Pink To Make The Boys Wink

Coline Jacket: Claudie Pierlot via Selfridges
Oversized Wool Scarf: & Other Stories
Navy Striped Top: Topshop
Leopard Print Chain Clutch: Whistles
Popper Side A-Line Skirt: Whistles
Black Opaques: Marks & Spencer
Black Petty Boots: Sam Edelman

It feels like an age since I went on tour so I'm beyond thrilled to tell you I'm bringing you this post from my beyond comfortable bed in the seriously luxe Rudding Park in Harrogate. I'm feeling like a new woman after the most amazing Aromatherapy Associates facial and back massage which is just what I needed, the calm before the storm if you will as tomorrow is my penultimate wedding dress fitting and Friday, well Friday is the beginning of my hen weekend which means it'll be 15 days until I get married. 15 days until I become a Mrs instead of a Miss, I mean where has the time disappeared to? This past week has passed by in a blur of wedding preparations (oh the admin), personal training sessions (it's tough but feels so good afterwards) and Easter egg avoidance as I'm trying my very best to be good on the wedding countdown - so far so good although there is a cookie iced with Sadies name in our hotel room that's staring at me, maybe this will break me? Should I start a pray for Hannah hashtag?

These snaps were taken on Easter Monday where we found ourselves picking up our wedding bands and enjoying a family stroll with hot chocolates in hand, for the record I didn't have my usual addition of marshmallows. Healthy right? I picked up this blue leather jacket in the Selfridges sale when I went to choose my wedding shoes in London back in January (I know, I know how many times have I said wedding). While I wasn't in the market for a leather jacket at that very moment I couldn't resist this buttery soft baby with it's detachable faux fur collar - throw in a final reduction price and oodles of French girl chic and I just had to make this wardrobe staple mine. If my jacket wasn't in the picture my favourite wardrobe addition would have to be my pink a-line skirt, not only is the perfect shape for skimming my child bearing hips but it's also the colour of the moment. Shades of pink, rose and blush are all over the high street right now and I for one am in heaven - I'm not even a super girly girl but rosy tones are definitely something I can get on board with. Completing the look I added a reverse Breton striped tee from Topshop which is that perfect length for pairing with slightly higher waisted garms, my go to ankle boots which I'm keen to replace pronto as they're looking a little tired and one of the best bags I ever purchased from Whistles.

Now I'm off to grab an early and healthy dinner with a crawling (yes she's crawling) Sadie Florence and my mum. Fingers crossed that cookie doesn't wink at me in the meantime...

Did you have a delightful Easter weekend? Do you rate pink?

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.

A Christmas Gift From Me, To Me

I've finally finished my Christmas shopping *does happy dance*! I think this is the latest I've ever completed my festive spending and while there's a few parcels yet to arrive, they are thankfully enroute! For once I've been fairly restrained and only made two from me, to me purchases, although I could be tempted to the huge Soap & Glory set tomorrow. One was a pair of boots (well there was 25% off) and the other is this super diddy, very cute Charlotte Tilbury set (hello 10% off in Selfridges black Friday offering).

Charlotte Tilbury is the ultimate temptress when it comes to luxurious make-up and this set of three lip shades - Penelope Pink, Bitch Please (best name ever) and So Marilyn is no exception. This would be the perfect stocking filler for any make-up lover or even for your mum or sister - who wouldn't want to own three clutch sided, moisturising lipsticks in a capsule wardrobe collection of shades? Christmas is the perfect time to get to grips with a fairly new make-up brand so at £29 I think this gift is perfection. I even had thoughts of splitting this set down to give to friends (did I mention they can be hung on your Christmas tree?) but just couldn't resist this beautifully packaged set for myself. At least the intentions were there...

Do you buy Christmas gifts as a treat to yourself? Would you like to find this set under your tree?

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.

