White Rabbit Skincare Review

So guys, it has been a while! Unfortunately I have been slacking with the blogging recently, but, I assure you, that I am getting right back on it! I've decided to start with a skincare review for a company called White Rabbit Skincare. I was gifted these products, and now it is time to give you all an honest review!

For those of you who don't know, let me give you a bit of information. The company was started in 2014 by Melanie who was suffering from a skin condition called psoriasis and found most skincare out there contained ingredients which exacerbated the condition, so she decided to start crafting her own products with natural ingredients which do genuine good for your skin. The entire range is vegan and cruelty free which means that everyone can enjoy them!

Eucalyptus and Lavender Cleansing Balm

This is truly a lovely product to use, it is really thick and feels so incredibly luxurious on your skin as it starts to melt in and remove any makeup or impurities. Unlike other cleansers, which can often leave your skin feeling quite dry and stripped of its natural oils, this balm leaves it feeling so soft, hydrated, and nourished! The texture starts out quite thick but as soon as it warms up and starts melting onto your skin, it transforms into an almost oil like consistency. I personally enjoy warming it up between my fingers before applying it to my face so that it applies and distributes a little easier.
I am really impressed with this cleanser and find that it is great for removing your makeup at the end of the day!

Orange Blossom and Aloe Vera Toner

I absolutely love using toners, because of the way that they leave your skin feeling so refreshed, removing any excess oils, dirt, or debris left behind by your cleanser. This toner smells amazing, the orange blossom really shines through, to create a beautiful and subtle fragrance, perfect to help wake you up in the morning and re-energise you for the day ahead!

Rosehip and Camellia Day Cream

If you are looking for hydration, then this is the cream for you! Since using this, my skin has transformed from the dull, dry, and dreary skin which I always thought was inevitable and unavoidable during the colder months, to glowing skin that made me feel great about myself! The key ingredients of rosehip and camellia oil are definitely to thank for this, with their incredible naturally soothing properties! I've found that this cream works really well under makeup, helping you to create a flawless dewy finish without looking oily. Initially, I found the scent to be a little strong, although lovely, but as soon as you massage this onto your face it dissipates, leaving you with a lovely subtle fragrance which lasts throughout the day!


Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out the range and finding the products to suit you, because they are absolutely amazing! They smell simply beautiful and I truly feel as though they have made a massive difference to my skin, improving the overall texture, softness, and appearance of my skin.
If you would like to try out any of the White Rabbit Skincare range, then you can use my discount code for 20% off your order!

 ERIN20
https://whiterabbitskincare.co.uk/

Second Hand Shopping Tips

So, we are well into Second Hand September, a month that is being championed by the amazing charity Oxfam. In case you haven't heard about it, it is basically promoting second hand shopping as a sustainable, charitable, and great alternative to shopping brand new, and removing the stigma of shopping second hand.

Now, I love shopping second hand online when it is all curated and easily searchable. Shopping in store, now that is a different matter entirely. It can be so overwhelming walking into a charity shop seeing a million different things laid out in front of you with no real rhyme or reason. It is a daunting task to shop like this, especially when you aren't used to it, but I felt that I must brave it for Second Hand September in order to get the true experience! So here are my tips for mastering the charity shops like a pro!

Go in with an open mind.

Don't walk in there expecting to find the perfect leather jacket, in excellent condition which fits you like a dream. It is very unlikely to happen and you will end up being quite disappointed, and not open to any of the other amazing items that you may find! Be open to trying new styles, brands that you have never even heard of before, and basically anything and everything else. Some of the best things that I've found in the past have been completely unexpected, but nevertheless brilliant! I'm thinking mostly of my favourite denim jacket which is boxy, oversized, well worn, and simply amazing. I wasn't looking for it, but when I saw it, I knew it had to be mine! So what I am trying to say, is be open to anything, because you never quite know what you are going to find!

Check Materials

The charity shop is the place that you are most likely to find an unexpected gem such as a silk shirt, or cashmere jumper for an absolute steal. Now, this does take a lot of effort and work, checking labels on everything, but it could be worth it in the long run. And at the very least, by checking materials, you will be able to get a better idea of quality and longevity of the item. Because although you may love that dress, if it is made of 100% polyester then it probably isn't going to be the best buy you could make and will most likely leave you a hot sweaty mess (or at least from my own experience).

