The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode three

Just quietly: remember the preface to my last couple of gift guides!

Last minute gift ideas? Unexpected cousin done a last minute RSVP? Office secret santa? There are loads of fab presents out there for under $30, and these are some of my favourites.

First up, ANYTHING from Typo. I swear I would buy everything in that store if I could. So much win – bookends, notebooks, pens, lanterns, calendars, mugs...and all of it so cheap! I have bought presents for five different people from Typo, and five presents for myself while I was at it (star fairy lights for the win). 

 

If you want something a bit cheeky and naughty, waddle down to Borders and grab The Snuggie Sutra ($17.95). I don’t know if anyone would ever use it (do you own a snuggie? The girl who got this in my work Secret Santa didn’t) but there is definitely hours worth of laughter going through all the names and pictures. The Marge Simpson. Look it up. So wrong.

For the little people in your life, grab a Lola&Bailey Alphabet Zoo Mini Tote ($25). These are totes cute (zing!) mini canvas bags, and each letter has an animal hidden in it. They also have lunch totes called ‘the lunch tote’ which is way classier than carrying your sandwich and banana in a plastic bag.

If you still need to grab something extra for Mum or Nan, may I suggest an Inspa candle ($24). They are organic soy wax, come in four beautiful fragrances and $1 from every sale goes to the McGrath Foundation, which is one of my charities of choice. My favourite is Refresh – mandarin, rose geranium and cedarwood tickles the senses and makes the spirit buzz. Just what you need once the silly season is wrapped up (I can’t wait to bliss out next week with a candle, a book and a glass of wine)

Finally, you know I love me some Archie Grand notebooks. This one is so perfect that I can imagine the fat man himself using it to keep track of his naughty and nice list – Santa Clauses I Met And Liked ($19.95). I reckon I would have to be on the nice list this year. I hope. I think. Please? Santa?

Stockists:
Lola&Bailey - website
Inspa - Amcal chemists, Guardian Pharmacies, GNC and Inspa website
Archie Grand notebook - HoneyHoney



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Congratulations to me? Congratulations to you!

This post here...the one you're reading right now...is a pretty important one. You know why? It's my 400th post. That's not something to sneeze at. That's 400 posts of blood, sweat, tears, rashes, pain and pure pleasure (on my part...I hope you're not in pain reading my blog!)

To celebrate this great milestone for me and the impending visit of my favourite North Pole dwelling gentleman, the good kids over at Lush are helping me celebrate with a limited-edition Christmas pack from Lush. You know I love me some Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics. The prize consists of three NEW Christmas bath ballistics, a sweet smelling piece of Angels Delight soap and it's all wrapped in Lush’s eco-friendly gift-wrapping service, The Knot Wrap that I wrote about a few days ago, which uses a vintage scarf to wrap gifts instead of paper and ribbon.

So...checklist...
Lil’ Lush Pud bath ballistic (pictured) - tick
Satsumo Santa bath ballistic - tick
Cinders bath ballistic - tick
Angels delight soap -tick
All wrapped in a beautiful vintage scarf, Lush Knot Wrap - double tick for awesomeness

All you have to do is enter your email address HERE and I'll do the draw at 5pm on Monday December 20th so that your prize gets to you in time for The Big Day.

Huge thanks to Lush for offering this great prize for me to give away and a huge thanks to you, my darling readers, who put up with my bad jokes, encourage me on twitter, leave great comments and remind me why I love blogging so much. Here's to 400 more great posts.

Note: Competition is open to Australian residents only - sorry! Prize will be drawn at 5pm on Monday December 20th using random.org.

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The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode two

Remember how I prefaced my last gift guide? Please keep that in mind again...I don’t want to go spoiling any surprises!

So let’s talk girlie presents. Mothers, sisters, cousins, friends... This is just a random mix of some of my favourite things that are on shelves this Christmas (and sitting under my bed already wrapped).

Everyone needs decent MAKEUP BRUSHES, and the superadorable Peace & Harmony mini brush set from Shu Uemura ($80) ticks all the boxes. Excellent quality brushes, cute carry case and limited edition. I know it sounds kind of obnoxious, but giving something that’s limited edition gives your gift that extra je ne sais quoi, oui? The Aya Takano for Shu Uemura range is hella cute – hit the counter if you get a chance and check out the adorable lids on the palettes. Whimsical!


