Christmas at Disneyland Paris

Recently I was lucky enough to head to Disneyland Paris for a few days to experience my first ever Disney Christmas. As a massive Disney fan, I was obviously ridiculously excited from the moment we booked & couldn't wait to experience the magic again.

We really made the most of the time we had in Paris & ran around acting like children all over again. This included meeting as many characters as possible (all in adorable Christmas outfits!), eating a tonne delicious of food & getting a little emotional at the Christmas firework display.. something I'm not at all ashamed of.

If you're a Disney fan, I honestly couldn't recommend visiting at Christmas as it really is the most magical of places!

*warning - very photo heavy post ahead!*

Have you ever visited Disneyland at Christmas?
If so I'd love to hear any stories! 

xx

Christmas Party - Outfit Wishlist

Whilst it may still be slightly to early to be in full Christmas mode it's never to early to start thinking about festive outfits.. So when the invitation to my office Christmas party arrived last week, I immediately set about to find the perfect party look. After spending a few hours browsing online, I decided to put together a selection of dresses that have caught my eye so far...

1. Lace Maxi Dress - Boo Hoo - £25.00 [x]

2. Velvet Skater Dress - Quiz - £26.99 [x]

3. Black Tulle Dress - New Look - £34.99 [x]

4. Sequin Maxi Dress - Little Black Dress - £87.00 [x]

5. Crystal Stress - Chi Chi London - £69.99 [x]

6. Sequin Maxi Dress - Lipsy/Asos - £75.00 [x]

Each of the above dresses are gorgeous & perfect for impressing at any Christmas Party - whether with friends, family or work colleages. If only I could justifying purchasing them all!

Which dress is your favourite?
xxx

2015 Christmas Gifts - Part Two

Following on from my previous post (which showed the gifts I received from my boyfriend & can be found here) this post details the lovely present I was lucky enough to receive from my family & friends this year.

Again - I just want to quickly point out that this is in no-way bragging or showing off as I'm writing this due to the fact that I personally love reading posts like this & having a nose at what people received for Christmas.

As you can see I was incredibly lucky this year & received some amazing gifts from my family & friends. These gifts include Soap & Glory gift sets, Pandora Charms, a scarf, adorable teddy-bear slippers, a Liz Earle gift set, make-up brushes, Paper Towns by John Green (I'm sure this will tug at my heart strings just like A Fault in Our Stars), earrings, miniature bottles of wine, a Marie Mug (one of my favourite Disney characters), a candle, both the Aristocats & The Little Mermaid on DVD, a pink Peter Pan collard top, cat gloves, a pair of "riding" style boots, two necklaces, a Ted Baker nail varnish set (which I am in love with), the first 3 Star Wars films on DVD,  and lots & lots of chocolate/sweets. I also received some money/gift vouches which haven't been included above as I thought that may be a little odd. 

Obviously Christmas is about more than gifts & is really all about spending quality time with loved ones without the everyday stresses of work & day-day life (which is definitely something I seem to appreciate the older I get, especially living an hour from my home town) but I am incredibly gratful for all the lovely presents I received this year & as I previously mentioned, I love to have a nose at posts like this so thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get involved myself. 

If you've written a similar post, let me know in the comments as I'd love

to read for myself. 

xxx

2015 Christmas Gifts - Part One

This year it's safe to say that I was well & truly spoilt by both my family & Ollie (my boyfriend for those who don't know) so I thought I'd put together a little post detailing the lovely gifts I was lucky enough to receive. Of course *disclaimer alert* this is in no way bragging or showing off - I simply love reading posts like this & wanted to jump on the bandwagon myself. 

I thought it best to split this post up to save me waffling on & boring everyone involved. So this post will detail the lovely gifts I received from Ollie & I think the next will detail those from family/friends. 

As you can see from above, I was lucky enough to receive some amazing gifts from Ollie this year. These included the first season of AMC's "Fear the Walking Dead" (a prequel series to my all-time favourite show The Walking Dead), fluffy Minnie Mouse socks, a Sheep cuddly toy from the game "Minecraft" (this is a game we sometimes play together & I have soft spot for the block-shaped animals) a Pandora Bracelet with a gorgeous heart claps, a build-your-own Pikachu figure (again a character that I had a particular soft-spot for when I was younger), some cute gingerbread pyjamas & a Mac lipstick in the shade Full Fuschia. 

