Showing posts with label Xmas Shopping Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xmas Shopping Guide. Show all posts

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

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.

Sunday, 20 November 2016

My Latest Lust List






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?

Monday, 24 December 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide To Sales Shopping

Hello ladies, I hope you are enjoying all of the festivities and that you are having a brilliant time with your loved ones.
I am a woman of very few talents, but sales shopping, that is my forte! 
Read my guide on how to get the very best from the Christmas sales.



Dress Code?!?
I know you must be thinking, 'are you kidding?!' but I think it is important to dress appropriately and prepare yourself if you are going serious sales hunting!
For me, trainers are a must. Comfy shoes are a basic necessity which everyone should wear when sales shopping. Do not wear heels or brand new shoes, they will ruin both your feet and your mood.
I suggest taking a pair of 'pop socks'/ socks or tights in case you are planning to try on shoes / dresses / skirts. 

Wear comfortable clothes which are easy to slip on and off to try things on, so not too many layers! Wearing something basic (for me, a long, loose tunic and leggings) means you can try on clothes on the shop floor to save you waiting for the fitting rooms. 
Don't wear anything particularly fancy either; new jewellery you received for Christmas may get knocked about in the sales rush.
Take a small over the shoulder bag you can keep over your shoulders without the worry of losing anything. Try only to carry essentials with you! Take out all the usual junk in your handbag, as you don't want to be lugging that around all day.



Prep Time!
Have a bottle of water with you at all times so you don't get dehydrated (and to save waiting in a busy long queue later to get a drink!). Another thing I try to carry is something small to eat like a cereal bar, in-case I get peckish and to avoid finding a table/queuing up for food.
I also find it handy to keep my prefered anti-biotics at hand as I find I get headaches from the bright lights in shopping centres.

A good nights sleep and a proper breakfast before you begin is crucial, as shopping when you are tired and cranky is not fun and will ruin your mood all day.
Its probably a good idea to keep a spare carrier bag with you in-case yours decide to collapse on you in the middle of the shopping centre / highstreet and all your stuff goes flying everywhere...Or even take a 'shoppers bag for life' bag - a canvas floppy bag you can chuck in your handbag which are much stronger than carrier plastic bags.




Company?
Obviously its completely up to you who you go with or whether you go alone. Some find it easier to bag a bargain when others aren't distracting them. where as some folk love a helping hand to find a bargain. I personally cant do a serious shop with more than 2 other people with me, and I definitely don't find my OH helpful when it comes to shopping (the moaning of the feet hurting and wandering off every 5 seconds do it for me) so he is left at home.

And shop...
Write a list. This, for me at least, is essential so that I don't go off track. I write one list of all the things I need and then a list of things I have seen and really want. Look in your wardrobe - if you have 20 pairs of jeans but no blouses, don't buy any jeans! I also make a quick note of things I have received for Christmas, for example, if I received 4 bath and shower gel sets, I would make a note of this to ensure I didn't purchase another in the sale. It is also great to list what you received so you can buy things to go with those items, for example you had a new Kindle perhaps? Pick up some accessories for your Kindle in the sales. (does that make any sense? Thought not.).

Don't buy things just 'cause its on offer. I always think, 'if I wouldn't want it at full price, don't buy it if its on sale'. If you wouldn't have wanted the item at full price but are buying it when its reduced, you don't tend to really need or want the item, just buying it cause its cheaper.
Try and set yourself a 'limit' about a price you would be happy to spend, then through out the day, take a small note each time you buy something of how much you spend, so you can keep track of what you have left.
Remember, a bargain isn't a bargain if the item wasn't needed or wanted in the first place.



I read this somewhere but I forget where, but it basically said to stay classic when sales shopping. For example, those bright orange leggings are 80% off for a reason! It is not the time to be overly adventurous with your style, as chances are, the majority of the sales will be full of the rubbish they couldn't sell throughout the year. Shop wisely and when buying clothes, think about when you'd wear it, what you would wear it with and if it suits you.
Check your items before buying! It may be on a size 14 coat hanger (I'm looking at you New Look!) but once you get it home you don't want to find it a size 6!
Also, check zips, buttons and seams to ensure there are no faulty parts of your items :)

Don't be moody with staff or other customers! The staff are so stressed and so busy, the last thing they need is a customer snapping and snarling at them, even if the queue is ridiculously long and you've waited for ages, its post- Christmas- it is to be expected. Don't take your mood out on anyone else - No-one forced you to go shopping. In contrast to that point, don't let people push you around when you are looking at something - you have the exact same right to be there as they have.




I am majorly looking forward to sales shopping post-Christmas (does that make me sad?!) and my first places to visit will definitely be Lush and Boots!
If you would like to see a post on what I pick up from the sales, let me know!

Hope that helps a little bit at least!
Remember to always stay safe :)
Happy sales shopping!
Let me know what you pick up! :)
xxx



Saturday, 8 December 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide: The Party Edition

The Work Xmas Do

A lot of work Christmas parties tend to be set around the start of December, as venues are veryyy difficult to book around Christmas time. Why not get your outfit ready so you don't have to stress the day before!
I love dressing up. The only thing is, I never get the opportunity to dress up. I say go all out! You have to wear your smart work clothes or uniform all year (well that is unless you have a very glamorous job) you may as well make the extra effort and look your finest at the Christmas do!
Here are a few things I would personally pick out.




1. BooHoo Ria Sequin One Shoulder Dip Hem Dress £30.00. 2. New Look Black Metal Corner Envelope Clutch £14.99. 3. Superdrug Essie Nail Polish A List £7.99.  4. Dorothy Perkins Black frill peplum skirt £20. 5. Select Black Two Tone Platforms £15.00. 6. Topshop Paisley Lace Peplum Tee £28. 








