My Cath Kidston Glasses

I have been a glasses wearer for a good while now. I don't wear my glasses that much, (although I should probably wear them more often than I do) but I do wear them for reading and when I'm sat at a computer. I used to get frustrated at secondary school as I didn't think I suited glasses so always picked glasses with very slim frames. As time went on I realized these glasses really didn't suit my face shape and started to choose different frames and found I absolutely love thick, square frames, and that is pretty much the style of glasses I have bought over the last five years. Towards the end of last Year I bought some new glasses and I just love them, and thought it might make a slightly different blog post to my normal beauty posts.

These are the Cath Kidston 10 frames and are available at Specsavers. I really like the dark purple frames and how thick and square they are. I also like how the branding isn't plastered all over the frames, but love the light pink floral image inside the frames. I love pretty, girly, floral things in life but I don't think I can quite pull off floral patterned glasses just yet, so these are a great alternative until then.

House Of Wonderland Jewellery Club Unboxing

We've seen plenty of different varieties of surprise subscription boxes over the past few Years; food, beauty, games... one of my favourites is definitely jewellery. I've always been a fan of cute and quirky jewellery and I just the love the thought of wearing a piece that not that many people will own. 

House of Wonderland is a handmade jewellery and accessory brand that sells some gorgeously cute pieces.  As well as stocking a wide selection of pieces on the main website, HOW also have a second website Jewellery Club, which is a surprise subscription service that every Month you receive a themed parcel of cute jewellery which is limited edition and not available on the HOW website. 

I was kindly sent Novembers package 'Pizza Party' - which as you can see, is fast food related! I just adore the pizza necklace, it is so funny and cute. The Fries before Guys earrings and party hat earrings are so sweet and I have had so many compliments when wearing them, with people always asking where I got them from! My favourite is the soda bracelet, it looks lovely layered with friendship bracelets and seeing the cute little soda cup popping out. I love that their were stickers included with all of this lovely lot too!

If you love cute and quirky jewellery or looking for a gift for someone that does, why not check out the website? 

*PR Sample*

Cath Kidston x Disney Haul Part 2: Minnie and Mickey

You've probably already heard the craze over the latest Cath Kidston x Disney collaboration.
I think Cath Kidston fans went wild over this collab, as the online pre-sale was absolutely insane! I spent far too long waiting and struggling to make an order, in the end just ordering the next Day. Most of the items I had wanted to buy had obviously sold out by that time, which is a shame. I'm glad I managed to pick up a few items from the collection anyway.

I picked up this cute pencil case in the print Linen Sprig. I don't use pencil cases these days, so I will probably use this as a small make-up bag. It is super cute. I already have a few of the Cath Kidston key fobs, so I thought it would be nice to add a Disney key chain to my keys. I love the cute ditsy print on Mickeys feet.

The last item on this order was the card holder in the print Minnie Mews Ditsy. I've been after a card holder for a while now for my store points cards, and never really got around to hunting a nice one down, so when I saw this Disney one I was super pleased it was still available to order.

Strangely enough, a few Weeks after pretty much everything had sold out, I received an email from Cath Kidston stating that they had managed to get back some items in stock. It didn't explain how or why, but a lot of the bags and purses had been added back to the site, so I went along and ordered the bag I wanted all along, which was the .Minnie Linen Sprig Small Boxy Bag.

I just adore the prints in this Disney Collection, I cant wait to hear which Disney characters will be part of the next collaboration with Cath Kidston!
You can check out what I bought from the first Disney and Cath Kidston collab in my blog post here.

Small Christmas Sales Haul

Normally, I get up ridiculously early on Boxing Day, check out the sales online, as well as heading to my local shopping centre to pick up some bargains. For the first time in a really long time I passed on the sales shopping, and didn't really plan on doing any sales shopping at all, well, until I came across a few things online at Boots when I was buying my toiletries. In fairness though, I was very restrained, I could have gone crazy buying things but I think I did well and only picked up a few little bits.

