Walking in a Winter Wonderland...

After hearing such wonderful things about Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland, we decided to go last night to help get us into the festive spirit! It actually began late November and will be open until January 6th, it opens every morning at 10am and closes 10pm (except Christmas day).

We first had a mosey around Soho and spotted 'The Breakfast Club'.

Now, as a huge John Hughes fan, I couldn't just walk by so we decided to pop in for a caramel latte (£2.70) and were not left disappointed. The cafe was as an oasis of calm, with Led Zeppelins "Kashmir" playing as we walked in and a laidback ambiance, it was hard to imagine we were minutes away from the mayhem of Oxford Street!

We then walked through Carnaby and Oxford Street, which were lit with hundreds of Christmas lights and smiling faces...

After a long walk past Piccadilly Circus, we (finally) found ourselves amongst a large hubbub of people and at the entrance!!

First things first, we immediately hunted down a Hungarian stall and devoured a chicken burrito. We had to wait about ten minutes and the price was a little steep, but considering that there's no admission fee, AND the burrito was hands down the best I've ever eaten.. I wasn't complaining!

The next two hours were a bit of a blur as there was simply so much to do! The best way to describe it is like a labyrinth! There was literally a stall for everything: pick and mix, Jagerslushies, Bavarian delicacies, you name it! 

I bought this sweet wooden Moon to hang beside my bed, £4

WW's answer to Trevi fountain, don't forget to make your Christmas wish!

Banana and marshmallow chocolate covered skewer, £4 

My highlight was definitely the carousel bar! The mulled wine, quirky horse tables, and everyone jamming to Bob Marley's 'three little birds', made for a merry and memorable experience!

Hyde Park Corner tube station is right beside the entrance of the park, which is incredibly convenient! 

How are you getting into the Christmas spirit? Have you ever been to Winter Wonderland? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below :-) 

Last minute stocking filler ideas...

With Christmas looming, I thought a "last minute stocking filler ideas" first post seemed fitting. I'm sure I'm not the only one still rummaging for little bits and bobs. As I've just come down from the north to spend Christmas with my dad, everything's been a bit hectic. But, alas, my Christmas 2012 shopping is officially done and dusted... HALLELUJAH.

As my dad lives in South-East London, my last minute goodies were found in either Crystal Palace or Bromley and range from £1.50 to £8. It just goes to show, it's not necessarily the amount of money you spend on your friends and family, but the thought that's gone into it. My best advice is to buy them something that is personal and shows that you've been listening. Whether that's a movie you both went to see at the cinema together or perhaps their favourite childhood novel.

Keyring, £4.99 (South of the river, Crystal Palace)

Card £2, Magnet £2, Baboushka notebook £5 (Glitter & Twisted, Crystal Palace)

I actually bought a bunch of these thank you cards to send out in January. I thought it was a sweet way to say thank you for my gifts (as well as learn how to say thank you in a bunch of different languages). Cute AND educational!

Tote bag, £3.50 (Cancer research) 

I will warn you ladies, if you buy this you'll be humming Eliza Doolittles 'Pack Up' wherever you go... but is that really a bad thing?

Classic childrens book, £6.99 (Bookseller crow on the hill, Crystal Palace)

I think a really thoughtful idea is to buy their favourite childhood book or even use Google to figure out if there's a funny book with their name in the title! My dad actually bought this for me as an early Christmas present, (and as Quentin Blake's my favourite illustrator).

Hangover coffee & sweets, £3.50 each (Whittard)

I thought these were quite novelty stocking fillers for my friends. Also, Whittard currently has a 3 for 2 offer on quite a lot of products, so I ended up getting a second tin of hangover sweets for free!

Stevie Wonder & The Carpenters vinyls, £1 each (The British Heart Foundation)

It's worth rooting in your local charity shops for these hidden gems, I mean at £1 a pop, you really can't go wrong. I managed to find these for my dad, but I know I'll be jamming out tonight to Stevie whilst wrapping presents!

The Alchemist, £1.50 (The British Heart Foundation)

Whilst on my Christmas pursuit, I stumbled upon this copy of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist (one of my favorite books). Whilst flicking through it, I noticed that the previous owners bookmark was an 'Abu Simbel' tour ticket from Egypt. Now, anyone whose read the book knows that it follows a man in hope of reaching the Egyptian pyramids!! Ah, the beauty of charity shop finds...

Kodak cameras, usually £8 each (Boots)

I always find that disposable cameras are a great fail safe gift, whatever the occasion! I also always get mine from Boots as they usually have a 'buy one get one free' offer. I'm not exactly sure how long this deal is for, as I actually remember them having it when I went in July for my holiday cameras!

So, Good luck folks and... Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Green Light

Every so often I spot an outfit that is so mesmerising I feel it is my civic duty to share it. How divine is this mint green and lilac custom made Erdem dress for Keira Knightley?! <3 <3 <3

@ The LA premiere of Anna Karenina

It takes a brave lady to wear Babie pink lipstick and yet somehow I can't imagine this look without it!