Don't Stress Over Sizes

Sizes have changed a lot over the last few decades to fit with the changing shapes of the general population. People were often a lot smaller in build so a size 14 of a vintage Laura Ashley blouse may fit a modern day size 10 or 12. It really is best to just try everything on if you can, and go off how big it looks more than anything else. This is especially true for vintage Levi jeans, because most of these are fashioned from mens 501's, so as we all know, mens jeans sit lower than womens typically, and most people shrunk their jeans to fit them, so you honestly have just got to pick up about ten pairs of Levi's and try them all on and hope for the best!

Don't Just Buy it Because It's Cheap

Now, I know that getting a bargain can be the most exciting thing, but just because it is cheap doesn't mean it is a bargain. Now, what I mean is that if you have absolutely no intention of ever actually wearing it, paying any money for it makes it expensive and ultimately a waste. You need to know when to walk away from things. I myself have bought things from charity shops before for only a few pounds because I have been so carried away with the fact it is a Topshop dress at bargain prices, but seven years later, that dress is still sitting in my cupboard with the charity shop labels still on it, which is just as ridiculous as it sitting in my wardrobe with the Topshop labels still on it. So think of second hand clothes the same way you would new clothes, in terms of whether you will actually wear them or if they go with your general size. 

So, I hope that this was helpful, and I would love to hear some of your tips for shopping second hand!

Why I'm Giving up Fast Fashion

Fast Fashion. It seems to have become such a buzz word at the moment, with documentaries focusing wholly on the concept, but what exactly does it mean? 

Fast fashion is simply a term used by society to describe their clothes which have been inspired by recent trends seen on celebrities and on the runway for an affordable price which the average consumer can afford. It is because of this rapid rate of supply and demand that results in costs being cut which subsequently increase their carbon footprint.

The true reality and gravity of this problem can be put into perspective when you consider that in 2015, greenhouse gas emissions from textiles production globally totaled 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent, according to a report by the industry-led Circular Fibres Initiative. This is more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. When you start to think of it in these terms, it really is shocking that so much pollution is caused by something which we all use without a moments thought into the impact of production. 

I, like most people my age, absolutely love fashion. I love the freedom that it can give you to express yourself, confirm your identity, conform or rebel. Fashion gives you this opportunity and I absolutely love this about it, but what I don't love is the true cost of that £5 top, made of polyester, which will most likely end up in a landfill because it's no longer 'cool'. I don't love this throw away culture which has manifested itself, with the likes of £1 bikinis existing for people to proudly proclaim they are buying them for the sake of it with no intention of ever actually wearing. 

So, the obvious answer would be to use a sustainable brand, which is known for its ethical values. Easy enough, but when a plain white t-shirt costs around £80, it is difficult, because right now at this stage in my life, I really can't afford or justify that kind of price for a basic t-shirt. I would love to be able to support these companies who are trying to make a difference and have genuine transparency within their brand, but I simply can't. 

So what do you do? Because right now, it feels as though the reality of becoming completely sustainable in all aspects of your life is impossible.But that doesn't mean that there is no hope and that you shouldn't try at all, because there are still many things that you can do. 


Shop Second Hand

This doesn't necessarily mean going to charity shops and trawling through hundreds of items for that one perfect piece, because I know that isn't really for everyone. In 2019 we have so many amazing options when it comes to shopping second hand, there is Depop which is a great way both to make money and save money on what is often current pieces. There is my personal favourite, Vestiaire Collective, which is fantastic for getting second hand designer pieces, some of them never even used! Then there are websites which are simply dedicated to finding high quality vintage pieces, which are one of a kind, for this I recommend Beyond Retro. The prices are fantastic and the sizes and measurements are always so well explained, which is key to shopping vintage! Obviously there are loads more out there but these are just the ones I am aware of and would recommend.

Buy More Consciously

Now what I mean by this is buying with longevity, quality, and materials in mind. So, if something is made of 100% polyester, in a print that is probably going to be 'uncool' after a month, then you most likely aren't going to wear it more than twice and after that it will either end up at the back of your wardrobe or in a landfill. So maybe before you buy something like this, just check what it is made off, is it a natural fabric, or at least something a bit more sustainable such as Tencel?
Can you think of at least three ways that you can wear this with things that you already own? Because if no, you probably aren't going to actually wear it.

