Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas from Waitrose

Toni & Guy Fluid Metal Styler Review | Curling Your Hair with Straighteners

My Derma Center's Deluxe Gift Set Offer

L'Occitane Christmas Gift Inspiration

L'Occitane has always been one of my favourite beauty brands, so I was really excited when they got in touch and asked me to collaborate with them on today's post. I've had a good old gander online at their Christmas gifts and today I'm going to talk through some of my favourites from their line-up.

Balance Me's Affordable Christmas Gift Sets

Christmas Gift Idea: Luxurious Home Fragrances

Origins Mask Marvels Christmas Gift Set

Christmas Stocking Fillers from John Lewis

I wouldn't usually think of popping into John Lewis for stocking fillers or secret santa gifts but they actually have a fantastic selection of smaller gifts! If you're a little bit crafty, or buying for a little-one, then you might like the Make Your Own Pom Pom tree Decorations* - it's a super adorable set and would make an affordable gifting extra. Alternatively, if you know someone who might like some fun decorations for their home then I particularly like the look of Livingly's Paper Mobiles* and the Blue Sky Designs Timeline Photo Organizer* which offers an easy way to display photos (or Christmas cards).

If you're buying for someone with a sense of humour then you might just like the Sculpt Your Own Boyfriend* kit. It's definitely a tongue in cheek sort of present but I already know someone who might get a giggle or two out of it! But if you're looking for something slightly more serious then stationery is always a good bet. I love the look of this Magnetic To Do List*, not only is the design really cute but it's functional too! It can be stuck on a fridge and really help with organising those with a particularly hectic household. 

Or if you're looking for something a bit more "fun" then what about a scented candle? I love Jasmine scents and this Jasmine Petals Boxed Candle* has a lovely fragrance that would make any living room come to life. And finally, we come to my top pick, some of John Lewis' Nail Polishes*. I have the shades Brick (a warm orange) and Poppy (a shimmering red) and not only are they very pretty colours but they're perfect for wearing at this time of year. 

Do you like the look of any of these stocking fillers? Where have you been shopping for your gifts this Christmas?

Getting #Inspired: Christmas at John Lewis Kingston

Last night I had the real pleasure of visiting Kingston's John Lewis store for an evening of Christmas inspiration! Hidden away inside the shop, the John Lewis team had kitted out a series of rooms in the design of a traditional home - but with a very festive twist. There was a children's bedroom full of fairy lights, a seriously cosy living room, as well as an adult's bedroom and a dining room display decked out with Chritsmas trees galore. Across these rooms, I was able to experience how John Lewis' furniture and homewear could really transform a generic space into something incredibly homely, comfortable and stylish. 

Upon arriving I was greeted very warmly by John Lewis' staff and PR team. There were only a few, select bloggers in attendance and by comparison there were a large number of people from the John Lewis team to talk to and this, I feel, made everyone in attendance feel really valued and appreciated. Whenever I had any questions there was always someone to talk to about the products or about the John Lewis Kingston store, and everyone's glasses were topped up the moment they appeared to be running dry! I felt as though I learnt a lot about John Lewis and their products by being able to see them in a constructed space and being able to interact with them as a "user" rather than as a "consumer". The whole thing was a great idea and I was so glad that I was invited to attend. 

My visit to the store definitely got me into the Christmas spirit and inspired me to include some more festive posts in the coming days and weeks. All of the beautiful displays made me realise that you only need small touches to transform your normal, everyday space into something resembling a cosy Christmas grotto! The addition of blankets, cushions, fairy lights, candles, a wreath or even just a faux-fire (hosted on the television with an accompanying crackling soundtrack) - all these little touches changed an otherwise airy and high-ceilinged room, into something with a more intimate feel. The message was simple and effective - you don't need to overhaul your home to get in the Christmas spirit. All that are needed are small updates - examples of which the Kingston John Lewis team sprinkled throughout their displays, which I've shared with you today in my photos. 

