Fashion World Shapewear Challenge

A few weeks ago, an exciting email from Fashion World appeared in my inbox inviting me to participate in a shapewear challenge just in time for the party season. Intrigued, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to try out a few pieces. You see, I had never worn shapewear before, but I had always intended to find out if shapewear was for me, so it was perfect timing.

I was asked to choose a party dress and a pair of shoes, and was provided with three different styles of shapewear to review.

Let's start with the dress...

I was asked to choose a dress, but when my favourites all sold out in my size, Fashion World suggested a few of their little black dresses. Now, while black is the go-to shade for the majority, I rarely wear it; I usually favour colour. So, I decided that was a great opportunity to try something I wouldn't usually pick, and went with the stunning Embossed Design Prom Dress. 

The dress is a beautiful leather-look number with a gorgeous floral embossed print, capped sleeves, a fit and flare shape, and a lace insert to the v-neckline. The colour and shape are classic, but the overall design of the dress has a real edgy feel; something different to your average party dress! It will really set you apart from the other ladies in the room. The fabric is so soft and smooth to the touch, and has a lot of stretch. I sized up because I thought the waist was fitted, but it's actually elasticated and comfortable. Being a D cup, I had plenty of room left in the chest area, and I think that it should accommodate much larger bra sizes. I really like this frock, except for the capped sleeves which make me feel very broad shouldered, but that is easily solved with a shrug, jacket or cardigan.

The dress is £50 and can be bought from Fashion World in sizes 12-32 here.

Now let's talk shapewear!

Worn With: Magisculpt Multiway Body Shaper

The first piece of shapewear I tried on under the dress, was the Magisculpt Multiway Bodyshaper; a one piece body, with a similar shape and fit to a good supportive swimsuit. My first thought was it has quite a pretty look for shapewear, with lace panels to the sides, and trimming the cups. It's far different to the frumpy giant pants Bridget Jones infamously introduced us to back in the noughties, that's for sure!

It found it comfortable to wear, and with medium, all-round control, it didn't feel at all restrictive; ideal for shapewear novices like myself! I felt it worked well at smoothing down my shape, and it would be perfect for creating a smooth silhouette under everything from body-con dresses to skinny jeans. With the multi-wear detachable bra straps, it really can be worn under almost anything. It has the standard hook and eye fastening at the back, and it conveniently has a similar feature at the crotch, meaning dashing to the bathroom after one too many drinks doesn't have to involve stripping off your entire outfit in a toilet cubicle. Unless you want to, that is; I'm not here to judge!

I'm really impressed with the item of shapewear, and I think it's excellent value for money. The only negatives I have to report, are that the cup size was too big for me (I only realised at the last moment I was sent a DD instead of my usual D), but since it's padded, I made it work! The cups also show through the fabric of this dress. Find it on Fashion World here, for £34.

Worn With: Magisculpt High Waist Briefs

My least favourite item from this challenge, was the Magisculpt High Waist Thigh Shaper, which are simply like high-waisted cycling shorts with good support. Now, they fit me well, and miraculously smoothed down my thighs and stomach. However, I don't get along well with anything that comes up to my waist without continuing up further as a dress. I've never felt comfortable with high-waist garments, as, like with the thigh shaper, I'm left with a mini muffin top which shows through the clothes and makes me feel super self-conscious. A couple of inches lower, perhaps, and I think I would rate this product quite highly!

For those of you who are comfortable with high-waists and are looking for something to smooth down your stomach, hips, and thighs, this may be the piece of shapewear for you! It's very supportive. You can find it on Fashion World here, currently on sale for £21 catering to sizes 12/14- 32-34.

Worn With: Magisculpt Control Briefs

The Magisculpt Pack of 3 Control Briefs I was sent were a little different to those in the scorecard above; sitting closer to my navel. I was given these Firm Control Briefs to review, but you can find the ones on the scorecard here. They come in a set of three, with a black, white, and nude pair, which should in theory cater to most outfit colours. I, of course, wore the black pair under this dress.