If you’re on the hunt for JEWELLERY, then head over to the Holly Jones website. Her current collection, called Phoenix Queen, is hot.to.trot. I am head over heels in love with the Nile Queen necklace ($69), and would be very happy if Santa delivered on to me on December 25th. She also has a sale section, and the prices are absurdly low. I’m going through a statement piece faze right now, and the Belle necklace (pictured), which is on sale for only $29 down from $90, is not only stupidly cheap, but totally glam. If anything from the Phoenix Queen collection tickles your fancy, then enter in the code hollyjewels at the checkout for 30% off. Don’t say I never give you anything.

Since we’re talking about jewellery, I’m also partial to a bit of Lola&Bailey. 
The Sundial pendants are freakin’ gorgeous (all $85), and I really like the Dial D range (all $55 - Murder In The Mews pictured right) – probably because my wardrobe is mainly grey and black. If you check out the Lola&Bailey facebook page, they often have discount codes on there. I don’t want anyone paying full price for anything this Christmas!

I’m sure you’re wondering why I haven’t posted BEAUTY gifts yet. Fear not my friends, I have plenty of those. Editing it down to my favourites was an effort though...so many great gift packs out this year! One of the best makeup gift sets is Benefit Her Name Was Glowla ($69) – it contains some of Benefits best-selling products, like Coralista cheek powder,  High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer and BADgal lash mascara (amongst others) – pretty much all my favourite Benefit prods in one place. This would be perfect for someone who has just started to wear makeup. I remember my parents giving me an incredible Estee Lauder gift set one Christmas that had pretty much everything I needed to get started.

Speaking of Benefit, the Crescent Row Mini Set ($79) contains itty-bitty versions of Eva, Rita, Carmella and LeeLee, and is sure to rock someone’s world on Dec 25. Carmella is still my favourite of the lot.

If you want your nearest and dearest to smell good (and who doesn’t) then hunt down the Best of Korres gift set from Kit ($41.95). The Guava body butter is a little slice of heaven, and the Yoghurt cooling gel will be welcome relief after a day of eating and drinking. It comes in a lovely little gift box and is perfect for Mums, Mother-In-Laws and even Nans (don't read too much into that please Mum).

For your pommy friend, I recommend the Soap & Glory Soaper Heroes travel gift box ($34.95) from Kit. This brand is HUGE in the UK - we’re talking cult status times ten – and this gift set contains little versions of their biggest products. The Girligo Scented Moisturising Mist is so yummy you have to restrain yourself from licking your own arm. Seriously.

I’ll be back soon with my Kris Kringle list!

Picture credit: Thanks to Holly Jones and Lola&Bailey for letting me steal their images.



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The Stuff That I Bought 2010 Giftsmas Guide – episode one

I have to preface the Stuff That I Bought Giftsmas Guide – you guys know that I am always incredibly honest and transparent with disclosing what has been sent to me for review and what I have purchased myself. I pride myself on this and it’s something I take very seriously because I value my credibility. The Giftsmas Guide is a mixed bag – most of it has been purchased by me but a couple of items that have been offered to me for review are included. For once, I won’t be indicating what is what because a lot of the items I have included are real gifts that I am giving people in my life over the following weeks and I don’t want surprises to be ruined!! I hope you all understand this and can appreciate why I am doing it.

One of the MOST important things about going to someone else’s home for a Christmas celebration is manners. My amazing Godmother has always instilled in me that being a grateful guest is of the utmost importance – you should never turn up empty handed and you should always write a thank you note. I adore having her over for dinner because she always brings homemade cookies as a hostess gift (yum!) and sends really thoughtful notes afterwards that make all the effort of preparing a meal worthwhile.

If you don’t have the time or skills to bake a little hostess gift, then these are a few of my favourites that I will be rolling out over the coming weeks:

CANDLES never go out of style and are always appreciated. Pop into Kit because they always have a great range. My favourites are the Caramel Archipelago ($52.95), which is like filling your home with the amazing scent of dessert all. the. time., or the Kit limited-edition Fresh Pear, Crisp Apple and Vanilla ($44.95) which is super-fresh and just the right mix of sweet and creamy. If you have never burnt a pear candle in your home, then you’re missing out.

