A Girly Gift Guide for Christmas 2014

Ok, ok... this might just be everything that I want for Christmas.

I may as well try and hide it as a girly gift guide for Christmas, you know just to help all you ladies out that might be struggling.

So here is goes...

1. TERRY'S CHOCOLATE ORANGE SEGSATIONS (£3.00) - I was obsessed with these bad boys last year. Such chocolatey goodness.
2. VERITY BY ALEX MONROE HEART NECKLACE (£132) - So its a little on the expensive side but heaven on earth, its beautiful. I am totally into delicate necklaces at the moment and this one is stunning.
3. NARS DIGITAL WORLD LIP PENCIL COFFRET (£32 Space NK) - I currently only possess one NARS lip pencil but that alone makes me want more. I saw this little number on the Space NK website and knew that it had to be mine. Such a fantastic price for this set too.
4. LAURA MERCIER AMBRE VANILLE HONEY BATH (£32) - I took a long hard whiff of this jar of dreams at the Laura Mercier counter a few days back. This smells unbelievable and I need this in my life and so do you.
5. RIVER ISLAND LEATHER LOOK LEGGINGS (£18) - I am wishing I had never left my topshop wet look leggings back in the UK. They would go great right now with an over-sized jumper and scarf, a pair of heeled boots and a cosy parka.
6. MAC RUBY WOO LIPSTICK (£15.50) - I recently saw this on one of my favourite bloggers Anna and I knew instantly that I needed this lipstick in my stash. I also recently swatched the beautiful MAC Relentlessly Red a beautiful matte pinky red - I had to be torn away from the MAC counter, lets just say that.
7. GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION (£31.95 House of Fraser) - My friend Yi wears this foundation and her face always looks flawless. With a medium coverage and dubbed as perfect skin in a bottle this was quickly added to my endless cosmetic wishlist.
8. NARS VIRTUAL DOMINATION CHEEK PALETTE (£45 Space NK) - This is definitely at the top of my Christmas list. Look at it - three blushers, a highlighter and bronzer in one slick little palette - utter perfection.
9. DUNE LORIS BLACK POINTED FLATS (£69) - These shoes are so versatile and would literally go with anything. Thats what I love about them. I know they might not be for everyone but I completely adore them.
10. ORELIA WUNDERLUST DROP & HAMZA DOUBLE ROW NECKLACE (£18) - Another beautiful delicate necklace.
11. BOBBI BROWN CREAM BLENDING BRUSH (£22.05 House of Fraser) - The only thing that I didn't leave the Bobbi Brown store with a few weeks back. Its a fantastic brush for blending in concealer and feels beautifully soft.
12. ZARA BUCKET BAG WITH ZIPS (£39.99) - I am completely obsessed with bags. My, doesn't Jack know that too. Its all I ever talk about. I spotted this handsome number on the website and would love it to be mine.
13. BOBBI BROWN FULL COVERAGE FACE BRUSH (£27 House of Fraser) - Again, my fave blogger Anna has got me coveting this brush. She knows her stuff and if she says its good, its bloody good. 
14. Because I can't end on 13!!

I hope that this list has given you some kind of inspiration?

Here's to hoping that the little Christmas fairy works its wonders and brings me some of these irresistible things. One can dream!

K x

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The Busy Bee Edit: My Last Week in Pictures #2

Another week consisting of socialising and eating excessive amounts of good food. I know, I know, I'd be jealous too.

This is what I have been up to... (starting from left to right on each row)

1. A Korean Lunch at Myung Ga. Loving Jack's make shift bib so he didn't spill on his pink shirt.
2. The tastiest Xiao Long Bao ever at Din Tai Fung - a Taiwanese restaurant. We brunched there with our good friends Yi, Steve, Lauren and Jamie. We have a little food group going.
3. Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shao-Mai at Din Tai Fung. So yummy!
4. Henry and Zoe's 'Thank You' present. Twelve beautifully presented and tasty macarons from Passion.
5. Me and my good friends Emma and Dave out in Wan Chai last Wednesday (ladies night).
6. Another Ramen stop off. Obviously.
7. We took Henry and Zoe to Budaoweng Hotpot Restaurant. Mmmmm.
8. Who knew that you could have a hedgehog as a pet here in Hong Kong?! Well here is one.
9. Henry, Zoe and I took a trip to Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan. We even lit some incense in the hopes of receiving some good luck. 

