Empties #12

You know it's time to pull together an empties post when there's a gang of empty products in your shower, is it just me who finishes all my products at once? Answers in the comments. As my twelfth empties post I'm sure all you all know the situation but in case you're a complete newb it goes a little something like this - mini reviews on products I've actually got to the bottom of, none of this first impressions business. Now let's get going...

Liberty London Geranium Body Wash - I daren't admit how long this beautifully packaged body wash has been hanging out in my shower but I will say I'm happy to finally complete such an epic sized bottle. Whilst I love the handy pump, something all shower gels should come with in my opinion, I found the contents to be ok. The scent was incredibly fresh but not one to linger, a quality I dig in a body product. At £16 I think there's much better shower accompaniments out there so this wouldn't be a repurchase.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc - Ah Serozinc, the humble French toner which the blogging realm went crazy for after a rave review from Caroline. This is the second can I've completed and while I was previously sat on the fence I've now decided where I stand, and it's team Serozinc. This will never be a luxurious toning step (don't worry Caudalie Beauty Elixir, you're safe) however what it lacks in luxury it makes up for in spot fighting abilities, just one spritz and any angry spot goes from hero to zero. Even though I'm not the most blemish prone gal around I can't imagine being without a can for those spot battling days. Definitely one to check out!

Pureology Hydrate Shampoo - Sulphate free shampoos are my jam and I'm yet to find one that does as good a job as Pureology. The hydrate shampoo manages to cleanse my hair whilst leaving things nicely moisturised too. Hydrate has that perfect balance down. Want a more in depth rave? Look no further. An easy repurchase.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm - Step forward the creme de la creme of lip balms. I've never tried anything else from Nuxe but boy can they make a lip balm. This thick Terrys chocolate orange scented balm has tiny exfoliating beads suspended in the formula to give you the softest lips around, ideal for pre lipstick application as this baby dries matte. At almost £10 this isn't the cheapest lip balm out there but trust me when I say this lasts ages.

Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub* - Rivalling Soap & Glorys Breakfast Scrub for pole position as my top body exfoliator is Body Shops Virgin Mojito Scrub. Not only is the scent the perfect zesty AM pick up but the unusual gel like texture means skin is exfoliated without things getting overly scrubby, you know the kind of scrubs I'm talking about (anyone else singing TLC now?) I've done a full review of this limey scented wonder here so I'll refrain from harping on. My advise? Give this a whiff next time you pass a Body Shop, you won't regret it.

Have you ever tried any of my empties? Do you have a favourite?

Don't forget there's still time to win a whopping eight products from Soap & Glory in my birthday giveaway here including the amazing Solar Powder Bronzer. What you waiting for? 

*PR Sample, all thoughts my own.

The Birthday Wish List

Let's get one thing straight, this is by no means a definitive birthday list, if money was no object I'd have a dreamy Celine and a pair of Aquazurra flats for dessert. Head in the clouds gifts aside I'd be absolutely thrilled to receive any of these rather Hannah items for my impending birthday along with a huge cake and some quality time with friends and family. I don't ask for much do I?

(L-R) Front Roe by Louise Roe - I've followed Louises' career for as long as I can remember so I'm thrilled she's doing so well and has brought her own book out. I'd be more than happy to read this on my maternity leave instead of my hypnobirthing book, the girls got style. Not a clue who Louise is? Check out PixiWoos latest Tuesday chat with the lady herself here.

Ray-Ban Cats 5000 Sunglasses - After unsuccessfully lusting after a pair of Burberry sunglasses in my last birthday wish list I've now set my sights on a pair of Ray-Bans *note to self, must go try these on in store soon*. Sure I haven't tried them but how amazing does the model look? I'm forever 'borrowing' Craigs array of Ray-Bans so maybe it's time I got my own?

Chinti & Parker Stripe Heart Pocket T-Shirt - Chinti & Parker are one of those British brands I've lusted after for a while, with a buy better philosophy I love the luxe basics they make so audibly swooned when I spotted their collab with Liberty. A match made in heaven non? It may just seem like another breton striped top to the untrained eye but I know this would be in my wardrobe forever.

Joyeux Canape Plate - If you didn't know by now I have a thing for blue and white plates, while some say food looks better on a minimal white offering I vote blue and white every time. Throw a french phrase into the mix and it's a match made in plate heaven. 