The knickers are plain in colour, with a lace panel on either side. I won't lie to you; they are quite plain in appearance, and dare I say the nude and white pairs look quite frumpy, but they were designed for function, and simplicity creates that sleek silhouette. Nobody has to see them! These briefs have firm control, and I'm impressed with how well they held in my stomach and smoothed out my hips, which are two of my least favourite body parts. Perfect for wearing underneath outfits that cling to these areas. The pack of three is £24, which is very well priced, and you can buy them from Fashion World here, in sizes 12 to 32.

The Shoes

The shoes which I chose are the Simply Be Studded Block Heel Shoe in black. I disregarded dozens of pretty high heels to spare my back further injury, and I'm so very glad I did. I love these shoes! They're the perfect mix of edgy and feminine; putting a spin on the classic ballerina flats. I love the studs to the toes, and the quilted design. 

These heels are wide fitting shoes, available in both E and EEE widths. I have quite wide feet, and went with a EEE pair in my regular size 6, and I have to say, I don't think I've ever had such a perfect fitting pair of shoes! They're so comfortable, and they even came with a pair of leopard print insoles for added comfort! They come in black and navy, and can be bought from Fashion World in sizes 4-9 here. I may be going back for the navy pair after Christmas!

I had a lot of fun experimenting with these pieces and putting this post together. Thanks to Fashion World for allowing me to take part. I can now understand how the right shapewear can really make a difference to an outfit, and the extra confidence it can give you under your party wear. 

Why not pop on over to http://www.fashionworld.co.uk/ and take a look at their fantastic selection of party dresses, shoes, and shapewear to find your outfits for the party season!

P.S. Can you notice anything different about me?

*This was a sponsored post with fashionworld.co.uk. I was provided with a dress, shoes, and shapewear for review in exchange for this post. However, all words and thoughts are as always honest and my own.

New Additions to My Make Up Collection November 2013

Hey guys,

Last weekend, I seemed to run out of all of my essential beauty products at once, so I popped in to my local Sainsburys to pick up what I could. Hair dye, leave in conditioner, cotton wool pads, nail polish remover, and some make up all made it in to the basket, along with a few other bits. I thought I'd give you a little peek at the make up I bought before I review them properly at a later date.

So, what did I pick up?

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Light Porcelain.

Bourjois Paris Healthy Balance Unifying Powder in Vanilla.

Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Glam Black.

Bourjois Paris Color Boost Glossy Finish Lipstick in Red Island.

Bourjois Paris Extrait de Fard Intense Eyeshadow in 05.

And also...

Benefit Hoola Lip Gloss 6.5ml. *Free with this month's Elle Magazine.

The only item from this bunch that I have used before is the mascara, which has been my favourite and regular for years now, and I can't rate highly enough. All the other products are new to me, even though I've shopped from all three brands- Maybelline, Bourjois and Benefit- since my teens. 

The eyeshadow and lipstick were impulse purchases; "ooh, pretty new colours to try!"  I swear I have a serious addiction to green eyeshadow! It's my staple make up colour, and I'm not even sorry. 

I did actually need the mascara, foundation and powder, though. Thankfully, I had some Nectar points stored up, and a voucher off my next shop from a previous food shop, so I barely parted with actual money for them all! Now that's shopping I like!

Want a closer look?

Here's a peek at the lip crayon. It's not as bold as it looks in the packaging, but it's a lovely soft red all the same.

The eyeshadow is the most gorgeous dark forest green shade and seems to be well pigmented. I've not worn it, yet, but if it's like other Bourjois eyeshadows, I know we're going to get along well. It would look amazing used for a smokey eye look as an alternative to black.

I gave the powder a quick wear yesterday, and I'm already impressed with it. It's a pretty good colour match for my pale-as-a-picket-fence skin, it feels so soft on my face, and it covers shine without caking in to pores. If it continues to perform this well, I may have found myself the perfect new face powder!

