Carluccio's, Bicester Village

Lunch at Carluccio's

It's been very hectic and busy at home recently and therefore as a end of week treat, we went to Carluccio's in Bicester Village for lunch. It was an excuse to dress up a little and Christmas in Bicester Village is always one of my favourite things (and not because of the crazy amount of people that visit!) but because of all the decorations and lights.

The interior deco in Carluccio's literally made me feel like I have been showered in Christmas spirit! Despite the fact that there is still a while till Christmas arrives, it was nice to be all dressed up and having warm meals in the warmth.

It has been a while since I went to Carluccio's as we usually lunch at Villandry, so I decided to take some photos of all the pretty and yummy foods and share them on my blog!

Nibbles: Bread Tin with Balsamic Vinegar and Oil

Starter: Fried Mushroom Risotto Balls with Tomato Balls

Starter: Fettucce Al Tartufo (Egg Pasta with Truffle and Butter Sauce)

My starter and main meal complemented each other so well. The risotto balls starter was very delicious and not too filling. Then despite the fact that my main was quite small in size, it had a heavy taste, which meant the portion was perfect!
Even though I have such a sweet tooth, I decided to be good and pass on dessert (something I'm regretting right now!).

I always love spending time with my family and eating so the afternoon was absolutely perfect! 

Have you been to Bicester Village? and Are you all looking forward to the Christmas period? Please do share any recommendations for good lunch places to visit! I would love to try out new and old places. 

Love Anna x

Impulse Shopping

Mini Shopping Haul

I was in Wilko recently and I surprised to see some of their good deals on beauty products. I always need new brushes and am a nail varnish hauler so I ended up purchasing some brushes and nail varnish for great prices.

Nails

Their Maybelline section had the Forever Strong Professional Nail Varnish for £3.50. Although there were limited colours, I picked up the shades '130 - Rose Poudre' and '265 - Orchidee Divine Wine'. I've recently been into nudes and this pink nude is just perfect and has knocked itself to the top of my favourites pile. The darker shade is also a gorgeous colour and I think it would compliment some dark lips in the autumn and winter weather. The Maybelline varnishes have a rounded brush that makes painting my nails so much faster and easier and with two coats, the colours are rich and long-lasting. They have now become my favourite nail polishes ever, as they just glide on easily and last for so long! The colours that available are amazing as well, so I'll definitely be investing in more.

Another nail varnish I picked up was from Superdrug and I purchased it because I've had my eye on nail strengtheners quite a lot. My nails have grown quite a lot but feel very weak so I've needed something that will keep them from snapping and splitting. Despite being tempted by the Essie range, I decided to try out Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails (£4.75). So I shall try it out loads and possibly review it later whether it is a good find or another clear nail varnish.

Brushes

In terms of brushes, I've needed a new blusher brush and a powder brush for loose powder. Wilko has a range of different brushes; a set of pink/blue brushes and premium brushes. After deliberating all the various ones, I bought the Premium Powder Brush for £4.00 and the Wilko Blusher Brush for £2.00. They both feel very soft and can match up to the Real Techniques' brushes I have. Therefore definitely considering purchasing more from their range. 

Have you made any cheeky mid-week purchases recently? Or found any good beauty or non-beauty related deals? I'd love to hear about them! 

Love Anna x

Browns, Oxford

Champagne Afternoon Tea for Three!

As a birthday treat for one of my best friends, I booked a table for us and another bestie to have some afternoon tea at Browns in Oxford. I have never had high tea before and so as a belated birthday present, we decided to indulge and go for some bubbly and yummy treats! 

Since I had already pre-booked the table and meal plan, when we arrived, we were immediately asked for our drink preferences and then served the food. It was such a cute experience, as all the foods were tiny and perfect for me, since I like a bite of everything! The champagne afternoon tea included a glass of champagne, 3 sandwiches, 3 sweet desserts, scones and a hot drink, which was all so filling. You can imagine all that squished only one small circular table was a little crazy as well!

All the foods were delicious and extremely filling! I enjoyed having a nice treat with my favourite girls and made us all so excited for Christmas! Since I hardly get to see my high school friends as often as I like, due to our busy lives, it was lovely catching up with some mini bites. 

I'm really into this whole afternoon tea lunches, so I'd love to hear all the places you have all been for some great afternoon teas! I definitely want to go to some more and I have my eye on The Raldolph Hotel, Oxford as my next visit! So please do link me to your blog posts or comment any recommendations down below. 

Also wishing my bestie a Happy Birthday <3 

Love Anna x

John Lewis Christmas Advert

John Lewis Christmas Advert

So the new John Lewis advert has just come out and first watching it, I literally shed a tear <3! My favourite John Lewis Christmas advert is the one in 2011, with the little boy who is dying to give his parents their Christmas present. Whilst that still remains my favourite, this year's is just too cute. It reinforces the need for some Christmas love and gets me so excited for the festive spirit!! Hopefully everyone who watches it remembers how important love is <3 

The festive period is fast approaching and soon we'll all be crazy shopping away and blogging like mad to share all our present and Christmas ideas! Even though I never respond too well to the cold, I can't wait for all the frosty cold, merry and joyful feel =D! I've even started mentally planning winter outfits and purchasing some perfect Christmas pieces. So I'll be definitely bringing the festive spirit to my blog and posting lots about winter and Christmas, such as what I get up to and what I've bought! So make sure to check it all out <3

I also can't wait to see all your posts with regards to Christmas and getting inspiration from your present ideas (always something I really get stuck on!) So please do link me to any posts that you have and I'll make sure to stop by your blog!

Wishing you all the love for this upcoming Christmas!!

Love Anna x