I always think that buying for the women in your life is pretty easy, I mean there is such a vast choice, from make-up (foundation, powder, lipstick and every other line that exists) through to perfume and we haven't even branched out on the jewelry avenue yet!
Let's start with some stocking filler ideas, and something that I can really say that us ladies need in our bags at all time, is a variety of different lip balms. I am forever stifling them into coat pockets, bags and my jeans. I have always suffered with dry lips and I like to be able to lather them up whenever it is needed.
I recently came across Crazy Rumors, a range of fun flavoured lip balms that are plant based, vegan lip balms, compiled from mostly organic ingredients. The range of flavours spans from French Vanilla right through to Pina Colada and Hot Cocoa (Filling in all of the other gaps in between!) You can view the full list of different flavours on their webpage.
A few of these nestled up inside the stocking would go down a real treat.
Face and skin care is an everyday essential, and it is always nice to receive a few new additions that will help you on your way to finding the perfect product. In my old age (my 30's are just a blink away now), I have been blessed with so many whiteheads on my nose, and this is only amplified if I dare wear foundation.
I have been trying to find some exfoliating goodies that can finally give me the smooth skin I so desire. Skin Doctors offer a range of different clinical skincare solutions. They have a product for everything, from anti-aging through to professional results and everyday essentials.
I have been really rating the Skin Doctors Exfoliating Crystals and it is really helping with the white heads, which is coming at the right time for the many festive nights out I have coming my way.
Another great idea for a stocking filler is a new phone case. I love the choice you have now when you decide to upgrade your old phone case, and the amount of personalisation that you can add into the mix.
I recently upgraded to the iPhone X and as it is costing me a pretty penny, I want a case that is going to look good and also offer a good level of protection. Tirita have some really classic designs, and you can personalise them with a message or your initials as below.
I personally really like the marble designs.
If you are sticking to a real budget this year, you could even cook up some of your own festive treats for friends and family. I treated myself to a slow cooker last month, and I found a great recipe to make your own Christmas Chutney, it is supposed to be absolutely incredible with cheese and biscuits, and you can even have it with your Christmas Turkey!
I even went and picked some sloes with Leo last weekend, and we have made our own Sloe Gin (Which was actually incredibly easy to do! but that is for a seperate post on another day!).
As you can see I have already got quite a lot of festive goodies in, and it wouldn't be complete without my Mulled Wine. We have been sent a gorgeous selection of samples from ScandiKitchen who have so many different varieties of Mulled Wine on offer.
Starting with the Blossa Lätt Vinglögg over on the left, this is their low alcohol version.
The Blue bottle in the middle is the Blossa Limoncello Mulled Wine. Each year they have a limited edition, and this is 2018's offering. It really looks the part in the bright Blue and I am pleased to report that the flavour did not disappoint.
The final bottle is the Saturnas Organic Mulled Wine, and I am saving this one for Christmas Eve. It's a bit of a tradition, I finish off the remainder of my wrapping and enjoy a few glasses (maybe bottles) of my favourite festive drink.
All you have to do to prepare the Mulled Wine is gently heat the mulled wine in a saucepan – take care not to heat it too much or the alcohol will evaporate (80 degrees celsius is about right). Serve in little cups with raisins and flaked almonds.... And ENJOY!
Now buying clothes for your other half may seem like a daunting idea, but I have to say I don't think anyone could be disappointed with these Hollywood Pants from JML. They come in a pack of 3, and feature 3 different designs, my favourite being the ones in the above image, I love, love, love the buttons on the waist. High rise leggings or jeans are my go to solution day in and out, but these leggings are just incredibly comfortable, and they can be dressed up or down depending on where you are going.
These leggings are a complete game changer, they smooth and lift in all the right places and are a very welcome addition to my wardrobe. I am wearing a size Small here, and they fit perfectly. I would say the sizes are true to life, and they are also very stretchy so you have a bit of leeway either side.
For my gift finale, it has to be this lovely family print from Posterhaste. I have wanted to do one of these for my crazy bunch for a while now. I was never sure what to put on it because Luke and I aren't married, therefore we don't share the same last name. I decided that I would just caption it 'our perfectly imperfect family', and had a great time designing it.
The whole process was really simple, and you may very well be sitting there scratching your head and wondering why Luke isn't smiling like the rest of us. Well there is an explanation to this...
It is a long standing joke that Luke could be over the moon happy, but still look like he is having the worst day ever. He is often asked repeatedly if he is ok just because he has permanent resting bitch face.
So while I was adding in each of the family to the portrait, I thought it would be a giggle to do it as true to life as possible... And this was the result. Luke hasn't seen this quite yet, and I know that the lack of a smile on the print is going to make him fall about laughing, and actually turn that frown upside down!
Happy Christmas Shopping folks!
Disclaimer: I was sent the above items for the purpose of this post. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.
