Christmas Wishlist 2013.

Over the past few days, I have started to think about Christmas. Yes, granted it is still over 3 months away, and yes, Halloween is still a few weeks away, but I like to be organised, ready with my list of Christmas present ideas.

This year has been particularly hard to think of things to get people. I am not sure why, but last year seemed to be a particularly successful year for Christmas present buying.

But enough about buying for other people, what about me! Last year was a bit of a disaster. The boyfriend was going to buy me a tablet, all I had to do was decide which one. At first I had my heart set on an Amazon Kindle Fire HD, then heard from others that the platform wasn't very good. I lost interest in it.

After much debate, mainly with a like-minded work mate, I settled for the Nexus 7 - even though I didn't (and still don't) like the Android system & really wanted the iPad Mini. Christmas day came, Nexus 7 under the tree from the boyfriend. Very grateful.

Boxing day. Standing inside Currys with a Nexus 7 that refused to work. Sigh. It was replaced there and then with a brand new, unopened Nexus 7. My 1 day old broken one was whisked off, I presume to the bin.

The Nexus 7 has since failed to charge, then the battery died completely, wouldn't charge or switch on. So back to Currys where it was sent off for repairing, and returned 5 weeks later with a new motherboard.

This year's wish list to the boyfriend is going to be a smaller, less expensive affair. Although I do like to dream of the iPad Mini. Without further ado, my Christmas 2013 wish list:

1. Zara Mini Office City Bag - I love this bag. I have seen it featured on quite a few blogs, including some lovely pictures on Abby's blog. My favourite is the Burgundy colour, which has been out of stock for at least the past week unfortunately, but if it doesn't come back in, I like the Navy colour too.

2. Cloud Nine's The Original Iron - I am using GHDs which I have had for a few years now, and are due a change. I have read many good reviews for Cloud Nine, and my hairdressers recently started using Cloud Nine in change of GHD, and I love how they leave my hair.

3. Hairdryer - I haven't chose the exact one I want, but I currently have a Tresemme hairdryer which is a few years old, and has seen better days. Definitely time for a replacement.

4. Jo Malone's White Jasmine & Mint perfume - This is my absolute favourite Jo Malone scent, and I have recently run out, so a new bottle of this lovely stuff is a must!

5. Apple's iPad Mini - Think I said it all above, and I am a bit of an Apple fangirl. I do love iOS7 though, and would think it would work well on the iPad Mini.

6. Zara Structured Bowling Bag with Pocket - I love this. I am always on the look out the perfect sturdy bowling bag, and this is it! Perfect price too!

7. Links of London Charms - My parents bought me a Links of London charm bracelet a few years ago and never managed to start my charm collection. My boyfriend bought me my first charm for Valentines, and I would love one to commemorate buying our house together. We were also in London in June for a few days, and never got the chance to get a charm to commemorate being in London together for the first time (we both love London!) maybe a post-London trip charm?

Anyone else have their Christmas list written? What are you asking for this year?

Silent Sunday 004.

Pre-Christmas spending ban.

After posting my September Empties post, I had a sort through of all the un-opened products and have decided to do a pre-Christmas spending ban. I have more than enough products from last year's Christmas gift sets, so have no reason to buy anymore!

While the temptation of this time of year will be hard to resist - 3 months to Christmas, the stores beginning to stock all the tempting Christmas goodies, I have decided on 3 exceptions to my spending ban:-

• Repurchases of products that I completely run out of, is allowed. Unless I can do without it/or have a substitute version.
• Boots have an Advert Calender which looks very good, and I have never had a beauty advent before, so this will be my one and only treat.
• There are a couple of birthdays during this time, and some beauty products are planned on being purchased for gifts.

I am going to start my ban from this Monday, 7th October, and keep it going until Monday 2nd December, 8 weeks in total. I will post little updates on how I am getting on, even the bad days! If anyone else is putting themselves through a spending ban, let me know! I am sure we could both do with some moral support!

P.S. I had a bit of a blog make over today, and made all the banners etc myself. Hopefully this will be the last blog make over I have...for a while anyway.

Also, I am still gaining numbers for the Bloggers Book Club I have been thinking of starting. A few of you have already signed up to receive the emails, and would love to try and gain some more interest to get off to a good start.

If you are interested to know more or sign up for the Bloggers Book Club, click here for all the details.