Birthday Present Post ft L'Occitane, Macadamia Oil, Bioderma and Origins

Not so long ago I celebrated my birthday and in amongst many meals out, I received some lovely presents from my friends and family. I love seeing what other bloggers have had for their birthday so I thought

I'd share mine with you guys too. 

Birthday presents! Wine, Origins Ginzing Moisturiser and Clear Improvement Mask set, Per Una Originale fragrance, Barry M Nail Effects Croc in Burgundy, Hotel Chocolat Strawberry Puddles, Cake Tester, L'Occitane Frisson de Verveine Set, Bioderma, Macadamia Oil, Topshop socks, Tranquil Spa voucher, Selfridges voucher, hamsa bracelet.

There's a definite theme emerging here and it's beauty related! Everyone knows that I love receiving beauty products and I'm so lucky to have been given my favourites.

Here's my collected beauty products. I recieved a Barry M nail polish, Origins gift set that includes GinZing moisturiser and Clear Improvement mask, Per Una travel sized fragrance, Bioderma and Macadamia Oil. I am already using all of these and I love them so much! In particular, I use Bioderma every single day, the fragrance lives in my handbag for on the go spritzing and I use the Macadamia Oil on my hair when it's feeling dry on the ends in particular.

I also received this L'Occitane Frisson de Verveine gift set which includes a shower gel, cooling body gel, soap and hand cream in a very cute little drawstring bag. The new collection has a much lighter, sweeter, summerier scent to it and I've really enjoyed using the shower gel in particular.

What's on your birthday wish list this year?

Birthday Present Haul!

Hi guys! So it was my birthday the other week and I know how much you love to see my birthday and Christmas present hauls, so I wanted to share these with you.

I received some lovely gifts from family and friends this year so here goes.

First off this pink and gold Eiffel Tower box. Is it just me or is this the most beautiful box you’ve ever seen?! I cant wait to start filling this up with beauty bits. There is a little story behind this. Along with the coral and mint Barry M Polishes, MAC lipstick and Balmi this was part of a beauty box my friends very sweetly put together for me! There was also the Real Techniques brushes core collection and MUA Heaven and Earth palette in there too but I already had them!! They put so much thought into getting all the blogger must haves for me so thank you!

Models Own nail polish, Balmi, Barry M Gelly Nail Polish

Next is a bottle of Tia Maria, no explanation necessary.  I had to include this handmade card, it’s the most adorable thing and I was so touched that my friends had spent time making it!

L'Artisan Du Chocolat chocolates

I’d forgotten how much I love flowers! This gorgeous bunch is still going strong and has really brightened up my room. Along with the flowers I received the Gluten Free cookbook and (drumroll please) YSL ring from work. I can’t believe how generous the girls were so thank you girlies!

Owl necklace from Accessorize, tote bag, leather card holder, Barry M Textured Nail Polish, Barry M Magnetic Nail Polish, MAC lipstick, Caffe Nero card and Lola's Cupcakes set

YSL arty ring

Next up is the beauty contingent, courtesy of a Balmi lip balm in Raspberry, Barry M Gelly nail polish in Papaya and a set of three glittery mini Model’s Own nail polishes in Blizzard, Pink Fizz and Southern Lights. Swoon! Can’t wait to try these out especially the pink glittery polish. I also got Barry M Textured Nail Effect in Ridley Road, Barry M Magnetic Violet Nail Paint and MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Chatterbox; a beauty bloggers idea of heaven!

A few other bits were the letter tote, owl necklace, a leather card holder (perfect for clutch bags), a cupcake decorating kit from Lola's Cupcakes and a full Caffe Nero card (I adore the Italian Iced Lemonade here).

I think I'm going to treat myself to a new handbag soon too as it's always good to get yourself something special so keep your eyes peeled as I'll be sure to post some pictures if/when I get it!

What have you asked for this year?

Birthday Shopping Spree - Zara bag, Paul Smith and chocolate!

On my actual birthday (which was a whole week ago now) I went into Birmingham for a wee shopping spree. I was very well behaved though and here’s what I came back with. 

The tan Zara bag has been on my wishlist for ages and was a snip at £39.99! I know everyone’s got one but I really love it and can’t wait to use it. Whilst I was there I also picked up the Zara floral perfume (£10), which I’ve wanted for ages. I now have far too many perfumes so I’d better get through them fast before I run out of space!

There’s a fabulous little chocolate shop in the Great Western Arcade called Chouchoute which sells handmade chocolates, so I got a bag of chocolate covered candied oranges called orangettes from there. The remaining gifts were from Selfridges; a Cath Kidston handbag mirror and star print zip up purse which I couldn’t resist. 

Finally I bought something which is really out of my comfort zone; neons! This little fluoro pink bracelet is from Paul Smith and was on sale. I’ve just ordered a fluoro pink watch to go with it so I’ll be dipping my toe into the trend this summer.

I’ve just added in this great book which I bought for myself last week. It’s called Vintage Style: Iconic Fashion Looks and How to Get Them. This is an inspiration goldmine for vintage looks from stars including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. It's also inspired me to put together a blog post on all my favourite fashion books, so keep an eye out for that.