Ollie also purchased tickets for us to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tours (something I've wanted to do ever since it opened).. to go alongside the these he gave me the first book in the Harry Potter Series (The Philosophers Stone) & the Xbox 360 Lego game (which is honestly a lot of fun!). He also included a pair of "Harry-Potter-style" glasses which he has insisted I wear on our visit. 

It's safe to say that I love each & every gift I received from Ollie this year as it's easy to see just how much thought has gone into each one. I'm one very happy girl. 

I hope you had a lovely Christmas & have an amazing 2016!

xxx

A Very Merry Christmas

This Sunday's post is just a quick one to share some of my favourite moments throughout the festive period. This includes a trip to London for a work Christmas party, exploring Birmingham's German Market, celebrating our 3 year anniversary with Ollie & of course indulging in lots of yummy food/drink.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas & I'd love to hear how you've celebrated in the comments below. 

xxx

Christmas Party Make-up

Last week I jumped on the train down to London ready to celebrate alongside my colleagues at our annual Christmas Party. Of course, I wanted to look my best so carefully selected my current favourite beauty products to create a festive, party look (as you can see from the list below.. this turned out to be a lot of products!). 

Excuse the slight yellow tint - apparently hotel rooms
aren't the best for photos. 

Foundation - Mac Studio Sculpt [x]
Primer - Benefit "Pore-fessional" [x]

Setting Power - Max Factor Translucent Powder [x]

Bronzer- Sleek Face Contour Kit [x]
Under-eye Concealer - Rimmel Wake Me Up [x]
Blemish Concealer - Collection Lasting Perfection [x]

Highlighter - Benefit "Watts Up" [x]

Mascara - Benefit "They're Real" [x]

Eye-brows - Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Pencil [x]
Setting Spray - MUA Pro Base Fixing Mist [x]

Lipstick - Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade 30 [x]

To start the look I used Benefit's Pore-fessional, which I find perfect for creating a smooth base to the skin. This was followed with Mac's Studio Sculpt Foundation to provide full coverage & ensure my skin was well moisturised throughout the evening. After foundation, I covered any remaining dark circles & blemishes with concealer (Rimmel Wake Me up for Dark Circles & Collection Lasting Perfection for blemishes). This was then all set in place with a layer of Max Factor's Translucent setting powder - which is gorgeously light on the skin.  

Next to create a slight contour (I need all the help I can get when it comes to  giving the effect of cheekbones) I chose the bronzer from Sleek's Contour Kit to sit in the hollows of my cheekbones & a small amount of Benefit's Watt's up to add highlight to the tops of my cheekbones & nose. 

Following this was a mascara.. For this I used a product that I find perfect for adding both length & volume to my lashes - Benefit's "They're Real". This has quickly become one of my favourite products to use for a night out. I then moved onto eyebrows using my trusty Soap & Glory Archery Pencil to add shape & definition.

Next came the product that I really felt pulled this look together - lipstick. I decided to opt for a lipstick form the Kate Moss & Rimmel collaboration in the no.30. This is a deep plum statement shade that tied in perfectly with the deep purple of my dress. 

Last but not least came MUA's fixing mist. I sprizted a layer of this product to ensure the look stayed in place throughout the night.

Have you used any of these products?

What are your thoughts?

xxx

The Christmas Tag

I've found myself feeling particularly festive recently.. So when I spotted The Christmas Tag popping up around the blogging world, I knew it was something I needed to try for myself here on Small and Blonde... After all, who doesn't love a Festive post?!

1.- What are your favourite Christmas movies?

Oh my gosh.. there are so many! Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Grinch, A Muppet's Christmas Carol, Arthur Christmas, Disney's A Christmas Carol, The Snowman, The Santa Clause.. and many, many more. A month really isn't long enough to try & squeeze them all in. 

