Well this is embarrassing. I'd originally intended to publish this back in January but January slipped away. As did February. And now we're looking at March (how is it March already?!). Is March too late for a What I Got For Christmas post? Time of the year aside, these types of posts are one of my favourites to read because 1) they give me gift ideas for friends and family and 2) they expose me to lovely new products that I may not have heard of otherwise... so that considered, I thought I'd press on! If they are your cup of tea too, feel free to grab a hot drink and read on. As ever, I am incredibly grateful to all my friends and family and feel very lucky to have people in my life who know me so damn well!
Wax Lyrical candle
How beautiful is this candle??! My home interiors theme is very much dark walls and metallic details through the use of gold, copper and rose gold - so this Wax Lyrical candle fits in like a dream! I don't know how to describe Midnight Jasmine as a scent, but it smells pretty luxurious and sophisticated.
How to be Parisian
Although I have French roots and I have lived and worked in France before, in a ideal world I would move to Paris in a heartbeat and become a fully fledged Parisian. But as funds won't allow for such a move, I can live vicariously through this book for now. And what a stunning book it is.
Jo Malone
I love a bit of Jo Malone and can we just take some time to appreciate how beautifully things are always wrapped? Layers of waxy black tissue paper and ribbons left, right and center (how wonderfully festive and "candy cane" is the red and white ribbon?!). My daily go to fragrance at the moment is Blackberry and Bay which I find lasts the course of the day without fading.
Wax Lyrical candle
How beautiful is this candle??! My home interiors theme is very much dark walls and metallic details through the use of gold, copper and rose gold - so this Wax Lyrical candle fits in like a dream! I don't know how to describe Midnight Jasmine as a scent, but it smells pretty luxurious and sophisticated.
How to be Parisian
Although I have French roots and I have lived and worked in France before, in a ideal world I would move to Paris in a heartbeat and become a fully fledged Parisian. But as funds won't allow for such a move, I can live vicariously through this book for now. And what a stunning book it is.
Jo Malone
I love a bit of Jo Malone and can we just take some time to appreciate how beautifully things are always wrapped? Layers of waxy black tissue paper and ribbons left, right and center (how wonderfully festive and "candy cane" is the red and white ribbon?!). My daily go to fragrance at the moment is Blackberry and Bay which I find lasts the course of the day without fading.
Ibiza Classics
This was a surprise gift from M. as he knew that I really wanted to go to Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics tour last year. It's quite a difficult album to describe. Because of its very nature - club classics - it is very uplifting and makes you want to get up and dance. But at the same time, the Heritage Orchestra and classical aspect of it makes it very relaxing to listen to. I found out that this gift was purchased through Amazon here and one of the benefits of buying CDs through Amazon is that you also get the digital tracks saved onto your Amazon account in your music library. So when I'm at work and I don't have the CD on me, I can still listen to it for all those summer feels.
This was a surprise gift from M. as he knew that I really wanted to go to Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics tour last year. It's quite a difficult album to describe. Because of its very nature - club classics - it is very uplifting and makes you want to get up and dance. But at the same time, the Heritage Orchestra and classical aspect of it makes it very relaxing to listen to. I found out that this gift was purchased through Amazon here and one of the benefits of buying CDs through Amazon is that you also get the digital tracks saved onto your Amazon account in your music library. So when I'm at work and I don't have the CD on me, I can still listen to it for all those summer feels.
Hamper (not pictured)
One of my sisters gave us a food hamper which was mostly Italian themed and filled with pesto, pasta, gnocchi and the like. I haven't pictured it because it's looking pretty empty these days, having eaten 87% of the contents!. My other sister gave us further foodie treats like a chorizo making kit. Hampers are such a wonderful gift idea and I will treasure the basket afterwards.
Chocolat Charbonnel
The additional foodie treats from my other sister included this hot chocolate which I have tried before and it is AMAZING. Forget hot chocolates with a chocolate powder basis. With this one you open the tin to discover lots of little chocolate flakes which melt into warm milk for a very luxurious and special take on hot chocolate. I first discovered this hot chocolate through Lakeland who still sell it, but supermarkets like Waitrose and Sainsburys also stock it.
Electric toothbrush
Oh my word. No word of a lie, but this has been a revelation. Never have my teeth felt so clean. Whilst my teeth have never been particularly white, they are looking much better these days. I'm using the Oral-B Pro 2 2000N model and I wish I'd made the switch to electric years ago.
Next vouchers
Next is one of my favourite places to shop for homeware, so it was amazing that a few of my friends had the same idea! I'm currently on the hunt for a statement ceiling light and feel that a gold or copper one which would pop fantastically against my dark blue walls.
GHDs
This was the biggest surprise from one of my best friends. She clearly took notes when she watched me moaning about my ancient - literally smoking - straighteners at my hen / bachelorette. Words cannot describe how wonderful it is to have a pair of straighteners that work properly, don't smoke like a chimney or smell funky.
