December Advertisers

Last month I started hosting monthly advertisers, and here is where I get to share the chosen beautiful blogs with you. These lovely ladies have two blogs which I really enjoy reading and are firm favourites in my bloglovin feed!

Kirstie from Kimamely Beauty

Hello Beauties! I blog over at Kimamely Beauty and have done so for about 9 months now. I post a mixture of beauty and lifestyle pieces, so if that's what you like, head on over! As for me, I'm Kirstie, a 22 year old tea connoisseur who quite fancies herself as a foodie. I've just finished Uni so my blog is taking centre stage and I'm really loving giving it a little TLC. I'm super excited to be featuring a few more beauty reviews and foodie posts over the coming month, and I'd be a happy gal it if you could give my blog a little love!


As a big Mascara lover, I really enjoyed her recent Mascara Edit and am loving her 31 Shades series where Kirstie has been rediscovering her stash in a bid to save some pennies during the expensive Christmas season!

Sam from Knockout Couture

 

I'm Sam, I'm 21 and a lover of clothes, beauty and destroying my bank account. My style changes as much as the British weather and I'm the most indecisive person you will ever meet. I'm a Media Production undergraduate currently on an international student programme in Sunny Madrid for the year. I pretty much post about anything that interests me with the hope that you will enjoy!

I love Sam's OOTD post's, she has some beaut outfits and also shared with us her boxing day sale picks, which are here if you want to have a nosey!

I hope you enjoy these blogs as much as I do and if you have a blog and think we' make a good ad swap give me a shout at laviedecece@gmail.com.
 

I'd also like to wish you all a brilliant New Year's Eve, I'll be heading out for Tapas and Cocktails followed by the usual all nighter! What do you have planned for this evening? Whatever it is... Enjoy! Now I have broadband ordered, I plan to get back into my blogging schedule/routine for the new year and can't wait! Happy New Year Everyone!

Christmas Interiors DIY - Gemstone Tree

Today's Blogmas Post is a Christmas DIY. Now I'm normally rubbish at all things crafty, my Mam is amazing at this stuff but the talent seemed to skip me by, however this quick Gemstone Tree Tutorial is super easy and I think great for people who actually aren't too artistic or creative.

I first saw these trees on a trip to Edinburgh and thought they were gorgeous, but also super expensive! Now I have my own house I thought it was a good time to try and take a leaf out of Motherears book and get my house looking pretty, she thought I could probably make one of these trees I loved so much and turns out she was right! So if you'd like to have a go yourself, keep on reading!

You Will Need:

Ruler

Gemstone Beads (I bought two necklaces off Amazon to use, the stones need to have two holes in them so you can thread them onto the wire).

Tealight Holder

Wire Cutters

Glue Gun

Decorative Gravel or extra Gemstone Beads for the base of the tree.

22 guage copper wire in your choice of colour (approx 25 feet)

Cut into 10 strips of 2 and a half feet.

Firstly you will need to measure your wire and cut it into 10 seperate 2 and a half foot lengths, this doesn't need to be exact.

Thread a bead onto your wire until it is in the middle, then bend your wire in half and begin twisting the bead roud in circles whilst keeping the wire between your fingers, this will gradually twist the wire as shown above.

Twist down about 3/4 of an inch, you will now have two wires coming off your first bead.

Next thread on asecond bead onto one of the wire edges and bend it back on itself as shown above, leaving anotehr 3/4 inch length between the bead and the base, then repeat the twisting stage.

Repeat the twisting stage on both sides of the wire.

Repeat the above stage on either side of the remaining wire, each time beding the wire back on itself, leaving apporximitely 3/4 of an inch between the bead and the centre.

Once you have added the 5 leaves to the tree you should be left with something that looks like the above picture, from here twist the two strands of wire together for another quarter of an inch.

You should have created the first branch of your tree looking something like the above picture.

Use all 10 lengths of wire to create ten different branches.

Once, you have ten branches, take two of them and start to twist the wire together where the twisted secitons end, I found it easier to group two wires together, one from each branch, and then twist. once you have 5 grouped branches you can start to work them all together to create your tree, carry on twisting and bringing in new branches and twiset down the wire.

Once all branches have been incorporated, take all of the remaining wire and twist this part into a trunk.

You'll probably be left with a few different odd lengths of wire at the end of your trunk, twist these round into a ball at the bottom of the tree, but be careful doing this as you can stab tourself a little!

Now you need your glue gun, put a blob of glue in the bottom of your tealight holder. and then press the base of your tree into it, hold for a minute or two until the glue dries and the tree is set in place.

