Friday 6 November 2015

October Favourites - The Birthday Edition

October Favourites 2015

I'm cheating a little bit with this post. These are some of the birthday presents I received on November 1st, so I can't exactly claim to have been loving them throughout the month of October. On the other hand, they're all things I've been lusting after for a long time, so it's only right that they should be fast-tracked to favourite status. Besides, it's that time of year when we all start to think about gift ideas, so I thought these might be interesting from that point of view as well. Want to see? Of course you do!

Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne


Oh my goodness, this is beautiful. I adore pretty much everything by Jo Malone; it's definitely my favourite brand as far as fragrance is concerned. Every time they bring out a new scent I get ridiculously excited about it, and the idea of this one intrigued me more than most. I first smelled it at the Jo Malone counter at Gatwick Airport in September, and it was nothing like I expected. I thought it would be quite strong and spicy, but in fact it's delicate, like the most delicate floral you can imagine, followed by creamy warmth, and just the faintest hint of spice at the end. There are many perfumes I love, but at the moment this is number one for me by a mile. Needless to say, the scented candle is now on my Christmas list!

Z for Accessorize Necklace

2. Z for Accessorize necklace

I've spoken about my love for Accessorize's premium range before. In fact, I wrote a whole post on it here. This delicate jewellery looks much more expensive than it really is and is equally fabulous whether you wear just one piece or layer it all up together. This lovely necklace is the perfect addition to my collection and will go with anything and everything.

Madeleine Shaw Get the Glow

Madeleine Shaw Get the Glow

3. Madeleine Shaw - Get the Glow

Healthy meal ideas that actually look appetising. Need I say more? I've already made the spicy roast chicken recipe from Madeleine's blog and it was really delicious. The book is beautifully produced and packed full of sensible advice and mouth-watering photography. I can't wait to try some more of Madeleine's dishes, like this Thai beef salad. The dessert section looks pretty good too!

Game of Thrones Box Set - Seasons 1-4

4. Game of Thrones box set

I've read - or should I say devoured? - all the books. I actually started watching the series a while ago too, but ended up having to miss some, so now it's all mine in DVD form, to enjoy whenever I like. I can't remember being this engrossed in a story since I was a kid. An episode finishes and it's actually a wrench to leave the Seven Kingdoms behind me and return to the real world. Pathetic, I know! Who else is a fan?




5. Urban Decay Naked Palette

The original and best. I can't quite believe I've never owned one of these before. My sister got one to do her wedding makeup, and we were both so impressed with the quality of these shadows that it quickly became clear I needed one as well! The shade range and pigmentation are just spectacular. I won't waffle on about it because everyone and their dog has one of these, but the point is it's not hard to see why it's so popular. All I need now is some Muji storage and I'll be a full-on blogger cliche! 

Anything you like the look of here? If you're a Naked Palette fan, which is your favourite?

Kate x
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50 comments

  1. I would love to try Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom cologne and that UD Naked palette is amazing. Great picks
    GlamupGirls

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    1. Thank you! You definitely need to try the perfume. x

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  2. I've heard so many great things about that healthy eating book, definitely need to buy it soon as it sounds fantastic. Love the necklace, such a gorgeous design & Jo Malone scents are amazing. Happy belated birthday x

    Beauty with charm

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    1. Thank you so much! Yes it's a lovely book. I'm definitely not a health freak but this book would appeal to anyone I think. x

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  3. Love your picks and I'm intrigued by this healthy cooking book, definitely need to check it out! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  4. Love the Urban Decay item! Your loved ones are beautiful gift givers :)

    Kisses from the Philippines!
    - Seyra
    www.pavementsarerunways.com

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    1. Thank you! They had clear instructions, I'm not going to lie! x

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  5. The perfume sounds lovely and I love that necklace. I'm a game of thrones fan too! :)

    http://daristo-chic.blogspot.com.mt/

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  6. I do love those urban decay palettes so good! I really want some Jo Malone for my birthday next week, going to keep my fingers crossed and if not I think I know what I'm going to buy myself as a treat ;) x

    Jasmin Charlotte

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    1. Hope you have a great birthday Jasmin, and if you don't receive the perfume as a gift it's worth every penny as a treat for yourself! x

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  7. The original Naked palette is my favourite one of them all - I've even hit pan on a few of the shadows! xx

    Beautylymin

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    1. Not surprised! I tried it for the first time last night and the quality really is better than just about any other brand of eyeshadow I've tried. x

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  8. The book is on my wish list, too. I really hope someone gets the hint, otherwise I´ll have to treat myself I guess.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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    1. Haha, good luck with the hint dropping! x

