Cosy Christmas Primark Haul || Blogmas Day 12

I don't really go to Primark very often because it's in the centre of town and it's always so busy that you can't really see anything so I tend to avoid it as a general rule. However, when it comes to Winter time I always have to go in because I love their slipper socks, pjs and everything Christmassy!

So this is one of what will probably be many Primark hauls this Winter. I actually was very good and restrained on buying loads which I was really tempted to do because I never do things by halves. Last year however I bought loads of fluffy pj's and my drawers overflow with them and it's quite often too hot to sleep in fluffy pj's so I restrained from all the cute fluffy pj's. Instead however I picked up three pairs of normal pjama bottoms because that's what I actually needed and it just so happened that Primark had lots of nice pairs.

 The first pair which I think is my favourite pair out of all of them, are these grey and navy ones with little bears on them. I love animals so anything with animals on them especially woodland ones is right up my street. These are so cute and I love that they have pockets for my phone which makes them the perfect lounging around in trousers. They also have the little cuffed bottoms which I really like in pj's now that I have an ankle grabbing puppy that thinks anything that floats about is a chew toy. These were £5 and they have lots of different styles and even though the band at the top is blue, it still has the little bears going around the inside of it which I think is super sweet.

The second pair I got were more traditional type pj's and they're in this checked/tartan?? print that I seem to have a slight obsession with at the moment. I thought they looked quite cosy and Christmassy too so they were well worth picking up. Of course they were really cheap being from Primark too so only £6 and they also have pockets.

 The last pair I picked up are again super cute ones with you guessed it animals on it, this time it's cute little polar bears on a navy background with snow falling around them. Pretty Christmassy and cute and these are the same style as the bear ones with the cuffed bottoms. The only thing that annoys me about these though is that they don't have pockets like the other two do. My favourite thing about them however is that they have pretty mint green detailing on the ties and the buttons which means it goes perfectly with the next thing that I bought...

 HOW CUTE IS THIS?! I saw it hanging on a shelf in the complete wrong place and it happened to be in my size and I was over the moon but thought it was maybe a pjama set that was missing the bottoms. So I had a hunt around the shop (thankfully having not put this back down) and I found them and they were just individual jumpers and there was only size 18 plus left so I'm super happy I managed to grab this. It's so cute that I would have been totally gutted if I couldn't get it! I plan on wearing this with the polar bear jammie bottoms above since the mint green ties it all in nicely however I also reckon you could wear this as a Christmas jumper. Since it's not entirely fluffy and has the jersey arms, neckline and the bottom of the jumper so it doesn't overly look like a pjama top. I've had this on loads since I got it, it's literally the softest, fluffiest thing.

It also matches my nail polish!

 The fluffiness also goes all the way around to the back so this is totally my new favourite thing especially in the colder weather. The inside of the jumper is lovely and fluffy too so it'll keep me cosy this Christmas.

 The last cosy thing I got was a pair of Primark's slipper socks which I have an obsession with. Like the fluffy pj's I went daft on these last year and still have loads left over but I couldn't resist getting one new pair. I chose these puppy dog ones, I think they're meant to be pugs. Although I'm not a fan of real live pugs, I just think there are thousands of cuter dogs out there and I think the selective breeding of them is pretty cruel, I did think these slipper socks were cute! They only cost £3 too which is definitely worth it for keeping my feet cosy and cute.

The last thing I got was some pants because Primark are amazing for picking up cheap pants. I know there's a bit of a taboo about showing underwear on the internet but the way I see it is everybody wears it and has to buy it so I may aswell show you some of the nice stuff that's out there to buy. I love the 3 packs of thongs they do because every girl needs thongs for leggings and dresses and personally I think they're the comfiest style of pants - although I know many would beg to differ! It comes with a grey pair, a black pair and a plum pair and they're all made from a surprisingly soft material. 

What do you like to buy from Primark?

