What I Got For Christmas 2015

I know there are a lot of people who don't like these posts but there are also a huge amount of people who do. I shouldn't really have to put a disclaimer in here but I'm going to anyway: The reason I'm posting this is because I'm really happy with the effort my family have put into these presents and I want to share that. Not because I'm boasting (because, seriously, how many other bloggers are going to read this and go "Wow! I wish I had that book about social class!") but because I'm in love with and very excited by the wonderful gifts I've got. Deal with it.

FROM RICH

Rich really went all out with the books this year! He pretty much went on my Amazon wishlist and bought as many books as he could find. It's going to take me all of 2016 to get through them! I can't wait to read them and, of course, I'll review them all when I'm done:

• The Magnificent Spilsbury and the Case of the Brides in the Bath
• Social Class in the 21st Century
• Forensics: The Anatomy of Crime
• Broadmoor Revealed
• The Secret Cemetery
• Graveyard London
• The Worst Street in London
• Bedlam
• 1888: London Murders In The Year Of The Ripper
• The Victorian City
• Too Much Information - Dave Gorman

He also gave me a joke present which is probably one of my favourites- a book called Hampshire Dialect. I'm a Hampshire girl born and bred whereas Rich is from the posher county of Surrey and always makes fun of my Hampshire accent and sayings. 

Yes, that is an ice skate! (Obviously not an ice skate! I do have a pair!) I've been saying for ages that I'm going to start ice skate lessons and have never got round to doing it. Rich bought me these gorgeous white ice skates so now I have no excuse! In January, I'll be signing up to a local course and I'm both excited and absolutely terrified! 

Of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some Lush bits! My favourite items of the 2015 Christmas collection was Christingle and the Icing on the Cake Roulade (reviews here) so I'm now stocked up. I'm also excited to have my first mega bottle of Lush shower gel- 1kg of Snow Fairy in this case. 

FROM MY MUM

My mum is a fantastic gift-giver. She has a real knack for knowing exactly what the recipient wants and will go to the ends of the Earth to find it. (True fact: She once managed to get hold of the UK Sony manager to discuss an issue. Her strategy is to always be polite and grateful to the people who help her. There's a lesson to be learned there!). My Major Works of Charles Dickens box set is a perfect example of this- it was a huge hassle to get hold of but she didn't give up and I'm incredibly grateful for such a beautiful gift. 

What with my newfound love of getting my eyebrows shaped (seriously, why did I wait so long?), I've been looking forward to trying out some brow products. Of course Anastasia Beverly Hills was top of my list so I was chuffed to receive three products- Dip Brow Pomade, Brow Wiz Pencil and Duo Brow Brush. I can't wait to get my eyebrows shaped again so I can try them out! 

One of the things my mum is amazing at when it comes to buying presents is finding little things that feel really special. These My Little Pony slippers from Primark are a perfect example. They are just so perfect for me and she's lucky I hadn't already seen them because I would have snapped them up for myself without a moment's thought! The Yankee Candle Car Jar also made my heart swell because, as I passed my driving test in June, it's the first time I've been able to receive a car-related present. Such a small thing that was just so thoughtful! 

SECRET SANTA

I get really into Secret Santa and spend ages choosing gifts that I think are perfect for my recipient. This year, I received gifts that were really thoughtful. For Lorna's book bloggers Secret Santa, I was paired with Tracey, who completely blew me away with her gift of The Goddess Chronicle . She knew I liked Japanese fiction and this one looks right up my street! 

The Tangle Teezer was a gift from the LDN Secret Santa event and I still have no idea who it was from! Let me know if it was you so I can thank you properly! 

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I'm hugely grateful to my family, friends (can't believe I left out the slushie maker from Laura and Matt!) and Secret Santas for the lovely, thoughtful gifts. I hope you all liked yours too! 

Affiliate links have been used for the books in this post because I'm a money-hungry, ungrateful show off or something. 


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