Merry Christmas! | My New Job & Festive Chit-Chat

So then, hands up...who's broken the rule of Christmas and prematurely delved in to the Roses tin? I have no shame in admitting that I'm currently typing away nibbling on what I'm sure will be the first of many golden barrels and I feel absolutely no guilt whatsoever.  I suspect it won't be long until I give in to the Matchmakers temptation either.  Food aside, I wasn't planning on a 'chatty' Christmas post this year but spur of the moment seems to have grabbed me.  Personally, I always enjoy writing posts like these - I can just ramble on without any planning whatsoever and it's always nice to look back through my archives and remember where I was and what was going on in my life when I typed certain posts. Is anyone else like that? Isn't it funny how your blog becomes a diary without you even realising it? 

I must admit I haven't felt particularly festive this year - this isn't like me whatsoever as I'm usually the first person to adorn a santa hat and get everybody singing festive crap (if any of my old uni lot are reading this I'm sure they'll vouch for the festive singing...) There's been a couple of things that put a bit of a lid on it all at the beginning of the month and even though I've tried my very hardest to keep my Christmas spirits up (which has involved many a trip to Costa and aimless walks around the Christmas market) I must admit it's been a struggle this year.  As well as a few personal things, I also found myself without a job at quite possibly the worst time of year to be out of work.  I'm lucky in the sense that I've had some trusty savings to fall back on and I've still been able to treat friends and family to a certain extent - but if you've been in a similar position to me on the run up to Christmas you'll know exactly what I mean... you end up feeling a little bit left out of it all.  The worry completely takes over the festive spirit and all you can think about is 'what on earth am i going to do when this is all over?'... you realise just how much having a job contributes to your overall happiness and it's exaggerated even more at this time of year.

However, it seems as if the Christmas fairies decided that it was time something good came my way - because after months and months of worry I'm so chuffed to say that I NOW HAVE A NEW JOB!  I kid you not, it was the best Christmas present ever and it meant so much to me (so much so that if anybody saw me in the city centre yesterday they probably felt a little bit sorry for me - because I actually cried. In public)  It was just a complete mix of happiness and relief and I couldn't have wished for anything better.  Honestly - if I could have made a list of everything I wanted my new job to offer - this one ticked it all.  It's a little further out of the way than expected but as I'm not the most confident driver in the world, I took it as a positive as it will mean I'm using my car a great deal more.  I've promised myself I'll treat myself to a new Beth-mobile if all goes well and I get over my little driving hurdle... We shall see!

In the meantime, I can't wait to read everybody's Christmas themed posts - I'm pretty sure I'll be adding to my wish list very soon and of course, there's all the '2o14 Favourites' to come! I'll certainly be treating myself to a few new bits and bobs in January as a little pat on the back to myself for getting to where I wanted to be before the new year - i didn't expect everything to fall in to place so close to Christmas! I've spent the morning taking photographs all ready for my 'best of 2014' posts and I've been putting together some new year themed rambles (as cliche as they are, who doesn't make a new years resolution or two?!) - so keep your eyes peeled for those. Until then, I wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS - i hope you all have a wonderful day tomorrow and the old bearded chappy brings you lots of lovely things. 

Lots of love, Beth xox

Shopping My Stash | The Festive Edit

Since Christmas is just around the corner (quite literally! How quick does time fly?!), I decided to have a little route through my makeup drawers the other day in search of some festive makeup inspiration.  As I'm on a bit of a budget this year and haven't really got an excuse to splurge on a selection of new products - I thought it would be perfect timing for my first ever 'shopping my stash' themed post. I always love reading these on other blogs but I've never done one myself.  As a fickle bunch, us bloggers do have a tendency to forget about the fabulous goodies we already own in favour of treating ourselves to a new little luxury or two (guilty as charged)...but sometimes, it's much better to re-discover old favourites.  As a family, we always go out for dinner and drinks on Christmas Day.  It's basically a fabulous excuse to get done up like a dog's dinner and for me, a good time to experiment a little bit with my makeup - if ever you're going to break the rules and get away with the smokey eye/bright red lip combo (with a dash of extra glitter for good measure) it's on Christmas Day! Here's what I picked out...