I've been looking to find a new foundation, since the two in my arsenal aren't quite right for my skin tone or type. I already liked the results from the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse blushers, so decided to give one of their foundations a go. There weren't testers of the shades in store, so I had to take a risk. I'm not sure if the shade I picked, the palest available, is too dark for me;  I need to see it on me in natural daylight to come to a conclusion. I hope I'm wrong because it is the softest foundation I've ever had on my skin and I like the light coverage.

This is a swatch of the mini Benefit lipgloss 'Hoola', which was free with Elle Magazine this month. I've always wanted to try it, so I couldn't resist buying the magazine to get the mini sample. It's a subtle gloss with a hint of bronze and a delicate shimmer. There are two other Benefit lipglosses to collect with the magazine, and I'm keeping my eyes pealed for them both.

And, finally, the mascara with the wand which makes my eyelashes look fuller, darker, and longer than any other mascara ever has. Those little bristles don't miss a lash, and it's pretty much perfect.

I'll be reviewing these products properly once I've given them all some wear, but I hope you liked the little peek I gave you today.

Have you tried any of these cosmetics yet? 

Wednesday Wish List

Evening guys,

Firstly, I'm sorry that this post is later than usually scheduled. I fell asleep on the laptop while trying to put the post together last night, and managed to drift off before I'd added any text to the page. I didn't even realise I was sleepy until I awoke an hour or two later with the lights still on and my hands still on the keyboard! Oops! I haven't done that in a while!

Anyway, I'm here now with this week's Wednesday wish list, and it's better late than never, right? Who'd like to see what I've been coveting this week?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 

Pink Clove Shrugs- With the party season coming up, the classic shrug is popping up everywhere, and I'm drawn to Pink Clove's selection of velvet and lace cover ups. I'm one of those girls who isn't comfortable with her upper arms on display, so shrugs are ideal for preserving my confidence when I get dressed up, without ruining an outfit with too much fabric. The lace version is my particular favourite.

ASOS Full Midi Skirt- It's been just two days since I discovered this absolutely stunning skirt, and I'm gutted that it's already completely sold out. It may be the most beautiful skirt I've ever seen! The colour! The fabric! The flare! It's perfect. I dream of filling my wardrobe with tulle skirts, but so far, there's not even a solitary tulle skirt to my name. One day...

Tallulah Tu Necklace- I've always had a thing for stars, and this glittery black necklace is no exception. And it's currently on sale on ASOS for the bargain price of £10!

 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you've probably gathered that I have a thing for quirky accessories, and there are some fantastic animal-shaped bags around at the moment. I've fallen in love with the zebra cross body bag by H! by Henry Holland (at Debenhams), which is so wonderfully quirky. (It also has 25% off online right now.) Accessorize have had owl shaped bags for a year or so, and I think their latest design, Ibiza Yenzi is adorable. It would be perfect for taking on an Autumn walk. And there's also a quilted cross body bag by ASOS with cat ears I really like. I have a feeling a few of you will, too.

Dorothy Perkins Dress- Pansies have always been one of my favourite flowers, probably partly due to a life long love of Alice in Wonderland. This is the first time I've stumbled up on a wearable pansy print anything, and isn't it a stunner?! I love everything about this dress. That's if it doesn't gape, that is.

New Look Boots- I've wanted a pair of brogues for every day wear for ages, and I think these wide fit ankle boots are cute. They'd work with everything from dresses to jeans. I also want the burgundy pair.

 11 // 12 // 13 // 14

Simply Be Velour Dress- Checks and tartan are everywhere this A/W and are hands down the most coveted trends in the blogging world this season. I'm crazy for the patterns myself, and think this high neck velour skater dress is a beauty. Oh how I wish that it were mine!

Libertine by Giles Deacon Seahorse Necklace- It's a necklace with a seahorse on it; what more do I have to say?

Topshop Pom Scarf- A girl can never have too many scarves! This chunky knit one has a faux fur pom pom on each end and it looks so cosy. I'll take one in every colour, please!

Dorothy Perkins Dress- I'm drawn to this dress because of the beautiful shade of green, the subtle pattern, and the gorgeous classic shape. It's beautiful! It's just a shame it doesn't cater to sizes above an eighteen.

