Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is getting closer and closer. I can't believe we're nearly two weeks into December! I haven't really given too much thought into what I want for Christmas this year, the only thing I've asked for is a new docking station for my iPod. So it should be full of surprises come December 25th. After a little thought I've decided on a few things that are on my wishlist, mainly stuff I've been lusting after for ages but just never get round to buying. So I'd be pretty made up if anyone was kind enough to get me these things.

• 1. Alexa Chung - IT (£16.99) - I am an Alexa fangirl, there's not many people who aren't but her style is one of my biggest influences. This really is one of those things I've been meaning to purchase but never got round to it. 
• 2. Check Smock Dress with Contrast Collar - BooHoo (£22) - Usually I'm not a fan of PU collars but this one doesn't look ridiculous. I really love the subtle check pattern, perfect for plenty of occasions, I'd definitely get my wear out of this piece.
• 3. Chelsea Boots - H&M (£24.99) - I've been looking for a pair of classic black Chelsea boots for so long and something with a reasonable price because I'm a clumsy sod. So when I came across these I was properly made up.
• 4. Cream Colour Block Satchel - River Island (£40) - I have to say River Island are one of the top high street brands out there for whatever bag you're after. A satchel is something I've been after for ages and I really adore this one, the colours are a little different with a subtle pink for a pop of colour.
• 5. Jake Bugg - Shangri La (£10) - I'm the type of girl who prefers to physically own a CD rather than an MP3 download off iTunes so CD's are always a must for my wishlist. Jake Bugg has had an incredible year and I was pleased to see he was releasing a new album so soon after his debut.

What's on your Christmas wishlist?

Weekend in Birmingham - Gigs, German Christmas Market & Old Friends | Lifestyle

First off I want to apologise for failing Blogmas yesterday! I planned for this post to go up yesterday but I had a bit of crappy time for a few reasons when I got home and I didn't want to write a half hearted post but better late than never right?! So on to the point of the post..

You may of seen me mention here and there that I was heading to Birmingham over the weekend just gone. It turned out I had booked a couple of gigs on both Saturday and Sunday night so we decided to stay over a few nights in the Hampton by Hilton on Broad Street. I went with one of my closest friends Hannah, since she moved away from uni we've hardly seen each other so a much needed catch up happened. Later on in the weekend we met up with my best friend Zoe and Niall too.

Our room was pretty cool and I loved the colour scheme. I wish I'd taken more pictures but we were in a bit of a rush when we got there to get ready and get to the gig. I've mentioned my love for The Courteeners before but I couldn't miss the Christmas Tour Party and went to see them live for the 3rd time. They didn't let me down and put on a brilliant show, possibly the best I've seen them now!

I got my hands on a signed poster from the merch stand and was pleased to see it was not a printed signature but a very much authentic autograph from the boys! Next morning we over slept and missed breakfast, heartbreaking I tell you. Hungry and ready for an afternoon shop we headed to the Bullring! Also, world's worst selfie in a lift coming up..

I told you! Sorry for the terrible quality (oops!). Meet Hannah too who is very interested as you can see *haha*  | Coat - H&M, Dress - ASOS, Bag - Primark |

After a quick wonder around H&M and then the Disney store (I picked up my gift for secret santa at work) we headed to the Handmade Burger Co which tasted unreal after 19 hours without anything to eat. I opted for the peri peri chicken burger. Just a little tip too, one bowl of chips will cover both of you just fine as me and Hannah found out. It was lovely though and something nice and new to try out! Then it was time to meet Zoe and Niall and to head to the German Christmas Market.

So that's beer, hot dogs and lots of cute gift type stalls. I definitely want to fit a few more Christmas like markets in next year as well! After that we headed back to the hotel for a quick change of clothes then just down the road we visited O'Neill's Bar which is an Irish chain of pubs. One quick drink and we were back to the O2 Academy to watch The View. You might remember them for their catchy song a few years back - "I've had the same jeans on for four days now.."

