Christmas Recap

For something different I thought I'd share my 5 outstanding items from this Christmas. I was spoilt so this definitely isn't an inclusive list, and there is no order, but thought it might get your juices flowing for the sales or your wish list next year!

1. Winter Candy Apple Shower Gel

This seasonal item from Bath and Body Works, has the most gorgeous smell, and you only need a tiny bit to work up a real lather.

2. Polar FT7 Watch

I recently started jogging, and this was a gift from DH, awww. Functional and stylish.

3. Clinique Long Lasting Lipgloss gift set

I'm a fan of Clinique's Full Potential Lip Gloss, but I was gifted the Long Lasting Lipgloss. It comes in a cool gift pack, so you can try and find your perfect colour. (Technically I think this was a birthday gift, but they're so close together I decided to count it here).

4. Charter Club Cat Brooch

I'm a big fan of cats and brooches, so this was a great combo. Too bad that I only wear brooches in the winter and I'll have to wait for the weather to cool to wear it. Also love the cute little gift box it came in.

5. Belkin TuneCast Auto

I can finally play my ipod in the car, now all I have to do is finish putting my music collection on my ipod (I'm about 80% there).

So did you have any favourites from your holiday gifts this year?

Post Holiday Sales

There are a few items we buy every year in the post Christmas sales, and then there are items I add to my list as needed. The top items on our shopping list this year are:


1. Cards

We make a count on how many we used this year and then buy accordingly, I refuse to pay full price for an item that may be shown/used for a 2 week period

There's just so much to choose from...

2. Pajamas

Another item I refuse to pay full price for, other than DH who is ever going to see them?

Two of my favourites are: Peter Alexander and Sussans Sleepwear

3. Kitchenware e.g. glasses, measuring spoons, appliances

You can always get great deals on those items that make eating and cooking enjoyable. Last year we picked up a great dinner set by Maxwell Williams from a local department store.

4. Swim wear

I'm still loving the 1950s style, such as Seafolly's Viva Boyleg:

Esther Williams Vintage Style Suits;

or

The Marilyn by Pinup Couture

5. Towels and sheets

My favourites are the Sheridan brand in browns or maroon colours.

Happy shopping, just don't overdo it!

So yes, there’s a practicality to my list which doesn’t make it too exciting, but I love the thrill of finding great buy and figuring out what else I can spend the money on I saved!

Diaries/Journals

It’s getting to be that time of year when the 2011 diaries are coming out. I have a soft spot for the written form of diaries, I love making lists and ticking things off as they get done. I also have a bit of a stationary fetish and there is quite a selection of notebooks and journals that are quite fetching. Here’s some of my favourites:

1. Kikki K
A cute stationary store, which you can get online or in store with a great selection. My favourites:

Meal Planner

2011 Time Planner

2. Moleskines

Classic, stylish and simple

3. Cat Naps 2011 Diary

I'm a sucker for cute cats, and they always add a brightness to my day

4. Paua Shell

I've been spending a fair amount of time in Auckland, New Zealand and have been eyeing these off at the airport each week

5. Silk Paper Journal

Or you could try this gorgeous notebook I found on eBay, love the red

Reading Chairs

So we have a “library” at home, in fact, it’s just one of the spare rooms with my extensive bookcase in it. But it’s missing a nice reading chair, so I thought I’d share some of the chairs I’ve been looking at on the off chance that I’m at home enough to use the “library” and actually need a reading chair.

My absolute favourite, is this style (the Chesterfield), so old school, isn't it?

These, look like they would fit into any decor, but I'm not sure that they have much room to move.

 

Or if you like to read in the bath, how about one of these reading trays, to keep your pages dry!

Finally the Lazy Boy Recliners

The question is, comfort vs. style....

Home Sweet Home: Yankee Candles

I love the smell of baked goods, but not being a baker I rely on candles to fill my house with yummy aroma. Although you can't buy them in Australia, when ever anyone does a trip to the US they always come back with an order. They also have great specials from time to time so check out their website: Yankee Candle Company

My top 5 fragrances at the moment (in no particular order):

1. Apple pie

2. Black Cherry

3. Cinnamon Roll

4. Mango Peach Salsa

5. Pumpkin Pie

French and Modern Chandeliers

I have always had an affinity with Chandeliers. I'm not sure if it's the history behind each vintage or antique piece, or whether it's just the sparkle and shine of them, especially when the sun hits them.

Of course they come in many a colour for the modern chandelier, and I particularly like the black and red variety.

Ansel Adams Photography

I had heard of Ansel Adams prior to our 2005 trip to Yosemite National Park in California, but never truly had an appreciation for his work.

Yosemite Valley, Thunderstorm by Ansel Adams

If your lucky enough to come across one of his originals (or even better inherit one) hold onto it, because they are priceless these days.

Needless to say we had to settle for a print from his online studio http://www.anseladams.com/, but once framed it takes pride and place in our bedroom.

And while Ansel Adams took beautiful photographs all around California, I will always associate him with Yosemite.

Redwoods by Ansel Adams

My Holiday Gift Wish List

I’m one of those horrible people who have a wish list each year, in my opinion to make it easier on those who have to buy for me, but in reality more to do with my list writing tendencies. So what are some of the items I’m asking for this year?

1. Felt flower clutch from etsy

Flower Clutch

2. Fresh Sugar lip glosshttp://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P189210&categoryId=B70

3. Peacock feather earrings

4. Cat desk calendar

5. Book
I love to read and have over 500 books on my TBR (To Be Read) pile, so it's an item people always know I'll use and enjoy. Some of the top titles this year:

How to Be an American Housewife by Margaret Dilloway

Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey

Telling Tales: A History of Literary Hoaxes by Melissa Katsoulis

I try and keep the costs low (I was very tempted to ask for a Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo this year - see below), but also have a bit of variety.

Enjoy your holiday shopping!

Handbag hangers

The dilemma when out and about is what to do with your handbag. Do you sit in on the table where is takes up room? Do you place it over your chair where it risks walking? Do you place it on the floor, to get scuffed and dirty? There's a cute and efficient answer - the handbag hanger!

Your biggest dilemma will be what style and then what design.

This is the style I have been using for gifts, as it's compact and less likely to snag on something.

This is the style I own, which is easy to use, but can get caught on items or pockets in you're bag.

Tiffany's Diamond Bangles

I don't actually own anything from Tiffany's yet, but I love the classic style of their pieces. What I like most, is they come in a variety of colours, styles and sizes.

So why not start with one and add piece by piece to wear all at once!