Collaborative / Partnered Post - 4 Trendy Gift Ideas for the Fashion Lover

My name is Louise and I have a confession to make - We're only 3 days into September, and today I bought my first Christmas present. It's never too early to get organised, and to start thinking about presents, be that for Christmas, or for any birthday or for any other occasion.

Getting a gift for your loved one can be challenging if you don’t plan ahead or know what they like; It's all too easy to just go down the generic toiletry set or gift card, instead of getting them something they would really appreciate. Thankfully, if your friend or loved one is a fashion lover, it can make things a little bit easier, and there are lots of things at all price points that you can buy to add a little of interest to their existing wardrobe, whilst at the same time showing them much you care about them.

Whilst it's scarily true that around one-third of women would rather buy something new once they've worn it once or twice, if you gift a friend or a family member a piece of jewellery, an accessory or an item of clothing no matter what the price point, then they'll more than likely hang on to it, because it came from you and it will remind them of your relationship, and the good times that you've shared.
So if you’re thinking already thinking about gifts from Christmas, birthday's or any other occasion, then here are a few classic, and on trend suggestions to fit all budgets, and most relationships.

1. A Personalised Necklace

When it comes to buying a gift for someone who loves fashion, then a necklace is usually a pretty good choice. You don't need a size, just a vague idea of what type of jewellery your recipient likes. Whilst they go in and out of fashion, one great way to show the fashion enthusiast in your life that you’re thinking about them is by gifting them a personalised necklace.When it comes to fashion There is nobody more stylish than the character of Carrie from Sex In The City, and something she was famous for was her name necklace. You can get name necklaces in all sorts of materials from precious metals, to wood and acrylic at prices to suit all budgets and if you're lucky enough to have a common name, you can sometimes buy them straight off the peg. A classic buy something you can wear all of the time, and people will never have an excuse for not remembering your name!

If you're buying a present for a child, or if you don't like the idea of sharing your name with everyone that you meet, then you could go for an initial pendant. I obsessed with anything with my initial on and I have it on everything from cushions to lightening, wall art and coasters, as well as numerous initial jewellery pieces including earrings and necklaces. Again they come at all different price points, it super easy to buy cheaper pieces, and again you can get initial pendants in all different types of material and styles.

Pick something in a style that they like and it could be something that could literally wear every day, not matter what the occasion, and it’ll also remind them that they’re extra special, and who doesn't want to think that x

2. Fashion Rings

Now this one requires just a little bit more thought, as for the majority of rings you do need to have an idea of a size, but if you know that, and again roughly what your recipient likes, the world is your oyster. From dainty fashion rings, to statement cocktail rings, precious metal, and gemstones, there are rings to suit all tastes, this versatile gift comes in so many different colours and styles, hopefully making it easy for you to choose one that reflects your loved one’s personality. If you want to go beyond fashion rings, and you want a more investment type piece for that special person in your life then you can try a gold Irish Claddagh ring. These traditional rings are a great way to symbolise the friendship, love, or bond you share, with their signature heart surrounded by two hearts, and they can aren't just for women either. They’re also ideal for special occasions or to just express how you feel about your loved one x

3. Slouchy Beanies

Looking out of the window at dull and grey skies today, it hard to believe that we're supposedly going to be having a heatwave next week. Whether we like it or not though autumn is on its way, and whilst I love summer and warmth, there is something about autumn that I love, I love the freshness of the air, and I love digging out my cosy jumpers, scarves, and hats.

I really wish I looked better in hats but I'm just not one of those effortlessly cool people that can wear anything on their heads and still look amazing. As much as I've persevered with berets and the likes, I'm probably a beanie girl. Beanies are a great gift for fashion enthusiasts because they serve several purposes. Aside from adding a casual touch to your overall look, beanies also help keep you warm during the cold weather and are also great for protecting or covering your hair if you’re not having the best hair day.
Like most of the items on the list beanies come at loads of different price points, and you can get them in a huge variety of colours, knits and style, ranging from super soft cashmere, to man made fibres, and do you know what's good about that, You can build your own little collection of multi coloured hats, and beanies, so that you can coordinate them with loads of different outfits.

