“There’s always tears at Christmas” I never truly got that phrase until I started fully adulting – you know, having to wash up and make beds and turn on a washing machine and oh my god what is this life? – but despite being the most wonderful time of the year (no you’ve now got the song stuck in your head for the rest of eternity) it’s also pretty damn stressful. From buying presents, to preparing the dinner, to the tree that needs to be perfectly instagrammable… there’s a lot of chores to think about at Christmas which is why I thought I’d put together some ridiculously simple but super effective time saving tricks for nailing Christmas chores.
Get the Christmas tunes on guys – if you’re not playing Buble and Mariah we officially can’t be friends – we’re about to get festive…
I really wish I was one of those people that delighted in buying Christmas presents but if I’m honest, it always feels a little too stressful for me to experience any real joy in the whole thing. What I want is fuss free shopping but absolutely stunning presents (yep, I don’t ask for much do I?) which up until quite recently, I’d pretty much deemed impossible. And then I remembered that one thing I look forward to every single month is Birchbox. If you’ve never heard of Birchbox before, it’s the UK’s number 1 beauty box and leading beauty and grooming retailer who redefine shopping by providing us with a personalised way to discover, learn about and of course buy the best beauty products on the market. The monthly subscription box consists of a personalised box containing 5 luxe beauty products, and my favourite thing is that the box is so darn pretty that you definitely don’t even need to wrap it if you’re lazy like me. That pretty little thang is already good to go! You can gift somebody a 3 month subscription (£30 + P&P), 6 month subscription (£60 + P&P) or a 12 month subscription (£100 + P&P) to Birchbox (talk about the gift that keeps on giving!).
This year’s Christmas box is an absolute corker, with Bobbi Brown’s smokey eye mascara (one of my all time favourites, perfect for getting right to the root of the lash for an effortless smokey eye), Ciate’s Fierce flicks (absolute perfection when it comes to nailing the precise flick), Benefit’s porefessional (an old favourite of mine that just smooths and blurs and oh my god how and why does my skin look 10x better in a matter of seconds?), dr. brandt PoreDermabrasion exfoliator (which is all kinds of amazing but gross goodness because man does it scrub away that grime) and finally Percy and Reed’s wonderbalm (a stunning leave in balm that preps and primes your hair for styling and keeps it looking sassier for longer), there is absolutely no doubt that there is something for everyone.
The box is beautiful, the products are hot damn amazing and it basically makes Christmas shopping easy, efficient, fuss free (giving you more time to snuggle up with a peppermint hot chocolate, mince pies and reruns of Elf) and very successful, who doesn’t love a beautiful box full of luxe beauty products?
Even thinking about this trick makes me so embarrassingly happy but when it comes to decorating the tree, I am pretty much Buddy the Elf. For me, gathering everyone together, making my signature hot chocolates – yeah maple syrup, melted chocolate, peanut butter and all other kinds of goodness, I’m looking at you – and obviouslyoccasionally the odd mulled wine or two whilst decorating the tree is one of the things that really kickstarts that festive feeling. It genuinely makes me so happy, I laugh constantly with my family whilst doing it, all the while ticking off one of those Christmas chores without even knowing it [insert hallelujah emoji here].
FUN DAYS AT CHRISTMAS MARKETS = FOOD AND PRESENT SHOPPING
I mean, can we just talk about how cute and Christmassy and festive and oh my god so damn instagrammable Christmas markets are? Those lights, those cute quirky one off gifts that you won’t find anywhere else and yes, the endless supply of roasted chestnuts. The thing about Christmas markets is that they’re such a fun outing, whether it’s your boyfriend, best friend, sister or even on your own… you literally feel all of the good, happy vibes. There’s so much cheer, so much love going around – lol, no Christmas turns you into the soppiest, cheesiest person of all time – but… you also get to find beautiful one off presents (as well as festive home decorations, Christmas markets are my favourite for this) at the same time. You can also hunt down your Christmas dinner food supplies if it’s a foodie market that you’re at too (Borough Market is my favourite for this… if you do go, have a mulled cider on my behalf, yeah?)
I basically just love that you can have fun, get festive and save time, all whilst ticking off an extra chore on your list.
Are you getting the vibe that I like to get chores done by disguising them with good vibes and mince pies and happy times with people I love because surely that means they’re not even chores at all? 😉
So that brings me to the end of this post. I really hope you enjoyed it and now have some great ideas for gifts and days out. I would love to know if you’ve ever tried Birchbox before? Also, if you have any time saving tricks for Christmas, do let me know. I’m trying to gain maximum Netflix and pig out on Quality street time this year so any suggestions are welcome!
