what I got for christmas

I know this post is a little late (and a little long, you've been warned!) but I had so many lovely presents for Christmas it would be a shame not to share them with you guys! I can't believe we are almost half way through January, this year is whizzing by already! Another Christmas has passed us by and although I'm another year older, that hasn't stopped my wonderful family and boyfriend for spoiling me utterly rotten once again! I didn't ask for anything in particular, so I was really pleasantly surprised when I opened these goodies + they were all so perfect. With being so busy with university work I only really looked back through my presents late last week when I gave my room a good sort out. So here's a little selection of the gifts I received this year...
 

YANKEE CANDLE pink sands medium jar + snow flake shade and plate set; NEXT beaded light up wire love sign.

  To say that I'm obsessed with Yankee Candle would be a rather large understatement. I am such an old lady when it comes to things like candles + home decoration. I'm forever calling into my local garden centre to pick up some samplers with my sister (who I've also converted!). Although pink sands it's the strongest, it has to be one of my favourite Yankee scents; Yankee describe it as "an exotic island escape in the beautiful mix of bright citrus, sweet florals and spicy vanilla." but I smell sweet, watermelon! They also sell the shades and plates in the garden centre + I guess my parents caught onto me babbling on about them as my dad picked me up this cute, metalwork snowflake set! I love it, this is going to be my winter set then I'm hoping to get one like this for when it starts getting a bit warmer, I'm sad I know! This light up love sign is also a nice little addition to my room; I love switching on this sign + lighting a few candles to create the perfect snuggley film watching environment, especially with all this snow at the moment, nice and cosy!

 

SOAP & GLORY the best of all gift set

I was soooo excited when I opened this set! I've been dying to try out Soap & Glory for a while now but I've never really known where to start, problem solved! I've not tried out all of these products yet but I am LOVING the Smoothie Star body milk; it smells delicious, soaks in super fast + leaves my skin feeling amazing, new favourite! I think I'll probably review my favourites from this set when I've had a little more time to try them all out!

 

ENRAPTURE encode totem hair styler

Finally got my hands on this brilliant lil' hair styling tool! It's been doing the rounds in the blogosphere for a good year now but with my hair being medium length (just passing my shoulders) I wasn't quite sure whether it would work so well for me. I needn't worry as it's not failed me yet! I typically use my GHD's when curling my hair as normal curlers or wands tend to over-curl my shorter length hair. I don't have this problem at all with these due to the adjustable temperature, one word, brilliant!

LUSH christmas gift set, bubble beard & snow fairy shower gel

So, I think people are catching on to my Lush problem addiction! Snow Fairy is my number one favourite smell ever (as you will soon see in my winter sales haul!) so was super happy when I recieved these from David! I was given the Father Christmas Bath Ballistic on Christmas Eve for my Christmas bath (along with my magic pyjamas!) but otherwise I haven't tried any of the Lush Christmas collection. This gift set includes; Father Christmas Bath Ballistic, Cinders Bath Ballistic, Christmas Eve Bubble Bar, Golden Wonder Bath Ballistic + one of my favourites Pheonix Rising Bath Ballistic, I'm sorted for the rest of January!

 
H&M black and stud handbag; PRIMARK chain print blouse.

I spotted this handbag when shopping with my mum just before Christmas. It turns out whilst I was in the changing room she snapped a picture and sent it to my boyfriend! Oh so very sneaky! The blouse is off my sister; I wouldn't of picked this up for myself but I wore it out boxing day with high waisted jeans + wedges and really like the way it looked.


RIVER ISLAND cream laser cut make-up bag; PACO RABBANE lady million.

I love this laser cut make-up bag; it's a little big to use as an everyday make-up bag but perfect to take away or just to look pretty on display in my bedroom! Lady Million is one of my all time favourite perfumes so this 50ml bottle was well appreciated.



PANDORA silver charm.