Admittedly a beanie the most exciting of gift but it's useful and get the style and colour right, and your friend or relative, could be wearing it every day for the next few months, which is a super nice feeling for any present giver.

4. Jeans

Now the last thing on this little list is another one where your going to need to know your recipient pretty well but get this gift right and they'll love you forever!

Aside from joggers and leggings, jeans are a great must-have for any wardrobe. They've gone in and out of style but in the end the classics will always win out. I don't need to tell you how to style a pair of jeans but they are the perfect partner for so many different fashion pieces, including jackets, crop tops, and like what I'm wearing in the picture, a plain t-shirt, or even with what I'm wearing today - a lightweight jumper. Jeans come in various colours and styles, whether baggy, skinny, mom, straight legged, or boot flare, so you can choose the perfect pair depending on your fashion lover’s preferences. It’s best to be sure of their size beforehand, and if in doubt ask them, it's so hard to find the perfect pair of jeans, and if they've already found them, then you know what to do, buy them a pair that you know they love, in the right size, and you know that they'll wear them forever and a day, and if you want to be really generous you could also team them up with a nice belt.

I know a couple of these items are only for people who you know very well, but there are so many different fashion and accessory pieces out there that make fabulous gifts for the fashion lover in your life, my own personal favourites are jewellery of any type, both light and heavyweight scarves, cute socks, gloves, and hair accessories. Whatever you choose - think about what your buying and the person you're buying it for, don't buy for buying sake. try and buy them something you know they'll love, not everything has to be expensive to be cherished, and if in doubt ask them! Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

Collaborative / Partnered Post - My Jewellery Obsession And 4 Things That You Need To Know Before Selling Your Gold Jewellery*

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved jewellery, one of my most treasured memories of my grandma, is emptying out her jewellery drawers and playing jewellery shops with all of her necklaces, bracelets and brooches. I remember being bought the odd thing as a child, but as soon I was old enough, I couldn't get enough of the stuff, and I asked for it as presents, and when I could I bought my own - I don't care whether it's new or vintage, costume jewellery or the real thing, I am a real jewellery obsessive, as you can probably tell from these pictures of just some of my collection.

I am always loathed to get rid of things, but tastes change (clown necklaces anyone?), things get broken, and every now and then sense kicks in and I try and make my collection a little bit more manageable. I'm not one for throwing things away so I usually pass my unwanted pieces on to friends or family, or I take them to the charity shop. You can't give away everything though, so what do you do with those more special but still unwanted pieces, or even necklaces that are tangled or earrings that are broken, well if they're made of gold or any other precious metal, then you can of course sell them.

Selling gold jewellery for cash is still something that's extremely popular with a lot of individuals, especially during the tough economic climate in the UK. This is because gold is still something which is both sort after and valuable, and even though the prices have gone down a bit lately, there is still good money to be made selling your unwanted gold jewellery. I must admit I've actually sold quite a few pieces in the past, as I say tastes change, things break, and sometimes it's better to have the money in your hand rather than sitting unloved in drawer somewhere.

Anything involving money can be a bit of a minefield though, it's better to be safe then sorry, and it's important to think about it long and hard before you make any decisions, so if this is something that you're considering, then there are four important things to consider before you hand over your unwanted gold jewellery for cash.

Selling your gold online can be more profitable...

There are lots of different places whereby you can sell your gold jewellery, such as jewellers, cash for gold stores, kiosks in shopping centres, pawnbrokers and of course via online companies. Although it might seem like the most scary and complicated one, the last option may be the best one because internet stores tend to give you a higher valuation for your gold. The reason for this is because the online world is more competitive. You can easily compare quotes via the internet so companies need to stand out and give you the best price out there.

You can sell gold which is broken or tangled...

