This Christmas was the first time in 13 years that my hubby & I didn’t have to drive the 600 mile round trip to visit both our families. As they all came to us. This had its own stresses but we managed it. It was lovely having most of our families in the same room since our wedding. My hubby made a lovely Christmas dinner and we ate and relaxed all day. It seems like so long ago now but I thought I would show you the Beauty items I received from my hubby and family. I was gifted so many nice things.

I am excited to try my Stila Seeing Stars Smudge Stick Set – I have wanted some of these for so long. I have such watery eyes & need my eyeliner to be heavy-duty. Currently has a 3rd off in Boots. £16 is a bargain for 5 eyeliners.

SpaceNK Laughter Perfume, I used to wear this all the time 5 years ago & for some reason I stopped. My lovely mum bought this mini bottle for me &  I am over joyed to have it in my life again. It smells amazing.

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia – The hubby snuck this one under the tree. Even after we said we weren’t doing gifts this year. Its my signature scent and I can’t be without a bottle.

Mac MSF Soft and Gentle. This has been on my wish list for the longest time and I never got round to purchasing it. So was over the moon to find it under the tree.

I received some great gifts sets Burt’s Bees Tips and Toes Kit, The Body Shop Delux Vitamin E Skincare Set  & the fabulous Sanctuary Spa Sheer Indulgence Set. So in 2012 I will be smelling amazing & hopefully looking me best too, well I best be with all these fab products to use.

I hope you all had a relaxing and family filled Christmas. Some of you may know that this past year has been the hardest in my 34 years. My dad is still recovering from a Stroke he had last Christmas. It’s so hard to see someone you love be so ill and dependant on other people. My dad was in the Armed Forces for 26 years and was so independent and loved to work. Everything changed a year ago. He is no longer able to work and had to learn to walk and talk again. The mental side of stroke is something that gets eclipsed by the physical. The cognitive things are the hardest and take the longest to learn again. He is improving with each day but I find it so hard to see him so changed. I’m hoping for a more positive 2013. I have made some positive changes in my life in terms of diet and taking on less stress I am really going to try to stick to that.

Happy New Year to you all x