As always, thanks so much for reading!
xx
This post was kindly sponsored by Birchbox. All thoughts, photos, and love of stunning and fuss free Christmas presents, my own.
Oooh love this Ellie! I meeeeeeeeeean those snaps of the hot chocs (and all others in this post) and just GOALS. I went over to Covent Garden yesterday to have a lil ganders of the mistletoe, apart from being attacked by a pigeon (v distressing) it was so magical! Immy x
Hi Elle! I like your post and I also think that this beauty box will be perfect gift, what's more the fact that it doesn't need extra wrapping makes it even more amazing, ha 😀 What's more, I also love to decorating Christmas's tree, this makes me happy as well 😉
I think Birchbox was in Canada for a short period of time but they couldn't acquire enough subscribers to make it work. I wasn't a fan of it because they always give small sample sizes. 🙁
Oh my god, this must be the most festive post ever made! So many beautiful photos in here, Ellie, but unfortunately, it's just reminded me how painfully behind on Christmas present shopping I am! Agh stress! x
Why do you always look so damn fabulous! Can you please look horrible for once! Your making me, a more less than plain jane, feel bad about herself! Also, I love your photos and the BB looks amazing! I am truly surprised by how nice it looks! Angie http://www.chocolateandlipstick.com
These are the best tips! I love making the tree decorating an event! Makes it so much fun and seem less of a chore! Taking it down is a different story haha!
I wouldn't say I thrive on present buying either but I've found shopping online takes a lot of that stress away. For me most of the holiday anxiety comes from going in stores. Mainly traffic and annoying people.
This post made me feel so festive, you've done a fantastic job at capturing the christmas spirit lovely! I love visiting Christmas markets, they are so fun and this particular one in Covent Garden looks amazing. My one time saving trick at Christmas is to stay away from the shops as much as possible and buy everything online haha x
I agree that there are so many things that need to be done at Christmas time that it can be a bit overwhelming. Birchbox sounds like a perfect gift, who doesn't like surprises!
Your pictures are just so beaut as always! I love buying presents but only if I already know what I want to get someone haha otherwise it's stressful! A subscription box is actually a really lovely idea for a gift and one that I wouldn't have thought of buying for someone else (I'm so selfish haha) but I know loads of people that would love it! Your tree looks 100000 times better than mine too! Amy xx http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
Christmas time is one of the best time of the year, however, I agree with the stress, especially when you have so much left. Picking up present is the worst, especially when it is crowded. Birchbox Christmas edition would be a good present for a makeup lover. I like going to Christmas markets and of course enjoying the mulled wine. I just wish they didn't have too high prices for everything. x
Girl, I am so glad that you are in a huge holiday obsessed mood like I am. Christmas music has been blasting around my house for weeks now. Also, love all of the items that were featured in your box! Omnivogues
It doesn't save a tonne of time but I wrap presents while I watch TV. I get to watch my shows and presents get wrapped- it seems like a good deal to me.
Love all of these photos as well, they're so perfectly festive (especially those mugs!).
I love going to the christmas markets in Manchester, I've been going since I was about 9 x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
I do love a christmas market, they're just so much fun and so christmassy!
xx
This post made me feel super festive! Plus I love your silver boots xxx
Sophie Cliff
Ah thank you lovely, so glad it did!
xx
awww these photos are soooo pretty dear!!
TheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Thank you Vanessa!
xx
Els I LOVE this post and the concept! As always, you looks so bloody banging!! I need to get my butt to a Christmas market ASAP!
Hayley xo
http://www.frockmeimfamous.com
Ahh love you girl, thank you!!!
xx
what a useful post! love it!
The Fashion Matters- Travel & Fashion blog | Instagram: TheFashionMatters
x
Thanks so much!
xx
Oooh love this Ellie! I meeeeeeeeeean those snaps of the hot chocs (and all others in this post) and just GOALS. I went over to Covent Garden yesterday to have a lil ganders of the mistletoe, apart from being attacked by a pigeon (v distressing) it was so magical! Immy x
http://www.immymay.com
Haha thank you my love, it's so magical isn't it, minus the pigeons!
xx
Love this post, I definitely need to take these tricks on board, it always feels like there is way more chores at Christmas 🙂
Rachael xx.
theteacozykitchen.blogspot.co.uk
It's so true isn't it, the festive season gets crazy!
xx
Such beautiful photos! Those santa mugs are absolutely adorable… definitely adding them to my Christmas wish-list xx
http://www.mimazine.co.uk/
They're so cute aren't they, good ole Tescos 🙂
xx
Hi Elle! I like your post and I also think that this beauty box will be perfect gift, what's more the fact that it doesn't need extra wrapping makes it even more amazing, ha 😀 What's more, I also love to decorating Christmas's tree, this makes me happy as well 😉
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Thank you lovely, really pleased you liked the post!
xx
I think Birchbox was in Canada for a short period of time but they couldn't acquire enough subscribers to make it work. I wasn't a fan of it because they always give small sample sizes. 🙁
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
That's a shame, I really enjoy it and I think considering the money you probably can't really expect full sizes?