A lot of people deter from trying to sell their gold for cash because it is broken or their jewellery is all tangled. People think that this means the company in question will not accept their gold and thus it is worth nothing or very little. However, this could not be further from the truth. The worth of your gold is calculated based on the weight of it and how many carats it is. So, if you have got an old tangled gold necklace and it is broken, you can trade this in so you can buy new jewellery, whether you’ve been brave and recently got a nipple piercing, or a helix piercing or you simply want to add to a new and more on trend piece to your collection.

You should never have to pay for a valuation of your gold...

A lot of people, including some people that I know have unfortunately ended being up tricked by companies who charge them to see how much their gold in worth, either that or they take a valuation fee off the final offer. You shouldn't have to pay money in order to learn how much you can sell your gold for. After all, this defeats the object of selling your pieces in the first place, okay you want to get rid of something but at the same time you also want to make a bit of extra cash. You need to ask for a free quotation; moreover you need to ensure that there are no obligations involved. Make sure that you don't have to go ahead with the transaction just because a company gives you an estimate.

You can receive your cash quickly...

More and more people are turning to selling their gold for cash because of its quick payment solution. This is a much more attractive option in comparison to payday loans and credit card spending. Nevertheless, some people do not realise just how quickly you can receive cash for your gold. It is not a drawn out process like auction websites and alike. Instead you get an instant valuation and once the gold is received , from most buyers you will get your money within 24 hours. This is great because it means that cash for gold can solve problems such as unexpected costs and expensive bills. Just make sure that this is the case and you're dealing with a reputable company who won't leave you hanging and waiting for your money.

As I say even though the price of gold has fallen compared to say a few years ago, it's still something worth considering if you have some unwanted or broken pieces just lying in the drawer and you could do with some extra cash for some home improvements, a holiday or even just to buy some new pieces of jewellery. The key thing is to be careful, make sure you know what you have, and shop around, in my experience the valuations varied dramatically, so get a few different quotes, it might take a bit of time but it will be worth it in the long run. Hopefully this post has given you something to think about, just consider some of the things that I've mentioned, do your research and pick a reputable company and you should be quids in, and you could be ready to add some new pieces to your jewellery collection - I can honestly say that I probably don't need any more jewellery but I don't think that's going to stop me buying more x Are you a jewellery obsessive like me? Let me know in the comments x

*Collaborative / Partnered Post

A Small Primark Haul - June 2016 Edition - Clothes, Shoes And Jewellery

Sometimes I really think I should start taking my own advice. It seems as though I'm very good at telling other people what to do, but then I go out and do completely the opposite. Case in point - I'm always telling my Godparents not to go shopping and not to go into Primark when the kids are off school, so what did I do a fortnight ago? I went to Primark of course! The trip was a disaster, it was hot, stupidly busy, and the renovations in the Intu Metrocentre branch meant that there was only one  set of tills open. Needless to say I took one look, dumped my basket and walked straight back out of the door!

It was a total nightmare but I still wanted to have a look round Primark, so on Wednesday I headed back in Intu Metrocentre to get my Primark fix. The store is still a nightmare due to the expansion, and if anything it was actually hotter this time round but thankfully it was a lot quieter, and I was able to have a proper look around.

Unfortunately clothing wise it was another one of those disheartening Primark trips, I had no real reason to buy anything overtly summery and most of the things that I did like just didn't look right or they just didn't seem to be available in any of the larger sizes :( I did pick up a pair of my favourite indigo jeggings which were still on special at just £6 - I virtually live in these things and they are just so comfy but they have the look and the feel of a skinny jean. I thought clothing wise that, that would be that but then I saw this stripey top.

I know fashion experts always say that horizontal stripes can make you look bigger, but I love the look and so what if I look a bit curvier. I love a Breton style stripe, and the thin very dark, navy blue stripe, gives this top a real nautical look.

This over sized t-shirt is made of a slightly textures slubby style fabric, and it would be lovely and super wearable on it own, but what attracted me to this one is the crochet detail on the cuffs and on the front hem. The slubby fabric is overlaid with a white crocheted diamond pattern which I think adds a bit of extra interest. This top also came in a variety of plain colours and it was only £4, personally though I love the stripes, and this top will be fab with my indigo jeggings and either my navy or my white Converse.

