Monday 21 December 2015

The Melt Crowd | December

I think that there is nothing more festive than filling your home with lovely fragrances at Christmas time and this months Melt Crowd box has helped me do just that. Each month I look forward to getting this in the post and seeing what the lovely people over at Flamingo Candles have put together for us.

This month there was a few little extras included in the box which is so cute. It was my sixth month of subscription and there was an extra tart melt which fitted extremely well with the theme of the box. As its Christmas, there was also a little flamingo tree decoration which is such a nice little touch. I'm going to find a place to have this out all year round.

Onto the melts included in this months box...


Asian Pear and Plum is so sweet yet with just enough floral in it to make it slightly more grown up. It makes for a really light scent that would be perfect all year round. 
Black Tea and Almond is one of my favourites. You can really smell the almond in this which makes the room smell like a lovely cake shop. The Black Tea is just so comforting, this one would be perfect for a snuggly night.
Christmas Pudding is a Melt Crowd exclusive and is one that I'm still not sure about. It's really not something that I have ever like so this would never be a hit with me, but there is no doubting that it smells exactly like a Christmas Pudding.
Cinnamon Sticks just screams Christmas to me. Whilst some cinnamon scents can be really overwhelming this one is just right. This will be my Christmas eve scent.
Mulled Wine and Berries is a really lovely twist on a classic. The mulled wine is spicy and warming, yet the berries adds a nice juicy and fruity element to it. Perfect if you're looking for something a little different.
Vanilla Milk Bottles is definitely the sweetest of the bunch. It's sweet, sugary, warm and smooth, whilst taking me right back to my childhood.
Black Cherry is another Melt Crowd exclusive and if this was available in full candle size, I would snap it up right away. You can smell this as soon as you open the box, it is so fruity and yummy that I just want to take a bite out of it.
Mistletoe, another exclusive is so fresh and clean smelling. It s exactly how I would imagine Mistletoe to smell. It's a welcome change from all of the strong scents featured in this box.
Finally, Snow Angel is the 6 month gift, and is just so beautiful. It smells like fresh air which I know is a little strange but growing up in the countryside and now living in the city, this makes me so nostalgic.

This month is just perfect and they keep getting better and better each month. Here's to seeing what January has in store.
Which is your favourite from this months box?
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Wednesday 2 December 2015

Christmas Date Ideas

Around this time of year, I use a couple of days holidays from work to enjoy a couple of days of festivities, and battling crowds for Christmas shopping. This year I have done exactly that but my fiance has also take some days off work so we get to spend them together. We have decided to have a couple of Christmas themed date days and I thought that it would be nice to share some of the ideas with you...



1: Ice Skating
I know that some people might think of this as cheesy or obvious but hear me out. If you are someone who has weekdays off, or has taken a couple of days off then an Ice Rink is the perfect place to go midweek. It is so quiet and peaceful rather than on a weekend and evening when it is usually so busy! You often get a better deal through the day too which is always a bonus! 

2: Christmas Cinema
Throughout the month of December, some cinemas often run classic Christmas films. We have done this quite a few years in a row now and it's always nice to get us into the festive spirit. This week, we went to see Miracle on 34th Street, which is a firm favourite of mine, and brings back memories of watching it as a child. Make sure to check with your local Cinema to see what they are showing.

3: Christmas Markets
Who doesn't love going to the Christmas markets? We always like to go and have a wander round whilst feasting on the goodies there and having a festive drink. I definitely recommend a Cherry and Amaretto Punch if you can get it. Again, try and avoid peak times as it does get very busy.

4: Tobogganing 
Surprisingly, there are quite a few toboggan tracks or slopes all around the country. This is so good for a fun date or family day out and something completely out of the ordinary. I have done it quite a few times in different places and have found that I much prefer the slopes as they really add to the authentic winter experience with the snow. Remember to wrap up warm! The best one I have been to is at Xscape Castleford.

5: Winter Forest Walks
Something that is becoming more and more popular is a Winter Forest. Many places now will have somewhere that has a magically transformed forest that looks just like a winter wonderland. I have been to some a few times and think they are absolutely amazing, and very romantic. One of my favourites is Stockeld Park.


What is your favourite Christmas Date?

Tuesday 1 December 2015

November Favourites

It's been such a long time since I've wrote a favourites post. I think it's probably because for the past few months I've been travelling between Manchester, Leeds and Kent, all whilst using the same products from the same tiny make up bag. November has finally seemed to calm down a little and I've had a chance to rotate some products and there are some that I've been loving.


Paco Rabbane Olympea EDP - Here
Working in Duty Free means that I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous fragrances, but this one really has got me smitten. It is so unusual, yet isn't too out there, and it is so beautiful for this time of year. It's categorised as a 'Floriental' fragrance with Mandarin, Ginger Lily and Jasmine, to give it a floral boost, whilst the Salty Vanilla accord, and cashmere give it a slight oriental scent. I am absolutely in love with this, and will definitely replace it once I'v finished this bottle.


MUFE HD Foundation - Here
I know that MUFE have now released the Ultra HD foundation but I am a little late to the party with this one. This foundation has been my holy grail ever since purchase for a number of reasons. It gives me such a smooth even base, that looks almost flawless even with just the tiniest amount. The coverage is medium and buildable without looking cakey on the skin which is always a bonus. 

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Sandstorm - Here
At the moment I'm all about brown lips, so this was always going to be a winner with me. This colour is quite unusual as it has a little grey undertone to it which is surprisingly flattering. The formula is so smooth and long wearing, with a fully matte texture. I find some liquid lipstick to stay a little tacky but this fully dries down and is so comfortable on the lips. I'll definitely be picking up more shades.

MAC Blusher in Mocha - Here
I love having a slightly darker blush in the winter months, and had lusted after MACs Mocha blush for a while. When I finally picked it up, it was definitely love. I find it gives me just the right amount of warmth and colour to my face without being too pigmented. It lasts all day and the matte finish is lovely, I can see this one getting a lot of further use.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 - Here 
Urban Decay are one of my favourites for palettes, and as a big fan of the original Naked Basics palette, I had to get this one. I find that the cooler tones are much easier to work with and you can create so many eye looks from just six shades. As with all UD shadows, the pigmentation is insane and the shadows are so buttery soft so they blend like an absolute dream.

So those are my favourites for November, and I reckon that most of them will still be my favourites in December too! 
What have you been loving this month?