 My boyfriends parents bought me this Pandora bracelet and glass charmfor my 21st birthday and for Christmas I was lucky enough to receive this metal charm! I'm hoping to fill the rest with beads like this and this; they're so overpriced but the neutral colours + just the right amount of bling would mean I could really get my wear out of it as it would go with next to anything!


MICHAEL KORS gold watch.

And finally my baby! Would you just look at this beauty! I can't tell you how long I've been lusting after a Michael Kors watch! I was going to finally spend my birthday money on one of these but my boyfriend beat me to it! Utterly spoilt!

have yourself a merry little christmas

Merry Christmas all! Hope you've had a lovely couple of days, whatever you have been doing! Mine have mostly consisted of copious amounts of food and alcohol, lots of time spent with the loved ones, working in the awful Boxing Day sale, a trip into town to hunt down some bargains, several Just Dance battles and a night in with munch + films on TV. I absolutely love Christmas and can't quite believe how fast it's gone this year! 

I also can't get over how utterly spoilt I've been this year; I'm planning to post on some of my favourite gifts as soon as we have a day with an ounce of sunlight so I can photograph my goodies, it's so miserable here today! I've picked up a few things in the sales which I'll also share once everything has been delivered, etc! It's crazy to think there's only three days left of 2012, where has this year gone?! I've had a wonderful time this past week but now reality is settling back in fast with my looming early January deadlines, boo! So whilst I get stuck into my uni work/procrastinate, those of you with time off work enjoy the rest of your Christmas holidays, you lucky buggers you!

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Can you believe that these are just a selection of my presents! I was truly spoilt this year + still trying to figure out where I'm going to fit it all..

Gold Boyfriend Watch from the parents

Like a lot of you, I've been lusting after a Michael Korrs watch. As I don't actually wear a watch I asked Santa for an inexpensive look-a-like + he certainly delivered, I love it!! I haven't had a chance to wear it yet as I have extremely small wrists + need around 4 links taken out, forever awkward!

Lady Million Perfume from the parents

One of my all time favourite perfumes! Always top of my Christmas list.

Breaking Dawn Paperback from the sister

A little obsessed by Twilight at the moment, desperate to find out what happens next after watching Breaking Dawn in the cinemas twice!

Models Own Glitter Collection from the boyfriend
Ah he knows me so well, love this set so much! Will do a separate review post on these in the week, can't decide which colour to try first!

Rare Sequin + Lace Dress from the boyfriend
This gorgeous dress is the main contender for my New Years Eve outfit! It's covered in gorgeous sequins + has a low lace back, perfect party outfit!
Sewing accessories: Scissors, Pin Cushion, Pins + Button tin for the boyfriends parents + my parents 
In dire need of new bits for my sewing box so these little bits are perfect! Love thoughtful presents such as these!



These items were a little tricky to photograph so made a little collage instead..

BaByliss 3035U Thermo Ceramic Hair Rollers from the parents

These are a little more tricky to use than expected but love them all the same, I will master the heated roller!

Andrew Barton Designer Curling Multi Styler Set from the parents

Been dying to buy a curling wand for a long time but glad I waited as my parents bought me this perfect device which comes with two attachments, a wand + a barrel! Had a little go of using it on Boxing Day but need a little practice as I burnt my finger oow!

90210 First Season Box Set, Water For Elephants, Just Dance 3 Special Edition for Nintendo Wii from the parents

I do love a good teen drama series + after basically wearing out my Gossip Girl box sets by watching them on loop, this 90210 set is greatly appreciated! I saw Water For Elephants on the plane on the way back from Greece in the summer + loved it, so happy I can watch it whenever I want now woo! No Christmas is complete with out a Wii dance battle, worth it just for the comedy value!

Drake Take Care Album from the parents
Favourite album still! Bought the boyfriend Drake tickets for Christmas (kind of a gift to myself as I'll have to attend the concert with him!) AHH can't wait!