Next up shoes, and boy do Primark have some nice ones in at the moment - from knee high gladiators, to strappy sandals, trainer styles, canvas pumps, and flip flops, I really do think that have something for everyone. The first thing that I looked at was the flip flops - by rights I probably should have walked away and looked at something else, I probably have more pairs of flip flops than the average shoe shop, and since I'm not going abroad this year the opportunities to wear them will be limited, but I didn't and I added this pretty pair to my basket.

You know me I love a bow, and this super cute pair, of blush, nude toe thongs have the cutest little filigree, gold tone bow on the strap. They were only £3 and they come in loads of other different colours and patterns.

Although this is definitely going to be the years where I try and ingratiate myself with high heels again, I do love a ballet pump, and for the price, Primark's are as good as anyone elses, These tan ones though are a little bit different to anything else that I have in my shoe collection.

In the basic, flat ballet pump style with a partially open toe, the body of the shoe is almost woven together, in a slashed and criss cross design, I think these are really unusual, the fit is really generous and they have a soft padded sole, for extra comfort. I think they also come in black and these shoes were just £6.

I've been buying quite a bit of jewellery lately some of which you'll see in my upcoming May favourites video (and if you're observant the video to accompany this post!), but I couldn't resist having a look at the newly relocated jewellery section and picking up a few simple pieces.

I really should stop buying rings, although I'm trying really hard to wear more of my jewellery this year I just don't seem to be wearing rings as often as I should, this one though called out to me. I love the cage style design that seems to be everywhere at the moment, and I also loved the slightly irregular shape of the stone, and of course that the stone, looks as though it's embedded with glitter. I really liked this and it was only £2.

The final thing that I got was a necklace - It's very rare to see me without a necklace at the moment, and I'm loving wearing a variety of different types of necklace. I've worn quite a lot of chunky pieces but I've been wearing the odd more delicate piece, and this one will fit the bill perfectly.

These disc style necklaces are very fashionable at the moment, as are spinning necklace, and this one combines both of these trends in one. It comes on a fine gold tone chain, and the pendant is a spinning disc, one side is in a white, almost faux mother of pearl tone and the other size is in a plain, polished gold tone, which is outlined with tiny, clear crystals. I love the fact that you can get two different looks from the one piece and I also love the fact that it was just £2.

Please, please, please have a little watch of the accompanying video that you can see below and via this link if you're on a mobile device. You can listen to me ramble and talk a little bit more about of things that I've mentioned in this post, or can you?



Urgh why do I always do this, I filmed the video then I found something else in the bottom of the big that I'd forgotten to mention - this pretty nail polish!

I'd initially gone to see if the new beauty range was in store, and surprise, surprise it wasn't but I saw this nail varnish and it just screamed Louise. I love, love, love my daisies, and the pretty pink, polish that was just £1.50, came with a little pot of pink, and lilac daisies, to fulfil all of your festival and floral, nail art fantasies. If flowers aren't your thing though Primark have several other nail bits and bob in at the minute containing everything from Superman and Batman decals, to jewels, glittery top coats, gel effect polishes and a whole new range of false nails.

I didn't really see anything though this time round that I thought I must go back and get that so it might be a little while before my next Primark trip but you never say never do you. If you have any questions on anything that I've bought please let me know and if you've posted a Primark haul either on your blog, You Tube or even Instagram then leave me your links and user names below xx

Primark Haul - February 2016 - Clothes, Home And More

So far this year hauls have been a bit thin on the ground for me - I really am trying to be good this year but for the past month or so I'd really been craving a Primark trip. I hadn't been to Primark since before Christmas and I was suffering for severe withdrawal symptoms! So last week I eventually managed to get my fix and predictably I bought a few things.

I love watching haul videos and reading haul posts and the first thing that I got was something that I'd seen on quite a few blogs and instagram posts...

