{wishing you a magical christmas..}

Apologies that posts have been somewhat absent for the last few days and weeks..  I've taken a few days off to exchange work for play (with the exception of a tweet, or instagram or two), to exchange texts and emails for conversations over glasses of champagne and candlelight, for friends and family much too much dessert; for elf & love actually and mistletoe; for nights in front of the fire with those we love the most...

Wishing all of you beautiful readers the merriest and most magical Christmas time to spend time doing what you love best, with those you love best.

Two Lovely Things: Golden Lights

Fear not lovelies, I am still alive and well; just crazily busy with all of Decembers festivities and fun - Christmas shopping is now just about done, tonight I'm going to wrestle with a mountain of wrapping paper and piles of presents to stuff under the Christmas tree.. I should be accompanied by a large glass of mulled wine but I'm unfortunately still sporting a heavy head after indulging in one too many gins last night with some of my favourite ladies.. Is it bed time yet? Hope you're all well and on the countdown to Christmas!.. How many times can I use that C word in one post? rachelle xo

The Rachelle Lust List: 4th December 2012

1. Elizabeth & James specialise in some seriously stylish one-pieces and fitted separates; these are the perfect shoes to match (£270). I need to wear these with everything in my winter wardrobe. PS. River Island have some similarly edgy styles in for a quarter of the price. 2. I'm not one to preach about constantly coordinating your undergarments; I've fallen separately in love with this Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou lace and satin bra (£55) and this Angelique Bow Thong (£35) separately (although the matching Bisou Bisou knickers are a real treat, too). 3. The Valentino 'Va Va Voom' studded nude leather clutch is featuring in my dreams, as of late. Wow. 4. An Alexander Skull Print Silk scarf (£165) mightn't be the warmest garment on the winter-wear market, but it is perfect to layer for any day of the year. 5. Obsessed with these adorable 'His & Hers' Johnathan Adler mugs (£24)! Perfect Christmas present for newly-weds, or yourself, if you cant resist.. You can never have too many chic white mugs, right? 6. Its my turn to have a little dry/tight/winter-skin crisis, I'm craving some luxurious and natural-super-ingredients to restore things back to happy-hydrated-times; I'm terribly guilty of not using a primer, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Primer (£41 at Space NK) looks to be the answer to my prayers. 7 & 8. Sisley are one of the most reputable names in high-end skincare, my poor face is crying out for a cocktail of their most famous face-masks, Hydra-Flash Intensive or Black Rose Cream Mask are packed full of skin softening wonders. 9. Another installment of the lazy-girls guide to baking; these Harvey Nichols Gingerbread Cookies are ready to bake, simply add eggs and butter. How cute is the packaging? They taste as good as they look. 10. This weeks lipstick craving is another Mac wonder; Rebel. No where near as dark and scary as it appears in the tube, its another Mac best seller that has somehow managed to escape my clutches. Until now. rachelle xo

A Guide To: The Boys Birthday

Buying occasion gifts for the men in our lives is notoriously difficult. I've been with my man almost four years, know him inside out and he truly knows me better than I know myself. But still; I can find it difficult choosing what to buy him each time his birthday rolls around.

Anniversaries are easy, as are little moments throughout the year when you spot something & just have to give it to them, "saw this & thought of you", but I must admit - I generally rely on the same fail-safe gifts on occasions like Christmas.

Whilst he doesn't have any hobbies I can stock up on, (unless I buy him a car - ladies if your man is a passionate sportsman or even trainspotter, think yourself lucky!) he does love whiskey. And clothes. And trips away. So I take advantage of my strengths  I can pick an outfit for him he'll adore (even if it is purely because he knows I'll love him in it) with my eyes closed, I know enough about any alcohol to see me through a gift purchase, and as you all know I adore travelling, so can plan a trip the pair of us will love.

If you follow me on twitter, luckily he doesn't use it.. you'll know I arranged a little trip to Barcelona for him this time around. Believe it or not, neither of us have been before - its a place we've always fancied but never gotten around to it, we tend to pick faraway shores and the amazing Europe breaks can get pushed aside. I also picked up a few jumpers from All Saints for him, a ton of Calvin Klein shorts and a couple of little 'stocking filler' type gifts. I've created a fail-proof collection of gifts for your boy, suitable for all gentlemen for any occasion...

Lately: Via Instagram | My Birthday

I was lucky enough to have the most fabulous birthday weekend! Alongside my favourite perfume, caramel cupcakes, 'the worlds best "Chase" vodka', and a handful of make up products I'd my eye on for a while I was completley spoilt with a new laptop and a Mulberry Daria purse!

My Mum made me a chocolate & cream cake (which tastes alot better than the instagram picture makes it look!), my friend made me a four layer raspberry sponge cake alongside those ten cupcakes & chocolates - I'm sure to be piling on the pounds as I work my way through that lot! For the party the boy & I made Strawberry Mojotos and good 'ol cosmopolitans for the arrival of our guests in unfortunatley rather garish green jugs as some unbeknown monster (ahem, my Aunt) borrowed the decent glassware... 

I had an amazing weekend & feel truly blessed with all of my friends & family, thank you to everyone for th birthday wishes.

Rachel x

Happy Weekend: Happy Birthday to Me

"Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me..." The day has finally arrived & I've been one million percent spoiled by my amazing friends, family and of course - the boy.

I'm off to drink too much champagne, shop til I quite literally drop & get dressed up for a night on the razz, a perfect start to what will hopefully be a perfect new decade.. I'm now officially a twenty-something, eeek!

Have a beautiful weekend whatever you have planned,

Rachel x