What I Got For Christmas | A Delayed Haul

Hello lovely reader! I hope you are enjoying your January 2016! This post is one that I have done previously and it is also something that I always look forward to reading from other bloggers. I don't know why we all find this so fascinating but I am definitely one of those people who like to see what other people got. Even though "What I Got For Christmas" posts have become quite popular I still find it necessary to say that this is not in anyway a post of showing off, like I said earlier it is just a way to share things that I like because maybe you will too.

First I will show you what I got in my stocking basically it's a bunch of treats and I was quite excited to find these goodies. I got two holiday edition Cliff bars, which are my current favorite flavors, one being spiced pumpkin and the other iced gingerbread. I also got a package of Cadbury chocolate because they are my absolute favorite chocolates and a pack of holiday edition goldfish also another favorite. And finally I got two Pepperidge Farm treats one being a mini pack of the Milano cookies and another mini pack of the chessman minis.

This first item I received is this Alex and Ani bracelet. These bracelets are a fantastic go to gift because they come in Darius finishes and each charm has a special meaning behind it. They also look super cute the more you get because you can stack them. My mom and cousin absolutely love these bracelets and have a fair few. This was my first one but definitely not my last.

 Next are two books that I received both the fashion themed and absolutely hilarious. I have started reading tales from the back row and it is interesting and entertaining especially for someone who is interested in working in the fashion industry one day. The second book was more of a joke gift but it is actually a really nice book that I saw online a bad a month ago it is a nursery rhyme book but all the lyrics have been changed into fashion related theme this and situations. The illustrations are gorgeous watercolors and the nursery rhymes are quirky, cheeky, and fabulous.

Now onto some makeup, my best friend sent me this "Lorac Pro To Go Palette". I have been using it for the past couple weeks and I would definitely recommend it. The colors are great being that they are neutral. I have been using the brown shades for my every day look but you could also use the darker colors to create a smoky eye more suitable for the night time. The pigmentation of the colors is great and they blend very nicely. The pallet also folds up, as you can see, to become compact, perfect for throwing in your day bag or for a weekend trip.

As I have mentioned before lipstick has quickly become my current makeup obsession so when I opened this I was quite excited and ready to try all the different colors. I had never used Clinique lipstick before so I was interested to see if I would like it or not and I can honestly say that I do. I have been wearing the first and fourth lipstick from the left the most lately, both being more neutral and lighter tones but I am excited to try some of the bolder colors as well.

Now let me begin by saying that when it comes to celebrity perfumes, I am usually quite the skeptic, however, I was given a sample of this at an event and I genuinely liked the smell! It's sweet and light and a more girly scent, but not overwhelming. The bottle is also nice, so if you haven't next time you're out give it a spritz and a sniff!

Yes, I joined the marble laptop bandwagon. I had seen these all over Tumblr and Instagram for months and was so happy when I opened this! I know a lot of places are offering them now, but mine is from a website called UNIQFIND. They send you a clear laptop case and the marble contact paper and then you apply it to the case. It's super easy and I'm pleased with the end result!

Me receiving these two CD's will come as no surprise to many of you as I have raved about both of these artists recently. I have listened to each of these CD's multiple times and I think they are fantastic. Both Adele and Alessia are great storytellers who portray messages that many people can relate to. My favorite songs on these albums change daily but currently off 25 my favorite is "Remedy" and from Know-It-All, "Stone".

Cute, comfy, and cozy. I love Adidas sweatshirts and I can't wait to wear this one. (Also a bit of a monochrome fan....90% of my closet being black, white, or gray)

Saving the best for last, I got a sewing machine! Words can not describe how thrilled I was to open this present and see what I had received. If you are a beginner sewer like me, I would highly recommend this machine. I am currently working on sewing a cape and it has been running so smoothly *knock on wood*. There are so many things I want to make and I cannot wait to create!What did you get for Christmas?? Xx

Sew Simple | Laptop Sleeve DIY

Hello lovely reader! As mentioned in previous posts, I wanted to give myself the challenge and goal of learning to sew this summer. After a couple projects, I am quite pleased with my creations and my abilities with a sewing machine. For this post I wanted to share something that I feel I have somewhat mastered after making two that turned out great. It is a zippered laptop sleeve.

Now when I first got my laptop I really wanted a cute case, but after looking around endlessly online I couldn't find what I was looking for, and gave up the hunt for a while. Last week though, I was on my current favorite blog called Merrick's Art looking for something else to try and make. While scrolling, I stumbled upon this super chic fold over clutch tutorial. I still may make the clutch but it got me thinking that I could probably make my own laptop sleeve. I did some searching and found a tutorial on a blog called Stitched by Crystal. Thus my laptop case making began.

So far I have made one for myself and one for my friend for her birthday. The first one took me about 45 minutes or so to make. However for the second one, once I knew what I was doing, I had the whole thing completed in about 30 minutes. So you will see that it is pretty easy to learn how to make this practical little item. Since I used Crystal's step by step I am going to link her post rather then take her material. (No pun intended) I will show you some pics of the steps for reference, as well as the finished product.

"STITCHED by Crystal: Tutorial: Zippered laptop sleeve"

If you give this a go, I would love to see what you create. Happy stitching! Xx

Sunny Days and Summer Nights | iPhone Snaps

Hello lovely reader! Happy Monday, I'm sending you my energy to get through this week. Last week wasn't the best weather wise, so I'm hoping June brings some warm weather and sunshine. Here's what I've been up to,

Sun, strawberries, and a nice morning read. I started reading this book and if you are a fashion fanatic or interested in the industry, I highly recommend it! It's funny, informative, and inspiring. 

One of my goals for this summer is to learn to sew properly. So, I am making it happen, starting simple with a swing dress. I enjoy it and wish to be better at it, so hopefully this dress turns out nicely!

Feeling swish with a swirl cone on a summer night!

Celebrated Memorial Day with an afternoon BBQ.

Flower shopping with my mom to spruce up the gardens.

What have you been up to? Xx