CHRISTMAS COOKIES

Every Christmas I post some pictures of Christmas and festive themed cupcakes, but this year I have decided to feature some holiday cookies..

Of course I have not baked or decorated any of these...simply because...I am not blessed with the ability to do such patient and delicate artwork, but that doesn't stop me from admiring them.

Enjoy!

Source

EASY CHRISTMAS TABLE CENTRE PIECES

I found these "Easy Peasy" Christmas centre piece ideas on Pinterest 

and if any of you are like "Moi" then easy sounds good! 

I think they all look traditionally festive and require very little effort, as many of the components 

are possibly what we have already at home like Christmas baubles, candles, pine cones, 

vases and even candy.

I like the sweetie candle, as the green and red always looks so Christmassy, but I do have concerns that the sweeties (in my house) wouldn't last as long as the candle.

I hope I have given you some "easy peasy" inspiration for your table centre piece.

Enjoy!

FRIDAY FINDS

Good "old" Woolworths never fail to dissapoint when it comes to Christmas gifting and their hamper selection just gets better and better each year.
Hampers are always a great choice as a family or business gift.

These can all be ordered on line and delivered direct to the recipients home or workplace,

now that couldn't be any easier.

Check out some of my finds from their 2014 offering.

Enjoy!

Festive Hamper

R 799.95 

Christmas Hamper containing:

Method Cap Classique Brut

Traditional shortbread

Chocolate selection 

Marzipan log

Vanilla Flavoured fudge

Golden Brandy Christmas pudding

Foiled hollow chocolate ball

Cherry genoa Mini fruit cakes

Earl grey tea and Lemon ginger fruit infusion

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Coffee Culture

r349.95 

This Suede Box with tissue paper hamper includes:

2 x Latte glasses

WW chocolate dipped shortbread biscuits

Colombian 100% Arabica ground coffee

Kenyan 100% Arabica ground coffee

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Choco-O-Box

R 499.95

This Suede Box with tissue paper hamper includes:

Chocolate selection

Chocolate dipped shortbread fingers

Chocolate Decadence

Dark chocolate coated almonds

White chocolate coated almonds

160-page Chocolat recipe book

                                            

For more gifting ideas and to order on-line

ESTEE LAUDER BLOCKBUSTER 2014

It's out and in stores and available online now...

The 2014 Limited Edition Blockbuster from Estée Lauder. 

Every year this Christmas regular just gets better and better. Over the years I have bought many and in my opinion this has to be the best to date.

Valued at R5100 this blockbuster is packed with all the make up goodies a girl needs, whether you are  16 or 60 years of age.

The colour selection each year is carefully chosen in order to have a broad appeal to all and this years is no exception. 

This is such a great gift to both give and receive.

South African qualifier:

Buy any 50ml Estée Lauder fragrance or larger and you can buy 

the Blockbuster for only 

R1095.

Estee Lauder Blockbuster 2014

This extraordinary collection includes:

• Deluxe Eye and Cheek Palette with 12 Best-SellingPure Color EyeShadow shades in (Sugar Cube, Sugar Biscuit, Riviera Rose, Ivory Slipper, Tempting Mocha, Lilac Whimsy, Hot Cinnamon, Nude Fresco, Wild Truffle, Amethyst Spark, Lavish Mink and Chocolate Bliss.) and 2 Best-Selling Pure Color Blush shades in (Peach Passion and Sensuous Rose.)

• 3 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Pink Parfait, Candy and Tiger Eye)

• Lip Gloss Compact (in Pink Kiss, Magnificent Mauve and Mod Poppy)

• Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner (great for smoky eyes, in Blackened Black)

• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Fallen Angel. 

• Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (full-size) in Extreme Black

• Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 3.4 oz.)

• Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (deluxe travel size)

• Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme (deluxe travel size)

• 2 Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Travel Sprays

• Look Card – to get started on your Holiday Look now. 

• Gold Crocodile-embossed Cosmetic Case

• Navy Satin Train Case

Available from Estee Lauder outlets country wide 

whilst stocks last

FRIDAY FINDS

I love this time of the year, as all the imported Christmas chocolate, biscuit and sweetie goodies start appearing on the supermarket shelves.

Can you sense my excitement? 

Me being a self confessed "Chocoholic" couldn't resist taking 

these photos today in my local Spar. 

Unfortunately the prices are somewhat steep due to our poor exchange rate, 

but there is no charge for looking. 