First up is a blogger classic, Mac's Cranberry. I love this shade in the autumn/winter and it's just perfect for this time of year.  It puts a nice little twist on a classic smokey eye and is surprisingly easy to wear - it looks lovely on the centre of the lid if you're not brave enough to go full-on with it.  I also picked out Urban Decay's 'Zodiac' - a beautiful shimmery deep forest green.  I've only ever worn this once on New Year's Eve last year but it looked absolutely stunning and I'm determined to make it work again for me this year.  The shimmer is perfect for creating a festive themed smokey eye and the consistency is simply divine.  Urban Decay always get it right when it comes to texture and this shade in particular is so soft, creamy and pigmented. I adore it. I reckon I might wear this Christmas Day...

I also picked out a smokey eye favourite - Nars Mekong.  This stuff is seriously rich and I reserve it purely for nights out and special occasions simply because it can be a little too much at times - but I adore it nonetheless.   It's a beautiful deep brown shade with tiny flecks of gold running through it. It looks gorgeous worn on it's own, blended out and concentrated on the lid - it gives your eyes so much definition and it's such a good shade for creating a more sultry look.  It's probably the most pigmented, richest brown shade I own. Last up, my favourite gold is Look Beauty's Shade 13 'Luxe' Eyeshadow.  I spoke about this in a recent post here if you want to read up about why I love it so much, but it's one of my faves.  It's akin to a pressed pigment in my opinion as it's so rich and creamy - it gives your lids an almost foiled look.

Next, I headed straight for the statement red lipsticks. I have a couple of favourites that I always use around this time of year - some happen to be drugstore cheapys (MUA Shade 1 is a winner) but when it comes to Christmas, I always feel a little more inspired to reach for some of my more luxurious lippies. The festive season calls for a bit of luxe, doesn't it?!  Mac's MAC Red has to be my ultimate pillar box red.  It's a fairly neutral, cherry sort of shade and the satin finish provides opaque colour without being overly drying.  It featured in my Mac Lipstick Collection post here, and also in my Top 5 Autumn/Winter Reds post - it's very well loved.  I also fell head over heels for Bobbi Brown's 'Old Hollywood' last year.  It certainly lives up to it's name and simply screams glamour.  It's a little more bright in tone than MAC Red - I wouldn't say it's orange toned but it's definitely a little more warm - it looks beautiful both day or night.  The creamy formula applies like a dream and provides full colour pay off. The packaging is also perfect for the season - the weighty gold bullet and satisfying 'clicky' lid is right up my street. I wore it in this post if you want to see more of it.

Swatches L-R // Look 'Shade 13' // Mac 'Cranberry' // UD 'Zodiac' // Nars 'Mekong' // Mac 'MAC Red' // Bobbi Brown 'Old Hollywood' 

Lastly, I picked out a couple of Barry M polishes that I always make a beeline for around this time of year.  'Raspberry' is a gorgeous deep maroon shade with a super glossy finish - I've been wearing this non-stop just recently.  Glitter polishes are also a bit of a guilty pleasure when it gets to Christmas time and Barry M's Gold Glitter is a stunner.  I'm not the biggest fan of the full-on glittered nails look if I'm honest so I tend to paint my nails with a red colour first, and then concentrate the glitter towards the base or the tip of my nails to create a more subtle gradient finish.

Which products have you got lined up for Christmas Day?

7 Festively Scented Pamper Products

I thought I'd continue with the Christmassy themed posts this week and introduce a few of my favourite festive pampering products.  I really love the whole build-up to Christmas and I get ever so excited - for me, it's often better than the day itself and I like to make the most of things by switching up my every day products for a select few that get me into the festive spirit.  If you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?! With the darker evenings and colder weather, nothing makes me want to curl up and relax more than having a small collection of 'go to'  winter warmers!  If you're after a bit of stocking-filler inspiration or just fancy treating yourself on the run-up to the big day, hopefully this post might be of some use! Here's what I'll be using throughout the month of December...

Organic Surge // Spiced Lily Foaming Bath // £5.99 for 250ml // Link

This is such a fabulous winter product and although I enjoy using it at Christmas, I use it all throughout the autumn/winter season as it's just so comforting and warming.  It has quite a thick gel consistency and makes for the perfect winter bubble bath as you only need a small amount.  The spicy, yet gentle scent is so relaxing and soothing and the essential oils and aloe vera extracts means that it's also softening on the skin. It featured in a 'festive bath soaks' post on my blog last year.

