Velvet Lashes: Christmas

Thursday, 24 December 2015

Favourite Christmas Decorations!

A slight different post from me but I love to see how people decorate their houses and trees so thought I would showcase my top 5 current Christmas decorations on my tree! I have collected my decorations for over 6 years now and each has a memory or meaning.

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I love this cute mouse decoration that I got from Accessorize, its so sweet!

This pretty bauble came from visiting a cute Christmas shop, I did have two but one broke.

This bauble is from a set of four that my lovely friend bought from Cath Kidston, I adore it! So kitsch and sparkly.

This cute reindeer was bought for me from my best friend! I am obsessed with fawns and reindeer!

And finally this little gem from |Wilkinsons was only £1!!!!

How do you decorate your tree?

Hope you all have a lovely Christmas!

A xx

PartyLite Candles

It's the season for warm cosy nights in with a cup of tea and what helps with that is a gorgeous candle. *PartyLite candles contacted me to try some seasonal scents, The Market Fresh Trio £24.95, Harvest Spice £20.75, Iced Snowberries £11.75 and Natures Light in Mulberry £20.75.

PartyLite is an online store where you can become a consultant and sell the candles at a candle party or Partylite is also are available on the website to purchase. Click here to see all the range.

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The Market Trio includes three scents perfect for Autumn, Caramel Pear, Berry Bramble and Harvest Spice. This trio is perfect for Autumn, such warm spicy yet sweet scents that are good enough to eat! They burn for a long time with a strong but not overpowering perfume that lingers in the room. My favourite has to be caramel pear, I want to eat it!

Next I tried Natures Light in Mulberry, a candle that sounds like you have a log fire in the room! it crackles when lit and has a warm Christmas scent which makes me feel Christmas is round the corner!

Finally Snowberries, a fresh and fruity scent that made me feel like having a mulled wine! I need to get some mulled going! It is one of PartyLites most popular scent.

These are candles I would recommend and buy!

Have you tried these?

A xx

Christmas Inspiration: Decoration

Christmas is near.......

So here is deal guys, its nearly Christmas, literally its round the corner and I find each year it smacks me in the face and says "Oh Hey Im back!" First things first is Christmas decoration, I love it all and get so excited to dress the house so here are some inspiring pictures taken from google.com.

I love white teamed with green foliage and candle light, so pretty and effective for Christmas, reminds me of the sun glistening on the snow.

I always buy different decorations each christmas, nothing on my tree matches and I love that, so I have everything from vintage christmas tree decorations to christmas cushions which dont match but somehow work together really well. Each decoration reminds me of each year which has a story.

There is something about a real Christmas tree that I cant get away from, to me its Christmas, the smell and excitement of purchasing one, as a child I loved this part of Christmas, I used to get sad as I thought all the trees had feelings and would be left outside, unloved whilst we took a special one home decorating it and singing Christmas songs.

Christmas is a time of year for love and hope, wishes and dreams. Christmas can be a lovely time for families but we also need to remember those who don't have that unit, who don't have that feeling of love and hope. Lets never forget them and make sure we always give to charities and looking at helping out at a homeless shelter or your local soup run.

How do you have your Christmas tree? What is your favourite type of Christmas decoration?

A xx

Christmas: What is the reality?

Hi Loveys,

Todays post is food for thought, its about those that aren't as fortunate as many at Christmas, most of us think all children are having fun on Christmas morning, but look round your town, village or city and you will be shocked to know that behind a door could be a childs worst nightmare, for some children Christmas is the worst time of year.

Some children will experience joy and love, where they get to open presents on Christmas morning seeing family look on at them with smiles and laughter. But the realisation for many is quite the opposite, violence, alcohol, no presents, no tree, or the decoration and presents are destroyed, no food or warmth, the list goes on. These are the children I wish I could treat to a Christmas that would make them happy, where they get to see what Christmas can be like. I am not saying that Christmas is a day of material items, I am saying its a time for a child to feel magic, to feel love and warmth, where they can have a special day with family or friends that love them, where they can have a time to play and laugh.

Many charities do provide support for children and families, but many slip through the net, its so sad to think children around the world are left to endure upset and pain all year round, don't think this is different for Christmas day. So look in your local council to see what charities support children, families and the homeless over this period and get involved.

