Valentine's Day Gift Guide: What to get that special Lady

 

This is part 2 of my gift guide (part 1 can be found here), and it's perhaps the more fun of the two. as it's for the ladies (holla) and I'm a lady. I just wanted to do a little sweet collection of items that I think covers all the basis for items for Valentine's Day. We're going to cover books, lipstick, eyeshadow, perfume, bath products and skincare but that doesn't mean you can't look at the lady you want to buy something for, and think outside the box. Thinking outside the box is awesome. Remember something she once said that she really liked? Or that she wanted but she couldn't afford it? Well, if you have the option to buy it, then why not? Unless it's something ridiculous like a boat, or a holiday...even though I would appreciate either of those ;) Just kidding, I get sea sick. 

For books, I chose one of my favourite poetry books, and it's Shakespeare's Sonnets and a Lovers Complaint (£11.99, here), which I think is always a romantic book to give, but seeing as I bought it for myself, it was a romantic gift to myself, from myself. I think it's always important to give a gift that's more than just makeup or socks, if they have an interest in books or films but that's just me, as I love a good book. I don't want to tell anyone what to buy, but I'm all about digging for hints and ideas, and then having a good long think, before making any decisions. You may know immediately what to get for the female in your life, and that's awesome, or you may not, and that's okay too. But just please don't leave it until the day before or the day, where you're running into Boots/Debenhams/Tesco in order to get everything that you want. Bad move. You're going to get stressed, and maybe not even get what you want. If in doubt, use the internet. The Internet and it's shopping, is your friend. 

 

Makeup, I think, if she has an interest in it, is always a wonderful present, as not only does it show a great deal of thought, but that you pay attention. Perhaps to something that she'd said, or even from the links she might have sent to you - but four products that I love, two eyeshadow palettes and two lipsticks are rather wonderful presents, assuming the lipsticks are the colours that she want. Enter Clinique's Long Last Matte Lipsticks in Matte Petal (the pink one) and Matte Mandarin (the reddy, orange one) (£17.50, here) which are moisturising and matte, two of my favourite things about a lipstick, because dry and matte is a huuuge no-no for me - it's just so uncomfortable to wear on the lips. 

Then we have the first of two eyeshadow palettes; Urban Decay's Naked Basics 2 (£23, here) and L'oreal's La Palette Nude Rose (£14.99, here), both of which are gorgeous, subtle palettes, but are able to be built up for a more intense colour payoff, which I think is the best of both worlds. Whilst I think £15 is a bit expensive for a high street eyeshadow palette, the colour pay off is something you'd expect for a high end product, much like the UD palette, which at just over £20 is a brilliant offering from them, and perfect as an introduction to High End makeup, or just as an additional 'basics' palette for that special lady. 

 

For skincare, I thought of two products that are basically essentials for me. A good refreshing mist from Jurlique, their Rosewater Hydrating Mist (£17, here) and some Lush bath products, such as A French Kiss (£4.25, here) which is a perfect mix of lavender and relaxing coconut oil, which is amazing to just send you into that pre-sleep phase, before drifting off to sleep. I think any selection from Lush is a winner, as not only does it show thought and consideration, but Lush are very ethical and natural in their product choices, so it's a win all around. And lastly, such as Rain from Library of Fragrance (£15, here), which is such an unusual scent and one of my favourite perfumes for that hit of freshness, that instantly perks you up. I did a review on it here, as well as another offering from them called Grass, which is just as gorgeous, in my opinion. But unusual perfumes aren't necessarily the way to go, because if you know that they love a certain brand of type of scent, then that should be the way forward. Don't be afraid to ask one of the assistants in Boots, Debenhams or the Perufme Shop, as i'm sure they have a great deal of knowledge. I also think that closer to the date, numerous bloggers will be posting gift guides with various perfumes in them, so I also think those are wonderful to look at.

As for me, for Valentine's Day, I'd like nothing more than some bubble bath (here) and maybe a body oil (here) because my skin is super dry in this weather. And maybe, for a little something extra, a little product from my Boots wish list. I'm not really one to expect flowers or anything extravagant, so I think a night in, takeaway and Netflix is more up my street. How will you be spending your Valentine's Day? Do you have a gift in mind that you'd like? 

