For him and for her

men's washbag  ¦ women's cosmetic pouch ¦ men's onesie ¦ women's onesie
¦ chocolate for him ¦ chocolate for her ¦ fragrance for him ¦ fragrance for her

As much as I love buying present's for people, I have been super disorganised this year and still have about half to buy. I've created this guide for those of you in the same position, gifts that can be bought for anyone are great and can save so much thinking time. I have picked some of my favourites for you, but there are so many more to choose from.

Washbags/cosmetic bags are great for the people that you don't know all that well. Let's face it, 99.999999% of people are going to have a washbag, so there's no harm in updating it for them. Onesie's may be slightly less universal, not everybody loves them, but I think if you get it...you'll wear it and won't be able to help loving it.

I may have cheated with this next one-Chocolate isn't really gender separated, but it's always a good go to for those extra present fillers. Fragrance gift sets are great, but I wouldn't buy them for just anyone because personal preference plays a big part. Do a bit of detective work before you go out shopping for this one.

I hope this helps some of you who are still dashing about getting last minute gifts!

Megan xo

The Christmas tag

I'm still not really in the Christmas spirit yet and it is creeping up so fast. I am hoping that this little tag that I saw over at Chloe's Way will help to make me feel a little more Christmassy!


Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?
I have no idea about that one, we have always had synthetic trees which I love because the branches are all nicely spaced where as the tops of real trees are always a little bit sparse. Then again, I do love the smell of real ones. OH CHOICES

You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?
Hot chocolate, every time. Don't care what flavour or type. With squirty cream. 

What's your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?
I never get to decorate the tree so I don't know :(. I like to think i'd stick to golds and reds, but i'd probably be like my mum and just put on whatever catches my eye. 

Giving or receiving?
I could be all selfless and say it's all about giving. I do really like buying presents for people and always go a bit overboard and break every single budget I set but I also love getting presents, because well, who doesn't?! So, both!

To mince pie or not?
I love a mince pie, prefer them warm to cold though. With a cup of tea and maybe a little chocolate for afters... mmmm droool.

What's your traditional Christmas lunch?
Pretty standard roast - generally Turkey and Ham, veg, potatoes, pigs in blankets. Christmas crackers and a whole variety of drinks.

Christmas day fashion
About 60% of the day will consist of me wearing my onesie. The other 40% is generally some sort of dress or skirt and jumper, whichever I pull out the wardrobe first really. I would stay in my pyjamas all day if it wasn't for my mum's incessant need to take photos every 5 minutes.

What's your favourite Christmas song?
They generally all get on my nerves way before Christmas day thanks to stores playing them far too early, but if I were to pick one to listen to it would more than likely be 'Fairytale of New York'

What's your favourite Christmas film?
Home Alone, The Holiday, Four Christmases. Just not Elf-I strongly dislike that film.

Open presents, before or after lunch?
Generally before because we have our Christmas lunch at like 4pm and it's just unreasonable to wait that long for presents. I open my stocking at around 8am, I'm such a child.

Let me know if anyone else has done this tag, i'd love to have a nosey.

Megan xo

Stocking fillers for him under £15

So Christmas is sneaking up really quickly and I am yet to buy half of the presents that I need to. I have this obsession with over buying so I am constantly looking for cheapy things that I can add to presents.
Here is my list of things that may very well end up as part of someones gift.

Reindeer fleece pyjamas from Tesco. At £10 these are a bargain and I think they are super cute. Christmassy but not over the top. If I hadn't already bought Jake some, these would very much be on the list.

A bit of a soppy gift this one, but I think it's sweet and slightly more understated than a giant heart and key. Its the 'Remember the date' keyring from notonthehighstreet - perfect if you have a bit of a soppy other half.

I think Boot's are great for christmas gift sets, there is something for every budget and I think you can always find something, big or small. I have picked this Nivea wash bag because for £10 I think its an ideal stocking present for any teenager or adult. Sample sizes are great to have in the cupboard for when you have forgotten to replace your usual items or if you're going away for a few days etc. New washbags always come in handy and most men I know would keep using the same one till it fell apart!

Mind the language of these next ones, I just think these are great for those clumsy men in your life, the ones that end up grating their finger rather than the cheese! Urban Outfitters are on it with the humorous stocking fillers this year. I got the cupcake version of these last year and I found them super handy to keep in my bag, and now that I have used up the plasters I have just filled it with the daily essentials. Mini hand creams, lip balms etc are perfect.

