Pixie: Wrap your winter with style

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There are so many ways to customise your Christmas wrapping which allow you to embrace your creativity and originality in the process. Although there are some really cute wrapping paper rolls around, your presents are sure to stand out more with a handmade touch. Below are a few ideas you could do to add a personalised feel to your Christmas gift wrapping!

1. Wrap some ribbon or string around your present to form a bow, then slot in a small branch of mistletoe. This provides your gift with a really festive touch and creates a gorgeous scent too!

2. Instead of buying tags, make your own! You can do this cheaply with white paper doilies which look similar to snowflakes, and then you can either write the name and message neatly with a black fountain pen or you could use letter stamps.

3. Similarly, if you have tags/wish to make a cardboard tag you can secure a small candy cane onto the label. This is a nice added touch for the gift recipient as they are getting an extra treat!

4. Instead of using ordinary wrapping paper you can purchase a Christmas carol music book and use the pages to wrap your presents. (Or you could print off carols/music sheets.) This is a really unique idea which is likely to be admired by your gift recipient.

5. One for the artists! Purchase completely plain brown wrapping paper and use a sharpie to draw Christmas artwork, such as Olaf from Frozen, a big Christmas bow with a snowy background, a Christmas tree etc… so many possibilities!

If you have any ideas to customise your wrapping go ahead and drop a comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Love Pixie x

Pixie: Christmas DIY Inspiration

A few DIY Christmas ideas to get you into the festive spirit! (Links Below)

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Paper Straw Garland: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31173422397200866/

Pine Cone Wreath: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31173422394961588/

Christmas Phone Sock: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31173422394896012/

Origami Ballerinas: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31173422392386533/

Christmas Tree Artwork: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31173422390311069/

Pixie: The ‘Lush’ Bible

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It’s December 1st! We can now officially sing Michael Buble and Mariah Carey Christmas songs at the top of our lungs and get away with it!

24 days to go and I am proud to say I have bought a few Christmas gifts already (so unlike me). However I am yet to purchase any of the Christmas products from Lush, which is perhaps the ultimate haven for seasonal cosmetics. Lush’s Christmas range has grown even bigger this year, it is amazing yet a little overwhelming… so here is a guide to what’s what!

Bath Bombs

These always make a fun and exciting Christmas present by completely transforming your typical bath time experience. Usually spherical in shape, you drop them in warm bath water and watch as the chemicals fizz and explode with vibrant colours and beautiful scents. Along with the entertaining performance, they leave your skin smelling divine and noticeably softer. All of them are very different, some have glitter and some are two toned for example. Have a mooch and see what you fancy!

Christmas range includes: Golden Wonder, Dashing Santa, So White, Luxury Lush Pud, Shoot for the Stars, Father Christmas, Butterbear and Northern Lights.

Bath Melts

Bath melts create more of a relaxing and soothing bath experience, focussing on moisturising and softening skin. They tend to be buttery and involve gentle scents and ingredients that are delicate for your skin such as almond oil, sandalwood and cocoa butter. The aim is to help your skin retain its moisture.  You can break a section off and save the rest for another time, which is more practical than a bath bomb.

Christmas range includes: Snow Angel, The Melting Snowman, Star Light, Star Bright.

Soaps

Not specific to bath time, these products can be used as a hand wash or in the shower. Lush uses natural ingredients and prides itself on handmade soaps. You can ask the assistant to cut off a piece as big as you like or you can even ask for a demonstration if you are unsure. Each soap is very distinctive in pattern, colour and scent and there is so much choice there is bound to be one which catches your attention!

Christmas range includes: Baked Alaska, Reindeer Rock, Yog Nog, Snowcake, Fairy Ring

Bubble Bars

Bubble bars are the modern bubble bath! Pop it in and sink yourself under a blanket of peaceful bubbles. Again, you don’t have to use it all in one go and can get a few baths out of it. In terms of presentation, this range definitely wins on the Christmas element. The ingredients aim to revive and refresh your skin, as well as producing beautiful smells.

Christmas range includes: Holly Golightly, The Christmas Hedgehog, Drummers Drumming, Christmas Eve, The Christmas Penguin, Candy Mountain, Magic Wand

There we have it, your own guide to Lush’s Christmas range! Hopefully I have helped distinguish the differences between the different types of products so that you can choose the right Christmas gift for your loved one, or even for yourself!

24 sleeps…

Pixie x

Pixie: Brighten your winter

Winter is an exciting time for fashion, and there are many ways to stay warm yet remain on point. Many view the coldness of winter as a fashion burden and fail to embrace the positive opportunities that the weather brings. Long gone are the days of resorting to black and layering bulky jumpers. Just because we are entering minus degree territory certainly does not disallow you from expressing your individual style.

The Traditionalist

For me, winter is the season for collar coats and experimenting with layers, berry lipsticks and faux fur accessories. This captures the traditional interpretation of winter style, emphasising femininity by highlighting a fitted waist and lips in a dark vibrant shade.

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Recommended:

MAC lipstick shades: Hearts Aflame, Plumful, Chili, Captive

The 2014 Trend

Interestingly, tartan has made a comeback this year in varying colours allowing looks from classic to grunge. This trend can be achieved on a budget, with tartan scarfs available in most high street stores, and would make a rather charming Christmas gift. A truly versatile pattern and easy to pull off, needless to say that a tartan accessory is the 2014 must-have item this season


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Knitted Chic

Layering is key to any winter look. The use of knitwear is not only a means of added comfort and warmth but also texture and vivid colour. There is a huge amount of items under the knitwear umbrella including Christmas jumpers using Fair Isle techniques, cashmere, waterfall cardigans, chunky knit, turtle neck jumpers, knitted knee-high socks, knitted headbands… the list is endless, and the opportunities are limitless.

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The Christmas Party Ideal

The Christmas party outfit is simultaneously an annual excitement and an annual stress. However, the key is to be elegant and reserved, with a pinch of sparkle. When in proximity of family/colleagues it is important to preserve sophistication through style, yet offer a sense of festive fun. Opt for a fitted dress that falls just above the knee, this way you will feel feminine and comfortable dancing and mingling. Red and plum shade lipsticks are always a stylish winter touch.

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Thank you for reading, if you have any Christmas fashion ideas/tips please leave a comment!

Pixie x