MY TOP XMAS PICKS 2016

Holy moly.... it is nearly here!
But don't fret, if you're anything like me and haven't finished your festive shopping just yet I'm here today with a great collection of bits and bobs that will have the loves in your life smiling from ear to ear. (or something to treat yourself too.... either or!)
It's not too late to get ordering after all...

First up - how bloomin' beautiful is this Magnitone brush*. Yes I'm sure you have all heard of these wonder facial brushes before.... but how about a Rose Quartz one? 
This brush is part of the Limited Edition Magnitone Precious Collection. The perfect gadget gift for that special female in your life!
 These Daily Cleansing Brushes are all about getting naturally radiant, beautifully conditioned skin -  they effectively eliminates excess oils, dead skin cells, pesky makeup and impurities from pores all whilst toning and improving the absorption of your favourite skincare products #winning!
100% waterproof this little facial gem is designed for use in the bath and shower - making life even easier for us lazy skin routine avoiders!
Energising the skin and boosting micro-circulation this device is literally like a mini personal trainer for your face - I cannot recommed it enough.
Plus this version is now only £60 AND comes with it's own USB charger and travel pouch - perfect for a girl on the go!

All hail the ghds and this perfect platinum limited edition copper luxe* pair (£155)!
Paired alongside 2 fantastically festive Nails Inc polishes in a gorgeous carry case (see here) this set is more than enough to impess that beauty babe, hair lover in your life! I have had my boring black ghd's for 13 years now and I am SO thrilled to have a pretty new pair to brighten up my beauty stash, and locks! Keep your eyes on my blog to see more on these before the end of the year!

Tropic Skincare are a new brand to me - I've been trying lots of their bits and bobs out over the last few weeks and I have been enjoying everything from make-up sponges to shower washes! This however is not something to put on my face or body... obviously - this is Tropic Skincare's first ever candle - SIGNATURE* (£40).
This candle is made with 100% nautral soy wax and is inspired by the brands signature scents. The smell to me is so relaxing but also zesty and uplifting - it's the sort of product I can be imagine to be burnt whilst enjoying a nice refreshing facial.
Definitely one to be burnt whilst I'm working at home I'm sure this will help with getting my mind in the right place! #ConcentrateKirstie!

Nutella and a spoon ... need I say more? I feel in love with this as soon as I saw it! From present expert IJustLoveIt this engraved vintage tea spoon* (£13.99) is the perfect gift for the hazelnut spread lover, aka all of us! If you haven't gone to a jar of Nutella with a spoon yet.... have you even lived?

Another gorgeous pick from IJustLoveIt - this fantastic personalised Christmas bauble (£12.99) ! Presented in it's own golden tin these baubles are such a great idea for the family - each having their own name and year ready to pop on the tree as a tradition ever single year! Parent yourself - these are a great idea for children - giving them their very own spot on the tree from birth! 

It wouldn't be Christmas without a Soap & Glory set. S&G knock it out of the park each and every year with their fun packaging and amazing play on words with each product!
The Pink Pamper* (£18) is a big, beautiful bag is crammed with six super-indulgent mini products from the brand as well as a super handy body polisher (also knows as a poof in my house!).
With everything from face wash to heel cream these 'irresistibubble pamperstuffs' provide you quite literally, with top-to-toe indulgence.
Check out the whole soap and glory Christmas range - here.

Crimped/waved hair is on trend as much as it was in 1999 and there's now no need for overnight french plaits with Toni and Guy's Style Fix Waver*!
From the Style Fix Stylers range this handbag sized professional styling tool is perfect to get you hair ready whenever and wherever.
Designed to protect your hair & colour with the Ceramic Tourmaline plates, its unique Colour Lock Technology is developed to enhance shine, smooth hair follicles and lock in colour as you style.
This mini waver creates beachy, laid back waves,  volume and style for hair that needs a bit of oomph and with a high temp of 210C - they take no time at all! 

Last but not least the perfect home gift, again from ijustloveit.co.uk! 
This white distressed wall light* is bloomin' gorgeous - at only £14.99 each too these are the perfect product to really put a statement up in your home. Whether it be initials or even a word these battery powered subtle lights really do create a funny but chic look!