Aww I love this post so much! So Christmassy! I went to a Christmas market in Rochester last weekend – it was amazing! X
♡ itsjessiejane ♡
Thanks so much lovely, really pleased you liked it!
xx
Oh my god, this must be the most festive post ever made! So many beautiful photos in here, Ellie, but unfortunately, it's just reminded me how painfully behind on Christmas present shopping I am! Agh stress! x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajaneedwards.com
Haha thank you lovely! Don't worry sometimes we have the best intentions and never follow our own advice 😉
xx
Why do you always look so damn fabulous! Can you please look horrible for once! Your making me, a more less than plain jane, feel bad about herself!
Also, I love your photos and the BB looks amazing! I am truly surprised by how nice it looks!
Angie
http://www.chocolateandlipstick.com
Haha thank you so much girl, you are the sweetest!
xx
These are the best tips! I love making the tree decorating an event! Makes it so much fun and seem less of a chore! Taking it down is a different story haha!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks so much Shannon, so glad you think so!
xx
I wouldn't say I thrive on present buying either but I've found shopping online takes a lot of that stress away. For me most of the holiday anxiety comes from going in stores. Mainly traffic and annoying people.
Sxx
http://www.daringcoco.com
Yes I totally agree, shopping in real life is such a nightmare at christmas!!
xx
This post made me feel so festive, you've done a fantastic job at capturing the christmas spirit lovely! I love visiting Christmas markets, they are so fun and this particular one in Covent Garden looks amazing. My one time saving trick at Christmas is to stay away from the shops as much as possible and buy everything online haha x
Beauty with charm
Thank you so much lovely, it really is gorgeous! Yessss haha you're so right, online is the way forward for bulk gifts!
xx
I agree that there are so many things that need to be done at Christmas time that it can be a bit overwhelming. Birchbox sounds like a perfect gift, who doesn't like surprises!
So with you there Suze!
xx
Great post, I find gift buying really stressful too! I love your fur coat. Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thanks so much Gemma!
xx
Your pictures are just so beaut as always! I love buying presents but only if I already know what I want to get someone haha otherwise it's stressful! A subscription box is actually a really lovely idea for a gift and one that I wouldn't have thought of buying for someone else (I'm so selfish haha) but I know loads of people that would love it! Your tree looks 100000 times better than mine too!
Amy xx
http://www.callmeamy.co.uk
Thank you so much my love! Totally with you girl, I am terrible when I have no idea!
xx
Christmas time is one of the best time of the year, however, I agree with the stress, especially when you have so much left. Picking up present is the worst, especially when it is crowded. Birchbox Christmas edition would be a good present for a makeup lover. I like going to Christmas markets and of course enjoying the mulled wine. I just wish they didn't have too high prices for everything. x
Ela BellaWorld
It really is such a fab gift for the beauty lover 🙂
xx
Girl, I am so glad that you are in a huge holiday obsessed mood like I am. Christmas music has been blasting around my house for weeks now. Also, love all of the items that were featured in your box!
Omnivogues
Haha all about the christmas vibes gurl!
xx
Lovely post!
moorizZLA xx
Thank you!!
xx
Great post! Beautiful pictures!! <3
MERI WILD BLOG
Thank you Meri!
xx
Wonderful post. The photos are so lovely and catch the Christmas spirit.
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
Thanks so much, so pleased to hear it!
x
Beautiful photos! I was looking at Birchbox today actually haha! I might have to subscribe 🙂 Those Santa mugs are just too cute! 🙂 xx
It doesn't save a tonne of time but I wrap presents while I watch TV. I get to watch my shows and presents get wrapped- it seems like a good deal to me.
Love all of these photos as well, they're so perfectly festive (especially those mugs!).
http://www.thesundaymode.com
Ah your tree is so beautiful! I love your colour scheme, and your photos are incredible xx
Gemma ♡ Miss Makeup Magpie
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