I have a lot of things planned over the coming weeks including a trip to Shanghai. So there will be a lot more posts like this.

K x

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Stop, Its Pamper Time.

Pam-per: Verb (used with object) - to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness or care

Every girl must indulge in a little 'me' time every once in a while.

When Sunday evening approaches I enter pamper mode especially if I have over-indulged on the vino's the previous night. Do not judge me.

I start off by using my favourite cleanser by Oskia to remove the days makeup and follow it up with The Body Shop's Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask - this mask is fantastic for helping to clear up congested and oily skin. Once applied to the skin I leave it on for around ten minutes until the mask has completely hardened. I remove with a warm muslin cloth and straight away I can feel that my skin is much smoother. I have found that this mask tends to draw a lot of the impurities under the skin to the surface - something that a lot of clay masks have trouble doing. A truly great mask at a great price.

I like to give my lips a little bit of TLC by treating them to Lush's lovely Mint Julips Lip Scrub. I gently rub this into the lips to remove any flaky skin.This makes it much easier to apply lip balms and lipsticks as your lips will be as smooth as silk - Fo' sho. Be warned though: This smells divine, you will want to eat it.

Following the dilly-dallying of making my face look presentable, I like to unwind by twinkle-footing it into a nice warm bath (especially if I am aching from Thai Boxing!). I am absolutely in love with Lush bath products at the moment. I used the Northern Lights bath bomb last week  - once dropped into the water it swirls, twirls and fizzes turning the water into a purply glittery wonderland (it even has mini stars in it) - it left my skin feeling so soft and smooth and it smells beautiful. My next Sunday Lush sesh will involve this bubble bath bar, The Comforter. Oh lordy lord, this smells fantastic! I can't wait to submerge myself under the mountain of pinky purple bubbles. 

Once I emerge from the bath smelling truly wonderful but looking a bit like a wrinkled Sphynx cat, I like to slip into my comfy PJ's and thick socks and treat myself to a calming peppermint tea and scoff a little naughty chocolate snack.

Ahh, don't you just love a nice pamper evening?

K x

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Black & Blue

Dress - H&M/ Hat - Topshop/ Boots - New Look (Old)/ Watch - Fossil/ Bag- Zara (Old)

Yes, I am still in love with black and blue. Simple colours that go with everything.

I purchased this dress along with the black and blue skirt from H&M a month or so ago and it is the only item of clothing I have ever received a few compliments for. Simple is obviously the way forward.

Whats not to like? Its comfy, oversized and can be easily dressed up or down.

I paired it with my lovely fedora hat from Topshop for good measure. I got this for my birthday back in April and I am still surprised to see its still on the website - get shopping ladies, its a beaut.

Yes I have massive bags (under eye), but lets just skirt past that issue. It has been a long week of entertaining, you know how that goes.

What do you think of this dress?

K x

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The Busy Bee Edit: My Last Week in Pictures

Our old uni friend Henry and his girlfriend Zoe are visiting for a week and by default I become the tour guide, which by the way, I bloody love! Being a tourist in Hong Kong never gets old. This time we even discovered some new places - bonus!

Starting from the top left;

1. We got the chance to go see the Grand Prix in Macau last Sunday. A fantastic experience and a good day spent with good friends.
2. We hit the bird garden in Mong Kok. What an array of beautifully coloured exotic birds to see. There are a few miserable parrots and some nice ones that greet you with a nice hello and an exhausting goodbye!
3. Then we hit the Flower Market on no other than 'Flower Market Road'. This is a must see if you adore flowers, like me. I left with a beautiful bunch of cream roses (pictured in the middle).
4. Banana and caramel crispy waffles with a side order of milk bubble tea at a funky little cafe we found in Mong Kok.
5. Ramen at Ippudo in Central. Sooooo GOOD.
6. Henry and Zoe in Brick House - a very hip little Mexican joint in Lan Kwai Fong. Tasty food and tastier cocktails with a bit jalapeno thrown in for good measure. 
7. We took a trip to the Peak. The best view of Hong Kong (on a clear day) and took a few snaps!
8. Henry, Zoe and I landed in Passion, a lovely french style bakery in Tsim Sha Tsui. Lovely baked goods but not so good for the figure.
9. We also found ourselves in the Goldfish Market, Mong Kok. A whole road boasting hundreds of brightly coloured fish in plastic bags hung up on metal fences. So if you are in the market for a new goldfish, you know where to head.