LUSH // Snow Fairy // £3.75 for 100g // Link 

An all time Christmas classic - LUSH's 'Snow Fairy' is a cult favourite for a reason! It's not exactly the most festively scented product ever but because I've been buying it for years, it really does remind me of Christmas.  Although it's a sweet scent, it has a bit of a 'kick' to it that's quite hard to describe - definitely one for the girly girls amongst you!  The scent also lingers on the skin after you've got out of the bath so it's a nice one to use before a christmas party or night out!

LUSH // Hot Toddy // £3.95 for 100g // Link

A new found favourite of mine! I spoke about it in a recent post so I won't say too much - but if you could bottle the scent of Christmas and sell it as a bath product - you'd have yourself some Hot Toddy! It smells like traditional Christmas - with hints of cinnamon it's very spicy and warming and the dark red colour swirled with golden glitter makes for the perfect festive blend.

LUSH // Yog Nog Soap // £3.40 per 100g // Link

Again, I won't speak about this too much as I've written a full review not too long ago - but this has to be my newest addiction! I'm not usually one for soaps but I've been converted with this one.  To me, it smells like creme brûlée with a very subtle spicy hint.  I don't even need to use it to smell it - it's sat on a dish in my bathroom and it makes the room smell like festive sweetness constantly. Yummy! Its very creamy and softening on the skin, and the scent lingers very faintly on the skin after your bath. 

Teapigs // Spiced Winter Red Tea // £4.49 // Link

I actually have a full post about this product from last year here, but if you're a fellow tea-belly like myself - you need Teapigs' Spiced Winter Red tea in your life.  It's like drinking Christmas in a mug -  it's really warming and the scent is seriously spicy. Flavour-wise, it has hints of orange and berry, with a little cinnamon-like kick. I can always tell when I have some brewing because it makes the room smell so festive  - it's a nice one to treat yourself to as you're wrapping presents, having a cosy night in or watching a Christmas film. A must-have for Christmas Eve!!

Tisserand // Seasonal Joy Vapourising Oil // £5.50 // Link

Ok. Out of the whole bunch - this has to be the product I've been most excited about using. Seriously, it's been sat on my bedside table since the beginning of October and I'm so so happy that it's finally time to use it. As I don't use candles an awful lot (without sounding silly I'm the clumsiest person ever and they're just a fire hazard around me!) I rely on oils like this to fragrance a room.  I used this non-stop last year and I absolutely adore it. It has that typical traditional Christmas scent - rich, orange-y, with hints of spice and calming to the senses.  There's a number of different ways you can use it but I simply drop some of the oil onto a thin tissue and place it on top of my radiator - job done.  As soon as the room heats up, it's filled with the scent of Christmas.

Hugo Boss // 'Orange' Perfume // Price Varies // Link

Now then, this isn't exactly a Christmas product but it's perfect for the colder months.  I've never worn another perfume quite so much as this one - and although I wear it year round, I really do enjoy using it around Christmas time.  I always seem to get compliments on it whenever I wear it and it's also really long-lasting.  The orange hints are so beautiful and it's just such a luxurious fragrance to wear.  Definitely one for Christmas day! 

What are your favourite festively scented products?!

Christmas at LUSH | 'Snow Fairy' & 'Hot Toddy'

When it comes to Christmas pampering, LUSH is my first port of call.  It's my annual tradition every Christmas Eve to watch Love Actually, wrap the last of my presents and have a bath full of festive lotions and potions before getting into bed with a mug of festive tea and brand new christmas-themed pyjamas.  You may have seen my previous LUSH post this week all about their 'Yog Nog' soap which has fast become one of my new obsessions (post here), but I tottled back into the store the other day to see what other festive-themed goodies they had to offer - how could I resist? A girl can never have too many bath-time treats, right?! I walked out with my trusty old favourite, 'Snow Fairy' (which in all honesty was an impulse buy at the till) and a bottle of the rather christmas-y looking 'Hot Toddy' - this isn't one I've tried before but I was sold on description alone.   Even though they're shower gels, I sometimes use them under the tap as a bubble bath so for me, they're much more versatile than a one-use bath bomb and I'm able to enjoy them for the entire lead up to Christmas.