Lush Snow Fairy Set

I'm officially in love with Lush! Love showering with Snow Fairy so much that I treated myself to two large bottles in the Lush sale, more to come on this little set!

I had lots of other presents including a new iPod docking station, a gorgeous pair of heels, an amazing welsh gold locket, lots of clothes, handbags, jewellery, make up + of course several Terry's White Chocolate Orange, my fave!! Me + my sister also had a photoshoot experience off the parents: a day of pampering + styling plus updated photo's to share with the family so they can finally take down the cringe worthy school photos from their living rooms! My boyfriend also spoilt me + is taking me to see Chicago in London in January!! We're staying over night in the W Hotel (AMAZING!), I literally can not wait! I still can't wrap my head around the amount gifts I got, totally spoilt! Hope you all did too!

CHRISTMAS POST

001. Presents from myself to the family waiting under the tree - 002. My sisters + my presents from Santa - 003. Magic PJ's + bedding on Christmas Eve - 004. Myself + my sister sporting some festive headwear on Christmas day - 005. The boyfriend + I showing off our skating skills at Winter Wonderland in Cardiff - 006. Wintery PJ bottoms!

Wow, can't believe it's been a whole week since I last posted! It has completely flown by, but I must say I've had a wonderful Christmas so far! I've been spoilt rotten, got some great bargains in the sale + most importantly had some amazing laughs with my family and friends. It is most definitely my most favourite time of the year. Tomorrow I plan to take some photographs of the goodies I was gifted to show you guys. Hopefully that'll get me back into the swing of posting regularly. Hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas!

CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

Thermo Ceramic Hair Rollers - Curling Wand - OPI Christmas Mini Collection - Foil Print Jumper - OPI Rainbow Connection - ASOS Button Stud Earrings - Black Stud Envelope Clutch - ASOS Boyfriend Watch - Drake: Take Care - Black Fur Stole - MAC Gift Card

I really struggled writing a Christmas list this year. I'm so used to picking things up for myself as I'm out + about it was hard to sit + think of things I actually wanted! I'll probably think of millions of things that I want after Christmas has past but this is all I could think of right now but they are all little treats that would put a smile on my face! Most are things I've been lusting after for a while such as the heated rollers, OPI Rainbow Connection + a gold boyfriend watch. I love surprises + genuinely have no idea of what I'm getting this year, excited!

I absolutely love buying presents + think I've got everyone spot on this year! I was contemplating doing a gift idea post but know that members of my family sometimes check my blog (hi dad!!) so really don't want to give anything away. Think I'll do a 'what I bought' post after Christmas like last year just incase. I did vow to spend less this year but I ended up spending more, I have serious shopping issues!

I have officially finished university for the year, yay! I submitted my essay this morning + now in total Christmas mood! I can't believe it's only 9 days away, crazy! I still have a research book to start/finish over Christmas but going to give myself this weekend off to wind down after a seriously hectic term. The down time starts tonight at my cousins engagement party, I have nothing to wear but can't wait to have a little tipple + catch up with my family. Now to raid my wardrobe..

 PS Whilst looking for a link for the Muppets Mini Collection I found this on the QVC website which is quite the bargain for those OPI lovers out there!

FEELING FESTIVE

I am well + truly in Christmas mode! The tree is up, I've watched the first of many christmassy films and I have just one day left in university before winter break, heaven! We haven't had much snow as of yet (touch wood, I hate the stuff!) but I got caught in a pretty fierce hail storm yesterday on my way to the boyfriends house! I'm not a fan of the cold, please stay away snow! I am feeling really organised this year + only have one present for my dad to buy! (How hard are men to shop for?!) I just want to wrap presents + listen to Christmas songs but I have an essay to polish and I'm kind of faffing about it. I'm admittedly not the best at essay writing but know a lot of you are in the same boat, we can do it!! Roll on Friday when it'll all be done + dusted.

You move so fast, make me feel lazy...