Pinterest Collage #1 January - What I've been loving

January has been a long cold month, but I've been basking in the glow of Pinterest, and I'm totally obsessed with it, as I'm sure you all know. It's been a month of wishing and wanting, and those five favourite pins of mine, sum up basically what January has been all about for me. #1 lusting and dreaming over having my own place, and the amazing decor it would have (see the pin here); just generally feeling like I'm ready to have my own place... but also feeling incredibly sad, because I don't have the right job, or the funds to allow it to happen. #2 is short hair and how amazing it looks on everyone. Ahhh the lob, or the long bob to you and me. It's look beautiful on so many people, and I'm loving how everyday people, not only high fashion are embracing this look (see the pin here). Now if only I could pull of her exact hair colour - oh, I can dream. 

#3 is some serious style lusting, and it's all about that flawy skirt, with a gorgeous belt and a top tucked into it. There's something so simple yet incredibly stylish about it, and I've not been able to get this look out of my head for the entire month (see the pin here). Plus, teaming it with some fabulous shoes, it's a look that needs to be replicated. #4 is an incredibly fierce makeup look, and has totally inspired me to start wearing more false lashes, as the look it gives is just glorious (see the pin here) and the glowing skin is another must have, as it just completes the glamorous look so well. #5 last, but not least, is this amazing braided pesto bread, and now say it with me 'yuuuuuuuum'. I know, right? (see the pin here) doesn't it look like something you'd make for a dinner party, and then eat entirely by yourself whilst watching Netflix? Maybe that's just me then...

What have you been lusting over this month? Anything I should be adoring, too? 

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist and Citrus Hand cream

I've discovered two of my favourite products throughout the brand, Jurlique; which are the Rosewater Balancing Mist * and the Citrus Hand Cream *, both of which are so fabulous, I don't know how I did anything without them. Recently, I've been trying out lots of different types of skincare, and over the past few months, I've discovered what works for my skin at different times of the month, and what doesn't - I've also found out what scents I love the most, and those are definitely of the natural, 'Ohmygosh that smells amazing' kind of products. Rose and Lemon are two scents that have been floating my boat recently, and these two products from Jurlique, summarise that really well, as they both give that glorious hit of perfume that only comes from their natural sources, and I love that. The Rosewater Balancing Mist (£17 for the full size, here) is the hydrating product that I go to whenever my skin needs a hit of moisture (which thanks to the cold weather, and central heating, happens 2-3 times a day) and due to it's natural products, I know that it's just going to boost the moisture levels in my skin, without anything bad affecting my face, which can be quite sensitive during the colder months of the year.

Now, lemon is basically one of my favourite scents ever. Whenever I'd slice one to put in my tea, or to squeeze into guacamole, I'd just stand there for a good five minutes, inhaling the amazing scent, and rubbing the zest all over my hands and wrists, because then the scent would follow me around all day. So, when this Citrus Hand Cream (£17, here) arrived, I was literally so excited, I had to open it straight away and use it on my dry hands, and omg the scent of lemon is so gorgeous and pungent, I swear I was in heaven. It's not too heavy on the skin, so it sinks in right away, and this is something I use throughout the day, and before I go to sleep, as the scent of citrus just lulls me off to sleep so well. With Jurlique, the scent of rose and lemon, have just become almost an essential part of my skincare routine, and I cannot wait to blog about it with you, as it just makes looking after your skin so effortless - and because it's Jurlique, who I trust with the sensitive/oily/combination skin on my face. A few more products I'm lusting after are the Purely Age-Defying Nourishing Cleansing Oil (£30, here), Essense of Rose Roller-On fragrance Oil (£17, here), Lemon Body Oil (£21.50, here) and their Clarifying Deep Cleansing Gel (£20, here) as they all sound so divine. Are you adoring anything from Jurlique? What products are you dying to try? 

The Instagram update at the end of January.