Lush // Snow Fairy Shower Gel // £3.75 for 100g // Link

An old favourite of mine, 'Snow Fairy' has to be my festive guilty pleasure.  I went absolutely crazy for it in my teenage years and found myself slightly addicted to the super-sweet, girly scent.  In all honesty, I haven't gone mad for it the past couple of years as I've favoured slightly spicier scents, but I decided I'd treat myself to a bottle on a bit of a whim.  I took one sniff and remembered why I used to love it so much. Even though it's quite a young scent, it's the perfect girly treat.  I wouldn't say it's actually very festive, however, since it's a product they release as a limited edition every year I can't help but associate it with Christmas!  It's definitely not for you if you don't like sweet scents as it can be quite sickly - it's like candy floss, pear drops and vanilla all rolled into one big bottle of sweetness but it's so unique. I adore it. The scent lingers on the skin long after you've gotten out of the bath and the iridescent, pearly pink colour is just the perfect finishing touch - Snow Fairy really does live up to its name.  They've added more skin softening ingredients this year so it's bound to be a winner.   Loved by many, there's a reason why they bring this back every year...

Lush // Hot Toddy Shower Gel // £3.95 for 100g // Link

It was the gorgeous deep red colour swirled with golden glitter flecks that sold me on this one.  With cinnamon, ginger, lemon oil and skin softening seaweed, this festive concoction is warming and spicy and looks the part too.  It's definitely more of a traditional fragrance (as opposed to Snow Fairy's quirky signature scent) and is a good option for cosy nights in - i find it really calming and it would be a fab one to use if you're feeling a bit under the weather. It definitely does knock your socks off slightly!  It fills your bathroom with a beautiful, festive aroma and instantly puts you in the Christmas spirit. It's such a gorgeous, wintery product and if you're after something that really does smell like Christmas in a bottle, I really recommend picking this up!

What are you favourite Christmas LUSH products?

Soap & Glory 'The Next Big Thing' Gift Box Offer | What's Inside?!

Ohhh Soap & Glory's Christmas gift sets... I'm sure I'm not the only one who goes a little bit doe-eyed at the sight of their big gift box?! It's become a bit of an annual tradition for me and I wait with baited breath every year for the much awaited offer to come on. I was lucky enough to work in the city centre for 4 years or so and nabbing one of S&G's BIG gift boxes used to be my pre-shift mission.  I always got into work super-early and tottled off to Boots to get my mitts on one before all the hustle and bustle.  They absolutely fly off the shelves every year and I've known colleagues to come in with 3 or 4 sets for various family members but personally - I'm a little bit selfish with it and grab one for myself (Merry Christmas to me...) I just love their products and a box like this keeps me going for months.   Let me tell you - this year's is a good'un... Here's Soap & Glory's 'The Next Big Thing'*...

This year's box design has been put together by Hattie Stewart - a british illustrator - and there are 2 different versions: one in-store and one online (but both with the same amazing contents - just take your pick over which design you prefer).  As usual, the box is a generous size, well made and sturdy, and is perfect for using for storage even after you've used all the products inside.  I still have a Soap & Glory 'hat box' from years ago in my wardrobe which I use to store belts and accessories. All products come packaged in a gorgeous drawstring bag too which always comes in handy for travelling - I always use bags like this to separate things in my suitcase when I go on holiday.  

Priced at £60, the box is already a cracker - however, Boots currently have it on their 'Star Gift better than half price offer', meaning that the set is now reduced to an amazing £29! So what's inside?!  'The Next Big Thing' contains 10 full sized products worth a whopping £76 - making it even more of a bargain! There's some of my old favourites in here: The Righteous Butter is always a winner for me and I'm never without a tub on my bathroom shelf.  The Sugar Crush Body Scrub is also a gorgeous product for fake-tan fanatics like myself and there's also a big bottle of their 'Orangeasm' body wash which I've been wanting to try for ages.  Here's the full list of contents:

Hand Dream Super Cream // £7

Orangeasm Body Wash // £6.50

Butter Yourself Moisture Lotion // £10

Heel Genius Foot Cream // £5.50

Sugar Crush Body Scrub // £8

Whipped Clean Shower Butter // £7

The Righteous Butter Body Butter // £10.50

Off Your Face Purifying Face Wipes // £4.50

Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Laquer in 'Charm Offensive' // £7

