Christmas Archives - Megan Taylor

SPECIAL GIFT IDEAS

I have put together some lovely gifts that you may not have thought of before. There will be a gift in this list for anyone and everyone you know without a doubt! From food hampers (even vegan options!), crafty presents, a hair turban with a difference and some luxurious ballet pumps that you will want to buy for yourself first and foremost 😉 .

THOUGHTFUL PRESENTS

Just picture this scenario…
You start the afternoon with a lovely bath and wash your hair with a divine mask. Your hair feels all kinds of lush so you must treat it with care. You pop on your Aquis hair towel towelling side against your hair to help dry it carefully and quickly. When you have finished beautifying you pop your hair towel on the radiator before getting dressed. You slip on your new super comfy and gorgeous 1001 Stories ballet pumps.
After a long night out with friends you rush home, light your Sun•day candle and slip on your new super soft Chelsea Peers PJs and plush Sheepskin slippers before catching up with tonights missed Strictly episode. After dosing off on the sofa you decide to go to bed, but not before putting your Aquis hair towel back on silky side on your hair so you can savour that amazing blow dry from earlier for another day tomorrow.

Aquis hair turban
I am a huge fan of Aquis hair towels. You may have spied me talking about them and wearing them on my Instagram on numerous occasions. The fabric they use has a special wicking technique to it that helps wick away the water in your hair. Yet this special red turban is actually double sided. One side is their normal wicking fabric for your wet hair but the other side is a silk fabric which you can wear on your hair to keep your hair looking fabulous, un-tangled and mess free over night as you sleep. This is a must have for any hair fanatics out there…also you will look like the most glamorous Mrs Clause in this particular colour way.

1001 Stories
These are the most luxury ballet shoes that I have ever stepped foot in. They fit like a glove, completely true to size. The inner heal also has the softest padding and memory foam insole which is a dream compared to any other ballet shoe I have tried which normally feels like it is out to blister your feet the moment you step outside the house, there is no chance of that happening with these though. The thing that first sold me to these shoes is the story behind them. The two creators, Shahrzad and Tereza who met at LCF design these stunning shoes that are co-created by artisan shoe makers in Italy and female artists from different parts of the world. They then actively help support females out of poverty and into business by providing fair wages and a happy and safe working environment. I love heart warming ethos so please click on through to look at their stunning designs.

Abercrombie & Fitch Authentic perfume
This Abercrombie perfume smells amazing. It is super fresh and would be perfect for a “new year, new year me” kind of vibe. It’s a really go-getting scent which will wake you up in the morning. It would be suitable for anyone from a teen to at least 40+ in my opinion. I love it!

Chelsea Peers – Ginger Bread Man PJs
Oh how I love Chelsea Peers PJs. I first came across Chelsea Peers a few years ago on ASOS and bought a couple of pairs. They are seriously soft and have the cutest print designs you can possibly find out there. This particular PJ set I chose has the most gorgeous festive gold foil gingerbread men. I also love how this set comes in a shorts and short sleeved top set as even though it’s winter, it isn’t cold in your bed is it.

J•U•S•T Sheepskin
I’m such a slipper fan and these particular slippers are an incredible quality. I have had another pair for a year and with constant use they still look as good as new. They come in a whole range of colours. The pink ones with a star print are my particular faves. These would be the perfect present for anyone with cold feet…isn’t that everyone?

Sun•day Candle – ‘Midnight’
I know I am not alone in being a huge candle fan. I love to light candles at dusk until I go to sleep. The ambience it gives a room is next to none. The scent of this candle isn’t at all overpowering either. It is a scent that you could continue burning, normally I find I can only burn fragrance free candles continuously otherwise the scent gives me a headache, this candle is the perfect in between.

Baby Blooms
– Mummy and Me Bath Time Hamper
So many of my friends are having babies or recently had babies, I seem to be in that stage of my life where I am surrounded by it. It can be tricky to know what to buy, especially if you don’t have a child yourself. Well after some chats with the Baby Blooms team they advised me on some fabulous gift ideas for those that don’t even know the sex of their baby yet. Their gift come in the most stunning boxes decorated adorably. There are mother and baby bath products, unisex baby clothes, baby hampers and then there’s this super special gift set where in one box you get mummy and baby embroidered towels, bath time treats and a rubber ducky.

CRAFTS AND STATIONARY

Rebecca Yates – Personalised Notebook
Rebecca got in contact with me recently and I couldn’t have been happier to have discovered her work. Rebecca is a sustainably conscious artist and illustrator creating prints, cards, stationary and most exciting personalised notebooks with her gorgeous watercolour print on the cover. I went for the coral notebook with ‘Megan’s Big Idea’s’ across the front.

Dotty About Paper
If you didn’t already know…I’m a self confessed stationary addict. Seriously…addicted. I have been since I was very little and the only thing I found exciting about starting school each September was the opportunity to buy new stationary. I am in love with everything ‘Dotty About Paper’, notebooks, notepads, list pads, timetables, cards and what really excited me the most was personalised Christmas cards! Yep, seriously, they exist, look at these ones Liam and I had printed. Wow!

Brush Lettering Book
I am in LOVE with this book. I was sent it because the author/illustrator Rebecca and I chatted through Instagram and I am over the moon. I would have put it on my Christmas list anyway but I am so happy to have it before Christmas because I have now put together a big Christmas list of items I want after reading this book. I now want paper, notepads, more TomBow pens etc. Seriously though, this book would be a perfect present for anyone with an artistic love of any age and makes for a stunning present in it’s pink hard back form with metallic lettering.