It was a fab gig and I met all of the band afterwards which was pretty cool and was a highlight of my year! Anyway I had a lovely weekend and can't wait for similar weekends next year!

What have you been up to?

Don't forget to enter my Secret Christmas Giveaway HERE. It features Models Own, Yankee Candle, Rimmel, The Body Shop, MUA, Natural Collection & more!

Christmas Jumper Picks

Every man and his dog seem to be sporting a Christmas jumper this winter. I haven't invested in one yet but everyone seems to be pulling all the stops out when it comes to the festiveness in knitwear form. After scanning my favourite clothing websites for one I thought I'd share which ones I'm loving! As you can tell there's all different designs but opting for a darker jumper on these picks..

• 1. BooHoo (£15) - This could be my favourite out of the bunch but who doesn't love a Home Alone quote?! Text based jumpers aren't the most popular but I love this one.
• 2. Topshop (£50) - I can only imagine how soft this one is. I really love the colours of it but not so sure of the price tag I'm afraid. 
• 3. Primark (£14) - With this one I would quite happily walk around on Christmas Eve with this one, such a cute Christmas scene going on.
• 4. New Look (£24.99) - With some jumpers I find you can only wear them on Christmas Day but with this one it's brilliant for the build up to my favourite holiday of the year.
• 5. Next (£28) - I actually spotted this one in store and Next are worth checking out as they have some lovely designs and the quality is always brilliant so you can use it next year too!

Have you been sucked into the Christmas jumper hype yet?

How I Spend My Christmas Tag

I haven't done a tag for a few weeks and why not get back into the Christmas theme for Blogmas with one?!

Image Source: We Heart It

1. What are you usually up to on Christmas Eve?

Well last year I was at work most of the day and I will be again this year but I usually spend the evening wrapping last minute presents, scoffing a takeaway, watching Christmas shows on TV and I always watch Gavin and Stacey Christmas special just before midnight!

2. Who do you spend your Christmas day's with?

I split my time between my Mum's and Dad's houses. I usually spend the morning with my Dad and have dinner with him then go across to my Mum's and spend time with my brother and a lot of the other family on my Mum's side (and there's a lot of them!)

3. Do you enjoy giving or receiving gifts?

Obviously I love to open up my own presents and get all excited but as you get older I think you appreciate the happiness you bring to other people by carefully picking out what you think they might like. Having a younger brother definitely highlights this for me, you can't beat the look on his face.

4. What does your outfit consist of on Christmas Day?

I tend to lazy around in pyjamas for a lot of the morning but before I always get changed into something a bit nicer. If I've had anything new I usually stick that on or a nice dress does the trick.

5. Do you enjoy shopping for your loved ones gifts?

If I'm honest I hate doing it all in one go, there's nothing worse than bashing into people with all your bags so I like to spread it out and start in October when it comes to Christmas shopping. I do tend to enjoy it though, it's the carefully picking things out that you know will bring a smile to someones face. I do prefer to scan the shops online before deciding as well.

6. Have you ever received a gift that you disliked and pretended you liked it?

I can't say there's anything that really stands out as I'm an easily pleased person and usually like everyone is kind enough to buy me. I do remember when I was about 6 though my Auntie giving me a pack of sticky notes as a stocking filler, I never really understood that one.

7. What would your ideal Christmas be?

My Mum and Dad have been separated for over 10 years now and I hate leaving either one for any period of time on Christmas but that's just the way the Christmas cookie crumbles sometimes. But a way for me to spend it with them both without not spending it without one of them would be cool.

8. What is your least favourite thing about Christmas?

Working in retail means the shopping rush just before for me. It's manic and people get nasty with you because there isn't what they want in stock but it's like erm, hellooooo you left it this late!

9. What is the best gift you have ever received?

I always remember the time when iPods first came out all them years ago and I had the very first iPod shuffle, the long thing one in white! I wasn't expecting at all and everyone is aware of my love for music so you can only imagine my little face when I unwrapped that one.