SOAP and LOTION are always a safe option. My almost-brother-in-law will often bring me Molton Brown gift packs from the UK, and there is nothing more enjoyable than having lux hand soap in the bathroom – I can’t go back to regular soap now! Pop into Molton Brown and grab a gift pack or try one of the Philosophy sets from Mecca. My new favourite is the Amazing Grace Hand Duo ($65) – hand wash and hand lotion in a cute wire basket, or go Christmassy with the Holiday Hostess Set ($38) – the Sugary Cinnamon hand lotion is to die for! Santa, if you’re reading, this one is on my list.

SCENT STICKS are something else for the home that make a great hostess gift (or regular gift...hello, Nan.) Someone recently gave me a set of three mini Atmos scent sticks and they are fab – one for the bedroom, one for the lounge and one for the entranceway. In the past I have bought Archipelago Botanicals diffuser and votive kits from, er, Kit ($39.95) and they currently have white fig, pink grapefruit or wasabi mint. If you were bringing me a gift, I would want Pink Grapefruit.

As for your thank you note, you can’t go past French Navy. I just bought three boxes of French Navy notecards ($35/box of 10 cards & envelopes) so I’m right for a while, and I can’t wait to send them because they are just so darn cute. I bought Thanks for..., E is for... and an assortment box of various colours and designs, so all my bases are covered. If nothing else, please promise me you’ll visit French Navy and check out their beautiful stationary!

I’ll be back with episodes two and three later in the week – keep an eye out ‘cos we’re talking girlie gifts and secret santa pressies!

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Show some love on Mother's Day

Quick poll: does it sound dirty if I give my Nan Love Balm for Mother’s Day?

I only ask because Jurlique are doing a gift pack of Rose Hand Cream and Love Balm, and I know my Nan would love the Hand Cream, and the Love Balm would come in handy in winter to protect her lips and other dry skin, but it just sounds kind of...wrong? Maybe I just have a dirty mind.

I bought my Nan a beautiful set of tea cups and saucers from Victoria’s Basement (such a Nana present, right?) They were on sale so I feel like I need to get her something else as well. Does anyone else ever feel like that when they have bought gifts on sale, or is it just me? Anyway, the Rose Hand Cream seemed like a good idea but I just wasn’t sure how she would take the Love Balm.

As for my Mother? She gets a card in her suitcase. I love her dearly but she will be travelling so all she gets from me is a list of all the stuff I want her to buy me. Sorry Ma...you know the rules!
Jurlique Roses Gift Set

Price: $49
From: Jurlique (stores, David Jones and various chemists and health food stores)
Why you need it: It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your Mum or your Nan, as long as you don’t feel a bit cheeky with the whole Love Balm thing.

Picture credit: jurlique.com.au

Chocfest 2010

Happy Easter my lovelies!

No updates until Tuesday. You may recall I am going to a wedding today (did I mention it? I may have mentioned it once or twice recently) so I'm taking a well earned break tomorrow, as should you. Be sure to eat as much chocolate as humanly possible today. You can exercise some other time.

By the way, I made those cupcakes. It was a $3 packet job (Coles brand) and they turned out perfectly. I love the little choc rocks on top - they feel kind of fun and easter-y without being eggs. Don't you agree?

Havagoodone! x

An open letter to my Mother

Dear Mum,

I know I’m a bit old for Easter presents, but I love that you give me a little bag of eggs every year. You know exactly which ones are my favourites (hello, Turkish Delight, crème eggs, caramel crème and Lindt bunnies) and you always put them in a sweet gift bag with a thoughtful card. Gold star for being an awesome Mum.

This year I’m going to be incredibly bold and assume you will once again make my day with some chocolaty treats. I would strongly urge you to visit the Lindt display and hunt down some peanut butter eggs. You know how I feel about peanut butter. Surely you remember my obsession with peanut butter and nutella on toast (I get that from Dad). You also know that I load up on Reese’s everytime we go to Hawaii. Consider this a very big hint; Lindt are doing peanut butter eggs for Easter and I want in! The pouches are available where you buy Lindt (Myer, supermarkets, Lindt cafe) and they’re affordable ($6.29), so you can still buy me other stuff too! How great is that?!