 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // 19

The festive season wouldn't be complete without some glitz and glamour, and these accessories sure deliver!

Johnny Loves Rosie Unicorn Ring- I don't know what it is about unicorns, but we sure are hooked on them! The Johnny Loves Rosie ring is amazing, and better still, it's on an adjustable band so we can all get a piece of the action! Hurrah!

Rings not your thing? Then how about the unicorn and horseshoe brooch, which would be perfect worn as a collar clip.

Minna Parikka Bunny Heels- I am in love with this pair of glittery, sparkly heels, which also have bunny ears! Oh how I'd love to own a pair. I'd never take them off! Sadly, I don't have a spare $438... but this crazy bunny lady wishes she did so she could buy 'em!

Accessorize Shell Bag- I just cannot resist anything with a seaside theme or a scalloped design, so this shell shaped bag naturally made it's way on to the wish list.

And I can't imagine any festive party would be complete without the amazing purple snake-skin effect box clutch from River Island, which has a diamante peacock embellishing the top! Isn't it pretty?!

20 // 21 // 22

I love a good handbag, and I discovered two green, blue, and pink patterned bags by Irregular Choice on sale the other day. The heart-shaped shopper is just £19.50 instead of £85.00 from Lets Buy Shoes, and the clutch bag is £20.00 down from £45.00 through Debenhams! (Links above). I want them both!

And finally, I really like the sweet mint green satchel from Accessorize. The colour may be a little harder to wear during Autumn and Winter, but it's one of my favourites and the satchel is simply pretty. I think I'll add it to the Christmas list.

What's on your wish list right now?

Flowers, Freckles, and Fantasy Fire

It feels like it's been months since I last posted some photos up on the blog. Months. Decades, even. It's probably only been a couple of weeks at most in reality, but I suppose in the blogging world a fortnight without selfies, OOTD shots, and snap by snap chronicles of every meal eaten is practically a century. Maybe two.

The short winter days make taking photos in actual daylight tricky for me, as I don't sleep well due to the pain I'm in, and am pretty much nocturnal these days because of that. I haven't actually seen an awful lot of daylight since the clocks changed. Half an hour, here and there. I may be a vampire. I've been trying to normalise my sleeping pattern for the last two years, but it's still being as stubborn as I am! Damn you, pain!

I've barely been out of the pyjamas in the last few weeks, either, because I've been struggling with the pain and feeling like crap, but I'm hoping to get back in to the swing of things soon. I've got a few ideas up my sleeves for pre-Christmas posts, I just need to find my motivation and lose the writer's block to get cracking on them.

For today, though, I thought I'd share a manicure and a few shots from the garden I took back in October...

I've had these photos saved in my folders for weeks now, unsure of what to do with them. I didn't know whether to share or store them.

The nail polish I'm wearing is a Maxfactor Max Effect Mini Nail Polish in Fantasy Fire. It's one of my favourite polishes in my collection, even though it takes four coats for decent coverage and costs £3.99 for a mini bottle. I've gone through a few bottles in the past year, and I allow it as a little treat since you only get about four or five wears out of the bottle. (It's just so pretty!) Although, a coat of it also looks great over other polishes like lilac and red, which is a way of making it go further.

This gorgeous iridescent polish in a mixture of deep purple, violet, blue, red, green, and gold, and it looks pretty in all lights and all seasons. I love wearing it.

Some photos I took in the garden back in October.

It looks prettier next to the purple flowers. Don't ask me what they are. I haven't a clue.

So, I am sorry for the lack of decent posts and the tumble weeds rolling across Polka Spots and Freckle Dots these past few weeks, but I'm sure normal service will resume soon. I hope you don't mind my dull posts for the time being!

Oh, and I'm slowly giving the blog the face lift it desperately needs, so apologies for the appearance while I work on it!

Wednesday Wish List

Hey guys,

It's been a few weeks since I last did a Wednesday Wish List post, so I have so many lovely things to show you today.

