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?

Under The 27th Birthday Bunting

How freaky that I wrote this very post on exactly the same date last year. Today I'm bringing you this post from our almost complete, promise-to-blog-soon nursery as we're currently sans sofa. On the sunny side our new sofa, chair and rug are being delivered Saturday, triple yay but right now the comfiest place to perch is on our nursing chair, my how things have changed.

Unless it's been a while since you stepped foot on ze blog you'll probably know that I celebrated my 27th birthday on Sunday so I thought it only fair to share with you a few of the beautiful gifts I was given in celebration of turning a year older.

Disclaimer - I'm incredibly grateful for all the gifts I was given and in no way is this me bragging, what I got for... are some of my favourite posts to read so I hope you'll enjoy this too.  

Statement necklaces don't get more impactful than this beaut and how amazing is this book of Vogue front covers? My friends know me well.

We might need to add another shelf to our bookcase after the arrival of these healthy cookbooks and inspirational notebook. So far the Madeline Shaw book looks like my new fave.

Homeware is my home boy (#shouldbeonatshirt) so I was thrilled to receive pretty tea lights and slate heart holders, an initialled milk bottle and this French speaking plate.

Kate Spade is one of those brands that I audibly swoon over (although why you so expensive in the UK?) My iPhone 6 is looking fly with the addition of this rose gold case and I adore this gold H necklace from two of my dearest friends. How beaut are my new Rosie HW pyjamas too, just look at that rose pattern. Rosie certainly knows how to do nightwear, am I right?

A birthday wouldn't be complete without Jo Malone and with two new additions to my fragrance wardrobe that can be worn separately or together I'm chuffed. My bro kindly bought me my beloved Nars Sheer Glow back from America which has been out of stock for ages, what a buy, what a boy.

Succulents aren't just for birthdays, they're for life.

A repurchase of my favourite Sam Edelman shoes and the hotly anticipated GHD Curve made me one happy girl, thanks ma & pa. Now to master the hair curling technique...

Birthday blooms from my favourite man and the most decadent homemade birthday cake you've ever seen (black cherry and cream with a dark chocolate ganache FYI). Craig, you did good. We'll also be continuing the birthday celebrations into September as Craig's taking baby and I to the New Forest. Hello wild ponies.

My only birthday regret? Eating my two homemade birthday cakes (my mum made me this one) already. I was quite enjoying a piece of cake a day...

PS - Recognise my striped tee from this birthday wish list post? High five mum!

Did you get up to anything memorable on the 26th of April?

Empties #10

I don't know what it is about empties posts but there's something incredibly satisfying about reviewing products I've used all the last little bits of. Maybe it's down to the realisation that it's time to buy replacements? I'm sure you all know the 411 by now with empties posts but if not it's where I tell you my honest thoughts on products I've actually used up.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - I'm not going to harp on too much about this one as I actually used up a 400ml bottle in my last empties post. What I will say is this is the lazy girls best friend for swiftly removing make-up - it's even suitable for the most sensitive skinned gals out there. Bioderma who?

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray - It's been a whole 8 months since I last finished a This Works Pillow Spray which is a testament to just how long this sleep inducing baby lasts - I use this every night, whether I'm at home or away. I've never been a fantastic sleeper (and we're talking long before I became pregnant) so I find a spritz of this just before collapsing onto my pillow helps me to drift off much quicker than I would sans spray. A forever repurchase.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville - I may have let out a cry of despair as I banged this bottle on my hand for the last time (yes I really should buy a pump). Nars Sheer Glow will always be my holy grail foundation - it lasts all day, provides medium yet buildable coverage and buffs into my skin like a dream to provide a non matte/non dewy finish. My only gripe? Nars and their supply issues, this has been out of stock (on and off) since December and my order with Space NK is currently at four weeks and counting. Sort it out Nars, I need me some Sheer Glow! Want a more in depth review? Mine's here.

The Body Shop Body Butter in Glazed Apple* - I'm sure you all know by now how much I enjoy Body Shops Body Butters, they just bring the moisturisation levels like nothing else. The glazed apple scent was a special edition for Christmas and while it's no longer available I can tell you it was the right mix of sugar and spice and all things nice.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Travel Candle - Bought as a birthday gift last year (thanks Gem) I was a teeny bit sad when this Jo Malone candle took it's final breathe. While Pomegranate Noir is one of Jo Malones most popular scents it's never been a fragrance I've gravitated towards, until I got this candle. The mixture of sweet pomegranate, raspberry and plum combined with pink pepper and spice is truly divine making this the perfect scent to burn in our living room - it's got that unisex, welcoming home fragrance down.