FOOD & DRINK

Food is such a great gift idea for people that you know but also especially for people that you need to buy presents for but don’t really know much about them, your bestie’s new partner, your secret santa or a work colleague. Festively gifted food and drinks are also a fabulous host gift for when you pop by a neighbours house for Christmas drinks. Check out my favourite finds below.

Cartwright and Butler are my latest food gifting crush. Everything comes so beautifully packaged with tins and boxes which you can keep, cherish and use over and over again. The products are wonderful as well and definitely provide the wow factor. The cherry and almond fruit cake in the circular tin which I have picture I seriously thought would be around the £25/30 mark but I have found it on the Heal’s website for £15. Seriously impressed with the price points which make it the perfect gifting. I suggest buying a few of this brands foodie gifts to keep in the cupboard for the festive season to give to unexpected guests or last minute parties and then if you are lucky enough to not have had to give them all away then you can eat them yourself on Christmas and Boxing Day.
– Nougat Selection
– Decorated Fruit Cake In Tin
– Christmas Loaf Tin Cake
– Chocolate Selection

The Vegan Larder are a brand that got in touch with and I am so happy because it is a company that I definitely would have bought from if I had found them myself. Every vegan goodie you could think of will likely already be known to this company. They are both a subscription box and gift box company and each box is rammed full of edible vegan goods. There was only one brand that I had already tried in my box and I loved discovering new items, the vegan wagon wheel was the most exciting discovery for me and I can’t wait until I have taken my photos so I can finally eat it 😛 .

One Gin
If you follow my Instagram you will know that Liam, my family and I are all big cocktail fans and gin is far up there at the top of our list for favourite ingredients. You may notice one of the bottles isn’t quite full…that would be because Liam snuck it out to pop it in his Negroni last weekend. He said it tasted wonderful. Currently on sale for £20 it makes the perfect gift for the adults on your Christmas gift list.

Eaten Alive Sauces
Eaten Alive have created these amazing sauces which are definitely being placed in my dad and my husbands stockings this year. They also have big jars of kimchi which Liam and I have tried, tested and approve of.

TeaPigs
Advent calendar
Christmas specials
I love a herbal tea. I’m not your average British builders tea gal but a herbal tea…oh yes! I have one of those houses that when you say yes to tea you need to have a look through the whole cupboard to decide which flavour you want as I have most of them haha, and 75% is Tea Pigs! Not only is it a high quality tea brand but their whole packaging is plastic free and completely recyclable. I know it’s a little late for advent calendars but this advent calendar would be a fabulous present for any tea lover because it’s the perfect way to try out all of the Tea Pig teas. Oh, also I have a little discount code code for you if you type in ADVENT5 .

Which gifts would you like to keep for yourself?

STOCKING FILLERS & SECRET SANTA GIFTS

Merry Christmas everyone. Have you bought your Secret Santa presents yet? What’s your budget? I’m sure I have something for you in the list below, although I must say it’s pretty girly down there so make sure you check out my other gift guides going live this week because there are a few more masculine goodies there 🙂

Burt’s Bees Pomegranate Bauble
This bauble is adorable and such great value. Just £6.99 for a lip balm stick and cuticle cream in a tin. Both products smell wonderful (there are two other scents available). I also love the tin bauble it comes in with a hanging string. Perfect for your Secret Santa.

Beatitude Bauble
I have included Beatitude in my last two Christmas gift guides as well because I really love their products. Pure essential oils smelling absolutely delightful and packaged in this beautiful hanging tin bauble. It really makes a lovely gift.

Sleek Make up – Layer Up
At only £2.50 this Sleek gift would be perfect for the tweens out there. Do you need to buy presents for your daughters friends? These would be ideal. Oh and you may want to get one for yourself too, the gold powder has serious Christmas kapow vibes.

STOCKING FILLERS & SECRET SANTA GIFTS | Megan Taylor

Tropic – lash extension kit
This is such a clever kit that any girl in your life would love. There are two mascaras in this pack. The first being a fixing gel mascara and the second is a mascara that has extension fibres in them. Check out the link above to watch a video where you can see a dramatic difference. I know many women who get lash extensions that would love this. Sadly, I am a contact lens wearer and the brand don’t advise you use it :'(

Only Curls Silk Scrunchies
I tie my hair up every evening that I get home from work and put my PJs on. I like to get my hair out of my face and away from my cooking or taking my make up off. I also like to sleep with my hair tied up so that it doesn’t get tangled. These silk scrunchies are the perfect solution because you won’t create a ridge in your hair.

Morning Glamour Satin Pillowcase
I have wanted a satin pillowcase for years and years after many celebrities raved about them. Victoria Beckham recently said a satin pillowcase is one of her top beauty tips. Keep your hair knot free and your face free from pillow lines the next morning. Also, this particular one comes in the dreamiest powder pink.

Sensationail Nailtural
One of my favourite stocking gifts (I have given my parents stockings since I was a teenager now) is to pop in a nail varnish. It’s such a simple gift but always so adored and it last for so long. Sensationail have a lovely range of natural nude colours which everyone will love. Another bonus is that these nail varnishes are vegan.

Fides Baldesberger Tweezers
I know, I know, tweezers seem like such a peculiar Christmas gift but when do you really go and treat yourself to a decent pair of tweezers? Tweezers can come good and bad, they can last a lifetime or just a week. These are absolutely stunning, high class rose gold tweezers come packaged perfectly for Christmas.