Recently, I've felt that my wish list posts have become boring and repetitive, from trying to condense a whole wish list in to a couple of paragraphs. The voice I've been giving the posts hasn't sounded like my own, so I've decided to break the collages up a little this week, and comment on more of the items individually. 

 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 

There's always at least one animal printed or animal orientated piece on my lust lists at any given time, so it's only right I start this wish list with one! 

The Scottie dog cardigan is by Evans and it's pretty damn cute, although I like how the monochrome gives it a more grown-up feel. My sister already has one, and I'm so jealous! Sadly we're not the same size so I can't even steal borrow it. Boo hoo. 

The Modcloth fox print dress is my favourite piece at the moment. I'm loving everything with a fox on it right now; I'm well and truly obsessed with the little red critters, and this dress is no exception. The print is adorable, and the orange and black combination is a little different. It would definitely set you apart from the crowd.

The River Island purse and bag would go well with the fox print dress, don't you think? I'm also loving the Little Bunny Shoes, although sadly they're way out of my budget at over $270. I hope someone on the high street makes a dupe of them soon!

 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

I've been on the look out for the perfect biker jacket for years now, and I still haven't found it. I did order the quilted and studded collarless jacket from Evans when I bought my new fit and flare coat, and it was beautiful... but it was too big and a little long on me. I'd really like to reorder in a smaller size before it sells out to give it a second chance because it's such a gorgeous jacket. It would be a shame to let that one go.

Have you seen the detail on the beautiful Praslin dress? It looks so subtle at first, until you look closer and see the intricate oriental print. It would make a great alternative to the little black dress.

And I couldn't do this wish list post without including the stunning peplum tops from Pink Clove. They're the most beautiful tops I may have ever seen, and I can't believe they're just £24 each! I want them all! All three are so festive and would be perfect for wearing throughout December. The gold has a baroque print, and all three are made from velvet, and I think I may be a little obsessed with them all. Which one would you go for?

 11 // 12 // 13 // 14

There seems to be no shortage of red and navy printed dresses at the moment, and it's one trend I'm really drawn to. I've noticed that leopard, baroque, and scarf prints seem to be dominating this colour scheme, and the four above are just a few of my favourites. In particular, I love the prom dress from Fashion World (12).

 15 // 16 // 17 // 18

There's also no shortage of beautiful fifties fit and flare frocks, and these numbers from Modcloth and Joe Browns all need to come live with me. I'd be able to give them a happy life!

 19 // 20 // 21

Navy blue  is one of my favourite colours to wear, and it's even more appealing to me when it's teamed with a pattern.

I love the unusual colour-combination of blue and browns on the Modcloth striped San Francisco Sorbet Dress. It's not something I've seen often before. Brown isn't always the most appealing colour to wear for most, but I like it and that dress is a beauty.

The heart print shirt from New Look Inspire would look great with jeans, trousers, skirts, shorts, dresses- everything! That is a fact!

And naturally, I love the Modcloth Pennsylvania Polka Dress in Floral because it's a classic beauty. A girl can never have too many floral dresses, right?

22 // 23 // 24 // 25 // 26 // 27 

Coloured animal print and skater skirts are two of the biggest trends this A/W, and you can kill two birds with one stone with the animal print skater dress from Fashion World. I think the cut out detail gives it a fun twist, don't you?

There are a few accessories on my wish list, too, including the circus themed necklace from Les Nereides, which comes in at an unrealistic-for-me £350.00. It's absolutely amazing but sadly way out of my reach. Thankfully, the daisy pendant from Accessorize is a much friendlier £8. I've always loved daisies and may have to add this one to my Christmas list, because it's so pretty. I also have my eye on the Barry Barn Owl clip purse and the floral print butterfly weekend bag, but I really don't need another purse or travel bag.

And finally, I'm smitten with Modcloth's Owl About That! dress, which is covered in owls. Well, you know me and quirky animal prints! I can never have enough of them in my collection.

