Our Christmas Tree 2018

November 21, 2018 by Hayley 3 Comments

You know those cartoons you see of people putting their Christmas tree up and they are tied up in the string lights and cursing at the tangled mess?

That was me, I am not a very patient or coordinated person, until last year when I got myself a Balsam hill pre-lit tree. It was like all my Christmas’ came at once, it was so easy to put up and the lighting was already done for me. It’s like a plug and play christmas tree!

So, this year, I’ve gone bigger and better with a 210cm pre-lit Silverado tree and it’s the prettiest tree we’ve ever had. We have selected a stunning range of glass ornaments and sparkly decorations and I feel like our tree is sophisticated and absolutely beautiful.

We love putting the Christmas tree up, the whole family gets involved. This year Orly was particularly excited to help with the decorating and he was so careful with the glass ornaments.

I chose a colour palette of metallics with pops of blue (of course). My entire house has splashes of blue and I wanted to continue the palette with our tree. The metallic finish of these ornaments allows the tree lights to bounce around and make everything extra sparkly.

I already had the Silver and Gold Glass Ornament set.

ORN-1541010_Silver-and-Gold-Glass-Ornament-Set_Lifestyle-10 — Silver & Gold Glass Ornament set

So, this year I added the Georgetown Ornament set which includes hand-painted glass ornaments in matte and metallic finishes. There is 35 beautiful ornaments in different shapes such as balls, teardrops, and finials, all in my favourite colours of navy, copper, and turquoise hues.

ORN-1641004_Georgetown-Ornament-Set-35-Pieces_SSC-10 — Georgetown Ornament set

Both these sets compliment each other and looks amazing together on my tree!

I also decided to add some tree picks this year. The Arctic Blue Champagne Glitter picks come in a set of 12. The textured petals and lashings of champagne gold glitter pick up the colours from the Georgetown ornaments and make such a big impact.

I love how all the different shapes, textures and metallics are vibrant and interesting, while still working harmoniously together.

No tree is complete without it’s crowning glory, a tree topper!
Do you have a star, an angel, or something else?

This year I went with the Double-sided Mirrored Star tree topper. It is designed like the Star of Bethlehem which adds a little bit of a traditional Christmas vibe to my tree. It is crafted with real mirrors and set in a gold frame, it commands attention and really does deserve to sit atop my gorgeous tree.

The rich colours of my ornaments this year called for balance with a textural but sophisticated tree skirt. The Lodge Faux Fur tree skirt was the perfect fit, it is plush and luxurious.

Lastly, don’t overlook your wrapping. The gifts under the tree add to the overall presentation and are important. Choose a wrapping paper and ribbons or embellishments in a coordinating or complimentary colour to your tree and take care to wrap your gifts with love.
I got a few rolls of this elegant Gold Mesh Ribbon for my gift wrapping. I also tied a few bows on my tree with the ribbon.

We love our tree this year, in really is the prettiest one we’ve had.
Would you have a look at it all lit up at night time. It takes my breath away!

The ornaments absolutely glow with the fairy lights. I would never have had the patience to string that many lights myself. The pre-lit tree is worth every single cent!

While I have you, let me share my Christmas wreath because it is an absolute showstopper!
At a whopping 75cm in diameter and adorned with pine cones and mixed berries, it really looks incredible. It is the Bay Laurel wreath with Mixed Berries foliage.
Oh, and it is pre-lit too!

So, that’s us this year, our tree was easy-as-pie to assemble, decorating with such beautiful ornaments was a pleasure and there was no cursing at all! In fact, I am currently sitting back with a hot cocoa listening to Christmas Carols, feeling very happy with myself, while Orly is reading a book by the tree with his little shadow Holly.

Merry Christmas Y’all!

Hayley x

DISCLAIMER: I was gifted some of these items from Balsam Hill in return for a review. All opinions are my own. I would never put my recommendation or reputation behind a product I don’t truly love. Hx

Link to all Christmas Gift Guides 2018

November 16, 2018 by Hayley Leave a Comment

Here is the central location to all the links for the Gift Guides I’ve put together.

I have tried to consider all the beautiful people in your life with different interests and styles.
I have also included gifts for every budget.

I’ll add the links to this page as I publish them, so keep an eye on this post if you’re ready to start shopping!

Just click on the link below.

THE LAST MINUTE _ DON’T PANIC – GIFTS FOR EVERYONE! – here

THE LADIES – here

THE MEN – here

THE LITTLE ONES – here

BLUE AND WHITE LOVERS – here

Remember – Just a little bit of housekeeping for those of us that are not as tech savvy as the young ones.
If you click on a product I have shared in the COLOURED writing, it will take you directly to the website of that item.
No judgement here, I understand … you don’t know these things until you are told!

Happy CHRISTMAS Shopping!