Loads of love,
Your favourite daughter xx

Yum! Yum! Yum!

I was one of the many people who was appalled when Cadbury Creme Eggs appeared in my local Coles on Jan 2nd. Easter Eggs! The week after Christmas! The lunacy was just mind-boggling. Insert rant about the over-commercialisation of our holidays and evil corporations just grabbing for cash.

Well...I'm not totally backflipping, but the lead up to Easter is the only time of year that I can buy Turkish Delight easter eggs. I LOVE Turkish Delight eggs - if I could hook up an IV, I would mainline the stuff. They are like crack to me. Interesting fact: you can only buy a maximum of 12 bags at a time on Coles online. Not interesting fact: My Nan is going to the Edinburgh Tattoo tonight.

Price: $4.50
From: Supermarkets
Why you shouldn't buy them: So there are more for me.

Christmas checklist – Christmas crackers

Christmas lunch isn’t complete unless everyone is sitting around wearing stupid paper hats and grumbling about the fact they are wearing stupid paper hats (except Mum, because she loves it!). While we’re at it, why is it that the only photos I ever seem to have from Christmas day are my family with these hats on? Never any nice ones sans hat, but plenty of stupid poses. Let’s try and rectify that this year.

Last thing on the checklist is Christmas crackers. I’m sure we aren’t the only family where you sit down to lunch, crack the cracker, put the hat on and then read the lame jokes and roll your eyes at how lame they are because you’re cool like that, even though secretly you chuckle because you love a good pun. Yep, can I get an amen, sista!

The crackers I bought are Tom Smith Christmas Crackers and, according to their website, are the first line in luxury when it comes to snap, crackle and pop (my words, not theirs - but they are welcome to use that snappy line if they like). That said, I bought them at Target so I’m not sure just how luxurious you would classify that. The box seems to indicate they have some pretty rad novelties in them, so I cracked one to see just how accurate that was (I bought a box of 12 and I’m only having 7 for lunch, so I was allowed). Hat? Tick. Lame joke? Tick. Novelty – it was a mini periscope. I wouldn’t re-gift it, but definitely one of the better quality cracker novelties I have had in my time. I will admit I played with it for a good 3 minutes.

And the joke? Q. What should a prizefighter drink? A. Punch. Don’t tell me you didn’t just laugh.

My suggestion for Target: it appears Tom Smith do Disney crackers. I would be most appreciative if they could hook those up next year. Cheers.

Price: $29.95 (although I got them on sale for $19.95)
From: Target
Why you need them: Silly hats, ahoy!

Now that I have my wrapping paper, decorations, crackers and all my presents wrapped up under my bookshelf-pretending-to-be-a-tree, it's on to the food. I won't bore you with the details, but I bought my pork and my turkey from Thomas Dux Grocer on Crown St Surry Hills. I feel so grown up.

Picture credit: Tomsmithchristmascrackers.com; polaroided by poladroid.com

New Muzak: The ultimate Christmas tune

As far as I'm concerned, All I Want For Christmas Is You by Miss Mariah Carey has always been the ultimate Christmas choon. It's the only Christmas song I can never get sick of, no matter how many times I hear it flogged on the radio/in the shopping centre/on repeat in the lounge room. BUT! I think I may have found a new hero holiday song.

The absolutely adorable Andrew Allen is an indie singer/songwriter from Canada, and he sits somewhere on the Jason Mraz/John Mayer/Maroon 5 end of the pop spectrum. He's cute, he plays a guitar and he spouts bubblegum lyrics to make your heart melt while flashing a perfect smile. The kind of guy you could take home to Mum.

He has released a single for Christmas and I am in love.



Check these lyrics!
I wanna be the 12 days wrapped in 1
I wanna be your drummer boy, burrum bum bum bum
I wanna be the eggnog in your rum
I wanna be (I wanna be)
I wanna be the north star that you see
I wanna be the partridge in your tree
I wanna know your Christmas just ain't Christmas
Without me

Swoon! Make sure you download it and put it on high rotation. Beats the heck out of Jingle Bells.

