The Christmas list: Volume 1

We've reached that time of year again when The Boy starts actually paying attention to my ramblings when we are out shopping rather than playing with his phone, which can only mean one thing: he has no clue what to get me for Christmas. 

Now, I actually think I'm easy to buy gifts for (lets face it a girl who loves fashion/reading/writing/bathing is far easier to buy for than a boy who has no hobbies to speak of other than watching TV and reading the occasional graphic novel) but The Boy doesn't seem to think so. So, for those of you out there who are facing a similar conundrum, here's my guide for gifts us girls (me in particular) would love to receive. Just in case anyone's feeling generous.*

1. You can't go wrong with Zara Vouchers
Zara's been on my radar for a while now but it's only really been in the past twelve months that I've become a true, die-hard fan. It's pretty much the only high street store that I want to buy something in every time I pay them a visit, which can't always happen due to my bank balance. More's the pity.

2. Selfridges (aka the shop that has everything)
Whilst we're on gift vouchers I thought Selfridges would be worth a mention. I can spend hours wandering around and the beauty of Selfridges is that it stocks brands at a variety of price points. H&m? Check. All Saints? Check. Chanel? Check. Pretty much a shopaholics dream store.
3. Face Paint
Make-up is quite a personal thing but as long as the colours are nothing too outrageous and the brand is good quality an eyeshadow palette, set of lip glosses or a box set is a great gift. My personal favourites are Benefit who do some nice sets, Mac and Urban Decay.

4. Books
I used to love receiving book tokens when I was younger and I still love them now - I can ALWAYS find a book to buy and spend many an afternoon wandering in Waterstones. I love the idea of a kindle (if only to lighten the load on my poor shoulder) but there's something about actually holding a brand new (or well loved) copy of a favourite tale that, well, just makes me happy.

I recommend The Passage by Justin Cronin (I already have two copies so this is not on my own personal Christmas list but I'd love some more people to talk to about it!).
5. Bath & Body products
My personal favourites are Soap and Glory, Rituals and Body Shop - pretty much anything that smells good enough to eat is fine by me, and most other girls I'm sure. There's normally some nice gift packs available at this time of year which can be great value for money, or, if you can hold of until nearer the day there's usually some fantastic discounts on offer.

6.Cold hard cash
Spring 2013 will (finally) see The Boy and I take a holiday together to New York and I CANNOT WAIT. I find that vouchers have a habit of lurking in the bottom of my handbag for months (why is it that when you have money to spend you can never find anything you want to buy?) but currency for a special trip is always greatly appreciated and can often be put towards a memorable experience or nice dinner.

7. Stocking fillers
There are many inexpensive bits and pieces out there that make great gifts, my favourites are: patterned socks (the cuter the better, there are lots on offer in Primark for mere penny's), pretty pyjamma sets (again, lots of variety at Primark), nail varnishes, and costume jewellery from Freedom at Topshop.

And there you have it. Of course there's plenty more perfect gifts out there for girls but I'll leave it at that or I'll be here all night!

* I will be posting The Christmas list: Volume 2 this week which will have gift suggestions for all the family, so watch this space.

Everybody's free to feel good

Last Wednesday started off pretty diabolical if I'm honest. You know the type, you wake up, in a bad mood can't decide what to wear and you have an event to go to after work, then you step outside and realise the weather is both wet and hot. Great, just the type of weather my hair loves. The day improved dramatically around lunchtime when Zsa and I took a trip to St Christopher's Place. We love this area for a number of reasons, mostly because of all the amazing eateries, but also due to the great boutiques and the fact that it's a lot quieter than Oxford Street (i.e. less slow walkers/tourists to get on our last frazzled nerve).

We were on a mission to head to Rituals and pick up a free sample of either body cream or scrub, having received a voucher with Easy Living Magazine, one of our favourite reads (old and proud). Now, I'm no beauty blogger (nor do I pretend to be) but if I were, I would be sure to check out Rituals. Having received a free sample of Rituals Himalaya Clay with last weeks issue of Stylist Magazine I was keen to see what else the brand had on offer.

For anyone who hasn't visited a Rituals store I'd recommend a visit, as it literally feels as though you are in a spa the second you step through the door. The sales assistant was really helpful and let us try some of their Hammam Hot Scrub which was divine (and is currently on offer on the Rituals website). After a stressful morning at work, a visit to Rituals was just what we needed and so far I've been really impressed with the products I'm trying, the Wai Wang exfoliating body scrub in particular is something I would definitely buy, especially as the price is so reasonable.

Following our visit to Rituals, we popped next door to check out the newly opened branch of Groom, an urban spa that offers "double the luxury in half the time". We were treated to free manicures (a lovely surprise and just what we needed) and spent a relaxing fifteen minutes gossiping and checking out all that Groom has to offer. Specialising in luxurious beauty treatments that allow their clients to multi-task (i.e. have a facial, massage and hot stone pedicure all on your lunch break) Groom really offers something special. Alas, we weren't allowed to take pictures but believe me the salon is beautiful and a is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of a London lunch time. So, if you find yourself with a spare hour (or even just fifteen minutes), pop down to Groom as there's bound to be a treatment for you.