Nars Creamy Concealer in Vanilla - The only concealer that helps to hide my 'baby kept me awake kicking all night' under eye bags. I love how this multi tasking concealer covers both blemishes and under eye circles although it's frightening how quick I go through this - something I've heard a few bloggers comment on. Urban Decays latest cover-all is getting some rave reviews and at nearly £5 cheaper than Nars I'm tempted to give it a bash.

Have you ever tried any of my empties? Which concealer do you reach for?

*PR Sample, all thoughts & opinions are my own.

Empties #8

It's not only the most wonderful time of the year but the time where I finally wave goodbye to a stash of empties that have been cluttering my bedroom windowsill, let's just say things haven't been looking so Instagram-able around those parts. Empties are still one of my favourite kinds of beauty posts to read, it's all dandy reviewing things but I love to know which products bloggers have actually finished, and more importantly what they really thought of them.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Solution - Another empties, another Bioderma. Over the last few months I've become incredibly lax with evening cleansing and have been using just Bioderma to take away my days face. I don't need to give myself a good telling off for this sin as my skin did that for me #notahappyface. Don't get me wrong, Bioderma doesn't break me out but shouldn't just be used solely for your PM routine, this baby excels as a pre-cleanse to remove the bulk of your make-up. At £15 a bottle it's a pricey habit so I'm currently road testing the much blogged about Garnier alternative, review pending.

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Candle - It's a sad day when a Jo Malone candle takes it final breathe, especially when it's your Blackberry & Bay scent with limited edition packaging. Blackberry & Bay is my everyday fragrance so you can probably guess just how much I love it - if you've never have the pleasure of sniffing B&B think of it as a burst of fruitiness mixed with a fresh sweetness. This isn't my first Jo Malone candle and it certainly won't be the last, the scent pay off is incredible. Sure they're an indulgent treat (this was actually a birthday gift) but boy are they worth it.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - This may just be the third tube of Radiant Creamy Concealer I've finished (in Vanilla FYI). As a combination skinned gal I never thought I'd be singing the praises of a concealer with the word creamy in the title but this just packs a punch, covering both blemishes and dark circles with ease. My only complaint? I've been using way more than usual which may be something to do with the change in seasons, that said one tube usually lasts at least three months. Cost per use means this is one item I'll keep repurchasing, Nars you've done it again.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Body Creme - If you've ever eyed up a Laura Mercier Christmas gift set you'll know just how luxurious these products look. Aesthetics aside the Almond Coconut Milk scent doesn't smell to shabby either, providing you like incredibly sweet (almost sickly) scents that is. The huge plus to these body cremes is how long the scent stays around, I can pop my pyjamas on the following day and still smell the fragrance! While these body cremes are fantastic for scent pay off I don't find them anywhere near as moisturising as something from Soap & Glory or The Body Shop especially in the Winter months. For such a hefty price tag I'd personally go for a high street alternative although they do make the most fantastic high-end gift.

Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter - Battling it out for best body butter in the land is this new fragrance offering from The Body Shop. I did a post on the launch of the Wild Argan Oil scent but for me the body butter is the stand out product from the collection. The smell is out of the world, think a souped up, slightly deeper smelling cocoa butter and the moisturising properties of this wonder tub are something else. Right now I'm working my way through some Soap & Glory but it'll not be long before this tub of goodness is repurchased. A must smell product.

Have you ever tried any of my empties? Have I tempted you to?

Dear Father Christmas...

It's rapidly approaching that time of the year when it's acceptable to watch Love Actually, laugh at Elf, finalise your advent calendar plans and start talking tree decoration schemes. Christmas really is my favourite time of the year (possibly even more so than my birthday as everyone gets to enjoy the gift giving) and it's only a month away! So whether you've started your Christmas shopping already or have just been eyeing up wrapping paper in Paperchase here's my gift inspiration for the women in your life AKA a collection of items I'd be beyond thrilled to find under my Christmas tree. 

(L-R) Teddy Robe £32 - A new dressing gown or set of pyjamas is a right of Christmas passage in my book and who wouldn't want to resemble a mint coloured bear at any time of the year? I rest my case.

Fairest Of Them All Set £40 - Selfridges have got it goin' on with their beauty gifts this year and who doesn't enjoy a nod to a fairytale? This beauty box has no annoying subscription involved and you get a whopping eight products plus a make-up bag that's worth £20 all on it's own. Bargain.