As an extra treat, we were also introduced to some representatives from ESPA Skincare who were giving arm massages using some of their gorgeous body oils. When we walked into the community room where this part of the event was being hosted, the fragrance of the products was simply beautiful! I went away seriously lusting after the reed diffusers and candles, whose scents offer another easy way to infuse your home with a new lease of life. Very kindly, we were also given some products from ESPA Skincare and John Lewis to take home with us, and I'm going to be sharing those with you all soon. A very big thank you to everyone at John Lewis Kingston and ESPA Skincare for a lovely evening - and I know I'm going to be visiting again (the Kingston branch has the most beautiful beauty department with every beauty brand you could possibly hope for).

Beauty Discount: Origins Face Mask Set just £23

I just spotted Origins' Mask Marvels Gift Set on offer as part of an amazing christmas discount on Boots' website. For one week only you have the chance to pick up  at the discounted price of £23 (reduced from £50). 

The set includes three Origins' face masks; Origins Out of Trouble Mask (75ml), Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask (75ml) and Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (75ml). Considering that one full size (100ml) Origins face mask clocks in at £23 alone, this gift set offers very good value for money! 

I've reviewed the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask before and it's made multiple appearance as I regularly repurchase it. If you have oily or blemished prone skin I'd definitely recommend it! I've also talked about the Drink Up Intensive Mask before as it is just a fabulous product for dry or dehydrated skin, perfect for this time of year! 

If you're interested in taking advantage of this offer you can find it on Boots' website for one week only  - link here.

TAG: The Christmas Tag

Christmas is almost upon us (and winter is well and truly in full swing) and this year I'm really getting into the Christmas spirit. I'm playing Christmas songs while I write my essays, I've got tinsel adorning the walls of my bedroom and I've already had a few mince pies too many! So when I saw The Christmas Tag over on Jennie's blog I knew it was a TAG post that I couldn't pass up.

What is your favourite Christmas film?

I don't have a favourite festive film, but the films that I always watch around Christmas time are Home Alone and Titanic. They're on television every year and it has sort of become a tradition of mine to watch them over Christmas and Boxing day.

What is your favourite festive colour?

Oh, gold for sure. Gold baubles, gold glitter, golden nails - everything gold makes me feel thoroughly in the Christmas mood. 

Do you open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

I usually have to wait until Christmas morning but sometimes I actually have to wait for longer, until after Christmas dinner. It requires so much patience, too much.

What is your favourite winter fragrance?

I love the smell of Christmas trees. That woody pine scent is such a nostalgic scent for me, it reminds me of all the wonderful Christmases that I've spent with my family.

What is your favourite Christmas scent?

At Christmas time I like warm, rich scents. I'm not usually a fan of vanilla scents but I'm really liking them at the moment, especially when they're mellowed out with a dash of spice. The Body Shop do a gorgeous Madagascan Vanilla perfume.

What is your favourite festive drink?

I don't really have a winter drink of choice. My family don't really drink alcohol so over Christmas our drink of choice is sparkling elderflower cordial and it's actually one of my favourite drinks year round.

Candy canes or gingerbread men?

Gingerbread men every single time. I love ginger, I love biscuits, what could be better.

What is your favourite Christmas song?

Have you ever made a snowman?

Whenever it snows you'll find me outside trying to make one! Luckily where I live it tends to snow every year (although often not over Christmas).

What is most important to you about Christmas?

I spend nearly nine months a year away from home, about 200 miles away from home. The only time of year that I know for sure that I'll get to see my family and friends from home is over Christmas. For me, the Christmas season is all about being with the people I love and getting to feel at home again. For me, this is the most important aspect - it's one day of the year that totally re-centres me and sets me up for my year ahead.




That concludes today's little slice of Christmas! I tag anyone in the Christmas spirit to complete this Tag and if you do it (or have already done it) please do send me links to your posts so I can give them a read.

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Don't forget to enter my Christmas Giveaway - you could win two Origins face masks!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of my gorgeous followers! I hope you all have a really lovely day :) I'm off to open some of these gorgeous prezzies and eat enough food to send me into a Christmas hibernation!

The table is set, and the Made In Chelsea finale is on :P