Not photographed....but - I am obsessed with my velvet sock boots from boohoo! I've only had them a week and I cannot stop wearing them - so comfy and such great quality - keep your eyes peeled for deals (as boohoo cannot get enough of them) before Christmas to grab a gorgeous fashion pick for yourself or maybe someone else!

Well there we go - some of my top picks for Xmas this year! 
Keep your eyes peeled if you're looking for presents on a small budget... stocking filler and secret santa finds are coming up shortly!

First Look At Fun Festive Fashion

Yes that title has alot of F's in it.... but who doesn't love a bit of alliteration eh?!

I don't know about you guys but I am the worst for buying my annual Christmas fashion piece. I always seem to leave it to the last minute (aka 2 weeks into December) and either all the ones I like are out of stock or are totally out of my size!

So I've decided to get looking a little earlier this year.... it's crazy how much Christmas stuff is around already but everyone seems to be in the festive spirit by late September these days, so here's a few bits I've spotted so far.... I MUST get that Mickey sweater!

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Surviving Party Season

It's that time of year again where our social calendars become fuller than ever and every weekend has an aray of parties, meals and meets that keep you busier than Santa himself!

With that in mind I thought I would share with you a few of my must-haves for getting through party season, I know alot of you with be juggling parties, piss-ups and work shifts all within the same 24 hours so take note as some of these could be lifesavers for you!

Beat The Blisters

First up, Compeed Blister Relief plasters*! A Christmas/New Years party outfit wouldn't be complete without a fabulous pair of heels and if you're anything like me, you would have bought new ones! After hours of walking, mingling, dancing and whatever other moves you're pulling out of the bag you're feet (unless you have magic soles and toes) are going to ache and you may even be getting some pesky blisters! Be prepared by keeping sliter plasters in your bag! These are great for shoes that are rubbing or even blisters on the bottoms of your feet!
Top Tip : Putting some Vaseline on your feet before wearing new heels can help prevent rubbing!

Refresh That Face

With all the naughty foods and drinks we will be consuming over the next 4 weeks our skin can really take a beating! Not only this but with all the events going on, your bound to be wearing make-up more than usual!
Doing a face mask every week can help keep your skin looking bright and healthy! Rodial's Hangover Mask* is one of my favourites for this, it keeps my skin feeling rejuvenated and clear from any build up and nastiness!

Eyes On The Prize

There's a couple of beauty bits in life that can completely change your look in seconds, one of those things is false lashes! If you don't have long to get ready and want to make yourself look more glamorous than usual - whack on a pair of lashes! These lashes are from Nouveau Lashes and they are from the Let's Go Lashes*  range! As you can see in the picture below these lashes are gorgeous full-on fan lashes and I am so excited to try them out over this holiday season.

"I got that red lip, classic, things that you like" (Yup, I'm quoting TS)

Red lips, red lips, red lips! I love a red lip at this time of year (unless you're rocking a pink dress!)! This one I've including is one of my all-time favourites! Rimmel Apocalips - Big Bang - is a super bright pillar box red and it is perfect for transforming yourself from drab to fab! Plus red is super festive!

Bloat No More

Tight bodycon dress for NYE? High waisted skirts/trousers to rock on Christmas Eve? Being bloated is the worst! Peppermint tea is a great way to relive any bloat and keep your digestive system in check! I like to have one every evening before bed, it's really refreashing and calming and makes me feel like I'm kind of being healthy... especially after the 600 mince pies I've probably eaten already!

Bags Be Gone

Finally it's time for a pick me up for after all those late nights! I love this eye bag slayer, for one.... it is a play on Buffy the Vampire Slayer... the greatest show ever made and my fav! I keep it in the fridge so it is amazing for reducing puffy eyes and also fab for headaches.... coz you may have a few of them after those heavy nights!

I hope you guys liked this post and have a great time over the next month, partying and celebrating :) 

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Library of Fragrance Christmas in New York Eau de Toilette 30ml Review

When I spotted this new product on the Boots website I think it took me all of 2 seconds to decide to purchase it! 