Hayley x

Gift Guide 2018 – The Men

November 16, 2018 by Hayley 1 Comment

I find boys and men hard to buy for, is it just me and the men in my life?

I’ve searched high and low and found a few fabulous gifts.
If you are a man in my life, stop reading now, because this is what I’m gifting y’all this year!

Before I start, just a little bit of housekeeping for those of us that are not as tech savvy as the young ones.
If you click on a product I have shared in the RED writing, it will take you directly to the website of that item.
No judgement here, I understand … you don’t know these things until you are told!

Let’s go!

A briefcase? With all the laptops, tablets and technology around these days, most men use a bag of some description. The Vespa briefcase is soft sided with an all-black ripstop tough fabric, an interior padded laptop compartment and adjustable straps. It is the perfect mix of sporty and sophisticated and comes in under $160.

Most men love technology and this Wireless Charge Pad is pretty cool. Say goodbye to tangled cords and the constant hunt for a charging cable, simply sit your phone on the charging pad, it’s so easy! This brand also has a great range of tough, but stylish phone cases if your man is a little rough like mine! Find them here.

Is your big boy the master of the remote control? Then he’ll go crazy for the Smart TV Keypad. It goes beyond what a remote control can do by having the capabilities of a keyboard, you can search for content, enter passwords or browse the internet all from the wireless keyboard. You can also toggle between devices such as your TV, laptop and mobile to watch TV, send an e-mail and reply to text messages all in one place.

Socks? Every man wears socks, right? I know, they could be a boring gift, but theses Funky Feet Socks are anything but boring. Six pairs of spotted and striped socks in fun colours all gift boxed ready to go.

And every man drinks, not just for alcohol, great for water or soft drinks too, these Stemless insulated Tumblers hold 355ml and keep it cool for up to 12 hours. They are made from food grade stainless steel and have a splash-proof slide open lid, perfect for serial spillers (like my husband).

If your man is the outdoorsy type, this is a great idea. The Drysak protects his belongings from the elements, it is crafted from a durable PVC fabric with a watertight closure system.
This is perfect for my husband who often jet-skis, but also for anyone boating or near the water.

Another great idea for the outdoorsy type, these Beach Throws are perfect for your proud Aussie men, or great to send overseas to your family and friends. They feature the names of some famous Aussie beaches in a gorgeous navy blue and white colour. The oversized 2m x 2m beach throw comes with sand pegs in a handy drawstring bag and is compact enough to keep in the car glovebox. I know I’ll be using this one for school sports carnivals and picnics in the park.

Do you have a gym junkie in your life? This Sports Towel is made from an absorbent microfibre and rolls up easily with the attached elastic strap, handy for swimming, gym or yoga.

While they are a being sporty, a drink bottle would be handy, the Watermate Stainless Steel bottle keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours, or hot for up to 12 hours.

This next one is from one of the coolest local businesses around, they make fabulous home decor pieces crafted by weaving revived rope from crayfish fishing boats. The Mahi Mahi mat is tough and hardy, the rope is marine grade polyethylene which means it’s suitable for indoor or outdoor use. My husband says the chunky weave is great to give your feet a massage too.

We all know the way to a mans heart is through his belly, right? The festive Plum Pudding is delicious, but the real joy about purchasing this pudding is that it’s from the Australian Red Cross online gift guide. When you buy from them you are gifting twice the goodness, once to the man in your life and again to the people in need that the Red Cross helps.

I love a win win gift!

I think this Bottle Caddy would be such a great gift for a beer drinker, or any drinker really! Fill it with 6 fancy bottles of beer, or 6 small bottles of anything and tie it with a big bow for the perfect Dad gift!

For the football fan, or sports nut, this premium leather washbag is crafted just like an American football complete with the authentic stitching. It’s big enough for all the essentials and looks super cool in his bathroom.

Last, but definitely not least … actually one of my favourite things, so much so I got one for myself, is this anatomical wooden hand. I love leaving it in different hand gestures, so fun!

I hope you found something for the man in your life (or for yourself)!

I am still shopping and will add things to this post as I find them, so pop back next week and see what else I’ve found.

Happy Christmas Shopping!

Disclaimer : A few of these items were gifted for review, a few of these items I bought for the men in my life, so if you’re a man in my life … whoops … Sorry! I was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own.

Gift Guide 2018 – the Ladies!

November 9, 2018 by Hayley 2 Comments

I find girls so much easier to buy for than boys, do you?

I’ve gathered a few of my favourite things that I think would make perfect gifts for the woman in your life, and when you start to think about your gift list, there is a lot ladies in your life!

We are going to try and cover everyone from your Mother to your Sister, Aunt, Step-mother, Mother-in-law, Daughter and Bestie. I’ve tried to select things for every age group, different styles and every budget.
I hope you find something you love!

