Must Have Advent Calendars of 2018

Last year I put together a post about some of my favourite advent calendars that were on offer. I enjoyed writing the piece so much, I thought I would do the same this year!

I guess these advent calendars have become a bit of a tradition. Until this year, I've always stuck to the usual oldie but goodie advent calendar of chocolate. However, this year my sister and I have gone halves on a beauty one which I am very excited about! But I think I'll save that one to the end.

Here we go then, my must have advent calendars for 2018!

Tesco

Alongside my beauty calendar I am still going to be having a chocolate calendar. December mornings just wouldn't be the same otherwise.

I think the Heroes calendar is such a good idea, if you're like me, the thought of not knowing which chocolate I'm going to get each morning is something to get excited about (easily pleased I know). If Heroes don't tickle your fancy Quality Street and Celebration have also created their own!

Waitrose

It was only yesterday that I had a gin and tonic and actually quite enjoyed it. When it comes to alcohol I'm guilty of needing something sweet, but I also agree that there's probably a gin out there for me, I just need to find it.

For all you gin lovers though this calendar can be found at Waitrose for a pretty reasonable price of £60. Like all calendars I think this is a great opportunity to try new products that you might like and in this case, that's gin!

If gin isn't your tipple of choice there's plenty of other alcoholic beverage alternatives which can be found using our wonderful friend, Google.

The Body Shop

Last year I was working for The Body Shop at Home and for some reason I thought it would be best not to feature their advent calendars as I guess I didn't want to be an annoying representative. I do however, think that their advent calendars are great.

They have three on offer ranging from £45 to £99 and have a great selection of their products. Each year they also release their Christmas fragrances. Last year my obsession was with frosted berries, this year it's peppermint candy cane.

Aldi

Remember when Aldi released their candles that were so similar to Jo Malone that the whole of the UK went mad? Well they have gone and taken it one step further and for the first time ever they have released their own advent calendar. At £50 it's still not cheap, but perfect for anyone who fell in love with their candles and want to try the beauty products.

Lookfantastic

And I've saved the best til last!

Yesterday I attended the Stylist Live event and Lookfantastic were just one of the many stands there. I have never signed up to receive their beauty boxes, but my sister has and she loves getting them every month. Their stand was great and gave you the opportunity to put together your own box of 5 products for £15. Loving a bargain we found out we could get a box for free when purchasing one of their advent calendars.

I'm not made of money so the thought of £60 (a special offer at the event) on a calendar is quite a lot to me. But my sister and I have decided to split the cost and equally split the products. This might also be a great idea for anyone who would like to do the same!

So there you have it, my favourite advent calendars for 2018! I'd love to hear which ones you will be purchasing and getting excited to open come the 1st of December!

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Top 5 Advent Calendars

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Christmas Wish List

For those of you who don't know this is my absolute favourite time of the year. From visiting the markets to decorating the flat so that it looks like Santa's Grotto. I simply can't get enough of this magical time of year.

Every year I start the big countdown after my birthday (mid October) but if I'm being completely honest I have a countdown app on my phone all year round.

A couple of week's ago my family started with the what would you like for Christmas questions. As I've got older I found it harder to answer this question and I'm sure many of you are the same.

I have had a think though and put together some things that I would love to unwrap on the big day.

Urban Decay - £39.50

I am fortunate enough that the Urban Decay Heat palette is the only one which I don't (currently) have.

For anyone who doesn't have any of them I highly recommend them! The first one I got was Naked 2 and for anyone who likes a more neutral look I think this is the best by far. Naked 3 however is creeping up closely as my love for pink continues to grow.

Topshop - £26

I'll be shocked to hear if there's anyone out there for doesn't want new pyjamas for Christmas!

I've seen this jumpsuit in store a couple of times now and I can't help but think how cosy it must be! Perfect for when you need something a little looser after your turkey dinner!

If jumpsuits/onesies aren't you thing, there is plenty of others to choose from at Topshop!

Amazon - £12.59

Last month I did something very exciting and booked flights to Thailand for May 2018! I want to travel as much as I possibly can and I think it's always helpful to have a guide book so that I don't miss out on anything!

I got a Lonely Planet guide book when I went to Tanzania in 2015 and it helped me to learn more about the country and even some Swahili! Hopefully this one will help me do the same and ensure I can see and do as much as possible for the two weeks that I'm there.

Office - £79.99

I love white trainers, and they're something that I always have. However, I can imagine like most other people they don't stay white for very long.

I'm guilty of only ever buying Adidas or Nike but sometimes it is nice to stick to what you know. For the past couple of years I have stuck to Superstars, however I think it's time for a change and these Tubular's are the perfect, comfy alternative!

The Perfume Shop - £24.50

Perfume is something I ask for every year. It's not something I tend to buy for myself so when it comes to my birthday or Christmas there will always be one on my list. As a massive Rihanna fan, I don't want to sound biased, but I love this perfume.

As far as perfumes go, it really is quite cheap and a perfect everyday one.

Marks & Spencer - £9.50

I always wear earrings and quite often like to wear a mix of ones that don't match. I'm not normally someone who clashes silver and gold, however I do think a mix of all these would look really nice together!

I've recently taken a real liking to Marks and Spencer for everything from clothing to accessories. These earrings are yet another product that means I won't stop shopping in there anytime soon.

Lindt - £10

Who doesn't want chocolate for Christmas?! If you can't fill your face with it in the month of December, when can you?

Lindt Lindor milk chocolate is my all time favourite and I think this packaging makes it even more special. What more can I say? I think it pretty much speaks for itself!

Givenchy - £1,590

When anyone asks me what I want for Christmas, this is the actual answer. This handbag is an absolute dream and will be on every wish list going until I actually own it.