I am always on the look out for small and reasonably priced perfumes to throw in my bag for work, and as this worked out at only £4 half price for three little perfumes, I thought it would be ideal. I really like the So...? fragrances too, especially So...? Kiss Me.

The only item I knew I really wanted to pick up from the Boots gift sale was the Zoella Lifestyle gift set with the travel mug and gloves. I really love the colours of the travel mug and I have somehow managed to lose my other one so I actually needed a new one! I like how her branding is really subtle on this. The gloves will come in handy too, I always need gloves.

I also picked up the Little Mix Wishmaker EDP gift set. I'm not ashamed to admit I am a fan of quite a few celebrity fragrances. I really liked the scent of this one, it is a very sweet and fresh scent; and I love that the gift set came with fluffy socks and bubble bath, which I thought was a little different than what is usually included in perfume gift sets.

Did you manage to pick anything nice from the sales?

Vans X Toy Story

Something you may or may not know about me is I live for the Weekends... when I can sit blissfully watching a good old Disney film in my PJ's! I'm a big fan of both Disney Classics and Disney Pixar movies (honestly, I have no preference, I know, wild) and with Toy Story being possibly my favourite film ever?!... when I found out they were collaborating with Vans I did a little dance.
I picked this pair because I love a bit of cow print and I thought they were adorable. I actually felt so excited wearing these for the first time. I live in Vans, so them being Toy Story themed, and having a little cow print on them made me feel like they were made for me!
I love some of the others in the collection too, particularly the little bo beep pair, they are so cute!
Are you a Disney fan? Would you rock these?

Out of the Ordinary Gift Ideas

I like to think outside the box when it comes to buying gifts for other people. Don't get me wrong, I love a good old gift set, but you know when you find a gift for someone that catches your eye and you think, 'wow, that would be perfect for her!' and beam with pride knowing how much they will enjoy it, I love that feeling! I have found a few really great gift ideas I wanted to share with you that I think are really interesting and a little bit out of the ordinary.

The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Co. Chocolate Pizza

Chocolate...Pizza... a match made in heaven, right?! I think this is a great alternative to a selection box for that chocolate fiend in your life. I tried the flavour Crunchy Munchy*, which was full of biscuit, fudge and scrumptious chocolate swirls. It tasted absolutely delicious. The brand have a huge selection of different flavours, as well as an option to personalize your pizza too. The Gourmet Chocolate Pizza Co also sell chocolate pizza slices in a range of flavours at only £2.20 each, which I think would make great stocking fillers or little gifts for friends. I have already ordered a few of these to pop in to stockings.

Executive Pens Direct Engraved Pen
I don't know about you, but in our house we definitely have a pen fairy that steals all of the pens whenever we need them. I am a bit of a stationery nerd too so I love a nice pen, and I would absolutely love to receive a gift like this beautiful engraved pen . This particular design is called the Parker Urban Fashion Ballpoint Pen* which is pink with a chrome trim. It is such a beautiful item, and is very high quality, too. There are tonnes of other pens at Executive Pens Direct that you can personalise, as well as some useful and novelty gifts, which are all available on their website. I think this is a gift that anyone would appreciate, it looks super sophisticated and is a really special, yet practical and useful gift.

Ellie Bean Prints A4 Print
If you are a bit of a bookworm you may already recognize this quote. I am all about quotes to live by, they really do brighten my day and prints like this one can really personalise a room and make it your own. This print* is from Ellie Bean Prints in A4 size and is really good quality. I plan to fill one of the walls in my room with framed prints of inspirational images and quotes like this one. I think makes a beautiful gift. Ellie Bean Prints have a huge range of other prints and card that you can personalize too.

Friction Free Shaving Subscription Service

Now, you're probably thinking 'Hmm that is odd, why would you include a razor in a gift guide?!' I have a logical explanation. This handy subscription service sends you a high quality razor and razor heads from only £3 per Month. I think this is a brilliant gift idea for someone that maybe has everything, or maybe, if, like me, absolutely hates spending their money on razors 'cause they're so expensive, this would make a great gift. I can vouch too that the razors are really good quality and leave my skin feeling super soft with no irritation whatsoever.How ideal, too, knowing that you don't have to go out and buy a razor for a whole year!