Do you find these types of posts interesting? If so, I will make it a regular thang.

K x

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The Makeup Edit: My Daily Essentials

I thought I would give you an insight into the products that I reach for on a daily basis. I like to keep my makeup simple and natural looking, especially in the day time. So here it goes...

To prep my skin before applying foundation I reach for the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser. This product feels so silky and is so easy to apply to the face and covers my crater like pores in an instant. Its cheap and does what it says on the bottle. A must have in my eyes.

Next up is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in Vanilla. It is probably a little too light for me at the moment but coming into the winter months it will be the perfect shade for my fair skin. On top of the Maybelline Instant Pore Eraser this foundation glides on to my skin and leaves me with a light to medium coverage with a near flawless finish. It doesn't cling to my dry patches and leaves me with a healthy glow. I apply this to my face using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush - perfect for applying foundation.

Ahh, now its concealer time. I am a self confessed concealer addict.  On my lookout for the next wonder concealer a few weeks back I stumbled upon Bobbi Brown. The very nice lady in the store sat me down and worked her little wonders on my dark bedraggled under eye bags. The way she made me look, I was sold in an instant. I suppose that's her job to do that though eh?! So I scurried home with the Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector in Light to Medium Peach and the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit in Sand. The corrector is the definite winner for me, once applied to the under eye the peach neutralises the darkness and all is left is for the concealer to do is to add a bit more coverage and to brighten. I then lightly dust the pale yellow pressed powder provided in the concealer kit to seal the concealer and prevent creasing. I must say that they are most certainly worth the money.

I must add that for days where I may need that little extra boost or coverage I tend to reach for my Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in Cool Medium and use that alongside the umpteen concealers I have already applied to my face. Constantly raved about in the beauty blogging world I must say that the hype is true - it is by far one of the best concealers I have come across. It covers, brightens and doesn't crease on my under eye (well for me it doesn't).

Ok, enough of the concealer talk. I told you that I get slightly carried away!!

To seal in the base I add a little of the MAC Blot Pressed Powder. Great for any of you ladies that struggle to get that shine under control. I have already hit pan since getting this stuff earlier this year. This is most definitely a handbag staple if you live in a humid climate like me or suffer from a shiny face.

To inject a bit of life back into my pale face I dabble in a spot of contouring, you know, to define the face and make me look like I have model-like cheekbones. For this I use the Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder. This is great stuff, it gives you that little bit of summer glow without the orangey-ness and can be easily built up to reach the desired shade.

For a pinch of rosiness I either use the Benefit Hervana Face Powder or the Max Factor Creamy Touch Miracle Blush in Soft Pink. Both have great colour pay off and are very easy to apply. I highly recommend both of them.

For brows its the Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium. I am still not there on the strong eyebrow trend. This is perfect as it doesn't add too much colour to the brows but it makes them look more defined and tidy. This is a tad expensive for a brow product but fantastic all the same. If you are looking for more of a purse friendly offering, try Rimmel or Maybelline. They have similar products in their line.

As for the lashes, I am currently loving Maybelline's the Hyper Curl Volume Express Waterproof Mascara which doesn't seem to be available in the UK. Sucks to be you. If you want to check out something similar try Maybelline's the Falsies Waterproof Mascara. Both of these mascaras are fantastic. They lengthen, volumize and give your lashes curls that would give Kim K a run for her money. Once you go waterproof when it comes to your lashes, you'll never go back.

