Monthly Favourites | December 2013

Well this month has gone in a blur of eating too much, drinking too much and spending far too much! Christmas is over for another year and in a few hours we'll be welcoming in 2014. December was definitely a month of glamming it up and long pampering sessions that come with days off work. These are the products that got me through the festive season!

When you get your base right the rest of your makeup seems to follow and with my Real Techniques foundation brush shedding like crazy and leaving my face covered in bristles everyday I knew it was time for me to invest in a new foundation brush because the moustachioed look really wasn't for me. The MAC 190 is my first MAC brush and it is so soft, it doesn't get gunked up with liquid foundation and it goes on flawlessly, I love it! It's a given that there's going to be a few hangovers occurring in the month of December and that is where Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser comes into the equation - this is literally perfection in a tube for those days when you just can't be bothered but need something on your face. It's lightweight and leaves you looking really healthy and glowing, the perfect way to hide a few too many drinks the night before! Something else that's a given in December is rocking a red lip and my favourite lip combination has been MAC Dangerous with What a Blast! Lip Liner they're both orangey reds and combined make a real statement lip that is pretty much indestructible - eat, drink, be merry, whatever you do this baby isn't coming off. In this months Birchbox I got this Alima Eye shadow in Paris and it is beautiful, It's been my first choice for eye shadow all month. This is a such a lovely shimmery beige, it's a really wearable neutral but with a bit of a glittery kick. I think I've spent more time in the bath this month than I have all year and that is down too my lovely Lush bath bombs and bubble bars - I can't get enough of them! As you can see my Magic Wand has been used a good few times already and it leaves you with a pink bath full of Snow Fairy smelling bubbles but if you didn't get your hands on it this year you'll have to wait until next Christmas now because Snow Fairy has gone into hibernation, boohoo! I love big hair, the bigger better I think and this Bumble and Bumble dry spun finish spray has helped get me well on my way to Hairsprayesque heights - it's lift and texture in a tin, just spray for volume!

I hope you all have an absolutely lovely New Years Eve, me and Joel are just staying in with a takeaway which I think is a sign of getting old - roll on 2014!!!

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What I Got For Christmas 2013

I must be so nosey because I absolutely love these kinds of posts and have been hunting them down since Santa made his deliveries! I've had such a lovely Christmas with all of my family and hope that you all have too. I've been an extremely lucky girl this year and am forever grateful for all of my beautiful goodies but maybe not so grateful for the extra inches on my waistline from the chocolates for breakfast and all the buffets instead of proper meals!

It just wouldn't be Christmas without a Soap and Glory gift set and a bit of Lush! I've spent more time in the bath than I have out of it the past few days but if time off work isn't for pampering then when is?! I was so pleased to get my hands on the Origins Mask Marvels because I've been dying to try one of their infamous face masks and now I can try three of them!

My go to perfume is Miss Dior so it's a given that I get a new one every Christmas and Birthday, I dread to think how many of these that I've got through but if it ain't broke don't fix it! I also got the Katy Perry Meow gift set to accompany Purr, I'd never smelt this before but it's sweet and girly so naturally I love it! It also comes with a body lotion and tiny roller ball version of the perfume which is perfect to pop in your bag. To finish off the sweet smelling stuff is this little Yankee Candle in Black Coconut which smells just like Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess, it is absolutely gorgeous and I can't get enough of it.

I am literally the coldest girl in the world so warm snuggly things are always welcome! I've been after a tartan scarf for ages now but couldn't find the perfect one until I spotted this one from Topman and then forgot about it but lo and behold Joel must have been paying attention that day because it ended up under the tree, I can't even tell you how soft it is, I just love it! I also got the cutest bunny rabbit mittens and if they don't keep my hands warm enough there's a hand hottie as well. I think my most used present so far has been the microwavable owl, he's even keeping me warm as I type!

The past few days have been so busy that I haven't even had time to have a play with this little lot yet. I can't even remember how long I've been after a MAC eye shadow quad so I am very excited to have one in my grubby little mitts now! The hours that I spent trying to decide what shades would make the perfect neutral companions - I don't even know how I had time to work and live my life! I got two shades with the quad which are Shroom and All That Glitters and the final two are on the way if Yodel ever stop holding them hostage (they've been out for delivery since Christmas Eve...) I also got two of the most beautiful palettes which are the Bobbi Brown Smokey Warm Eye Palette and NARS Splendor in the Grass, they are gorgeous! I could go on and on about all of my new pretties but I'll save it for the reviews!

