Costa Christmas

A little while ago I was very kindly invited to preview the new Costa menu before it went on sale to the general public. Lucky me eh? I'm going to hold my hands up here and admit that i'm not a regular hot drink drinker and coffee isn't really my thing. But I loved the Orange Hot Chocolate. It was perfectly decedent and had a lovely aftertaste. The White Hot Chocolate was a treat! I couldn't manage the whole drink as it was very rich but richness is what you want at Christmas right? If you can't go all out during the festive season, then when can you?

The Hot Spiced Apple tasted just like cider but without the alcohol. The cinnamon stick was a great touch and really added to the flavour. The treats? Oh my, they were delicious! If I had to pick, my favourites was the giant mince pie - which i've had twice since - and the childhood favourite cornflake cake with a festive holly leaf.

We were also kindly given a voucher to try their festive sandwiches range and I made a beeline for the Cheese Board Panini. It makes me sad that it's only limited edition as I could eat it every day for lunch! I'm already planning my third one in the space of a few weeks. It's perfect for any cheese lover and the tangy cranberry sauce helps to enhance it rather than overwhelm it!

The Brie, Bacon and Cranberry Panini is next on my list. Sounds yummy eh?

Have you tried their Christmas menu yet?

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Santa Claus is coming to town

Glass bauble, ceramic white snowflake, winter wonderland scene in a jam jar, silver pot pourri, star crackers, mini gem tree decorations, glitter tealights, silver tear drops baubles, wooden tree and star bunting.

c/o Marks and Spencer

Christmas has officially arrived with a bang in the Warner household thanks to a generous voucher from Marks and Spencer. They're not just any Christmas decorations, they're M&S decorations! This year we've gone for a winter wonderland theme with lots of silver, glitter and glass. I don't think anything beats a real Christmas tree at the festive season, there's just something about it. My dad has always been in charge of making sure the Christmas tree looks pretty. My mum and I aren't as artistic and it'll look like we've just chucked everything on. Not quite as talented as the man of the house! I've been trying very hard not to peak at the presents underneath - just look at them all!

Are you getting in the Christmas spirit?

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What to buy for: The Men in Your Life

Burgundy Grey Gingham Long Sleeved shirt £30, New Era Batman Bobble hat £18, ASOS Watch With map Print £22, Nike Blazer Mid Suede Trainers £70,

Jelly Belly Selection Hamper £30, Men's Society Moustache Print Stainless Steel Hip Flask £17.50, Tweet and Status Updates book £6, Asos leather Wash bag £25

I'm sure you'll agree that men can be extremely hard to buy for. Most things they fancy they buy themselves! Or in my experience, they can be very fussy indeed. Socks and pants can get very boring year after year.

I personally don't think you can go wrong with a snazzy new pair of trainers - you'd be very impressed with my boyfriends collection. He's mad on them! Food will always go down a treat with your brother while a watch is a lovely thoughtful gift for your boyfriend. A old-fashioned hip flask with a quirky slogan is a lovely thoughtful gift for your dad - fill it up with his favourite tipple to get some extra brownie points. Likewise, giving a posh washbag filled with lots of toiletries is great for a personalised gift. A tech-mad guy will love the chance to read about all the different tweets and status updates he can impress his friends with.

Have you got a gift for the man in your life sorted yet?

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What to buy for: The Beauty Lover

Ted Baker Diamante Bow make up bag £25, O.P.I Christmas Pastel Liquid Sand Mini Trio Nail Polish Set £8.50, Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Duo, £16, Cath Kidston Blossom Manicure Set, £13, Topshop Lipstick and Blush set £12

Benefit The Bronze of The Champions £26.50, Liz Earle Beautiful Skin Duo £28, Philosophy Peppermint Stick Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble bath £11.90, Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml Eau De Toilette Gift Set £42.50

One of the best things about Christmas besides the mountain of cheese available - Wensleydale and Cranberry thank you - is picking out the perfect present for your nearest and dearest. I've decided to put together a few gift guides to help you out because I'm nice like that. First up is the ideal gift for the beauty fanatic.

With most presents under £30 you don't have to rob a bank to gain a gold star for the best present buyer in the whole entire universe. I've tried to pick out the perfect gift for the beauty mad lady in your life. Mums will adore receiving Liz Earle and Cowshed on the big day whereas you can't go wrong with a bit of Benefit or Topshop for your best friend. Need to buy a present for your sister-in-law? OPI is always a winner as everyone like a pretty colour on their nails! Finally treat your nan to some Philosophy so she can have a pamper session once all the mayhem has died down.

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