I also worry about the homeless, without food and warmth, we easily forget about the reality of Christmas that it isn't a "happy" time for everyone, that many suffer in silence and have to deal with loneliness and sadness. What can we do? We can give to charities, give to your local food bank who can give Christmas hampers, volunteer at your local hostel and homeless soup run. We need to open our eyes to what is truly happening around us, that people are suffering. The saying "charity starts at home" is so true, we need to support those closer to home because the world isn't as rosy as we may think, children and families in poverty and abuse is a daily occurrence for thousands around the UK. Here is a shocking statistic that was published from last Christmas in one county alone.

On an average day over a year the police within Avon and Somerset were notified of approximately 1400 incidents of which 14 were domestic abuse related. Over the Christmas period last year around 914 incidents were notified per day, of which 28 related to domestic abuse and over the New Year period, there were about 1295 incidents per day, of which 50 were DV (domestic violence) related.

These are figures that may shock you, we need to realise that this is only one county, so how many incidents are happening in other counties? and the main question I want to know the answer to is how many are not reported to the police?

A x

Christmas Stocking Fillers!

Hey Loveys!

Here is a list of my top 5 Christmas stocking gifts perfect for those who aren't sure what to get or need some inspiration.

Urban Outfitters Photo Album

LOVE this!! "Parties with my bitches"

£18.00

Korres Rose Collection

I love the scent of rose and I love Korres so this is perfect!

£12.00

http://www.asos.com/Korres/Korres-Rose-Shine-Set-SAVE-45/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3463269&cid=16559&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Rose+%26+shine

Topshop Statement necklace

I love the statement necklace pieces available, they dress up any outfit!

£14.50

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/gifts-481/pink-and-rhinestone-flower-necklace-2480055?refinements=Price%7b2%7d~%5b10%7c20%5d&bi=1&ps=20

Cath Kidston Little Birds Ticket Holder

I adore this Cath Kidston print, its so sweet!

£6.00

http://www.cathkidston.com/little-birds-ticket-holder/secret-santa/cath-kidston/fcp-product/1009580

Pamela Mann Paris Skyline Tights

These are gorgeous, the skyline looks so delicate and pretty!

£7.00

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/product/pamela-mann-paris-skyline-tights/132809/

What do you think of my list? What do you want to find in your stocking?

A x

Christmas: what does it mean to you?

Hi loveys!!

Well its December which means one thing- CHRISTMAS!!! As a child I loved Christmas, being from a multi cultural background I was lucky to experience Christmas in many exciting ways. I am half Italian and half Polish. We celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve where we have a huge meal with all the family, eating fish and pasta dishes! I love the food its such a beautiful selection of courses. My Dzaidzio ( grandfather) would get so excited seeing his family together around the table, you could see how proud he was. He would encourage us to eat and eat till our bellies couldn't take anymore. After we had eaten a bell would ring and we would all trot off to the front room where a sparse tree was present with retro décor! We would then exchange gifts and go to midnight mass where on many occasions I found hard to stay awake as this would go on for hours! Off to bed we went making sure we hung our stockings up. Christmas day would arrive, the excitement and anticipation of knowing what filled our stockings was too much for me to handle! Me and my brother would rush to my parents to open the presents then downstairs we went running as fast as we could to see what Father Chrismas left us under the tree. I was such a lucky girl, I am very grateful to my parents for making Christmas such a magical time surrounded by our family.

I remember the day I found out Father Christmas wasn't true, literally I felt my heart break! I honestly believed he was true no matter what my friends had said, I just wouldn't believe it! As soon as I knew the truth Christmas wasn't the same, I didn't feel the magic anymore, where I would look up into the sky thinking I had seen Father Christmas on his sleigh with his reindeer pulling him along, or thinking there was soot on the carpet from his boots! I had such an imagination and truly believed the magic of Father Christmas.

Google Images

I had my little boy and my whole world changed for the better I absolutely love him and cant imagine a life without him. Christmas arrived and I was excited but he was still too young to understand. I had a beautiful surprise of an engagement which made it so special. Now it will be Christmas where my little boy will show me what the magic of Christmas is all about, he already is getting excited at seeing trees up and lights shining. I have pretty much sorted his presents and his stocking which is the stocking I had as a child that my Mama made me. I have not been this excited since I found out Father Christmas was not real, but since having my boy and seeing his magical face light up I feel the magic again. I cant wait to see his face and hear him go "wow"!

