, this is a raved about product in the beauty world. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to track down (unless you live in France). I was lucky enough to pick this up in Paris a few months ago and have been loving it ever since!

What products have you been loving this month?

Summer Fashion Essentials 2013

Summer is right around the corner, and we all know what that means- a perfect excuse to go shopping! It's time to trade in your winter boots for some sandals and your heavy jumpers for a few crop tops. To help not break the bank, I've narrowed it down to a few essential pieces that everyone should have in their Summer wardrobe. 

♡  High-Waisted Shorts

Left-Right: MissGuided €32.41 //ASOS €39.39

Shorts are an obvious staple piece for Summer, and high-waisted are even better. They are super flattering as they hide any lumps and bumps and keep that tummy in, not to mention they're extremely versatile. 

♡  Crop Tops

Left-Right: Topshop £28//American Apparel €24

Crop tops are a huge trend this season, and are perfect for those hot Summer days (which we don't get a lot of, *sigh*). They can be worn poolside as a swimsuit coverup and are also great paired with anything high waisted if you aren't comfortable with baring your tummy.

♡  Skater Skirts

Left-Right: Topshop £16// River Island €25

Skater, or circle skirts, are huge this year and are my favourite style of skirt. They're flirty and fun and also high-waisted making them super flattering as they accentuate the waist and skim over the tummy and hips. They are available in numerous patterns, colours and textures so whatever your style, you'll be sure to find a skater skirt for you.

♡  Gladiator Sandals

Left-Right: ASOS €59.09//Forever 21 €26.90

Gladiator sandals are a reoccurring staple in my Summer wardrobe. The reason being is that they're comfortable, stylish and can be paired with anything- what more could you want in a shoe?

♡  Summer Dress

Left-Right: ismodo.com €38//Motel €47.50

This is an obvious choice but I thought I'd state it anyway. The Summer dress is an essential item as you're guaranteed to wear it. Getting a dress that is suitable for numerous occasions is key. Choose a dress you can wear to a barbecue, the beach and even a party to save a few bob. 

♡ Swimwear

Left: Bikini €7 Lace Kimono €17 both from Penneys/Primark // Top-Bottom: ASOS bottoms €21.01 top €23.63// River Island Fullsuit peplum €40

Again, another obvious essential. The main tip here is to choose swimwear that is right for you. If you don't feel too confident in a bikini, try a full suit or a tankini. Another great option is high waisted bikini as it hides the tummy and gives that retro Marilyn Monroe vibe.