Sales: a summary

The January sales. What did you make of them? I’ve spotted some pretty sweet buys on all your blogs :) Did anyone else feel that they were a bit a shambles this year? The savings weren’t even that great. £5 off a skirt? Oh why thank you. How very generous of you. And I recognised so much old stock. Last year’s rejects no doubt.

I dedicated one day to get my sales fix. The day was executed with military precision. Up at silly o’clock, there at silly o’clock and done late morning before all the crowds and craziness. Here’s a summary of my January purchases:

Primark:

Still in possession of many Primark vouchers (incentive for doing a Primark survey), I couldn’t resist this bed throw - a total steal at £3!

Plus a couple of pairs of wellie socks – a nudge to book up for a festival this year!

They’re perfect for lining boots in this cold snap we’re having at the moment.

River Island:

I bought this River Island skirt and it’s a few sizes too big. Like on a drastic scale. Why do we do this to ourselves? Crazy low prices can inspire such madness sometimes! 

But it was only £5 and I can easily sew it in.

Topshop:

This Topshop coat and boots had to be returned. LOVED the wedges but they were pointed and far too narrow. Think they would’ve crippled me. The coat had really annoying hook and eye fastenings and was way too much hassle to deal with. I did however keep a black mini skirt which I can’t find *rubbish blogger* It’s a size smaller than I usually take (oh the joys of sale stock…) but it fits like a glove. It’s so refreshing to be able to wear a non-flippy skirt that doesn’t everyone give everyone an eyeful when it’s windy out!

French Connection:

Originally £180, I paid next to nothing for these in the sale thanks to a generous reduction and a French Connection voucher I already had. I do like Chelsea boots but was after something a little bit different to the ones you see on everyone. I love the strap detailing – an added quirk that satisfies the rock chick in me. If you like them, they’re still selling them on ASOS.com - but for £126. Silly.

Yankee:

As much as I love Yankee candles, I can’t justify spending that much on candles. I jumped at the chance to buy their mango and peach scented candles for £3.22 

And I was lusting after this gift set before Christmas - but I was never going to spend £20 for a pack of sampler sizes:

I was ecstatic to find them reduced down to half price in the sale. Christmas cookie, Mountain pine… I’m all set for Christmas next year. WIN.

Boots:

I don’t really go to Boots for jewellery but I couldn’t resist this ring. I love the design so much. I think this is the sort of ring I’d choose out if I ever got married / engaged. Except with nicer stones instead of these cheapo ones that keep falling off!

I also feel the need to share the late Christmas presents I received from friends:

Very cute mug and hot chocolate set

Another mug which sums me up well

Check out my friend’s awesome knitting skills! 

Such a cute and alternative way to decorate a gift!

Last but not least... this cookery book which I 

have been experimenting with this weekend:

Raspberry and white chocolate cupcakes.

They just melt in your mouth. NOM.

TRAVEL // Paris, je t'aime

Paris is a love affair that will last a lifetime. I could never get bored of hopping on the Eurostar and then about 2 hours later, stepping off the train hearing that all familiar bah-bah-bah-bah sound announcing arrivals / departures at Gare du Nord. 

At silly o’clock in the morning, I boarded the Eurostar equipped with a French inspired breakfast and a very apt book

Arrived at the hotel in Paris expecting a bog standard room (which in Paris is usually tiny and like living in a broom cupboard) but was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected upgrade to an Executive room.

All excitable, I skipped down the (very pretty) corridors in search of the room.

Nothing could have prepared me for this. I was speechless.

Every last detail was beautiful.

Ever since losing my single bed at home and gaining a double, I can only sleep in doubles now – they’re just so comfy!

Bathroom was a little weird though. There was a blind so anyone in the bedroom could look in at you showering ~kinky~ … and oddly enough, the blind couldn’t be controlled by the person showering – full control went to whoever was in the room.

Thierry Mugler shower goodies!

The Executive key card also gave you exclusive access to the roof. Coming out of the lift, I could already see the Eiffel Tower

There were amazing views of Paris

Notre Dame - only a stones throw away!

Then time for a well deserved 3 course lunch. Warm goats cheese salad to start.

Followed by red wine (cheaper than soft drinks - no joke!) and one of the best beef bourguignons I’ve ever had in my entire life

With mousse au chocolat to finish

Feeling very full, it was then time to start finding some Christmas markets

One was even pumping out real ice / snow!

And you could hire shoes to go walking on it!

One stall was selling the cutest jewellery

I loved the patterns on their bracelets

Then moved on to the Champs-Elysees

Which had massive woks of food

And very pretty lights that I may have to track down and buy next year!

Back in the room, Thierry Mugler pampered me and I made full use of the freebies

The next morning, ventured on to admire Notre Dame’s architecture

Then went in search of a third Christmas market

Here, the cognac and liquors stall caught my eye. After some cheeking tastings, I bought two bottles of liquor - one biscuit and the other chocolate flavoured 

Feeling quite tipsy and in need of sobering up, had a lovely Corsican inspired hot sandwich with chicken and lots of peppers

The speciality Christmas decorations stores in Paris were amazing

I could have spent hours there

Time was running out, so I visited the Louvre

Alas, then it was time to head back to the Eurostar and check in. So that was my trip to Paris in a nutshell. I can’t wait to go back... à bientôt Paris!

All I want for Christmas is you

Happy Boxing Day! Hope you all had a blast yesterday!

I spent Christmas with my family and it was pretty standard – alcohol first thing in the morning, big lunch time feast, hours of presents after lunch and then eating some more (despite everyone moaning they’re still full from lunch and couldn’t possibly eat another bite - yet still managing to somehow!)

Later in the evening we all sat down and watched Michael McIntyre's Christmas Comedy Roadshow and sampled some liquors I'd brought back from Paris:

It's not milk, I swear!

I’m not a liquor drinker and I can’t stand Baileys – but these are amazing! I brought two bottles of the stuff – chocolate and biscuit. Lethal but majorly tasty!

I decided to wear my trusty French Connection dress (the gold not the silver - felt the gold was more festive) which has just the right amount of sparkle for Christmas

... with obligatory festive underwear 

Photographed from the worst of angles – 

knickers look ma-hoo-sive and they’re really not!!

... and my block heels which were first mentioned in this post here

Tonight I’m off to the pub for a mate’s birthday and

first thing tomorrow morning I’m braving the sales!

Hope you’re all enjoying the festive season!