Christmas to me is about family and friends, remembering the important things in life such as food on the table, giving and being the best person you can to those less fortunate and to those you love. I believe in God so yes I do go to church and follow that but the best part for me is sharing it with those I love, with those I am lucky to have in my life who make everything complete. I wish people would make an effort all year round and stand back to see what they have. For those where Christmas is a difficult time, I wish them peace and happiness, I hope for them to smile and have some hope and love. I wish I could have a big mansion in the middle of a forest where I can cook a massive Christmas meal for those who wont have a smile on Christmas day, but that's another post I will write.

How do you feel about Christmas? What do you do to celebrate and what is the magic of Christmas to you?

A x

Google Images

John Lewis Secret Santa Reveal!

Hi Loveys!

As some of you may already know I was lucky to be asked to take part in the John Lewis Secret Santa. I chose a gift for a blogger and then received mine and what a beaut it is! My package arrived and I was so excited that I tore open the packaging before I could even take a deep breath. I found a green box and the Ted Baker Logo ooooh what was inside......

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I received a pretty patent pink and mint green Ted Baker purse with a clear gem clasp. The purse is 100% leather and is such a cutie! It has a good variety of compartments which every woman needs for all those pennies, notes (well I wish) and cards! It is a good size so it can fit a clutch bag without it bulging out! It has a handy zip and a fabulous gem clasp which adds a touch of glamour. The think that strikes me about this purse is the gorgeous colour, its a muted light dusky pink with a light mint green, the colours remind me of ice cream all fluffy and cute!

When I opened the purse I noticed a quote in pretty italic writing

"Ted says the more you give the more you get"

I love this quote, it means I will not feel so guilty when I am at the till spending money! I now have a good excuse!

To purchase this cute purse check out the John Lewis site

http://www.johnlewis.com/ted-baker/women's-accessories/purses=newinproducttype-tedbakerwomensaccs-7000010789/c7000010789

It retails at £65.00.

What do you think? Have you taken part in a secret Santa?

A x

Christmas WishList!

Hello Loveys!

Today is a little festive number, my wishlist for Christmas! Whenever I am asked what I want for Christmas I panic! Silly I know, but I think oh crap what shall I choose as there is so much or I go blank where I forget what I have lusted over, so here is a list of the things I would love to open on Christmas day.

http://www.boots.com/en/BaByliss-Curl-Secret-Styler-2667U-_1337289/?cm_mmc=bmm-_-google-_-Boots+Beauty-_-Babyliss

£119.99

This looks amazing! I watched Tanya Burrs video and this was featured. It appeared so quick and easy to use! I love having curly hair but hate the faff of achieving perfect curls so this is the perfect tool!

http://www.missguided.co.uk/kalaya-leather-skort

£17.99

I love pleather! I love skorts! So this combination is perfect!

http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/bags-accessories-1702216/jewellery-469/necklaces-672/flower-rhinestone-chain-2475459?refinements=category~%5b210007%7c208556%5d&bi=1&ps=20

£16.50

I love statement necklaces', and found this little beauty on the topshop website!

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/2146/310/Bestsellers/Lipstick/index.tmpl

£15.00

This Pink Nouveau shade is perfect! Really would love a Barbie pink lipstick.

These are just a few of the gifts I would love!

What would you love to receive on Christmas day?

A x

John Lewis Secret Santa!

*Who loves Secret Santa? Me!!

I am very lucky to announce that I am taking part in the John Lewis Secret Santa! This campaign reflects the John Lewis advert where they celebrate the anticipation of Christmas and the joy of giving gifts, which is what a Secret Santa is all about.

The giving part is always what excites me more at Christmas, I already have pretty much completed my Christmas shopping, insane I know! But I literally can not wait, especially with a child it brings back the magic of Father Christmas. I remember looking into my stocking with excitement and then running downstairs to see what was under the tree, I honestly could not wait, then as I got older I would be so excited to see how my family would react when they ripped open the wrapping paper to reveal a gift I had bought them, seeing an expression of happiness and surprise would make my day so to take part in a Secret Santa will be fantastic, yes I know I wont see their facial expression but hopefully they will blog about it so I can read how they feel!

Have you taken part in a Secret Santa? This isn't my first and hopefully not my last!

A xx

My 2012 and Christmas Surprise!

So another christmas has passed as we now get ready to say goodbye to 2012. I thought I would do a little post on my year and the perfect end to it!