Buy Less

It is as simple as it sounds. Simply buy less clothes. Before you buy it, just take a moment to think, do you actually need this, will you wear this, and do you even need this? I know that I'm guilty of buying things impulsively without a moments thought whenever I am feeling a bit down, or want to cheer myself up. It doesn't matter whether I genuinely think that I am ever going to wear it, it is often, I see something pretty and want it, then totally forget about it. This is something that I have made a conscious effort to stop doing in the past year, and I genuinely feel better for it. I have managed to make myself wait a moment before impulsively buying and really think through and consider a purchase. I even have a wish list that I relegate an item to for at least a month before I even consider buying it, and you would be shocked at how many of those items you end up not wanting once you have given yourself a chance to think it through.

Obviously there are so many other ways for you to make a difference when it comes to your consumption of fashion, and some things will work better for you than others and be suitable to your lifestyle. So have a think about yourself and your own consumption of fashion and clothes, and what you can do to make a difference!

inecto Naturals Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner

Over the past few weeks I have been trying to make a more conscious effort regarding the toiletries and cosmetics that I purchase, to ensure that they are cruelty free. This however I have found to be surprisingly difficult! With products either being ridiculously expensive or only being available in certain obscure health food stores. This can be incredibly frustrating when you want to do your bit for the animals and the planet, but sometimes you just don't have £12 to spend on a tiny bottle of shampoo!

So, this is where inecto Naturals Coconut comes into the equation. If you haven't heard of them before, then I shall provide a brief over view of the company, along with a link to their website in case you want to find out more or see their entire product range! (Click here for the link)

inecto Naturals are a British based company which are proud to create vegan friendly, cruelty free, and paraben free. They are known for their body-celebrating hair and skincare products that are truly inspired by nature.They celebrate the power of nature with up to 90% of their ingredients in all of their products being from natural sources, promising no nasties or unpleasant chemicals. 

I absolutely love how proud they are as a company about these aspects. But, all of these claims are well and good, but do the products live up to expectations? So, without further ado, I best get onto the review!

"THE FIRST EVER PLANT OIL USED BY MANKIND, COCONUT OIL IS A GLORIOUS AND NATURAL WAY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR AND BODY. WE JUST HAD TO BOTTLE IT SO YOU CAN FEEL FABULOUS EVERY DAY!"

I am a massive fan of all things coconut, so it isn't any surprise that the sweet scent of the  inecto Naturals Coconut range completely drew me in from the first sniff! The scent is really lovely, super fresh, exceptionally natural, and surprisingly long lasting. I find that some shampoos, especially more natural ones tend to have quite a weak smell, I presume it must have something to do with there being less chemicals in it to create an artificial and long lasting scent, but inecto Naturals Coconut seem to have overcome this problem by creating a beautifully fragranced Shampoo and Conditioner which still smells as good at the end of the day as it did when you first washed it. The scent immediately made me think of summer, and days on the beach. I love how evocative a scent can be, and I think that this fragrance really encapsulates summer to me! 

The shampoo and conditioner can work as stand alone products, but I would recommend using them together. They compliment each other really well, intensifying the scent and allowing your hair to soak up all the goodness, totally revitalising it. The coconut range is designed for those with dry hair. I personally wouldn't say that I have particularly dry hair, but despite this, it has worked absolute miracles. It has tamed the frizz, and made my unruly locks feel like satin. After just one use I received so many compliments about my hair, to the point where I was a little taken aback by the amount people commenting on it. 

My hair is pretty curly so I find it difficult to find a product which both makes it look shiny and healthy without weighing down the curls. Yet somehow Inecto seem to have formulated a range which does just that, without costing an absolute fortune! 

Now, how much do I use? I'm going to be honest, I get a bit carried away with shampooing and conditioning my hair, clearly still thinking that my hair goes all the way down my back, rather than just grazing my shoulders as it does now. I probably use about a 50p sized amount for shampoo, and probably what I can only define as, a generous amount, for the conditioner and I try to leave both on for a few minutes to allow my hair to completely absorb the benefits.

So, overall, I would say that the inecto Naturals Coconut shampoo and conditioner are absolutely amazing. They are such a bargain and work just as well if not better than a lot of other high end brands which I have tried. They are truly passionate about what they do, and causing as little harm to the environment as possible by ensuring that they are vegan, cruelty free, and paraben free! 

If you would like to find out more information about the brand, or their complete product range, then click HERE to go to their website.

The Hero Project: Hand Rehab

For a culture so obsessed with skin care, we so often forget to look after our hands. Our poor hands which are put through the ringer every single day. May it be hammering away at the keys, plunging them in water, or just general day to day wear and tear. But our hands deserve looking after too! So how exactly should we go about this? Well, my friends, you need look no further, as I have found a potential solution to this in the form of, The Hero Project's Diamond Dusted Hand Rehab.

