Underneath The Christmas Tree

First of all let me wish you a very happy new year! I I trust you're following my lead by scoffing the last of the festive foods? I'm talking chocolates, cheese and all of the pickled goods. Which begs the question why do picked onions only come out at Christmas? I think we need to start a petition to make them an all year round snack. 

I've been itching to get my annual what I got for Christmas post up as a final hurrah to 2015 but festive fun, baby Sadie and wedding planning has truly taken precedence so here you have it, just a few days later than planned. As always I'm beyond grateful for all the gifts I received and the selection I'm sharing came from a mixture of loved ones, family and friends. 

Jo Malone screams Christmas to me so I was thrilled to get a beautiful cracker especially after I've coveted one for a few years.

Luxe beauty buys are always well received and so are personalised gifts. I found the coaster in my stocking from Craig and it made me smile from ear to ear as it's something silly I say to Sadie.

I love Alice in Wonderland and even had an Alice themed 21st birthday party so this china cup is so me. I'm sure a cup of salted caramel hot chocolate will taste even sweeter from this cup.

I may have let out a little scream when I opened the Olympus Pen. 2016 is the year I will improve my photography so I hope you'll agree that todays snaps look pretty swish.

Have you ever seen a sweeter filled copper basket? Nigella, White Company cashmere socks and Origins ginger goodies - my kinda heaven.

It may be a new year but Kez still likes to photobomb. The huge polar bear was a Christmas gift of Sadies but it's snazzy neckwear is all mine. Faux fur perfection non? 

I had no clue I was going to receive this rose gold Charlotte Tilbury make-up bag but I've welcomed it with open arms. It's the perfect size for my upcoming honeymoon, eeeeep!

The boy did outstandingly well as always - introducing my new aviator style jacket from Olive Clothing with a rather creased Hush t-shirt peeking out underneath. The perfect additions to my 2016 capsule wardrobe which I'm determined to build.

Did you have the most amazing Christmas break? Which present were you thrilled to receive? 

Wishing On A Christmas Star 2015

(L-R) Alex Monroe Rose Gold Charm Bracelet - Cashmere Cuffed Pyjama Bottoms - Sam Edelman Petty Boots - Olympus Pen Camera - Beige Knit Roll Neck - Odds & Ends Plate - Buona Notte Eye Mask - Simply Nigella Cookbook - Gold & Glass Multi Frame - Smith & Cult Dark Like Me - Jo Malone Christmas Cracker - Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand in fair two - Origins Cozy Comforts Set -  Tom Ford Lips & Boys - Cashmere Bed Socks - Light Up Candle

Oh the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful... Is it me or are things starting to feel seriously festive? Sadies little snowsuit is in rotation, I've eaten my first mince pie of the year, candles are constantly burning at Cagney and Lace HQ (shout out to Diptyques Insolite) and the advent calendars are ready to be opened. Christmas is definitely on its way and I couldn't be more excited - Sadies arrival means Christmas this year will be beyond special and I can't wait to honour old traditions and start our own family ones too. Talking of things we do every December say hello to my Christmas wish list, just a few (ahem) items I'd be thrilled to find under the tree this year.

I always find luxe versions of everyday items are an excellent place to start when it comes to festive gifting so I personally don't think you can go wrong with curl-up-in-me cashmere, beautifully soft knitwear or I-wouldn't-normally-buy beauty items (oh hi Jo Malone Christmas cracker and anything Charlotte rose gold Tilbury). Smith & Cult nail polishes have been all over the bloggersphere and I've wanted to be the proud owner of a Tom Ford lipstick for longer than I can remember. Right now my limbs are drier than the Sahara so the Origins ginger body set would go down a treat, are you listening Father Christmas? Aesthetically pleasing homewares are always a good shout for homebods and I'd be over the moon with anything from swoon worthy Kate Spade or the equally as awesome Oliver Bonas. 

Christmas is not only the time for getting together with loved ones and enjoying all of the food (pigs. in. blankets. Need I say anymore?) but it's the perfect opportunity to covet those if only items. Step forward the Olympus Pen, Alex Monroe rose gold charm bracelet and the worlds comfiest ankle boots by Sam Edelman.

What are you hoping to find in your stocking this Christmas?

The Charlotte Tilbury Top Up

Ever since my last Charlotte Tilbury haul I've been dreaming of adding to my rose coloured make-up stash so when Harvey Nichols offered a rather wondrous 15% discount on beauty last week I thought it'd be cheeky not to take advantage. Huge props to Harvey Nichs and their super speedy delivery service too, I placed my order on Thursday and received it the following day. My kinda service.

So which items were on my Charlotte Tilbury hit list? The Filmstar Bronze and Glow which has been on my radar since I first tried it in London (just look at those cheek bones) and the Eyes to Mesmerise in Bette, a cream shadow which was not only worn by Sienna Miller at Cannes but looked absolutely babin' on Anna in her recent tutorial. I'd love to be able to give you a mini review of each product but all in good time - so far I've only tested the Filmstar B&G palette and can't get over just how pigmented the bronzy/contour shade is, let's just say a little goes a long way! As for the cream shadow I'm waiting for the right time to crack this out, maybe one for my friends hen party meal next week? I'll be sure to keep you all posted.

