Tuesday 22 December 2015

Fifteen Festive Questions Tag



1. Favourite Christmas smell/scent?

Every year since I can remember my mum has bought Mandarin, Clove and Cinnamon room spray from M&S which I love but nothing can beat the smell of Christmas dinner cooking.

2. Gingerbread or Candy Canes?

Gingerbread. I prefer the look of candy canes - they are so cute! But I never eat them. 

3. Is your tree real or fake?

I kind of have two... My parents have a real tree and over at my Boyfriends we have a fake one, best of both worlds!

4. Quality Street or Roses? 

Quality Street every time - they just seem more Christmassy to me! The coloured wrappers remind me of colourful fairy lights and they taste better.

5. Do you dress up or down for December 25th?

On Christmas day I have always dressed up any excuses to wear a sparkly dress (not that I need an excuse). 

6. Do you have any specific festive traditions?

When myself and my two brothers were younger we would get to buy a new Christmas decoration for the tree every year. Now I am older I have started buying my own decorations which I put on the tree over at my Boyfriends. We also always go to Church on Christmas Eve and then have mulled wine and mice pies when we get back. 

7. Any embarrassing Christmas moments that come to mind?

I can't think of anything embarrassing moments but I am sure there are plenty that I have chosen to "forget" about. 

8. Do you wake up early or late on Christmas morning?

Every other day of the year I am certainly not a morning person but Christmas morning is much different! I always wake up early super excited to see what Santa has left in my stocking. 

9. If you had a stocking where did you hang them?

I still have a stocking - I think it's the best bit! We put them on the sofa in our space we sit in. 

10. Favourite festive film/s?

My all time favourite film is Love Actually but I also love watching The Snowman and also The Snowman and The Snowdog - so cute! I also love watching all the Christmas specials that are on TV I especially can't wait for Dr Who and Downton Abbey. 

11. Was there a present you always wanted but never received? 

I don't remember not ever receiving anything on my Santa Letter, apart from maybe a pony.

12. What was the best gift you received as a child? 

I was about 8 years old and I desperately wanted a Baby Annabell and a micro scooter (remember those?!). Mum told me I had to pick one because there was lots of boys and girls Santa had to give to! I never could decide on one but come Christmas morning I received both! I was so happy! 

13. What is on top of your Christmas tree?

On the top of my parents tree we have a fairy and on the top of my boyfriends tree we have a sparkly gold star.

14. Favourite festive food?

Every Christmas, even at the age of 22 I'll start to attack some of my sweeties but my favourite festive food has to be Christmas dinner, especially skirlie which is Scottish but it's similar to stuffing. 

15. Favourite festive activity?

After we've had Christmas dinner we play a game, each year it's a different game but it's always great fun. 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 


Saturday 19 December 2015

Nars - Sin

The first time I saw this blush was on Miss Budget Beauty's Blog ever since then I have been desperate to try it! It's a gorgeous shade of pink. Before receiving it the other week I hadn't actually seen it in real life but thought I would just go for it anyway, I certainly wasn't disappointed when it arrived. 




 I love the Nars make up packaging but I do find that it can get dirty with finger prints really easily. The blush itself is beautiful shade of rosey pink with a hint of sparkle but not too much - small little flecks. Its not the easiest to blend but can be built up to the level of blush you like. 

Lots of Love

Sophie x  

Tuesday 15 December 2015

What's In My Party Clutch


Only ten days until Christmas Day! I can't believe how quick it has come round and I am sooo excited! I'm sure lots of you will have parties and events coming up over the next few weeks so thought I would share with you what I carry in my party clutch. When I go out partying I usually use the smallest bag so what I have with me is the bare essentials! It can be difficult for me to know what to take with me because my day bag is like Mary Poppins' handbag - full of everything! 

For me my phone is the most important thing in my bag. It's great for taking picture and capturing the night. But most importantly getting in touch with your friends if you get lost (it happens to the best of us) and calling a taxi to get home. 