This is hand cream at its finest, made for luxurious pampering and keeping your hands looking as good as you feel. I am a bit obsessed right now with SPF so I absolutely love that this is more than just a standard hand cream, but also protecting them from the sun with SPF 20. Sun damage is a major issue, which can cause premature ageing and even cancer, so it is important to take this seriously. Often our hands are neglected when it comes to sun protection, but they need just as much protection from the sun as our faces and the rest of our bodies. 

Hand creams, especially those with any form of SPF often feel super heavy and greasy, never actually soaking in and making it impossible to actually do anything. Thankfully Hand Rehab doesn't feel like this at all! It is quite a thick cream but this definitely works to its advantage because it adds to the overall feel of luxury, especially because of how quickly it soaks into the skin.

The cream smells simply amazing. The aloe vera scent is quite subtle and smells really fresh and reminds me of spring for some reason. A beautiful light fragrance which you can't help but smile at.

This works well for both young and older skin, providing moisture and a bit of love to neglected hands. I love to use this throughout the day, topping it up whenever my hands start feeling a little dry or in need of TLC. My Mum has recently started using it after hearing me rave about it so much, and she has become a total convert and we find ourselves fighting for who gets to take it with them to work, clearly the best solution is to get my mum her own... 

The addition of diamond dust is simply genius! It is not just a fancy ingredient but an active one which does your hands, especially your nails, a lot of good. It hardens soft nails helps to strengthen them. This is especially good if you wear false nails or have gel nails. 

This makes such a lovely present for someone because it comes in a beautiful little presentation box. It really is the touches and details like this which make this a special product. It a great size to just pop in your bag, and doesn't take up much room, I am normally a little nervy about putting any liquid or cream product in my bag incase of spillages, but I do not have this fear with my Hand Rehab because of its screw top which stays secure! 

After

Before

The packaging is simply stunning and I cannot compliment it enough. The whole aesthetic and image behind The Hero Project is absolutely perfect and I love the tone of voice they use on their descriptions. It feels fun and approachable and truly genuine, something which sets itself apart from many brands at the moment and I just love it. 

Click HERE if you want to get your own Hand Rehab. 

Keeping it Peachy: A Soap & Glory Review

It's the summer time and the weather is definitely looking fine! But with this heat comes a whole range of skin problems, from oily skin, to chapped lips. So how do you deal with this and still feel confident in yourself? How do you keep your lips feeling great and looking great? Well, I think that I have found the solution in the Soap & Glory Peach Pout, Completely Balmy Lipstick. 

 

1. FREEDOM OF PEACH 

2. PEACH BALL

3. PEACH FOR THE SKY

A lipstick that thinks it’s a balm? It must be the creamy, dreamy PEACH POUT™, available in 3 sassy, peach-perfect shades. A lightweight, long-lasting formulation that lasts all day features a rich, juicy peach-infused fragrance. With a shaped bullet edge for easy and precise application, it goes on just like a lipstick leaving you with instantly softer-feeling luscious lips. 

If you know me, you will know that I normally go for a darker red lip, preferring something to be a bit bolder and more daring, but sometimes this just doesn't feel right for the occasion and can wreak absolute havoc on your lips, making them feel super dry and just darn right uncomfortable! I had yet to find the perfect everyday lipstick, which was no fuss, and actually really enjoyable to wear! 

The Soap & Glory Peach Pout really does everything which is claims to do! The scent is simply gorgeous. I love how fresh and natural it tastes, there is absolutely nothing unnatural about this, and it is subtle when applied to the lips so as not to be overpowering or unpleasant, as some fragranced lip products can be. The scent reminds me of peach sweets, which is never a bad thing!

The formula of the lipstick itself is heavenly. It applies so easily, gliding along the lips, leaving you with the perfect and mess free application. No stress about having to perfectly line your lips or to have exfoliated them to within an inch of their lives! This really does leave your lips feeling hydrated and ready to go with just one application, and I am just loving it! Since I got this a few weeks ago I haven't stopped wearing it because it is just so lovely to wear.

The colour of the lipstick is what surprised and impressed me the most. I was worried that it would be a little sheer and be more like a tinted lip balm with minimal colour pay off, but boy was I wrong! The colour is so pretty and works with every outfit, to add a natural pop of colour to your look. I love wearing it with a bare face and just a bit of mascara (I swear by the Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Flash Extensions Effect Mascara : Click here to find it on Boots!). 