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  9. You definitely got great grift! I really want to get Madeleine Shaw's, Get the Glow book. I have heard about so many great recipes that I want to try from there. Also happy belated birthday!:)

    - www.veebzboo.com
    - www.youtube.com/veebzboo - Kendall Jenner Inspired Make-up Look

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    1. Thanks so much! I cooked a beef stir fry from the book last night and it was delicious! x

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  10. first things first your blog is BEAUTIFUL !! i am in love with the design !! also great post I love reading post like this :D great job :)

    come say hi

    Jadiee'sLittleBlog

    Jade

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  11. I am so glad you commented on my post so I could find your blog as you are beautiful and so is the website! I really want to read the game of thrones books actually xxx

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    1. Aw, thank you so much! The books are great - really substantial reads that you can get totally lost in. x

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  12. I can imagine how beautiful the Jo Malone scent is, though more than anything I adore this Z for Accessorize necklace - it seems we're both massive fans of Zara Simon's line for Accessorize! I hope you had a fabulous birthday :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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    1. I did, thank you! Yep, Accessorize excelled themselves with that one! x

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  13. I have a naked 2 and 3 palette, I really should get my hands on a naked 1. I've used my others so much!

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. I'm so impressed with 1, you can imagine how my thoughts are now turning to 2 and 3! x

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  14. love this round up! i have the Naked Palettes and girl no matter how many dupes it has in the market its just so different. The others are pretty good too but the Naked is just THE standard!



    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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    1. I couldn't agree more. Don't know what took me so long! x

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  15. Love this post! I would love to try the Naked Palette but its so expensive!

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    1. Thanks Katie! You're right, it is pricey. To be honest I think that's probably why I ended up asking for it as a gift! x

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  16. fun picks! that makeup pallet looks awesome!
    kelseybang.com

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  17. So many beautiful favourites Kate! I'm especially loving the Urban Decay Naked Palette, I've been crushing on them for ages but not yet bit the bullet. Those shades are all so perfect and stunning with all the right amount of shimmer and edge for Autumn. Love! And Jo Malone do the best fragrances, so unique and that little bit more out there and original than others. Mimosa and Cardamom looks utterly gorgeous <3

    So sorry I missed 1 November and wishing you a happy birthday, but a very happy belated birthday to you gorgeous, I hope you had a fabulous day and so hope the year ahead sees all your wishes and dreams come true, you deserve it! <3

    Sophie | soinspo xo

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  18. Happy Belated Birthday Kate <3 love the Naked palette you're going to get a lot of use out of it <3

    Serene | I Am Serene L

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    1. Thanks Serene! Yes, I can see that already! x

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  19. Love that Urban Decay Palette! =) Great shades!

    - Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

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  20. Isn't Mimosa and Cardamom the most amazing scent? I've been loving that recently! You've definitely tempted me to try the UD palette too, so pretty!

    Ellie
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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    1. It is - I love all Jo Malone perfumes but they've excelled themselves with this one! Can't recommend UD enough either! x

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  21. Anything Jo Malone is fine by me! I even have a couple of their travel candles for when I'm away with work, that way any innocuous hotel room can feel (and more importantly, smell) like a cosy home. I've also had my eyes on one of hose Urban Decay eye pallets for a while... I think one may just have to be added to my Christmas list!

    CB x
    www.theCBlife.blogspot.com

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  22. Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a great time. I love your presents, especially the necklace and the Naked Palette. Yay to finally owning one. It's amazing, isn't it? :) xx

    Renata | Speaking Beauty UK

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  23. I love the smell of Jo Malone, my mum uses the blossom one (cherry blossom is it?) and I adore that smell, it's so beautiful - this one sounds lovely too! I love all the Naked palettes they're beautiful - but I don't really wear eye makeup so can't quite justify buying it, maybe for a really special occasion- glad your sisters wedding went well, you looked beautiful!

    josievictoriaa / fashion, travel and lifestyle

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  24. GREAT POST DEAR! I INVITE you to join a GIVEAWAY on my blog:

    theprintedsea.blogspot.de/2015/11/phone-case-giveaway

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  25. 100% agree! The original Naked palette is hands down the best from the whole Naked range. I have Naked Smoky and ugh! wish I could return the damn thing.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  26. The original Naked is my favourite palette! I pick it up almost daily and barely touch the other two! Also I'm so in love with Mimosa & Cardamom. It's all I used in October xx
    Alice Anne // Annie Writes Beauty

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  27. Jo Malone perfumes are the bees knees. They are so high quality & have the most delectable scents. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

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  28. They all look so lovely! I hope you had a great birthday :) xx

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  29. I have yet to get a whiff of anything Jo Malone! I desperately need to try it!

    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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