Post Contains Press Sample* - Christmas Gifts Under £25 For The Cat Lover In Your Life **

So, there are less than two weeks to go to the big day - so you have less than two weeks to tick off everybody on your list and to get all of your shopping done. There is always somebody though that you struggle with, so what I tend to do is look at the hobbies and interests, what do they do for fun, and what do they like. Me? well I love cats, so cat based gifts are always appreciated, and if you know a cat lover I've curated a little list of some of the best pressies out there for those cat people in your life, and even better still everything that I've chosen is under £25

1. Cat & Dog Slogan Mugs - £1.99 Each - B&M / 2. Set Of 2 Disney Glasses - £6 - B&M / 3. Metal Flask - Cats - £4 - B&M / 4. Cat Mug & Cosy Socks Set - £14 - Paperchase / 5. Orla Kiely Cat Mug - Pink - 300ml - £10.50 - John Lewis

1. Vintage Floral Cat Doorstep By Riva Home - £14 - NEXT / 2. Set Of 4 Ceramic Cat Coasters By Hannah Turner - £21.99 - Paper Tiger / 3. Pack Of 8 Wooden Cat Magnets - £3 - Paperchase / 4. Mini Cat's Whiskers Planter - £4.50 - Sass & Belle / 5. Cat Doormat - £8.00 - Matalan / 6. Multicolour Magnets Shaped Like Cat Butts - £18.98 - Trouva

Kikkerland Cat Yoga Magnets - £12.50 - Paper Tiger*

I know I'm not alone in this one, but I love useful presents, and something that I can always find a use for is a magnet. We use them on the fridge and on the freezer, and I've even got a magnet board, in my craft room / office, both to cheer the place up a bit and to hold notes, pictures and to do lists. I've some pretty boring ones on there and I've got some super cute ones including these more recent additions from Kikkerland.

I was kindly sent these by a PR company and I have to say I absolutely love them. Back in the day I used to be a bit of a yoga bunny, I went to a class every week, I practised at home, and I think I was pretty decent. Alas my body isn't anywhere near as flexible as it was but at least I my yoga dreams can live on through these Cat Yoga Magnets.

In each pack you get 5 different coloured cats, partaking in 5 different yoga positions. They are made of a solid resin / plastic, and are beautifully detailed with clear faces, facial expressions and paws. 

They aren't the biggest magnets, and the small circular magnet on the back of each cat isn't that big either but it is pretty strong, so they will hold all of you photos and notes securely in place.

I think that these magnets would make a great fun but useful gift for either a yoga fan or a cat lover. Kikkerland products are available from a wider variety of retailers but these particular magnets retail at £12.50 from Paper Tiger.

1. Mog The Forgetful Cat Plush Soft Tea - £12.99 - John Lewis / 2. Wild & Woofy Mug & Pet Bowl Set - £18 - John Lewis / 3. White Cat String LED Lights - £4.99 - New Look / 4. Cardboard Whack-A-Mouse For Cats - £5 - Home Essentials / Simply Be / 5. Kids Kitten Unicorn Donut Money Box - £5 - Matalan

1. Cream Coffee Cuddles & Cats Socks - £2.49 - New Look / 2. Cotton Cat Short Sleeve Pyjama Set - £15 - Marks & Spencer / 3. Brakeburn Cats Classic Scarf - £19 - NEXT / 4. White Cat And Dog Christmas Tote Bag - £4 - George At Asda / 5. Pretty Animalz Cat Sheet Mask - £4 ASOS / 6. Tangle Teezer X Skinny Dip Compact Styler Detangling Brush - Relaxed Cat - £14 - NEXT / ASOS

Woof And Whiskers Collection Cat Shopper - £3 - B&M

Now look carefully at some of the gifts that I've shared and you'll notice that there are quite a few from B&M. B&M is probably one of my favourite shops at the moment, they literally sell everything, and they have a really good range of Christmas gifts, including a whole range of Woof And Whiskers pet themed pressies ranging from mugs to cushions, to tote bags.

I'd been on the look out for a foldable shopping bag, that I could stick in my handbag and this one was only £3.  It looks just like a purse with a 100% polyurethane, leather feeling grey cat design outer, but undo the zip, and fold it out and you have a fabulous pink and white stripe 100% polyester shopping bag. Foldable bags can often be pretty small but this one isn't a bad size, and it despite feeling fairly lightweight, it seems pretty strong.