2.- Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Always Christmas morning.. I know some families open one present on Christmas Eve but this was just never something we've ever done. In fact - even at 16 & 23 years old - the presents for my sister & I don't get put under the tree until after we're asleep - always keeping the magic alive. 

3.- Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

I have so many amazing Christmas memories, but my favourite(s) probably have to be watching my sisters get so excited when they walk into the living room on Christmas morning & realise that Father Christmas has been.

4.- Favourite festive food?

If I had to pick one it would probably be pigs in blankets (little sausages wrapped in bacon for any who don't know). Traditionally these are only served on Christmas Day which makes them even more special.

5.- Favourite Christmas scent?

Living in Birmingham, I love the mixture of smells that come from the Christmas German Market each year. Nuts, mulled wine, sausages, cinnamon, Christmas trees... perfect. 

6.- What tops your tree?

I technically have two trees. One in my flat & one at my mum's house. In the flat we have a star on top of our tree that was kindly gifted to us & at my mum's we have a angel. The best of both worlds.  

7.- As a child, what was the one extravagant gift you always asked for but never received?

I'm going to sound really boring now.. but I honestly don't remember ever asking for any overly extravagant as a child. 

8.- What is the best thing about Christmas for you?

The best thing about Christmas for me is spending time with family. This is especially true now that I live an hour away from my parents & siblings, so it's always nice to be reunited. 

I hope you enjoyed this tag - let me know what you love most about Christmas in the comments.
xxx

Stocking Fillers | For Him

Dads, brother & boyfriends - as much as we love them, it's well known that they are extremely difficult to shop for at Christmas. Especially when it comes to the little extras.. the stocking fillers. So - with Christmas Day on the horizon - I've spent some time trailing the internet to put together a stocking filler gift guide for Him.

1. Star Wars Decal Stickers - Top Man - £5.00 [x]

2. Top Trump Drunks - New Look - £5.00 [x]
3. Homer Simpson Egg Cup & Toast Cutter - I Want One Of Those - £7.99 [x]

4. "Great Beard" Mug - Not On The High-street - £12.50 [x]

5.  "Christmas Dinner in a Matchbox" sweets - Not On The High-street - £5.99 [x]

6. Los Pollos Travel Cup - Top Man - £8.00 [x]

With something to suit a range of tastes (think foodie to technology lover to Tv/Film buff) I personally think these gifts are an affordable & creative way to add a little extra fun on Christmas morning.  In fact, I'd be happy to receive a few of these in my stocking.. Who wouldn't want to eat Christmas Dinner flavoured sweets whilst giggling at tipsy people?!

Click here to ready my Stocking Fillers for her gift guide.

xxx

Stocking Fillers | For Her

Each year I love picking up little stocking fillers for family & friends - there's nothing better than the feeling of excitement knowing you've picked up the perfect little gift. In fact - in my house it's tradition to all sit around & open our stocking's first thing on Christmas morning & enjoy the little things we've been lucky enough to each receive...*thanks Santa!*

There are so many lovely stocking fillers on the high-street this year - so I couldn't resist putting together a post showing some of the items that have caught my eye so far.. 

1. Ciate Paint Pot Pair - Boots - £10.00 [x]

2. Unicorn Screen Cleaner - New Look - £4.99 [x]

3. Sweet Orange & Mint Cleanser 50ml set - Liz Earle - £9.75 [x]

4. 3D Cat Mug - Topshop - £10.00 [x]

5. Strawberry Christmas Cracker - The Body Shop - £5.00 [x]

6. Christmas Jumper Slab - Hotel Chocolat - £5.00 [x]

7. Dashing Santa Bath Bomb - Lush - £2.95 [x]

8.  Minnie Mouse Tsum Tsum - Disney Store - £3.00 [x]

9. Mini Lipstick Charms - Charlotte Tilbury - £29.00 [x]

I personally love the above items & think they're the perfect little treat for any beauty, Disney or even technology lover. In fact.. I'm tempted to pick a couple of these up for myself.. an early Christmas treat is allowed.. right?

xxx

Christmas Party Outfit Ideas

With the annual Christmas party getting closer, the stress of finding the perfect outfit is steadily growing *or is that only me?!*. So this year I thought I'd put together a few dresses that have recently caught my eye - each perfect for a night out with friends & colleagues alike.

