Christmas Presents

Happy New Year!!!

I took a well deserved (well, in my opinion) break over Christmas; I still had to work a couple of days during the holidays (which sucked big time!) but for the rest I literally did sweet nothing.

I had a lovely Christmas and New Years Eve and consciously tried to detox from technology a bit; I still checked my phone (constantly?) and used the iPad but I haven't turned up my desktop in 2 weeks and felt right, actually - I now feel totally recharged and got few post to share!

... and what's the best way to re-start then Christmas Presents?!

Once again, I was spoiled rotten and love everything I was gifted... it's fair to say that Richard and I give each other a list because I hate surprises and I stink at coming up with ideas every year.

Although, I also realised that I need to stop to buy myself stuff because I was actually straggling to come up with things that I really wanted.

I love Lowie pieces but they are fairly expensive plus the book is to start off my New Year Resolution - knitting!

Hat is a lovely present from a friend that knows me well and my love for owls - soooo adorable and makes me look cute! ;)

Swatch Lady Collection in artic sea - This watch is just too cool and I couldn't resist. It comes in so many gorgeous colours but I went with the minty pastel green. It has a long bracelet that wraps around twice. I'm gonna wear it layered with more arm beauties.

Calendar was a sweet wee extra from my hubby... and I totally melted 'cause I'm obsessed with pugs!!!

Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules perfume - a wild card really because I had never smelled this before; honestly, I still need to make up my mind about it: I don't hate it but I was expecting more... on the other hand, my husband really likes it. I heard it works well layered with other scents so I'll try that next.

Plantini is a gorgeous Victorian metal planthouse to build - I think it will make a very interesting decoration piece.

Nike gym bag - I love the colours on this bag and I have been eyeing it for months... when I spotted it on sale, I added it to my wishlist. I'm very pleased, I thought it would be too big but it's actually perfect for everyday use.

Comete Gioielli Romantica Necklace - my parents sent my this necklace that matches the bracelet from my birthday post. Stunning!

The blue framed tile is already on my kitchen wall and the Swatch Bijoux Glamorous Love Earrings are a present from my sister; she knew they would match my Love Explosion ring and my Swarovski Malaysia set, too! They are great studs for every day, too and I haven't taken them off yet since I got them.

ummm, do you remember when I said that I kinda of like pugs? Well, we're bringing this obsession to a whole new level here... Richard's sister got me the Flying Pugs from Dwell. I cannot wait to put them up on the wall! :D

 New Pjs and dressing gown are in order every year, of course - posh ones if I may add, this time. Love the colour on those Calvin Klein trousers and the stars on the robe.

Givenchy' Dahlia Noir eau de toilette is beautiful - I urge you to go and have a sniff, it's just up my street!

Gift vouchers from House of Fraser and French Connection from Richard's mum and she also gave us this lovely frame - ideal for a wedding picture!
Finally, my parents also sent me some extra presents to open on the 6th January - the Epiphany is just as big in Italy as Christmas; It's a national holidays and more for kids really which get sweets and presents.
My parents got me the matching earrings from Comete Gioielli and a card game; this is our family thing: since I was a child I would always get some cards or board game and I still love them *geek* :)

What did you lovely ladies receive?
xxx

I've been very lucky again with giveaways, recently.

I won this book on the Beauty Balm.

Sandra offered 3 books in her giveaway and I picked Perfumes The A-Z Guide.

The descriptions are witty and interesting, plus there are added pieces of trivia here and there; 

a very pleasant read.

I won this on the Secret Beauty Hoarder.

Kerri's giveaway in occasion of the Queen's Jubilee - the Nails Inc polish is called Elizabeth Street - hehe :)

She also sent me these extras - Thanks, hun!

Finally, I won these goodies on Been There, Done That, Got The Lipstick - amazing, eh?!

I have already used the Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream and I like it... looking forward to try Skin Doctors Eyetuck and Ysl Forever youth Liberator Serum! :)

*****

Now, it's time to announce the winner to MY giveway...

Congratulations to Emma Kershaw @ Beauty By Emma

... your prize will be with you soon! :)

xxx

Christmas Presents

Mega Haul of my Christmas goodies!

Ok, explanation of the cross in the first picture: I took this picture on Xmas morning but I don't own the Clarisonic Classic anymore. Basically, on Boxing Day I saw Clarisonic Mia on Buyapowa.com so I convinced my fiancé to return the other one. Oh boy, it took a lotttt of convincing - I tell ya! He really really wanted me to keep the 'better' version but I honestly couldn't justify the extra 60quid: I'm just as happy with the Mia. :) Actually I'm in love with my Mia - I can't wait to use it every evening.

I'm still trying it out, at the moment, to see what's best for my skin: I've been using it every night for the last 10 days (alternating the gentle hydro cleanser - which came in the box - and refreshing gel cleanser - from feel unique' box).

Currently, I'm researching which are the best cleanser for this tool; I'm set to buy Philosophy 'Purity' or one from Elemis. Please, comment below if you have any recommendation.

Do you have a Clarisonic? Would you like to try it?

Bobbi Brown - Bobbi's Party eau de parfum

This is so nice! Describing a perfume is always a challenge but what comes to mind are words like clean, fresh... Yes, i would say it smells kinda like soap - which I like but I don't know if the word sounds too appealing to other... if you pass by a BB counter give it a sniff and tell me what you think, ok? :)

We got it in House of Fraser at the beginning of December; they were running a promotion with O2 where if you spent £40 you're getting a £15 voucher. I got a free lippie with the voucher - also from the Bobbi Brown Party Collection (but it's sooo pretty that it deserves a separate post!).

loving this snood - it's super warm

Bag is from Zara and it's the perfect size: I can fit loads in it plus, it' has got cards slots in the front pocket so it's perfect also for a night out if I don't want to carry my wallet with me.

I like the college/retro feel of it and I've been looking for a green bag for some time actually! Perfect choice!

Fossil necklace is gorgeous! I love marcasite because I like vintage/vintage inspired jewellery. 

This has got silver and black crystals and stones making it super-sparkling.

There's a Fossil shop in the St Enoch Centre in Glasgow now - It's good they expanded from watches and they also sell jewellery and bags. I like their stuff, quite pricey tho.

Karen Millen Knit Cardigan

Reiss Luna Boxy Across Body Bag

Thomas Sabo charm bracelet

posh dressing gown - I work from home... should I say more?! This will get good use!! :)