Money is equally as important for paying for the taxi and drinks if you head to a club or cocktail bar. If I'm heading into town I always take my ID - near enough every time I get ID'd, I suppose I should take it as a compliment!

I always have some make up with me; usually my lipstick to touch up and compact. 

House keys might seem like an obvious one but I don't always take keys with me if I am going out with my Boyfriend - especially if I am pushed for space in my bag. 

Lastly I take with me a hair tie and a few bobby pins just in case I decide to change my hair style (read put in a bun because it got in the way #longhairproblems).

What do you carry in your party clutch?

Remember to stay safe during the party season. 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

O Christmas Tree

Is that a real fir? 


Since I can remember we have always had a real Christmas tree and this year was no different. I much prefer real ones but do understand why people have an artificial tree - they cause such a mess! Though I think that's all part of the fun - finding pine needles half way through the year in the oddest of places! The smell of a real tree in the house is amazing! I love going down stairs in the morning to the smell of pine needles and Christmas. 



We went to the forest last weekend to get the tree. As always there was such a debate on which one to get. We ended up going for a ten foot tree which touches the ceiling! I love it! The bigger the better when it comes to Christmas trees! 


When we got back it was rather cold so we put the fire on and had hot chocolate and a fairy cake. 

I love our tree so much! It has a Victorian feel to it with the white lights and lots of different baubles. These are some close ups of my favourite baubles although there are too many to choose from! 



Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Saturday 12 December 2015

Christmas Cookie

I love baking cookies! They always go down a treat and are virtually fool proof to make. Also  you can make any flavour you like just use the basic recipe and then add whatever you want.



You will need: 

125g Butter
100g Light Soft Brown Sugar
125g Caster Sugar
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
225g Self-Raising Flour
1/2 tsp Salt
White Chocolate 
Orange Zest 
Green & Red Smarties

Pre heat over to 180C, cream together the butter, sugars and egg. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix. It doesn't matter how much or how little chocolate you add its all down to personal preference - I quite like a lot of chocolate chips. 



Place baking paper onto a baking tray, scoop about a walnut size amount onto the tray and bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden. Remember to leave enough space in between each ball of mixture as when the cookies bake they will spread out. 



If you try them out let me see them with the hashtag #sophieschristmascookies or in the comments below.
 
Lots of Love, 

Sophie

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Christmas Jammies

I love having new pyjamas for Christmas. I know lots of families have the tradition of getting a new pair on Christmas Eve; that's not something we ever did but of recent years I have been buying myself new pyjamas for the season. Below are some of my current favourites


Three pairs I have picked are from Victoria's Secret, this was not intentional I just love their pyjamas so much! They have lots of different styles and designs to pick from. Another feature I really like about VS is that you can pick the leg length which is amazing! I always struggle with finding pyjamas that go past my ankle so for me this is a great addition. The candy cane pyjamaspolar bear short pyjamas and the pink multi colour star pyjamas are all from Victoria's Secret. I actually have the star pyjamas on the way to me. 

The cute little penguin shorts are from Cath Kidston. These pyjamas will be great for after the festive season too as they don't scream "CHRISTMAS" 

I was so excited when Rosie Huntington-Whiteley released her Rosie for Autograph line at M&S because I just love her style! None of her releases have ever disappointed and these pyjamas are just gorgeous. These could also be worn all year round. 

The reindeer pyjamas are from Primark as are the red check long sleeve pyjama set. Like Victoria's Secret I love Primark for pyjamas because there are lots of styles, designs and are affordable. The only thing I find with Primark pyjamas is they seem to shrink after a few washes but for the price you can hardly complain! 

This Hollister pyjama top is super cute! You could even wear it as a top for day time as it's not super obvious that it is a pyjama top apart from the fact it is sold in the pyjamas section... 

Finally are these Coca-Cola pyjamas from Asda; you know it's Christmas when the Coca-Cola advert is on TV so I just had to include these! 


Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 



Monday 7 December 2015

Favourite Christmas Songs


For me Christmas starts as soon as Halloween is over (sometimes even before) and the best way to start celebrating the festive season is with Christmas music! Below is just a few of my top favourite songs. 