I love Instagram. I reaaaaally, really do. I included a 'What I'm loving on Instagram' post earlier this month (here) with some fabulous accounts that I always look to for inspiration and just for a general nose into their lives. It's one of my favourite social media platforms, because although Twitter is quick and always moving, Instagram is a brilliant documentation of your life - and scrolling back through my 1000+ images, I remember things; feelings and memories that I had forgotten about, and I think that's wonderful. I love 'gramming pictures of makeup and skincare, but also regramming images of homeware and quotes, makeup and fashion - for me, my page is all about inspiration and what I'm adoring at that moment in time. I hope whenever someone looks at it, they'll see what I felt at the time I posted something - whether it was excitement over a new product, me fawning over something beautiful or just loving an image so much, I just had to have it on my page. My Instagram isn't perfect or full of images that are meticulously planned out - they're just of me and what I want to show my followers. Some images happen to be really gorgeous to look at, some are not, but it's mine, and I love it that way. My page, ohkalukalay, can be found here (shameless plug) and don't be afraid to tweet me, or comment your names so I can follow you, as I always love finding new feeds to follow. Are you as Instagram obsessed as me?

Library of Fragrance, Grass and Rain Cologne Sprays

These were purchased after a little mooch around Boots whilst waiting for my boyfriend to finish work. My first reaction was 'Omg Library of Fragrance' and then a twenty minute session of trying out each and every fragrance led me to two bottles, Rain and Grass. The perfumes are actually on offer for 2 for £25 or £15 individually, but it was a very difficult decision to pin down two, let alone one - so two needed to be purchased. Grass (£15, here) is that freshly cut, 'oh it's just rained and it's divine' kinda smell. Freshly cut grass, or even grass after Summer rain is one of my favourite smells, so this was one of the bottles that first caught my interest. It's something I spritz on when I need a pick me up, as that's generally what it's for: not being a perfume (it's a cologne), but just something to lift you up when you need a hit of fragrance. I love the idea of these fragrances, as they're such unusual scents - and I have to give a shout out to Thunder Storm and Gin & Tonic as they were define contenders for coming home with me (but those are going to be a future purchase).

Rain (£15, here) is another that just jumped out at me because, ohmygod the scent of rain is one of my favourites. It has that clean, fresh smell that just makes you feel so...alive and lovely, if you know what I mean. But what I really do love, is Grass and Rain combined, layered over each other and it's so good. It's Summer and the way grass smells just when it's stopped raining, ugh, divine. Fresh and crisp, as if it's those long, lazy Summer days - you can bet that these two will be packed into my Holiday Suitcase - because I want to smell like amazingness on the beach, and have everyone be jealous. These bottles are small, so easy to chuck in your handbag for a spritz on the go, perfect for a quick freshen up and to be honest, whenever I spray them, it instantly gives a little bounce to my step.  I'm a huge fan, and can honestly not wait to add more to my collection. Do you own any LoF fragrances? Are there any that have caught your eye? 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: What to get that special man in your life.

 

Ahhhh Valentine's Day. That time of year again. After Christmas and New Years, but before Pancake day and Easter... probably just another day to sell a ridiculous amount of chocolate, but who am I to complain? I've never really been that keen on Valentine's Day... perhaps because I've never had flowers or anything that made me think it was a special day, but I'm trying to be less negative, as after all, it obviously makes people happy, and I like it when everyone's happy. This year I actually have a boyfriend, who although isn't that into Valentine's Day, much like myself, isn't opposed to the idea of it - so I thought, why not make some effort and give him something to show him how much he means to me? Then that brought on a panic about what to get him. Like Christmas all over again. But when House of Fraser challenged me to create a Gift Guide for Male, I though, hey, this would be brilliant practice. 

It took some serious thought as to what to put in this Gift Guide, as everyone's different, so who am I to tell or suggest what should be purchased? Instead, I went down the road of hobbies, interests and likes. Sport was one of the first things that popped into my head, and I suppose the brilliant thing about sport, is that it is so diverse. Football, Rugby, Tennis, Motorsport - the list is endless, and that is where I'll start first. My boyfriend is a huuuuuuge massive Motorsport fan, so I immediately went to my collection of films and selected two that he knows and loves: Senna and Rush. But it doesn't stop at films, there are documentaries, artwork, shows all dedicated to it - and I know this is much the same as any sport - there is definitely a huge selection of items dedicated to it, so my first suggestion would be, what are his interests? Rugby, you say? Well, how about tickets to a game for the both of you? Or if you're totally not into it, then tickets for him and one person of his choosing? How about a new bit of kit for him to wear whilst watching them? The possibilities are endless, all you need to do is make a little list (I do love a good list) and go from there. 