10. If you could choose one person to spend Christmas with who would it be and why? (Other than family).

Well it would have to be my closest friends. I'd love to see their faces opening what I've brought them because that's something I don't usually get to see! 

I tag anyone who's reading this and fancies having a go! If you do leave me your links I'd love to read your answers as well!

What's In My Travel Bag?

Another day of December means another day of Blogmas! I've got to say it's hard work blogging everyday but I'm really enjoying it! Tomorrow I'm off to Birmingham for a few days - a couple of gigs to attend to, the German Christmas market to visit along with all the other amazing shops Birmingham holds! If I'm honest I'm quite glad for this mini break. Working in retail is stressful any time but at Christmas a lot of people turn into an idiot customer and it doesn't half get you down. Anyway, back to the point of the post.. With my mini break looming I thought it would be the perfect chance to show you what bits and bobs I'm taking with me on my travels. A lot of this you can easily pick up in the drugstore and always a good time to try out samples.

I go for a clear wash bag to keep everything in because I've got a tendency to forget things and I'm always in a rush so a last minute check of everything is made a little easier with this option!

• Shockwaves Ultra Strong Power Hold Spray (£2.95) - What a fancy name for a hairspray eh?! Names aside I've been using this hairspray for years. I'm yet to find one that keeps my hair in place for longer or one that smells as nice. A lot of hairsprays I can't stand the scent of but this one is spot on!
• Sunkissed Instant Self Tan Moose Medium Bronze* (£4.99) - Become my new tanning favourite recently so this has to come with me for a tanning top up. Read my full review HERE.
• Batiste Dry Shampoo Paisley (£2.99) - Always safe to carry a bottle of dry shampoo around with you. However I think they have stopped making this paisley version as I can't find it anywhere online but I've spotted it in my local Superdrug recently. 

• Nivea Double Effect Anti-Perspirant (£3.29) - Bit of an obvious one but I've been loving Nivea's deodorant range recently and they do the job!
• Nivea Invisible Black & White Clear Roll On (£2.10) -  I like this roll on especially because you can use it with whatever colour clothes you are wearing without the worry with white marks on your new black dress and I prefer a clear roll on as well.

• L'Oreal Matt & Messy: Salt Spray (£3.75) - One of my favourite purchases ever brought on a whim, I picked my first bottle up in the summer. As a natural wavy/curly hair girl I love to embrace it and I love spraying this for an added texture to my waves.
• L'Occitane Jasmin Passion Hand Cream (:Limited Edition) - C'mon it's Winter and the dry hands are making there way out to haunt me. I love this 30ml size, perfect for travelling. It has a slight scent which is nice as I don't like strong smelling hand creams (yuck for finger foods half hour later!)

• Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser (£3.79) - Whenever I'm having a skincare nightmare I always turn to Simple. My skin gets dryer as it gets colder and applying this twice a day has kept the dryness at bay as it hydrates the skin.
• L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (£4.99) - I'm currently in the trail period with this product but so far I've been enjoying it. It does a good enough job of removing any make up and toning the skin. (Don't forget the cotton pads either!)

• Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream (£18.50) - When it comes to travelling out it always the right time to gather your samples and try them out. I have tried this a few times before and it always leaves my skin extremely soft and helps glide on primers/foundations even easier.
• Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion+ (£28) - I can see why so many people love this after a couple of uses. Already thinking of purchasing the full size if I'm honest!
• Vichy Idealia Life Serum (£29.50) - I got my hands on a couple of sample sachets of this and I was hooked after one try of the stuff. Every time I go into I'm stopping by this but the price tag for such a small amount puts me off. I can see myself buying it in the new year though.

So that's a few bits I'm taking with me this weekend (don't worry I know I've missed out key things like shampoos etc but I'm doing a haircare post soon!)

What are you up to this weekend?