Lots of Love,

♥

Stocking Filler Gift Guide For Her Part 1 || Blogmas Day 6

Buying presents for people for Christmas has got to be one of the hardest things ever because it's so difficult to know you're not buying something the person already has or something they don't like. Therefore I have tried to compile a wide variety of things for different ages, that are of different prices and for different types of people. Hopefully whether you're hunting for that perfect Secret Santa present or some stocking fillers or even just a little extra present to buy a special girl in your life then you'll find something here that will suit.

The first ideal stocking filler for most girls is a book, I chose Gone Girl because this film has been so popular and I know a lot of people have been left wanting to read the book. However, try to personalise it as much as you can, if your sister, mum, girlfriend, friend likes baking then buy a book about that or if they like animals then buy a book based on that. It's always nice to know that someone has thought about the gift they are giving you by giving you something that they know you're interested in. Obviously this is only ideal if the girl you're buying a present for reads books but if she doens't you could adapt this and buy a coffee table book instead.

Another ideal stocking filler that I know I would be over the moon to receive in my stocking this year is any of the MakeUp Revolution products. They have amazing makeup that is both good quality and super affordable, you can get lipsticks from a pound and 32 eyeshadow palettes for £8. For any makeup junkie or even just a girl who likes to wear a bit of simple makeup now and again you need to get them this for under the tree.

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 Another one for the girls into their beauty or pampering is the Crabtree & Evelyn seasonal polishes. I think these have been released especially for Christmas which means it's unlikely that the person you're buying these for is going to have seen them and bought them yet. They do a pretty red shade too but these ones are my favourite, a metallic gold and a metallic silver. I actually have the silver shade on just now and I'm feeling very Christmassy with my pretty nails!

Another beauty must have for girls this Christmas is the Tanya Burr lipglosses. I've heard mixed opinions on these but I stand by the fact that the shades 'Afternoon Tea', 'Picnic In The Park' and 'Aurora' are good'uns. They're also pretty natural shades too so most girls will like them and suit them regardless of whether they're massively into beauty or Tanya Burr. Tanya has also released some pretty gift sets and new lipgloss shades especially for Christmas but because I haven't tried them I didn't want to recommend those ones.

Crabtree also do the best most moisturising hand cream around so if you know someone who likes a good pamper or even an older person I think they would really appreciate this gift. They do have some gorgeous Christmas scents released for Christmas too and I know I'll definitely be picking up a few of these for my mum and gran!

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For the younger girls my reccomendation is a So gift set like this So Kiss me set. They are so affordable to buy and also look much more expensive because of how much you get for your money. This one contains a perfume and a body lotion but there are ones that contain a lipstick in them too which would be great for someone starting out in beauty. This would be good if there was a secret Santa at school too or at brownies/girl guides etc.

 When I saw these in Primark I just had to pick them up because they're so Christmassy and cute. Apologies about the dog hairs on them, as I was photographing these Luca decided he would have a nap on them... Anyway's I love gingerbread men and I have the gingerbread jumper from Topshop and I also have gingerbread socks so you know what I'll be wearing this Christmas! I also think these would make a fab stocking filler so that the person can wear them on Christmas day or boxing day. In our family we usually dress up for Christmas and then wear a Christmas jumper/leggings for boxing day. These only cost £8 too so are a great cost effective gift!

This could also count as a main present but because you can get affordable ones too I included it in the stocking filler. Statement necklaces are a must all year round, they totally complete an outfit and add some glitz to it. I think a clear jeweled statement necklace that isn't too big would make an ideal stocking filler for any girl because it could easily be incorporated into any outfit. I got this one from Marks & Spencers earlier on in the year but there are loads of fab sites for statement necklaces!

Something my parents always include in my stocking is a pair of cosy pj's and I think they're a great present for every girl because lets face it all girls wear pj's either to bed or for lounging around in. Primark do the best cosy jammies and because it's Primark they're reasonably priced too so definitely worth looking into.

Cosy slipper socks or fluffy socks are another one of Primark's finest Christmas items. They keep your feet so warm that in the Winter months these are essential. I actually wear these all year round in my house to keep my feet warm though. They only cost £2/£3 too so they're great as an add on present or if you just want to give someone a Christmas surprise.