Finally, here it is my Christmas 'haul'. I don't like saying 'haul' about my presents as it sounds quite crude but there really isn't another word to replace it, is there? Anyways I'm rambling a bit! It was nice to actually look back through my presents as the last few days have been such a whirlwind that I haven't had time to take it all in! I was meant to write this yesterday but I got a migraine for the first time ever and it totally wiped me out. I had a bit of a feel sorry for myself day so I tried to keep myself occupied by throwing away old things that are cluttering my room to make room for my new gifts. I ended up throwing out next to nothing so now my wardrobes and cupboards are bulging! Time to eBay the old wardrobe me thinks!





This is how our Christmas works; I wake up first and pounce on my sister (who is three years younger than me) to tell her that "He's been!", childish I know! Then we go into my parents room and open our stocking together on their bed. I'm 19 years old and this tradition is still going strong! Once the stockings have been opened we have a cup of tea in bed before we're allowed to go downstairs to open our main presents (our parents like to 'stretch out the presents' so that hours of wrapping are not put to waste in a matter of minutes!). The photo' above shows how our presents are laid out; when we were younger they were sorted into piles but now they're all jumbled to slow us down! I'm not gonna to show you guys everything because that would be boring, so I'll just show you a few of my favourites! I had the usual make up, nail polish and clothes but I'm going to keep them for a separate post; I will do a OOTD sometime soon!ha. So here's what I got for Christmas 2010;

I'm such a girl! Since my parents mentioned that I can have my bedroom redecorated after Christmas, it has become my life's goal to collect as many different candles as possible! I had these few as gifts and you can see from these the colours that my new room will be! Ah can't wait to get the paint out!

Ah my little sewing accessories! You can tell you're getting older by the fact that your presents become more practical! I'm not moaning by saying this as these items were top of my list! I love my new, cupcake pincushion! Way more personal than the little plastic box I had! I'm all kitted out ready for uni' again I just need a sewing box (quite important I know!). John Lewis stock these two amazing Cath Kidston sewing baskets but I think they'll be a bit impractical to take to uni' and back everyday. Love to have one in my own little sewing space one day though! Anyone know of any practical sized sewing boxes around?

Everyone has DVD's for Christmas! The only one I asked for was Gossip Girl as I didn't watch it when it was on TV like everyone else did. I ended up finding out how completely addicted I would become to it 3 years late?! Bad times! I'm already two discs into this box-set, I need to find out what happens next! The other films weren't on my list that's why they're a bit random! I will end up watching them though, like cwtching up to a good film!

My main presents from my parents! I really didn't know what to expect as I had a car a few months ago so just thought I would get little bits, was quite chuffed when I unwrapped this baby! Up until now I have been using an old boxy, portable TV combi, not cool! Moving up in the world now! Plays my new Gossip Girl like a dream!ha. Also my second surprise was Take That tickets! I went last year and completely loved it even though I'm not a hardcore TT fan, shameful! Sooo looking forward to going now; Katy Perry and Take That, 2011 will be the year for live music for me! Rihanna's tour looks amazing this year too so would love to make that the third!

And last but not least, this is what the boyfriend got me! He did good, I've taught him to shop well! Got my style well fair play! But my main present from him was...

A MACBOOK! I love my MacBook and I love my boyfriend!ha. I thought it would take me longer to be converted from PC but I've had no problems as of yet! He even put Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator on it for me for university (you can see from the images that I have been having a go!) It's so much faster than my old netbook, I don't think I've put it down yet? Most probably where the migraine come from!


Ah I feel kind of relieved to get this post done! Just maybe a post of New Years Resolutions tomorrow before I take a vow to make my blog more fashiony as that is where I want to be going in life. Wow deep, I know! Anyways I hope everyone had what they wanted for Christmas, I know I did (I was spoilt rotten this year!) I can't believe tomorrow today is the last day of 2010! Got me some deep thinking of what my resolutions can be so...

Molyneuxoxo♥