Now you can add glue to your tealight holder and drop in either some decorative pebbles or gravel or some extra beads into the holder to finish off the tree. I went and got some samples from a dashing company (who dash your house with gravel) but in the end decided to use the same gemstone beads that I'd used for my leaves so it would all match. Drop the beads or gravel onto the glue before it hardens.

Turn your tree upside down so any loose beads will drop out, from here you can then add more glue and touch up the base of your tree with extra beads.

And that's it, you've got yourself a Homemade Gemstone Tree. I hope these instructions were easy to follow, let me know if you have any questions on this one as it's tricky to explain in text! And do let me know if you attempt this gemstone tree yourself!

Christmas Biscuits - Do you wanna build a Snowman?

Do you wanna build a Snowman? A Melted Snowman Biscuit? Then look no further!

Who doesn't love a bit of homemade baking at Christmas? Sadly I'll be working on Christmas Day but to brighten our moods and keep the festive spirit alive; my colleagues and I will be making a little Christmas Buffet to enjoy. I thought these would make a cute addition and keep our day feeling Christmassy even though we can't celebrate with our families. If you'd like to make some of these too, keep reading!

You Will Need:

125g/4oz butter

55g/2oz caster sugar, plus extra to finish

180g/6oz plain flour
White Marshmallows
Fondant Icing in white, black, red and orange.
Jam of your choosing (to use as edible glue)
Icing Sugar
Rolling Pin
Paintbrush
Icing Sugar or Sparkling Sugar Dust (Optional)
Some Hungry Tummies

1) Make a batch of biscuits, whatever you'd prefer! They could be cookies or shortbread or even ginger snaps. I'm personally making shortbread using this simple recipe here which you need to make into round flat biscuits, I used a cutter but you could cut them out with a knife for a more rustic look, or use a glass/cup.

2) Once your biscuits have cooled, we move on to the decoration. Firstly, sprinkle some icing sugar onto your work surface and roll out the white fondant icing, the icing sugar will stop the fondant sticking to your work surface.Cut out your round 'bodies' of the Snowmen, here I used a glass of a similar size to my biscuits. You can then spread a thin layer of jam onto your biscuits and place the white fondant on top.

3) Next, take your white marshmallows, put some jam onto the bottom side of the marshmallow and then stick this to your snowman body, the marshmallow will act as the Snowman's head.

4) It's now time to make your Snowman's accessories. Roll out the red fondant and using a knife cut out a scarf shape, you could also try a Dicky bow tie if you like. For the Snowman's eyes you'll need a tiny amount of black fondant icing rolled into small balls and for the nose, shape a small amount of orange into a carrot shape. I also attempted hats for a few of my Snowmen, I made small flat circles for the brim and then a little roundish/squarish shape to pop on top, I think they came out ok!

5) Ok, now we've made all our little bits, lets build our Snowman! Remember to use a little bit of jam to make your accessories stick. Next, get a paintbrush and use a little bit of gel food colouring in black to draw on stick arms and a mouth, I used a paintbrush as the opening on the packaging was too large and made a massive mess. In hindsight I'd probably do this step last after everything else is stuck on, just a bit less messy!

And Voila! We have our melted biscuit Snowmen! You could sprinkle some icing sugar or glitter icing on top of your finished biscuits if you'd like, just to add that extra Christmassy sparkle!

What do you think of these Melted Snowman Biscuits? Will you be trying any Christmas inspired baking this year? On a side note, Blogmas has taken a few days leave from my blog, unfortunately I've moved to a black zone which I haven't yet managed to get any wifi or phone signal in! Hopefully I'll be able to keep up and get a few things scheduled in my days off!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

I've been a good girl this year. I donated money to charity and have been super polite to telephone cold callers, I also managed to not forget any birthdays, which is kind of amazing for me! If you're not too busy here is what I'd like to find under my tree this Christmas.

Something I Want
So I would have said that Urban Decay Naked Vault, however it sold out super quick and apparently there were only 60 on sale at Selfridges! I mean that's going to sell out in about 2 seconds! So instead I'll say a swish MacBook Air. My Laptop has died a death and I think my brother might want his back sometime soon, possibly when I move out and want to take it with me. So this would be amazingly helpful!

Something I Need
GHD's, My straighteners broke probably about a year ago now, my dad managed to cut out a faulty piece of wire and fixed them but they don't heat up properly anymore and I'm finding it really difficult to pretty much do anything with my hair, so this really is something I need. It's just one of those things I've never gotten round to buying and it's probably about time my hair looked semi-decent again!