ASOS Leather Minimal Backpack - After admiring the backpack movement from afar it's time for me to pounce especially with baby Wild hot on my heels. My thinking? Hands free bag action so I can still carry all my paraphernalia and a baby while looking all minimalist - a look I've never quite mastered but I'm sure I'll not struggle with when a baby's taking up my accessorising time. 

Catfish & the Bottlemen CD - As much as I adore Taylor Swift it's time my car got a new jam. Am I the only person out there who still likes a physical CD in my hands? Answers on a postcard.

Astrid & Miyu Wishbone Necklace - Astrid & Miyu seem to come out of nowhere, they're forever gracing my Instagram with their beautiful, lifestyle image shots and I for one am hooked. I adore their simple, elegant jewellery aesthetic that looks much more expensive than it's price tag. Can you believe this beaut is only £29? No me neither.

Are you lusting after any pieces in my birthday wish list? Do you still make a birthday list?

Wednesday Wishlist #18

Sunday was the ultimate wash out (in terms of weather not life) so with a river almost flowing down our street I decided my floordrobes were in need of blitzing. Six hours later and I was pretty impressed with how things were looking, which got me thinking about newness and general storage ideas for our abode. Don't worry Craig I've not bought anything, yet.

Crumpet Sofa £1155 - Now I love crumpets smothered with peanut butter but this is somethin' else entirely. It's like team Loaf got in my mind, saw my idea of the perfect sofa (and all other furniture for that matter) and created this baby. If this sofa along with the love seat doesn't find its way into my living room then there's something wrong with the world.  

Falcon Pie Set £44.99 - I'd love to tell you I'm in the habit of making a pie a week but sadly I'd be the size of a house if I did, that said these dishes are so much more than pie dishes. They're super versatile, uber Instagramable and there's definitely just enough space in our kitchen cupboards for this set. They'd also make a lovely gift for a housewarming or a pair of newly weds, don't you think?

Globetrotter Travel Stationary £6.95 - Labels, notelets and pretty stationary are my weakness so I couldn't resist adding this super cute set to my wish list. Isn't life just better when things look pretty and help organisation?

Hammered Tray with Handles £49.99 - I don't know what it is about delicate silver trays but I am more than game. This one has that I-found-it-from-a-second-hand-store vibe without it costing the earth. Zara Home you're on fire.

Paisley Print Bedlinen £79.99 - I fell head over heels for this bed linen set on my last London trip, can you tell I love Zara Home? From afar this may look like your average paisley print but look closely and you'll see tiny monkeys hiding within the pattern. Need.

Riskorn Plant Pot £4 - Ikea bring it when it comes to items you never thought you'd need until you laid eyes on them and that's exactly what's going down here. I adore the Missoni inspired print on this pot and how it'll bring some much needed pattern to my plant pot gang.

Glass Box £9.99 - Copper detailing is having a real interiors moment right now and I for one am happy to be on the bandwagon. This storage box is not only incredibly well priced but would be perfect holding everything from lipsticks to earrings plus it'd be darling on my dressing table.

Old Havana Dinner Plate £14 - If there's one thing I go crazy for it's crackled glazes and minty hues, enter this dinner plate which is making me want to break my current crockery selection so I can replace them with this.

What's on your homeware wish list? Are you digging any of my picks? 

An Afternoon In London With ASOS

Who hasn't sat and dreamt about what goes on inside the grand head quarters of ASOS when you're hovering over the add to basket button? Will Katy Perry be playing loud and proud? Will the entire space look like something out of the latest lifestyle magazine? Will team ASOS be a seriously fashionable but friendly bunch? In a word, yes. I can confirm that everything you've imagined is probably true, and some. I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon in London to celebrate Access All ASOS' Epic Summer Party, and it was exactly that.

I was welcomed to ASOS HQ with a floral crown made with the most fresh and fragrant flowers by the babes at The Floral Appreciation Society, it'd be rude not to sport it straight away...

ASOS had thought of every last touch to get you in the Summer mind set with mini collections of shoes, jewellery and accessories scattered around the stark white event space.

Even the boys were considered, I wonder if these driving shoes come in a size seven?