Personalised Tree Decoration

Why not treat someone to a personalized tree decoration? These kind of gifts always go down well with family and friends. It is something they can use every Christmas. I particularly love this cute gingerbread family design. I bought this from a local shopping centre, but you can find similar here or even have a go at making your own.

House of Wonderland Jewellery Club Subscription
A lot of the ladies in my life are big fans of costume jewellery so I know this would make a great gift for them, in fact this is something I would love to receive myself. I love the surprise aspect of subscription boxes, not knowing what you are getting is all part of the fun, and treating someone to this kind of gift as they'll receive a lovely bundle of gifts once a Month. The HOW Jewellery Club Subscription* would make a perfect gift for someone that loves a bit of fun or loves to jazz an outfit up with cute jewellery. The best part about the subscription is that the jewellery you receive is unique and aren't part of the House of Wonderlands current ranges.You could either treat someone to a subscription, or order one yourself and split up the jewellery items and gift them to friends. I will be writing a full review of this Months jewellery in a separate blog post (which will include more images and info) very soon, which I will link here once the post is live.

Laptop Sleeve
Practical and pretty, those are two words I think sum up this next gift very well. This stylish laptop sleeve 'Grace'* from STM Bags is perfect for those on the go. This sleeve has a super soft lining to keep your laptop protected and safe.  It is like a safe fluffy jumper for your laptop! I love the sleek and stylish presentation, and how this can fit easily into a bag, and your laptop being super protected as you go about your day. You can even match your laptop sleeve to your clutch and your handbag as STM stock those in the same design too. This beauty is available from Amazon or Currys online here.

Mickey Mouse Chalk Board
I think this would make a lovely gift for someone special, particularly if they're a big Disney fan! You could even add a sweet message to the board before wrapping it up. I like gifts that are really useful, and I think this would be one of those gifts that you probably wouldn't pick yourself, but actually find it really handy to add notes to, and it just looks adorable, doesn't it!? This costs only £2.50 at Primark.

*Post includes some PR samples*

As always, my post is 100% honest & my own opinion.

My Latest Lust List

Rose Gold Personalized Notebook 
Converse Leather Light Gold
Think Outside The Box Art Print
Fresh Face Travel Set
Floral Bed Socks
Zara Martin Rose Gold Kitty Headphones
Just Mustard Unicorn Fairy Lights
Pink Rose Stud Earrings
Too Faced Love at First Kiss Duo Set

It has been over a Week now since I last blogged and I already feel so behind and out of the loop. I've been finding it difficult keeping up with blogging just recently, but I reminded myself blogging is a pastime for me and I should enjoy writing and not feel like I have to put a post out just for the sake of it. So that is what I'm doing :) I'm back today with a good old favourite of mine; a wishlist. I'm currently trying to stick to a spending ban (if you follow me on Twitter you will know I am failing miserably) but that doesn't stop me from lusting over pretty things! With the run up to Christmas in full flow now, I really don't have the extra pennies to keep treating myself, so I've popped them onto this list here, so that I can come back here in a Month or so and treat myself to something special off my list.

What are you lusting after this Month?

Cath Kidston X Disney Haul: Winnie the Pooh

I'm quite a big Cath Kidston fan, so when I heard they were collaborating with Disney I was super excited. The first Cath Kidston X Disney collection was Winnie The Pooh, which is actually one of my favourites, so of-course I had to buy something from the collection. The collection is limited edition, so the majority of their items in this range are now out of stock. It is obviously a very popular collaboration,  as I believe that most of the items were out of stock online within a few days.