I actually got this for my birthday from my parents but I think it would make the most beautiful Christmas present. It's a heart shaped frame with frames inside to put multiple photo's in. I really need to get round to filling this up which is what I plan to do once university finishes for Christmas. I'm not sure where they got it from but both Tkmaxx/HomeSense and The Range both do really nice photo frames which would make the perfect Christmas present. If you wanted to add an extra special touch you could always fill it in with photos of you and the person or photos you know the person would like. It's the personal gifts like this that are the best because time and thoughts are more precious than money.

The last thing I have included in my stocking filler for her gift guide is a Lush product or gift set depending on how your budget is set. This one is Drummers Drumming which is one of Lushes specific Christmas releases but there are so many different ones on offer ranging in both scent and price. There really is something for everyone and if the girl you're buying for doesn't have a bath then there's always soaps, shower jellies and shower gel!

There is actually a part two to this gift guide because after I had photographed it all I found a few more things that would make great stocking fillers and also felt it was a bit much for one post so stay tuned for that!

Lots of Love,

♥

*This post does contain some products which have been gifted to me for the purpose of this post.

Large November Favourites || Blogmas Day 2

  As I've been procrastinating from university work in the form of online shopping, I have tried a lot of new things this month which has led to some completely new favourites. How scary is it to think that this is the last favourites I will do before Christmas, it's not long now. Most of my favourites this month have been non-beauty related so instead of doing two separate favourites I'm going to combine them again..

My first favourite is the Origins Charcoal mask which I got in a set of three Origins mask. I use this mask after warming my skin up with a clean towel like the bottle advises so that my pores open up. The charcoal draws out all the bad stuff from your skin to stop you getting spots. I've had pretty clear skin for a good six months or so now but during November I got one big massive, ugly, sore one (karma) and I was determined to get rid of it. So I used this mask and it instantly reduced both the size and the redness of it and by the next day it was practically invisible and that was with one use. It also leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and I think my skin looks visibly more radiant. It also makes you resemble the black moon emoji so it's perfect for any of those thinking of attempting the emoji challenge haha.

My second beauty favourite this month has been Nars Sheer Glow foundation. I've had this foundation for about a year now but when I got it my skin wasn't great, it wasn't awful but it did have blemishes and spots. Therefore I didn't really get on with this just because the sheer finish did nothing to cover these blemishes which I obviously wanted to hide and I just didn't think it was worth the money. As I mentioned above my skin has been clear for a good few months now and I wanted to try it again and I really, really like it and finally get what the hype is about. It gives me a really nice coverage but not too much and it lasts really well on the skin too. However, is it worth the hefty price tag? probably not. As much as I love it, I also really like my normal L'oreal foundation so it's a favourite but for the price I'm not sure it's going to make my daily foundation regime.

 A brand in general that I have discovered and fell in love with throughout November is Makeup Revolution. As it is a cheaper brand I was envisaging MUA type products but not at all, this range is fantastic and if you haven't tried it you need too. One product from them in particular that I've had an obsession with is the Eyes Like Angels palette which is super colourful and a bit bold for me but I've used this so much. I love the rich browns, golds and reds and I've even managed to wear the blue shades, pinks and purples. For anyone who wants a bit of quality colour in their eyeshadow collection but doesn't want to spend a lot of money then this is your palette, 32 shades for only £8!

 I love a good old bold lip especially in the Winter time but the past few weeks I've also been loving really nude, glossy lips especially since I've been playing around with my eyshadow colours. My favourite combo at the minute is Pure Zen by Mac with Tanya Burr Afternoon Tea over the top but Mac's Cremecup with Picnic in the Park or Aurora over the top looks gorgeous too. So nude lips in general are a favourite but also those Mac and Tanya Burr shades.