Price: $1.69
from: iTunes
Why you need it: To get in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Checklist – Gift wrapping

I have started wrapping my presents already. Are you impressed? Yeah, I thought so. No please, stop with the applause, you’re making me blush.

Like I said in my baubles post, I like to theme everything. I’m not sure whether the need to theme everything is a sign of creativity or anal-retentiveness. Either way, I enjoy it and that’s all that matters. Last year I did all my presents in silver paper with purple ribbon and used purple baubles as gift tags. This year, I’m using really bright lime green paper, popping silver bows in the corner and writing straight on the paper instead of using gift tags (I bought tags but then changed my mind. Cest la vie). What do you think? It’s kind of a casual approach and not exactly traditional, but lots of fun and my pressies will definitely be noticed!

Funnily enough, as I’m sitting here writing this, my lovely flatmate is wrapping her pressies in some beautiful double-sided paper from Ikea. One side is black and the other is silver with a black filigree pattern. Totally different to mine, but very classy. She is also being a clever little ducky and wrapping strips of alternating paper and silver paper around for contrast, and using silver baubles as gift tags. Feel free to rip off either of our ideas.

Price: lime green paper - $5.99 for 5m; black double sided paper - $4.99 for 3m
From: lime green paper - Target; black double sided paper – Ikea
Why you need it: A present isn’t a present unless it’s wrapped. Make a bit of effort.

Picture credit: Polaroided by Poladroid.com

Christmas checklist - baubles

While I can't tell you about every single pressie I have been buying, I can tell you what I have been doing to get my house all festive-y and stuff. Did I tell you I'm doing dinner for 7 people on Boxing Day? Yea, that's kind of daunting. And when I say kind of, I actually mean oh my goodness!! I have never hosted a proper Christmas meal before so I'm starting to panic already and I still have 2 weeks to go. It's doing wonders for my blood pressure.

Anyway, I'm all about classing up the joint with some tasteful baubles. I always go with a colour theme. Last year was purple, year before was pink, this year was supposed to be lime green, but I lucked out at Target - obviously everyone else had the same idea as me. So blue and silver it is. Not that I'm complaining, because they look fab. I don't know about you, but I find regular old red, green and gold quite...blah. Cliche? Perhaps. Definitely not my taste. Maybe it's because they are such rich and deep colours, while Christmas in Australia is all about blue skies and bright sun, and everything is seasonally topsy-turvy. I can never bring myself to send a Christmas card with a snow scene on it.

I have little clusters of baubles hanging around the place, sitting in urns and vases and generally adding a touch of sparkle. Subtle; but definitely more me. Plus they are versatile enough that when I need the vases for flowers, I just tip them into a salad bowl and I'm being all artistic. Clever me. How do you jazz your joint up?

Price: $6.99 for a box of 18
From: Target
Why you need it: Shiny balls > tinsel in the decorating stakes - they leave less mess!

Picture credit: Polaroided by Poladroid.com

Turn the computer off and grab a pen

You know what the start of December means...Christmas beatles! Yep...John, Paul, George and Ringo in santa hats. Just kidding; I totally mean the bugs, silly. Those cute little critters herald the arrival of summer and the festive season (in my mind, anyway). The start of December also means putting up trees, walking around in circles at Bondi Westfield and writing Christmas cards.

I’ve mentioned before what a fan I am of the handwritten note, and Christmas cards are no exception. There’s something really personal and heartfelt about even the simplest of handwritten note or card. Don’t you agree? Handwriting can tell you so much about someone’s personality, and people just don’t write anymore. I was cleaning out my bedside table on the weekend and I found a whole stack of Christmas and birthday cards from the last 5 years – it was really special to read back over them and see what friends and family had written. I also found $350 in one of the cards, but that’s another story.

Anyway, you have a few options when it comes to cards. You can grab a generic pack from Coles or the Two Dollar Shop, or even splash out at Myer or DJ’s. Or you could truly do something special and go for personalised cards or Christmas note cards. My current stationary love is French Navy – they do exquisite note cards with matching envelopes which are just a joy to write on. It isn’t a fold in two card, but it encourages you to use your words rather than images. Imagine yourself sitting in your parlour (what? You don’t have a parlour?) with your beautiful calligraphy pen, inking out messages of good tidings to your loved ones in far flung corners of the globe. You could even send them their own set of French Navy stationary to encourage them to correspond back. Clever you – a gift you benefit from too!