I think it is great that they have three shades so there is one for everyone, from the lightest more nudey peach colour, to the more vibrant pink toned colour. Or maybe treat yourself and get all three, seeing as they are 3 for 2 at Boots! At £9 each they are an absolute steal!

I wear Freedom of Peach

Click Here To Treat Yourself!

Beat the Rushower: A Soap & Glory Review

So, picture this, you've had a late night. You've been out having a little catch up which subsequently turned into a bit of an all nighter and you haven't had a chance to  wash your hair. It isn't looking as fresh as it did the night before and that vanilla shampoo smell has faded. What do you do?

Well, until recently my solution would be to throw a hat on and hope for the best...  that was however until I discovered the Soap & Glory Rushower Dry Shampoo!
Now, I am aware that there are a fair few dry shampoo's available and on the market right now, which all do the job more or less, so what sets this one apart?

If I'm honest, I think that it has to be the absolutely gorgeous signature Pink scent of rose and bergamot. Because of the touch release technology, the scent last all day and a quick ruffle of your hair gives you a fresh blast of fragrance as though you've just sprayed it!
The scent isn't too strong or overpowering, as some dry shampoo can definitely be, nearly choking you with how strong the fragrance is. Instead this is light and floral, as though your hair is perfumed.

It is so quick and easy to use, just spritz, ruffle and go! I have really dark hair naturally, and find that many dry shampoos leave an awful white residue in my hair- which I never seem to notice until someone points it out several hours later. But this seems to blend in really well, it may take a bit of working in the fringe area because of there being less hair, but it does leave my hair looking as though it has been freshly washed, rather than being on day two...

This is definitely going to be my new go-to dry shampoo, and I love that it is a good size, yet slim enough that I can fit is in most of my bags to keep with me on the go. It is perfect for using when you are going to uni for some long study sessions in the library, when you don't quite want to wash your hair, but you still want to feel good about yourself, and confident!
A perfect staple for everyone, with it working with all hair colours!

So, how are you going to treat yourself when Boots have all Soap & Glory products on offer for 3 for 2? Click here to see the full range! But here are some of my favourites! 

The Hero Project: Undo Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Now, I'm all about brands coming out with cruelty free and vegan products, but sometimes it takes extensive research and a lot of hearsay to find out whether a brand is indeed cruelty free and vegan, so you can imagine that companies which actually boast about this, are hot on my radar!
I was desperate for some new skin care, because I was coming to the end of quite a few of my staple product, and so enters, The Hero Project!

The Hero Project has quite a brilliant and unique stance when it comes to beauty. The focus on high quality products which do exactly what they say, no gimmicks, no nonsense, and absolutely no rubbish in them! Their website mirrors these views and I couldn't help but smile whilst reading such a refreshing and honest philosophy on beauty.

Now, let's take a minute to talk about this packaging guys, because oh my goodness, it is blooming gorgeous! I love how simple and minimalist it is. It feels really expensive and really fits in with the brands overall aesthetic: simplicity done beautifully. Everything feels really sturdy and of a good quality, so, without further ado, shall I get on to the review?

I wear waterproof mascara almost daily, and also struggle to actually remove it almost daily. My routine normally requires using a face wash, and miscella water and even then there is normally still some stubborn mascara which just won't budge! So I am always willing to try something which promises to actually remove it all and not leave my eyes stinging and sore.

"Undo™ truly is your ‘no faff’ waterproof makeup remover. The softening chamomile and cornflower have been carefully plucked from nature to help soothe and nourish your eyelashes and the delicate eye area. Of course, one of our fave ingredients is also present: hyaluronic acid hydrates and conditions without the unpleasant greasiness you may find with other removers."


I decided to to give this a proper test run, not just waterproof mascara, but a pretty hefty amount of liquid eyeliner, and some (a lot) of kohl eyeliner pencil smudged out. I expected it to be all over my face as normally happens after I remove eye makeup, however, I was pretty darn shocked when all I had to do was soak the cotton pad with the Undo, place it over my eye for a couple of seconds and swipe! I then quickly flipped the pad and gave it another quick wipe and it was all gone! I was shook, genuinely shook. I have never used an eye makeup remover which was so effective and left my eyes feeling refreshed and soft! I had to make sure that this wasn't just a flook, so I did the exact same on the other eye and again, all of the makeup was removed and my eyes were feeling incredible!