My Miracle!

The year 2012 has been eventful to say the least, with the arrival of my gorgeous boy, a lovely little miracle. At the end of 2011 I was told I was unable to have children after weeks of discomfort and pain I was taken to hospital for an emergency scan to check my ovaries. I walked into the waiting room surrounded by happy pregnant women, my world crumbled as I realised that would never be me, my dream was to be a mummy and now that would never happen. They called my name and I made my way slowly to the dark room, the scan started and I lay there numb with my man holding my hand. After what felt an eternity the midwife said the words I never thought I would hear, "there is a heartbeat!", I thought you what in my ovary?!? Blimey I am messed up! Then she said "yes, you are 10 weeks pregnant!". PREGNANT?!? The emotions that followed were shock, upset, joy, fear and relief! I cried my eyes out and asked how it was possible, not only was I not meant to have the ability to have children, but the doctors and hospital had done so many pregnancy tests, around 8-10! to check before they gave me strong painkillers, they were always negative! The midwife smiled and we left in shock. So I then moved in with my man which was the plan originally but now we were preparing for a baby! my man was amazing decorating the whole house! June 2012, the month my boy was born, 16 hours of hard labour and there he was my little angel in my arms.

Christmas Day!

Ive been with my man for just over 3 years. We met on a night out in town- how classy! My man is a gentle, intelligent caring person who would do anything for anyone. He loves his rugby! Well any sport to be honest! And is a food fanatic! He is an amazing daddy who will always be there for us, no matter what!
Our first christmas with our little boy, we were so excited as he opened his new presents! I got so caught up with my boy, that I didnt suspect anything. We had opened all our presents and then I had my card from my boy, he sat on my mans lap and they gave it to me, inside it read

"Will you marry my Daddy?"

I had to re read it and as I looked up in shock they were holding the box with my stunning ring in! I couldnt believe it and hugged them so tight! We were that caught up in the moment that we forgot which hand it was to go on!The ring is just stunning, I couldnt believe my eyes and still am in shock! This has been an amazing year, with some downs but the most incredible ups!

Thank you 2012....now I wonder whats in store for 2013!

A xx

Advent Calendar #18,19,20,21!

Hello Loveys! Here is the next lot of advent treats!

On the eighteenth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Steamcream moisturiser in Con Amore! I love the packaging!!!!

On the nineteenth of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Yardley Royal English Daisy Body Spray! A pretty floral fragrance perfect to spritz when out and about.

On the twentieth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Evelom Rescue Face Mask! I am a massive lover of face masks and this sounds like it could rescue my skin when in need.

On the twenty first day of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Trilogy Rosehip Oil. Packed full of good ness I hope this can pump my skin to make it super!

Hope you are all ready for the days ahead! Not long now!

A xx

Christmas Makeup!

Christmas Makeup Inspiration.

As the days become chilly so is the time passing closer to christmas day! We frantically hurry to prepare for the big day, buying presents, wrapping the goodies and drinking mulled wine by the gallon! I love the sparkle of christmas day, dressing up and having glamourous makeup! I thought I would share my look with you all. I will be teaming gold smokey eyes with glossy red lips, so here is how to achieve this look.

Products used.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation
MAC Select Cover Up
Collection Illuminating Highlighter
Maybelline Gel Liner Black
Barry M Gold Dust
VIVO Unprotected Palette
Benefit They're Real Mascara Black
MAC Pressed Powder In Belightful
Collection Bronzer In Sunkissed
No7 Blusher In Candy
Rimmel Lipstick 072

1. Apply your moisturiser and using a foundation brush, I used Real Techniques Stippling Brush, apply the foundation.
2. Then my MAC Select Cover Up was dotted all over my eyelids,under my eye area and on any blemishes and blended.
3. I applied a dusting of the Barry M Dust in shade Gold all over my lid and crease area. Then with a smaller brush I applied "Free" a VIVO shade from the Unprotected Palette which is a stunning palette available online or from Tesco, this palette has been named as the dupe for the famous Urban Decay Naked Palette. This shade was applied in my crease line and to the edge of my eye area and then blended.
4. Using my Maybelline Gel Liner I created a thick flicked line to create a glamourous vintage look. My tip is go from the edge of your lash line and gently draw the line in.
5. Lashings of the Benefit They're Real Mascara with my MAC Pressed Powder in Belightful to the inner corners of my eye and below my brow line to gently highlight the area adding a gentle sparkle to finish the look.
6. A light dusting of my Collection Bronzer and on the apples of my cheeks a light dust of the No7 Blusher in Candy. A tip here, smile when applying your blusher to create a natural flush of pink.
7. Finally my Rimmel Lipstick which is a glossy finish to the lips to complete this christmas makeup look.

