The Ultimate Christmas Wish List

As an adult, when your family asks you for your Christmas lists you try and keep it as cheap and cheerful as possible, after all, you now know how expensive Christmas is! Every year I ask for pretty much the same kinds of things, PJs, Lush stuff, chocolate, but if someone asked me what I really wanted for Christmas, this would be the list I would give them. 

1. Mini Cooper - Fun fact, I'm now 24 years old and I've been driving since I was 18, I have never owned my own car. The Mini Cooper is a car I never really cared for, simply because I wasn't too keen on the giant, white speedometer on the inside. However, the new 2014 models have had an interior over haul, everything is sleek and black and well, just beautiful! 

2. The Canon 5D Mark III - As much as I love my 600D, I do long for an upgrade. The Canon 5D is used by a lot of videographers (and independent filmmakers) to create truly stunning films. That's what I would love, the chance to create a video that was truly stunning and that people can't take their eyes off. 

3. Beats by Dre Headphones - I recently saw these in PC World and thought I'd give them a go and see what all the fuss was about. As soon as I plugged my iPhone in and slipped them on my ears I was in love. Everything about these made listening to music a much more enjoyable experience. They blocked out any and all sound, the bass was at a perfect level and they fit extremely comfortably over my ears. 

4. Phillip Lim Oil-Slick Satchel - I've always loved Phillip Lim bags and as soon as I saw this I new I needed it in my life. The oil style patent leather makes this one of the most unique bags I've ever seen and gives the usual Phillip Lim design a new lease of life. 

5. Tom Ford Trousseau Gift Set - I haven't had the pleasure of trying any Tom Ford cosmetics as of yet (apart from swatches in the store) but this gift set would let me test out everything! Plus, it comes in a beautiful gift box with a whole set of brushes, it is a small snip at £925 though.

6. Macbook Air 13" - My Macbook Pro has served me well for the last 4 years and it's still going strong. It is slowing down a bit in its old age, but my main issue with it is that it's ridiculously heavy. Now that I don't use it as my main computer anymore, I would like to get something a little lighter. 

What would be on your dream Christmas list? Are you very aware about the cost of Christmas? 

Festive Literary Classics: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I'm not much of a reader and I know of only a handful of actual Christmas stories, but A Christmas Carol always sticks in my mind as the king of Christmas tales.

I was first introduced to this wonderful story by my favourite people in the whole wide world, The Muppets. The Muppets Christmas Carol is a family 'must watch' for Christmas Eve and both me and my brother know every single word (even the timing of Tiny Tim's coughs). 

What I love about the story, moving back to the original and away from the colourful singing puppets, is that it keeps you hooked. Not only does it fill you with festive spirit, but it's well written and the characters are full and fleshed out. 

Scrooge is a character you love to hate and by the end of the story, the man you once wanted to curl up and die, you now want to repent and have a very merry Christmas. 

If you want to get your hands on this Christmas classic, you can download Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol in the Amazon Kindle app for FREE! No excuses! Go give it a read and prepare to feel all the Christmas cheer. 

What's your favourite Christmas story? Is The Muppets Christmas Carol on your yearly watch list? 

Decoration Wishlist

1. Candy Cane Lane Yankee Candle

2. IKEA Vintermys Hanging Decorations

3. Yankee Christmas Memories Wax Melt

4. Paperchase Multi Mini Glass Baubles

5. Next Merry Christmoose Sign 

6. Paperchase 2ft Evergreen Christmas Tree

Usually, my father and I will crack out the dusty old decorations and make do with what we've got. This year, my dad's decided that we should splash out and get a few new Christmas decorations, huzzah! We rarely get to go hunting for decorations, so I'm going to milk it for all its worth. 

One thing I do want to do this year is buy a few mini decs to liven up my new office. I've already got some candles and a few fairylights, but I feel like I need a little tree to finish it all off. Paperchase are amazing for mini office decorations. They do a tiny 2ft tree which would fit amazingly on a desk or windowsill. They even sell the teeny tiny baubles to hang on your teeny tiny tree. 

I'm also planning on filling the house with various Christmas candles. I've spent the last 3 years at Uni and I never came home until the 19th, which means I've missed out on so many candle opportunities and I've also missed decorating the house. Yankee is always the brand I turn to for Christmas scents and I even managed to get my dad to buy a fresh Cranberry wax melt, success. 

Finally there's the other bits and bobs. I've already got some of the gold hanging decorations from IKEA, but I'd love to get a few more and get them on our new Christmas tree! I've also fallen in love with this Merry Christmoose sign from Next, they're really into their Mooses (what's the plural of Moose?) for Christmas 2014 and that's fine with me. 