Again it's something that is super useful, only this time at a really affordable price. I think that this bag would make a great stocking filler, or little pressie, and at just £3 you definitely wouldn't feel guilty for buying one for yourself as well.

If you know somebody that's crazy about cats I hope that you've seen something here that they might like x Don't forget of course that there are also a lot of both national and local animal charities out there that are desperately seeking help at this time of year, so don't forget to check them out for gift ideas and of course to make a donation x Have you seen any good cat gift ideas out there this year? Let me know in the comments x

*Press Sample

** This Post Contains Added Non Affiliate, And Automatic Affiliate Links

AD - Last Minutes Christmas Gift Ideas From Old English Co.*

In case you haven't already guessed, life this year has been a bit yacky for me, lots of things have gone wrong in my personal life and as a result my blog hasn't received the love and attention that it's deserved. It's frustrating enough when you can't post about things you've bought yourself but believe me it's even worse when you feel as though you've let a brand or a company down, because you've had to put their posts on the back burner, so as this year comes to a close I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the PR's. brands and companies that I've dealt with over the last 12 months, for their support, understanding and patience. Life gets in the way though, and sometimes as hard as it can be to admit, other things really are more important.

It's funny how things turn out, and although this post is up way, way later than what I originally intended, it fits in perfectly with some of the last minute Christmas gift ideas posts that I'm going to be sharing with you this week.

Around the time that my mum was taken into hospital I was given the opportunity to chose some products from an online retailer Old English Co. I am as bad as any other blogger when it comes to shopping from multi national companies, but I do try to shop locally when I can, and I love the whole idea of supporting smaller British based companies in what is currently a difficult retail climate.

Originally founded in London, and now based in Stamford, Old English Co, are a stationery and giftware brand, producing beautiful and individual hand lettered and designed products. With their simple yet stylish lettering designs at it's heart, the company sells a wide variety of items that are perfect to treat yourself, or for gifts.

You can find everything on their site from greetings cards, to prints, to mugs, enamel pins, stationery, aprons and much, much more. With such a wide variety of unusual products, you should be able to find a gift for even the most difficult to buy person on your list. Whatever the person, whatever the occasion from new babies, to housewarming gifts, and of course Christmas presents you are bound to find something that both you, and they will love.

I honestly had such a hard time picking out some items to try, I pretty much wanted everything in their inventory, but in the end I tried to choose items that not only I loved but items that I felt showcased both exactly what Old English Co are all about, and to show off the wide variety of the products that they sell.

Do an online search or have a look on Instagram for Old English Co. and I guarantee that one of the first things that you'll see will be one of their prints. This is really what they are famous for, so it made sense to see for myself, just exactly why they are are so popular on social media.

The choice is huge and every changing, and every print that they sell is both designed and printed in house, so you won't find these particular prints anywhere else. They sell everything from initials, and fun sayings, to maps, and inspirational quotes. There is something for everyone from an initial print for a new baby's nursery, to a map of London, for someone moving to a new home or a new city. There are several different sizes to choose from in each print ranging from 5 x 7 to A3 so you can tailor your print not only to it's new owner but also to it's new surroundings. All of their prints are printed here in the UK using high quality inks on 230gsm archival matte paper for a crisp, long lasting print.

As I say the range is constantly changing and the Coco Chanel quote that I chose now seems to have been discontinued but there are plenty other quotes available for the beauty or fashion lover in your life or even someone who needs that reminder every day of how special they are. I went for the A4 size and I was really impressed with both the quality and the thickness of the print, this wasn't a flimsy piece of paper it was almost like thin card. I've seen a lot of different ways of displaying prints like this including sticking them up as they are, or using printed washi tape but I'm a bit of a traditionalist so I love a frame so I've just put mine in a plain, cheap, silver tone frame from Amazon. The A4 size is perfect for standing on a table or a desk, but I've ended up hanging mine on my bedroom wall x These prints are a great and affordable way of brightening up any space from a bedroom, to an office or even in the kitchen. Depending on the print and size prices range from around £7.