The Family Christmas Get Together/ Party

A lot of families that celebrate Christmas celebrate it very differently. Some may have a small gathering, some may go all out and have a big party. I think with a 'party' like this, I personally would try and dress up a little, but I would probably, myself, wear a casual dress with leggings, or jeans and a pretty top, as I like to be comfortable when I am stuffing my face with turkey sarnies in the company of my loved ones! ;)
Here are some gorgeous pieces I would wear at home or to a family gathering over Christmas.



1. New Look Oatmeal Reindeer Embellished Nose Hoodie £16.99. 2. Miss Selfridge Lace Flock Skater Dress £42. 3. Matalan Slipper Ballet £10. 4. ASOS Christmas Cat Jumper £30. 5. ASDA George Hello Kitty Mule Slippers £6. 6. River Island Dark Denim Molly Jeggings £35. 


The New Years Eve Party
Depending on what you are doing to celebrate the New Year in off course, it is still lovely to dress up a little! I think a bit of glitter and sparkle is a very festive way to dress up over the season, here is what I adore for the New Year Party look.
Here are my fave picks for a New Years party.





1. BooHoo Lucie Leopard Lace Bandeau Skater Dress £20.00. 2. River Island Black Diamante Pointed Collar Necklace £28. 3. MissGuided Josette Slingback Glitter Platform Heels £35.99. 4. Superdrug Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick 853 Chilli £7.99. 5. New Look AX Curve Black Sequin Drape Dress £40.00. 6. BooHoo Kim Intense Look Eyelashes Set £3. 



Really hope you enjoyed this post!

Are you dressing up over Christmas?

Do you wear PJ's on Xmas Day or do you dress up?

xxx


Saturday, 1 December 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide: The Everyone Else Edition

Hello lovelies. This is the last gift guide post I will be doing now, but be sure to keep on the look out for more Christmas Shopping guides - think party, Christmas dinner and suchlike! (Can you tell I am a crazy Christmas lady yet?)

My top picks for your auntie, grandma, female cousin, friend:
Us ladies are hard to please... usually something pretty to look at and useful to have makes a great present!
My top picks for your uncle, grandad, male cousin, friend:
I think the male family members in anyone's family seem to be one of the hardest to buy for. I picked a few of these, if all else fails, some socks and a big box of chocs will do just nicely I am sure!

Robbie Savage Football Funnies, £10, ASDA


My top picks for 'secret santa':
Most 'secret santas' have a limit of aorund the £5 mark. Here are a few ideas.






Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

xxxx





Monday, 12 November 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide: The Partner Edition


I think this is the hardest christmas shopping trip you will make this Winter! It definitely will be for me. I think it is very difficult finding something very specific, meaningful and original for your partners present at Christmas. For me, it has to be special. Why not buy them the DVD of the first film you went to see at the pictures together? Or burn a CD full of songs you both love. Maybe buy a big photoframe and fill it with photos and memories of you both, or even buy a digital photoframe and put all your favourite pictures into a memory card. Let me know what you are planning on doing :) I love a bit of romance me.

My top picks for the Girlfriend/Fiancee/Wife:




My top picks for the Boyfriend/Fiance/Husband:











What are you planning on getting your other half this Christmas?
xxxxxx

Sunday, 4 November 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide: The Sister Edition

Hi everyone. I am back again with my latest edition of 'The Xmas Shopping Guide', with the sister edition. I was going to do a 'Sibling' edition, but seeing as I don't have a brother, I have absolutely no idea what you would buy your brother, sorry! 
I am actually really close to my sister, and we only have 3 years difference in age, so it is pretty easy to buy for her. She adores make up, skin care, fake tanning, dying her hair, being an utter fashionista (all of the above meaning noone in our house can ever get in the bathroom - and if they do, the sink is full of her hair dye, her lotions and potions are scattered everywhere, and the towels are covered in fake tan - ah).
I think there are some lovely beauty gift sets out this Christmas, and I have also found a few other little bits and pieces I think any sister would love. I have tried to cover pretty much everything I can think of, from different ages to different interests :)

My top picks for sister this year:







( Includes Minis of: posietint poppy-pink tinted lip & cheek stain,  high beam luminescent complexion enhancer, dandelion a brightening face powder, and ultra plush dandelion lip gloss)
























What do you think of these, do you think you'll be picking one up for your sister this year, or another girlie in your life?
xxxx




Friday, 5 October 2012

The Xmas Shopping Guide: The Parent Edition

I think parents are ever so fussy and difficult to buy for at Christmas time. At least mine are. I find my Dad particularly hard to buy for, as he isn't interested in Golf, Football or anything like that, which is what most 'men' presents are aimed at. I try not to buy 'bath and body gift sets' either because, quite frankly, the body butters and body creams will rarely be used. Most dads I know receive about 6 packs of socks every Christmas and off course lots of Lynx sets. I try to steer clear of these sort of gifts as I know he will get tonnes anyway! My mum is one of those people who has everything, and is ever so picky with the perfume she wears and clothes she wears, so it can be so frustrating trying to find her something she will like! 
I try to put a little effort into making my parents Christmas extra special, as they have done such a lot for me all my life, I like to make them feel appreciated and show them that a lot of thought, time, effort has gone into the gifts I have given them. 
A lovely idea if your parents live together would be to buy them joint presents, perhaps gather them together in a wicker basket, filled with things they both love. Say a bottle of wine, a DVD, box of chocolates, a few pretty candles for around the home, a new year calendar, small home décor pieces, that kind of thing. 

Here are my top picks for Dads Christmas gifts this year:


















And here are my top picks for Mums Christmas Gifts this year: 














What do you think of these gift ideas?

What are you planning on buying your parents this year?

xxx