According to Mummy Lou I have quite an obsessive personality, and two of the things that I'm slightly obsessed with are bedding, and daisies, so buying this duvet set was pretty much a given. This cotton and polyester mix duvet and pillowcase set is double sided - one side features large daisies and flowers on a back ground and the other side features a daisy chain pattern on a coral, pink background. I got the double which was just £11. I'd just made my bed so I haven't put this on the bed yet but I'll stick some pictures onto Instagram when I do x

You can also get matching cushions in two sizes and whilst I stayed strong on the day, my cushion obsessions is kicking back in and I'm really tempted to go back and get one of the larger ones. Primark's home wear collection just keeps getting better and better and whilst I didn't buy anything else on this visit, I can't wait to see some of the new additions when the Metro Centre store completes it's expansion.

Although it feels like it's still winter in my little part of County Durham, the shops are now full of Spring and Summer fashions and Primark is no exception. To be honest I don't need any clothes at the moment especially since I'm trying to lose a bit of weight so I only bought two things, something for now and something that will ideal for the warmer weather.

I know they aren't always the trendiest or coolest things but I'm a big fan of jeggings, You have the comfort of a legging but the look and feel of a skinny jean, but without all those zips and buttons that seem to embed themselves into your flesh! I buy most of my jeggings in H&M or Asda, but a few months ago I tried a pair of Primark's and for the price they were pretty decent. They had a couple of new colours in this time round a real stone 80's stone wash and this bright blue pair. They look a bit more of a navy blue in these pics but in real life they are a much brighter blue. These jeggings  are only £7 and they are stupidly comfy.

I wear jeggings all year round but the next thing that I got is probably more suitable for the warmer weather.

This pretty sleeveless ivory lace detail top was just £10, it's quite sheer so I would need to wear a vest or a camisole underneath it but I just thought it was unbelievably cute. It has a little collar, a tie at the neck, lace detail around the neck, shoulders and decolletage, and little lace trimmed cap sleeves. It also features little pleats and pin tucks.

That was it for clothing but I did buy a few accessories, including two lots of hair bobbles.

I got some Invisibobbles in a recent beauty box, and I really liked them.  Although my hair is in a pretty good place at the moment  (find out why soon!) I've suffered from quite a  lot of hair problems over the years, and having long hair I;m always careful what I use to tie it back with. I normally use Primark Opia plain, metal free, bobbles  (read my review / rave here) but I really liked the Invisibobbles. Marks and indentations in the hair don't really bother me but I like that way that they don't seem to pull out chunks of hair when your take them out. They aren't cheap though so I'm really hoping that these Primark alternatives do the trick. I first saw these on the lovely Ray's blog Who Is She, and whilst I couldn't find find the exact ones she had, I got the metallic rubberised coil rings, which have little charms on them that you can see above, which were £2 for 5, and a pack of black, fabric hair rings, which were £1 for 6.

I think that the rubber ones might stretch a bit overtime but I'll see how I get on and I'll let you know. The next thing that I bought was something that I nearly bought over Christmas.

Why on earth I didn't buy it at the time I'll never know - it was only £1 for goodness sake. Never mind at least I managed to get it in the end. All it is a gold tone ring, in a sort of cage design, with a thin, black oval stone. I liked the idea of cage or kiss rings like this but I wasn't sure how comfortable they would be. Surprisingly though despite the size and the shape this ring is actually really comfrotable and easy to wear, and it was a bargain.

The final thing that I got (apart from some Minion Tic Tacs!) was an old favourite and something I buy every time I go into Primark...the duo pack of the PS Love Your Skin Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes For Combination Skin


These wipes are just £1 for two packs of 25 wipes, and to be honest I've lost count of how many packs I've used. I very rarely use them for my face though, I normally use them for either freshening up on the go or for cleaning up swatches. I used nearly two packets already this month for swatch cleaning so I thought I better stock up.