Rambling On A Rooftop

V Neck Tee: Topshop
Tortoiseshell Sunglasses: Topshop
Feather Necklace: Alex Monroe
Kaleidoscope Print Skirt: Whistles
Cut Out Boots: Topshop
Friendship Bracelet: Accessorize
Alexa Bag: Mulberry

In the words of Alan Carr, what a week it's been, I had the best intentions of posting yesterday but I was genuinely too zonked to type. This past week I've gallivanted to London and back, sorted my mums MOG outfit (more on that here) and attended and celebrated my brothers wedding, no biggie. Weddings are always a joyous occasion but I think family ceremonies are just that tiny bit more special - seeing my brother that happy is a memory I'll never forget and hearing him say his vows made me one proud sister, woop woop Mr & Mrs F. If you fancy a sneak peek at a few wedding snaps then get over to my Insta.

These photos were taken on the rooftop of John Lewis, Oxford Street who have opened their rather spectacularly put together roof garden to the public until the end of August, it'd of been foolish not to take advantage of such a photo opp right? I picked up this Kaleidoscope print skirt from Whistles (via JL funnily enough) after they rather generously decided to throw a 20% brand match day my way, I even picked up the matching top, ya'll know how much I dig a crazy patterned co-ord. If you fancy getting your Whistles lovin' mitts on this set then act fast, it's seriously discounted in the sale right now. Keeping things cas and daytime appropriate in the city I said nay to the matching crop and yes to a grey marl tee, Topshop you are bringing it right now on the basics front. For stomping the streets of London there was only one footwear choice, no-one wants city filth on their feet!

One thang I haven't mentioned is my make-up, my mum and I happened to stumble upon Charlotte Tilbury in Selfridges and the rest is photographic history. Can you spot the tiny Selfridges bag? Don't even think about venturing to CT unless you've got mula to spend, you will want everything! My mum rather sweetly treated me to a lipstick, brow pencil and eyeshadow quad (all which I'm sporting above). I can't wait to show ya'll that dreamy rose gold packaging.

What do you wear to keep cool in the city? Do you lust over the Charlotte Tilbury brand?

Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box

The sun is shining, the weather is sweet (thanks Bob) so I personally couldn't think of a better time to give you all the low down on one of my latest beauty splurges - the limited edition Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box. Now I know what you're thinking guys, Hannah you do not need another box full of beauty miniatures but what can I say? When the words Selfridges, limited edition and beauty box were dangled in front of me like the proverbial carrot I just had to get part of my five-a-day intake there and then! So when an invite for the Swimwear 365 event landed in my inbox I knew an evening in Manchester would be the perfect time to Click and Collect one of these yellow wonders.

As the name would suggest the Summer Beauty Box is packed to the rafters with luxurious must haves to get you Summer ready. What I love about the Selfridges beauty boxes is that you can actually see what's inside them before you buy, one of my main issues with most monthly subscription boxes. My favourite picks are the tried and tested Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - perfect for getting those coveted beachy waves, the Models Own neon nail polish - can you believe I've never tried a Models Own polish before? Another product which gets a huge thumbs up is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which not only smells divine but is actually an item from my to-repurchase list. Notable mentions go to the Lancaster After Sun and Aqua Splash Tangle Teezer which will be perfect for my holiday, just six days to go!

As much as I loved the Valentines themed beauty box which Selfridges brought out last I do think this box of Summery goodness pips it to the post - no need for a photo finish either guys, this box is the one. For twenty five of my fine English pounds I find this to be really good value too, especially when for £22 you could buy just the Tangle Teezer and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir.  

Unfortunately this box has now sold out on-line but if you fancy getting your mitts on a beauty box for free then just enter my giveaway here to win a GlossyBox....what are you waiting for?

Have you bought a beauty box before? What do you think to my Selfridges' Summer Beauty Box?

Selfridges' Valentines Beauty Box

Let's get one thing straight, I've always loved Selfridges from the iconic yellow and black bags, to the beautiful Oxford Street flagship store steeped in heritage and not forgetting the carefully selected stock, a real mix of high end buys, high street must haves and not forgetting Selfridges exclusives. So I'm sure you can imagine my excitement when I heard that the story of Selfridges was to be made in a television program. If you haven't been watching Mr Selfridge then what are you doing with your Sunday nights? The program is sheer genius and has seriously not disappointed ultimately confirming my love for Selfridges so when I heard they were producing a limited edition beauty box I just had to get my mitts on one.