Are you cracking out the old family decorations this year? Or are you someone who likes to get fresh decs every year? 

The Start of Vlogmas

If you aren't aware, I am doing Vlogmas this year! If you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about then let me explain. Everyday this week, I'll be cracking out my lovely little Sony camera and filming the interesting parts of my day for your viewing pleasure.

As I'm currently working a full-time internship and a part-time job at the weekends, it means my life isn't overly vlogable. However, my way around this is I will indeed be vlogging everyday, but combining all my footage into weekly vlogs instead of daily ones.

Yes, it is cheating slightly, but every year I say I'll do vlogmas and then chicken out at the last minute, well not this year! There's something about vlogging that is extremely fun and you get the chance to try and be really creative with everyday life. I love making videos and the challenge of editing together weekly vlogs is very exciting to me.

So if you'd like to see the exciting parts (and not so exciting parts) of my daily life, make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel, Lilac Ghosts. The first vlog will be live on Monday the 8th December, so keep an eye out.

Top 5 Gifts Under £15: For Her

1. Burt's Bees Tips To Toes Gift Set

2. Lush Golden Wonder Gift Set

3. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Gift Set

4. Models Own HyperGel Polish Gift Set

5. The Body Shop Almond Handy Manicure Set

Buying for other people can be extremely tricky, especially if you don't know them like the back of your hand. That's why I've picked out a few gems, all for under £15 and all amazing gifts for the women in your life. 

When you're really stuck for gift ideas, it's always best to go down the beauty route. Everyone loves a good moisturiser, bubble bath or nail polish. The rule of thumb for me is, if it smells nice, it's a nice gift. That's why Lush is always a go to store when I'm looking to buy the females in my family a gift. Luckily for me, the women in my family (and there's a lot of them) all love a bit of Lush. This year I've got my eye on the Lush Golden Wonder Gift Set as the Golden Wonder bath bomb is one of my all time favourites. You can't go wrong with a fancy bath bomb and a multi-purpose bit of play-doh.  

If the thought of heading into Lush at Christmas makes you shudder with fear, don't worry, there's other options. The first set that really caught my eye was The Body Shop manicure sets. They come in a bunch of different types including the Almond hand cream and the Hemp hand cream, both of which are amazing. You get a full size, 100ml hand cream, a mini nail buffer, nail file and some nail clippers. Everything you could need for soft and well groomed hands. 

If you fancy a bit more luxury, then the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream set is great for someone who wants to give Elizabeth Arden products a test drive. In this set you get to try out the cult Eight Hour daily moisturiser, the skin protectant (which I swear by) and the hand cream. All amazing products in miniature size, perfect for throwing in your handbag. 

Another amazing set is the Burt's Bees Tips & Toes set. I've only recently been trying out a few more of Burt's Bees skincare products, but I'm really impressed with what I've used so far. You get a whole host of different products in this set, ranging from two hand creams, foot cream, hand salve, lip balm and cuticle cream. So many products to try from a really great and natural company. 

Finally, for all those beauty junkies, there's the Models Own gift set. This is great if you have a friend or family member who is nail polish crazy. There are so many different shades and every single one is a vibrant and beautiful colour. These are hyper gel polishes which means that not only will they have amazing shine, but they'll also have great staying power. 

Do you have difficulty buying for the women on your Christmas lists? What's your go to female present? 

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Today marks the first day of Blogmas and I, along with almost 100 other amazing bloggers, will be taking part in the #TheBigBlogmasProject2014. Blogmas is a challenge, we have to write a post every single day in December about the chosen topic for the day, it's pretty hard work.

I wanted to kick off the first day of Blogmas with a very tasty (and festive) Gingerbread Hot Chocolate recipe. These days we have a whole host of different flavours we can add to our hot drinks and during the festive period, ginger is one of my favourites. A little fact for you all, I'm intolerant to cinnamon, which makes navigating festive foods and drinks a little tricky. Ginger is my cinnamon, it adds that kick most people get in their mince pies or mulled wine and it means I don't have to miss out on that Christmas spice. 

