December

Mango dress, Asos clutch, Girls Aloud eyelashes,

Topshop heels, Topshop necklace.

This is something I'd wear to a Christmas party. I've had to bail on my work's Christmas party due to lack of funds, but if I were going I'd wear this. I love velvet, and the simple cut of this is beautiful. I adore the shoes too; heels are one thing I will pay for from Topshop as they are always well made and fit well. 

November's Playlist:

Your Nickel Ain't Worth My Dime - Sleeping with Sirens

To a Friend - Alexisonfire

Young Cardinals - Alexisonfire 

Blue in the Face - Alkaline Trio

Call Your Girlfriend (cover) - Erato

Christmas For Her

Benefit 'How to Look the Best at Everything' Set - £24

Paul and Joe Lip Balm and Skincare Set - £11

Sylvia Plath Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams - £8.46

Asos Pointed Backpack - £55

Chanel Eau Fraiche - £45

Make-up/skin care/fragrances are always a good pick for girls. Personally I never ever buy myself perfume as it is so expensive, so it's lovely to receive it as a gift. I've also been a little bit indulgent here and included a Sylvia Plath book. Woops. 

I also was very generously offered the chance to try out a Sanctuary set, which, when I received it (damn you Royal Mail) I thought would make an excellent gift for mums. 
  

The set arrived in this huge box, I was pretty taken aback by the sheer size of the thing! It contains seven items, I'm not sure if they are all full sized, but the body wash and body butter definitely are. The body butter is massive! 

Left to Right: Body Butter, Body Wash, Foaming Bath Soak, Illuminating Moisture Lotion SPF 15, Heel Balm, Purifying Face Wash and a Body Scrub.

Everything came beautifully packaged, and although I haven't had a chance to try out everything yet, the products I have tried are lovely. The SPF lotion is light on the skin and sinks in quickly, however it does smell a bit like sun cream. It is paraben free too.

The body scrub and body wash both smell like oranges, which is lovely and refreshing; it isn't over-powering or too synthetic smelling either.

The face wash is a clear gel-like consistency, which is light and doesn't leave the skin too dry-feeling. I do have a skin care routine I'm pretty happy with, so I don't know if this would replace my usual cleanser. It is a lovely size for travelling though, and I will definitely be taking it to London with me this weekend.

I'm unsure as to whether this whole set is available to buy as is, but I do know that Sanctuary gift sets (and individual products) are stocked in Boots, and are usually on 3 for 2. I tend to buy a Sanctuary gift set for my mum/grandma for Christmas, so I was pleased to be able to try out the products for myself.

I hope this has proven helpful! 

Thanks for reading x

Stocking Fillers

O.P.I The Top Ten - £28.50
Owl Compact Mirror - £12
Topshop Gift Card
Lindt Lindor - £3.50
iPhone Case - £8.00
Rob Ryan Cup - £9.00

Looking at this selection, it is pretty much girl orientated, sorry about that. Although these items could easily be switched out for more male orientated picks. I put the O.P.I set in there because, although pricey for a stocking filler, it can be broken up and put in numerous stockings. Also, Lindor just scream Christmas for me. My sister and I always get a box at Christmas.

Wishlist #1

Top Row: Moby Dick Journal, The Pleasures of the Damned, Asos Top, Journals of Sylvia Plath

Bottom Row: Selected Diaries of Virginia Woolf, River Island T Shirt Dress, Love is a Dog From Hell

I love looking at people's wishlists, but tend to shy away from doing them myself as I usually end up with way more than I'll ever be able to afford. I have a bookmark folder full of things I want, so I thought I'd sort through it and decide what I really actually do want.

Me being me, there's always about a million books I want to buy. I've been interested in reading some Bukowski for a long time after seeing quotations of his floating about the internet, and was recommended Love is a Dog From Hell. The Moby Dick journal is something that's been in the folder for ages, and I'd love to keep a proper journal/scrapbook. I may purchase this in time for summer adventures. I think writing in this and sticking disposable photos in it will be a great way to remember summer.

I'm writing on Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf in my dissertation next year (argh!) and am just generally fascinated by the women in general, especially as Plath cites Woolf as one of her inspirations. I'd love to read their diaries (that sounds nosey doesn't it!) so these two may have to be bought and read some time soon.

I saw this top on Asos ages ago, priced at £32, which I wasn't willing to pay for a t-shirt. However, it has been reduced to £14 so come payday I may have to treat myself. I saw the dress on Michelle's blog recently and kind of fell in love. It's like the grey marl Topshop dress, but nicer. I've tried that one on and looked like a sack of spuds in it. I doubt I'll buy it though.

Have you bought/read any of this? What's currently top of your wishlist at the moment? 

Also, recommend me some books to read, I'm always on the lookout for something new :)

Thanks for reading x