With only 1000 beauty boxes made the Valentines themed beauty box is the perfect February pick me up, especially if your Valentines was less romantic dinner for two and more takeaway for one or even if you just want to treat yourself. Available exclusively on-line (awesome for those who usually have to trek to Manchester to get their Selfridges fix) I bought mine late on Monday afternoon and it arrived Tuesday via standard delivery, thanks Selfridges!

Inside the beautiful and instantly recognisable packaging is a Stila Lipglaze in Watermelon, a Kure Bazaar nail polish in Stiletto, an Aromatherapy Associates Rose body cream, a pot of Steamcream and a Courreges' Rose de Courreges eau de parfum. This is my first ever beauty box and I must say I'm impressed! I'm definitely someone who's sat on the fence when I've seen beauty bloggers talk about the latest instalment of their monthly beauty subscription box, some have great products but on the whole I'd say it's pot luck. What I love about the limited edition Selfridges box is that you know exactly what you're getting. Now at £25 this is an indulgent treat but with the products having a whopping combined value of £87 I think it's a smart buy, that's what I'm telling myself anyway.

I cannot wait to try out the Stila Lipglaze, the Kure Bazaar nail polish (with the super chic bottle and a name like Kure you know it's going to be good) as well as the Aromatherapy Associates body cream and not forgetting the pot of Steamcream - I'm dying to see what all the fuss is about and how cute is the packaging? Nearly all the brands featured in this limited edition beauty box are well featured in the beauty blogging realm so I have seriously high hopes. Oh and I couldn't mention a Valentines themed beauty box without mentioning my Valentines day, the boy bought me roses and a super cute card before cooking me a huge three course dinner. He's definitely a keeper! I hope you all enjoyed your Valentines days as much as me - I can't help thinking Stiletto would have been the perfect Valentines nail, maybe I'll paint them now...

Would you buy a limited edition Selfridges beauty box? What do you think to beauty box subscriptions?

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

So first things first I'm bringing you this post from my sofa, with a glass of red wine in hand and the only Christmas album worth listening to on the iPod (Michael Buble if case you were wondering), judge all you like but it's getting seriously close to the beginning of advent and I'm feeling just a little festive and smug. Smug I hear you say, why's that? Well I've completed ALL my Christmas shopping! In all honesty there's nothing I love more than sitting down, picturing the person I'm buying for and selecting something that screams them. The boy thinks I'm mad and doesn't understand my penchant for buying for others but I for one can't think of anything better than watching someone opening a gift you've picked and them absolutely loving it. 

So todays post comes from a very self indulgent place, here are a few gifts which I would quite like to find in my Santa sack this Christmas. Maybe they'll even inspire you in your own Christmas shopping quest...

1. Reindeer Knitted Jumper £36- Who doesn't want a novelty Christmas jumper this year? This one from Pop Boutique is one of the best I've seen and if reindeers don't float your boat there's a snowflake number too. I'll hopefully be wearing this with everything from pyjama bottoms to a faux leather skater skirt this Christmas.

2. Nars Pleasure of Paris Palette £37- After spotting this in one of Anna's posts I just knew I wanted this in my Christmas stocking. I believe this is a re-issue of a palette that sold really well for Nars before so they've brought it back just in time for Christmas. I'm personally not a huge eyeshadow wearer and tend to go for the standard smokey eye on a night out but the colours in this palette are just divine. 

3. Body Shop Gingerbread Tin £15- Where do I begin with this little beauty? It's £15, it's contains a mini body butter, shower gel, soap and butter scrub in a gingerbread scent AND the lovely little tin is re-usable- perfect for storing anything from hair bobbles to thank you cupcakes. J'adore!

4. River Island Jacquard Skater Dress £35- A lovely alternative to the usual Christmas party dress, in my head I'm already wearing this with my faux fur stole looking a little 40s. Maybe this one will reach my wardrobe before Christmas....