1. Embellished skater dress - Asos - £55.00 [x]

2. Chiffon Maxi Dress - AX Paris - £40.00 [x]

3. Cross Back Dress - New Look - £22.99 [x]

4. Leafy Maxi Dress - Miss Selfridge - £108.00 [x]

5. Sequin Skater Dress - Boohoo - £35.00 [x]

6. Satin Skater Dress - Pretty Little Thing - £30.00 [x]

Each of these dresses are gorgeous & perfect for festive parties. My favourites include; Pretty Little Thing's red skater dress & Boohoo's sequin skater dress *nothing screams Christmas fashion quite like sequins!*. I also love the style of Miss Selfridge's' "leafy maxi dress". Although a little on the pricier side, it's perfect for those struggling to decide between a long or short dress. 

Which dress is your favourites?

xxx

Advent Calendar Wishlist

With the demand for beauty themed calendars growing larger each year, more & more brands are now releasing their own versions onto the market. However whilst having an increased selection is obviously great (Christmas and beauty combined.. What's not to love?!) it does make the whole decision making process a little trickier.

So, if like me you're currently struggling to chose which calender to invest in this year - or if you're looking for ideas ready to treat a loved one - I've put together a wishlist of  advent calendars that I'm currently lusting after.

*warning - some spoilers ahead* 

1. Topshop's "Advent Tree" - £28.00 [x]

If make-up/beauty products aren't your cup of tea, then a great alternative to your typical beauty calendar is Topshop's jewellery "Advent Tree". Offering a collection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets this is perfect for those looking to extend their collection (you can never had enough jewellery, right?)..  Plus the tree design is adorable! 

2. Ciate "Mini Mani Month" - £49.00 [x]
Ciate calendars are a favourite throughout the blogging community - & it's easy to see why! Not only does this calendar offer a mixture of miniature polishes & manicure toppers (plus a surprise full size polish) it's all packaged in a beautifully simple case -  London in the winter? - yes please!

3. Make-up Revolution's "Beauty Chest" - £85.00 (reduced from £100) [x]

Make-up Revolution is one of my favourite budget beauty brands. So it's safe to say I was very excited to discover they're offering an advent calendar this year. Although on the pricier side, with 25 full size products (including nail varnishes, lipsticks & even an eye-shadow pallet) this is the perfect treat for make-up lovers everywhere. 

4. Benefits "Party Poppers" Calendar - £34.50 [x]

"Party Poppers" offers a slightly different take on the usual advent calendar theme.. This calendar includes 12 miniature products for the 12 days of Christmas (or as Benefit puts it; the 12 days of gorgeous). Products include; a They're real! mini mascara, a Rockateur mini bronzer & a Watt's up! mini highlighter. Whilst containing fewer products than most beauty calendars on the market, I still think this is a great buy for the price - especially for those wishing to test out some of Benefit's items without committing the the full product.  

5. The Body Shop's "Beauty Calendar" - £60.00 [x]
Another cult classic within the blogging world has to be the Body Shop's Advent Calender. As a Body Shop lover, I've had my eye in this item for a few years & 2015 is no different. Not only is it cruelty free but it also contains a mixture skin-care, beauty & bath products for the build up to Christmas. In my opinion this is perfect any beauty lover who's also looking for a little variety. 

6. Yankee Candle "Advent Calendar in the Snow" - £27.99 [x]

If you're looking for something a little different to the traditional chocolate calendar - but beauty and/or jewellery isn't your thing - then "Advent Calendar in the Snow" from Yankee Candle is a great alternative. For £27.99 each window houses a Yankee tea light with a special treat on Christmas Eve. Plus this is the perfect way to test out candle scents before picking up a full size. 

I personally adore each of these calendars & think they're the perfect way to celebrate the build up to Christmas.. plus who doesn't love waking up to a little present each morning?!

Which advent calendar have you got your eye on this year?
xxx

Face of the day - Christmas shopping

Today I had to use one of my days off to finish some Christmas shopping so I thought this was the perfect excuse to put together a little Christmas look.

