BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 5 - MY CHRISTMAS WISHLIST

I don't usually ask for much when it comes to Christmas presents as I have a part-time job so whatever I want/need I just pay for it myself, so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to come up with a Christmas list for 2017.

1) Thierry Mugler Aura Fragrance Set
I remember walking into Debenhams in the summer and coming across this beautiful and unique fragrance. I was on my way to get some euros for my holiday to Rome and the money office just happened to be right next to the fragrance department and of course, I took a detour...
I don't think I ever loved a fragrance as much as this one. Mugler's Alien is definitely one of my all-time favourite scents to wear this time of the year but since I ran out of it a few months ago I thought it was the perfect time to ask for this newbie to be added to my collection.

2) Lilo & Stitch Pandora Charm
Not sure if many of you know this already, but I used to work at the Disney Store for over 2 years and have recently left my position as a Cast Member. Disney was a big part of my childhood and I loved watching the movies as I was growing up, so you can only imagine how much I loved working for the company. I still feel very attached to the company and it will forever hold a special place in my heart, hence why I asked for a Disney Pandora charm this Christmas. I asked for this one in particular as I always loved the movie and my sister is my best friend, just like Lilo and Nani. Also, every time I'll look at my bracelet it'll remind me of my time working for Disney and my love for my Ohana.

3) Diptyque Candle 
Once, I was very close to buying one of these myself when I misheard the price of '£40' as '£14'... Come on now, £40 for a candle?! I don't think I'd ever spend this much on one myself but it's a great gift for home-makers. I'm currently looking into buying a house, so I want to start collecting nice bits and bobs for it which makes Christmas gifts a little bit easier. I also love Yankee and Bath and Body Works candles but they can get quite pricey. Another brand I love for luxurious candles is Jo Malone as they look so fancy and smell so good, plus I get some discount on them as I work for Estee Lauder Companies (win-win).

4) J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them Book
Joanne is one of my favourite authors since I was about 6. I love her style of writing and thanks to her, my childhood was filled with much needed magic. I also admire her as a person, she's always striving for greatness and is pretty much a Twitter Queen. Anyway, going back to the book - I wanted to get it when the screenplay came out as I love the cover of it but I'd much rather have the original book, because if I wanted to know the screenplay then I'd just watch the film!

5) Urban Decay Ultimate Basics Palette
This palette has been on my list for ages now, and hopefully, I'll be able to get it for Christmas! If not, my birthday is in January so I can wait til then hahaha!! I love matte shadows and this palette is perfect for this time of the year.

What's on your Christmas wishlist this year?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 4 - MY TOP 10 CHRISTMAS MOVIES

1) Love Actually:
This is probably one of my all-time favourite movies ever made, not just for Christmas! It's very heartwarming and a great film for the whole family to watch together.

2) Elf:
Well, what can I say?! This is the number 1 family movie. It is funny, it is sweet, it is suitable for kids from a young age... Elf is many people's favourite movie and an obvious choice for this list.

3) The Holiday:
This is the perfect movie if you fancy something light-hearted and need to restore your faith in love (or humanity in some cases). This movie always makes me appreciate older people and their past, as well as driving me to do more good deeds.

4) Home Alone:
Duh! I don't think there's much I can say about this film other than that it is something I grew up watching every year on Christmas Eve before bed. It has a lot of sentimental meaning to my family and I'm sure I'll be watching it in 20 days!

5) The Nightmare Before Christmas:
Some people will find this film scary and others will argue that it's a Halloween movie, but to me, it will always be a Christmas film I enjoyed watching when I was little.

6) A Christmas Carol:
Yet again, this film can be a little scary for little ones because of the ghosts in Scrooge's life, but it is a classic and a must-watch every Christmas for me.

7) The Polar Express:
I have a very fond memory of this movie as it was the very first time I watched a 3D film at the cinema. I loved the storyline and the characters in this film, and it will bring Christmas spirit to all the Scrooges out there!

8) Arthur Christmas:
I have only watched this movie for the first time a year ago, but I have seen it around 5 times since because of how good it is! I love how happy and excited James McAvoy sounds as Arthur, and it just melts my heart!

9) The Santa Clause:
I can imagine my dad really enjoying this film, I'm not sure if he's already seen it but it's his type of humour! It'll definitely make its way on my movie playlist this season.

10) Fred Claus:
Last but not least, a Christmas comedy that's worth watching! I absolutely adore Vince Vaughn, I think he's a fantastic actor and any film with him is great but this one is definitely one of the best!

What do you like to watch during the festive season? Can you recommend any more movies for me to watch?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 3 - GIFT IDEAS FOR OLDER WOMEN

Do you find yourself running around the shops trying to find the perfect gift for someone who's difficult to buy for? Well, here's a little gift guide for older women that are difficult to buy for!

Personally, I love reed diffusers and can't get enough of them as they make my house smell amazing all year around. This little Linea set from House of Fraser will make an amazing gift for home-makers and those who like scented things in general but not wanting any more candles, haha... If you fancy splashing out a little bit then I would also suggest looking at the Jo Malone or Molton Brown reed diffusers.

Another gift you could look into is high-end accessories. I got these beautiful Erdem knee-high socks from H&M when they did a limited edition collaboration in November, however, I know you can still get these from time to time if you keep checking online. You can find some similar at House of Fraser by Biba if you're wanting to save a bit of money.

This weather has really been horrible the past few days and I've found myself having to apply ten layers of hand cream in order to treat my dry and cold hands when all I really needed was a good pair of gloves. I got these gorgeous Gucci-style gloves from Primark for only £8 and I think they'll make a great gift for those who are always cold! They can make any outfit look very stylish and effortless, and for only £8 you got yourself a bargain.

What will you be buying for your loved ones this year?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 2 - A GUIDE TO PICKING YOUR PERFECT CHRISTMAS CARDS

Like I've mentioned in my Blogmas Day 1 post, the theme I'm going for this Christmas is red and white/silver, so choosing Christmas cards wasn't a massive issue for me. As you can see in the pictures above, I picked out two hand-crafted designs from Card Factory which only cost me 99p each for 10 beautiful cards in each box.
I picked out the cards with the red truck for obvious reasons - the cards are white with a bit of red and glitter, what else could I ask for?! However, the black ones are left over from last year and will be given to my friends who aren't exchanging gifts this year as I'd like for my cards to match my wrapping paper (yes, it is red and white...).

If you don't have a theme and would like to choose something more personalised then I suggest looking at Etsy shops. You could also support your local charities by buying your Christmas cards from them as the money collected will be donated to people in need, such as Cancer Research UK.

What Christmas cards will you be buying this year?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

BLOGMAS 2017 || DAY 1 - MINI DECORATIVE PRIMARK HAUL

I think I must have started my Christmas shopping in September this year as Primark had brought out the cutest bits and bobs and I couldn't resist a good deal! I picked up these cute little glittery tealights to decorate my coffee table, and the gingerbread tealight to put on my bedside table right next to this cute little reed diffuser.

The set of tealights also came in different colours, but I chose this one as the theme I'm going for this year is red and white/silver (the gold can be saved for NYE, hehe). The gingerbread man tea light is such a cute little addition to any candle lovers' collection. It would look gorgeous on a mantelpiece next to a big garland or surrounded by cute little fairy lights.

The Winter Spiced Frosted Cinamon reed diffuser sits proudly on a shelf in my bathroom for an extra festive feeling. My whole flat is surrounded by cute little festive decorations and scents which I'm excited to share with you in upcoming Blogmas posts!

What are your favourite decorations for Christmas? (Besides the obvious, duh).

Lots of love,

Maya xo