Hope you have felt inspired by this look. If you are not a red lips kind of lady how about a flush of pink or clear gloss. Instead of a dark shade for the crease, you could use a deep purple for a festive look.

Wishing you all a fantastic christmas and a great new year!

Advent Calendar #14,15,16,17!!

Hello! Sorry for delay in posting this! Gets busier nearer christmas, so many preparations!

On the fourteenth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me...

Bellapierre eye dust in Celebration! A gorgeous gold shade to add sparkle to the festive period!

On the fifteenth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me...

Mirenese Velvet Lift Moisture Shine Lipgloss. A deep pink/red shade! A lovely shade to add to any outift.

On the sixteenth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath/Shower Oil! A scent of lavander and lemon will make my shower feel like a spa!

On the seventeenth day of christmas You beauty gave to me...

Nicky Clarke Instant Calmer Shine Balm.to tame hair leaving it looking sleek! Ooh excited to try this! Have never used a bal before.

What did you get?

A xx

Advent Calendar #12&13!

Sorry for late post! Busy day yesterday.

On the twelth and thirteenth of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Balance Me Face Oil- one of my favourite brands! Havent tried this bad boy yet!

St Tropez Instant Glow Body Lotion. Ive never tried fake tan before and am kind of scared! Lets hope I get it right!

A xx

Advent Calendar #11

On the eleventh day of christmas You Beauty gave to me....

Jo Hansford Hair masque!

My hair needs all the help it can get get at the moment!

A xx

Advent Calendar #10!

On the tenth day of christmas You Beauty gave to me...

Dermalogica Starter Skin Pack!

Ooh love a bit of dermalogica! Got to make sure the man doesnt take these!

A xx

Vintage Series #3!

Hello Lovelies! This post is going to be a little bit of vintage inspiration to warm the cockles and get you feeling ready for christmas! The glamour and sparkle of years before. I love the paintings of families singing, glamorous dresses, big beautiful trees and shiny baubles to tickle the eye with colour.

I love vintage/retro christmas cards! Cant beat the colours and design, they are warm and unique! I love the bambi card! I would love it framed!

Retro chrstmas decorations! I cant wait to get my hands on some, they are crafted beautifully. Each on looking different the one before. Look how creative you can be! Make a wreath! Get a flower arranging green and glue the baubles on! Cheap and cheerful. Collect some from charity shops and vintage fairs!

I am really into displays of vintage trinkets, chocolate boxes and lace! As you can see in previous posts of my displays at home. I absolutely love the picture on the left with the boxes stacked filled with retro decorations. A simple deer surrounded by retro pink pearls and a small collection of baubles. Simple yet striking! Then on the right, a clear vase filled with eye catching baubles surrounded by a pretty bambi and baubles!

Look at this dress! Why dont we get to wear dresses like this anymore! Imagine the feeling when wearing this, of beauty and glamour. The men dressed smart, I mean who can beat a man in a suit?! Elegant makeup with perfected hair, ah how beautiful!

Hope you have loved this pictures as much as I have!

A xx

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Velvet Lashes

Thursday, 24 December 2015

Favourite Christmas Decorations!

Sunday, 1 November 2015

PartyLite Candles

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Christmas Inspiration: Decoration

Saturday, 21 December 2013

Christmas: What is the reality?

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Christmas Stocking Fillers!

Monday, 2 December 2013

Christmas: what does it mean to you?

Thursday, 28 November 2013

John Lewis Secret Santa Reveal!

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Christmas WishList!

Friday, 8 November 2013

John Lewis Secret Santa!

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

My 2012 and Christmas Surprise!

Friday, 21 December 2012

Advent Calendar #18,19,20,21!

Tuesday, 18 December 2012

Christmas Makeup!

Monday, 17 December 2012

Advent Calendar #14,15,16,17!!

Thursday, 13 December 2012

Advent Calendar #12&13!

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Advent Calendar #11

Monday, 10 December 2012

Advent Calendar #10!

Sunday, 9 December 2012

Vintage Series #3!

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