Thick & Fast Mascara // £10

Another fabulous offering from Soap & Glory - they never fail to impress me every year and there's a reason why these gift sets are so incredibly sought after.  If you're a fellow Soap & Glory fan, it's well worth fighting your way through the christmas crowds to nab one! There's some fab additions this year that I really cannot wait to try amidst a few of my old staples, and the addition of the lip laquer and the mascara is perfect for any beauty addict.  These sets sell out incredibly fast, so it's worth being snappy! You can find 'The Next Big Thing' online at Boots here for £29.00*...and also whilst stocks last in store. Not only are you saving £31.00 on the original price tag but the contents themselves are worth £76! For the bargain hunters amongst you, it's too good to miss out on... Get yer skates on girls!

Are you a fan of the S&G gift sets? Will you be treating yourself to one this year?!

The Christmas Tag

Source [edited]

It's no secret that I absolutely bloody love Christmas. Scrooge I certainly am not.  I'm one of those people who will burst into a verse of Slade at any given time...the type to adorn the comedy reindeer antlers and suggest a family game of Charades long after the golden caramel barrels have disappeared from the Roses Tin. I just love it all and I'm like such a big kid at this time of year. So when I was tagged by the lovely Aymie to do the Christmas Tag - of course, I got typing straight away. Any excuse for a festive chit-chat - and since we've all broken into our advent calendars this morning (let's face it, you're never to old), it seemed the perfect time to get a little bit festive...

What's your favourite Christmas movie/s?

My all-time favourite has to be 'The Greatest Store in the World'.  It's by no means a well-known classic (it was a mission and a half to track down the DVD) but if you're a fellow 90s child with a deep-seated love for S-Club-7 (they appear in the film), then you'll love it and I highly recommend you hunt it down. It's basically about a family who are made homeless just before Christmas and they attempt to hide-out and live in a big, London department store for the 'big day' without being found by the management. It's so cheesy in parts but it really does get across the real meaning of Christmas and the moment when the little girl gives Mr Whiskers a jelly bean just melts my heart (gold star to you if you know which bit I'm talking about).  

I'm also a fan of Miracle on 34th Street, Deck the Halls, and of course, Love Actually! I'm a bit strange with Christmas films, really. I don't go head over heels for Elf or The Grinch - I much prefer a good old classic or the ones that aren't as hyped... Got to love a dose of Home Alone though, haven't you?

Do you open presents on Christmas morning or Christmas evening?

Always on Christmas morning.  I sometimes wish we had the tradition of saving a select few for the evening and paced ourselves... but if there's presents to be unwrapped and gifts to be swapped, then we just go right on in! There's no time for being patient in my house!

Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

I always remember getting so excited about writing Christmas cards for all my friends at primary school. I would take a great deal of time and effort choosing which picture best suited each person (it was a delicate operation) and I wrote them all out superly-duperly neat with my gold, glittery gel pens and, if i was feeling particularly creative, I drew illustrations of reindeers for extra effect (yep...)  They made such a big thing of Christmas at my school,  and there was a big post-box made to look like a chimney in the hall which you sneakily posted your cards in to between lessons.  At the end of the day, they'd all be sorted into classes and you received all your envelopes to open.  It was so exciting and we'd all rush into the school hall afterwards to watch christmas films on the projector (life before proper technology eh?!) I always feel so lucky that my school made such a big thing of Christmas - I don't think you really get that anymore but it really made that time of year so much more special.

What's your favourite festive food?

PIGS IN BLANKETS!!! Seriously - if you're next to me at the dinner table and there's a pig in a blanket on the edge of your plate - don't expect it to stay there.  I'd happily eat a whole bowl of them.  I love Christmas dinner as a whole though - I don't know why but it always tastes so much better than regular dinner even though there's not much difference aside from a bit of turkey and a brussel sprout or 2... is it just me?

What's been your favourite Christmas gift?

The Polly Pocket Dream World always stands out to me - there's many a photograph of me on Christmas Day lecturing family members on the ins and outs of why it was so bloomin' fantastic. But it was! I loved Polly Pockets as a child and I would sit and arrange all of the little compacts on my living room floor so they made up a 'city'...Polly Pockets = hours of fun. They beat the much anticipated Furbie by a mile.

What's your favourite Christmas scent?