If he has a huge interest in reading, then why not ask him which books he fancies reading? Or if he has an interest in Geography or History, then why not get a book dedicated to that? He may love photography or travelling; it's all about finding out what he likes, and going from there. I could say, as the partner of a beauty/lifestyle/fashion blogger he should have some skincare etc, but if that's not his thing (or he's quite content with stealing yours) then hobbies/interests are where it's at. 

 

If he's a collector of ties, or cufflinks for example, then why not indulge him in something unusual? These Penguin Interlink Cufflinks * (I think the exact ones have sold out, but you can view the fab range here) are right up my boyfriends street, as he's a huge fan of cufflinks, and with the interchangeable outsides, they can be customised based on mood, or outfit colour choices. Got a blue dress and want him to match it? Well, these cufflinks have you sorted. As for ties, my dad is always a fan of a whimsical tie (pretty sure he has one with Bugs Bunny on it) but that's totally a personal preference. If you think he could do with a tie that makes you smile every time you see it, then go for it. That's the thing I love about presents: they're personal to you, as well as who you're giving it to. From accessories and interests, you could always try and play it safe with a fragrance - i.e purchase one that you know he wears and loves, or be bold and buy something he likes the smell of (drag him into Boots/Superdrug/perfume shop and see what he likes the scent of, if you peruse the perfume section with him - or just lie and say you want something for your brother/dad/uncle/family member and get him to help you choose).

Lastly, a failsafe I always find, is that if they have a certain beverage they enjoy, then a bottle of that is never a wrong decision. He may be a tea/coffee fanatic or a wine/beer/spirit kinda guy, so a selection of tea/coffee or a bottle of his favourite spirit, I think, shows not only that you pay attention, but that after a long day in work, or on the weekend, he deserves to have something that he enjoys (which is totally the same for us girls. Give me a glass of Cider and a Cinnamon bun to de-stress me, any day). I think the main reason people panic at the thought of buying their partner presents, is that fear of getting it wrong but these days, I don't see any harm in asking, or having him/her make a few suggestions - as after all, if they don't let you know, all you can do is guess, and no one has the right to make you feel bad for that. Are you buying any Valentine's Day presents this year? If so, have you got any idea yet? 

Posterista - posters from you Social Media accounts

Good day my lovelies, this is more of a lifestyle post today, or maybe it can be considered beauty because it's got some serious product pictures/selfies within it? Hmm. Anyway, let's talk about this fab poster. I've always looooved the idea of gathering images from my social media, like my Instagram, and making them into one massive poster - so even if you don't always scroll down your feed to re-look at the memories you've taken pictures of, this poster is the ideal way of keeping those pictures you love the most, out and about for everyone to see. Posterista offered me free 30x40cm poster*, and I was basically overjoyed! Not only did I have a good fiddle on the website, choosing which pictures I want from my Instagram, and where they should go - but re-looking at all the pictures I've taken over the years (1110 images) - it does give me a wonderful sense of perspective; where I've been, and where I'm going. I must have spent a good hour or so, just flicking through the pictures, deciding which ones I wanted and what kind of theme the poster should have. I basically went with pictures that made me happy. Travel, pugs, sausage dogs, food, makeup, fashion, skincare, my boyfriend and my face - this poster has it all, and I really do love it. It's resting on my Ikea bed frame, next to my noticeboard, and it just looks right. All my life, I've always been one to have lots of images in my room, postcards stuck to walls and furniture, posters and pages ripped out of magazines - all to make the room 'mine' and not looking like it belonged to anyone else, i.e my brother. 

The same kinda thing applied when I went to University - the walls were covered (but in that orderly, lined kinda way) and I loved it. It looked like mine, whenever I moved. So, if you fancy a little bit of you, in poster form (because that's basically what my Instagram is) then I think Posterista is for you; the lovely people from Posterista even gave me a code for my followers, which is 'Ohkalukalay20' for 20% off your unframed poster. I just purchased a frame from Ikea and put it in - simple as that. You can use pictures from Instagram, Facebook and 500px - but to be honest, I'm all about Instagram, because everything is perfectly filtered already. Have you ever thought about collating your favourite images into a poster?