I thought i'd try to cover all bases with this gift guide so here is a foody one. I know the typical stocking filler would be christmassy chocolate but for adults I don't think that would be top choice so I had a little browse and found this little chilli set from presentsformen. I think these are a handy addition to any kitchen and have a fairly long shelf life too. 

I hope this helps you guys. I will try to get some more up this week!

Megan xo

These boots are made for strutting (walking)

Dress: Wallis

Blazer: Matalan

Boots: Mascotte

Belt: River Island

Bracelet: Wallis

Ring: New Look

Necklace: Miss Selfridge

I wanted to show you guys how I've been wearing my gorgeous new boots from Mascotte. I am completely smitten with them, they are a gorgeous reddy brown and the comfiest boots I have ever worn. With a fur lining, I can guarantee they will be well worn during the winter months.

For this casual pub lunch look I have teamed them with a plain black jersey dress and a jacquard blazer. Gold jewellery and a natural make up look meant that the boots do all the talking. With a slight heel, they would easily dress up a casual jeans and tee combo, but are still perfect for everyday wear. They may be my first pair of shoes from Mascotte but I can guarantee they won't be my last. Added bonus... They do gorgeous bags too.

 

Megan xo

 

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Christmas wishlist

I feel like mid November is a suitable time to start thinking about Christmas, right?! If I don't start thinking about what I want around this time Jake threatens to not buy me anything :'(. So even if you think it's too early, my Christmas wishlist is here!

1. Yves Saint Laurent, Rouge Volupte Shine in 'fuchsia in excess' - I've heard nothing but good things about this. I have to admit, I was sold by the packaging... The gorgeous formula is just an added bonus.
2. Urban Decay, Naked Palette 3 - I know it hasn't been released yet, but I have already got my eye on this stunning palette. There isn't a single colour in there that I don't think I'll love. It's also handy that it comes in sturdy packaging because I have a habit of dropping everything I own.
3. Topshop, Jacquard Playsuit - I am in love with this playsuit, it's simple but gorgeous and has a really lovely lace panel across the back. I'm not sure I can even wait till christmas for this, it may have to be a cheeky payday purchase... Just to be on the safe side ;)
4. River Island, Contrast Panel Boots - I was on the hunt for my perfect ankle boot for my birthday in October, but I couldn't find any that I loved so I have been dealing with my ones from last year (that have a hole at the bottom-not much use in the rain). I stumbled across these beauties when I was doing research at work and had to resist spending money I don't have. They have gone on Jake's 'must buy me' list, if I don't get them I will be one sad Megan.
5. Lancôme, La Vie Est Belle - This new Lancôme fragrance has had a sample in every single magazine I have seen in the last few months. It smells incredible, the perfect evening scent. This was part of a toss up in October for my birthday present from Jake, I ended up choosing the new Nina Ricci perfume, and I love it, but I want this one too.
6. Butter London, Posh Bird Nail Laqueur - I can't bear to spend £12 on a nail varnish, no matter how gorgeous. So it's on the list in the hopes that it mind end up in my stocking! *hint hint mummy*

I'm so so excited for Christmas, don't worry, there will be plenty more christmassy posts to come!

Megan xo

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Pudsey Bear

Good old Pudsey. I am so looking forward to the CIN show tonight, it's so cute... and sad too, but everyone is super charitable and it gives me faith in humanity again. 

Last night I thought it would be a super idea to stay up until 1am making 36 cupcakes for my mum's school fair. So here it is:

For 12 cupcakes

120g plain flour

140g caster sugar

40g unsalted butter

1.5 tsp baking powder

Pinch of salt

1 egg

120ml milk

0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract

170° oven or 150° fan

Mix flour, sugar, butter in a bowl until crumb like. Slowly add everything else until you have a smooth mixture, be careful not to over do it.

Split equally into 4 bowls and add a little gel food colouring into each - I used red, yellow, green, blue.

Fill each case until roughly 2/3rd's full. Cook for around 20 mins or until a skewer comes out clean.

Remove and leave to cool in the tin.

Buttercream

250g icing sugar

40g unsalted butter

Few drops of milk

Yellow food colouring

Mix it all like crazy and amend the amount of butter/milk depending on thickness and taste preferences.

Now, how you decorate it is entirely up to you. I used up some roll out icing to make Pudsey faces, but you could also make white buttercream and then add some coloured dots. Or you could ice paw prints. Do whatever you like, the world is your oyster!

Seen as I was already up at 1am I thought i'd paint my mum's nails for her. (She was already up, she helped me with the cakes. I didn't just wake her up for funsies)

Taking Pudseys face for inspiration I ended up with this:

Are you guys going to do anything for CIN tonight? I hope you all donate.