Patchology Poshpeel Pedi Cure
Why not treat your friend to an at home pedicure. Get her a nail varnish as seen above and this Patchology posh peel for an easy at home treat. Patchology also sell some lovely sheet masks but my favourites are their under eye patches.

Will you be buying any of these for yourself?

THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY GIFT GUIDE

Beauty, for her, for him, for anyone. Just make sure you don’t come across as giving a beauty product that symbolises that someone “needs it” or smells ;P . I always find that a beauty gift is quite an easy buy. Everyone washes themselves so body washes, shampoos and conditioners will never be a wasted gift. Then you have the more luxurious beauty gifts like bath salts, body oils and body creams. I personally love being gifted items like this as they aren’t necessary something that I would treat myself to on a tighter budgeting month for example. Even if I already buy myself body creams I may just stick to what I already know and love so I love being surprised with brands I haven’t tried before or that I wouldn’t necessarily splurge on. Here are my favourite picks this Christmas with links of where you can buy them the cheapest right now.

UNDER £20

These brands are household names that you probably grew up with. They are all gift sets under £20 but look like a super special gift that someone would be really happy to receive.

St.Moriz – Get Your Glow On
(currently on sale at Pretty Little Thing)
For those friends that can’t bare to not fake tan, we all know someone…This is an ideal present. The gift set bundle includes the famous St.Moriz body tanning mousse and even comes with a fab tanning mitt. I tried a tanning mitt for the first time this Spring just gone and I can’t believe I was so late to the game! It is literally a life changer, no smelly orange lined hands and you can really buff in the colour into your legs and ankles. To top off the gift set you also get a bronzer and lipgloss.

Yardley – English Rose Bath and Body Collections
When I was younger I thought Yardley was just for grandparents, that was until I was gifted a bottle of this rose body wash back 3 years ago. It smells like a floral rosy pine and I adore it!! This gift set would be perfect for any girl in your life, young and old.

Sanctuary Bath Salts
Sanctuary Rosey Hand Duo
I feel like Sanctuary products are a staple for under any British Christmas Tree. I am pretty sure that someone in my family has received a Sanctuary product each year without fail. They are just so gift-able. They are affordable and an easy gift because every girl likes to smell nice and treat themselves once in a while. These are my two favourite picks from their latest Christmas collection. I am a big salt bath fan and these bath salts smell beautifully girly and I love the tub. The Rosey Hand Duo is another great gift because it is the all-in-one hand present that comes in a lovely reusable display case and can be gifted to any woman in your life whether you know them well or not. Also, under £10 so great for your office Secret Santa.

THE ULTIMATE BEAUTY GIFT GUIDE | Megan Taylor

BOYS

Are you like me and find boys ridiculously difficult to buy for then you should check out these mens gift sets. They’re simple and no boy would turn them down because they all have to wash and not to be too cruel but probably don’t often buy themselves nice beauty products. The American Crew gift set even comes with a lovely wash bag with no excess packaging, well done American Crew!!

Hawkins & Brimble – Vintage Rituals
This face kit for men smells fabulous and feels super refreshing. The products are no sample size either, they are chunky monkeys that are going to last a while. Added bonuses to this brand is that they don’t test on animals and are free from any nasties like parabens and colourants.

American Crew – Essential Grooming Kit
This is the go-to kit for any guy. It is filled to the brim with all the products they could possibly need. My husband and my brother have both been using American Crew for a few years now and rave highly about the brand. The wash bag is a great size to travel with and will last the gift recipient years and years (maybe even the rest of their lives!).

LUXE

These beauty products are loved by women and men all over yet as they aren’t necessarily at the end of gondola in your average Boots or Superdrug you may not treat yourself to them regularly. These brands are all fantastic and have created fabulous Christmas gifting options not just including these ones featured.

Ren
I’m such a Ren fanatic as you can probably tell if you’re a reader of my blog or Instagram. This gift set is such a great introduction to the brand for friends that may not have tried it and even better if they travel. My absolute favourite Ren product ever is the Atlantic Kelp body wash and it’s featured in this gift set.

Murad – Vibrant Vibes
Murray has a cult following like no other. I posted a few stories about trying Murad for the first time last year and I was inundated with more messages than normal with a mix of “you’re so lucky” and “what? you’ve never tried Murad before!!!?”. Well I have now and I get the hype 😛

Maria Nila
If you follow me on Instagram you will know I am an obsessed fan of Maria Nila products, well this is an absolute steal of a gift box. I have used this shampoo and conditioner before and when my parents stayed my mum very much got obsessed with it like me. I picked this particular Maria Nila to showcase over the others as I feel after a festive party season filled with blow dries we may all appreciate this structure hair repair kit…although I must admit all of the Maria Nila products I have used leave my hair feeling fabulous.

By Sarah – Festive Body & Hair Care Gift Box
This gift box is made from crushed grapes!! Yep, you read that right. How cool! I have never heard of anything like it. I love the whole ethos of the By Sarah range, everything is organic, and award winning to boot. This feels like a really gorgeous and special gift that anyone would love.

