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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I'm a fire and I'll burn burn burn tonight

Outfit:
Faux fur collarless leopard print coat - Next (similar)
Cream long sleeved sheer crochet trimmed blouse - Asos via Leather Lane Market (similar)
Faux leather midi skirt - c/o Pretty little Thing (similar)
Cream and black court shoes - Primark (similar)

So I've been commuting to Colchester for a week and my body is slowly getting used to the nearly 5 hour daily journey. I'm having to be very strict at having early nights during the week. My kindle is going to become my best friend! Colchester is actually a very pretty and quaint town, it dates back to the Roman times don't you know? It's a lot quieter than London and my bank account is very happy at not having to spend nearly £8 on lunch. I love you Pret but you skint me! It's very nice having a brand new office to work in, it's very swish! I'm looking forward to the Christmas break though to recharge my batteries and to catch up with friends. The longer commute means I've become a bit of a recluse during the week. Not good for my social life.

This time next week it'll be Boxing Day and all these Christmas presents will be handed out! Just where does the year go?

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Review: Fleet River Bakery

Tucked away behind Holborn station just off Lincoln Inn Fields, sits the Fleet River Bakery. It's a welcome change from the endless chain coffee shops that scatter the streets. It's always got a queue around the block so I'd recommend taking lunch a little earlier so you beat the rush. Don't make the same mistake as me and go around 3pm as you'll miss out on the goats cheese sandwich. I've heard wonderful things!

The delicious looking food is all on display so you can have a good mooch around before you make your decision. It's the perfect place to settle down for an hour and catch up on your favourite book. You don't feel rushed by the staff to scoff your food down and it's full of sharing tables so it feels a little cosy. I'd pick up the cutlery and napkins at the counter as you won't find any on the tables. It's a lovely little gem hidden away from the hustle and bustle.

I opted for a tasty pesto, brie, tomato and basil ciabatta with a generous slice of carrot cake to finish. To be fair the portions for so huge I could have done with one or the other but you know a Friday is always a pretty special day. I'd love to go back and sample the hot food.

Do you have any recommendations for independent coffee shops in London?

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Got me looking so crazy right now

Outfit:
Black prom mesh midi dress - Asos
Red faux suede court shoes - Primark (similar)
Giant red envelope clutch bag - Primark (similar)
Cropped swing leopard print faux fur jacket - New Look (similar)

Oh Asos you reel me in yet again with your discount codes and reduced dresses. I used the excuse of needing a new dress for NYE so I could justify treating myself to this beauty. I'm going as Audrey Hepburn and thought the 50's silhouette worked a treat. The underskirt I've found will hopefully make the outfit come together. The dress will also come in handy for the many festive evenings I've got planned so really it would have been a crime to not buy it. Yes I know, I'm the queen of excuses when it comes to shopping.

I can't believe how fast this month is flying by, it really won't be long until the big day. I'm having a lovely month so far with lots of fun activities although my bank account is having a heart attack. I spent this weekend getting my London fix with the dream team blogger babes having our Christmas festivities. Sarah very kindly brought us all homemade rocky road as a little treat. It went down very nicely indeed! We also managed to squeeze in a little trip to Aisling and Elodie's pad to exchange our secret Santa presents. Well and truly in the Christmas spirit now. Especially as I got some candy canes in my present from Sarah - she makes the perfect Santa!

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November empties

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter - c/o Elodie Russo
One of the perks of having blogger friends is when they pass along their unwanted beauty products to you. Obviously I never have enough... I've gone through numerous tubs of this body butter and it's one I come back to time and time again. It's the perfect thickness so it feel luxurious and sinks in fairly quickly which is a god send in the morning when you're in a rush to get dressed. The shea butter ingredient works wonders on dry winter skin.

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray c/o
Review here.

Batiste original Dry Shampoo
Review here.