Something to Wear
I've already featured this coat in my Women's Christmas Gift Guide and it's definitely on my wish list too! I find it so hard putting those posts together, you're obviously going to pick things that you like and it just makes you want them all! Not good for my bank account. I did manage to resist temptation but would very much still like this coat. It looks so warm and I just think it would go with every outfit, smart or casual.

 

Something to Read

Pretty Honest: The Straight-talking Beauty Companion by Sali Hughes £11 Hardback Cover from Amazon. I have a sneaky feeling that this one is actually wrapped up somewhere with my name on it (Ok, I know it is. Can't wait to read this, I'm pretty sure I'll be finished by the end of Boxing Day.

It would be ever so nice of you to deliver these lovelies to me, I'll make sure to leave a carrot for Rudolph and a glass of sherry and minced pie for you!

Love Cece x

Obviously I'm not going to get all of these things for Christmas but a girl can dream right?! What's on your dream Christmas wish list?

Cosy Winter Nights - Me Time Tag

For my Cosy Winter Nights post, (I'm taking part in the Big Blogmas Project & this is today's theme) I thought I'd complete a tag I've been wanting to do for a while. The Me Time Tag. This one was started by Essie Button & Amelia Liana on YouTube here, and as I love my me time so much... I knew this was one I definitely wanted to do!

What do you watch or read during me-time?
I read quite a lot, as my regulars may have noticed through my 'On My Bookshelf' series. I wouldn't say my reading sticks to any particular genre but at the moment I'm reading The Goldfinch, cgeck out my previous On My Bookshelf posts here and here if you'd like to know a bit more about what I've enjoyed reading.. I also like to watch quite a lot of American shows during my 'me time', some of my faves are Vampire Diaries, How I Met our Mother & Breaking Bad. I also love a bit of Made in Chelsea, TOWIE and Geordie Shore... my guilty pleasures!

What do you wear during me-time?
PJ's! I love slouching with some comfies, slipper socks and my fluffy dressing gown. Also I definitely agree with the #nobra 100%!

What are your me-time beauty products?
During me time I just like to get all of my make-up off and give my skin some much needed rest time (hey, skin likes me time too!) So my favourite products are my Soap & Glory Cleanser which I use to double cleanse, my Body Shop Vitamin E Toner, Botanics All Bright Hydrating Night Cream (yep through the day too, an extra moisture boost while I'm just chilling) and finally whatever nail polish I'm loving at the time! Pedicures are perfect for me time!

Current favourite nail polish?
Following from the above question, my current fave is the OPI limited edition Turn on the Haute nail laquer, which ironicall I got in my 'Cosy at Home' November Birchbox. It's a gorgeos sparkly silver that I'll no doubt be wearing regularly throughout the party season. It's currently pride of place on my tootsies as I'm not allowed my (hand) nails painted at work *sob*.

What do you eat/drink during me-time?
I'm unlucky enough to love both sweet and savoury! So me time is usually cheese and biscuits, houmous and toaster pitta or any form of chocolate I can get my hands on! Also I can't not mention the obligitory cup of tea!

Current favourite candle?
Ooooh that's tough but I'm going to say my Lily Flame Wild Jasmine candle, all of the Lily Flame candles smell lovely and are packages gorgeously! I actually wrote a post about my current favourite candles here, if you'd like to see what else makes my list check it out!

Do you ever have outdoor me-time?
I do enjoy running so if I'm in the mood I like to head out with my iPod for a bit, living in the Lake District you'd think I'd have more outdoor me time, but I guess when something is on your doorstep you do take it for granted! 

Would you ever go see a movie alone?
No I don't think I would, I'd much rather stay at home and watch a DVD in the comfort of my home where I can slob out and pause to go to the loo or get more snacks! Going to the cinema is something I usually do with friends.

Favourite online shop?
Argh this is tough... I'm going to say Missguided purely because I can't go into a physical Missguided shop. Most of the other shops I use online are also on the highstreet. I'm probably one of very few people who doesn't like ASOS, there's way too much choice and I get frustrated trying to find stuff!

Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?
I basically just like to chill! Sometime's I blog during me time as it's soemthing I really enjoy doing! Eating is high on the agenda and napping has to be a personal favourite. If it's not about R&R, I like to have a full on pamper day where I groom from top to toe and maybe even go for a cheeky facial!

What do you like to do during me time? If you're reading this I'd like to tag you in 'The Me Time Tag', let me know if you do it!

On My Bookshelf - '3 to Read' #2

This is my first blogger series, I'm hoping to use it as a sort of 'virtual book club'. I love finding new reads but am so bad at heading to the same section of Waterstones every time I visit. I think getting and giving recommendations is such a cool way to broaden the variety of books you choose. Some of my favourite books have been found through a recommendation! You can find my November '3 to Read' here.

