Baylis & Harding Christmas gift guide 2017*

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is having a lovely December so far!

Some people may have already brought all of their Christmas gifts, others maybe half way through and some may be stuck for ideas. This is where I am pretty sure I can help you.

Baylis & Harding have some beautiful gifts that bring affordable luxury into everyone's life. They definitely have something for everyone.

Something for him...

Are you looking for the perfect secret Santa present? Maybe you are looking for the perfect stocking filler? This Baylis & Harding wash bag duo with Citrus and Lime goodies inside could be just what you are after! This would also be perfect for an 'extra' gift. 

This little gift comes with a hair and body wash and a aftershave balm. They are the prefect minis and smell so refreshing! The wash bag is a brilliant size for when he goes on holiday or for any trips away. You can buy this gift on Amazon for an amazing £5.95!

Something for her...

The next couple of gifts are perfect for secret Santa gifts or stocking fillers.

The first is the Baylis & Harding Midnight Fig and Pomegranate body wash. You can buy this on Amazon for just £4! It's the perfect Christmas scent to receive. I have to say the packaging is beautiful on this product, the colour scheme and design is perfect. If I received this I could imagine myself having a nice soak in the bath after the festivities of Christmas day and wash with this.

Another idea for a stocking filler is this cute little bath.

This golden bath comes with a 50ml shower crème and a 30ml body butter. The smell doesn't differ from shower gel to body butter, which is nice as you don't have a mismatch of scents. It is also such an invigorating scent. You can pick this little set up on Amazon for £9.79.

For a teenage girl (or someone into sweet smells)...

Teenagers can sometimes be pretty hard to buy for. The Baylis & Harding Beauticology Carnival treats perfect partners gift set is the perfect sweet treat. I mean, I'm 21 and I love the scent of both products.

This fun set comes with a 250ml tub of 'Sweet caramel popcorn' body butter and a 300ml bottle of 'candy apple' shower gel. I am quite funny with scents of body butters and I was a little worried about the sound of this one. However, when I opened it my first reaction was 'oh wow!' It is just the right amount of sweet for me. However, it could be a little too sweet for someone who doesn't like a strong sweet scent. When applied to the skin it's not as sweet as in the tub, it's actually quite subtle. I find myself lifting my arm to smell it.

Something for Mum...

Before becoming a Mum I used to wonder why these sets were so special. Now, I get it. It's pure bliss when you get to be able to pamper yourself with a lovely gift set. Especially when someone has thought of you and gifted you something to do so with.

This gift set comes 250ml of crème brûlée & cocoa body butter, 300ml of crème brûlée & cocoa refresing body cleanser, a body polisher and it is all presented nicely in a wicker basket that Mum (or whoever the recipient is) to put all of their pamper time goodies in. My favourite in this is the body butter, its so luxurious! You can buy this from Amazon for £16.68.

For the candle lovers...

I was blown away buy the packaging of this candle. Can we just take a second to appreciate how beautiful it is! This is pure Christmas luxury. You could even buy this for yourself as a cute decoration around the house.

Now you may or may not know I have a fear of candles, so I gave this to my Mum to light. Whenever I go past her bedroom, it just smells of Christmas. I am hoping she will bring it to the kitchen to light when she cooks Christmas dinner. This candle comes in at an amazing price of £13.25 and you can buy it from Amazon.

A home wear gift...

I love this Baylis & Harding hand was. Its is the same 'Midnight fid & pomegranate' scent as the body wash above. I feel this one is a little stronger than the body wash but it is not over powering. I love the Christmas design that carries through the Baylis and Harding Christmas range. It is nice that you can add a little bit of Christmas cheer to your bathroom with this had wash. You can buy this Christmas version from either Superdrug or Tesco which is on offer until the 2/01/2018 for £1.50. If you would prefer a bottle without Christmas patterns you can pick one up on Amazon.

Which gift is your favourite?