Which of the products above will you be putting on your Christmas list? I personally want it all 😉

FESTIVE MAKE UP GIFTS FOR THEM & YOU

I love love love receiving new make up at Christmas and I find eye shadow palettes are allow going to be a winner. You may not like every single colour in a palette but if there is a wacky colour in there, Christmas is the time to make use of it. I have chosen these festive palettes from some of my favourite make up brands so therefore I know they are good quality, have great pigment and know that you’ll love them too 🙂

MAKE ME UP

Oh how I adore make up and eye shadow palettes are my absolute favourite. I’m like a magpie to the colours. I love the opportunity to try out colours that I wouldn’t necessarily buy as a single unit. I also love that in the lead up to Christmas I get a bit braver with my make up, my eyeliner gets longer and thicker, my shadows get sparklier and my contouring gets quite frankly epic!

I had always wanted to try Stila because everyone I know raves about it. Until this palette arrived through my door I had never tried the brand. Well, what can I say, the packaging is fabulous! The pigmentation is strong! The colours are gorgeous! Highly recommend these gift sets for a make up fan this Christmas.
Stila Blue Realm Palette
Stila Blue Pink Harmony Lip Duo

Code 8 is relatively new of just a few years and they have taken the make up world by storm. Their ethos is to be pretty simple with your make up application and that you don’t need to spend hours applying, well, I could spend hours simply admiring the products alone 😉 . Everything is so sleek, luxurious and most importantly works incredibly well. This Code 8 Party Essentials Selection is absolutely dreamy and a fabulous introduction to the brand for those who may not have tried them before. If you were to buy one introductory item from Code 8 I would have to advise it be this hydrating lip colour in the colour ‘Off Broadway‘. I have been using this lipstick a minimum of 3 times a week for a year now and it isn’t even half finished. It is the perfect everyday lippie that you can apply without a mirror.

I have been using Mina products for about 2 years now and their eyeliner and pigmented eyeshadows are fabulous! They have this stunning eye shadow palette available this Christmas and it is literally your go to for any cool girl you need to gift a present for. Mina – Glam Rock Eyeshadow Palette. Filled with wearable colours and few brave ones too.

VEGAN BRUSHES

Call me naive but up until 4 years ago I thought ALL make up brushes were synthetic. It wasn’t until one day on a photoshoot I said to the make up artist that I thought one brush was far more scratchier than another and she said it was because it was made from horse hair. I was absolutely shocked, I had just assumed that it would be both gross and expensive to use animal hair in a make up brush that goes on your face but apparently it is pretty common. Ever since that moment I have been actively trying to seek out and only use non-animal hair brushes. Here are three brands creating fabulous animal free brushes and championing the fact there simply is no need to use animal hair to create a decent make up brush!

These So Eco brushes are divine. This is the Face Brush Kit and the Round Foundation Brush is going to be my new everyday foundation application brush. It has the perfect rounded tapered end to get your concealer up under the lower lashes. I also love that this gift set comes with a handy travel pouch.

Look Good Feel Better have a wonderful ethos behind the brand and have been going for 25 years now. LGFB supports and helps boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients that are sadly having to endure cancer treatment with an annual donation of at least £20,000. The Makeover Brush Set is filled with all the brushes you need, a powder blush brush, stippling brush (fave!), tapered blending brush and a precision rounded brush to get into those more intricate areas of the face.

The Brush works Complete Face Set has make up brushes suitable for powder, liquid and pressed make up. They look so different from any other brushes out there so make a great stand out present. I had no idea until I read the back of the box that there is even a make up brush pouch hidden in the back!

Which items will you be keeping for yourself?

NO BAKE CHRISTMAS TREAT

Christmas can be a busy period in many peoples lives. We have shopping to do, cleaning the house, wrapping presents and that to-do list grows even more so if you are hosting. I have created an incredibly yummy sweet treat, which is half healthy and incredibly easy to make, but looks super impressive. The base of this treat is based on my rather incredible Vegan Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe.

INGREDIENTS

BASE

Coconut nectar
(I used this one from Coconut Merchant. If you are not vegan,
real honey can also be used but I personally prefer the flavour is the coconut nectar)
2 handfuls of mixed nuts
1 handful of coconut flakes
Heaped tablespoon of coconut oil
4 pitted Medjool date
Water

CHOCOLATE TOPPING

If you are vegan I have a chocolate recipe you can use here.
100g dark chocolate
Assortment of Guylian chocolate shells for decoration
(I got this incredible bag of all the flavours)

METHOD

BASE

• Mix and grind your nuts and coconut together in a blender under they resemble crumbled granola.
• Place your coconut oil in a saucepan on a very low heat. Once your coconut oil has melted place your medjool dates in and heat for a minute or two.
• Pour in a dash or two of water and a few minutes later, turn off the heat and blend the ingredients together with a stick blender.
• Pour in the nutty mixture into the sauce and mix together.
• Line espresso cups with cling film and tightly pack them with the mixture.
• Leave them to set and cool in the fridge for approximately 20 minutes.

CHOCOLATE TOPPING

• Melt your chocolate in a pan over a low heat.
• Turn out your little mounds out of their cups and onto a plate.
• Pour your melted chocolate on their top but not all over.
Allow them to slowing drip down the sides by themselves, a la “drip cake” style.
• Pop on a very Christmassy chocolate such as Guylian.
• Another thought I had was to melt white chocolate over them to make them look like a Christmas pudding.

Let me know if you make these. I would love to see pictures. Make sure you tag me on social media @itsmegantaylor

CHRISTMAS GIFTS UNDER £25

I hope you all enjoyed Mondays Christmas gifts under £10. Well I am stepping it up a notch to gifts under £25 today. These gifts are all super beauty related so some guys may get a little bored…do stick around though because your girlfriend/mum/sister/friend will be sure to like a few of these selects. I am about to share with you my favourite nail varnish, some super affordable natural beauty goodies and a smokey eyeshadow palette to compete with Bobbi Browns infamous chocolate palette.