Now I know, it's pricey and don't worry I don't ask anyone for it seriously thinking I will get it. However, if anyone out there has won the lottery and would like to treat me, I will take one please. Not sure where to find it? Don't worry, I've attached the link in the caption. Thank you in advance!

Are you one of these people who knows exactly what is it that they want this year? Please do let me know as I love to hear what everyone's wishing for this year.

Must Have Christmas Party Wear

Christmas party time is very much upon us and shopping for an outfit is something that people are going to either love or hate.

The good thing about a Christmas do is that every year, glitter and sequins are acceptable. But you don't need to feel like you have to wear something that screams look at me, believe it or not, a dress that can look a little more simplistic can also do the same job!

I'm one of these people who loves any excuse to dress up and luckily for me, I have my Christmas do dress ready and waiting. It doesn't contain glitter or sequins but I have mentioned that I feel like a princess in it so that's good enough for me!

Asos - £45

I thought I'd kick off this post with one of my favourite things, I love anything pearls at the minute! If you follow me on Instagram you'll see that I got a stunning pearl buttoned dress from Topshop last month.

If you're not a dress type person then this is the perfect alternative! It's still super feminine and let's face it, its classy. Also at £45, it's not a bad price!

Topshop - £10

Marks and Spencer - £35

And so the blush pink obsession continues. I thought these two could be perfect to follow the jumpsuit which will make a full look!

This is a link to the pink fluffy purse, but there is also a bag which is £25. I have got both the bag and these heels to complete my Christmas party look. I'm not the type of person who wears heels all the time and I very rarely stray away from my Kurt Geiger's on a night out, however, who doesn't like to try something a little different.

Lavish Alice - £95

Recently a lot of tuxedo style dresses have been coming out. I think these are a great look and come in a range of styles. Navy isn't really a colour I often wear, but my dress for this year is infact just that. If (like me) you do wear a lot of black it's a good alternative while staying in your comfort zone. Just because it's Chrsitmas  doesn't mean you have to go out in the brightest colours especially if it's not something you'd normally wear.

Whistles - £169

I thought I needed to add something that is a little pricier, as I will be lucky enough to be wearing a Whistles dress this year!

I love this and I think with the colour it's the perfect festive dress. The skirt on this dress is so flattering and I even have this style in my own wardrobe.

Topshop - £65

More pink, great style and luxury material, need I say more? Also great for anyone who wants to keep areas like the arms covered but it does still reveal a bit of skin with the open section at the back.

River Island - £68

Now I know, these aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea, however, for those of you who do love a bit of embellishment, look how pretty these are! With them being velvet I personally think they are very seasonal so you best get them on now to get your money's worth!

Pretty Little Thing - Blazer £18 - Trousers £12

With it being a Christmas party wear post I had to feature something red! Red isn't really my colour but I love the idea of wearing a suit! I think this outfit is the best value for money at only £30 all together.

Colour blocking outfits not really your thing? You can buy these pieces separate so all you have to do is pick the item you want!

LOTD - £18

And to finish off, the must have marble box clutch bag. Like many people, marble is a favourite of mine and this is a great subtle way of adding it to your finishing look.

A great match for almost any party outfit!

It's officially getting close to my most favourite time of the year! I'd love to hear where you're all going for you Christmas do's and most importantly, what are you wearing?!  

Top 5 Advent Calendars

The past couple of Christmas' everyone has gone mad for advent calendars!

Gone are the days where chocolate countdowns are the most exciting thing on a morning in December. Now you name it, and you can probably find an advent calendar which contains it. From prosecco to beauty products, the market has grown so much there is something for everyone.

I have pulled together a few of my favourite calendars which are out now, so no matter what your budget you can be prepared for December 1st.

Not on the High Street

Not on the High Street - £144.95

Prosecco-ho-ho. You name your favourite beverage and let's face it, this year you'll probably be about to find it in a calendar! Not on the High Street are so great for unique ideas and this advent calendar just proves it.

I'm the type of person who in December the first thing I do when I get up is raid the calendar. However, if yours does contain alcohol this isn't something I would recommend. Let's wait til lunchtime at least! Prosecco not your drink of choice? Don't worry Not on the High Street have also got 24 windows for craft beer; gin and even tea lovers!

Lindt

Lindt - £10

Granted some of the calendars that are out are a bit expensive and might not be everyone's cup of tea. 

Personally, I love a traditional chocolate one and can you really find anything better than Lindt?!

Last year my Mum did extremely well with her advent calendar selection, so no pressure on her but she's got standards to keep high!

This year this there are a few Lindt to pick from and can be bought for a good price at most super markets so make sure you don't miss out!

Yankee Candle

Yankee Candle - £34.99 

I love a Yankee Candle, and my Christmas Memories one has been lit a fair few times this year!

This calendar has 24 doors and gives you a chance to smell this year's Christmas themed fragrances. A perfect, pre Christmas gift for any candle lover, or even if you want to treat yourself and home!

OPI

OPI - £44.96

I love OPI. As stated in my previous post, this is a brand that yes, maybe a little more expensive but you absolutely get your money's worth!

The shades which can be seen are perfect for winter and very seasonal with all the reds!

Luckily for you guys this calendar is currently on offer and you can save £24.99! These are mini bottles, however there are 25 of them so they should last you a while!

John Lewis Beauty

John Lewis Beauty - £149

This is another pricey one, however I couldn't help myself and had to feature a big beauty one!

I think it's a great idea when big stores have something like this on offer. With a selection of different brands, it gives you a chance to try new things, alongside some of your usual favourites.

It is expensive at £149, however the contents are worth £300 so think of it as half price!

Do you have a favourite advent calendar? Let me know as I'd love to to hear from you and find out what's behind your calendar's doors!