Before I start, just a little bit of housekeeping for those of us that are not as tech savvy as those ‘young ones’.
If you click on the product title I have shared in the different coloured writing, it will take you directly to the website of that item. No judgement here, I understand … you don’t know these things until you are told!

Let’s go …

I’m starting with a few options for the travelling gals in your life.
The Eden Heritage Wallet on a String is perfect for keeping all the essentials close to your body, safe and secure when running through airports or touring a new city. It has 2 zippered compartments with 16 card slots, room for your mobile phone and a removable long strap that can be worn on your shoulder or cross body style. Such a versatile purse!
The Dover Zip Around french purse is PINK (need I say more?) and enhanced with RFID technology to protect your cards from being scanned. I use this one and I love the peace of mind this sweet little purse gives me.

Next, let’s find some options for the princess in your life.

I’m pretty sure your princess doesn’t want her feet on the grubby floor, oh no! Protect her tootsies with a pair of Slipper Glam Thongs, and apparently they are perfectly acceptable to be worn out in public according to my 16 year old who often steals mine.
I’m also pretty sure your princess is dripping in jewels, what better way to display them, than in this Glass Cloche Jewellery Storage. This stunning piece elevates your jewellery into a piece of art when displayed on your bedside or dressing table.
Being a princess is hard work, what about somewhere luxurious to rest her head, try a silk pillowcase like this one in pink or this one in blue (other colours available from both retailers). They are recommended by dermatologists, hair stylists and beauty experts to improve your hair and skin. Worth a try?

What about the über busy woman who’s always on the go?
The Patti Sling bag is a cross body design that leaves your hands free, while the zip top keeps your items secure, plus I love the denim look blue fabric, denim goes with everything!
A charged phone is pretty much a necessity for any busy girl, I found a super cute Rose Gold Power Bank for charging on-the-go, it’s powerful and has in built safety features to protect your phones battery life, and did I mention hat it is ROSE GOLD!

The outdoors lover.
A hat is a necessity and this Gold Band Brim hat is all kinds of amazing with it’s wide rim and pretty gold embellishment. I’ll be rocking this hat all summer long!
This Dotty Tote is crafted from jute with super cute white spots, it has a zip top and is big enough for all her beach essentials. Who doesn’t love a polka dot!
A great kaftan or kimono is essential for easy, breezy sun protection. This Tie Die Kaftan in this pretty shade of pink is perfect for beach days or drinks on the deck.

The domestic goddess, we all need one of these in our lives, they are the ones who cook, bake and clean and actually enjoy it, you know, the Martha Stewart type of gals.
This is the sweetest tea cosy I’ve ever seen, the Rabbit tea cosy, isn’t she adorable and perfect for keeping her pot of tea warm. I love gifts with a bit of a theme, so adding some beautiful tea would be a lovely idea with the tea cosy. I’m going to be honest, I only bought this tea because of the pretty tin it comes in, but the bonus is it tastes pretty good too! You can find similar here.
She’s also going to need a pretty teacup for her tea parties, You can’t beat the beauty of one lovingly searched out from your local antique or thrift store! This is such a thoughtful gift, but also very budget friendly.

Everyone loves a party girl!
She can party longer with the Double Walled Stainless Steel Wine Wine Bottle, simply fill it with your favourite bottle of wine and it keeps it chilled for up to 24 hours.
You’d better get her some pretty glasses to drink her beverages from too, these Pink Chrystal glasses with gold rims are absolutely stunning!

Does your party girl bake the cakes? I love these fancy cake pans / Bundt pans. Just bake your cake, sprinkle with some icing sugar and they look like they were made by a patissier! Pair it with a fresh pile of Tea Towels, or even better, wrap it in the tea towels for super cute gift!

And if we haven’t covered the lady in your life above, the gifts below are great all rounders that every girl needs.
I love the pretty fabric of these essentials of a Heat Pillow, Drawer Sachet and Shower Cap.

She’s got to sleep, right? Let her sleep in a beautiful silk cotton slip nightie in the prettiest print. Or maybe she’s having a sleepover somewhere gorgeous, this overnight bag with twin handles and a detachable long strap will take her there in style.

Every girl loves a pretty fragrance, choose a few with some Bath Salts and a Sleep Mist, oh and don’t forget a fabulous candle, I love this Oahu candle which reminds me of Mai Tais on the beach in Hawaii.

Last, but definitely not least, find me a girl who doesn’t love a big bunch of beautiful blooms, impossible! This bouquet is from my local florist, but I’m sure you could find something gorgeous from your local florist.

Happy Christmas Shopping friends!

Hayley x

Disclosure : A few of the products were gifted to me for review and I bought a few of them for actual Christmas presents, so if you are one of my friends or family … whoops … Sorry! I was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own.

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