1. All I want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey 
2. The Power of Love - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
3. O come, O Come, Emmanuel
4. Holly Jolly Christmas - Michael Bublé
5. Santa Baby - Marilyn Monroe 
6. The Holly And The Ivy
7. Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
8. Last Christmas - Wham 
9. Step Into Christmas - Elton John
10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

These are not in any order - I love them all the same! 

What's your favourite Christmas song or carol?

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 






Sunday 6 December 2015

Midnight Mistletoe

Ohh so very sparkly! 


I love festive nails! Well actually I love everything Christmassy - festive nails is just one of the things I love. Red is a classic Christmas colour and something that I'll always go back to. Today I wanted to add a little twist with this glitter bomb nail polish "Midnight Mistletoe" from Rimmel London.


I bought this last year but noticed Rimmel are still selling them on the Boots website. I'm not sure if they have been re-released or if they have been available all year round; either way they are definitely worth the £3.99 price tag. Boots also have a 3 for 2 offer on just now so you don't have to chose just one glittery nail polish!    



The Nails Inc polish is called "Big Red Apple" and was a free gift in a Glamour magazine. I can't seem to find it on their site; it was possibly an exclusive to Glamour but this St James nail colour also from Nails Inc looks very similar. 

Expect to see some more festive nails before the big day!

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Saturday 5 December 2015

Snow Capped Fairy Cakes... Melted... Apparently

Let me start by saying I certainly won't be entering Bake Off 2016 with tonights' efforts...

I really fancied baking some festive cupcakes today and came across this BBC Good Food Recipe. 




What you will need: 

175g Butter 
175g Golden Caster Sugar
3 Eggs
200g Self-Raising Flour
Finely Grated Zest 1 Orange
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4 Tablespoon Milk
For the Icing:
1 Egg White
4 Tablespoon Orange Juice
175g Icing Sugar
Decoration For Fairy Cakes 

Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 and line a muffin tin with cupcake cases (I made 17 although the recipe says 18). 
Combine all cake ingredients and spoon evenly into cases. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. 




I found the icing to be to really difficult - I went wrong somewhere, even though the recipe says it is "moderately easy!" Put the egg white and orange juice in a heat proof bowl and sift in icing sugar and set pan on a pan of simmering water. With an electric hand whisk, whisk for 7 minutes. Remove from heat and then whisk for a further 2 minutes. 


My favourite part - decorating! :D
  Overall I did think it was a fun recipe to do but I just need to practise on the snowy icing. If you try the recipe I'd love to see if your icing came out better than mine use the #sophiesfairycakes on Twitter and Instagram.


Lots of Love, 

Sophie x

Friday 4 December 2015

Define Good...

Define Good...What a name! A lot of the time I buy nail polish because of it's name, this was definitely one of those times. Also because it's Christmassy and if you hadn't guessed by now I LOVE Christmas! 


This polish was from China Glazes Twinkle Christmas Collection 2014 but it is still available here from AmazonThis nail colour is very matalic and sparkly - which I love! The colour pay off is great near enough opaque with just one coat which makes it a good choice if you are in a rush but want some colour on your nails. With the Essie Super Duper Strong Top Coat the colour last for about four days without chipping which is pretty good! This is the first China Glaze polish I have used before and I would buy from them again. 


Lots of Love, 

Sophie 

P.s We put up our Christmas Tree last night which I wanted to share with you. 


Thursday 3 December 2015

Christmas Jumper

Christmas jumper day is just around the corner - 18th December this year. There is still plenty of time to plan what ugly (or not so ugly) sweater you are going to wear. 

Below are just a few of my favourites from this year. 

My first festive jumper I have picked is this garish one from New Look. This one is very "out there" but definitely captures Christmas. 


This jumper is a bargain at £15 from Boohoo also available in "Brunette".