I fell in love with the Bramley Sprig print, I think it is so pretty and ditsy. I love small floral patterns so knew I wanted something from this print. I picked up the bag and the cosmetics bag. The bag is great as it is reversible so you can take your pick from the Bragley Sprig Print or the Balloon Spot print. It makes a great day bag and fits all of my essentials inside. I really didn't need another make-up bag, but I just couldn't resist this one and being as it was only £10 I knew it would house my makeup perfectly.

Are you a Cath Kidston fan? What is your favourite print?

The Perfect Party Shoes: Butterfly Twists

Most of us have been there... having a great time, dancing the night away... but your feet are so sore from the shoes you are wearing for your night out... what do you need? A comfortable, flat pair of shoes which fit in your handbag. I think I have found the answer to this problem.

Butterfly Twists are a footwear brand which have grown since 2009; specializing in ballet pump shoes which are comfortable and fashionable, which fold and fit into your handbag; making them the perfect addition to your clutch bag on a night out, and often, saving your poor, sore feet! The ballet pumps come in a huge range of different styles and colours, so there really is something for everyone.
The pair of pumps I opted for were the Gabriella ballet pumps in gold/black python . I love the colour and design, I think they would go perfectly with a lot of my outifts and not to mention they are incredibly comfortable too. The pumps come with a handy little drawstring bag to keep them safe in your bag. I have put them to the test too - and they feel like heaven on the feet after a night of dancing in high heels, believe me!

*PR sample*

Outift Post: Pleats and Curls

High Neck Sleeveless Top: New Look (similar in black here) | Pleated Skirt: Primark (similar here) | Tights: H&M | Ankle Boots: H&M

I have been loving long, pleated skirts recently. I seem to have acquired quite a few of them in a variety of colours. I love that they skim past my stomach and I really like the length of this one; as I find it quite a challenge to wear skirts as I am such a short height at a tiny 5'1. The grey ribbed high neck top is simple and is easy to pair up with anything. This is becoming another go - to outfit for me - its so easy and I think you can go casual or formal with an outfit like this. 

What have you been wearing recently?

Are you a fan of pleated skirts? 

Outfit Post: Simple Things

T Shirt : Primark | Skinny Jeans: New Look | Bib Necklace: Dorothy Perkins | Pumps: DC

Hi everyone, its only me back with an outfit post! I know, it has been such a long time. I never felt confident enough to post pictures of myself for all to see - I was always a little bit nervous as I have always been very insecure about my body shape and features. Since the start of the year, I have been working really hard on my confidence and have made quite small changes in my life which have impacted my life and the way I feel in a very big way. For starters, I have lost over two stone in weight, which has done wonders for not only my confidence but my health too. 

This outfit is a go-to look for me now - black skinnies, a plain t-shirt and trainers, paired with a statement necklace. It is so easy. I used to struggle planning outfits and rarely left the house wearing jeans - I think I have finally found the confidence to wear whatever I want and not care what anyone thinks - definitely my mantra from now on! 

Wonderful Things #2

Hello everyone, I am back Today with a second installment of my blog series; Wonderful Things, where I will be sharing some things I think are wonderful that you might like to know about. I love reading 'round-up' blog posts like this, I find it so interesting to see what people have been up-to and what they have been enjoying doing. Here are just a few little things I have been enjoying recently.

Sweet Scented Shower Creams
I am a huge fan of Imperial Leather bath and shower products, so when I saw that they had created a Sweets line in their shower creams I knew I wanted to try them out. Marshmallow smells soft and comforting, Spearmint is refreshing and minty and Sherbet Lemon is my favourite as it smells zesty and fresh. They lather so well and are really good value for money. I have tried all of them now other than Fruit Salad which I haven't managed to hunt down yet.

Cosy Nights In
There isn't much that I enjoy more than having a night in with a book, a listen of my iPod, or an hour or so binging on Netflix; accompanied with a cup of tea and my warm and cosy gear. I have been loving these Lounge Socks* from Heat Holders so much recently, they are super soft and warm. They have a turn over top and a non- slip grip on the bottom, so they are perfect for lounging around the house in while still keeping your feet super cosy. They look so cute too! My current read is How To Stay Alive by Matt Haig, it is proving to be a really interesting and helpful book.