As I was just popping into town I didn't want to go too overboard with products and really wanted to keep things pretty simple. Therefore, for the main part of this look, I went for a bright red lipstick.

I feel a bright red lipstick is perfect for the Christmas season as it's so festive... I also feel there's something about such a statement lip that builds confidence.

This may just be me, but going for a bright or bold colour always makes me feel like I'm dressed up and really boosts my confidence levels.

Pose...

Like I said, I really didn't want to go over board with the products today, so below you can see what I used to create my simple, yet festive look.

Apparently this involved a lot of Rimmel products!

On my skin I used the Rimmel Matte BB Cream in shade light. I had never jumped on the BB cream hype, but when I was sent this as a sample I was pleasantly surprised. I find the product sits on  my skin beautifully and saves the hassle of having to add a tonne of concealer after to cover up any dark circles or spots. Plus I'd heard this product, being matte, wasn't the best for anyone with dry skin. Now as a lifetime sufferer of dry skin - especially in the winter - I  was sceptical at first, however I actually found this to be very moisturising and not at all drying.. Yay! 

After applying the BB cream I used my trusty Sleek contouring and Blush Palette. This has been an everyday product of mine for a few months now and I love it. Plus I always find that after applying foundation I tend to look a little washed out/generally unwell - which is not a good look! This palette helps add some definition and a little colour to  my face again. 

The next step was to add some some definition to those eyelashes of mine. For this I used another one of my current staple items; the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara in shade 003/extreme black. I really feel this lengthens my lashes, but without making them clump together or feel weighed down. Plus it always makes me look that bit more awake early in the morning when - of course - I'm actually struggling to keep my eyes open at all! 

When it came to my brows, I really felt like being pretty lazy today. So I decided to take the easier option of pencilling them in to add some definition and shape (does anyone else feel a little naked without doing their eyebrows now, or is that just me?!). For days like today, I turn to the Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in the shade 002/Hazel which does the job perfectly. 

Finally, the main product in this look.. the lipstick. This is from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection and is in the shade 170/Alarm. This is one of my favourite shades as it's so bright and has great staying power. Plus it's very moisturising and doesn't fade in a patchy way like some other lipsticks do (which is great as I hate after an hour or so of wearing a product, ending up looking like I've just eaten a ice-lolly). 

With the exception of the BB cream, I bought each of these products from Superdrug and they're each something I'll reinvesting in when the time comes.

If anyone has any other products they use for a festive look, I'd love to know! Always on the look out for a new product to try

xxx

Birmingham Christmas Market

Each year the Frankfurt Christmas Market comes to Birmingham. During this time the usual grey city is transformed with lights, log cabins and decorations. The market is something I've looked forward to each year since moving to the city as it well and truly means Christmas is on it's way.

The shops, which are set in adorable log cabins, are full of pretty much everything you could want from a Christmas market. They sell lots of items ranging from Christmas decorations, to jewellery to adorable wooden children's toys. 

Even if you're not looking to buy any specific items, who could resist all the amazing foods/drinks on offer?! 

Think traditional German hot-dogs, a huge variety of chocolate/fudge/sweets (I'm dying to try the chocolate covered strawberries/marshmallows) accompanied with a hot chocolate, mulled wine or warm cider. 

As you can see I couldn't resist going for something sweet and chose a chocolate crepe whilst Ollie opted for a tradition of the German market - a huge pint of beer where you get to keep the glass and a burger (which had been demolished by the time the photo was taken)... If you can't treat yourself at Christmas, when can you?!

Visiting the German market has become a tradition each year during December which I love as it makes me feel so festive and is the perfect excuse to wrap up and treat myself. 

If anyone has any traditions that get you in the Christmas spirit I'd love to hear!

xxx

Next Christmas Wishlist

For as long as I can remember, the Next catalogue had a proud place on the coffee table in my house and since my early teens looking through has always been a favourite pass time of mine. 

Flicking through the pages and choosing out different items of clothing, shoes and accessories I liked the most and then seeing what my Mum thought... Even though I've now moved out, and getting my Mum's opinions is something that I unfortunately can't do as often any more, but I still love to have a look at the different items that Next have to offer. 