Another brand I have been obsessed with in November is Fashion Prescription, all three things I bought from them have made it to my favourites which speaks for how much I love them. The first thing I got was a really fluffy khaki jacket, I have an obsession with fluff and especially when it comes in the form of coats. I already have a navy fluffy jacket from Topshop last year but I wanted a longer one and a green one to mix it up a bit, a girl can never have too many jackets! I was really nervous about ordering from them because you can't return things and ordering clothes online is always a risk when you can't return them. This jacket was so pretty though and it was a steal at £37 so I went for it and I'm so glad because it's so cosy and amazing. It doesn't have a zip but it's big enough to wrap round you and keep you warm. I'm so glad I went for the size 8 because I was unsure if it would come small made and then I wouldn't have room for lots of layers underneath. If you do decide to order this jacket then don't worry about them being small made because they're really roomy and cosy.

In real life it does not look shiny, it is just the camera flash that's made it look this way.

 I also ordered a rucksack from them because I cannot travel light but sometimes my handbag is way too big for the occasion. I haven't been able to find any nice ones anywhere that don't cost nearly £200 (cough cough Grafea). So when I saw this one I had to order it, I like it but I do wish it was a bit bigger because it's pretty small and can't carry much but I love it if I'm just nipping in the car too Tesco or to my friends house. I also love it for walking the dogs because trying to walk a puppy, a dog, carry poo bags and a phone etc is difficult when you only have two hands.

The last thing I got from Fashion Prescription was an 'intimate' which I use as a bra but could also be used as a bralette if you're daring enough. I wanted a bra that wasn't padded or lined with underwire because they're comfier and I can't not wear one at all because that's too uncomfy and sore. Fashion Prescription have amazing ones and it took a lot to not buy them all but I think at £19.99 they're too expensive for what they are. However, they are very beautiful and I have been sad everytime mines is in the wash. Fashion Prescription orders can however take up to three weeks to come but that's just because the intimates are handmade. They also do bra sizes ranging from A-E so bustier ladies still can get pretty bra's.

My biggest favourite this month and probably my best achievement in my life so far is I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!! Nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you've worked hard for something and when you think you've failed to be told that you've passed is brilliant. I was one happy bunny and I still can't get over the fact that whenever I want I can hop in the car. Once upon a time I said I would never learn to drive because I was too scared but I started in July this year and passed on the 13th of November.

 Since the weather is getting colder now I've been loving Primark fleecy jammies, especially my penguin ones because I love penguins. I've also been loving the slipper socks from Primark for keeping my feet warm, I'm already excited to go to Primark and pick out some new ones for this year.

My Duo boots finally arrived this month and although not the colour I originally wanted I have been loving them. They're super comfy (aslong as I keep socks on), go with everything and smarten up any outfit I wear with them. As they are black you can get away with them in the rain too which is always handy.

Another big favourite this month is my fluffy headband from New Look, it is so fluffy that it keeps me really cosy. Although it doesn't cover my whole head I find it just as warm as a hat because it covers my ears which is the bit that gets cold first and I think it looks really nice too which is a bonus. I do have one in brown too but I haven't worn it yet so that's my next look to try.

My last fashion favourite of the month has been this statement necklace which I think was from Marks and Spencers earlier this year. If you follow me on instagram then you will have seen it in pretty much every post with me in it the past month. I love that it has clear crystals because it goes with any outfit and it's perfect for the festive season. I've worn this for date nights, parties at Edinburgh Castle, birthday meals and also for everyday life so it's really versatile.

My food favourite this month has been Tony Macaroni, it has absolutely incredible food. I had never been before which is strange since my diet solely consists of Italian food but it is by far the best food I have ever tasted and I will most definitely be going again soon! If you haven't been yet then nip along and try their menu, the service was great too and they even give you your food away in a tub home if you don't manage to finish it (the portions are very big).

 My final favourite for November is Tkmaxx storage jars. A tkmaxx has just opened five minutes up the road from me and I am loving it, especially their jars section because they have really pretty ones. I've started a collection of these heart ones and they're great for storing cotton pads in, lipsticks and I also have two bigger ones with nail polish in. I have one extra spare one at the moment so if you have any ideas of what I could do with it then write below in the comments please!

Overall November has been a really good month, I've tried some amazing new things and discovered lots of new favourites. Sorry it was a long one but hopefully you have enjoyed seeing my favourite things from last month. 

What have your favourites been? 

Lots of Love,

♥