Last Minute Valentines Gifts

It happens, Valentine's Day isn't exactly a memorable date for a lot of men but fear not, here are a few last minute ideas to show your pretty lady how you feel. I would advise you to steer clear of petrol forecourt flowers and tacky valentine teddy bears. Here are some of my top affordable last minute gifts.

Laduree Macarons £13.60 for a box of 8- Laduree

Chocolates at valentines day is such a cliché, iv'e never been the roses and chocolate kind of girl anyway. Macaron's are far more elegant, beautiful and full of the most delicious flavours. Laduree happen to be my favourites although i only get to buy them when i am visiting London. I think this makes them all the more special when i buy a box. These are definitely a little luxury which makes them perfect for a gift, and perfect if your love's heart lies in Paris.

Wick & Tallow Sandalwood and Rose Candle £35- John Lewis

Candles are often under looked as gifts and frankly i have no idea why. They look beautiful, smell beautiful and set the perfect romantic atmosphere. I'm in love with these Wick & Tallow candles, the black and brightly coloured waxes scream luxury. They come in a variety of exquisite fragrances, some more romantic than others. Plus if your girlfriend doesn't like candles she probably has no soul!

Perfume Bible by Josephine Fairley £9.99-Tk Maxx

Here's one for perfume lovers everywhere, this would make a great accompaniment along with her favourite fragrance. The bible is written by fragrance experts and contains the history of fragrance along with some information about some iconic perfumes.

Handmade Gifts

Handmade gifts are always great, even if you aren't the best chef or craftsmen it will still show her you care, plus if your gift looks a mess it will humour you both. I like to bake something on valentines day, cookies and cupcakes make nice gifts. If you are a bad baker you can always purchase a few items from a supermarket and put together a bouquet of tasty goodies. I made this using a cheap plant pot, styrofoam, kebab skewers. I skewered some home made mini cupcakes among some artificial flowers and heart shaped lollipops. Add a little ribbon for a finishing touch and you are all done. 

                       

Treasure Hunting at TK Maxx

I adore Tk Maxx, it's an Aladdin's cave, walls full of different jewels and rarities. Perusing the aisles i feel like i'm hunting for treasure (I was almost certainly a pirate in my last life). It take's a little practice and sometimes a few visit's a month but you will soon be able to sort the gem's from the rocks. Tk Maxx often have designer items marked as Gold Label, the more desirable designers are usually reserved for online purchases however i have seen Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren items in store. I have been buying bits and pieces for my future home and thought i would share some of my favourite finds with you from the last few weeks. Whilst Tk Maxx has some great beauty and fashion finds they also stock some unusual homeware items too. I will have my own blogging/ dressing room which we have been calling my bat cave. I plan to fill it with all kinds of curiosities and halloween related objects, in a glamorous way of course.

My first purchase was this fantastic two tiered cake stand, i needed one to replace an old broken one and this one is a perfect design. I plan to use it to either display jewellery pieces or makeup in a classy yet creepy way. This would look perfect placed on a dressing table or a small cabinet of curiosities. It would also be lovely for some Halloween treats or an Alice in Wonderland inspired picnic among the woodland. I paid £12.99 for this cake stand which is really affordable for such an unusual design.

I couldn't believe my eyes when i uncovered this treasure, it was literally made for me. Gargoyles and glitter in a globe, imagine my surprise. I found it just before Christmas so it fit in perfectly with my other goth Christmas goodies. It looks beautiful next to my dressing table and adds a little gothic glamour with its pretty glitter snow. This was also £12.99

The next items were purchased for the living room, we want to style it in a nautical way. As we live on the coast it is a big inspiration for us and we plan to use some beach finds to add a more personal touch. We found a stack of beautiful salt rock coasters, i collected salt rocks as a child, i always thought they were precious gem stones. I know these will look great and look a little more interesting than some boring wooden or cork ones. I paid £4.99, it may seem a little pricey for coasters but they are such great quality and super pretty too.

My final item is something i have been on the lookout for quite some time. I have lusted after them online but they are pricey and a little too fragile for me to feel safe ordering in the post. Could it be more perfect for displaying curiosities? Maybe a taxidermy piece, an interesting skull or something a little more contemporary like candles or jewellery. Tk Maxx are also fab for affordable candles, we bought some gorgeous wood wick reindeer candles at Christmas. The glass dome contains a few minor scratches but i like the idea of it looking old rather than new. I paid the bargain price of £14.99 for this find and have been having fun displaying different items. These can also be used to create moss terrariums.

Blindfolded Makeup Challenge with Pesky Peeves

When blindfolds were invented i'm not entirely sure this is what they had in mind. A clown inspired make up tutorial filmed with Gemma, it's clear to see that we both have envious make up skills, check it out, i promise it will make you laugh.