The Liebster Blog Award

Emily of EmiLou recently and ever so sweetly, nominated me for The Liebster Blog Award. It's always lovely to be nominated for blog awards, and I'm very flattered to have been picked. so the least I can do is complete a post for it to say thank you! So, here we are...

Rules:

Nominee must post the award on their blog

Thank the blogger who promoted them and link back to their blog

Write 11 random facts about yourself

Nominate another 11 bloggers who have under 200 followers and deserve the award

Answer the 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions

I'm not going to nominate another eleven people, as I've passed on this award several times already and I really can't remember which of my favourite blogs I have and haven't already nominated... but, I shall answer the questions and leave a few facts about myself.

11 Facts About Me:

1.  I've already started listening to Christmas music. Yes, it's only November... what's your point?

2.  I can't wait to see Catching Fire at the cinema this Friday. So bloody excited!

3.  I haven't had a hair cut in almost two years. I'm determined to make it to the hair dresser's for the chop by the end of the month.

4.  I hate talking to people on the phone.

5.  When I sing, I sound like a cat's choir being run over by a lawn mower.

6.  I'd rather go to a concert / gig than to a night club.

7.  My unusual crushes are Liam Neeson and Si King of The Hairy Bikers (the Geordie one)!

8.  I feel claustrophobic if I have the windows shut in the car.

9.  I'm currently watching Love Actually.

10.  I've never seen Jaws. Wow, it feels good to get that off my chest.

11.  I'm not bad in the kitchen, especially when it comes to baking. I make great gooey double chocolate peanut butter cookies.

Emily's Questions: 

1.  Why did you want to start blogging? 

I began blogging because I wanted something to do one evening to keep myself occupied whilst being house bound from disc injuries. I didn't have any expectations. I didn't think I'd stick with it or make something of it. I just thought I'd like to share my outfits somewhere, like a couple of my friends did, to help work on my confidence- body and otherwise, and to share my love of fashion. 

I'd found fatshion and body positivity blogs about six months earlier, and I began to think about blogging my way to self acceptance, and writing about plus size fashion which is something I've been passionate about for years. I wanted to add to the plus size community and show people that fat doesn't mean unfashionable; that there is fashion available to plus size ladies, and that we shouldn't be shamed in to hiding our bodies in baggy black clothes because society has taught us we don't belong. 

I also wanted somewhere to blog my way through living with disc injuries.

2.  Whose blog do you visit the most? 

There are many I visit on a regular basis, but probably A Dress is For Life because Rachel is lovely and has the most incredible style, hair, and tattoos!

3.  One person you would love to meet? 

I've always wanted to meet Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, but I would be stunned in to silence if that ever happened. He's basically a musical God! I'd also love to meet Tom Hanks and Dawn French.

If we're talking non-famous folk, I'd love to meet Rachel and Nita.

4.  Favourite make up brand. 

My favourite make up brand is probably Inglot. They have the most amazing selection of eyeshadow and nail polish colours, and being a colour junkie that makes me very happy!

5.  What is one of your winter fashion / beauty favourites?

For winter, I love a good pair of ankle boots, and have pairs by Simply Be and Evans that I love. I also love layering up in scarves and gloves. As for beauty, I mostly use the same products all year round, but DKNY Red Delicious perfume smells especially enticing during the winter months.

6.  What is your favourite film? 

My favourite film without a doubt is Titanic. No contest. I've loved it since 1997 when I saw it for the first time aged eleven.

7.  How long have you been blogging for? 

I began blogging with this blog back in March 2012; a little under two years ago, but I've been blogging in various forms for a couple of years more through Livejournal and Tumblr. Although, nothing on this scale.

8.  What is one place you would most like to visit? 

I'd really love to visit Italy, Greece, and Australia. They're all high up on my list, but I'd like to see as much of the world as possible.

9.  What is your favourite makeup brand? 

Inglot, as answered above.

10.  What is your favourite clothing brand? 

I'd say my favourite is a tie between ASOS Curve and Dorothy Perkins. They both sell such beautiful clothes and accessories.