NAILS

Are you ready for a story? (if not, skip one paragraph 😉 )
…A couple of months ago I headed to the John Lewis Christmas 2017 launch press day and I was treated to a manicure by Nails Inc. They used the pinky polish seen in the image below called ‘Prep For Poppin”. It is the perfect nudey pink which made my heart flutter with delight. My time at the event was speedy and I had to fly off to another appointment. In typical me fashion I quickly ruined my manicure much to my dismay. I then messaged the lovely PR girls and asked what the polish was called and they saif ‘Prep For Poppin’ was only available in their Christmas gift set exclusively sold in their store. The product wasn’t even launched yet…so sad. I jumped with delight when they send me the gift set the following week. I knew I was going to be blogging it but I couldn’t help myself but use it, A LOT. To take the below shot I had to shake the bottle up and quickly shoot it because it’s not exactly full anymore. Few…well there you go, go buy yourself some, forget gifting, gift for yourself 😉 It even comes in this lovely ‘Prosecco Made Me Do It’ wash bag.
I have used Leighton Denny polishes for a really long time. There’s something about the brand that feels very honest and reliable with their nail quality…hmmm, does anyone else get that? Anyway, the gift set which you can see in my featured image is an absolute bargain and full of beautiful Christmas glittery shades which any girly girl would be thrilled with. Actually you need it for the Christmas party season so maybe go and buy it for yourself.
NAILS INC PROSSECO GIFT SET • LEIGHTON DENNY GIFT SET

MAKE UP

Oh how in love am I with these two items…like literally sooo in love that I can’t quite express my excitement at the goodies. Laura Geller have placed their stunning highlighter in a bauble which is light enough to hang on the tree…whoop whoop, not many other beauty baubles have been light enough to actually hang on a tree. The highlighter is out of this world stunning. This highlighter with have your cheek bones glistening in the fairy lights making you the belle of the ball. If you are a long time reader of my blog you will know that I love Too Faced make up. I love how all of their products are jovial…I mean, not many brands are going to be brave enough to name one of their products, ‘Better Than Sex‘.
TOO FACED CHOCOLATE CHIP • LAURA GELLER

LUXE GIFT SETS

The GHD bauble is absolutely perfect for the kinda girl or boy who really appreciates their hair. The Split End therapy product is really intensive and great for your hair. This bauble is not the sort you would hang on your tree though…it is rather large and heavy, perfect for a higher priced Secret Santa gift. This Sukin gift set is a lovely 1 stop shop for a full facial. Sukin as a company are 10 years old and have a great ethos of using sustainable and natural ingredients. I hadn’t heard of them until recently as they are much bigger in Australia. A huge amount of their range is on Look Fantastic so we can now easily get our hands on the natural goodies with no postage fee.
SUKIN 3 STEP FACIAL • GHD BAUBLE

Which item would you most like to receive this year?

Date Night Box Unboxing

How long has it been since you and your partner had a proper date…without your phones? For Liam and I as freelancers we do not stop working. My mum even said to us the other day that we need to chill out! When Date Night sent me a box through the post I was overwhelmed and excited. One of the first things it says in the box is to turn off your phones. Date Night is a subscription box yet you can also gift it and but it one off therefore not tying you in to anything. I think it would be the perfect gift to send to a friend who has just had a child and may be feeling all kinds of exhaustion and possibly needs a little couple time with her partner.

The Opening

The box is quite big so when I received the package through the post I was as excited as a child on Christmas morning. The first thing that I noticed once I opened the box was the sheer amount of goodies that came in the box. The box by the way is gorgeous. It is a big classy black box with a magnetic closure…I will definitely be reusing the box. The cards within the box which describe and guide you through what to do and also personalised. There in big bold stylised letters were mine and Liam’s names, it is little touches like this which make it all the more wonderful. There is also a card which is specific to each box which has a quote scrawled on in Pinterest style writing which is calling out to be framed. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to frame quotes and put them above my desk.

The Goodies

Our box was focused around a spa experience and was full of lovely products which included handmade chocolates and a divine rose petal bath bomb. All of the products were wrapped in black and each package was labelled with a number to match to its corresponding envelope which helped guide you through the romantic evening. A couple of my favourite products within the box…
Yuyo Tea
This tea smells incredibly intense and strong and tastes delicious, it works a treat to help perk you up for your date night. The heady scents of garden mint essential oils are probably the reason why I am in love. Yuyo tea is the brainchild of a lovely couple who have been inspired by their travels across the Caribbean seas.
Chilly B Soap
This rose petal bath bomb is the perfect accompaniment to a romantic bath. The petal delicately float across your bath and surround you with the gorgeous scent of roses. Best of all these bath balls are hand made ensuring your bath is natural and chemical free.

If you are stuck for a present idea this Christmas and like my friends and I do couples Secret Santa then this is 110% theDate Night boxes are a perfect present idea.
Subscribe to Date Night or buy a box here.

Watch me unbox my Date Night box here:

London Christmas To Do List {2016}

My London Christmas To Do List last year was a really successful blog post and for some reason continued to be all year long. I have decided to do another one a little bit earlier than last year’s as I wanted to help you all plan your Christmas outings and festivities before you get booked up. I have broken it up into categories of lights, theatre, cinema, markets etc. I hope you enjoy it and please do share with all of your friends and family so that we can all have the most wonderful and fun Christmas ever.