Hot Chocolate
I love a good hot chocolate, and have been truly indulging in my favourite hot chocolate, Maltesers Malt drink. It tastes delicious - even better with added marshmallows!



What have you been loving recently?

Stocking Fillers | Gift Ideas

I can't quite get my head around the fact that it is just a few Weeks until Christmas! I seem to say this every Year but it does seem to come round so quick. I have shared a few items I think would make good Christmas presents for stocking fillers or items that are ideal if you are on a budget.

There is nothing better than getting cosy at Christmas, so these fairisle slippers are just perfect for lazing around the home on a chilled Winter evening. What would Christmas be without socks? I personally think socks are a good gift as everyone uses them and although it is quite a boring item, it is something anyone would appreciate.

I think sentimental gifts always go down well, so these photograph strips* from Cheerz are perfect to pop into a Christmas card. I also think Christmas is the best time of Year to have a family game night, so quizzes and card games like this Top Trumps set are perfect playtime for anyone in the family.

I have included some make up in my gift guide, probably because this is something I like to receive myself! If you know of a beauty lover or someone who is just getting into make-up, products from brands like Sunkissed, Natural Collection and Models Own are perfect because they are inexpensive and are great to try out a new look with. I've also included Benefits Roller Lash Mascara* for those huge make - up junkies in your life; I highly recommend this mascara and think it would make a brilliant little gift for those who love their luxuries. I also included the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Hand Cleansing Gel as I think this makes a brilliant stocking filler. It has an awesome scent and everyone loves a good old hand sanitizer.

Other little items I have added to the stocking fillers are chocolate.. 'cause who doesn't love chocolate hey?! A pretty necklace and car air fresheners are also great stocking fillers or maybe even for a secret santa gift.

*post includes a PR sample & a product I have purchased with a gift voucher*

This Week I'm Loving... Tassel Ankle Boots

I love this Season as it is the perfect time to bring out the ankle boots. 

Tassels have been very on trend this Year and I must admit, although I am no fashion follower, I adore the tassel trend on cardigans, bags and boots.

The Zelda Side Tassel Suedette Ankle Boots are perfect for all of those festive markets and parties coming up!

The material of the boots is really good quality. It is made of a faux suede like material. 

The working zip is on the side of the boots and the tassel detailing is on show on the other side. The heel of the boots are sturdy and are a block heel which have a good grip to them. I think the ankle boots are brilliant because they are suitable for most events, but perhaps if I was a little more braver I would wear high rise boots like these.

I have had so much wear out of these already. They are so comfortable, I have pretty much been living in these on a Weekend. They go perfectly with skinny jeans and skirts and tights. I think they are a really good transitional piece as they can go from day to night and look good with casual wear as well as with a more formal outfit for a night out.

I opted for the boots in the grey suede colour as I thought it would make a nice change to my normal black boots, but is a still a colour that is very wearable and a colour which goes with pretty much any outfit or look I am going for.

These ankle boots cost just £22.99 - quite a bargain for a pair of well made ankle boots. 

The Zelda Side Tassel Suedette Ankle Boots are available in a variety of colours, including black, grey, tan, and taupe.

You can check out Online Avenue online here.

Have you checked out Online Avenue before? What do you think of the tassel trend?

*PR Sample*

Wonderful Things #1

I wanted to begin writing a little series where I share with you some things I am loving at the moment that don't quite fit into a Monthly beauty favourites blog post. In this series, I intend to share some random favourites; that could include absolutely anything - beauty, fashion, food, TV, places - basically, anything that has made me smile. After all, it is all the little things that are wonderful in life.