Charles Worthington Front-row Rough and Tousled Salt Spray
Although I'm not as much of a fan as this as I am off the Bumble surf spray I do still think it does an ok job. I find it works better on bone dry hair, Pop it up in a topknot while you get ready and by the time you're ready to go out, you should have beachy waves. It works the best on hair with layers cut in.

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment With Avocado
This was brought on a recommendation from Michelle and I feel like it's made a hell of a lot of difference. I pop it on twice a day, once before bed time when I've removed my make up and then in the morning once I've moisturised. A little goes a long way! I find gently dabbing it works best. It takes a little while to sink in before you can put your make up on top. Now I just need a eye brightening cream to get rid of these dark circles. Any ideas?

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium
Review here.

George Lash X Trend Mascara c/o
I got this in a goodie bag from an Asda event a little while ago. I wasn't holding out much hope at first as the brush isn't my favourite - I like them to be big and busy rather than plastic as it hurts my eyes. Apart from being a little wet to apply I thought this mascara was a good budget buy. Complete bargain at £3.50!  It improved my lashes and didn't give me spider eyes which is one of my pet hates!

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/Combination c/o
I am a sucker for Liz Earle. It's one of my favourite beauty brands and one that I can imagine staying loyal to the brand for a very long time. I'm already about to buy my third pot of this. Thanks to the thickness it doesn't feel greasy once it's applied and it sinks in almost straight away which is always a winner in the morning! My skin hardly ever breaks out anymore and doesn't feel as dry around my nose. The only thing that can improve the cream would be to add an spf in the formula. I'm getting worried about aging!

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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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Southbank Christmas Market



 

 

 

 

 

Last weekend I decided to get into the Christmas spirit and made a special visit to the Southbank Christmas Market. After visiting Winter Wonderland numerous times before, I thought it'd be only fair to see another one in the city. I actually think I prefer the Southbank, It's one of my favourite places to have a stroll anyway and it's even better all decked out for the festive season. It just feels less touristy and less tacky as there's no blaring rides. It's still quite busy but it doesn't feel too closed in. You can buy lots of Christmas goodies such a decorations, gingerbread, marshmallows, roasted chestnuts and traditional presents. It's not the cheapest of places to eat but hey Christmas only comes round once a year!

 

A word of advice if you visit, opt for the bacon and cheese sausage. It's a good 'un!

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Well if I had another chance I'd do it differently now

 

Outfit:
Pink full midi skirt - H&M (similar)
Black wool roll neck jumper - Primark (similar)
Black faux-leather ankle boots - c/o Just Fab (similar)

The last picture made me laugh as I was directly my friend to take a picture of my shoes! I think she's done a pretty good job of these photos don't you? Are you around next week Jay?!

I said goodbye to London yesterday for a little while as my office is moving to Colchester the middle of next week. It was very sad as London is pretty much the centre of my universe, anyone who knows me will tell you I don't stop singing it's praises! I don't think anywhere else even comes close to it's charm. I love constant goings ons, the busy and noisy roads, the amazing foodie scene, the beautiful buildings and even the grubby backstreets that you find after hours of wandering around. I'm going to make much more of an effort to drink in all the sights over the weekends. I'll certainly miss my monthly travel card and think a pay as you go oyster will give me a bit of a shock. But saying that I'm ready to embrace the Essex move with open arms and looking forward to getting to know the area. I've never really ventured that far in Essex before so there will be lots of new places to explore. I'll have to get reacquainted with the countryside. After 18 months in the city I've forgotten what greenery looks like!

Tonight i'm having our annual Christmas get together with my friends and we're off to a Chinese with Karaoke! It will be so much fun and I'm practicing the spice girls songs to belt out. We decided to go with something a little different this year as you eat so much turkey over the festive period before you turn into one!

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Giveaway: London Retro Glasses

If you've read this post, you'll know that I have a soft spot for London Retro glasses. Now you can get in on it too as they're offering one lucky reader a pair of their own. You even get to choose your favourite pair as sunglasses or with your prescription in.