The name alone had me sold - 'Christmas In New York' - and after hearing such great things about The Library Of Fragrance from other bloggers in the past I thought it must be a winner! So I splashed out with my points and paid with my handy advantage card!

Described as a 'unique scent of it's own' this brand have promised to infuse the magic of New York at Christmas into the perfect festive fragrance. 

With a mix of festive spices, warm, roasting chestnuts and sweet apples this scent embodies all that we know and love about Christmas time.

I, myself, have New York in December on my list of things to do before I die. With all the lights, the buildings, the decorations and the snow - New York always looks like the perfect winter wonderland to get you in the spirit of Christmas, whatever your age! (I mean.. just think about Home Alone 2!)

When I first sprayed the cologne I was worried it smelt a little synthetic, but after letting it breathe for a bit I fell in love. For me, this isn't  scent I would use on myself, it's more of a home fragrance, like a candle. 

I have been spraying this around my flat in the evenings and with my Christmas tree up with it's pretty fairy lights, it has been making my home feel super warm, festive and cosy!

If you're looking for a special scent for this time of year and candles aren't really your thing - this fragrance is great! 

At the moment they are only £9.99 as an introductory offer on boots.com but if this scent doesn't sound like your cup of tea, they also have other Christmas fragrances that have released!

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5 Things To Do This Christmas

Christmas is my favourite time of year. The atmosphere just makes me so happy, the lights, the music, the movies, the food - everything just make you feel like a kid again doesn't it? 
We all have our Christmas traditions but each year it's also fun to do something new or make a new tradition - so here's 5 things you could do this December!

1. Go to Winter Wonderland
That magically festive place in Hyde Park is a fantastic way to get into the Christmas Spirit. I myself have been once - I wish it was more but sometimes it's hard doing a day trip to London and trying to fit everything in! Nevertheless me and my friends loved it and took in all there was to see and do! There's everything you'd want in a Christmas market plus lots of entertainment aswell! One of my favourite things was going on the Ferris wheel - such a gorgeous view!

2. Make Your Own Mince Pies
This is something that me and my brother used to do with my Mum every single Christmas Eve. I love mince pies and don't understand how some people don't.... they are amazing! I used to love making different shaped pastry to put on the tops, stars, hearts, scalloped edges! Then sitting down in the evening to watch a Christmas movie with warm mince pies from the oven and ice cream - perfect! 

3. Do A Christmas Lights Tour
Wherever you live there must be houses near you that are known for their elaborate lights and Christmas displays outside their homes! What I love doing is getting in the car (or even going for a walk) and checking out all the great Christmas lights! Get a Xmas CD on in the car and go oooo and ahhhh with your friends, family or both! (Photo credit : google images)

4. Invest In Some Festive Knitwear
Christmas jumpers have made a big impact on the fashion scene over the last 3 years or so! It is a must really isn't it? There's so many out there nowadays, so no matter what you fancy - funny, cute, fluffy or subtle... they'll be some Christmas knitwear out there for you somewhere!

5. Throw Your Own Christmas Party
December is the busiest time of year for restaurants and venues so sometimes getting all your friends together for a little Christmas celebration can be hard work.
 So.... why not take the party into your own hands? Get all your gal pals together, choose someones home, put in £10 each and head on down to your nearest supermarket! Weather you decide to cook a full on dinner or just have a fun buffet you're going to be alot more relaxed than sitting in an place with other people you don't know! 
You can drink and eat as much as you want..... and even wear your pjs if you want! This is probably 5 times cheaper than going out together and you can watch a Christmas movie ... or maybe watch the X Factor final whilst being as loud as you want and staying as late as you want!

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eBay Wishlist #27 :Christmas & New Year Special

2015 Diary | Santa Sack | Disney Princess Ornaments | Cath Kidston iPhone Case | Christmas Eve Candle | Christmas Bath Bomb | 2015 Calendar | Fluffy Socks

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Limited Edition Soap & Glory - A Great Kisser Peppermint Lip Balm

 Do you like lip balms?... Do you like Christmas?... and by any chance do you like Soap and Glory?
If you answered yes! YES! and duh? then I'm sure this is going to be something you are interested in!