Tasha x

*These products were sent to me in return for a fair and honest review*

Itsatashathing: Happy New Year and Surprise!

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas and New Year!

Firstly I want to apologise for the blogmas flop. However, there was a big reason and if you don't follow me on twitter (follow me here) you won't know I've had the baby!

Her name is Darcie and she is absolutely beautiful! The labour went really well until the end but that
only affected me. Darcie was born in the morning and it all happened very quickly and I gave birth to a happy, healthy baby.

If you are interested I will write a blog post on my labour story, so drop a comment if you are interested.

Darcie is now almost 3 weeks old and is doing well. I'm not going to be posting pictures of her as we both feel it's not really appropriate. However, this isn't to say this won't change in the future.

I'm looking forward to being able to write Mummy posts and doing Darcie updates.

Thank you for the kind words and being understanding.

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 12: Christmas traditions

Hi everyone,

Another baby update: she still hasn't made her arrival and we're on to day 12...

Christmas traditions

I don't have many but I thought I would write down the ones I do have or have had over the years.

• Advent calendars! Now I can get greedy with these and usually end up with more than one. I usually have the Lindt ones and a me to you one. This year I have a Cadbury one.
• My Mum would always leave wrapping presents until Christmas eve when I went to bed.
• I still get a Santa sack full of bits and pieces.
• Christmas would always be a big family event. The 'best' table and china would always be used, there would be so many of us sat round the table for dinner.
• Christmas lunch would always be set out as a buffet on the 'everyday' table.
• Every year I would visit a Christmas market.
• As a young girl my Grandma would take me to church.
• Presents would be given throughout the day. My family don't like opening them all at once.

QOTD: What are your Christmas traditions?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 11: Christmas outings: What to do?

Hi everyone,

On to day 11...

Christmas outings: What to do?

I love Christmas and there is always so much to do where ever you live. So I thought I would put together a list of things I like to do at Christmas:

• I have been to winter wonderland in Hyde Park a couple of times and honestly, it's amazing! There is so much to do and get involved in. It's been open since the 18th November and goes on until the 2nd January 2017. They are celebrating 10 years this year. For more info click: here.
• I love to go to local Christmas markets. Traditionally me and my Nanna always used to go to the on at Winchester cathedral. It's a little harder now as I don't live close any more but we would have gone this year again. Find some Christmas markets here.
• Christmas shopping. There's no better feeling then buying a present you know someone is going to love. 
• Go on a Christmas light drive or walk. Have a look around your local neighbourhood at how they have done their houses up for Christmas. I always used to go and look around local houses with my parents as some used to do it all for charity.

QOTD: Where do you like to go at Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 10: Letter to Santa

Hi everyone,

It's day 10 and here is my...

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

This has been one whirl wind of a year and its still is. I only have a couple of things I would like to ask you for this year.

Firstly, I would like to make sure all my family (this includes my boyfriend and his family) are well and that 2017 is a great and prosperous new year for them all. I want to see them all have an amazing year and to really go for what they want and to achieve it.

Secondly, I would love to have my baby girl and be out of hospital in time for Christmas. There is nothing I would like more then this, to have a happy healthy baby girl and to share her first Christmas at home (and with a nice Christmas dinner).

As I said I don't really have anything much to ask but if you can bring me just a couple of things these 2 would be amazing. I believe that I have been as good as I can be this year, so I think I do deserve them.

Thank you

Tasha x

(QOTD: What would you ask Santa for?)

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 9: Nailed it!

Hi everyone,

Day 9, no baby (sad times).

Nailed it!

There is nothing better then searching through Pinterest (find me here) at Christmas time. So I have pulled a few of my favourite Christmas nail pins for inspiration this season.




QOTD: Do you go to the nail bar or do your nails yourself?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 8: Favourite Christmas foods

Hi everyone,

Time for day 8...