Now who doesn't need a mug, well probably me I do have a bit of a thing for mugs, like I have a thing for pretty much everything else, but I do love a nice mug, and a really enjoy a cuppa when I'm setting at my desk working, or even a cup of coffee, when the words aren't coming. Mugs are an easy gift to give, and Old English Co have lots of different ones to choose from including ones specifically for Mum and Dad, and some with quotes, and funny but not crude sayings on them. Made from high quality ceramic, they are all designed and printed in the UK, and they are both microwave and dishwasher safe. 

I nearly went for this design in a print, but I thought it would be better in a mug, self belief is something that I lack, so with every sip I'm reminded that I can do it and to keep at it. Mugs like this one from Old English Co. have a recommended retail price of around £9.95.

Now I may have mentioned it once or twice before but I'm a bit obsessed with stationery, I love it and I can never resist a new notebook, and thankfully as a blogger I do use them quite a lot for notes and planning so I can usually justify buying them, well some of the time anyway.

There and notebooks though and there are notebooks, and this one is excellent on all fronts. In the useful and substantial A5 size, it's spiral bound and features a hard back and front, with the words "There Is Beauty In Simplicity" in Old English Co's distinctive script on the front. It contains a 140 lined, 100gsm white pages, with perforations in the margin, and it also features an elastic strap.

I've bought cheaper notebooks but very rarely have they been of this quality, it feels nice and sturdy, and I've used the pages with roller ball pens with no transfer, or smudging. I also love the perforations in the margin which makes it easier to neatly tear out the pages for lists, notes, or even letters. The elastic strap is also an excellent addition that you just don't see on lower quality items, you can either use it to keep your place or to hold extra piece of paper or notes safely inside your note book. Throw in the lovely pattern detail on the inside covers, and you can really tell that Old English Co. have thought about every detail and really have gone the extra mile in every item that they produce. Again notebooks make excellent gifts, and they're a gift that will always get used by someone. Old English Co. have a huge variety of notebooks, notepads, and planners for sale, and notebooks like this one have a retail price of around £9.95.

Since I predominantly blog about beauty most posts have a beauty twist and the final item carries on that trend, it's a make up bag. I have so many make up bags, I've bought them, received them from brands and press events and I've been gifted them, but like notebooks I still keep buying them, I love changing them around, and switching things up and like all of Old English Co's other designs I love the simplicity of this one.

In 100% white cotton, the hand lettered and designed print is in a deep charcoal grey and is printed on both sides of the bag. It is lined in a contrasting charcoal grey water repellent lining, and it has a zip fastening. This make up pouch is machine washable and you can iron it on the reverse side of the print.

The quality of this pouch is excellent from the fabric to the zip, it has a lovely nice canvas feel, I love the fact that's it's washable, essential when you are as messy as me, and I also love the charcoal lining that tones in perfectly with the lettering. The size is quite deceptive, so you can get a lot of make up in it, if you aren't as into make up as I am though, then this would also make a perfect edition to your handbag, to keep your headphones, cables and chargers safe. Old English Co. currently have 5 make up pouches in their inventory including this one and they have a recommended retail price of £12.95, a great gift for either a make up lover or someone who just needs to organise their handbag!

I was so so impressed with the quality of everything that I received, from the products themselves, to the box and how my parcel was packaged, it was blatantly obvious just how much thought has gone into both the brand itself and their range of products. The fact that everything is printed and designed right here in the UK is also a huge plus point. If you or someone you know are into quotes and lettering, and individual and unique products that you won't see everywhere on the high street then Old English offer something just that little bit different when you're buying either treats for yourself or gifts for family and friends. Better still order before the 20th December and you'll still get your items delivered to you in the UK before Christmas, and even better, better still, a few of the item that I've mentioned are actually on sale at the moment so you've got no excuse not to treat yourself or someone you love this Christmas. To browse their full range of products and to grab your goodies in time for Santa x you can check out the Old English Co. website here x

*Press Samples / AD

Personalised Gifts For All Occasions From Personally Presented*

I don't know about you but I love buying presents, in fact I probably enjoy buying things for other people just as much as I enjoy buying things for myself. I think I'm one of those people that just likes making other people happy. There really is nothing better in life than seeing someones face light up when you give them something that they really love. 