Wild At Heart Print £26 - Featuring my future surname this Etsy print makes me smile no end and it'd look superb next to our other black and white print which is currently perched rather lonely on our bedroom wall.

Nails Inc Bruton Mews £14 - The nail colour I chose for my recent Nails Inc manicure and the colour I've been obsessed with ever since, is it forest green or is it black? Bruton Mews is super opaque with just one coat and there's no need for base coat with the new Kale formula. More time to party is always appreciated.

Marabou Feather Bag £45 - Forget diamonds it's feathers that are my best friend. Add a wow to the simplest of looks with this marabou number with cute chain detailing, it comes in the most amazing midnight blue shade too. Now which colour do I like more?

December 25th Sweater £42 - With more than a nod to the Bella Freud jumpers this Topshop pick is a little gem and different to your usual Christmas themed sweater. I can see this being super chic with a leather (faux or otherwise) midi skirt for the big day itself.

Bayswater in Oxblood Leather £895 - Oh yes I did. If you're a regular around these parts you'll know how much admiration I have for team Mulberry. Mulberry is the ultimate gift for someone special so I couldn't help adding this beautiful Bays to my wishlist, the Hibiscus shade is pretty dreamy too.

Kate Spade Thermal Mug £19.95 - Kate Spade goodies have pretty much come out of nowhere but I ain't complaining. I introduce to you the most perfect mug for carrying hot chocolate, filled to the brim with marshmallows of course.

Small Copper Globe £15 - Our living room is slowly taking shape so what better to feature on our newly completed alcove shelving than this copper globe. M&S you've done good.

Bobbi Brown Holiday Lip Trio £60 - Bobbi knows Christmas, every year she puts together a seriously lust worthy collection and this year is no exception. I adore the incredibly lux packaging of this perfectly formed set and think all three shades would look sensational on my smackers.

Jo Malone Travel Candle Collection £62 - Jo Malone is a fail safe at Christmas, who wouldn't be elated finding that classic cream and black packaging on Christmas morn? I spotted this gift set in Liverpool and can verify that every candle smells as wonderful as the last.

Pretty Honest Book £11 - A much hyped book by blogger Sali Hughes. I'd be chuffed to find this in my stocking so I can see what all the fuss is about and support a fellow blogger while getting my beauty read on.

What are you hoping to find under the tree this Christmas? Have you started your shopping?

Lifestyle: The Story Of Our Home

2013 was a special year, after months and months of saving Craig and I bought our first house, dating back to 1825 our cottage is something a bit special (if I do say so myself). It used to be a bakery and after that it was turned into three individual cottages before it became the house we own today.

Walking in for the first time as home owners was the most daunting thing and I think we both thought what have we done, we knew we had a project on our hands as the last owner had let things go but I don't think we realised quite how much work there'd be. Just over a year on and I think we're finally getting somewhere, the upstairs is almost complete and the downstairs, well it's looking better.

Welcome to The Cottage...

There's no set style in our home, it's a case of what we like goes - eclectic I think they call it. I adore fresh flowers in my Rob Ryan vase, who wouldn't want to bring the outside in?

You'll have to excuse our almost complete surround but I just had to share our new log burner with you. Craig lovingly crafted our hearth, tiled it and made our fireplace, he's a handy one. Anyone who knows me well knows just how much I love candles, my current burner is Jo Malones Blackberry and Bay, just beaut.

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to photo frames, so long as it's eye catching it's a winner in my books. An awesome housewarming gift was our Scrabble inspired art (thanks Lauren, Matt and Freddie) and can you believe that sepia photograph used to be our house? My how things have changed.

A new addition to our soon to be painted shelves is this ceramic ridge vase from Country Baskets*. I can't fault its original shape and I thoroughly enjoy the subtle fawn meets grey shade. This vase wouldn't look out of place in the home department of M&S or Next yet it costs less than £5 (no joke). 

While our sofas aren't the ones we want forever (thanks ma and pa for the loan) our selection of cushions and cosy throw help to make them a little more us. No your eyes don't deceive you, that is a bear in our living room, Bernie was a birthday present for my twenty fifth and while some might find it crazy he certainly makes a reliable foot stool/emergency seat. 

One amazing feature of our home is our double French doors going from the living room into the garden. Craig is rather green fingered as has single handedly transformed our green space into something pretty and sorta self sufficient - we grow our own apples, rhubarb and berries (two types) don't you know and don't get me started on our selection of herbs.

