I'm still bursting with gratitude (& cake if we're being honest) from my birthday last week, my friends and family showered me with love and such thoughtful gifts. As Christmas is on the horizon, I thought I'd share some bits and bobs I received ~ perhaps give you some inspo for your wishlist!
On the eve of my birthday, my dad and I had a magical day strolling around Manchester and I was lucky enough to be treated to some goodies that I've had my eye on for a while. We first nipped into Affleck's, which is always an experience ~ after pulling faces in the photo booth, I picked up some silver hoop earrings at £3 a pop. We also picked up this groovy Heinsenberg iron on patch for my brother Billy!
Soon after we bobbed into H&M where I chose these two autumnal jumpers ~ I'm obsessed with the olive and mustard shades! I wore the mustard jumper to
the Estée Lalonde event and received tonnes of compliments, one from Estée herself which was pretty surreal! These A/W staples were also just £8/£15 which is unbeatable!
Next was Boots where I took full advantage of their 3 for 2 offer and stocked up on some makeup goodies. I've heard a few bloggers state that Maybelline's
Fit Me concealer is s dupe for Nars' radiant creamy concealer, so I picked one up. As I'm in need of a new foundation and mascara, I was also treated to L'Oreal's
Infallible matte foundation and
false lash telescopic mascara ~ I'm one happy bunny!
As cliché as it sounds, I also thought since it's my 21st it's a good time to buy my first serum. I opted for
this Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum ~ I also couldn't resist
Una Brennan's super facialist as it was on offer!
I'll be hiding under all winter...
In the Arndale centre, I popped into Next as I was on the hunt for NYX'S Transylvania matte lipstick, turns out they don't stock NYX there anymore :-( I did however buy my mum a treat as although it's my big day, I wanted to get my mum a small present to say a BIG thank you for putting up with me all these years! I treated her to her favourite Next perfume which she used to wear religiously many moons ago!
A fresh green floral fragrance with soft fruits and pink blooms.
Notes of green mandarin, jasmine, musk and patchouli.
One of the last stops was Harvey Nichols where I picked up this
HEAVENLY hazelnut syrup ~ the nectar of the gods! From Topshop I picked up some glitter socks as I love the instant pizzazz it gives any outfit ~ the 3 for £8 deal was also pretty sweet.
My dad and I originally waltzed into Selfridges hoping to make a beeline for the Monica Vinader boutique, but we soon discovered that it no longer stands :( We did however hit up Mac where I was treated to two lip liners that I've been lusting over for as long as I can remember. I bought their darkest shade
Nightmoth and their classic brown shade
Chestnut.
As cheeky as it sounds
(yes, I am aware), when asked a billion times this year what I wanted for the big 2-1, I asked for mula as hostel hopping / commuting from Manchester / London life isn't cheap! I was, however, treated to a few other goodies from my loved ones...
My best friend Caitanya got me some groovy plant pots and dainty jewellery, as well as this cosmic Iris Apfel documentary from Fopp!
My cosmic cousin Livvy designed two personalised pieces to hang in my bedroom, which her wildly talented friends created. The Manchester / Corfu / London creation made me especially teary as they're my three homes <3 I'm also utterly in awe by the intricacy of the thread daisy artwork!
If you love the location print as much as I do and would like your own bespoke piece, search 'H&L Handmade Crafts' on Facebook :-)
My brother and his wonderful girlfriend Beth also went all out and bought me this
AMAZING Fujifilm instax! I can't wait to whip it out at all of the Christmas / NYE doos :-)
Sticking with the eponymous theme, I also received a camera case adorned with daisies and a MAGICAL Daisy necklace that started off as a rough sketch by my brother. There's also a canary yellow diamond in the centre which is the cherry on top ~ I'm so in love with it!!
My grandparents also treated me to some special gifts including some groovy earrings and a bookmark that my nana made for me one crafternoon. I've mentioned before that my grandparents are in a band ~ big up
The Oakmere singers :p ~ well one of the members knitted the band and as a gift I was given my nana and grandad
*heart eyes emoji*
One of the most unique and unexpected birthday presents was getting to meet Estée Lalonde the following day as I was one of her competition winners! I'll be spilling the beans soon, so stick around!
Anyway I'll have to love you and leave you ~ I have a bunch of thank you cards to write...
