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My 2015 winter essentials...

Winter seems to have taken quite a while to kick in so far this year but the chill is definitely here now and since we have put the tree up, I am feeling really Christmassy! For once I have been really organised (don't hate me but yes, I had bought and wrapped my presents before the end of November! ;) I'm not a fan of the dark evenings but Mira Showers challenged me to share my wintry essentials and actually there's a lot to be said for these cheery items!




 I have a bit of a thing for scented candles (blogger cliché alert!) and have had
This Yankee Simply Home candle in 'Savour the Season' smells so Christmas-sy. I love anything cinnamon scented so between that candle and these tealights, our flat smells like a bakery at the moment!

Scarf: Accessorize
You know how much I love the colour red and this cosy scarf is a recent addition to my wardrobe. I got some Accessorize vouchers for my birthday and decided to treat myself. It is so cosy and the perfect splash of colour.
Hats: River Island, Accessorize, Topshop and Accessorize
I am lucky enough to own a lot of cute hats and I have been wearing a lot of berets recently as they look pretty darned cute with my short hair. I have had this embellished black beret for years (just look at my little baby face!), the leopard print and the red bow one for a few years and this cute chunky beret was a birthday present from my lovely friend Naomi this year. I think most people suit a beret and there's nothing better for keeping you warm in winter!


The Internet has brought me some wonderful things and friendships are top of that list. I absolutely love owls so this hot water bottle is a fun way to keep cosy (yes I also have owl pyjamas!)


I got this cute cup for my birthday from my friend Becky and I really love it. I can't resist a pun and it is the perfect size for a hot chocolate with some marshmallows!


Cold weather always makes my skin really dry so I have been combating it with this La Roche Posay set and the Elemis Hydra-Boost day cream I got free with a magazine a few months ago. It gives me a really nice glow and my skin is just drinking it up at the moment.
Top: Ellesse via TK Maxx, leggings: Puma
I rejoined the gym recently and have really been enjoying it. Half of the battle is finding a routine that works and I think I have finally managed it.I have been going a couple of times a week before work and despite aching all over, it does start my day off right! You know that clothes are a great motivator for me and this crop top and these Puma tights are a fun addition to my workout wardrobe. I feel so cool in them and that's half the battle, right?!



I have been reaching for multi-purpose products recently and this Dainty Doll cream blusher in Paper Roses is great for whacking on after the gym and works well as a lipstick too. I wish it was still available to buy but I guess I can track it down online somewhere when this one runs out...



I'm usually a shower kind of gal but there's nothing nicer than a hot bath to keep you cosy. I must be the worst blogger ever as this Magic Christmas bubble bar was my first ever Lush purchase! I always love the look of individual products but the store always smells far too overwhelming for me. I had seen this one online and in the window and went in when I had a cold to buy it. It makes the bath a gorgeous orange colour and my skin feels so soft afterwards. Now that I have dipped my toe in, I will definitely be back, I just need to decide what to try next!




 Nars make some pretty lovely make-up and I am a little bit addicted (I may have got Mark to order this set ready for Christmas!) Nars Audacious lipstick in Grace is a gorgeous bright creamy pink with a coral undertone and you only need one swipe for full coverage. Mark balked at the cost of this but the payoff is well worth the price and you can't beat an embossed lipstick for a bit of luxury ;)

What are your winter essentials? Which Lush products would you recommend?
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Cosy winter essentials...

It has been a while since I have shared my winter essentials (over 2 years in fact!) and although I still love cosy tights and comfy pyjamas, I have added a few products that I can't live without to my list. I got this Ren Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial free with an M&S order before Christmas and it is literally saving my skin at the moment. I want to try some more Ren products but not sure where to start, any recommendations? I have raved about the Dr Jart Platinum BB Cream many times before and can't recommend it enough, it's expensive but oh so brilliant!. It's difficult to explain just why I love it so much but it has improved my skin so much! These Burt's Bees Lip Shimmers (FYI I have Rhubarb and Cherry) are my new favourite lip product, they have a lovely wearable tint and taste and smell minty, what more could you ask for? 


I got this lovely Tassimo mug for Christmas from my parents and I couldn't be happier. I have been taking a cup of coffee into work each day and this has replaced my beloved coffee cup which went to the great draining board in the sky (sob) These earmuffs were a recent sale purchase from Accessorize and they couldn't be jazzier- yes they are both furry and bejewelled! ;)


I am a massive fan of scented candles and this RHS Vanilla and Cinnamon candle is the perfect wintry scent, I'm onto my third candle this year! I bought this in Waitrose and I think it may have been a limited edition one for Christmas as it seems to have sold out instore now which is a shame as I absolutely love the smell!


These slippers are probably my favourite thing that I bought this year. They were supposed to be £10 but  I got them for a mere £1.75 (The cashier must have scanned them through wrong!) and they keep my feet so nice and warm. I have been spending most of my evenings curled up on the sofa underneath my new throw (I love you IKEA!) with a big mug of Hotel Chocolat Christmas drinking chocolate (another very lovely Christmas present!) to keep the chill away and although I'm not a fan of the dark evenings, there is something quite lovely about not having to go outside!


What are your winter essentials?
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Black and white and red all over...

Not just the punchline to a bad joke (a newspaper being the answer!) but one of my favourite work outfits to date. Monochrome is a classic combination and paired with red, it always looks quite fun! Since wearing this, I have managed to shrink it somehow in the wash and it is now far too short but by swapping tights for leggings, I can still get away with wearing this into the office. I'm not sure what is happening with my posing here but I do look extraordinarily pleased with myself! I know some people are always a bit dubious about wearing horizontal stripes but I actually think they are quite flattering here, especially with the combination of a cropped cardigan and a slightly A-line skirt... 

Dress: Tesco, cardigan: BHS via Mark's mum, body: Wolford, tights: Tesco, shoes: c/o Matalan, necklace: Dorothy Perkins
I am envious of how lovely and clear my skin looks here! I need to step up my skincare regime again and try and combat the excesses of Christmas- do you lovely beauty bloggers have any recommendations for  something to combat dry, flaking skin? This necklace is 8 (!) years old and is starting to look a little worse for wear, but I can't bring myself to throw it away as it is just perfect for adding a splash of colour to an outfit. I guess I will just have to keep my eyes peeled for a worthy replacement!


This is possibly my favourite bag in the whole world- I love how red and shiny it is and despite being 'well used', it still looks as new as it did on the day I got it (all the way back in 2011!) Despite how small it looks it is surprisingly roomy and I manage to get my purse, keys, phone, diabetes stuff and passport inside it- no mean feat, I think you will agree!

Bag: NW3 by Hobbs

What are your favourite bad jokes?
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