All you have to do is like their facebook page and write on their wall 'enter' along with this giveaway link. You can have a few extra entries on the rafflecopter widget too.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
The giveaway will run for two weeks and ends on Thursday 19th December. I'll tweet the winner and drop them an email.

Good luck guys!

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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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Laura Ashley s/s14 Collection

When I grow up. I want my house to be filled with lots of pretties from Laura Ashley. It's such a pleasure to be asked to pop along and have a mooch at their latest offerings. I always come away with a list as long as my arm and this season was no different.

As I walked in from the bitter cold outside, it was like being transported into a beautiful spring day in the countryside. With pretty, floral prints and rustic charm, the press day took on a perfect British Country show theme. I always think Laura Ashley is so brilliant at capturing everything quintessentially  British. If you was in any doubt, you were greeted by a rosette, huge horse and a pair of wellies as you turned the corner! Even if you prefer a more modern touch on your homeware, you wouldn't be disappointed. The brand manages to offer something for everyone regardless of their taste in interiors.

I think the clothing collection was one of the best so far. Gorgeous tea dresses, fun welles and floral bags are all on the Spring agenda. Fear not if you're not really a girly girl as there will be some stunning, simplistic clothing begging to be worn. The above navy dress will slot right into your wardrobe! You'll have no problem adding a pop of colour to your spring wardrobe next year.

On a side note, I really do need to start remembering to bring my camera along to events and not rely on my phone!

Do you have a soft spot for Laura Ashley too?

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This week i'm loving - Lotil cream

Original Lotil - c/o

I don't know about you but my skin takes a right battering in the winter months. It's always so quick to go dry and i'm constantly on the look out for lotions and potions to give it some TLC. My problems areas tend to be my knees, elbows, hands and heels. Lotil is recommended for dry areas and promises to rehydrate and soften chapped skin. After reading the instructions on the back, I applied on my problems areas after i'd had a shower before bed time. It smells quite clinical but it's not a horrible smell. Just non-offensive. Sometimes I prefer to lotions to not have a strong scent as it can be quite overpowering when you get into bed.  It's just the right thickness of without feeling greasy but a little does go a long way so there's no need to squeeze it on in bulk!

I used the product for nearly a month and have found some much-welcomed improvement. My hands in particular are a lot less chapped and feel smooth to touch. This little tube is a handy size to keep in your handbag. It's not made a huge lot of difference on my heels but I think they just need a bit more work as they are softening up slowly! It is a product you have to use religiously every night for it to make a difference. I think it's great value for money as it does last a fair bit and i'll add it to my list of lotions for the winter months,

Have you ever try Lotil?

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Sometimes I love ya, sometimes you make me blue

Outfit
Faux fur leopard print collarless coat - Next (similar)
Sheer long sleeved shirt - Primark (similar)
Khaki super soft skinny jeans - Primark (similar)
Leather heeled ankle boots - Topshop (similar)
Black gem statement ring - Topshop (similar)

You can tell these jeans are super skinny- they look like a second skin but I'd rather they be tight then give me baggy knees! The end of November means the faux fur coats are in rotation in a bid to try and not freeze to death. The temperature really seems to have dropped eh? I'm not looking forward to snow arriving and disrupting my life. I'm not a fan of the white stuff.  I'll never for the life of me understand why the public transport system comes to a standstill. You'd think after all these years we'd learn to be better equipped! I've had a few red lowlights put through my hair as a bit of a change. You might be able to notice!

I'm trying to make the most out of my final few weeks working in London as my company is relocating to North Essex. It's right at the other end of the county to where I live so my commute will double but I'm seeing it as a new challenge to meet head on. New surroundings and a new place to explore will be fun! It'll be sad as i'll have to say no to the majority of blogging events as I won't make it back in time to the city. Meeting other bloggers and having a sneak peak at new collections is one of my favourite things about the community. My social life will take a bit of a battering but maybe my bank account will be a lot more healthy because of it!

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