I've been told on numerous occasions that I'm a good present buyer but lets face it, buying things for other people isn't always that easy. What are their interests? Will it fit? Will they like it? There are so many things to consider when you're buying someone a gift, that it's not really surprising that some of us end up saving ourselves from a mountain of stress, and going down the money or gift card route. 

I doubt any of us would turn down a gift voucher or some cash, but there is something just a little bit impersonal about it, and whether it's true or not, it sometimes makes you wonder just how much thought they've actually put into you or into your gift. Like all of us I'm often guilty of taking the easy way out especially with people that I don't see that often or know that well, but most of the time I try to really think about what I'm buying, and what my recipient likes and dislikes. It's hard but for special occasions and for those special people in your life it really is worth it when you see their faces and the joy that you've created.

For special people and special occasions I like buying present that people will treasure, and things that they can look at and say "Louise bought me that" I think that's one of the reason why I love personalised presents so much. If you buy somebody a gift with their name on, or their initials, or an important date, not only will they know how much thought that you've put into the gift, but they're also more likely to keep it and cherish it.

Thanks to the internet it's now easier then ever to get your hands on beautiful, fun and unique personalised gifts, thanks to a UK based, family run company, Personally Presented. With over 1000 different gift ideas to choose from on their well designed and easy to navigate website, you're pretty much guaranteed to find the perfect, special present for anybody in your life from your best friend, to your dad, your gran, your brother or even your new baby niece.

With items ranging from mugs, prints, teddy bears, and personalised bottles of champagne, to personalised Beatrix Potter items and books, cuff links and greetings cards, they have something for every occasion including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, christenings, and even graduation gifts.

As you may know this year I celebrated a big birthday, and I was lucky enough to receive quite a few pieces of jewellery. Jewellery makes a fabulous gift for any occasion, be it a special birthday, as a bridesmaid gift or even as a graduation gift, or as a congratulations on passing your exams gift. Jewellery is always special but even more so when it's personalised, and Personally Presented have a large range of pieces including watches, necklaces and bracelets, to help you mark that special occasion.

The team at Personally Presented recently sent me one of their jewellery pieces to review and I have to say I am so, so happy with the piece that they sent me, the Personalised Heart Friendship Bracelet which retails at £20.49. 

It comes in a plain, brown craft style box, but you can pay an extra £3.99 to have your item gift wrapped. There are 4 colours to chose from a light almost turquoise blue, pink, grey, and the navy blue that I received. 

The bracelet comprises of a coloured suede / leather cord, with a curved, puffed silver plated heart in the centre, that can be personalised with up to 3 initials, I just went for one, the letter L for Louise! Alongside the heart there are several movable silver plated beads, and an adjustable love knot style fastening tipped again with silver plated beads, which means that this bracelet can fit just about any wrist size.

This is a really nice quality piece, the embossing / etching is nice and neatly done, and this bracelet has a nice weight to it which I wasn't really expecting. It looks fab on it's own but you could also wear it layered up with over friendship style bracelets or even beaded or silver bracelets. The adjust ability means that this bracelet would make a perfect pressie for a young teen with a thin wrist right the way up to someone my age and older with a chunkier wrist. This would be a perfect well done on passing your exams gift, or a great birthday pressie, or even a slightly funkier bridesmaid gift.

Personally Presented really do have a special gift for every occasion, and with a tag line of "Gifts Worth Giving" you're guarantee to find a present that your recipient will cherish, and with free UK postage, an excellent returns police and a personalised customer service experience, with Personally Presented, finding that special present for that special someone couldn't be easier x 

*Sample

What I Got For Christmas 2016 - You Tube

I know what you're all thinking, I say that I'm going to get my blog on and then what do I do? I disappear. I know that I haven't managed to get a post up this week but I can promise you that I've been working on a lot of posts and I've been a busy bee on You Tube.