My other favourite cards this year are from mooo.com.au. They do super cute and quirky cards - you can either buy the cards on their own OR have them personalised with your name and/or picture. Having your picture on your Christmas card is a very American thing – I remember when I lived there everyone I knew did that, and even now I still receive the odd posed family portrait in the post at this time of year. Not your thing? Just have your name or a message put on the front. I promise you will stand out in a sea of nativity scenes and trees. Plus, most importantly, those who matter to you will linger over your card a moment longer and appreciate your effort.

French Navy note cards
Price: $35 for 10 (and they come in a classy box)
From: French Navy online
Why you need them: For a touch of sophistication

Mooo Christmas Cards
Price: $20 for 16 cards OR from $40 for personalised cards
From: Mooo
Why you need them: For a quirky, personal missive

Note: If you go with either of these options, make sure you send me one!

Picture credit: frenchnavy.com.au; mooo.com.au

Twinkle twinkle little house...

So...my Christmas lights went up today. See that picture to the right? Yeah, I totally rocked that. My house looks awesome*. I'm sure we will add more because it's just not enough yet, but for now I can go outside and feel like I'm in a winter wonderland without needing my sunglasses. I LOVE Christmas lights. They are probably one of my highlights of the holiday season (along with all the extra shopping trips, naturally).

I had every intention of heading down to Bunnings on the weekend to grab my lights but...you know...Bunnings. I did however go to Bondi Westfield and struck electric gold in Hot Dollar. Those junky stores are a veritable treasure trove of random bits and pieces - I bought some really awesome brightly coloured bottles in there that I keep in the fridge full of cold water. Tres fun.

So I grabbed a string of the plain bulbs (traditional lightbulb coloured - none of this LED stuff, we are not a bluelight disco) which are wrapped nicely around the railing on the balcony. I also got a string of icicle lights (the dangly ones, for those of you who don't speak 'light') which sway gently in the breeze as they give off their festive goodness. I would tell you what brand they are, but I don't actually know! They come in a red box that says Do It Yourself Low Voltage Installation, but there are no contact details AT ALL anywhere on the box or instruction sheet *shrug*. Not very helpful am I. Pop down to your local Hot Dollar and check it out yourself. I'm going back this weekend to pick up the hanging stars!

Also, if you want your lights to actually stay up, I recommend Scotch Transparent Duct Tape. It's clear which means you don't have ugly silver duct tape everywhere (ruins the mojo), but it holds really well. Works a treat for those of you who, like me, don't have gutters and therefore can't use those cool little gutter clips.

Price: $26.99 for both kinds of lights. $4.99 for the small role of duct tape.
From: Hot Dollar for the lights, K-Mart for the duct tape
Why you need it: So that you too can win the best balcony competition in your apartment complex!


* I may or may not be lying**

** Ok, I am definitely lying. I live in an apartment.

Sprinkles of Cheer...

With the festive season upon us, the apartment I share with Boyfriend and Flatmate needed some holiday dressing. Being a) limited on space and b) in Australia, a giant fur, while lovely, is not so practical. We have these beautiful giant twigs that are covered in fairy lights in a big vase in the corner (which ROCK - but they deserve a post all of their own) which we intend to hang decorations on, but you can't celebrate christmas without a proper Christmas tree. Or something at least resembling a proper Christmas tree. Enter Christmas Tree-In-A-Box.

This amazing find was somewhat by accident while I was out window shopping on Oxford St in Paddington. Purchased from one of the best bookstores in the country - Ariels - this delightful little box of joy is a DIY paper Christmas tree which is 2 feet high when it's all put together. You put the trunk together, push all the branches into place and then hang the sweet little paper baubles which have glitter on them. So adorable!

Price: $19.95
From: Ariels, or any other cool book store
Why you need it: Who doesn't need some Christmas cheer! It's just the right size for any occasion and it's super cute.