I mentioned in my previous post that receiving things with my name on makes me happy. And what better way to follow that than to share my new make up bag, a Christmas gift from my husband.

It's roomy and stylish, and IT'S GOT MY NAME ON IT!!

It's made by Tillyanna and sold via Not On The High Street. I had to have a little looky-see at the full range. I know that loads of sellers offer to personalise items these days, but it's as if this range was made for me!


This cushion (I do love a cushion) needs no explanation, but I'd have to get one for Socks too!

And this cushion uses the same font that I used on our wedding invitations. I'm thinking it would make a lovely anniversary gift, but I'll have to wait, the first is paper, followed by cotton for our second.


It also comes as a tote bag #justsayin'

I'm jumping ahead with #BEDN a teeny bit and using the prompt for the 29th. I can't help it, I'm feeling christmassy already, and as Andy asked me to write him a wishlist, I thought I'd share it.

It seems I'm running on a theme of warm or sparkly this year.


I picked out the Pandora charm as reminder of our honeymoon this year.

It wouldn't be Christmas without gin and since I was sent a sample of Rock Rose gin earlier in the year I've been wanting to get my hands on one of their ceramic bottles.

The Fossil watch is a beauty, I have two of their watches already and there is just something about the styling that appeals to me. I also like this one with a turquoise strap, I can't make up my mind which one I like the most!

As for the warm side of things, these slippers would be cosy and snug to slip into each morning on my way to feed the cats and pop the kettle on.

The boots will be great for the cold weather, and the coat is something I've be trying to find for an age! I love my wax jacket, it's by far the warmest thing I have ever owned. But it's short. However, one would cover my rear and keep me even warmer. And it'll last for years.

How are your preparations coming along for the festive season? My gift shopping is almost done, I've stocked up on Christmas cards and wrapping paper. I have my Christmas Eve PJs. All I really need to do is write a list of Christmas food (and then buy it all) and I'm done.

Day 21 of Blogging Every Day In November with Rosalilium  

Twisting today's BEDN prompt, Friday Night In, a teeny bit as I'm going to talk about gin. I love gin. And this will come as no surprise to anyone.

It's a well known fact.

When Sophie was invited to experience a gin afternoon tea, she asked me if I'd like to go along with her. She picked me up from the station and drove us to our destination - which meant I had to drink her gin too! That's a real friend right there. What a legend.

For my birthday my brother gave me a tall glass etched with 'Hazel's Gin & Tonic', accompanied by an Origin Single Estate Gin tasting set, with gins from Italy, Macedonia, Kosovo, The Netherlands and Bulgaria (review to come).

I always spend an afternoon each year, foraging for sloes to make myself a hearty helping of delicious sloe gin. And I have a plan to make some elderberry gin too, and some elderflower gin.

It's safe to say that next year I'll be all set for gin.

Anyway all of this is leading up to a bit of a gift guide. If you know anyone who loves gin (we all know someone) then this is for you / them.

Take it from a gin lover, these gifts are the next best thing to an actual gin.

Although, if in doubt just go ahead a buy them actual gin (I can recommend Rock Rose Gin).

One of the #BEDN topics asked about what I'd like to find under my Christmas tree this year.

At this time of year I tend to struggle when deciding between things that I want and things that I actually need, but this year I think I've asked for more things I'll use over and above pretty things I want just because they are pretty... or sparkly... or shiny.

To get me moving - running trainers because I WILL start running again. These are trail trainers so would give more grip than my current ones. I run off road and when it's wet I slip all over the place (as if I don't look enough like an idiot when I'm running).


To splash - because we can't be sure that it'll snow but we know it's going to rain... my first instinct when it rains is to reach for my wellies but they're not always practical for shops, supermarkets etc and not the easiest things to drive in either.





To find my way - I really dislike getting lost. Even though I print out Google directions to unknown destinations, I find that a lot of country roads don't have street name signs so my printed directions are often rendered useless.



My final wish doesn't fall under the need category - no where near in fact - but I do like to have a choice when it comes to watches. And if looked after properly a watch will last for years.



I'd also like it to start snowing gently on Christmas Eve at round 8pm. Every year since I was little I look out the window hoping that I'll wake up to a perfectly white Christmas.

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

Love

I am loving this weather! Even though I am constantly hunting out shaded spots and will burn to a crisp if caught without sunscreen, the sun is one of life's happy gifts.

One of the reasons I enjoy the sun is because I have so much in my wardrobe that I buy thinking 'this will look fab in the summer with some cute sandals'. Seriously, I should live in sunnier climes. I must be the only person I know that doesn't need to go shopping when a beach holiday is booked!

This week I dug out a dress I found in a charity shop back in November. Thanks to the dire weather, this week has been my first opportunity to wear it - it has pockets and pintucks - LOVE! And it has a band hemline which stops in blowing up in a breeze.


To accessorise I've been wearing a  new necklace from a collection inspired by the sea. Koa Jewellery are an eco friendly brand based in Cornwall, using pewter sourced from a local smelter (what a great word!) and the beads ethically sourced from fair trade suppliers, to create their pieces.


I chose the Blue Dunes Necklace - a gorgeous midnight blue pendant on a silver chain. It's very tactile, the smoothness of the resin with the contrast of the engraving makes it really nice to fiddle with which is something that I do a lot.



I also really liked the beaded earrings, the glass beads remind me of the pieces of glass you sometimes find washed up on the shore, smoothed by the motion of the sea. I've dropped several hints to my family about these as my birthday isn't far away...

What do you think? Is this some where you would consider shopping?

Are you enjoying the sunshine?


* The Blue Dunes Necklace was kindly sent to me by Koa Jewellery.

You may well have come across Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design if you have thought about commissioning a bespoke engagement ring, which is what they are best known for, but I first came across them whilst researching bespoke jewellery designers. Sadly this had nothing to do with a hopelessly romantic proposal but research for a new bespoke jewellery website I was designing at the time. I was more than a little distracted by the gallery of bespoke pieces on the site - seriously I lost hours!
This is giveaway is open for the month of November. I will select five winners on December 1st 2011

Open to residents of the UK only.

Good luck!