Mugs
She also bought me these hilarious mugs which are M's favourite things ever. He literally rolled around laughing when we opened them and then went all deadpan: I'M SAYING NOTHING.
Alice in Wonderland
How cute are these V&A Alice in Wonderland plates?! I love the presentation box they came in with the "pull me" handle.
The White Company
Winter just isn't winter without a White Company winter candle (FYI the Winter range is currently up to 30% off!). With a scent composed of sweet cinnamon, cloves and a subtle hint of orange, nothing makes me feel more festive.
Malbec (not pictured)
My favourite red wine by far (although this Christmas I was introduced to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and that was equally dreamy). I hold my hands up, this has been consumed already (hence the lack of pics!). I love nothing more than a nice piece of steak with homemade chips, or a comforting stew or pasta dish, served with a glass of red. And Malbec fits the bill perfectly.
Rituals candle
I somehow discovered that one of my best friends is equally enthused about candles as I am - we've only known each since nursery school!! - when I unwrapped a candle from her and lost my shit because candles honestly excite me that much. I love discovering new candles and scents, and Ritual of Ayurveda (Indian rose & sweet almond) was one I hadn't tried before. I love an inspirational quote and the words on the side of the votive mean I will be re-using it for makeup brushes once the wick comes to an end. It's a beautifully deep and layered fragrance, and one that fills the room even before being lit (an impressive feat).
Have you tried any of these products before?
One of my sisters gave us a food hamper which was mostly Italian themed and filled with pesto, pasta, gnocchi and the like. I haven't pictured it because it's looking pretty empty these days, having eaten 87% of the contents!. My other sister gave us further foodie treats like a chorizo making kit. Hampers are such a wonderful gift idea and I will treasure the basket afterwards.
Chocolat Charbonnel
The additional foodie treats from my other sister included this hot chocolate which I have tried before and it is AMAZING. Forget hot chocolates with a chocolate powder basis. With this one you open the tin to discover lots of little chocolate flakes which melt into warm milk for a very luxurious and special take on hot chocolate. I first discovered this hot chocolate through Lakeland who still sell it, but supermarkets like Waitrose and Sainsburys also stock it.
Electric toothbrush
Oh my word. No word of a lie, but this has been a revelation. Never have my teeth felt so clean. Whilst my teeth have never been particularly white, they are looking much better these days. I'm using the Oral-B Pro 2 2000N model and I wish I'd made the switch to electric years ago.
Next vouchers
Next is one of my favourite places to shop for homeware, so it was amazing that a few of my friends had the same idea! I'm currently on the hunt for a statement ceiling light and feel that a gold or copper one which would pop fantastically against my dark blue walls.
GHDs
This was the biggest surprise from one of my best friends. She clearly took notes when she watched me moaning about my ancient - literally smoking - straighteners at my hen / bachelorette. Words cannot describe how wonderful it is to have a pair of straighteners that work properly, don't smoke like a chimney or smell funky.
Mugs
She also bought me these hilarious mugs which are M's favourite things ever. He literally rolled around laughing when we opened them and then went all deadpan: I'M SAYING NOTHING.
Alice in Wonderland
How cute are these V&A Alice in Wonderland plates?! I love the presentation box they came in with the "pull me" handle.
The White Company
Winter just isn't winter without a White Company winter candle (FYI the Winter range is currently up to 30% off!). With a scent composed of sweet cinnamon, cloves and a subtle hint of orange, nothing makes me feel more festive.
Malbec (not pictured)
My favourite red wine by far (although this Christmas I was introduced to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and that was equally dreamy). I hold my hands up, this has been consumed already (hence the lack of pics!). I love nothing more than a nice piece of steak with homemade chips, or a comforting stew or pasta dish, served with a glass of red. And Malbec fits the bill perfectly.
YSL touche eclat
One fun fact about me is that I am fiercely loyal to brands for products that I know work for me. Because if it ain't broke, why fix it? Having saying that, the YSL touche eclat is something that I have wanted to try for the longest time, so I was pretty excited about this one (separate review to follow!)
One fun fact about me is that I am fiercely loyal to brands for products that I know work for me. Because if it ain't broke, why fix it? Having saying that, the YSL touche eclat is something that I have wanted to try for the longest time, so I was pretty excited about this one (separate review to follow!)
Rituals candle
I somehow discovered that one of my best friends is equally enthused about candles as I am - we've only known each since nursery school!! - when I unwrapped a candle from her and lost my shit because candles honestly excite me that much. I love discovering new candles and scents, and Ritual of Ayurveda (Indian rose & sweet almond) was one I hadn't tried before. I love an inspirational quote and the words on the side of the votive mean I will be re-using it for makeup brushes once the wick comes to an end. It's a beautifully deep and layered fragrance, and one that fills the room even before being lit (an impressive feat).
Have you tried any of these products before?
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