Tinsel.  My Mum always thinks this is really weird but seriously, I could sit and sniff tinsel allllll day long. It just reminds me of Christmas... When I see it all lined up in shops I secretly have a bit of an urge to dive into it - why is it just so inviting?! I also have a festively-scented oil which I use in my bedroom and it just makes me feel all cosy and happy.  

Do you have a Christmas Eve tradition?

Sometimes, we all tottle off to the garden centre and look around the christmas baubles and decorations.  This sounds absolutely bonkers but if you're a fellow Christmas Eve garden-centerer you'll know exactly what I mean (we have a really nice one not too far from us who always make a massive deal of it all...) We all come home, have a little tipple or two, and sit down to watch Christmas films whilst trying our very best to resist breaking into the Roses tin...   Later on, I always like to have some 'me time' and I'll sit and watch Love Actually whilst wrapping the last of my family's presents after a lovely, Christmas-themed bath (Lush's Snow Fairy, anyone?!) and a mug of Spiced Winter Red tea.

What tops your tree?

Just your average bog standard star. Nothing spectacular but we always make sure that the tree is colour coordinated... it's a must in our house.

As a child, what was the one (crazy, extravagant) gift you wanted but never got?

I've spoken about this before in my 50 Random Facts About Me Tag, but I always asked for a donkey.  I just really quite fancied one and wasn't fooled by the scpiel about Santa not being able to fit one into his sleigh at all. In my mind, there was more than enough room for a donkey (it's smaller than a horse after all) and I felt so much disappointment when there wasn't a donkey-shaped present smack-bang in the middle of my living room come christmas morning. I'd soon forget about it when the Polly Pockets were unveiled though... Parents? You are forgiven.

What do you think is the best part of Christmas?

It goes without saying that family-time is the best part of Christmas - it really is.  I love that there's a certain magic in the air, everybody seems much happier in general and that it seems to bring people together.  If I'm honest though, I often love the build-up to Christmas more than the actual day itself. I love walking around Christmas markets in the freezing cold...I love festive hot chocolates and getting cosy at home with family and friends and I love all the Christmas songs and family films on TV.  I'm such a big kid when it comes to festivities... pass this girl the comedy santa hat!

Phew. That one was a long's wasn't it?! If you made it to the end - I applaud you.  I tag Liza, Rachel, Mel, Kayleigh and Leanne to do this post - but I also tag any of you reading - there's too many of you to mention! If you decide to go ahead and join in - do leave the link below as I'd love to have a nosey...

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! 

What I Got For Christmas 2013

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Merry Christmas to Me... | Ted Baker 'Lips Made For Kissing' Set

I've done it. I've caved into Boots' 3 for 2 offer on Christmas Gifts and bought one for myself. *slap wrist Bethers!*.  It wasn't intentional, I promise.  But I was lured in by the pretty little tin and the fabulous selection of lip crayons and just had to pop it into my basket.  I like to think of it as my little present to myself for being such a good Christmas shopper and getting everything sorted early this year.  It's fine to treat yourself now and again, right?  I love Boots' Christmas section - they have so many amazing gifts and I'm always tempted every year.  This is the first year in a good 5 years that I won't be working in the shopping centre where I live - I always used to pop through Boots on my way to work and grab a bargain the day that they reduced their Christmas Gifts (I used to nab myself a Soap & Glory box set at 8:15 in the morning before everyone else piled in and fought their way to the tills...I used to get the best bargains without any need for pushing or shoving) But this year, I doubt I'll be up at the crack of dawn to nab myself some 50% off treats - so I figured I'd just treat myself now to avoid disappointment.  Fully justified purchase.

Ted Baker always do lovely gift sets.  Their packaging is always spot on and I'm a sucker for anything in a tin. It was meant to be really, wasn't it? As soon as I saw the 4 different lip shades I knew I had to have it.  There isn't a single shade I wouldn't wear.  I wasn't expecting much in the pigmentation stakes but after swatching, I have to say I'm so impressed.  They're so soft and creamy and don't require building up at all. What you see is more or less what you get!  They're also really moisturising - they feel lightweight and soft on the lips - being ever so slightly glossy in appearance without feeling heavy or slippy. The perfect consistency for a lip crayon.  Sadly, they don't have names - but I'm sure that's just a beauty blogger preference! The middle 2 shades have to be my faves - the deep berry colour is just a beauty (as you may know I'm obsessed with anything slightly dark and berry-ish right now!) and the mid-pink shade is perfect for everyday wear.  They're easy to apply, easy to twist up and they glide across the lips like a dream!

