Lifestyle | What I Got For Christmas

This post isn't a post about me bragging about what I received for Christmas, because to be honest, I found the generosity of my family, boyfriend and friends slightly overwhelming! No, I am writing this post because I enjoy reading others posts on what they received for Christmas or even birthdays, and I know I'm not the only one!

I received lots of lovely girly bits and pieces for my room. It's currently in the process of having new licks of paint on it and a few new bits of furniture, but I take so much pride in how my room looks and I'm always looking for more bits and pieces to make it look even more beautiful. The Katie Piper books were one of my favourites, I love Katie, and she truly is my inspiration. I think I may do posts on these especially the Start Your Day With Katie, I'm gaining my own positivity from her little quotes each day. And I've fallen head over heels for my onesie. It's from Next, and so incredibly soft, Mum couldn't resist getting it for me!

 

Again, I was a lucky girl and got the Kindle Paperwhite. I'd had the original kindle for just over a year before the screen broke, and I'm lucky enough to get a new one this Christmas, and I can't believe just how much better the Paperwhite is to the original. It means no more reading in bed and falling asleep with the light on! And of course, no Christmas is complete without lots of bath smellies!

 

The Soap and Glory Yule Tide Monty set was a favourite this year, I now have even more to add to my collection! Somehow Mum always manages to source pretty undies sets for Christmas which I love to bits. But it's always a bit awkward opening up a set of silk lacy underwear in front of your boyfriend and then the rest of your family, I think they knew what he was thinking just from the look on his face! The above picture are the presents which my gorgeous boyfriend spoiled me with. He has truly been incredible this year and I can't believe how lucky I was. The ring also came as a bit of a surprise as I had given many hints to which he said there was no way I was getting it on this earth. So after everyone had opened their presents he then finally presented me with it. There was a slight heart stopping moment where I did think he was going to propose, and so did the rest of my family! Haha.

Sadly, it's really hard to get a good picture of just how beautiful the ring is, it's silver with a diamond set in gold, and I absolutely love it and haven't stopped wearing it since!

Even now, reminiscing over Christmas I'm almost having to stop myself from welling up! Christmas 2013 has just been breathtaking. I spent the day with all my loved ones including my family, and Tyler's family. I ate tonnes of incredible food, although I didn't get merry due to being a responsible driver! Now more than ever so, I am incredibly grateful and in love with all the wonderful people in my life!

What did you get for Christmas?!

Lifestyle | 2014

Image taken from WeHeartIt

For those of you reading this post I want to wish you a very Happy New Year and welcome back to Glitter and Sparkle for 2014. Honestly, just where did 2013 go? I know towards to end of the year I stopped blogging quite a lot but that was due to starting university and settling into a new routine and also, technology has seriously been failing on me recently when it comes to my Laptop and the internet! However, I'm back and I have lots planned!

2013 was a brilliant year for me which at the beginning of the year saw me turn 19 and be whisked away for a lovely weekend in Paris by my boyfriend. Throughout the year I accomplished many things such as passing my driving test, doing well at college and receiving an A*AA in my college course which then led to me starting University in Oxford which has been the highlight of my year and most probably one of the best things I have ever done as I've met the best people and friends ever through it. I've also fallen head over heels in love with my course and can't wait to become a primary school teacher! All in all I've had such great year in 2013 and have had so much fun and made so many incredible memories. There's also so much to look forward to for 2014 starting with my 20th birthday next week and celebrating our two year anniversary with Tyler. How exciting?!

I'm not going to set any goals for 2014 other than to remain always happy and positive!

Hope you all had a good Christmas and new year, a late What I Got for Christmas post will be coming soon!

Just a quick photo of Tyler and I just after midnight on New Years Eve!

Beauty | The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector 100ml - £10.00
Long time, no see?! I know I haven't blogged in so long, but since starting Uni I would never have believed how busy I've been. It truly has been crazy, but I love it. Uni really has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I'm constantly motivated and doing so much uni work and when I'm not studying I can't bare to look at a computer screen and I'm off out living my life, which is why I haven't blogged in almost a month, but I haven't left you! I'm just trying to blog when I can and get some quiet me time.

Throughout my travels as I travel to and from University in Oxford my hands are really effected from a combination of cold weather and the central heating on transport and in buildings. My hands were so dry that they would be incredibly sore, itchy and almost raw looking. It was a complete fluke that I stumbled upon The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector, and I haven't looked back.

Firstly with this product, if you're not aware of Hemp like I was then you'll find it very odd that there's the Cannabis logo on the front of the packaging. Hemp is sourced from Cannabis, but isn't illegal. It is the oil which is extracted out of the Hemp seeds which makes the hand cream so conditioning.

As you can see the hand protector is very thick compared to more hand creams which is why it is so ideal for those who suffer with dry hands. Most hand creams don't even touch the surface but this product does. If I use it in the morning I won't have to reapply the hand cream again till the next day, or possibly even the day after as that's how deep conditioning it is, and only a small amount is needed.

The only thing I would warn people about is the smell. It doesn't have a pleasant girly smell like most hand creams and some people even find it off putting, but because I know how good it works the smell doesn't put me off, and it soon wears off.

Stumbling across this hand protector has been my life saviour for this winter and I'd even go as far to say it's my holy grail, no other hand cream compares!

The Body Shop also sell a Hemp Lip Balm which I'm going to have to try if it's anything like the Hand Protector! Have you tried any products in the Hemp range by the Body Shop?