I had intended to have a look at the new look Primark Beauty range, which I'd seen online and includes some new foundations, some velvet lip pans, and a pretty exciting Urban Decay Naked Palette dupe, but the usual stands were nowhere to be found. I'm presuming that they were missing either due to the store makeover or due to the new launches but I'm hoping they'll be back soon.

I'm already planning another Primark trip to pick up a few things that I left behind, and to look for a few things that I couldn't find, so if you have any recommendations or you've done your own haul post or video then please let me know x In the meantime please take some time  out to watch the video to accompany this haul either below or via my You Tube channel x Thanks for watching and thanks for reading x

Another Small Primark Haul - Clothes, Jewellery And More

Although we all seem to be shopping for other people at the moment, it's important to treat yourself every now and then. I wouldn't go as far as to see I believe in the one for you, one for me philosophy but at this time of year we need to show ourselves a little bit of love. I don't need an excuse to go shopping but I've been in Primark quite a few times lately picking up the odd pressie and it goes without saying that I picked up a few things for myself.

These carnival style LED lights have been one of the big home trend of 2015, and it's a trend that I've loved. I never managed to get my hands on the Primark star but after a lot of searching I managed to get my hands on this Love sign.

This was just £12 and I think it's well worth the money. It's made of an off white coated metal, and it goes perfectly with the white star that I got  a little from 24Studio (you can see a picture of it here). I'm not quite sure where I'm going to put it yet but the fact that it's battery operated gives me a few different options.

Primark has some gorgeous clothes in at the moment, and I'm currently lusting after their long line knitted waist coats, and their sparkly party wear, but sometimes you just need to say NO and show a little bit of restraint. Despite wanting to buy half the store when it came to clothing I only bought two jumpers.

Okay I didn't really need another Christmas jumper but look Gingerbread people, how could I resist, especially when it was reduced from to just £7.90. It's got a nice thickness to it and I love the applique button eyes and the pom poms on the hat.

From a happy Christmas jumper to something plain, and a bit uninteresting in comparison.

I'm going to be honest with I picked this up and put it down twice, before taking the risk and leaving it on the rail. The trouble was I couldn't stop thinking about it so next time I went to Primark I headed straight for it and luckily they had one left in my size.

This is a very lightweight, soft, oversized black jumper that's longer at the back than it is at the front. Initially it looks quite boring at first glance but look at it more closely and you all sorts of different design details. It actually has a ruched crossover detail at the front. It looks nothing on the hanger but it's one of those tops that just looks right. It is quite sheer so you need to wear something underneath it but it looks great as a layering piece over leggings or skinny jeans. It was tagged at £9 but when I got to the till it was just £8 - a complete bargain for something I know I will get a lot of wear out of.

Black is such a practical colour when it comes to clothing and accessories, it with absolutely everything, and it's a real wardrobe essential. I already have black gloves, scarves, and hats but I didn't have a black snood, in fact I didn't even own a snood. They are so practical though you can use them as a scarf, and you can pull them up and use them over your head. This one is just in a plain black, soft touch knit and it was just £2.

That was it for clothing, home wear and accessories, but I did buy a few jewellery pieces, including this necklace.

You can't see this piece too well unfortunately, but this necklace is from the newish Opia Rose range. Rose gold is so popular at the moment and if you can't afford the real thing this line gives you the look without the price tag. It's a lovely copper tone and this plaque necklace was just £2.

I love both delicate necklaces and chunky pieces, but at the moment I'm in a delicate, layering piece phase. This thin gold, tone chain features a small gold tone disc, which is embossed with a small gold heart. It was reduced to just 50p.

Something that I love but that I don't wear often enough is rings. During my university years I was one of those girls that wore a ring on every finger but these days rings are for high days and holidays. That needs to change though and in 2016 one of my aims is to wear a lot more of my jewellery and to work my way through my extensive ring collection. So starting as I mean to go on, I couldn't resist adding a few pieces.

This one is just a chunky gold tone, geometric band which is set with a large grey, marble effect acrylic stone. This one was just £1.50.