Working in the tile industry it'd be criminal to still have the bathroom we had when we first moved in, I'm talking apricot walls and a grotty lockable first aid cabinet - I think you'll agree this one is a huge improvement and our bath is my absolute fave.

Just like my wardrobe our home is filled with a high low mix, some pieces have been investments while others have been purse friendly. In our guest bedroom is Ikea bedding, a Primark and a Selfridges cushion plus our wooden Buddha which we picked up on a holiday to Kos, where we vowed to put it in our first home together. The chandelier light fitting below was picked up from Dunelm Mill for just £20.

My dressing table from Feather & Black is one of my favourite pieces in our bedroom although I can assure you it's not always this tidy.

While our home doesn't look exactly as we'd like it to yet (it doesn't help that I'm one messy individual to live with and hoard everything) our renovations are one true labour of love and both C and I have plenty of ideas as to how the finished product will be. Most importantly it'll be cosy, inviting and us, exactly what a home should be.

Have you enjoyed having a glimpse of our home? What's the story behind your home?

Read more inspirational home stories or submit your own here.*

*Vase kindly sent to me by Country Baskets. 
Content sponsored by Hillarys Blinds, all thoughts and opinions my own.

The Story of August

Love these girls - These are somethin' else - The best way to end a fabulous night - Thanks Wild - Made. My. Day - Cinema fun - Only the best when I'm with Lauren - My fave Ikea purchase, even if the boyf isn't impressed - Forget Vita Coco, this stuff is beaut - Especially in this mug - In all it's country glory - Obligatory Leeds fest selfie - Friends - Lots of love for this gal - Fancie - My gorgeous god son

August was definitely the calm before the storm, in terms of my social diary that is - if we were talking work, well that's another story entirely. After the craziness that was July I must say I gave August one hell of an embrace as things in general have been a tad more sedate except a road trip to York and three, yes three trips to Leeds. Once for that place called Ikea, another for a blog event with the beau and finally, a visit for Leeds festival where I got reacquainted with my fave bunch of Sheffield boys, the Arctic Monkeys. While my diary hasn't been so jam packed socially things have been moving full steam ahead in our house, after a tiny break from renovations we're back on form - I'm talking about the addition of a log burner (oh yeah) and the welcome of a loft hatch and some snazzy alcove shelves, not as exciting but still. I've been dying to do a few before and after posts on Cagney and Lace as our house has changed so much since we moved in. Watch this space.

Obsessed With - Getting my paws on the new Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt fragrance. After inhaling a sample on a recent trip to York I've been debating whether or not to take the plunge for my holiday, a holiday scent if you will. I finally decided yes only to realise I was too late for the online delivery to arrive before leaving for my vacay. Thankfully my pal Claire was in York (why is there no Jo Malone in Sheffield?) and kindly picked me one up so I'll be smelling like the English seaside as you read this. Another real fave this month is my breton long sleeve tee from Hush as worn here. The quality is superb, it fits like a dream and it's barely left my bod. Must purchase more colours stat.

Lusting After - Is it wrong to say clear skin? My skin is back to playing beyatch and I for one am not impressed although I must admit I've not been the best at sticking to a strict skincare regime, what have I become is the question? As soon as I touch back down in London town I'm going to book myself in for a fancy facial and start as I mean to go on.

In non skincare news I may have finally found my perfect camel coat. This ladies and gents has been one long mission, I'm talking years. Starting at the beginning, I had the most amazing camel coat but lost a stone (and a bit) in weight so said coat now hangs off me. Being happy and healthy is far more important than a coat fitting me but I've been longing for a replacement to walk into my life. Enter this H&M beaut which may be winging it's way to me as I type. I seem to be having a bit of a H&M coat moment right now, not a clue what I'm harping on about? Keep your eyes firmly on Cagney and Lace as all will be revealed.

Must Read - I read a lot of blogs, not just those in my blog roll but a whole load more on my Bloglovin'. That said there's just one blogger right now who is so on point, creates the most beautiful photographs and seriously know how to style an outfit up - step forward Mel from MediaMarmalade. If you ever need blogging inspiration then this is the lady to check out, how that girl posts everyday, writes blogging tips and wonderfully created fashion posts and holds down a full time job I'll never know - I struggle to post 3-4 times a week and work full time so credit where credits due.

What did you make of August? Are you excited to welcome a new season?