Favourite Christmas foods

Here is a list of foods that I love and traditionally have at Christmas:

• Celebrations
• Roses
• Heroes
• Quality street
• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Pigs in blankets
• I always have a chocolate cake as I don't like Christmas pudding
• Gammon

QOTD: What are your favourite Christmas foods?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 7: Favourite Christmas films

Hi everyone,

It's day 7 and still no baby.

Favourite Christmas films

So here are a few of my favourite Christmas films:

1. Miracle on 34th Street
2. The Grinch
3. Jack Frost
4. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer the movie (1998)
5. Home Alone
6. The nightmare before Christmas
7. Elf
8. The Holiday
9. The Santa Clause 2
10. A Christmas Carol

QOTD: What is your favourite Christmas film?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 6: Christmas song playlist

Hi everyone,

What did day 6 bring in your advent calendar today? I had a chocolate snowman.

Christmas song playlist

If I had to bring out a Christmas CD this is what I would have on there as without fail these are the songs you will here me playing. (No particular order of favourites.)

1. Paul McCartney- Wonderful Christmas time
2. Mariah Carey- All I want for Christmas is you
3. Band aid 1984- Do they know it's Christmas?
4. The Pogues feat. Kirsty Maccoll- Fairytale of New York
5. Wizzard- I wish it could be Christmas everyday
6. Shakin' Stevens- Merry Christmas everyone
7. Mel & Kim- Rockin' around the Christmas tree
8. Slade- Merry Christmas everybody
9. Justin Bieber- Mistletoe
10. Wham!- Last Christmas
11. Jackson 5- Santa Claus is coming to town
12. John Lennon- Happy Xmas (war is over)
13. Kylie Minogue- Santa baby
14. Chris Rea- Driving home for Christmas

QOTD: What is your favourite Christmas song?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 5: Stocking fillers for him

Hi everyone,

Day 5 and I am going to talk about....

Stocking fillers for him

These are things that if I were to be doing a stocking for my boyfriend (as well as some other bits I know wouldn't be for him) he would like:

• Underwear.
• Belts.
• For my boyfriend FIFA points. So if the man you are buying for likes gaming maybe a PlayStation or Xbox voucher.
• His favourite aftershave.
• Deodorant.
• Chocolate and/or sweets.
• Miniature bottles of alcohol (remembering the legal age in your country).
• Joke/novelty items.
• Key ring.
• Mug and/or glass.
• Shower and/or bath products.
• Body lotion (Nivea is a favourite of my boyfriend).
• Something personalised.
• Travel games.
• Slippers.
• Gadgets.
• Stationary.

QOTD: What would you put in a stocking for a man?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 3: What's on my Christmas list?

Hi everyone,

So today is the day that baby girl is due! How exciting! Today's post is...

What's on my Christmas list?

To be honest I don't want a lot for Christmas (just so you're aware I sang that line, cue Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas). I have been going through the boots website and I have picked out things that I like the look of. So here is what I would like for Christmas:

• (To follow my Mariah Carey sing song) There is just one thing I need: a happy healthy baby, come on little one we're rooting for you today!

The make up and cosmetics wish list:

• Some new makeup brushes. MAC, Spectrum, Real Techniques, I really don't mind. 
• Sleek smoke and mirrors set. (Or any Sleek makeup/gift set for that matter.)
• Ted Baker Sparkle and shade set. (Again I love Ted Baker so I would love all of the sets.)
• Essie nail polish sets.
• I'm obsessed with Jack Wills so I would be grateful for any of their makeup gift sets.
• No7 beauty haul colour vault.
• Ted Baker Treasure Trove.
• Any bareMinerals set.
• Dior total matte smoky palette.
• Dior All-in-one couture palette.
• Rosé all day gift set.

Bath and Body wish list:

• Jack Wills bath and body sets, I'm not picky.
• Any Ted Baker bath and body set.
• Soap and Glory super spa set.
• Soap and Glory Girl-o-Whirl set.
• Soap and Glory pick of the bunch set.
• Soap and Glory the whole glam lot set.
• French Connection luxe collection
• French Connection bed ready set.
• French Connection lost in the mist.
• Disney Alice late for an important date body mist and cosmetic bag set.
• I love... lots of bubbles set (the scents in there sound amazing!).