This week has definitely been a You Tube week, and in the last 7 days I've uploaded five videos  to my channel for your delectation and delight, including a couple of unboxings and 3 What I Got For Christmas videos x

As much as I would love you all to subscribe to my You Tube channel and watch every single one of my videos from start to finish, I know that videos aren't everyone's cup of tea (and maybe my rambling isn't either!) but I know a lot of people are nosey like me so I thought I'd share my What I Got For Christmas videos with you on the blog x

Like everyone who posts videos, and Christmas present posts I'm not bragging, we post them because people normally request them, and in my case especially I do it to show my gratitude towards, and my love for my family and friends. I'm very, very lucky and believe me I do know that and appreciate it x 

If there is anything in any of these videos, that you would like to see more of, or in the case of the beauty products that you would like to see reviewed then please leave me a comment below, and if you really want to make my day then please subscribe to my You Tube channel via this link  for more exclusive content x 

Birthday Pressie Haul - You Tube Video

Hi Guys x I hope you've all had a nice weekend, my week was pretty lousy but thankfully I had quite a productive weekend, and I managed to take lots of photographs, do a bit of product research and I also managed to film a couple of videos, including the reasons why I'm saying goodbye to Birchbox, and a little or should I say long! birthday pressie haul x

I admit it, it's a long one, but I received some lovely things this year that I really wanted to show you, I know I'm very lucky and truly blessed to have such an amazing family, and such loyal and thoughtful friends.

If you can't bare to listen to me rambling on for 25 minutes, I'll give you a few hints - The video contains a bit of everything, including a few clothing pieces from George, Bob Mackie, and Primark, some beautiful jewellery pieces from Lola Rose, some accessories from various places including Asda, and Accessorize, and some beauty bits from Benefit, Laura Geller and Tarte.

Again this isn't a to brag, it's just to show how grateful I am and to show you some of things that might pop up on my blog and my You Tube channel in the weeks and months to come x I'll only probably be reviewing the Benefit product ;) but I'm sure you'll see some of the clothing and jewellery pieces if you keep your eyes peeled x

Thanks for reading, and hopefully watching, and thank you again for the birthday wishes x 

A Belated Birthday Haul And Some Mini Book Reviews - Sali Hughes And Fleur De Force

I'm almost embarrassed to post this but I did promise that I'd show you some of the things that I got for my birthday. Life got in the way unfortunately but way back in May I celebrated my birthday x As per usual I was very, very spoiled by my amazing friends and family and I'm eternally grateful to have them. Since so much time has passed though  instead of doing a proper post I thought I'd do a couple of videos to show you my pressies x

I'm going to be doing a full review of the Benefit Do The Hoola kit in the next few weeks, and I'm going to be doing a video review of the Laura Geller Life In Rose kit, so make sure following both my blog and my You Tube channel x

As well as the things that you can see in the videos I also got a few other bits and pieces, including some Lush items, some money, some jewellery, lots of sweeties and some beauty books - Sali Hughes - Pretty Honest, and The Glam Guide by Fleur De Force. 

I would thoroughly recommend the Sali Hughes book to anyone who has any interest in beauty, whilst I don't agree with everything in it, I love her no nonsense attitude and after reading it I really felt as though I'd learnt something. It covers everything from skin care, to make up, to salon etiquette and beauty and illness.

Fleur's book on the other hand is everything that I thought it would be. I've watched and enjoyed Fleur's videos for a long time, and this is an  easy to read book, that seems to embody Fleur and the variety of her videos. The Glam Guide  covers everything from beauty, and fashion to lifestyle content including food, relationships, self confidence, and blogging and You Tube advice. Unlike some of the other You Tuber books I think that Fleur's book is pitched perfectly for readers of all ages, I'm in my 30's and I enjoyed reading it x I loved the illustrations and I'm definitely going to be giving some of her recipes a try x 

Apologies again that this post has taken so long but if you have any questions on any of the goodies that I received please leave me a comment xx

My Christmas Day - Outfit, Nails Of The Day And Some Of The Things I Got For Christmas

For my last post of 2014 I thought I'd reflect, not on the year gone by but on the magical day that seems to flash by in the blink of an eye - I'm talking of course about Christmas Day!.

I don't know about you but Christmas for me really starts on Christmas Eve. Muppets Christmas Carol, mince pie making, mulled wine and new PJ's really get me in the mood for the day to come. This years festive pj's from Mummy Lou weren't that festive but they were something that I'd been after a long while.

Minions of course, I think I've gone Despicable Me daft this year, it just makes me smile no matter what, it's just so silly. As much as I would have loved to lounge around in my PJ's all day Christmas Day, we have a sort of dressing for dinner thing going on in my family so I got my legs out and donned a frock.