☆☆☆

MARKETS

{Photo credit : Timeout}

Leicester Square
Well this seems to be a new event that I am not sure has happened before. The whole of Leicester Square is being transformed into a Christmas market along with a theatre. You can buy tickets in advance for the theatre and Santa’s Grotto but you can also head along to visit the market stalls for free. Find out more here.
11 November – 8 January

Southbank
The Southbank holds an annual Christmas market which is sprawled out for miles. Full of all kinds of market stalls and being free to attend you would be silly not to wander down.
11 November – 25 January

Winter Wonderland
10 years on and Winter Wonderland has turned into quite the tradition for many Londoners. A chance to have a fun time, go on lots of rides, eat festive food and drink lots of mulled wine or spiced rum.
Book your tickets in advance for the main attractions here.
18 November – 2 January

☆☆☆

THEATRE

{Photo credit : Entertainment enquirer}

La Soiree
This show has been around for quite a while now and I have to admit I have been to see it twice. It is a sort of variety show/human circus full of such incredible acts that are truly breathtaking. Each season they change up a few of their acts so you will never see the same thing twice. If you are lucky enough to see ‘Bath Boy’ you are in for a treat.
Buy your tickets here.
11 November – 8 January

Red Shoes
My aunty booked our family tickets to this show back at the beginning of the year and I can’t wait to see it. Matthew Bourne transformed the Nutcracker and Swan Lake into such different modern versions of themselves and I can’t wait to see what he has done with Red Shoes.
Book your tickets here.
6 December – 29 January

Nutcracker
A classic Christmas theatre trip is to see Nutcracker and who better to perform than the English National Ballet. I have seen this performed approximately 6 times and will probably go again.
Book your tickets here.
14 December – 7 January

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LIGHTS

{Picture credit : Jones International}

Kew Gardens
This Christmas you can visit Kew Gardens at night time and experience more than 60,000 twinkly lights with beautiful Christmas music and yummy food. It looks like it will be a more chilled out version of Winter Wonderland. Book your tickets here.
23 November – 2 January

Carnaby Street
The most wacky of the Christmas lights in London tends to be in Carnaby Street. They are always on trend and very relevant.

Covent Garden
The lights in Covent Garden are always beautiful but it is the huge lit up raindeer which draws in the crowds. Tag me in any reindeer selfies you take.

Sloane Square / Kings Road
Sloane Square tends to be my favourite place to visit the Christmas lights in London because they are more delicate and traditional than others. There is often a beautiful tree outside the Saatchi Gallery which you should check out.

Regent Street & Oxford Street
The most commercial lights to visit are those in Regent Street and Oxford Street. They are always turned on by a celebrity and in turn now even coincide with the closing of the street to signify the start of Christmas shopping.
Oxford Street : 6th November
Regent Street : 17th November

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ICE SKATING

{Picture credit : Time Out}

Hampton Court
Not quite London but near to home for me so I have been here a couple of times. If you haven’t seen Hampton Court Palace before then you must book a 5pm ice skating time slot and view the palace at dusk with the twinkly lights.
Book your tickets here.
25 November – 8 January

Somerset House
This is my favourite ice skating rink because it is big and quite frankly a little bit warmer than the other more open rinks, although I am not sure if it is just in my mind because you are surrounded by the enclosed Somerset House? To me, this is the classiest of the rinks.
Book your tickets here.
17 November – 15 January

Natural History Museum
The sight of the history museum at Christmas is spectacular. The museum itself is such a beautiful building but when surrounded by twinkly Christmas fairy lights it is delightful.
Book your tickets here.
27 October – 8 January

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I wish you all a wonderful couple of months full of lovely Christmas spirit xx

{Featured image photo credit : LSC London}

What I Got For Christmas 2015

I love that every January all the You Tubers show us what they got for Christmas.
Now I have my own You Tube channel, I thought it was about time I did my own “What I Got For Christmas” video.
The video link is at the bottom of this blog post.
I hope you enjoy it.
What are your favourite gifts you received this Christmas?

Urban Outfitter Champagne Glasses (Out Of Stock)
Lucy Bakes Cookbook
Victoria’s Secret PJ’s
B&Q Copper Candle
Baby G Watch
Keith Brymer Jones Mug
Me & Em Pink Gloves
White Company Hat (Out Of Stock)

Instagram: @itsmegantaylor
Twitter: @itsmegantaylor

My Christmas Traditions

Happy Christmas Eve eve everyone. I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, I’m so excited.
Half of my family are Italian so Christmas Eve is a pretty big deal for me along with Christmas Day of course.
Here are a few traditions that my family, friends and I have that make me feel wonderfully festive.

1. Christingle Service
I adore going to the local church for the Christingle service.
My friends and I have been going since we were little.
We are probably a bit old to be going now as it is a service aimed at the kiddies but
we make our own christingles and take them along to sing all the best carols.

2. Christmas Eve Party
Every Christmas Eve my parents host the best party of the season.
All our neighbours come by and drink cocktails and eat lots of food until midnight.
We always manage to fit in a game of charades…and sometime the bell ringing carol game.
If you don’t have this game you simply have to buy it for next year.

3. Bedtime Story
Every Christmas Eve my hubby reads me a bedtime story of a Christmas book of my choice.
If I haven’t drifted off into a festive slumber we watch The Snowman or Polar Express with a sleep timer on our TV.