Perfume/Fragrance:

• CoCo Chanel Mademoiselle.
• Charlie body sprays.
• So...? Body sprays.
• Impulse body sprays.
• Marc Jacobs decadence.
• Issey Miyake eau d'Issey. (I love this fragrance!)
• Ghost perfumes.

QOTD: What would you like for Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 2: This time next year tag

Hi everyone,

This time next year tag

Thank you to Leah who tagged me a week or so ago to do this tag. So I thought I would include it as part of my Blogmas. They sort of tie in with New Years resoloutions.

The Rules:

• Thank the person who tagged you.
• Write your goals for next year.
• Write how you’re going to achieve your goals.
• Tag at least 5 of your blogger friends to share their goals.
• Then if you wish in 365 days write a post for everyone to see if you have been successful or not!

This time next year I would like to have:

1. Make a savings account for baby. I know Leah has this on her list but it's something I have been thinking about for a while. How I will do this is go into a bank and set her up an account. It will probably be one of those that she can't touch until she is of a certain age as I don't want her wasting the money we have saved for her.
2. Be doing everything I can for little one. As I am a qualified nursery nurse I understand the importance of one-to-one time. I want to do so much with her and already have so much planned in my head.
3. Read more books. Sounds simple but even though I have the time I still don't just pick up a book. I'm going to set a goal that I will have read between 3 and 5 books next year.

The people I nominate are:

1. The-Finer Things In Life
2. Life with Ktkinnes
3. The Life of a Glasgow Girl
4. BeautyLifeMom
5. Me Becoming Mum

Sorry if you've already been nominated.

QOTD: What would you like to see yourself doing this time next year?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 1: Favourite things about Christmas

Hi everyone,

It's December! How excited am I?! Not only is it December but it's day 1 of Blogmas!

Day 1 is...

Favourite things about Christmas

So here's my list:

• High spirits. I love how everyone gets so excited and there's just a lovely Christmas atmosphere.
• Christmas lights.
• Christmas shopping.
• Spending time with family.
• Christmas cooking.
• Giving to others.
• Wrapping presents.
• Christmas music.
• Christmas films.
• Christmas markets.
• Seeing how excited the children in the family get.
• Decorating the tree.
• The night before Christmas and you know the big day will be here when you wake up!

QOTD: What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016!

Hi everyone,

So as it is my first year blogging it would be a shame not to take part in Blogmas!

As you know I am due my little girl in a couple of days so I am trying to get as many posts scheduled as possible. So if I miss a few days I can only apologise. I'm hoping to get as many of my selected posts written up over the next couple of days but I have no idea when she'll want to make an appearance (I'm due Saturday). So I am running mine for 25 days for this reason so it will be up until Christmas day.

But here is my Blogmas 2016 line-up:

1. Favourite things about Christmas.
2. This time next year tag.
3. What's on my Christmas list?
4. Perfect stocking fillers for her
5. Perfect stocking fillers for him
6. Christmas song playlist.
7. Favourite Christmas films.
8. Favourite Christmas foods.
9. Nailed it!
10. Letter to Santa.
11. Christmas outings: What to do.
12. Christmas traditions.
13. Perfumes I'm loving.
14. Winter favourites.
15. The perfect red.
16. Christmas makeup.
17. A kind thing to do.
18. A day in the life.
19. It's a Lush life.
20. Baby winter OOTD.
21. Photo Diary.
22. Christmas day outfit.
23. First Christmas.
24. Christmas eve!
25. Merry Christmas!

These posts are subject to change but I am going to try to stick to these as much as possible. I may be doing Christmassy bits but as of now I am unsure. I'll let you know of any changes and my post schedule will be a lot more clearer when baby arrives. I hope and I thank you for your understanding.