Have a great weekend.

Megan xo

P.S. I'm sorry about the lighting in the images. There's not a whole lotta natural light at midnight.

What's your face worth

Stila One Step Correct £24

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99

Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touché Éclat Foundation £29

Zoeva Cream Liner Brush (part of a full set worth £21)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Trasparent £3.99

Real Techniques Powder Brush £12.99

Bourjois Solaire Compact Powder in Fair £8.99

Zoeva Contour Brush (part of a full set worth £21)

Benefit Rockateur Blusher £23.50

Real Techniques Blush Brush £9.99

HD Brows Brow Beater £14.95

HD Brows Eye and Brow Palette in Foxy £19.96

Ecotools Angled Liner Brush £3.50 (ish)

Soap and Glory It's About Prime £8

Mac Naked Lunch £10

Ecotools Eyeshadow Brush £5.49

Benefit They're Real Mascara £19.50

Soap and Glory Smoulder Kohl £5

Primark eyelash curlers £2

Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie £7.99

Lipcote £3.69

Total = £247.72

I first saw this tag/post on the lovely Chloe's blog, I was instantly intrigued as I am finally happy with the products I use on an everyday basis and wanted to know how much I'll be spending when I replace it all! I actually use a fair amount of high street products so I'm really surprised that it's so close to £250. It's also pretty shocking that I have time in the morning to put that many products on my face, and that's not even including skincare items. That could be another 20minutes in bed!

I'd love to see more of these posts (hopefully they will make me feel better about my spending.) Let me know if you've done one!

 

Megan xo

 

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Fluffy jumpsuits

I picked this jumpsuit up for my birthday a couple of weeks ago with the determination to wear it more than once. Is it just me or does it feel really different to wear a jumpsuit during the day than at night? Either way I took the plunge and wore it. Paired with this fluffy jumper from Matalan and my cute sneakery high top things. I think it makes a pretty cool casual look without looking like I'm heading to the gym!

The pattern is pretty out there so I kept the jewellery simple. My rose gold watch and some mix and match rings from my sisters room finish off my OOTD.

Oh and of course I am rocking some pretty cool nail varnish. This particular one is from Barry M and is a new textured effect polish (feels a little like sand). I'm sure you guys gave noticed my love for nail art...and if you haven't then you should really head on over to my Instagram! This gorgeous sparkly purple/gold is an easy way out if you don't have the time (or the patience) for anything too bananas!

Megan xo

 

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Birthday gift round up

Hey guys, so it was my birthday on Thursday and I felt thoroughly spoilt so I thought I'd share a quick round up of the presents I received.

A brand spanking new set of Zoeva brushes courtesy of my sister Lauren, I love the case too. Can't wait to start using these.

This gorgeous black bag is from my mum and I think it is beautiful. Probably the nicest bag I own and I will use it everyday.

The new Nina Ricci perfume was a present from Jake. A very pretty bottle to go with a gorgeous fruity smell.

There's not a whole lot to say about the next two... I love Hotel Chocolat and I have certainly eaten my fair share of their chocolate since I worked there a few years ago. I love Philosophy and I love honey buns, winning combo right there.

A very soft fluffy jumper from TK Maxx will certainly get it's wear this winter, along with these two very warm snoods. The mink coloured is from Accessorize and the cream is from River Island.

A pandora cupcake charm suits me perfectly and will be added to my little selection on my leather charm bracelet. The sparkly earrings and the big statement floral necklace are both from Topshop and were gifts from the office. I have worn the earrings every day since and can't wait to wear the necklace with big plain jumpers. The aztecy/tribally gold statement necklace was from my mumma and she got it from Miss Selfridge, another necklace that will be a well loved member of the group.

That's my round up of gifts, and I am very happy and grateful for each one. Everyone knows me so so well. I haven't put links to the items as I find it a little rude to hunt down the items online but I have given the stores they are from and if you're interested in any of them then I'm sure they will all be super easy to find.

I had a lovely birthday but now I can't wait to start thinking about christmas.

 

Megan xo

 

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What I love about...October

The month of October holds my birthday, so that's what I love about this month. Who doesn't enjoy a day that's all about them. The cake, food, presents and spending the day/evening/night with everyone closest to you.