What I Wore

Burgundy / Wine Tunic Dress With Puffed Sleeves - Primark

Gold Tone Chunky Crystal Necklace  - Next 

Gold Tone Chunky Crystal Stud Earrings  - H&M

Black 100 Denier Tights - George At Asda

I'm sorry for the in the mirror selfies but Mummy Lou had more important things to attend to like the stuffing and the gravy. Since I was making lunch with her I had to be super quick getting ready so no pics I'm afraid but I used a bit of tinted moisturiser, and bit of blush, mascara, and a tiny touch of Beauty Marked and Cranberry eyeshadows by MAC which toned in with my dress. Thankfully I'd done my nails the night before so I wasn't in too much of a rush. I went for an oldie but a goodie, and again something that toned in with my dress.

From around 2003, OPI - Fee Fi Fo Plum, is still in perfect condition. It's a gorgeous slightly shimmery and metallic, wine / plum shade. This is two coats but you could even go to 3 to get a much deeper, richer finish.

Wear time wasn't amazing but that was more down to my lack of top coat and battling with sellotape rather than the age or the quality of the polish. 

I have to say I did spend a lot of time ripping off sellotape on Christmas Day x I was a very, very lucky girl. I know I complain a lot about my life and my illness, but I do have an amazing family, and a small but precious group of friends and for that I am eternally grateful. They are there for me even on my darkest days and they make me who I am, my happiness is their happiness and as a result I was well and truly spoilt on Christmas Day. I know some of you aren't fans of gift hauls and view them in a negative, show off way so if that's how you feel please take your negativity elsewhere, don't read and don't comment, 

Quite a few friends, and some family read my blog now and this is my way of expressing my gratitude. I'm not going to go into much detail the pictures should speak for themselves xx 

As well as the presents from my friends and family I also got a little present from The Body Shop in my goodie bag from the recent bloggers event. I was a good girl and saved mine for the big day. Inside my pressie I was lucky enough to get a 50ml Strawberry Body Butter, a bright green bath lily, and a Glazed Apple 60ml Shower Gel

There are a few bits here including some permanent Make Up Revolution items, some New CID items and a Bare Minerals palette that I will review for you, and of course I will also be reviewing my Mad Millie Cheese Making Kit which I can't wait to try x I received so many lovely things and I'm fully aware of how grateful I am so I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all of my friends and family x 

I also received two other very special, large presents from my amazing mummy which you may have already seen on my instagram, both of these things are related to tomorrows post, I'll show you them tomorrow x Till then thanks for reading and I hope that you all have an enjoyable and safe New Years Eve x 

Birthday Haul :)

Hey Everyone - This post is a little later than I intended but it's all about what I got for my birthday x I debated whether to do it as a normal post but instead I've decided to split it into a few videos instead -  that way if your interested you can watch them and if you not, or you see these types of posts as bragging, then you can click the X and move on xx You can also find the videos here and here.





You'll probably end up seeing all of the nail polishes and nail treatments reviewed at some time on the blog anyways, and I'm also going to try and review all the Make Up Revolution products that I received too, ahead of their eventual launch into Superdrug, so even if you don't watch it you won't miss out x

I'm also going to try and be brave and I'm going to try and do a few outfit of the days with some of the clothing, shoes and accessories that I received - I got lots of summery things that I'm hopefully going to get some wear out of over the next few months.

Thanks for reading, and hopefully for watching and don't forget to subscribe to my You Tube channel too xx

Lots of Goods and A Couple of Tiny Bads

Hey my loves welcome to this weeks goods and bad posts which for once is predominantly positive :)

Goods

• Yesterday in case you didn't  know was my birthday - my celebrations started on Friday when I went for a gorgeous meal with one of my best friends - I know she reads my blog so Hi Dawn :) It was really nice to spend some time together and catch up - sometimes life just gets in and we don't see as much of our friends as we should x Saturday was pretty quiet apart from a visit from some relatives and then of course there was the big day itself. Unusually for my birthday it was quite a quiet one the relatives I usually spend time with were on holiday so it was just me and Mummy Lou so what did we do? we had a great but quiet day, chatting and eating yummy food to almost bursting point :)Check out my gluten free birthday carrot cake above ;) I was so spoilt by all my friends and family it was untrue - a few of you have requested a pressie post so I'll try and get that up today or tomorrow :) I did get a little bit of spends but that has already gone whoops, thanks to ASOS, Dorothy Perkins, Nails Inc, and believe it or not H&M - yes I know I ranted about their service but £2.99 for a dress is just to good to turn down!
• As well as my immediate friends and family I was also overwhelmed by the lovely birthday wishes from you guys on both here and on twitter, and by all my facebook friends everyone was so kind yesterday and I really appreciate it x