1) The Host by Stephenie Meyer
After my (probably overaged) obsession with The Twlight books, I went on to read Stephenie Meyer's next offering and wasn't disappointed. I found this book quite slow going to begin with but stuck with it and soon got to the 'can't put it down' phase. This book is about an alien race that inhabit the minds of inferior races to create a better world, however when Melanie refuses to be overpowered, Wanderer, her alien invader learns some lessons about humanity and is taken on a journey she never expected as the pair of them begin to search for the man Melanie loves.

2)The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I actually read this book after seeing the Movie trailer (something I do quite a lot when a story interests me, as I'd much rather read a book before watching it's movie counterpart) This book was an international best seller, and no wonder. It's a brilliantly written book set in Jackson, Mississippi 1962, and merges history with some amazing story telling around the racism faced during this time and the social inadequacies between the white class and their black maids. The main character Skeeter is a white 22 year old, fresh out of college with the hope of getting her writing published. The interesting topic of choice she chooses is the poor quality of life that 'the help' have. Leading to some interesting results within her local community. I really enjoyed this book, it's quite emotional and you really connect with the main characters, I really must get around to watching the film.

3)Maze Runner by James Dashner
This is the first book in the three part dystopian story.Thomas wakes up in a strange community called the Glade, it's ran and inhabited by a group of teenage boys who trapped in the Glade by a dangerous maze. With no memories, Thomas and the rest of the boys must figure out why they are there and how to escape. When the first ever girl turns up in the Glade, things start to change. Thomas could be the key to their escape as a connection to the new girl and flashes of old memories begin to resurface. This is probably the most male-friendly dystopian trilogy I've read, but as usual I found them hard t put down. If you're a Hunger Games/Divergent fan, I'd definitely give this a go!

I've just realised that all of these books have movie adaptations and I haven't watched any of them! I always prefer books to films but I am keen to watch The Help.

Have you read any of these books? Or seen their Movie counterparts? What books would you recommend for me this month?

Christmas Decoration Wishlist

Having just bought my first home, this year's Christmas Shopping is especially exciting for me. I have already been and bought some stuff which you can find in my Winter Homeware Haul and below I've picked out a few things that I would love to have pride of place in my home (once funds allow!), I hope you find some Christmas inspiration from it!

1) Christmas Wall Art - £12.00 Next
Believe in Santa? Like there's an alternative?! This Christmas Wall Art is just too cute and would go perfectly in my new kitchen!

2) Woven Wood Star Tree Topper - £4.00 Wilkinsons
So this one I can probably make a reality, very reasonably priced and perfect for my gold, bronze and brown colour scheme!

3) Christmas Wreath - £14.99 Tesco
My Mam puts a Christmas wreath on our front door every year. It's a tradition I want to continue in my own home and I really like the look of this one. I think having outdoor decorations really brings the festive spirit to your neighbourhood and as Christmas lights can be expensive to maintain, a simple wreath is perfect for that Christmassy touch.

4) 6ft Deluxe Christmas Tree - £200 Next
Ok, so this doesn't have the cheapest price tag, but it says deluxe for a reason! For now I have a temporary cheaper tree but eventually I'd love one like this! It's 6ft tall and very realistic looking (without having to deal with those pine needles and potential spider invasions!) It's a really full looking tree, but will unfortunately have to stay on the wish list until at least next year.

5) Gold Effect Glass Baubles - £25.00 M&S
I want my main Christmas Tree in my living room to be gold, bronze and brown. I can toss in some red elsewhere! These are gorgeous baubles they're very luxurious and I'd love to add them to my collection.

6) Personalised Christmas Stocking - £35.00 Not on the Highstreet
This is the cutest stocking for adults, I'm definitely going to hang one from my fireplace. I love the red Scandinavian design to this and to have my name knitted on the top? Bonus!

7) Decorative White Twig Tree - £20.00 Hobbycraft
My Auntie bought one of these last year and decorated it with lots of little baubles, it's such a cute modern twist to the Christmas tree (although she had one of those too & so would I!). It's a great way to bring some extra colour to a room that you don't have your main tree in!

8) Christmas Frosted Pine Candle - £15.00 John Lewis
This decorative scented candle is the perfect Christmas table accompaniment, ideally three placed along my table runner! With 15 hours burn time they'd see me well throughout the Christmas period.

9) Christmas Musical Train Set - £29.99 The Range
I've always wanted a little train set that runs around the bottom of my Christmas tree. This one from the range lights up and plays music. The perfect festive addition to my tree!

What's on your wishlist this year? Have you bought any special decorations for Christmas?