Blogmas Day 19: Our Favourite Christmas Songs

Less than a week til Christmas!! Because we are in such a festive mood we thought we'd share our Christmas playlist....

1. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues

This is our all time favourite Christmas song! It's the first song we play on the 1st of December every year and it brings back so many Christmas memories. 

2. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

Who doesn't love this Christmas classic? It's one of the first Christmas songs we can remember from when we were little and it still doesn't get old. 

3. Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms

This always reminds us of Mean Girls and makes us want to put on Santa costumes and dance along. It's such a good sing along song too. 

4. Baby It's Cold Outside - Zooey Deschanel and Leon Redbone

From the classic Christmas film Elf, (not technically a Christmas song) Baby It's Cold Outside makes us feel all festive. It's a great one to sing along to as well. 

5. 8 Days of Christmas - Destiny's Child

We had to feature a bit of Beyonce on our Christmas playlist. This song might not be the most traditional Christmas song but we love it all the same. 

What Christmas songs are on your playlist this year? 

Blogmas Day 18: Christmas Presents To Ourselves!

Today we finally had a catch up in Manchester after not seeing each other for about a month because of University, we both decided to treat ourselves to a Christmas present to put under the tree for Christmas day! This is what we bought...

Jess
If you've seen some of the other posts of Blogmas you will see Jo Malone pop up a few times, I'm slightly obsessed with all her fragrances and candles at the minute so decided to treat myself to a small cologne. I couldn't decide between three scents: Peony & Blush Suede, English Pear & Freesia and Earl Grey & Cucumber. After a lot of deliberation and umming and ahhing I decided to get English Pear & Freesia. It smells fresh and fruity with notes of pear, freesia and patchouli.  

Sophie
I've had a slight obsession with Nars makeup recently so my gift to myself is the Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien. I've had my eye on this lip pencil since August when we went to the Selfridges beauty event, where I purchased the Satin Lip Pencil in Yu. Although there were so many tempting shades to choose from when we were at the makeup counter, I decided to stick with this colour because I'd wanted it for so long. Rikugien is a gorgeous rosy pink shade with a slight shimmer when applied. I love the soft texture of these lip pencils because they apply so easily and this shade is especially buildable. I can't wait to use mine on Christmas Day. 

Blogmas Day 15: Get The Make-Up Look- Miranda Kerr

Complexion 

Foundation: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation

Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Under Eye Concealer: YSL Touche Eclat 

Bronzer: Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder

Blush: Sleek Rose Gold

Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte

Eyes

Eye Primer: Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Eyeshadow: Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'And On Bronze' (all over lid), MAC Concrete (blended through crease and winger outwards)

Mascara: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel

Eyebrows: MAC Concrete 

Highlighter: MAC Nylon

Lips

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 'Across The Universe'

Blogmas Day 14: My Favourite Christmas Candles

Left to right, from top:

John Lewis Winter Berry Gel Candle-
(http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-winter-berry-gel-candle-medium/p523366)

Yankee Candle Merry Marshmallow- 
(http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/new-fragrances/merry-marshmallow/icat/merrymarshmallow)

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir-
( http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3789/10082/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/Home-Candle/index.tmpl)

The White Company Winter Botanical Candle-
(http://www.thewhitecompany.com/candles-and-fragrance/candles/winter-botanical-candle--medium/)

Yankee Candle Christmas Eve-
(http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/shop-by-fragrance/christmas-eve/icat/christmaseve)

Diptyque Orange Chaya Christmas Candle-
(http://www.johnlewis.com/diptyque-orange-chaya-scented-christmas-candle-190g/p677309)

Blogmas Day 13: Christmas Films!

Christmas is the perfect time to snuggle up on the sofa in front of the fire with a glass of wine and watch your favourite Christmassy films, here are a few of my favourites which I watch year, after year, after year!

The Holiday (2006)

Love Actually (2003)

Elf (2003)

The Polar Express (2004)

Home Alone (1990)

What are your favourite films to watch this time of year?

Blogmas Day 12: Gingerbread Men Recipe

I love baking, especially at Christmas time when you don't have to feel guilty about tucking into some unhealthy treats! These gingerbread men are super easy to make and they taste delicious. 

Ingredients

350g Plain Flour

1 tsp Bicarbonate of Soda

2 tsp Ground Ginger

125g Butter

100g Soft Brown Sugar

50g Caster Sugar

20g Muscavado Sugar

1 tsp Cocoa Powder

1 Egg

4 tbsp Golden Syrup

Method

Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda and ginger into a large mixing bowl, rub in the butter between your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Then, gently mix in the sugars and cocoa powder. 

Beat the egg and syrup in a separate bowl until well mixed, add to the flour and butter mixture and mix roughly with a wooden spoon. 

Egg and syrup mixture

Bring the dough together with your hands until it resembles a soft dough. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. 

 Wrap the dough in clingfilm and put in the fridge for around 10 minutes. 