5. Deep Sleep Pillow Talk £20- I'm not always the best sleeper in the world so I love the sound of this deep sleep pillow spray from brand This Works, as the name and many bloggers suggest the products really do work so I'd love to give this a go. Heavenly slumber here I come.

6. Knitted Wolf Jumper £50- As much as I've professed love for the reindeer knitted jumper a girl needs options and this camel jumper with wolf motive is a nice change from the traditional Christmas offerings. Camel is one of my go to colours so I know this would work with a lot of my wardrobe.

7. Ginsberg is God Candle £38- Who doesn't remember Kate Moss rocking a black knit jumper with the very same words embellished across her chest? A stylish candle from Bella Freud with a fig leaf & tomato scent....if that's not your thing then have a look at the other slogan candles available in the very same line. I'm determined to have a candle this year, think I'm getting to that age!

8. Cream Sequin Touch Screen Gloves £10- Gloves that you can keep on while tweeting or texting away on your iPhone? (Other touch screen phones are available) Bloomin genius and an absolute bargain! Perfect for your tweet happy friend or a teenage relative.

9. Taschen 365 Day by Day Fashion Diary £18- Have you ever seen a more picture perfect diary? This Taschen diary is full of classic fashion adverts and brimming with quotes of the day, even the most organised lady needs a new diary for the new year.

10. Mulberry Oversized Clemmie Clutch £595- What a surprise... I saved the very best until last. The new Clemmie clutches need hardly any words although here are a few- chic, sophisticated and made on this lovely little island we call England from beautiful buttery soft leather which Mulberry are renowned for. Major lust! Now let's just hope this pops up in the January sales, I remain hopeful.

For those of you who are still out there searching for the perfect presents I hope my list has given you some inspiration, if not then check out the following shops for discounts this weekend:

Selfridges- 20% off everything except beauty and food & drink, don't worry though you'll still get 10% off these goodies, use codes SELF10 or SELF20.
My wardrobe.com- 25% off womens wear and 30% off mens wear using PERFECTPRESENT25 and EARLYBIRD30, anyone for a Taschen diary?
For all you beauty junkies out there get yourselves over to beautybay.com for 20% off but be quick, it's only on today.

The Only Way Is Advent

I can't believe it's been a whole week since I last blogged. I've been a busy bee this last week- catching up with friends, taking a Saturday day trip with the boy to Leeds and spending most of Sunday in hospital with the boy after he suffered an injury at football- he's going to be OK guys! On top of all this action the Internet connection at my mum & dads house is beyond temperamental- old houses and thick walls do not make the ideal blogging conditions. I've been desperately hoping the Internet will get it's act together so I can get my blog on and what do you know, it's decided to play ball.... so I thought it'd be wise to tell you all about this little beauty.

If you're anything like me as soon as November rears it head you hot foot to the nearest supermarket or in my case, Hotel Chocolat and begin drooling over which advent calendar you're going to have- dark, milk or maybe the traditional Cadburys offering? Well trust me when I say that this year is the year to forget the chocolate and reach for this, the advent calendar to end all advent calendars. 

The Ciate Mini Mani Month contains 24 5ml nail polishes hiding behind traditional advent windows- good job really as otherwise I may have sneaked a peek. The Mini Mani Month is one stylish countdown featuring 17 of Ciate's bestselling polishes- looking at the preview on the box I'm most looking forward to Cookies and Cream, Cabaret and Fade to Greige. If this wasn't enough to wet your appetite there are also 4 mini Caviar blends (the super cute sprinkle like polishes which everyone went crazy for) plus 3 exclusive colours which you'll only find in this set.

So why haven't you got your beauty loving mitts on one already? The Mini Mani Month is sold exclusively in Selfridges but don't fret if you don't have a Selfridges near you, I bought mine online. At £38 this is certainly going to set you back a little more than your usual advent calendar but this  calendar is actually crazy value for money with 4 full sized Ciate polishes costing the same price as the Mini Mani Month, in the words of Ciate....this really is the best gift of all. 

Will you be racing to Selfridges to buy the Mini Mani Month? Which polish are you most excited to try?