That yellow fifties bombshell two piece needs to be in my Sardinia suitcase stat.

Fashion aside feast your eyes on the quirky touches, I'm digging these fabric covered panels

And I need this effortless lighting in my life. 

ASOS ensured we were fed and watered (essential with florals on your noggin') with a selection of drinks from elderflower cordial in teeny milk bottles, to cider and the Summer classic Pimms. Food came in the shape of chilli hot dawgs and my favourite, ice cream.

With everything from floral crown creation, to Ciate manicures and a pop up bar there wasn't a moment to be spared. My favourite quirk of the evening? The Social Playground printer which produced any Instagram snap providing you used the #epicsummer, genius right? Check out my pic here. 

ASOS HQ was packed to the rafters with beauties, fashion lovers and handsome fellows as well as a few recognisable faces playing table football...

Dunya from Dearest Deer and Carrie from Wish Wish Wish.

Feeling full to the brim with Summer fashion not to mention the ice cream and hot dog I devoured I decided to head central and catch up with my personal photographer for the day, my mum. I'm more than happy popping back and forth to events solo but with my mum fancying a trip to the big smoke we decided to join forces, while I got my ASOS on the lady shopped. We caught up outside Liberty to chat purchases, the perfect backdrop for my floral crown. Don't you agree?

Chambray Shirt: Topshop
Embellished Statement Necklace: Topshop
Maysa Skinny Jeans: Whistles
Cut Out Boots: Topshop
Friendship Bracelet: Accessorize
Black Ceramic Watch: Michael Kors
Alexa Bag: Mulberry

London you beauty.

Have you ever dreamt of ASOS HQ? What do you make of my floral crown?

A Christmas Tag

Unless your name's the Grinch (confession I've never seen this Christmas classic but hope to watch this as a matter of urgency) I'd be amazed if you didn't enjoy reading a good ol' Christmas tag. If feeling Christmassy and singing carols is your bag, or if you're struggling to get into the holiday spirit then you can even read last years tag here for added Christmas cheer. You can't say I'm not good to you... 

What time of year do you start your Christmas shopping?
I usually start my Christmas shopping towards the end of November and have all gifts ready to be wrapped by the second week in December. Online shopping is my friend although I do love visiting different locations to buy quirky and hard-to-find gifts as there's nothing worse than visiting Meadowhall when the festive season is upon us. This year I travelled to the North Pole Leamington Spa and London. 

You're in a coffee shop in December, what do you order?
Without a doubt it's got to be a signature hot chocolate from Starbucks. I'm not usually a Starbucks gal preferring the coffee at Costa but those guys know how to make a seriously chocolately hot chocolate. 

What's your favourite colour scheme to decorate the tree?
I'm more about fun and quirky decorations than an actual colour scheme, Liberty's Christmas floor is my playground. That said our Christmas tree has a loose gold and red theme as it can't all be dogs and polar bear decorations can it? 

To mince pie or not to?
I'm all about the mince pie, if there's one thing that makes me feel truly festive it's got to be a mince pie closely followed by a Mulled Wine instant tea from Whittards, that stuff is the bomb.

What's your Christmas wrapping strategy?
Wrapping is only allowed when there's a Christmas film on the screen, fact. So far Craig and I have only seen Fred Claus this year so we I can't wait to work through our Sky planner whilst wrapping gifts. In terms of wrapping technique I look to Arthur Christmas for inspiration (tell me you've seen it?) There's always time for a bow. 

What do you do on Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve is the best! Usually Craig and I head out for a long walk or even better, a country pub lunch whilst the rest of our afternoon is spent relaxing and eating Celebrations/Roses/Quality Streets. As soon as the evening arrives we meet up with my parents and brother for a tasty meal out before playing board games or watching a film all together.

Tell me how Christmas goes down in your home?
This year Craig and I are waking up at our house and opening Christmas presents from each other before heading over to my mum and dads (who live really close by) for some serious present opening. We'll then enjoy Christmas dinner with our own families, coming back together in the evening. I'm super excited this year as we've never woken up in our own home before and it's my parentals turn to have my nan and uncle over for lunch, result!

Christmas day fashion?
I love to rock a good pyjama set while opening presents but after that I'm all about the festive version of your Sunday best. I usually go for something velvet, sequin or gingerbread man related cos if you can't at Christmas, when can you?

