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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035 : Confessions of a Beauty Blogger

 

I was recently tagged by the lovely Jules over at Lippy Likes in the 'Confessions of a Beauty Blogger' tag, this is my first tag, so be gentle! I really love reading tags and getting to know bloggers a little better :) 

Here are my confessions!

1. How many hours a week do you spend writing / editing posts? 

At the moment, way less than I should! I do a lot of note jotting, I have tons of notebooks full of blog plans and ideas, updating Blush & Belle takes around 10 hours a week, including photography & design.

2. Are you a spender or saver?

Oh gosh. I have zero self control when it comes to money! I'm a definite spender. I just can't resist. Shopaholics anonymous is calling my name!

3. When is it easier for you to blog? 

My mind is most active in the evening & I have two young boys, so definitely a night owl! I find its when I'm most relaxed too :) any excuse to sit in bed with a hot chocolate!

4. What makes writing behind a computer comfortable for you? 

Bed. Hot chocolate. Pillows. Done! Comfort is definitely key for me, I'm not one for sitting at a desk all day!

5. What is your worst make up / hair habit? 

Uh oh. I'm quite impatient when it comes to doing my make-up and I'm really lazy slow in the mornings too, so it always takes me forever, when it comes to hair, I straighten the bits I can see and whack a bit of Batiste on it! I barely ever brush my hair & it always looks a bit disheveled!  

6. What is one quote you wish the world lived by? 

"No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." - Nelson Mandela

7. How long do you spend getting ready every day? 

It takes me around 45 minutes to an hour, which includes skincare, make-up, hair, getting dressed & having some breakfast! I never quite feel satisfied with how I look though, I always look in the mirror before I leave the house and I think I could have made a little more effort!

8. Who's your favourite blogger? 

I read so many blogs so its so hard to choose! I adore Zoella just because she's so cute & her personality is addictive, I really love Liv Purvis - her outfits are just divine, and don't get me started on the beehive! Too much love! aaaand Molly from What Molly Loves - she's come so far since starting her blog, I really admire her, and she's so down to earth too!

9. Who is a blogger that you think deserves more subscribers than they have?

Heidi from Blush & Belle?!

10. What is one thing you are excited about in the upcoming year?

Definitely blogging more, so much can change so quickly when you blog, its crazy. I'm determined to put way more time into Blush & Belle.

11. What is your most awkward blogging moment?

At a blogging event in London which I won't name, the event was amazing in itself but there was some guys there eyeing up all of the models and bloggers and going 'WOW' when they walked by, its alright when its subtle but its a little cringe when they're so completely obvious! They were literally burning holes in their arses with their eyes!

12. How long does it take you to prepare a post?

It depends on the post, I'd say an hour to plan, an hour or so to photograph and re-touch images and around an hour or two to write until I'm happy with it!

13. Are you wearing trousers right now or jogging pants / PJ bottoms?

 I've just got out of the bath so I'm in Ted Baker pj shorts & a black H&M t-shirt. comfort at its finest!

14. What are you most proud of in life?

It's got to be giving birth to my beautiful little boys, Alfie & Oliver :) aww!

Can't wait to read everyones confessions! Thanks for tagging me Jules! I tag...

- Molly / What Molly Loves

- Megs / Wonderful You

- Chelsea / Through Chelseas Eyes

- Sarah / Time To See The Stars

- Millie / Hidden Beauty Blog

Lots of love

xxxx

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034 Review : Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Hey Belles, hope you all had a lovely weekend, I can't believe we're already into November. Where has this year gone?! As you all know, I love face masks, I'm not sure why, I just do. I love feeling pampered and giving my skin a lovely little weekly treat, especially as the winter draws in and my skin begins to feel the effects of the cold.

Origins is a brand I've never really known massive amounts about, but having spent the last year working in a store that has an Origins counter, I've become more familiar with the brand and their products, I'm definitely one for natural skincare, making their products with renewable resources and using recycled materials wherever they can, Origins is a great brand to opt for. You know you're not gonna be putting lots of harsh chemicals onto your skin & there's an option for every skin type. 

 Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask / £22 / 100ml

I know this is a product that's been getting rave reviews around the bloggersphere for a really long time now, I've been busting to try it for ages & ages but really couldn't justify the price tag. I picked it up when Origins were having a 20% off day where I work, and with my staff discount on top, how could I say no? 

I've been using the Clear Improvements mask once to twice a week for over a month now and I think I may have fallen in love. It's just beautiful, I open my pores as instructed with a hot flannel on my face and then apply the mask all over, I usually leave it on whilst I'm in the bath, so a good half hour or so, until the mask is set, I then use a clean face cloth soaked in warm water to soak the mask up off my skin. After the first use I noticed that my skin looked a lot fresher and cleaner and felt generally pampered, after another few uses I noticed that it looked glowing, its the perfect product for clogged up pores & generally unhappy skin. My pores definitely appeared a lot smaller and tighter. I don't have a problem with oily skin as mine is more combination, but I have heard from the Origins girls that this is really perfect for oily skin types. 

The Clear Improvements mask does contain White China Clay, this absorbs toxins & lifts impurities out of the skin, so a blemish or two after the first few uses definitely isn't uncommon, I noticed a couple of little spots on my chin the next day after using this, but I see it as a sign that all the rubbish has come out! Overall, I really couldn't recommend this enough.

 

I'm definitely a coveted Origins fan now, next question... What to put on my Christmas list?! What does everyone think of Origins? Fans?

Lots of love

xxx

 

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