The other ring that I got was a little bit more expensive at £2.50 but you are getting real semi precious stones. I'm a huge sucker for Tigers Eye, and this gold tone, double band effect ring, contains both a round Tigers Eye stone and an almost Planet Earth like, cloudy blue stone with could be Sodalite. They also do a matching necklace and some matching earrings, which I may have bought Mummy Lou for Christmas :)

The final thing that I got in Primark was something else that would be great for gifting -  Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Lip Balm

These individual twist up balms are just £1.50 but they also have a couple of gift sets in store. I'm not 100% sure about how good this will be for the lips, but it such a sweet taste, it could definitely help with those chocolate and sweet cravings.

So that was my latest little Primark haul, as I say they have a lot of good stuff in at the moment, including lots of gifting options and of course lots of things to treat yourself with. I've made a little video to accompany this haul so don't forget to take a peek and subscribe to my channel x



Thanks for reading and hopefully watching and I'll see you soon with more posts and more videos x

Disaster In December - Haulage From Last Weeks Metro Centre Trip, Parcels From This Week and More

 and Parcels OK Guys I'm going to be very, very honest with you, we're less than a week into December and already my spending has gone way over my limit - as per usual the culprit was my annual festive shopping trip with my godmother last Thursday. I did manage to buy an awful lot of Christmas pressies but at the same time I bought a few little bits for me, starting in a most unexpected place, Poundland

I used to be a total snob when I was younger and used to mortified when my mum went into Poundland or any other discount type store but age has it's benefits, and one them is loving a bargain. So what can you see in the picture, well first up nails wraps, as I said in my last haul post I'm planning a post on nail wraps, and given that most UK dwellers can access Poundland I thought these would be a good cheap brand to try, mine have little flutterbys on them. Also in the pic Poundlands own ouchless hair bobbles and a bit of a silly one, Hello Kitty plasters!

Aren't they sweet, I almost, yes almost want to cut my finger in order to give them a go lol

I've always loved stationary, just the feeling of new paper or opening a new notebook makes me happy, so when I saw this in The Works I added it to my pile of pressies and concentrated on the words and stroked the pages during a 20 minute wait in the queue !!!

Strangely I didn't buy shoes, but I did buy some Lush, I love Lush especially at Christmas, I really think it's one of the best shops to shop in the sales assistants are always so helpful, - there Christmas bags are so sweet this year aren't they, there's even space to write to and from on, instant gift wrapping :), so shall we see what's in the bags :)

First up something I first heard about on twitter,  Magic Wand, a super cute bubble bar which smells of Snow Fairy, the assistant showed my exactly how to use it in order to get more than one use out of it - yummy!

Sticking to the Snow Fairy theme I also got the Snow Fairy Lip Tint. This smells amazing and tastes amazing too. It looks quite scary in the pot but it's actually a lovely pale pink on the lips

Then I got one of my favourite ever Lush products, Christmas Eve Bubble Bar, I love this it's quite floral but at the same time really calming, I always use it on Christmas Eve

Finally from Lush I got one of the new types of bubble bars Bubbleroons , that are supposedly extra moisturising, the one I got was Rose Jam, again it smells lovely but what does this look like to you?

Yup my mum thinks it looks like either a bottom or a ladies cleavage - naughty Lush lol - I have to say the smell from this little lot, and the things I got as gifts is amazing my room smells gorgeous!

If your a Body Shop Love Your Body card holder you'll know that from Thursday - Saturday they had a whole load of special offers, well guess what happened, I took the mailing I'd been sent with me but I forgot my Love Your Body card! I have to say the girl behind the counter was amazing from the details on the mailing she phoned the head office and got my details so she could give me the 30% discount! Obviously I didn't get my stamps but she really went above and beyond to save me some money, so thanks that lady in the larger Body Shop in the Metro Centre :) Anyways I'd actually spent quite a bit of money on other people but I did manage to grab a few bits for me

Tea Tree Toner - a real essential for me at the minute I really think it makes a difference when I use it on my t-zone