So seeing as my birthday is in 2days (eeeeeeee,) I thought I'd turn this post into a hybrid and mix it up with a birthday wishlist

1. I have been on the hunt for a neutral snood type scarf for AGES. I adore this one from Accessorize. I like that it isn't the typical neutral grey/black/brown but is a mink colour. I think it's beautiful and I'm fairly certain Jake's buying it for me!
2. Do I love them do I hate them, I'm not sure. I think I love them but they are quite tacky. They're currently in the Topshop sale for £25 and I am really drawn to them as a christmas party shoe. I just can't decide.
3. I'm always looking for new rings to add to my collection seen as it's about the only jewellery I can be bothered to put on on a daily basis. These are from Asos and I believe they are top of the finger rings. I like every one of them and if I don't get them for my birthday I will definitely buy them for myself.
4. This fluffy jumper is also from Asos and is a black and white alphabet slouchy jumper. I live in fluffy jumpers in the winter. They're warm, they're comfy and they don't show how much chocolate I've been eating in front of the fire.
5. I feel as though anyone who enjoys doing eye make up should have a mac pigment pot. I sometimes wonder how I have gone so long without, hopefully this will change on Thursday! I have gone for the colour 'vanilla' as I think it'll make a good under the brow highlighter/inner eye highlighter and I know they last for so long.


Why do I keep making wishlists. It's a dangerous idea, my bank balance is not my friend and these wishlists are making our relationship worse. For the sake of our friendship I hope all of these items are bought for me *cough mum*

Megan xo

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OOTD: casual class

Hey guys!

I went a little crazy this week and purchased a pair of shoes that I normally wouldn't look twice at. These 'high tops' are everywhere at the moment, but I always thought they were too casual for me. I'm normally much more of a ballet pump with bows on type of gal. Working in London has all but removed the possibility of wearing pumps. I have a 20 minute walk from the station to my office everyday, and if there is even the slightest bit of rain, pumps become a no-go...unless you like to have soggy feet for the rest of the day that is.

I was instantly drawn to these ones from River, the quilted base and suede panels made them seem slightly girlier and they just looked comfy. I was sold, into the basket they went. The only part I wasn't thrilled with was the white bottom, but 1 day walking around London and it became a slightly grubbier, less gleaming shade of white.

Top: Matalan

Leggings: Matalan

Blazer: New Look

Shoes: River Island

I teamed the bright yellow top with these leggings to add a bit of colour and added this smart-ish blazer into the mix to make the overall look slightly less casual. Matalan seems to be taking over this outfit a little, not that I'm complaining mind, they have some really lovely stuff in at the moment.

What do you think, can I pull off this sports luxe trend?

Megan xo

 

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Time out

I really think it is starting to feel like autumn this week. It's dark by the time I eventually get home from work and all I want to do is snuggle up in my PJ's. On that note - here is a post on what would make my perfect autumn night in!

You simply can't have a cosy night in without a burning fire and cuddly slippers. These slipper boots are from Matalan and I have a feeling I may buy these to replace my tatty old ones that I currently have.Cold nights in should always include comfort food, and my ultimate 'sit in front of the tv and do a whole lot of nothing' food is...m&m's. I will happily sit and eat them all evening - and I quite often do. Going on from these tasty morsels, what better way to eat them than in front of a rom-com? I haven't yet seen I give it a year, but I have ordered it ready for when I finally get around to having a night to myself. Painting my nails is one of the first things I think about doing when I have time to spare. I am obsessed with nail art and it is very rare that you'll spot me with just one plain ol' colour on. I don't actually have any clue what brand these are (the image is from google) but I thought it looked cool, and I wasn't going to waste any of my colours re-creating it!
What items make the perfect night in for you?

Megan xo

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Time flies

Hey guys, so it doesn't feel like that long ago that I posted about mine and Jakes 2 years. Well now it's 3 years and I wanted to share a few pictures with you all. They aren't great quality as there wasn't a whole lotta light. But I tried my best and I had a great evening!

Watermelon and strawberry. Texas tostadas. BBQ chicken burger. Jake and the view from paramount cocktail bar. His n hers. Dreadful couple photo. Flowers from Interflora

These gorgeous flowers arrived at my office Friday morning and they were definitely welcome on my cluttered desk. As much as I didn't like having to work that day, Jake met me after and we had a really nice evening. We took a trip to the 32nd floor of the Paramount building for a drink and to watch the sunset. It was a pretty impressive view from up there. We soon felt pretty out of our comfort zone though and headed to Planet Hollywood in Picadilly. I'm a really picky eater so I'm not at all fussed about going to fancy restaurants, a good meal out for me is the Harvester! The atmosphere was great and the staff were so friendly. We really enjoyed the food, and would definitely go back...although we might try the 'Rainforest cafe' first? The puddings look incredible!