Honestly - I couldn't recommend this little set enough.  For £15.00 (that's less that £4 per crayon!) it's such a good bargain - considering that similar products on the market retail for around the £8-9 mark for a singular product and often aren't as pigmented. You even get a pretty little tin too! I'm fully aware I will probably see this tin reduced by more than half price as soon as January rolls around but I just wasn't prepared to take that risk - it's definitely going to be one that flys off the shelves pretty sharpishly in my opinion! You can find the 'Lips Made for Kissing' set online here, or take a look at the other 3 for 2 gift options from Boots here. I can't wait until everything's reduced so I can grab a few more gift sets! I have my eyes on a few Champneys goodies and a few No.7 sets but I shall try my luck and wait until they're all on sale now. Fingers crossed I manage to find some more beauty gems...

Have you treated yourself to anything this Christmas? Do you have you eye on any Boots bargains?!

A Festive Cuppa | Teapigs 'Spiced Winter Red Tea' (& 20% off!)

Teapigs | Spiced Winter Red Tea | £4.49* for 15 bags | Link

Yep.  I just hung a tea bag from a Christmas tree.  Something I never thought I'd do but blogging doesn't half make you do some weird things.  If it isn't hanging tea bags from random decorative ornaments, it's swatches half-way up your arm or trying to balance a selection of products in your 'claw hand'... Moving on - bit of a different post from me today.  Sorry to the loyal coffee fans out there - or those of you who simply don't drink tea, but I love a good cuppa. I must admit I'm a bit of a tea belly. I have one every morning when I'm doing my makeup and it's something I reach for when I'm in need of a bit of a perk up.  I can't say I'm the most adventurous with my tea - it's usually just milk, no sugar (more on the 'builders' side than weak and pale...let's get specific here...) with the odd green tea thrown in for good measure when I fancy a bit of a detox.  So when the lovely people at Teapigs asked if I fancied trying some of their festive tea - I was quite intrigued to say the least.  I'm a sucker for a Christmas drink - something about the cold weather and twinkly lights has me reaching for the kettle like a crazy tea lady. So, as soon as this adorable little box arrived in the post, I whacked the kettle on and settled into the sofa almost straight away. But what did I reckon?

First off - the 'Spiced Winter Red Tea' is like Christmas in a mug. No word of a lie. Just as it says on the box, it really is 'log fires, happy cats and old movies on the telly'. It's the smell of wintery comfort! As soon as you pop the boiling water in, the cinnamon, orange and warming spices hit your nostrils and the water turns a beautiful deep shade of maroon.  You simply pop a tea bag in and let it infuse for about 3 minutes.  I don't pop any milk in because I quite like it as it is - but the box comes with little hints and tips to make your own latte - it even recommends a teeny bit of brandy if you're feeling particularly festive!  I thought it would be too strong for me at first - the smell when it's infusing is undeniably quite strong. But once you sip it, it's actually quite a gentle, soft taste with just a hint of spice. I love the fact that there are tiny bits of the leaves left in the mug after you remove the bag.  They really have captured everything about the festive season in a teabag.

It's not something I'd usually review on my blog, but I couldn't resist! I'd definitely recommend having a look at the Teapigs website if you're a bit of a tea belly like myself. They have some fab flavours to try - the 'popcorn' tea sounds like a winner to me! Definitely a place to go to if you fancy a little tea treat.  Their whole company ethos is really lovely and all of their packaging is beautifully designed (geeky graphic design-y side of me coming out to play there...apologies!) They also use whole leaves in their tea bags - meaning that none of the flavour is lost through being overly processed or chopped.  I'll definitely be trying some more of their tea in future - if you know someone who is a fellow tea-fan then it's worth having a look at their website here.  They have a little Christmas gift shop on there at the moment if you're after a last minute stocking filler! A little selection would make a lovely gift! (not hinting at all)... 

I currently have a little discount code for you all which is valid until the end of December - so still plenty of time left to give Teapigs a try! For 20% off (excludes cheeky deals, mix & match and match kits) simply enter 'XMAS13' at the checkout :) 

Have you tried Teapigs?  What's your favourite festive hot drink?