I also got something else I'd heard about via twitter - The Sparkler - I love the vintage look perfume bottle dispenser. I got the gold version but they also do a pink one. Basically it's lovely shimmery powder, gorgeous for the decolletage and the shoulders :) and great for the party season x

Because I'd spent more than £15 I could buy one of the new, full sized Candied Ginger Body Butter which normally retails at £12.50 for just £1.00, well I wasn't going to say no was I ;)

I don't know of your going to be following my disastrous monthly spends total in the sidebar but I have to be honest and admit that the Body Shop total is a bit of an estimate, on the receipt they only show the total saving instead of what you've saved on each item, if anything I've been a bit generous, I probably spent less than that - that's my story and I'm sticking to it ;)

I had to go into Boots, I can't go past one without going in, but I have to say, I was a bit overawed - despite continuing to purchase make up I can really say myself hitting the wall before long, I just wasn't that desperate to buy anything so I bought a few gifts, and just one thing - the 17 Magnetized Polish in Blue

I love the green one I have (click here to see the post ) and I love blue so I needed this one in my life, I also bought something else from 17 for someone else so I qualified for a free gift - wahoo

The gift is actually pretty decent, you get a cute little cosmetics bag, containing a mini nail file, and 3 nail colours Risky Red, Nightshade and the Glitter Topcoat - really nice shades for the festive and party season x

I looked in a few clothes shops but nothing appealed, so I picked up a few jewellery bits including this huge ring from Primark

another huge ring from H&M

and this ickle bracelet also for H&M, you can't see it too well here but it has all sorts of cute gold tone charms and crystals on it

So that was it apart from an essential for me, Superdrug nail polish remover. Superdrug on the whole like Boots was a disappointment, loads of things but nothing I wanted to buy, no that's not strictly true the MUA stand was nigh on empty so I may have took advantage of their new website when I got home, more on that to come :), and they even heard of Look Beauty hmmm. Anyways that was my ickle, well not so ickle Metro Centre haul, but as you've already guessed that wasn't all I've placed a few orders on ze internet over the last week too  - slaps wrists!
From a Boots parcel of Christmas gifts I sneaked in 3 bottles of the Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover, I justified this purchase because all the Botanics skincare was on 3 for 2, not the most exciting purchase but I use so much of this stuff it's always worth picking some up when it's on offer. That purchase may not be that exciting, but this one is ;)

Yes a rare site for me in 2011, a MAC order! I only ordered two things one things I wanted and the other one on a bit of whim. First up the object of my desire from the MAC Gareth Pugh collaboration, Ascension nail polish.

Ok lets cut to the chase, the couture collections are always beautifully packaged but stupidly expensive and this one is no different. £19 for a nail polish is pretty steep in my eyes, but the beautiful packaging and the even more beautiful colour certainly made up for the scary price

I don't think I've managed to capture the colour that well, but Ascension is the must beautiful oil on water, iridescent duo chome polish of amazingness I've seen I really can't wait to pop it on my nails :)

To be honest that was all I was planning on buying, but I had a little peak at the Goodbyes section and the MAC site and I purchased something on a bit of a whim

Nubile Paintpot looks like a proper neutal beige in the pot, not dissimilar to Layin Low, but when you swatch it has a lovely nude pink tone, which I think will make a great eyeshadow base

I don't know when MAC started putting samples in their parcels, but I was lucky enough to get one in this order, I got a mini, and I mean mini Zoom Lash Mascara -it's tiny !

The final parcel I recieved this week was a little sneaky QVC purchase, I've loved this ladies jewellery since I first saw it, so when I spied this gorgeous little ring in clearance I had to have it

It's the petite posey ring by a jewellery designer named Kimberly Selwood, I love it, it's really small and so cute x
So yeah that was my haulage over the last seven days, scary eh! and would you believe that may not by the end of the months spending, I'm still waiting for a few parcels for buyapowa, and from MUA and I'm going to the Metro Centre in the next day or so!- Heads to the naughty step in disgrace lol. As per usual any questions on anything please leave me a comment x