All in all I had a lovely evening and I can't believe how quickly the year has gone. Who knows what we will get up to next year. I guess you'll have to keep reading!

 

Megan xo

 

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Autumn wishlist

Hello autumn, I've missed you! 

Being the first day of autumn, it seemed fitting to post my wish list for this season. There is nothing I love more than being snuggled in my dressing gown with a hot cup of tea when its dark out. And I love it even more when I don't have to wait till 10pm for it to be dark. Autumn is definitely my favourite season by far, and it also holds my birthday which just makes it a million times better.

1. I love burning candles and I discovered this brand when I surprised my sister with a mini hamper after her she finished her MA. Warm welcome just sounds autumn-y and it has 5 stars on the website so it must be good, right?

2. Black ankle boots are a staple item for me during the colder months. Ballet pumps just aren't wise with all the rain we get (no one likes having soggy feet) so I live in boots. I realised during a rainy day last week that my current ankle boots have a hole somewhere at the bottom of the right foot, erghhh! These ones from New Look just look cosy.

3. If you follow me on Instagram then you've probably noticed that i'm a big fan of nail art. I have embraced neons and pastels this summer, but i'm excited to start using darker colours. Butter London nail varnishes are amazing, but just so expensive :(. I really like this mossy green sparkly colour though...maybe i'll put it on my birthday list!

4. Chapped lips+lipstick=dreadful combo. BUT, Benefit lipsticks are so so moisturising that I don't have to worry about that particular problem. These new 'hydra-smooth' lipsticks caught my eye and I have found my favourite shade in the collection. It's 'Talk flirty' and is a medium coverage pinky purple, perfect for everyday wear.

5. I spend a lot of time at work researching high street stores and looking at all the new items coming in. With the dramatic change in weather that we have seen over the last couple of weeks, high street stores are quickly stocking thick snuggly jumpers and cardigans for the cold weather we will be having for probably the next 8 months. This cardigan from River Island caught my eye at work on Tuesday, and I haven't stopped going back on the site to look at it. I am seriously struggling to dress appropriately for the weather at the minute.I dress for the cold temperatures but then get too hot on the train to work. I think this cardigan is perfect- snuggly enough for the train journey but not too thick that I can't wear it under a coat when walking around London.

Now the only problem I have is what to buy first?!

Megan xo

'Probably shouldn't have done that'

The title pretty much sums up what my bank balance was saying to me after I walked out of Boots on Sunday. My response was 'be quiet, they are necessary purchases.' Besides, it was buy one get one half price so it's justified right?

1. EcoTools eyeshadow brush- so I may already have this brush but its just so fluffy I had to have another.

2. Real techniques expert face brush- another brush to add to my little collection, I don't really need it, but I'll use it anyway. It's a good brush, and not a bad price!

3. Bourjois Delice de soleil- I had the chocolate block, so now I'm going to try this one. I don't really use bronzer that often (I don't think I have any cheek bones to contour but hey, it's handy to have.

4. Rimmel Wake me up foundation in ivory- I've had this foundation before and I liked it. It has good coverage, doesn't dry out my skin and also doesn't slide off my face as quickly as some others. It's a handy one to have on weekdays when I'm just going to work.

5. Revlon lip butter in cupcake- I bought one of these in the shade 'raspberry pie' as soon as they came out, and I love them when the weather gets colder. They're super moisturising, and such lovely colours. Perfect for autumn.

6. Benefit they're real mascara- I'm actually very surprised I didn't buy this mascara as soon as everyone started raving about it. Good willpower Megan, well done! 'Claps self', but when I spotted that at the moment, you get a free travel size one with it (perfect for my carry around make up bag) I couldn't resist any longer. Very good mascara, however it rubs off very easily which isn't good for someone who picks their eyelashes!

7. Benefit Rockateur blusher- I needed a new blusher, this ones new, and the sales advisor was very good at her job. Need I say more? I like it, and the shimmer goes away after a few uses which is handy for me as I'm not in to sparkly blushers.

8. Time for the grand finale, the Yves Saint Laurent le teint touché éclat foundation- expensive? Yes. Worth it? Who knows, haven't used it yet. Why? This is my first high end foundation (other than the Clinique one that was too dark for my skin when I was 15) and I wanted to treat myself to a decent one. I took myself to a counter, and then didn't know what shade I was so I completely trusted the woman behind the counter. We will soon see if she was any good at her job.

I may have to wait a little while until my next make up haul, my bank card is still crying in my purse.

Megan xo

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