Preheat the oven to 180C and line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface to 0.5cm thickness, using cutters of your choice, cut the dough and place on the lined baking trays.

Bake in the oven for around 12 minutes until they are golden brown, leave to cool then decorate as you wish!

Blogmas Day 6: Christmas Party Dresses - High Street

The Christmas Party season is upon us and here are a selection of dresses that can be found on the high-street that will make you look fabulous! 

Warehouse Lace Back Soft Dress, Blue- £68.00
(http://www.warehouse.co.uk/lace-back-soft-dress/dresses/warehouse/fcp-product/5563097432)

Topshop Drape Front Shift Dress, Leaf Green- £46.00
 (http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/dresses-442/drape-front-shift-dress-2495246?bi=21&ps=20)

Miss Selfridge Lace Insert Maxi Dress, Black- £40.50
(http://www.johnlewis.com/miss-selfridge-lace-insert-maxi-dess-black/p927122)

New Look Tokyo Doll Black Sequinned Scallop Hem Dress- £29.99
( http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/tokyo-doll-black-sequin-scallop-hem-dress-_297355801)

Lipsy Jewelled Bust Prom Dress- £95.00
(http://www.asos.com/Lipsy-VIP/Lipsy-VIP-Jewelled-Bust-Prom-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3224769&cid=8799&Rf-400=2965,14097,407,13901,13817,2975,13850&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Navy)

Mango Lace Panel Fitted Dress- £34.99
(http://shop.mango.com/GB/p0/mango/clothing/lace-panel-fitted-dress/?id=13079023_02&n=1&s=prendas.vestidosprendas&ident=0__1_0_1386591537629&ts=1386591537629)

Billie Blossom Berry Chiffon Belt Dress- £30.00
(http://www.dorothyperkins.com/en/dpuk/product/dresses-203543/going-out-occasion-1969997/billie-and-blossom-berry-chiffon-belt-dress-2500759?bi=1&ps=200)

F&F Flocked Magic Dress- £35.00
(http://www.clothingattesco.com/dresses/f+f-flocked-magic-dress/invt/bd323002)

Blogmas Day 5: Christmas Gifts for Him

Left to Right, from Top:

Beats tour Earphones £119.95
http://uk.beatsbydre.com/earphones/tour/beats-tour.html

Sony Playstation 4 £349.00
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-PS4-PlayStation-4/dp/B00BE4HOIM

Paul Smith Multistripe Cufflinks £61.60 
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Paul+Smith+London+Multistripe+edge+cufflink/189147929,default,pd.html

Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Wallet £52.00
http://www.johnlewis.com/polo-ralph-lauren-leather-wallet/p757292

Barbour Powell Quilted Jacket £149 
http://www.johnlewis.com/barbour-powell-quilted-jacket/p381822?colour=Black

Bleu de Chanel Mens Aftershave £45.50 
http://www.boots.com/en/CHANEL-BLEU-DE-CHANEL-Eau-de-Toilette-Spray-50ml_1121865/

Blogmas Day 4: Christmas Gifts for Her

Left to right, from top:

Alexander McQueen Skull-print silk-chiffon scarf- £165 (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/408112) 

Jo Malone Home Candle- £39.00 (http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3789/10082/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/Home-Candle/index.tmpl)

Charlotte Tilbury The Sophisticate Luxury Palette -£38.00 (http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/Shop-Make-up-colour/Eyes/Colour-Coded-eyeshadow-palette_455-3003231-LUXURYPALETTE/?previewAttribute=The+dolce+vita)

Laura Mercier Bath and Body Duet -£30 (http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Laura+Mercier+Body+Bath+Duet/189954368,default,pd.html)

Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Wallet- £125 (http://www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Shop-Accessories/Jet-Set-leather-wallet_128-3001451-32F92JSZ3L829/?previewAttribute=Mandarin)

Diane Von Furstenberg iPhone 5 case -£30 (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/379104)

Blogmas Day 3: The Complete Guide to Christmas Jumpers

We all love a festive Christmas jumper and here are 8 jumpers to suit all needs from budget to novelty, designer to girly and ones that can be worn all year round. 

The Budget Jumper
http://direct.asda.com/george/womens-knitwear/fairisle-robin-jumper/G004489265,default,pd.html
George Fairisle Robin Jumper

The Cute Jumper
http://www.joules.com/Women/Jumpers-Cardigans/Shawn/Womens-Christmas-Jumper/Xmas-Sheep?id=P_SHAWN|XMSSHEP
Joules Christmas Sheep Jumper

The Novelty Jumper
http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/petite/petite-black-reindeer-light-up-christmas-jumper_289557701
New Look Black Reindeer Light Up Christmas Jumper

The Designer Jumper
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/396625
Markus Lupfer Penguin Sequined Meino Wool Sweater

The All-Year-Round Jumper
http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Christmas-Jumper-With-Sequin-Stars/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3344120&cid=15160&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Black