Bads

• I suppose with every good there has to be a bad and unfortunately I broke one of the little lugs on the battery compartment of my camera which means the battery compartment won't shut properly and the camera keeps turning itself off - I am managing at the moment by taping it up but I really need a better solution or a new camera grr
• and of course it wouldn't be a good and bads post without a bit on my ankle - well it started to hurt on Saturday morning and I had to wear my splint all weekend to walk without pain grr thankfully it seems to be ok this morning but I guess it's just one of the things I'm going to have to get used to
• Well that was rather positive on the whole wasn't it  :) I have a few planned posts for this week mainly ones that I never got round to from last week hmm. First up there will be my birthday pressie haul, then maybe a product rave and then a product review and drumroll... a giveaway. I will also be posting an updated blog sale page on Wednesday after blogger kindly lost half of my items hmm. Thanks as per usual for sticking around and thanks for being lovely xx

Christmas Pressie Haul

If you would like to see anything else in more detail, or any reviews or swatches please let me know  xx

Goods and Bads

I'm a bit late again this week I'm so sorry I am finding it hard to get motivated as the moment so apologies it's so negative again x

Goods

* Less than 2 weeks to my holiday :)
* My nails are growing :)
* Got my birthday present from one of my besties yesterday - she doesn't live near me anymore and her parents saw her for the first time since March at the weekend. It was a mixture of lovely thoughtful gifts for an ill person like me - a slanket, some fluffy socks and some slippers, some candles and a Gluten Free cookery book - so sweet of her - thank you Helen x

Bads

* Gained a pound this week :(
* Feel like death - so much pain, my joints feel like a mixture of jelly and lead and all I want to do is sleep :(

I promise I'll try and write something more cheerful tomorrow xx

Leighton Denny Crystal Nail Files - A Review

Here's another one of those posts I've been promising you for ages - Sorry :) For Christmas my mum bought me a set of two crystal nail files by top,celebrity nail technician Leighton Denny. For those of you how don't know who he is erm why not? Probably one of the best known and highly respected manicurists in the UK Leighton Denny works on celebrities such as Pasty Kensit, Dita Von Teese and the Spice Girls. A few years back he set up his own nail care and polish range selling mainly via his own salons and concessions, and via QVC in the UK and Germany. I'd seen these files a few times before I got them but to be honest Id always been a little sceptical - I'd used a few cheaper glass files in the past and I have to say I'd always found them too rough and I'd never been that impressed. The Leighton Denny files though aren't glass they are 100% lead crystal making them stronger and more resilient. The files surface is surprisingly fine compared to some of the glass ones I've tried in the past.

The thing I love about this file is that you can saw with it and go in multiple directions. This is a big no, no with lots of others nail files, and emery boards as it can cause splitting but not with these files they can be used in any direction, on any nails and all you will ever get will be a smooth edge without damaging your nails. I have to say that I definitely get less splitting on my nail tips since I started filing with these.

Because they turn you nails to dust understandably they can get a bit clogged and dusty but I just wash them carefully in warm water and leave them to dry naturally - then they are as good as new. They are so confident that this file will last Leighton Denny even give you a lifetime guarantee against wear to the surface of the file!!

The set I got came gift boxed and in a white leatherette pouch with the Leighton Denny logo on the front in silver

The set contained the medium crystal file which is ideal for (carefully) carrying around with you and the large file which is ideal for home manicures

I must say I love these files they will hopefully be a one off purchase (or gift in my case) - they are a bit of an investment but they really do make a difference to your nails.
You can buy the set I got from QVC and Leighton Denny for around £27.50. On the Leighton Denny site you can also buy the files individually at £15 for the large and around £12 for the medium. Any questions please let me know x