With Christmas fast approaching, it seems like a perfect time to put together a little wishlist of some of my favourite items that Next currently have to offer. 

1. Next Stand Mixer - £99 [x]

2. Pink Glitter Clutch - £22 [x]

3. White Photo Frame - £25 [x]

4. Moose Print Cushion - £8 [x]

5. Pink Check Scarf - £40 [x]

6. Cut Out Boots - £38 [x]

7. Striped Jumper - £30 [x]

8. Lace Playsuit - £55 [x]

9. Nude T-Bar Shoes - £35 [x]

10. Polka Dot Cat Make-up Bag - £4 [x]

I love each of these items (of course I couldn't leave something cat themed out) and would feel very happy to discover any under my tree on Christmas morning *hint hint*...

xxx

Cute stocking fillers

One of my favourite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for my family and friends. I just love that feeling of excitement when you know you've picked up the perfect present for someone you love.

Another part of Christmas I love is stockings. It's a tradition in my house that we each have a stocking - yes I am 22 and not ashamed of this! - and we sit on Christmas morning and open these first.

Personally I think small presents are the most fun as they're usually either silly/funny or simply adorable.

So as a combination of two of my festive favourites, I've decided to put together a list of cute girlie stocking fillers to give someone inspiration for that perfect little gift for a mum, girlfriend or sister Etc. or as a cheeky little gift to yourself - Hey, you worked hard.. You deserve it!

1. Monty and Mable mug, £5 - John Lewis [x]

2. "Pretty as a Picture" mini make-up bag/purse, £3.88 - New Look [x]

3. Owl Hand warmers, £10 - Boots [x]

4. "The Sweet Polar Bear" gift set containing mini strawberry body butter & lip butter, £7 - The Body Shop [x]

5. "A Little Positivity" bracelet, £12.50 - Joma Jewellery (These come in a range of styles) [x]

6. Ted Baker "Sweet on You" Nail Duo, £8.50 - Boots [x]

7. "The Melting Snowman" Bath melt, £2.25 - Lush [x]

8. Wheat Cat, £9.99 - New Look [x]

9. Light Pink Bow Earrings, £3.00 - River Island [x]

I think each of these items would make an adorable gift for someone this Christmas and if you fancy treating yourself or a loved one to something, then click on the little "x" which will take you to the website I found it on! 

xxx

Hello October

First  off... where has this year gone?! I'm sure the last time I checked my calendar it was the beginning of Summer and now all of a sudden we're being thrown full force into Autumn! Before we know it (forgive me because I'm going to mention the C word already...) Christmas will be here!

I'll admit that I love summer.. the lighter evenings, heat and general happiness that it seems to bring. But  this year I am so ready for the colder months.

Since summer started to vanish throughout September, it seemed that we were stuck with the awkward in-between weather. The weather where it's chilly in the morning - so you put on a jacket - but a few hours later it's crazy warm again and then you're stuck with the dilemma of what to do with the jacket.. Or it seems sunny out, so you happily leave the house in a lovely summery dress only for it to be deceivingly chilly out (yes this did happen to me recently, and I'm still slightly bitter about it, can you tell? Haha).

I like to know where I stand with the weather so I'm so excited for it too get chillier and today was the first day that when leaving work, even in my leather jacket, I felt a chill as I walked... and I was happy about it! Despite it being damp and grey outside from the rain (and the fact I'd just finished a loooong day in the office) I was so happy to feel the first chilly breeze of Autumn. 

As I walked home, I started thinking about my winter boots, coats and accessories.. (along with which shops I could look in to find them... oops) and felt so excited!

PLUS with it being October that means Halloween is only a few weeks away (Yay for an excuse to whip out the fake blood!)... firework night will follow and then (sorry I'm going to say it again) it's Christmas.. the BEST time of the year!

So despite being a a girl who loves the summer (cant help but think of Olaf there singing away about summer.. oh Frozen) and the fact that I'm sure come January I'll be longing for the warmer times ahead- I am very happy to see the start of some chilly months! 

Source

If anyone has any Autumy posts.. let me know, I'd love to read them and feel nice and cosy! 

xxx