Pamper evenings
I have to say there is nothing quite like a night in watching a good film and then having a lovely pamper night using all of my favourite beauty products. I have been having regular pamper evenings and I am sure this will continue throughout Autumn and Winter. I have been loving using the Madara Night Cream* on an evening, as well as my new discovery Latherly*- which is a really cool shower gel which lathers LOTS - it smells refreshing and is brilliant if you have sensitive skin because it doesn't contain any nasty chemicals. I have dyed my hair recently so have wanted to keep my colour radiant, so have been reaching for Dove Colour Radiance Treatment Conditioner - it has really helped the appearance of my hair.

Nugget and Mallow
When I headed to Birmingham for the West Midlands Blogger Meet a few Weeks ago, we were given an amazing goody bag to take home with us; which included these uh-mazing sweet mallow treats from the brand Nugget and Mallow*. How awesome is the personalised pinwheel lollipop?!. I also adore an afternoon tea and I think these afternoon tea inspired mini mallows are adorable! I mean, they almost look too pretty to eat! The mallows taste sweet and delicious - yum!

Wearing My Sunglasses
I have never been a huge wearer of sunglasses, but ever since I picked up this pair from Claire's Accessories a couple of Months ago, I have just loved having them in my bag. Although the sun has almost gone and Winter is near, I've still been popping these in my bag. I just love the colour of these and for once, they actually suit me!

My Blogging Mug
I love a good cup or coffee or tea, it is my favourite drink especially at this time of Year and what's better than tapping away at the computer, blogging away than with my very own personalised blogging mug?* Mr Nutcase are a company that sells personalised phone-cases, and have recently widened their range to personalised mugs. I think this mug is brilliant and it is such good quality. I love personalised gifts, and am planning to buy some of these personalised mugs as Christmas gifts for my family this Year. The website is so easy to navigate around and use. To create your mug, you simply add your design or pictures, and then you can choose which size and type of mug you would like. It is super quick and easy and I absolutely love the outcome! The mug looks brilliant - I love it!

*Post includes PR samples*

Top Picks from Joe Brown's A/W Collection

Easy Like Sunday Morning Tunic - link

Freestyle Dress - link

All Seasons Dress - link

Quirky Twit Twoo Bag - link

It is quite obvious that I am a big fan of Joe Brown's clothing, so when I get an email telling me their new Season stock is now available online, I start writing a shopping list in my head of everything I love! I thought I would share my top items from their Autumn/Winter collection, although there are tonnes I love I thought I would select just four. I would love to hear what you think!

The tunic looks like a staple for any wardrobe as it is a classic colour which is transitional from day to night time wear. Both dresses I think are stunning for different reasons. I love the All Seasons dress as the name suggests - perfect for all Seasons! I think it could be perfect dressed down with some sandals for a day out, could be worn smart for work and I think you could even get away with wearing this for a night out or maybe even a wedding if you team it up with a few accesorries. I just love the colours and think it is another item you can wear time and time again. I love Freestyle dress as it looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the deep, dark colours and think this dress would look amazing for a party with a bold lipstick and killer heels! Lastly, I just can't resist this adorable owl bag! I like the owls and I just think is super cute and something I would use a lot!
You can check out Joe Brown's new A/W range here.

Would you wear any of these items? What do you think of my top picks of Joe Brown's A/W collection? 

Dreaming of Handbags

Jane Shilton Black and Pink Parrot Bowling Bag | Brown Leopard Print Mini Satchel | Vintage Styler Eva Blush Art Deco Pearl Clutch  

I am absolutely loving the pastels, pinks, creams and browns that are everywhere at the moment. I  love colours like this as I find them easy to style as my wardrobe consists of most of those colours and they seem to be pretty stylish any Season. I am in love with this Jane Shilton bowling bag; I just love the textures and the size is perfect for me. I think it would be a perfect transitional bag which could take you from day to night, and would look good with almost any outfit. I love River Island for handbags, and I think their mini satchels are gorgeous. They are available in a variety of colours, but I think this leopard print bag is just a little bit different to anything I have seen elsewhere on the highstreet. Finally, the gorgeous pearl clutch is something I absolutely adore. It looks perfect for a night out or a special event. I think pearls are a classic statement piece which will never age, and what better than to have them on a bag?!