You can buy the gingerbread syrup from your local coffee shops or amazon, but you can get a similar effect by using the cheaper alternative, ground ginger. Ground ginger can be found in almost any supermarket and it's pretty cheap. So, if you want to make your own tasty Gingerbread Hot Chocolate, here's what you'll need:

Ingredients & Equipment

• A mug or latte glass 
• 3 tsp Chocolate drinking powder (ideally the kind you add milk to rather than water)
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp Ground ginger (1/4 will give a very subtle ginger flavour, 1/2 will make it a little stronger)
• Milk (measure out in your chosen cup)
• Squirty cream
• Mini marshmallows
• Mini gingerbread men to decorate

Method

1. Measure out your milk into your chosen cup. Leave approx 1 inch for cream. 
2. Heat up the milk for 3 minutes in the microwave in either your cup, or in a heat proof jug.
3. Mix together your drinking chocolate and ground ginger so that the powders blend together. Then add to the hot milk and stir well. 
4. Transfer to your chosen cup (if you've heated it in a jug) then apply a generous amount of squirty cream.
5. Add marshmallows and gingerbread men for added tastiness. 
6. Sit back and enjoy your tasty Gingerbread Hot Chocolate. 

Don't forget to let me know if you try out this recipe and make sure you look up #TheBigBlogmasProject2014 for lots of other wintery posts. 

If you're also a fan of Vlogmas, I'll be doing weekly Vlogmas vlogs up until Christmas day, so make sure you're subscribed to my YouTube channel to keep up to date!

Harrods Advent Calendar with Chocolate Assortment

December is drawing ever closer and for me that means one thing, chocolate! My love of chocolate is indescribable and the idea of having a tiny bit every single morning for 24 days is something I eagerly wait all year for. 

Every year I make sure I have an advent calendar hanging on my wall or resting on my desk. Over the past 3 years, whilst I've been living away at University, I've had to settle for cheap and cheerful calendars from the pound shop. Last year I had a lovely Mr Men calendar pinned to my Uni dorm wall containing the very best cheap chocolate, but it wasn't until I was sitting on the train heading back home that I realised I'd left it there. I was gutted that I would have to spend the next few weeks advent calendar-less and my morning chocolate fix would be no more. 

This year, Harrods has me covered. They very kindly sent me this gorgeous red and gold Advent Calendar with Chocolate Assortment to provide the morning chocolate goodness. It's currently sitting staring at me on my office desk and I have to say, it's taking all my will power to not crack open that first window and have a taste. 

This luxury calendar has a selection of 24 different chocolates, ranging from dark, milk and white chocolate and fudge, truffles and creams. As a chocoholic, it's very exciting to me to have a calendar with such a range of beautiful sounding chocolates. The smell that seeped out of the box when I first opened it was unbelievable, it instantly made my mouth water and I'm now counting down to the 1st December.

Not only does this advent calendar hold a whole host of delicious chocolates ready for tasting, but its packaging looks just as luxurious sat on my office desk. The gold and red colour scheme are the ultimate Christmas combo and the illustration of the Harrods building and Santa and his sleigh on the front, is very cleverly made up of the swirling lyrics to 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas'.

One thing is for sure, Harrods has added a big dose of Christmas cheer to my minimalist office and sated the Christmas chocolate monster lurking inside me. Thanks Harrods!

Keep an eye out for the luxury advent calendar making an appearance in my Vlogmas vlogs this year and remember to check out more designer Christmas decorations from Harrods, to really spice up your festive decor this year.

Fragrance Direct #FDXmasParty

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited to Fragrance Direct's Xmas party at All Star Lanes in Manchester. This was the first, professional event I've ever been to and I have to say, it'll be pretty hard to top it. 

I've never been to All Star Lanes, but I've wandered past a fair few times when I've been lost trying to get back to the train station. We were set up in a private room with a free bar, amazing food and two bowling lanes just for us. Unfortunately I'd pulled a muscle in my shoulder (who said exercise was good for you) so I didn't get chance to showcase my terrible bowling skills. 

The food Fragrance Direct provided was absolutely amazing, they had mini burgers,  hotdogs in batter, which I wasn't really sure what it was but it tasted good, and of course the delicious cupcakes. I took full advantage of the free bar and ordered my self one of the best chocolate milkshakes I have ever had in my life, I might even go as far as saying it was on parr with Ed's Easy Diner milkshakes. They also had special Fragrance Direct crackers dotted about the room, which each contained a L'Oreal Nail Polish and a sample sized Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana perfume. Definitely better cracker prizes then those cellophane moving fish or mini tape measures you usually get. 

Set up in the middle of the room was a table filled with a few of Fragrance Direct's Christmas gift sets and we were all invited to take a good sniff at the gorgeous perfumes on offer. My friend Cat and I took a particular liking to the YSL Black Opium and the set included a handy travel size version. Its predecessor, the YSL Opium set included a similar travel size version and a beautiful black velvet bag to keep everything stashed away in, which I completely fell in love with. 