4. Early Risers
Every year since I was little my brother and I would come running into each others bedrooms at about 5am. Now that I don’t live at home and we have aged a little my brother texts me at about 7am then comes running round to my house to check out what presents I have got before helping Liam and I cart our goods over to our parents house.

5. Stockings
Father Christmas still pops by my parents house for me, so as soon as I get to my parents house I open my stocking and give my parents their stockings that I organise for them.

6. Church
Everyone in my parents street goes to the Christmas church service.
Literally the whole village walks to church together. It is a short and sweet family service full of festive loveliness.

7. Bubbles
Once we get back from church my dad and brother have glasses of fizz waiting for us and breakfast cooked.
We then sit down to open all of our tree presents.

8. The Hunger Games
A whole load more of my family arrive at about 12 and we open more presents and drink even more fizz.
We then wait for lunch/tea/dinner to be ready.
The moment the roast dinner hits the table we are all silent. Half an hour later we are happy bloated balls.

Eeeeeek just writing this I am practically giddy. Soooo exciting.
What are your traditions?
I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and I hope you all have the most magical time xXx

Christmas Sugar Biscuits

Today was my last day of work for 2016.
To celebrate I decided to make some quick and easy Christmas sugar biscuits.
After only 10 minutes of cooking you can gather your friends and family together to decorate your biscuits.

Ingredients
100g butter
100g golden caster sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1tsp ground cinnamon
275g plain flour
Decorations of your choice

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 190°
2. Cream the butter and sugar
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract
4. Gradually mix in the flour
5. Roll out your dough to 1cm and use cookie cutters to make your festive cookie shapes
6. Cook for 8-10minutes
7. Leave to cool before decorating

Let me know if you make them…
Instagram and Twitter: @itsmegantaylor

Christmas Panettone Bombe

Inspired by a Jamie Oliver Christmas program about 6 or 7 years ago I have made a Christmas Panettone Bombe.
If like me you are not a fan of Christmas pudding or mince pies, this would be a perfect alternative for you.
It is fun and easy to make.
{Video link at the bottom}
If you don’t like panettone you can use a sponge cake.
…if however you are from a country that has a Lidl, I would highly suggest you buy your Panettone from there. It is yummy, huge and only £3.99!!
Compared to every other shop on the planet this is an absolute bargain!

Ingredients
Panettone (1/2 medium/large)
Ice Cream (one tub)
Jam of your choice (3 tablespoons)
Cointreau
Dark chocolate (x2 bars)
White chocolate (x1 bar)

You Will Need
Cling film
Bowl
Freezer
Bread knife

Method
1. Line a bowl with cling film. More layers the better.
2. Slice off the panettone’s base and then cut the rest into layers about 1.5cm thick.
3. Line your cling film bowl with the panettone slices and squidge them down a little.
4. Drizzle the cointreau over the panettone lined bowl.
5. Spread your jam over the panettone.
6. Fill the bowl with ice cream.
7. Place the base of the panettone slice, that you cut off earlier, onto the open top, forming the base of your bombe.
8. Cover the base in cling and place in the freezer until the ice cream has set.
(About 3-4 hours).
9. Melt your bars of dark chocolate and drizzle it over your panettone bombe.
10. Place the cake into the fridge for 10 minutes until the dark chocolate is set.
11. Melt a bar of white chocolate and pour over the top of the cake.
12. Decorate with a sprig of holly on top.

Instagram: @itsmegantaylor
Twitter: @itsmegantaylor

Chestnuts Roasting…in a closed oven

♪ ♬ Chestnuts Roasting…in a closed oven ♬ ♪

Not all of us are lucky enough to have a gorgeous fire place at home.
Every Christmas I wish we could smash through the living room wall and reinstate our fireplace but we never get around to doing it.
Not only do I want a fireplace for the picture perfect Christmas but for the roasted chestnuts.
I adore the smell and taste of roasted chestnuts at Christmas time, especially when walking around Christmas fairs.

Here is the easiest way to cook roasted chestnuts in a home without a fireplace.

1. With a very sharp serrated knife slice a small line on the chestnuts.
We use a Victorinox tomato knife. I have a pink one and Liam the black one.
Everyone needs this knife in their kitchen…chopping tomatoes has never been so easy!

2. Place all the chestnuts in a roasting tray in the oven for 30 minutes at 200°c.

3. Now eat by the Christmas tree for the perfect eating environment.

These roasted chestnuts were cooked to perfection and were so easy to cook.
Best of all, there was no mess.
The chestnuts were chewy and very easy to peel.

Chocolate Rice Pop Puddings

I’m not a fan of Christmas pudding but I love their classic festive look.
I adore chocolate so I created this chocolate Christmas pudding copy.
These are very simple to make and no baking is needed.
{Video Link At The Bottom Of This Page}

Ingredients
x2 bars of dark chocolate
1/2 bar of white chocolate
Rice Pops
Truffle/small cup cake holders
Holly decoration (I used these)
Teaspoon of honey

Method
1. Melt the dark chocolate.
2. Once the chocolate is melted add the honey and stir in.
The honey will prevent the balls from being too hard to bite once set.
3. Pour in your rice pops into the melted chocolate and stir until they are completed covered.
Slowly add more rice pops to use up all the chocolate, making sure the rice pops are completely covered in chocolate.
4. Spoon the mixture into the cupcake holders making them look like spherical mounds.
5. Place your chocolate balls on a tray and place in the fridge until they are 99% set.
Approximately 10 minutes.
6. Take your chocolate balls out of their cupcake holders and put them back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
7. Take your chocolate balls out of the fridge.
Melt your white chocolate and pour over each ball, representing the custard on a classic Christmas pudding.
8. Decorate the tops of each ball with a holly leaf made from the sprinkles.
If you are drawing holly leaves with writing icing do this after step 9.
9. Place back in the fridge for 10/20 minutes until completely set.
10. Lay them all out on a Christmas plate to serve at a party but keep a few aside in the kitchen for you to nibble on.
Your guests will devour them in minutes.