Bye the way...

I was getting strange looks from my fellow shoppers, but I wasn't sure if this was due to just me taking photos of chocolate, purring like a cat that just discovered the cream or me drooling....

I will leave you to decide!

Enjoy!

Swizzels Matlow Love Hearts R37.99

McVitie's Milk Chocolate Mini Gingerbread Men R34.99

Paddington Bear Case of Biscuits

Bassetts Liqourice Allsorts and Jelly Babies R179.99

Terry's Chocolate Orange Minis R69.99

GLITZY NAILS

If you are looking to paint your nails then why not add some Christmas Sparkle this season...

Look no further than the nails inc. collection of special effect polishes at selected

 Red Squares nationwide.

Here are just a few to get you into the festive mood.

Enjoy!

Red Square Online

MARKS&SPENCER CHRISTMAS TV COMMERCIAL

Still excited about the M&S Christmas TV commercial, I thought I would share with you some more about the male lead David Gandy.

He sums up my sentiments exactly about the build up to Christmas.

Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES

I couldn't resist doing this Christmas cupcake post. 

Just so I don't mislead you... I am not able to make, let alone decorate cupcakes myself, however I do keep those in business, that can.

My "faves" have to be the pink Christmas tree and the Santa stuck down the chimney cupcakes.

Enjoy!

Source

LA PRAIRIE SPOILS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Swiss Skincare brand La Prairie have done it again this Holiday Season with some beautiful gifting ideas. I know that we are not talking about gift ideas under a R100 here, 

in fact more like gifts for under R20,000!

The Creme de la Creme of both skincare and gifting for this season has to be the 

Luxuries Platinum Moments Collection.

This ultimate rejuvenating Platinum range will visible lift, firm and transform the skin to look, feel and move like younger skin, thanks to the Colloidal Platinum, which recharges the skins's electrical balance, whilst a complex of mega-actives work with La Prairies Cellular Complex.Without doubt this is pure science at its best and offers unparalleled benefits.

Luxurious silver keepsake box containing:

Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, 30ml (full-size)

Cellular Eye Cream Platinum Rare, 20ml (full-size)

Cellular Serum Platinum Rare, 30ml (full-size)

This set comes at a price of R16,900 offers a saving of R3710.

**********

Luxuries Caviar Moments

Powerful Caviar Extracts and Unique sea proteins transform the skin into a firmed, lifted and illuminated look of satin.

Luxurious silver tote  containing:

Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, 50ml (full-size)

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, 10ml

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, 3ml

Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex, 5ml

R4,900 offers a saving of R2,750

Swiss Delights for Christmas 2012

Swiss Radiance Review

ESTEE LAUDER BLOCK BUSTER 2013

Yes... its that time of the year again when Estee Lauder launch their Block Buster in time for Christmas.

I know that the "BlockBuster" from Lauder has been a familiar and very popular gifting option for the past 30 years, that I am aware of and it still pleases and excites many today!

Every year different colours for lips and eyes are chosen and showcased in a beautiful vanity case.

This years collection is all packed in this beautiful  Lauder blue case.

Purchase a 50ml or larger Estee Lauder fragrance & qualify to purchase the Estee Lauder Make up Block buster. The Blockbuster retails at R1500 yet is valued at R4000.

The Block Buster contains 29 colours, including 3 full-size lipsticks, eye and cheek palettes, a full-size makeup remover and much more--plus Estee Lauders #1 nighttime moisturizer. The set also includes a golden companion case and a navy SlimCase Traveler.  

This extraordinary collection includes:

• Deluxe Eye Shadow Compact with 18 Best-Selling Pure Color EyeShadow shades (Sugar Cube, Pink Flash, Sepia Sand, Summer Linen, Sugar Biscuit, Ivory Slipper, Amazing Grey, Tranquil Moon, Smoky Ember, Nude Fresco, Hot Cinnamon, Wild Sable, Nocturnal Blue, Berry Burst, Amethyst Spark, Ivy Envy, Chocolate Bliss and Lavish Mink.)

• Cheek Palette with 4 Best-Selling Pure Color Blush shades (Peach Passion, Lover’s Blush and Pink Kiss and Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer in Medium)

• 3 Pure Color Long Lasting Lipsticks (full-size, in Hot Kiss, Sugar Honey and Nectarine)

• Pure Color Glosses (in Praline Paradise and Garnet Desire)

• Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner (great for smoky eyes, in Blackened Black)

• Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Le Smoking

• Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara (full-size) in Extreme Black

• Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (full-size 3.4 oz.)

• Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme (deluxe travel size)

• Gold Companion Case

• Navy SlimCase Traveler

For years it was always top of my Christmas Wish List and have received many over the years, so what makes it a 'hit" year after year?

• Firstly it offers wonderful value for money, as you receive so many generous sized products at a huge cost saving.
• The assortment of make-up items are always well chosen so as to suit the "likes" of most people.
• The products always come beautifully presented in some sort of stylish, usable vanity bag or case.
• Great gift for women that are not daily wearers and this gives them all they require.

So all things taken into account this Block Buster offers great value yet again!

Available from all Estee Lauder stockists whilst stock last

To order online

THE MAKING OF THE M&S CHRISTMAS TV COMMERCIAL

Earlier in the week I posted the Marks & Spencer TV commercial for Christmas 2013.

The advert for me, was a magical christmassy story yet it also showcased some of their beautiful clothes and accessories that are available this festive season.

The video below not only shows you how it was made, but also interviews the main characters.

Enjoy!

www.marksandspencer.com

HELLO KITTY

'

For all the Hello Kitty fans out there here are some gifting ideas from Woolworths

that will surely put a Hello Kitty smile on your face....

Enjoy!

1. Body Spray 50ml R39.95

2. 3D Foam Bath 300ml R120.00

3. Eau de Toilette 50ml spray R299.95

4. Hand & Nail Cream 75ml R39.95

Woolworths

FESTIVE FOOD FROM CRABTREE & EVELYN

For those that are not aware Crabtree & Evelyn also make wonderful jams,teas and biscuits.

 Carefully selecting the best natural ingredients, 

Crabtree & Evelyn’s Festive Food collection boasts a wealth 

of luxurious seasonal treats, presented in a collectable tin 

with covetable Secret Garden illustration. 

Yes I know they carry a hefty price tag, 

but my favourite from this years Festive Food collection

would have to be the Musical Tin with Jelly Babies.

What a lovely keepsake to bring out year after year.

   

                     

Spiced Ginger Biscuits 165g

Traditionally baked English biscuits with an aromatic mix of ground ginger, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, cloves and cardamom.  For a real festive flavour.

RSP R250

Triple Chocolate Chunk Biscuits 190g

Milk, white and dark chocolate chunks combined in one traditionally baked biscuit.
RSP R250

Christmas Pudding Biscuits 190g

With a careful blend of seasonal fruits and spices including mincemeat, cinnamon, coriander, caraway, ginger and nutmeg, the distinctive taste of the charming Christmas pudding has been transformed into a biscuit, making every coffee break feel like Christmas day.
RSP R250

                             

                                                

Festive Tin 350g

This beautifully presented tin is filled with festive buttery shortbread shapes. Choose from a tasty selection of stars, bells, Christmas trees and Father Christmas shapes.
RSP R550

Gingerbread Men Tin 200g

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the comforting aroma of ginger lingering in the air.  Our delightful gingerbread men will bring a smile to everyone’s face no matter how old you are!  12 gingerbread men biscuits presented in a novelty keepsake tin.

RSP R400

Musical Tin with Jelly Babies 300g

Intensely fruity Jelly Babies made with only natural colours and flavours, presented in a musical tin that plays ‘Let It Snow’.

RSP R500

Crabtree & Evelyn

CHRISTMAS WITH MARKS & SPENCER

I have to admit that after 30 years of living in South Africa I still miss that festive and Christmas atmosphere that UK retailers have to offer. The Christmas decorations in the stores and the fairy lights that can be seen in the high streets and even though its dark at 4pm and often cold and rainy I still miss that build up to Christmas. 

One of the UK's most famous retailer and mine, M&S have gone all out this year with some wonderful advertising campaigns.

Check out what happens in this magical TV commercial if you fall down a hole!

I think this is a great advert and derserves a couple of plays in order to pick up all that is happening.

P.S. If Santa is reading my blog.. 

I wouldnt mind the following gifts from M&S 

under my tree this year. 

(Hint to Santa - watch the ad also) 

Red Dress

Red Shoes

Handbag

The Silver Jersey

The White Knitted Coat

Oh! and they guy isn't bad either......

Enjoy!

To order online