The event was truly amazing and I had a great time, as well as coming home with a very generous goodie bag stuffed with awesome products. I can't wait to try the Fashionista eyeshadows and that amazing Ciate nail polish! 

A massive thank you to fragrance Direct for inviting me and hosting an amazing party. You can check out their awesome gift sets over on http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/

p.s. Here's the complete list of what was in my amazing goodie bag:

Ciate Caviar Manicure Kit

Schwarzkopf got2b Volumising Hairspray

Sample size Prada Candy Perfume

Sample Size Valentino Uomo Aftershave 

Technic Electric Beauty Eyeliner Pen

CK Lipstick in Eros

L'Oreal Caresse Lipstick in Candy & Cherie

Essie Top Coat in As Gold As It Gets

Paco Rabanne Lady Million Eau My Gold Perfume sample

Fashionista Eyeshadows in Stylish and Exclusive Collection

W7 Duo Blusher in 04

Fashionista Double Take Long-Wear Lipstick in Aubergine

The Sunday Post: Christmas & Sickness

First Lush bath in forever! I don't have a bath at Uni// New bed covers from Asda// Trying to be healthy, failing later in the day by eating extortionate amounts of chocolate// Flu hits and completely takes over my Christmas// I found my old Gameboy!// It's officially Christmas, watching the Snowman// New read, I got my Lula magazine through the post// A lovely Dragon Hottie from my Secret Santa! His name is Smaug// Just a taster of the presents I got for Christmas//

I would first of all like to apologize for my absence, the combination of working full-time, a 2 week long flu and Uni work has kept me very busy (and exhausted) over Christmas. I did manage to have a Christmas though, I got to see my family and eat my body weight x10 in chocolate. I am now however, very wobbly in the thigh and stomach region. 

I got a lot of lovely gifts from friends and family, PJ's, makeup, Lush goodies and many other lovely things. I even got a cocktail making set from my brother! I'm sure I'll be able to put it to good use, being a student and all, I'm a trained professional. 

I'm hoping in the next few days I'll have a spare 5 minutes here and there to take some blog photos, and maybe even film a video or two, though I doubt it. I will be posting a little bloopers video over on my channel though, just so my subscribers know I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have exciting plans for New Year, I myself will be heading to a friends house (after I finish work) to bring in the New Year with non-alcoholic beverages, as I'm driving. 

Did you guys have a nice Christmas? What have you got planned to bring in 2014? 

 

Stocking Fillers Under £15

This weekend is the last weekend before the big day, so for all of you last minute shoppers, I thought I would give you a hand and do a bit of shopping for you. If you are just braving the crowds for a few last minute trinkets, then here is a list of goodies to fill those stockings and all for under £15! 

1. Travalo - Debenhams - £12.49

The number one gift for any fragrance enthusiast. The Travalo is honestly one of the handiest inventions for anyone on the go. Super easy to use and comes in a range of colours, it's not just for women, the man in your life can fill it with his favourite scent as well! 

2. Compact Tangle Teezer - Boots - £12.49

Fits perfectly in your handbag, the Tangle Teezer is a cult product in the beauty world. This also comes in a range of colours and patterns and has soft flexible bristles to allow easy, pain free brushing. I don't have particularly knotty hair, but when I go from using this to a normal brush or comb there is a huge difference. 

3. Grey Sparkle Bed Socks - Dorothy Perkins - £10.00

The comfiest bed socks in the history of sock making! These chunky knit bed socks have suckers on the sole for grip on those slippy laminate floors. They also have the softest and warmest fleece lining inside to keep those tootsies cozy and warm.

4. Best Wishes Gift Set - Lush - £13.50

Maybe on the larger side of the stocking fillers but this is my favourite gift set from Lush and would love to find it in my stocking. This set comes with the best bath bomb ever, Golden Wonder, along with the Luxury Lush Pud and Snowcake Soap. 

5. Wine Lipstick and Blush Gift Set - Topshop - £12.00

This little gift set also comes in red or a mascara/kohl combo. The wine set is bang on the vampy lips trend this A/W and is prefect for any makeup lover. 

6. Soap & Glory Good, Butter, Best Gift Set - Boots - £8.00

The cheapest on this list, Soap & Glory is always a safe bet at Christmas. The body butters are all creamy, moisturising and smell amazing, so this little gift set is a sure win. This set contains the much loved Righteous Butter, Butter Yourself and Butterlicousness. 

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? Or will you be one of those rushing out to grab some of these goodies?