Last but very not least its down to the lips. Just like concealer I have an addiction to lip balms. I am like clockwork, every thirty minutes I find myself applying it, so a case of dry chapped lips just isn't the norm for me. So recently the unspeakable happened, I got chapped lips. Two lip balms down and no improvement I decided to take the plunge and buy the blogger famous Nuxe Reve de Miel Baume Levres Ultra-Nourrissant Lip Balm. With a thick and nourishing non-sticky consistency, this product is like a hug for your poorly dry lips in a glass container.  One thing is for sure, I am in love.

What are your daily makeup essentials?

K x

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A List of Loves, Covets and New Finds #1

Currently Loving
Its no secret that I am a mahoosive blog fanatic. Whether it be fashion, beauty, lifestyle, wedding or food related. The best platform for collating all these blogs into one easy place is obviously Bloglovin'. Even more so now my blog is on there! I have downloaded the app for my iPhone which makes browsing through my favourite blogs much easier. Try it out guys.

Next on my list of current loves is the Evening Chill Playlist on Spotify. Its just the perfect list to chill out to, whether it be with a glass of wine or helping me focus on typing up my blog posts. I have discovered so many new artists through my daily indulge of this playlist. I love love love!

Currently Coveting
Ashley Madekwe (my current girl crush) posted this beaut of a photo on instagram the other day and I instantly fell in love with what was on her lips. The NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl. Wow, what a cracking shade. A stunning pinky red offering. I need this in my life. Ashley Madekwe has a fashion blog, check it out. That girl can seriously rock some amazing outfits.

Now I need to let you all know about my addiction to concealers. I have quite dark under-eye circles and I am constantly on the hunt for the next miracle concealer. You name the product, I have probably tried it. So, after seeing Anna of Vivianna Does Makeup review of the Clarins Instant Concealer, I knew that I needed this in my make up stash ASAP. Hong Kong unfortunately do not stock Clarins make-up. What is that all about?! So I will just have to wait to pick up this little number on my return to the UK.

Boots, boots, boots. I fricking love a good pair of boots. I spotted these babies from Topshop on my weeky jaunt of the store in central. They definitely went on my Christmas list faster than I could say Jingle Bells. I must say, they look better in the flesh than on the website. Trust me.

New Finds
After reading Luce of Bonjour Luce post on Into The Gloss I checked out the site. I actually spent a good hour or so browsing through the other day. Its addictive. Its a one stop shop for all things beauty related with fantastic and inspiring interviews of many famous beautiful women. I urge you to go and have a read.

Ping Pong Gintoneria is hidden little gem of a bar located in the Sai Ying Pun area on Hong Kong island. The only way people hear about this place is through word of mouth. Clearly from the outside (pictured above) you wouldn't know what lies beyond that ominous red door unless someone recommends or takes you there. You are greeted with a steep set of stairs followed by a wall of breasts located at the bottom. With a wide selection of Gin inspired cocktails (I would know, I tried a few) its a great bar with a lovely chilled out atmosphere. Go take a look, its worth it.

What have you guys discovered recently?

K x

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Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe comes to Hong Kong

If you could have seen me in this place the other day anyone would exclaim that I was acting like a kid in a sweet shop. Pardon the use of words there. I just had to say it.

Anyone that knows me well enough knows that I have an eye and a mouth for sweet things and yes, I am that person who checks out the dessert menu before even choosing what I want for my main course. They are the best type of people, don't you think?!

My lovely friend Catrina gave me a heads up about this glorious shop opening up a couple of weeks back. Of course she had to let me know about it, we both appreciate the good things in life, especially those that contain sugar.

Upon reading an article detailing the opening of Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe, I immediately placed it at number one on my list of things to do.

Anyway, lets get to the point.

Me and my chum Lauren ventured into this delight of a shop a few days back. Thirty minutes later (I am not joking) we emerged outside very content and our bellies full of sweets to prove it.

Its like a sugar monsters dream. Floor to ceiling shelves stocked full of sweets that probably take my dad back to his childhood memories, let alone myself.

Just take a look at the penny sweet counter. Utterly delightful. Obviously a little more expensive than the actual 1p or 2p I used to pay for sweets when I was a young one.

I had to take a picture of the Rainbow Crystals and American Creme Soda. Its exactly what I used to reach for when I went running towards the local shop with my proudly earned pocket money for completing my weeks worth of chores.