If super fastive jumpers are not your thing this Topshop jumper is for you! I love how the little pearls and sparkly stitching looks like snowflakes. On sale now for £30


Everyone loves Olaf from Frozen and you can have him on your jumper for £16 from ASDA


This is my favourite jumper out of my picks. I love the little romantic kissing penguins! £29 from Hollister 



What jumper are you going to wear this year? There are so many to choose from, I know I'm going to find it hard to chose just one! 


Lots of Love, 


Sophie x 


P.s Remember to donate to Save The Children

Christmas Wish List


It's December! Which means one thing! I can now be excited about Christmas without being told "It's only November!" 

Today's post is my "Christmas Wish List." Some of these items are more of a "One Day I Will Own But Not Today List" but Christmas is all about your dreams coming true so I wanted to include them in this post. 


To start with is a new pair of Christmas pyjamas. Everyone loves a new pair of pyjamas at Christmas and I'm loving this pair from Victoria's Secret. This is also the Stewart tartan so I think I am biased. 

I've already mentioned in a previous post (What's In My Make Up Bag?) about this Charlotte Tilbury make up bag - I just love it! I'd be happy to find this under the tree.

These Christian Louboutin shoes are to die for! I love the different coloured jewelled coloured jems - they almost look like Christmas baubles.

I'm a bit late to the party with the Naked3 pallet but this is definitely on my Christmas list this year. It's my favourite out of all of the Naked pallets.

This Chanel handbag will forever be on my wishlist until one day I save up and just buy it! It's such a classic piece I just love it!

How cute is this bottle?! Marc Jacobs perfumes always have such detailed and interesting packaging but this handbag design is definitely my favourite - so glamours! This will look great on any dressing table and I hope it's on mine soon!

The Fitbit is a great idea as a Christmas gift. With the ever nearing New Year and New Years resolutions people often chose for a more "Healthy Lifestyle" and this certainly will help kick start that resolution, maybe I'll keep it this year! 

Ever since I was a child I have loved snow globes, they are fascinating! So when I saw this I just had to shake it (more than one actually) which turns the whole thing gold. I think it's a really fun and original idea for a nail polish. I may have to pick up one of these for myself before the festive season is over. This would also make a great Secret Santa gift.

What is Christmas without a new Christmas candle? This one is from Yankee and smells amazing! Just like Christmas in a jar. 


What's on your wishlist?



Lots of Love



Sophie x 


Tuesday 1 December 2015

30 Random Facts About Me


I thought I'd write a little random facts about me post for you all to get to know me a bit better. 

My full name is Sophie Hannah Majella Stewart

My first word was "butterfly."

I love baking.

Bunnies are my favourite animal.

Anything sparkly and shiny makes me happy.

I have two brothers - I'm the middle child.

My birthday is the 12th of May.

I'm a huge Disney fan - Tangled, Beauty and the Best and The Little Mermaid are my top 3 films.

My favourite (non Disney) film is Love Actually.

My favourite food is Italian.

Between 2010-2012 I did a HND at college in Fashion and Textiles - first year was great but I didn't enjoy second year as much! 

Christmas is my favourite time of year but I do love summer time too when the sun decides to shine here in Scotland!

I'm terrified of the dark.

I've only watched a handful of scary films - I hate them!

I love peony's but they don't last long.

Hash browns are my all time favourite breakfast food. 

I love "Christmas Edition" stuff - mostly make up. 

My feet are always cold (I currently have tights on, a pair of socks and my Uggs - still cold!)

One day I would love to swim with sharks.  

I wear dresses every single day, it's a rare sight to see me in trousers. 

I hate sand! As a child I had to be carrier to the sea when on holiday. 

Although I like swimming in the sea. 

I've seen the Aurora Borealis (northern lights) once in Aberdeen but would love to go to Iceland to see them dancing in the sky.

My blood type is B+ which is the second rarest blood type. 

I am a blood donor. 

And an organ donor.

love the smell of fresh cut grass.

I've never broken a bone (and I hope it stays that way.)

I've worn glasses since I was in first year at school and never tried contacts.

I need coffee in the morning to properly function.

I'd love to get to know you too, what are some random facts about you?  

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x