038 : Lifestyle // Creative Gift Wrap

Hey Belles! With Christmas drawing ever closer (three sleeps to go!) - its time to finish off those last little bits of shopping, if you haven't already! And start wrapping! I'm one of those people that absolutely loves to wrap presents, I think I prefer wrapping to shopping! I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to wrapping presents, they have to look beautiful! When lacking a bit of creativity though, I turn to the ever beloved Pinterest to pull together some ideas, hopefully this can inspire some of you too!

 

 For me, this year is all about the neutrals, lots of kraft paper and natural accessories make beautiful gifts, with a pop of colour for little ones. Christmas wrap doesn't have to be expensive, handmade wrap looks gorgeous and makes those gifts that extra bit special!

How will you be wrapping your gifts this year?

Lots of love 

xxx

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037 : Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide 2013

Aloha Belles & Beaus! Despite feeling unusually festive, I have to say, I despise Christmas shopping, I love it from the comfort of my bed, but venturing outside when its cold, busy, everybody gets in the way & don't even get me started on the queues. No thank you. I love to wrap, but not to shop. It's less than two weeks until Christmas now & it's when everybody begins to panic that they're yet to find the perfect gift. Panic no more, I've got it covered! I've spent the last week or so putting together the perfect gift guides for your bff's, bf's, mums, dads, grandmas, grandpas.. you name it! The hard work has been done for you, there's nothing better than giving (and receiving of course!) a thoughtful gift to someone you love. 

        (Pyjamas, Philosophy Cookie Exchange Gift Set, Heart Print Slippers, Charbonnel Pink Champagne Truffles, Lush Candy Box, Bare Minerals Obsessed With Pink Gift Set, Bobbi Brown Everyday Lip & Eye Palette, Cath Kidston Aubrey Rose iPad case, Accessorize earring set, Bambi Necklace)

I adore everything on this list, I really love the little bambi necklace, a definite favourite and at £6 - such a steal! With all of it being affordable & so utterly cute, you can't really go wrong, who doesn't love Lush?! The scent of opening a Lush gift set is just divine. Plus, which girl could say no to those beautiful floral pj's?! I don't think I'd ever leave my bed...ever.

 (Cath Kidston Garden Rose Day Bag, John Lewis Bathrobe, Zara embroidered Scarf, Afternoon Tea for Two, Laura Mercier Travel Quartet, Clarins All About Lips Collection, Leather Gloves, Liz Earle Candle, What Katie Ate, Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Hand & Body Wash, Next Pyjamas, Hotel Chocolat Pink Collection)

For the important ladies in your life, mama's, sisters, grandmothers.. I've picked something for everyone. From the sophisticated Zara embroidered scarf, in a gorgeous neutral tone, to the John Lewis dressing gown (comes in purple & red too!) - Since being an adult, I've not owned a dressing gown, the last time I wore one was 6 years ago on the hospital ward after having Alfie, all these years on, I'm pining for one to keep me nice & cosy in the winter evenings! Over the super-cute pyjamas from Next, heaven. Liz Earle candle burning.. utter bliss!

(Tartan Lambswool Scarf, Sennheiser/Adidas Ear-headphones, Origins Man Travel Buddies set, Beer Soap, Worldwide Beer Collection, Philips SensoTouch Electric Shaver, Tweed iPad Cover, Channel 4 News Team Mug, Stag Watch)

I've tried to include something for every kind of man here, from the guys that like their grooming products, the tech fans & the trendy lads, there's a bit of something for everyone. Although I will admit, I am in love with the Topman watch, wish it was a little more girly, I'd definitely buy one for myself! Anchorman is an all time favourite, the mug is a great little stocking filler for those wishing they were Ron Burgundys sidekick. I got my Mr an electric shaver last year and he really loved it, it's one of those things worth spending a bit of extra dollar on if you know it'll be used all the time :)

 

(LSA Vase, Charbonnel Boozy Box, Easy Tasty Magic Alchemical Larder, Chalk & Cheese serving set, Next Little House Lamp, ReWined Candle, Emma Bridgewater Mugs, Diptyque Candle Trio, Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Mug Candles)

While I think men are definitely tough to buy for, I think couples are harder. Whether they're newlyweds or have been together a lifetime, it's always difficult to find something both parties are going to enjoy. There's more house wares here and a few bits for those who like to entertain, I really like the cheese serving set, I love that it comes with a little piece of chalk so you can write which cheeses to choose, or just a cute love note to the significant other! My favourites have to be the Emma Bridgewater candle mugs, I love her prints and think these candles would look so beautiful & add a really cosy feel to any home. I'd love to see these in her heart print though! & the boozy Charbonnel selection.. definitely no bickering over the chocolate there!

I hope these have helped a few of you with some ideas! Have fun shopping!

Lots of love
xxx

 

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036 : Bury St Edmunds Christmas Fayre

Hey Belles! Winter is most definitely here & I thought I'd treat you all to a little lifestyle post. Over the weekend, the Mr and I decided to pop along to the annual Christmas Fayre in my local town of Bury St Edmunds, every year, the usually sleepy town attracts thousands of people to the third largest Christmas market in the UK, who like us, couldn't resist the festive charm & spirit. With handmade trinkets & treasures, more sweets than you can shake a stick at, old fairground rides & games and of course mulled wine & hot chestnuts, its hard to say no. What better way to start feeling the festivities! 

For the young ones, the magic of Christmas is brought alive with real reindeers in the park, Santa's post office - where you can post your letter to Santa, face painting, a story telling tent, the vintage carousel & beautiful lights adorning the streets. But its not just for kids, for the grown ups theres enough mulled wine & hot cider to get you merry and keep you there for a good few days, a huge variety of hot food, from duck wraps, hot donuts, continental cheeses & sausages, carvery rolls, hot chestnuts, fudge.. you name it. Loads of local wines and beers from the brewerys and micro-brewerys around the area, its the perfect place to find a gift for the foodie in your life. And of course, gourmet coffees and delicious hot chocolates to keep those who were driving nice & toasty throughout the evening!

I really love walking around Christmas Markets, for me, it brings me into reality & really makes me feel super festive. I love seeing everyone wrapped up all cosy in their scarves & mittens and seeing little babies in their toasty little onesies & fur lined boots. The actual market itself was lovely, with everything from jewellery, hand blown glass vases & bowls, carved wooden sculptures, vintage hanging decorations (I had my eye on the sweetest little duck egg blue bird!), clothing, artwork, handmade soaps & smellies & live music to bop along to, I think there was a little bit of something for everyone & was definitely the perfect place to pick up a little treat for yourself, bit of christmas shopping!

 

I'm most definitely feeling festive now, although I'm yet to start my shopping, I can't wait to start wrapping presents! What gets you in the mood for the festive period? PS - what do you all think of the blog makeover?!

Lots of love 

xxx

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