I hope you enjoy them. Make sure you tag me in a photo of you make them.
Instagram: @itsmegantaylor
Twitter: @itsmegantaylor

Top 10 Christmas Movies

Last week I released my Top 10 Christmas Books but this week I thought I should share with you my Top 10 Christmas Movies.
I have a whole shelf full of Christmas movies. Choosing just 10 was a tricky mission.
As I write this I wish I had included Arthur Christmas and even my Friends Christmas Boxset (not technically a movie but a great dvd to own).
What is your favourite Christmas movie?

1. The Polar Express
If you ever have a chance to see Polar Express at the IMAX then please go.
I love this film and quite like to have it playing in the background at nighttime.

2. White Christmas
Probably the oldest Christmas film I own.
Definitely one to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
A great singalong.

3. The Snowman
I have fond memories of watching this movie when I was very very young.
I used to have a Snowman water bottle cover and hug it until it was threadbare.
Fabulous movie and so cheap to own.

4. Nativity!
Nativity! was so successful that the made a few more.
This movie is English comedy at its best but
I really wish they stuck to this one off as the following were a little less great.
A great laugh out loud family movie.

5. Elf
My absolute favourite film EVER.
Funny even after the 100th viewing.
If you don’t own a copy, get it now!

6. The Holiday
The only Christmas DVD Liam will allow me to watch when it isn’t Christmas.
Every actor has been cast perfectly.
Heartwarming and perfectly depicts the festive season in the UK and USA.

7. Home Alone (Boxset)
Home Alone 1 and 2 are Christmas movie classics.
2 and 3…not so much but I couldn’t resist owning the full boxset.

8. Santa Clause (Boxset)
I adore the Santa Clause movies.
Number 1 is the best but the follow ups are actually quite good because they kept the original cast.

9. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
This movie makes me wish I could experience Christmas in New York with my family one day.
I would love to own the house at the end of the movie…one day.
Richard Attenborough is perfect Father Christmas.

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Exactly the same story as the newer version.
I can’t decide which version I prefer but Attenborough is probably the best Father Christmas.
Love Actually, Arthur Christmas

Festive Nails {How To Video}

The Christmas party season can be rather chaotic. Your nails are probably the last thing on your mind.
This ‘how to’ video shows you how to give your nails a festive make over in a couple of minutes.

You Will Need
Clear nail varnish
Natural coloured nail varnish
Sparkly nail varnish
Foundation sponge

1. Paint your nails with a natural coloured basecoat

2. Put a thick layer of sparkly nail varnish on your foundation sponge

3. Roughly dab the painted sponge on the tips of your nails

4. Finish with a clear top coat

Top 10 Christmas Books

Christmas can be a stressful time for a lot of us.
So many presents to buy, cards to send, outfits to decide on.
One of the best ways to de-stress is to wrap up all cosy on the sofa with a mug of tea and read a good book.
Christmas books are my absolute favourite because you can transport yourself to a festive land.
Below I have chosen my Top 10 Christmas Books that you must own.
(Each book name below is a hyperlink so you can easily find the book on Amazon).

1. Christmas A Very Peculiar History
This book feels like a special gift. The pages are edged with gold leaf. The pictures are beautifully annotated.
You will learn so much about the history of Christmas but in a very fun way.

2. The Fox At The Manger
A gift from my mum I adore this book. I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but it really is gorgeous.
Written by the author of Mary Poppins, it is a must have.
A book to read to the children but you will enjoy it too.

3. A Child’s Christmas in Wales
A wonderful Welsh tale for all my fellow Welshies out there this Christmas.
Lovely colourful illustrations.

4. Through A Glass Darkly
A very emotional and heartwarming story between a sick girl and an angel.
I took this book off my parents when I was quite young thinking a would try and read a grown up book.
I really enjoyed the story and it has stuck with me for a very long time.

5. The Night Before Christmas
A traditional story to read the night before Christmas.
My husband bought me this special copy a few years ago.
Even as adults we read a Christmas story to each other every Christmas Eve.

6. Something From Tiffany’s
This chick lit is a quick romantic read over the Christmas period.
Who doesn’t wish for a little blue box under the Christmas tree?

7. Miracle On Regent Street
Another Christmas chick lit that I loved.
A magical and hopeful Christmas story to read on your daily commute.

8. Little Women
Everyone must read Little Women at least once…for me three times.
Definitely one of my favourite stories. Everyone should have a copy on their bookshelf.

9. I Heart Christmas
I adore the ‘I Heart…’ series by Lindsey Kelk.
I tend to read one of her books every summer holiday.
I read this very quickly last Christmas and loved it.

10. Fairy Christmas
Not quite a book to read but more a book to treasure.
Open up the book to see what all the Christmas Fairy’s get up to at Christmas.
The pictures are magical and there are lots of creative festive ideas of things to make over the Christmas period.