What to buy for: The Beauty Lover

Ted Baker Diamante Bow make up bag £25, O.P.I Christmas Pastel Liquid Sand Mini Trio Nail Polish Set £8.50, Cowshed Gorgeous Cow Duo, £16, Cath Kidston Blossom Manicure Set, £13, Topshop Lipstick and Blush set £12

Benefit The Bronze of The Champions £26.50, Liz Earle Beautiful Skin Duo £28, Philosophy Peppermint Stick Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble bath £11.90, Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml Eau De Toilette Gift Set £42.50

One of the best things about Christmas besides the mountain of cheese available - Wensleydale and Cranberry thank you - is picking out the perfect present for your nearest and dearest. I've decided to put together a few gift guides to help you out because I'm nice like that. First up is the ideal gift for the beauty fanatic.

With most presents under £30 you don't have to rob a bank to gain a gold star for the best present buyer in the whole entire universe. I've tried to pick out the perfect gift for the beauty mad lady in your life. Mums will adore receiving Liz Earle and Cowshed on the big day whereas you can't go wrong with a bit of Benefit or Topshop for your best friend. Need to buy a present for your sister-in-law? OPI is always a winner as everyone like a pretty colour on their nails! Finally treat your nan to some Philosophy so she can have a pamper session once all the mayhem has died down.

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Laura Ashley s/s14 Collection

When I grow up. I want my house to be filled with lots of pretties from Laura Ashley. It's such a pleasure to be asked to pop along and have a mooch at their latest offerings. I always come away with a list as long as my arm and this season was no different.

As I walked in from the bitter cold outside, it was like being transported into a beautiful spring day in the countryside. With pretty, floral prints and rustic charm, the press day took on a perfect British Country show theme. I always think Laura Ashley is so brilliant at capturing everything quintessentially  British. If you was in any doubt, you were greeted by a rosette, huge horse and a pair of wellies as you turned the corner! Even if you prefer a more modern touch on your homeware, you wouldn't be disappointed. The brand manages to offer something for everyone regardless of their taste in interiors.

I think the clothing collection was one of the best so far. Gorgeous tea dresses, fun welles and floral bags are all on the Spring agenda. Fear not if you're not really a girly girl as there will be some stunning, simplistic clothing begging to be worn. The above navy dress will slot right into your wardrobe! You'll have no problem adding a pop of colour to your spring wardrobe next year.

On a side note, I really do need to start remembering to bring my camera along to events and not rely on my phone!

Do you have a soft spot for Laura Ashley too?

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This week i'm loving - Lotil cream

Original Lotil - c/o

I don't know about you but my skin takes a right battering in the winter months. It's always so quick to go dry and i'm constantly on the look out for lotions and potions to give it some TLC. My problems areas tend to be my knees, elbows, hands and heels. Lotil is recommended for dry areas and promises to rehydrate and soften chapped skin. After reading the instructions on the back, I applied on my problems areas after i'd had a shower before bed time. It smells quite clinical but it's not a horrible smell. Just non-offensive. Sometimes I prefer to lotions to not have a strong scent as it can be quite overpowering when you get into bed.  It's just the right thickness of without feeling greasy but a little does go a long way so there's no need to squeeze it on in bulk!

I used the product for nearly a month and have found some much-welcomed improvement. My hands in particular are a lot less chapped and feel smooth to touch. This little tube is a handy size to keep in your handbag. It's not made a huge lot of difference on my heels but I think they just need a bit more work as they are softening up slowly! It is a product you have to use religiously every night for it to make a difference. I think it's great value for money as it does last a fair bit and i'll add it to my list of lotions for the winter months,

Have you ever try Lotil?

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