A wall dedicated to chocolate. Enough said.

Freddo's. Does anyone actually remember when they used to cost 10p back in the day? Those certainly were the days.

It has only been open a couple of weeks but I can tell already that its going to be a big hit in Hong Kong, especially amongst the expats.

All I can say is get your skates on and go check it out. I guarantee you will not be leaving there empty handed, unless you have diabetes and for that I am truly sorry.

Located at 37 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central.

K x

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The Lipstick Edit: Three Budget Buys

I have become a lipstick fiend as of late, always on the prowl for my next lipstick fix.

So here is my opinion on a few budget buys that I have picked up over the last month or so... 

'Coral Kiss' from The Body Shop Colour Crush range is a beautiful orangey nude colour, its quite sheer so it does require some applying before a desired shade is reached. These lipsticks glide on smoothly and feel quite hydrating if your lips are in good condition. Unfortunately due to the change in the weather, my lips are in a sorry state of affairs and this lipstick just clung to the dry patches.

Do not let this avert your decision though. As long as your lips are nice and smooth, this is a great formula and long lasting, which is always a pro for me as my biggest bugbear with lip products is the constant reapplying.

My inner Betty Boop appeared in this photo thanks to this next lipstick offering.

'Crazy Sexy Crinson' also from the same range is a deep burgundy/crimson red with a slight brown undertone. Perfect for autumn/winter time.

Just like 'Coral Kiss', this glides on smoothly (except for when you have dry lips) and can be built up to the desired shade. 

They have quite a smooth and shiny formula so if you are looking to make them more matte just add a touch of translucent powder or a setting powder to the lips after.

All in all, a good lipstick for the price but make sure you prepare your lips to resemble that of a baby's bottom or you'll be having problems.

I am totally into the bright bold lip look at the moment. In all honesty, it does scare me wearing such bright colours out in public. I suppose its the constant thought that I might smile at someone and low and behold, my teeth are completely covered in the stuff!

Anyway, that will certainly not deter me from purchasing eye popping bold colours such as this one from Maybelline. It doesn't feel like the most Matte formula I have ever tried but it is certainly true to colour. A rich orangey red that glides on nicely and doesn't cling to the dry patches like The Body Shop lipsticks.

I would recommend this range if you are looking for a Matte type lip product with good colour pay-off and a long lasting formula to boot.

See you on the f-lip side....

K x

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ASOS Wishlist: Oversized Scarves

Who doesn't love a big cuddly oversized scarf to throw round themselves in the Autumn and Winter time? Not only do they keep you warm and cozy in cooler times, they really add to an outfit for that little bit of laid back chic.

So whilst I was on my weekly binge of the ASOS website I thought why not get a little wishlist together of the scarves that are totally rocking my world. Just click on the pictures to check out each of the items.

Now excuse me whilst I go and cry into my bag of maltesers knowing that there is no way I can afford to buy any of these beautiful scarves and ever look like those beautiful models!

A girl can wish!

K x

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Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist - A Skincare Must Have

 Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist - £12.71 for 50ml

I have been eying up this little number for a while and whilst I was raiding the BeautyBay website a good month or so ago I decided to pop it into my basket. I have been on the lookout for a new toner and this one just happened to be right up my street - something to balance, restore, brighten and hydrate my complexion.

Housed in a glass bottle which is very simple and not all that eye catching, its whats on the inside that really counts. I have incorporated this into my morning skincare routine by either spritzing or spraying onto the palm of my hand and pressing into my skin just after cleansing. The latter seems to be more effective in my opinion.

This stuff is like 'instant face sparkle' in a bottle. You know the sparkly face that Edward gets when he hits the sun in Twilight? That is what I am talking about. Ok, maybe a little extreme but as soon as I apply this, my dull complexion is instantly brightened. My skin looks and feels plumper and much more hydrated.

It has all the right ingredients to give your face a little oomph in the morning. Obviously containing rose essential oils with a mixture of aloe and marshmallow (unfortunately not the type of marshmallow you are thinking about. Imagine that though?!)

I personally love this. A great product for normal to combination skin and a lovely little addition to my skincare routine.

What toners do you reach for?

K x

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