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #Blogtober16 Day 6: Favourite Christmas/Birthday present ever

Hi Everyone,

Day 6's post is on my most favourite Christmas or Birthday present I have ever received.

Now this is tricky as I have received so many lovely presents over the years that it's hard to pick just one.

See I love getting all the little bits like stocking fillers and Lush products. Opening my stocking on Christmas morning has to be on of the highlights of Christmas.

So I am going to have to go with a recent Christmas present from my boyfriend. He brought me a lovely silver bracelet (it looks like a traditional christening style bracelet) and engraved all around it are the words 'I love you'. It was such a lovely present to receive as I know he picked it out and it came from his heart. I'm scared to wear it in case I break it or lose it. It was our first Christmas together as well.

My Bracelet

QOTD: What is the best present you have ever received?

Tasha x

Follow the link to HexMums blog:

Itsatashathing: My bucket list

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share with you the things I really want to do and get out of my life, so I thought I would make a bucket list post. This could be anything from places I really want to go to, things I want to do or things I want to achieve. I can then write about them once I have (or if) I achieve them and share with you my experience. This way we can go on a little journey together. I will also update the list and make you aware each time something new comes up. I'm sure as I enter parenthood I will have a lot more goals and wishes in my life.

1. Visit the Harry Potter studio tour around Christmas time. This is because I would really like to see the set dressed up for Christmas.
2. Go to New York at Christmas. It just seems like a fairy-tale
3. Continue my blog and just stick with it. I love writing my blog, I feel like it's a complete getaway for me.
4. Have the perfect wedding. I see myself getting married in a lovely church or castle, surrounded by the people we love the most. having lovely pictures taken afterwards and then on to a lovely reception.
5. Go on holiday to Florida. It's always been my dream to go to Disney world and have a magical time. Especially since Harry Potter world was made.
6. Visit Ireland. I've always wanted to visit Ireland.
7. To document as much as I can of our little girls life. Those early days are priceless and days you can never get back. I want to make the most of them and make something for us to remember them by and to show her when she's older.
8. To reach 1000 followers! I honestly don't know what I would do if this happened, other then throw a massive giveaway.
9. Start a YouTube account. I think I am a little to nervous to do this at the moment but I'm working on my nerves.
10. Go swimming with dolphins. This is something I have always wanted to do and haven't been able to do so yet.
11. Become a make-up artist. Again it has always been something I have wanted to do but never known how to achieve it.
12. Do a charity run/walk. I don't mind for which charity as long as it goes to a good cause.
13. Complete a reading list. I haven't actually completed a reading list but now I have started blogging I feel I should.
14. Have a day trip in London sight seeing with baby when she is old enough. I was about 12 when I experienced London for the first time (in the respect of sight seeing) but I feel it would be even more exciting when you are younger.
15. Prefect the art of cake making. Not to blow my own trumpet but I am not to bad at making cakes but I would like to make the extravagant ones.
16. To be able to forget any past unhappiness and focus on the future. A lot of my anxiety is from past experiences, I don't really talk about this on my blog because I want to show the happy me. However, if it's something you would like to know about let me know. It's not that bad it's just things I find hard to let go of and they end up in the way of my adult life.
17. Go on a Family Picnic. I love picnics and to do this as a family would e lovely. I have a few memories of them as a child so I want the same for my little girl.
18. Have a race track experience. I would love to go in a Ferrari around Silverstone race track.
19. Go to a blogging meet up. I would love to meet other bloggers.
20. Own my own home. I would love to one day own my own house.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this. I dare say I will be adding to it over time as I think of more things I would like to do and get out of my life.

What's on your bucket list?

Tasha x

P.S don't forget to ask myself and Dion questions (they are anonymous but feel free to add your name if you want to be mentioned) here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScV3PZ81nv_1AIzVNVjsL2oIfLxTCBpDLHtu0KlRjpVSiViiA/viewform?c=0&w=1