I absolutely love this makeup remover and it is definitely my new go to product! at £16 I think that this is reasonable and you really are paying for the quality here, it does the job and a lot more, leaving your skin feeling great afterwards with no dry or sore patches from trying to scrub off your eyeliner!

Here is a little before and after shot.

https://www.heroproject.com/undo-waterproof-eye-makeup-remover.html

Get Glowing: Soap & Glory Speed Plump Night Mousse

Now, who doesn't love having skin which glows from within? Having that healthy gleam about you which cannot be ignored?And most importantly, who doesn't love having skin which gives them the confidence to go without make-up?
Well, today I am going to review a face cream which claims to do all of this and a bit more! The Soap & Glory Speed Plump!


I often find with face creams that they claim all sorts of wonderful things, but never quite live up to these statements, or they will say that it takes months and months of use to see these results. So, I have decided to give the cream two weeks to prove itself. Will it live up to the hype?

What are the claims?

• Provides intense moisture...Fast!
• Makes skin look more youthful.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines. 
• Refreshes and revitalises.
• Softens and smooths.
• Brightens

 

Day 1

Now, I wasn't expecting much for the first day, because it is the first day, nothing works this quick. So, I was actually quite surprised when several people commented on my skin! My Mum said that it did look a little brighter -  okay, she may be biased but several people made similar comments, so I'm going to take them as fact! My skin definitely felt softer than usual, and the dry patches on my chin lessening slightly. A good start thus far!

Day 3

My skin is definitely developing a bit of a glow about it. It isn't like wearing a highlighter, but more of a look of intense health, something which has been lacking from my life for a good while! This cream was definitely starting to have an impact on both my skin and the way I felt, making me feel confident in myself. It sounds ridiculous that something so simple can have such a powerful effect on you. But I ended that day feeling like Wonder Woman!

Day 6

Confident? Check.

Uber soft? Check.

Brighter than a diamond? Double check!!

I think that I'm on to a definite winner here guys

 

 

Day 9

This has to be one of the most delightful face creams. The bubble technology is amazing, and makes it feels so luxurious whilst applying to your face and neck. Then the smell is simply heavenly! I can't quite pinpoint what it reminds me of, but it is sweet whilst not being sickly or overpowering.

Day 12

I've so far recommended this to several people after forcing them to feel how soft my face is. It may be a bit odd, but you know that feeling when your skin feels like silk and you just have to share it with everyone? This is what I'm permanently feeling like now, and I'm blooming loving it!

 

 

Day 14

So officially, this is end of my little trial, but it certainly isn't the last time I'm using this cream! My skin feels so much better since starting to use this night cream, and not only that, I have developed a serious boost in confidence as a result! It looks visibly smoother with my pores decreasing in size. I feel as though I can't really comment on the fine lines claim, as I only really have them when I laugh.
I certainly felt revitalised and refreshed, with the tightness which I had become accustomed to vanishing!  

Soap & Glory can be found at Boots stores and online at Boots.com!

Click HERE to treat yourself and get your own glow on!

Last (Minute) Christmas

Christmas is looming ever closer. Everywhere you go, the jingling of bells is present, and the smell of mulled wine is about. So we all know what this means.

Presents!

I love receiving presents as much as the next person, and I do actually love giving them, but, I can get a little bit stressed with it all. How much do I spend? How can I stick to a budget without giving rubbish pressies? These are the dilemmas which we are faced with. But alas, I have conquered this problem with the concept of the Christmas Stockings!
Okay, maybe I didn't quite come up with the concept of a Christmas stocking, but it will become clearer as you read on and start to understand my solution to this universal woe.

The Christmas Stockings

The concept is quite simple, low cost, and most importantly big impact! This works particularly great if you have a larger group of friends, because basically, all you need is some socks (preferable of the fluffy variety), enough sweets to rival Willy Wonker, and a little something something extra. A show stopper if you will.
Oh, and don't forget a bit of ribbon, and maybe clear cellophane like paper (I got mine from ebay for about £2). For mine I have decided to go with a bit of a pink theme, because we all know that the best sweets, are definitely the pink ones, and who doesn't love a bit of coordination?

I find that these work best when you have a special item in them. This really doesn't have to be anything big or too jazzy or expensive! Especially when you have Boots with their fantastic 3 for 2 offers on! When I saw this, my decision was made, everyone is getting Soap & Glory this year. Plus, as an added bonus, this means if you don't have a friend group which is a multiple of free, then you are totally justified in treating yourself, especially with all this generosity!

Candy Canes are Essential!

Click here for the Boots Soap & Glory page!