Which products from Charlotte Tilbury do you rate? Do you have a lengthy wish list from the beautifully packaged brand?

Lifestyle: April In Pictures & Words

On Wednesdays we eat Mexican - The nursery's taking shape - While the man works this one keeps me company - My first succulent - The most perfect wedding flowers - Al fresco dining with this beaut - I scream, you scream - Think I found my dream house - All my favourites in a phone box - What I get up to when I rise at 6.30am - Boots haulin' - Pregnancy pastels - Birthday fleurs - The birthday pimped living room - The chocolate ganache & black cherry birthday cake my man made - Beautiful Bakewell

I can't quite believe my favourite month of the year has already departed *sobs*. April is the month I spend counting down, counting down to my birthday that is. I may be 27 but birthdays are still a huge deal to me, as I'm sure you'll have grasped if you're a regular around these parts. Birthdays aside the rest of the month was full of sunshine, beautiful blossom trees, wedding flower meetings, bridesmaid dress finding (hooray) and al fresco dining with some of my favourites. 

In terms of my pregnancy this past month has been a real mixed bag, I've had those gosh-this-is-hard-days and days where things have gone swimmingly but the home stretch is getting closer (5 weeks to go!) If only things could go a little bit quicker, I'm not one to wish my life away but carrying a baby around is tough going. I take my hat off to all the mums and mums to be out there.

Obsessed With - I've been a real creature of comfort this month reaching for the same products but one rediscovery is my Marc Jacobs Lolita palette and I thank Alix for this. When my dad first picked me up this beauty I was super excited but for some reason I just didn't get on board with it, until now. The colours are divine, blend like a dream and together they create the prettiest shadow look. Another beaut that's been bringing me the most glowy yet natural looking skin is the Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation. While it's a pretty sheer affair it's spot on paired with a smattering of concealer, throw in my favourite primer and you've got one winning Summer base.

Lusting After - There's a couple of things I can't get out of my mind right now but one real lust worthy item is the gorgeous Chanel lipstick which Suzie sported in her latest vlog. I always think of Chanel as a brand that play it safe with colours so I was surprised to see such a punchy number in their packaging and is there a better pick me up than buying a new lipstick? I think not.

Next on my hit list is new clothes, specific I know but with baby's birth fast approaching I'm already thinking about new wardrobe additions. One piece that screams seventies and would be the perfect Summer cover up is this suede jacket from Mango. Need.

Looking Forward To - Am I allowed to say my secret baby shower? Well clearly it's not a secret but other than the location and date I'm pretty much clueless. It may seem like a bit of an Americanism but I can't wait to enjoy some quality time with my closest friends. I also pretty frantic for the release of Pitch Perfect 2, I watched the first film earlier this week and now I'm hooked, what took me so long? Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson are my new faves in this Bring It On meets Glee classic.

Have you loved April as much as me? Which products have been doing it for you?

Haul: Introducing Charlotte Tilbury

In case you've been taking cover under a make-up shaped rock you'll have heard of Charlotte Tilbury, the go to make-up artist for all your favourite celebrity faces aka the red haired maven who launched the most beautiful make-up range two years ago. Unlike your usual beauty players Charlotte approached things differently, creating overall looks and solutions to enhance your natural features - all part of her philosophy to make beauty enjoyable. I fell hook, line and sinker making my first purchase back in July but after recently reading rave blogger reviews I was craving more.

My first pick was the elusive Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk after trialling my mums on our recent spa visit (who knew she had so much Charlotte Tilbury?) This really is the perfect nude lip pencil and it doesn't drag the lips at all, I'm looking at you MAC. A make-up bag essential.

Next I wanted to try one of the Matte Revolution Lipsticks after spotting Lily rock so many of the vampy shades and let's be honest, who isn't intrigued by a matte lip product that doesn't dry out your lips? *Cough Nars lip pencils* With Spring well and truly here I vetoed the beautiful Walk Of Shame for Amazing Grace, 'a vintage tea rose shade inspired by Grace Kelly for polished perfection a la Miranda Kerr'. Did someone say I'd look like Miranda Kerr? See this on my lips here and decide for yourself.

A later purchase came in the shape of the Light Wonder Foundation in shade two, a product which I asked to sample on my lip haul. With Nars Sheer Glow currently on back order (four weeks and counting) I've been thinking about trying something with lighter coverage for the warmer months. Arriving earlier this week I haven't rigorously tested it enough for a full review but so far I'm impressed. Coverage is build able, staying power pretty solid and the finish is that incredibly healthy, almost model like, lit from within look. My base prayers may have been answered.

Now what else do I need to try from Charlotte Tilbury? I'm thinking birthday list.