ASOS Jumper with Sequined Stars

The High-Street Jumper
http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/knitwear-444/knitted-fluffy-snow-jumper-2395598?bi=61&ps=20
Topshop Knitted Fluffy Snow Jumper

The Girly Jumper
http://www.johnlewis.com/ted-baker-maysi-fairisle-jumper/p764586?colour=Nude%20Pink
Ted Baker Maysi Fairisle Jumper, Nude Pink

The Manly Jumper
 http://www.asos.com/Brave-Soul/Brave-Soul-Christmas-Jumper/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3408701&SearchQuery=christmas%20jumper%20men&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=-1&clr=Grey
Brave Soul Mens Christmas Jumper 

Have you got your Christmas jumper yet? Do you prefer novelty or fashionable?

Blogmas Day 2: Product Review - Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Mascara

A few months ago I bought a new mascara to try out- I have commitment issues with mascara, I can never stick to the same one for long and have been through many brands over the years including Benefit, Rimmel, Soap and Glory, Clarins, Clinique and many more. But this time it was time to try out Chanel’s Le Volume De Chanel mascara.

To begin with I adore the packaging on all Chanel products and this is no exception, its elegant, sleek and classic with the signature Chanel logo on the lid. 

The actual product is no disappointment either, the brush has what Chanel call ‘Snowflake’ bristles which have a combination of long and short bristles which really separate the lashes and make sure each lash gets a generous coating.

The formula is what Chanel describes as ‘innovative’ and ‘pumps lashes to their fullest’ and I probably would agree with this statement, I only need one coat of this mascara to get super long full lashes. Also, it never smudges throughout the day on me and is surprisingly easy to take off at the end of the day. 

The only negative thing I would say is I have to apply it really carefully to avoid clumping but apart from that it gets full marks.

This is definitely a luxury product at £24.00 a pop but if you are looking to treat yourself or a friend, or if you are a make-up snob like me, I would definitely recommend this mascara. 

Blogmas Day 1: All I Want For Christmas...

Welcome to Blogmas! I will try my very very best to blog everyday of December all the way up to Christmas day with gift ideas, outfit ideas, what I get up to in the run up to Christmas and much much more. Christmas is definitely my favourite time of year and I am feeling more and more festive every day, I have had the Christmas countdown app on my phone for a couple of weeks now and check it religiously every day! Last week I sent my Christmas list off to Father Christmas (aka my mother) and here is what I asked for: 

Links of London Friendship Bracelet 
http://www.linksoflondon.com/gb-en/online-shop/women/bracelets/11409-friendship-bracelet---pewter-&-white-double-wrap

This will be my main present for Christmas and the only one I know I am definitely getting, I need a new bracelet  this year as I lost my beloved Tiffany one earlier this year in the Lake District – Note to self: expensive bracelets and hiking do not go well together.

Urban Decay Naked Palette http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Urban+Decay+Naked+Palette/151534794,default,pd.html

I think my make-up collection is definitely lacking a Naked Palette and would be a perfect gift as I never pluck up the courage to splash out on it for myself.

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask Starter Kit
http://www.johnlewis.com/liz-earle-brightening-treatment-mask-starter-kit-50ml/p231417734

I am really into Liz Earle at the minute and this mask will really help brighten my dull winter complexion.

Jemma Kidds Make Up Masterclass - £14.85
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jemma-Kidd-Make-Up-Masterclass/dp/1906417296/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_har?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383858380&sr=1-1&keywords=jemma+kidd+make-up

I already have the Bobbi Brown Make-Up Manual which I love so I thought this would be perfect to add to the collection.

Juice Cube, Pink - £24.95
http://www.johnlewis.com/store/juice-cube-emergency-mobile-charger/p231907817?colour=Black&navAction=jump&_requestid=261577

This has useful useful useful written all over it. A little cube which you charge up and put in your handbag and use to recharge your phone if you run out of battery when your on the go.

DKNY Purple Cosmetics Bag 
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/DKNY+Saffiano+purple+cosmetic+bag/183554673,default,pd.html#BVRRWidgetID

I have a confession to make, I wrote this post a couple of days ago and just as I was about to publish I checked the links to make sure they worked and I saw that the make-up bag had been reduced from £50 to £35. I therefore snapped it up and has consequently been removed from Santa's letter but I still thought I would include it anyway as I will get my mum to wrap it up and put it under the tree. A gift to me from me.  

Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Eye Quad
http://www.charlottetilbury.com/the-vintage-vamp/luxury-palette-the-vintage-vamp.html

Finally, ever since the Charlotte Tilbury range came out I have tried to avoid the ‘Add To Basket’ button on the Selfridges website and I resisted! I love every single bit of the collection and had to really think about what I was going to ask for but in the end I chose the eye palette with lots of intense, deep, warm colours. 

What's on your Christmas list this year?