When life gets tough, compile a wish list.

I haven’t lusted after anything in such a long time, but all of the shops have started putting Christmas stock out onto the shelves, and of course I have fallen head over heels. I am anxiously awaiting the gift guides and I’m already planning my Boxing Day sale dash to Boots! Deary me.

Here are a few things that have happened to catch my eye…



Celia Birtwell Book Released 3rd October
Wow just wow. I have admired this woman for so many years, her influence on textiles alone is something so very inspiring, I have always adored her whimsical prints and noticeable love for the feline. I cannot express my desire to own this book, basically chronicling Celia’s life and achievements, I just know this book will be even more stunning in real life and the special edition version comes with a limited edition scarf and box set, I am so very tempted and have a feeling I won’t be the only girl lusting after this one.



Harajuku Lovers Jingle G
Okay this is possibly the craziest thing I have ever seen. It is yet another Harajuku fragrance release, I’m beginning to loose count of how many there has been now, which surely means maybe it’s time I stopped collecting.
But Gwen Stefani and the Harajuku brand are so close to my heart, it’s no surprises this little wonder has enchanted me. The fact it’s a Christmas themed fragrance means it’s got ‘novelty’ factor written all over it. The 10ml scent is very lovely indeed but the key selling point is the fact it doubles up as a bauble for your tree, it’s a cute keepsake to bring out every Christmas.



Boots
I’ve had a very naughty look online and peek in store, and have somehow managed to bookmark too many pretty things. There are some familiar brands that bring out a new gift range every Christmas. Bobbypin, Ted Baker, Soap & Glory to name but a few, these are always the ones I look out for, and often pick up in the January sale at half the price.



The one thing I most definitely will be asking Santa Claus for though is this irrestiabley cute ‘Let’s go Shopping!’ knitted coin purse by Miko Cat.



Celia Birtwell’s Christmas range is faultless, I have had items from her range at Boots for the past few years, so will definitely be indulging in some of these beauties. And of course will tie in beautifully with the book.



And finally a cheeky little find in Wilko. My boyfriend will probably contest the fact that we do not need a wooden gypsy cavern bird box nor a pretty doorstop shaped like a house. BUT my oh my I really do need these little beauties in my life, if only for aesthetic purposes.

What are you wishing for lately?

Dear Diary,

I always have been a pessimistic person, and find it difficult to look beyond the point I am at. Impatience is one of my worst personality traits by far, if I set my mind (and heart) on something I tell myself that it has to happen almost immediately, yet I always stumble at the first hurdle. Indecision will always catch me out.

In this instance the only thing that can seem to cheer me up is snuggling up to the cat listening to his comforting purr, aided by watching my beloved Sex and the City box set. Carrie Bradshaw has not let me down yet.

Sorry if I’m a little disconnected, I promise to be back soon.

Alice x

Mother knows best

It’s often said a mother knows her daughter more than she knows herself. This sure can be said for my mum.

On a recent break, she brought me back home the most wonderful gifts. It’s very much the thought that counts.



Whilst charity shopping, she stumbled upon Sophie Dahl’s first book The Man with the Dancing Eyes. She wasn’t sure if I had this one or not, but figured it was more than worth the gamble priced at £1.25. Unbelievably I don’t have this book in my collection, but on immediate glance, I really don’t know why I haven’t come across this book before...



It’s very me, and if anything has made me realise my love for Miss Dahl even more so.



She couldn’t quite resist these Peter Rabbit chocolates, afterall he is my favourite bunny in the world.
♥

A reconfirmed love for Cath Kidston

I’m a girl with a love of anything girly, my initial discovery of Cath Kidston several years ago lead to a full blown love affair with anything floral and remotely oil cloth like. I admired the versatility of the brand, from satchels to crockery, I was quite simply enchanted.



The rise and popularity of Cath Kidston can only be something I admire greatly. The cult like fan base of young girls, yummy mummies and generations alike, means I am not alone in saying I love Cath Kidston.

The one thing that has deterred me greatly from my obsession has been cost. It goes without saying you are paying a little bit extra for that something special. With replicas filtering into the high street thick and fast, gone are the days of Cath Kidston being completely unique.



However it only takes a visit to one of the stores, to really witness the pure genius of the brand itself. It was when in Brighton I fell head over heels once more. I had saved up a little spending money especially for the occasion, allowing myself to search high and low for my desired purchase.

The interior of the shop is pretty much nostalgia down to a T. I love the hidden alcoves and the clean and pristine white tables make for a great setting. My favourite section in the Brighton shop is the upstairs. All tucked away, a work room. One I could I actually imagine living in. One I could picture Cath herself working in.



The desk area is stocked full of quirks, the care and attention to detail really is something I would love to emulate one day.

You know Cath Kidston could easily stock a shop full to the brim of pretty homewares, all crammed in and yes we would still want to buy them, but the fact the shop is so much more than a shop, the fact it’s an experience, a source of inspiration, really does show the love and loyalty you get when shopping there.

For me Cath Kidston will always remain a well-loved favourite of mine.
♥