Presents before or after lunch?
I applaud anyone who can wait until after lunch to open presents, I'm usually far to excited to see everyones reactions to even wait and devour a hearty breakfast.  

What's your dream gift this year?
Anything on my Christmas wish list would be greatly appreciated although my dream gift this year isn't tangible. Now it might sound corny but my dream gift would be happiness and wellbeing for all my nearest and dearest, 2013 has brought a mixture of personal highs and lows to my family so I'd be thrilled if my loved ones went into 2014 feeling content.

What are you wishing for this Christmas? How does Christmas go down at your house? 

Let me know if you've done a Christmas Tag in the comments as I love reading them!

New In: & Other Stories Tapestry Print Pull Over

Have you ever had a moment where your eyes meet across the room like star crossed lovers and you suddenly think you'll be coming home with me? That's exactly what happened when I spotted this tapestry print sweater in & Other Stories last week. After watching the magical Charlie and The Chocolate Factory matinee show (my cutie of a dad surprised my mum and I with tickets) and chowing down at Shake Shack, we found ourselves perusing raiding Libertys Christmas department before hitting up the so-on-the-money & Other Stories. On arrival my mum asked why I'd been keeping such a gem to myself before picking up an alarming number of handbags to compare but thanks to me (who'd of thought it?) she left with just one.

The justification for my slightly outlandish purchase? If you can't succumb to the charms of a pricey pull over at Christmas then when can you and that my friends is one true story. See what I did there? Right now I seem to be building quite the collection of sweatshirts from strong slogans to animal prints but the vintage inspired pattern and random jewels on this bad boy won me over, while the grey marl base ensured the arrival of my debit card. Oh and did I mention the slightly furry lining? 

Now which way is sweatshirts anonymous?

Have you ever visited & Other Stories? Are you a bit of a sweater fiend like me?

A Primark Christmas Jumper

Sometimes I like to share my latest wardrobe fave with you, other times I tell you my thoughts on the beauty must have but once in a while I just enjoy a little life ramble, putting finger tips to keyboard whilst burning candles and drinking Whittards mulled wine instant tea, if you've never tasted this then we can't be friends, I jest, I jest. I was thinking a couple of days ago that it's been a while since I wrote this kinda post and then I read Rosie's blog entry and decided to stop pondering and start writing.

This week I've been mostly... 

Buying festive wrapping paper as I haven't a clue what to buy my loved ones. This must be the first year in many that I've not officially started my Christmas shopping yet #panicking.

Finding clothes all over the house and embracing the floordrobe while our wardrobes get their shiz together and sort out their mouldy selves, whoever said buying a house was glamourous?

Looking forward to getting my hair did on Saturday in preparation for a charity black tie ball Craig and I are attending, I may even be wearing a floor length dress. Keep things on Instagram to see what I wear.

Obsessing over garish and OTT Christmas jumpers before settling on this snuggly polar bear number from Primark, I'm in love but will this be the last I buy?

Wishing I could run off to London, even just for a day to be astounded in the Liberty Christmas department and finally start my Christmas shopping.

What have you been doing this week? Will you be embracing a Christmas jumper?

Diptyque Insolite Candle

I'm an absolute sucker for candles most of the time but utter the words Diptyque and limited edition and my ears actually shoot up, no joke. Now I know it'll all end in heartbreak when I become addicted to the amazing but sadly limited edition scent (I'm looking at you Roses Duet) but don't they say it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

Diptyques latest collaboration is with the cool and quirky department store Liberty London who design the most divine prints so you can forgive me for lusting after this candle purely on packaging, right? Pretty abstract cardboard aside the Insolite fragrance has been inspired by aromas reminiscent of curiosity shops which for me perfectly encapsulates the union of Liberty and Diptyque, giving Insolite that certain je ne sais quoi. 

As soon as I opened the uniquely printed box I was instantly delighted, unlike some candles this beauty immediately scents the room creating a real sense of warmth and festive cheer without a sniff of cinnamon in sight. I'm usually not one for a spicy scent being a bit of a florals girl at heart but this really is something else and is hands down the most sophisticated Christmas-feeling candle I've ever had the pleasure of smelling. Now we all know Diptyque votives aren't the most purse friendly but I feel this beautiful fragrance and even cuter packaging means Insolite is well worth it's hefty price tag. Wouldn't this make the most indulgent Christmas gift? My advise, don't open the box just in case...you'll struggle to give this one away.