The Christmas Tag 2013

Hey guys,

With Christmas on the horizon, it's fair to say I'm already getting in to the Christmas spirit, so I've decided to give The Christmas Tag a go.

You've probably seen it making it's way across the Blogosphere, but it originally came from the Make Up Pixi. I actually blogged a similar tagged post of hers last Christmas, but as this one is a little different I thought there was no harm in giving this one a go, too.

1.  Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?

I personally prefer real Christmas trees- you just can't beat the smell of them! But, we've not had a real Christmas tree since I was about ten. 

2.  You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?

A trip to a coffee shop is a rare treat, and since I don't drink tea or coffee (shock, horror!), you'll probably find me ordering a hot chocolate from Costa (sans cream, as I'm lactose intolerant). 

3.  Whats your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?

Colour schemes? What are those?

We've never gone with a theme for our trees. Our tree is basically an ornamental tree-shaped  memory box adorned with ornaments in all sorts of colours and designs that we've collected over our life times. There are decorations from my childhood, my Mum's childhood and I think a few from my Nana's, and unwrapping them to hang every December always brings back good memories. We usually add a few new decorations to the collection every year, and I love that our tree is so sentimental and meaningful. I'd take that over a colour-coordinated scheme any day! 

4.  Giving or receiving?

Giving! I love to buy gifts for my family and friends, and put a huge amount of time, thought, and effort in to buying the perfect presents, and wrapping them up in pretty gift wrap. Obviously, I love to shop, but I also love to see my loved ones' faces when I've got the gift just right.

5.  To mince pie or not to?

I'll pass, thanks. I've never been a fan.

6.  What's your traditional Sunday lunch?

On Christmas Day, we have turkey with all the trimmings. That usually includes my Mum's sage and onion stuffing (it includes sausage meat and is so delicious); roast and mashed potatoes, butternut squash, parsnips, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, peas, swede, pigs in blankets etc., and various condiments. (Obviously we don't all eat a bit of everything. I would die.) Now and then we've been known to add in something different to try, like goose, gammon, or a different veggie recipe, but we always have turkey for Christmas. It's a once-a-year indulgent meal, which makes it all the more special. 

7.  Christmas day fashion

I'm usually in my pyjamas until ten or eleven am, then I like to get dressed up in a pretty dress, do my make up, and wear my swarovski earrings and a ring which I save for special occasions. They're quite a statement and dazzle when the light hits them; perfect for Christmas! 

8.  What's your favourite Christmas song?

Christmas songs are a big weakness of my mine, so I have a few faves. Let's see...

All Alone on Christmas by Darlene Love.

Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin Stevens

Merry Christmas Everybody by Slade.

A Spaceman Came Traveling by Chris de Burgh.
I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake.

Stop the Cavalry by Jona Lewie.

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney.

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues.

Last Christmas by Wham.

It's Only Christmas by Ronan Keating.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (just about all versions from Judy Garland to Ronan Keating).

... honestly, I could continue listing all night! 

9.  What's your favourite Christmas film?

I'm not sure I can answer with just one, because I love my Christmas films. I've been known to start watching some of them in September... My favourites are definitely The Family Stone, Santa Claus The Movie, Christmas with the Kranks, Love Actually, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone 1 & 2, Miracle on 34th Street, The Snowman, and The Santa Clause.

10.  Open presents before or after lunch?

We've always opened our presents before lunch... generally at the crack of dawn! My Mum won't let us sleep past about 7am on Christmas Day and will drag us out of bed to open presents if we're not up! Now I think about it, this is probably pay back for all those years my sisters and I pestered them from about three in the morning to let us go open presents and begin Christmas until they gave in around six each year. Well played, Mum. 

We usually open presents from about 7am, beginning with our gifts to each other, and then others under the tree. My older sister and my brother in law are usually round by 12:00pm, and we exchange presents with them soon after their arrival, before we sit down for dinner around 1-2pm.

If you want to give this tag a go yourself, please check out the original post over on the Make Up Pixi's blog.