I love getting hold of limited edition products, they always seem to be things that I end up loving and am always devastated that I can't get hold of them again!
This is a Limited Edition lip moisture balm from our beloved Soap & Glory! It is part of the A Great Kisser collection and I have been waiting so patiently for this to become avaiable! I spotted it online a good month ago and knew that I had to get my mitts on it as soon as possible!
I love lip balms, especially at this cold, harsh time of year here in England! Our lips can be so sensitive to the weather change and NO-ONE wants poorly chapped lips!

This stuff has been 'specially formulated to protect and moisturise lips' and boy oh boy does it work! It is a little stickier than other lip balms I own but it (suprisingly) doesn't bother me. It keeps my lips feeling hydrated and smooth for so long and not to mention the fact it makes them smell yummy!

This stuff has an amazing festive peppermint scent! Mint isn't always my favourite when it comes to lip products but I am totally sold by this one! 

Not only do you smell amazing (who needs mints?!) but I definitely think this will help with my mince pie temptation - nothing is going to make me want to loose this yummy peppermint scent on my lips!

 They are priced at £5 (at Boots), which I think is a really reasonable price, especially as it is a limited edition product! 
Soap & Glory never fail to impress me and I may even try out some of the other 'A Great Kisser' lip balms now, I love the feel of them!

Get into the festive spirit and under that mistletoe with this badboy - you'll have them queuing up for a smooch!

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The Christmas Tag 2013

I Love Christmas. It is by far my favourite time of year and what I love most is the build up - the music, the movies, the food... the 1 million social events that are going on - I love it! So when I was tagged to do "The Christmas Tag" by Rebecca at Flores Y Moda I did a high pitched squeal, got out a mince pie and sat down to check out the questions!

1. What is your favourite Christmas song?
Hmm... this is a tough one! I feel like I'm going to have to say Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You! A total and utter obviously classic and obviously choice too but just the sound of the first few jingly notes gets me so so excited! I love it when the little girl sings it at the end of Love Actually! Also the fact that Ariana Grande is releasing Christmas songs has me very much excited!

2. Which is your favourite festive drink?
Well I'm sure everyone else is going to write "gingerbread latte" blah blah blah and as much as I love the sound of that.... I hate coffee! (and don't even get me stated on mald wine)! So there really isn't anything I love at Christmas that isn't a drink I'd have all year round! #boring

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas film?
I have about a million! I love Love Actually (obviously), The Grinch (Taylor Momsen is a babe!), Home Alone 1 & 2, The Holiday, Elf (big lols), Nativity (more lols) & The Santa Clause!

4. What is at the top of your Christmas wish-list this year?
I really don't know, I keep being asked and I just don't know! 
Money towards a 2014 holiday would be #1 I think! Also, of course, the Naked 3 palette (I NEED it!) and maybe a few bits for my new home! (not to mention the driving lessons, michael kors watch, mulberry bag and that life-time supply of chocolate...)

5. What is your favourite festive makeup or nail art look?
I am really loving dark lips - I did a whole post recently on my favourite purple shades! Dark sultry colours are fab on eyes, lips and nails - gorgeous! I also love glitter nail shades for christmas - I have red glitter at the moment and it's making me feel super festive! 

6. What is your favourite outfit at Christmas time? (LBD? Christmas jumper? PJ's?)
Normally I would always stay in my pjs, I love being cosy on Christmas morning - running round in my onesie! But as soon as other people come round I pop on some normal clothing - nothing fancy though. And believe it or not... I've never really made an effort with make-up or hair on christmas day before (don't judge me!).

7. Would you rather play out in the snow or enjoy it from inside with the fire and a cuppa?
Ooo can I not have both? Play in the snow until I am too cold then head inside for a cup of tea nd a mince pie - perfect!

8. Wrapping presents - love or loathe?
Loathe.
9. What is your favourite Christmassy food?
Well... Christmas dinner is by far the greatest meal ever invented. Also...Mince pies!!! Ever since I was little I have always loved them - and never understood how other people can't! 

10. What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
That feeling you get - you know what I mean, the dark nights, the lights, the deorations, the foods, the music, the movies - everything just gives you that excited festive feeling!

I tag you ALL to do this tag! If you love Christmas like I do..... get involved! 

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