Are you team Diptyque? Will Insolite make it onto your Christmas list? 

Wednesday Wishlist #14

Tuesday began like any other day but quickly changed tact to become one cruel mistress, let's just say a leaky boiler and a wet kitchen don't make for a very happy Hannah and Craig but hey, life's too short to dwell on the negative. To make cleaning my kitchen cupboards and floor a little less sour I did what any self respecting home owner would do, ignoring requests to browse dehumidifiers and instead embracing the world of on-line home decor window shopping (try and say that fast). Here are just a few pieces I'm craving this Wednesday...  

1. Rose Doormat £20 - Who wouldn't want to be greeted by a bunch of flowers everyday? Much cheaper than buying a fresh bunch every week and more practical than stepping onto a bed of roses too, it's a win win situation. 

2. Diptyque Insolite Candle £45 - Diptyque and Liberty have joined forces to create the most dreamily packaged candle I've ever seen with inspiration for the scent coming from fragrances found in curiosity cabinets and eclectic boutiques. I am game.

3. Bird Jewellery Tree £26 - With our attentions turning to our third bedroom aka Hannahs blogging meets dressing room our my thoughts are focused on finding pretty yet necessary room additions so take a bow cute jewellery tree from Rose & Grey. Me likey.

4. Canine Wall Bust £58 - Completely unnecessary but how fabulous? I've fancied a moose head on our living room wall for as long as I can remember but now I've set my sights on these cute canine companions (there's several doggy options) I'm hooked. If money was no object I'd have the whole house kitted out in Anthropologie wares, there homeware is second to none.

5. Dogs Glass £6.95 - Is this not the cutest tumbler around? It's clearly not just clothing I like with animals stamped all over but glassware too and don't forget everything tastes better from a novelty glass, fact.

6. Mayfair Chair £199 - This occasional Mayfair chair is what dreams are made of, I adore the shabby chic styling and think this would be perfection in our bedroom or in the new blogging/dressing room. I can already envisage myself curled up in this on a Winters day, laptop on knee and hot chocolate in hand.

What do you think of my Wishlist picks? Would any find their way into your abode?

The Repurchase & The Noob

Who'd of thought with September on the way out that I'd be sat outside bringing you a long overdue beauty post? I don't quite know what's going on with this weather but I for one am not complaining, especially when I've just eaten a crunchie blast ice cream - well it is a Sunday. Life's been going at one hundred miles an hour recently so it's lovely to have a lazy day, paint my nails and tell ya'll about my latest beauty buys.

It all started with three short words - gift with purchase, throw Liberty into the mix and you've got a gal with a pretty strong desire to blow one hundred and fifty of her fine pounds on beauty bumf. Now you guys know how much I love a gift with purchase, so much so I'm usually that girl stalking my local Space NK until they throw their seasonal beauty event but Liberty's GWP is actually out of this world! The only issue I had was the minimum spend but rather luckily my mum was in need of a few repurchases herself so we decided to team up and I even agreed to even gave her a few samples, how generous am I? So what did I buy to qualify?

It's not the first time the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturiser has found itself on Cagney and Lace, and with good reason. Right now this baby is my base of choice and if I could only take a handful of products to a desert island this would certainly be one of them, bold claim right? Previously I announced this was difficult to blend but I must say I don't know what I was thinking. This blends like a dream with my Real Techniques buffing brush, lasts almost all day on the skin with barely any touch ups and provides a really healthy finish to the skin, neither too matte or too dewy. An easy repurchase.

Looking through my skincare collection I knew there was room for a newbie in my life so I decided to welcome the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque with open arms into my bathroom cabinet. My skin has been a little off a lately so after seeing quite a few bloggers rave about the Parsley Seed range I was delighted to see that Aesop are on of the many brands stocked by Liberty. It's early days for this clay based lovely but I will say it smells absolutely divine, keep your eyes peeled for a full review soon.

Which beauty buys would make the cut if you were off to a desert island? Do you spend more than you anticipated just to get a gift with purchase?