I'M GOING TO SEE KATY PERRY!!!!!!!!!! I don't know how I'm going to cope seeing my biggest girl crush in the flesh but I am so, so excited. Joel can no longer moan about me having her album on in the car constantly because he needs to learn all the words now, he didn't think this one through did he?!

There were a few other little bits that I got as well but if it's not been pictured I've either used it, worn it or ate it! I can't believe that's Christmas over with for another year and 2014 is well on the way now.

If you've done a what I got for Christmas post then please leave me the link in the comments because I would love to have a look!

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Merry Christmas!!

Image from Weheartit

Just a quick one to say that I hope you're all having a really lovely day of eating, drinking and being merry and Santa has brought you some new beauty bits to play with! Now back to stuffing my face, Happy Christmas and enjoy!!

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Countdown to Christmas - 3 Days to go! | December Glossybox 2013

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

As soon as December comes around I know that it won't be long before the Christmas Glossybox arrives which is my favourite because they always seem to pull it out of the bag for the last delivery of the year! The usual pink box has been replaced with a Red and white offering with the cutest candy cane tissue paper which I shall definitely be recycling when I get around to finishing off my wrapping. I think Glossybox have got it right this month in terms of variety, there's a little bit of everything that will definitely get used over the next few days.

Beautiful Movements Cosmetics Nude Lip Gloss

This is such a cute little lipgloss and will be a welcome edition to my handbag! I'm not a glossy kind of girl but with the promise of it being non sticky and after all these red lips I'm going to be sporting over the Festive season I'll be ready for a nude lip by the end of the week.

Wilkinson Sword Naturals Razor

Well, I wasn't expecting to see this in the box! This is a slightly random addition but I guess there are a lot of parties going on and you need to get rid of your winter fuzz if you're braving it and ditching the tights so it does make a bit of sense! I'll put this to use on Christmas Eve when I have my pamper but I don't think it'll convert me from the cheap razor advocate that I am.

Maybelline New York Colour Tattoo Eye Shadow in Gold Pink

I've seen so many good things said about the Colour Tattoo Eye Shadows but I am yet to own one until now - Thanks Glossybox! They're meant to be very similar to the MAC Paint Pots which I love and admittedly this isn't the type of colour that I would ever choose myself but it's so pretty that I've got to find an occasion for it.

Seche Nail Laquer

Another Brand that I've heard a lot about but never tried! A nail varnish always goes down well with me and a full size one goes down even better. This is a bright Barbie pink that I haven't tried yet but can't wait to get it on my nails.

Sanctuary Spa Active Reverse Resurface & Refine Ultra Polish

This is something else that has been set aside for my Christmas Eve pamper, after massaging on it claims to leave you with lovely smooth, radiant skin and that is all I ask for over the Christmas period.

I can see myself using every single thing from this months box so in my eyes that's a success!

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Countdown to Christmas - 5 Days to go! | Last Minute Gift Guide

The last shopping weekend before Christmas has arrived and if you're like me and working right up until Christmas Eve this might be the last chance you get to grab some last minute presents! I've narrowed it down to some lovely gift sets so if you're elbowing your way through the High Street tomorrow and struggling then this might help you out.

1. I don't know a girl that wouldn't love to find a NARS product under their tree this Christmas and the Adult Content blush palette has a little bit of everything including the infamous Deep Throat blusher, a highligher, bronzer and another blusher if you fancy a change.

2. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some sort of Soap and Glory gift set making it into your stocking! If you're in need of a pamper evening or you know someone that is then this has everything you need and your bathroom will look pretty in pink!

3. Who doesn't want to smell like a Christmas cookie?! This set is so lovely, I love the way that Philosophy package their gift sets. I can't even imagine how nice a bath would be with all of this!

4. I really love having big messy hair and I imagine that there's many other out there that feel the same! The Bumble and Bumble Tousled Two Step set is here to help you on that journey to Kim Kardashian hair.

5. Origins is one of my favourite skincare brands and this would be a great starter set for anyone who hasn't discovered them yet and is a complete skincare junkie!

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Countdown to Christmas - 6 Days to go! | My Festive Red Lip Picks

If Christmas isn't the time to rock a red lip then when the hell is?! I don't need an excuse to wear a bold lip but those reds that might not get all the love that they deserve definitely get a bit more attention throughout the festive season. I've had a rummage through my stash and picked out my six favourite reds that will take you from Christmas eve through to Boxing day and beyond!

MAC Morange

If you want  a stand out pout this Christmas then Morange is definitely the way to go! This is one of my favourite and most worn lipsticks. Morange is a vibrant orange that leans enough on the red side to make it wearable and not too scary. This looks amazing with simple eye make up making it the center of attention.

Topshop Ohh La La

Okay, this might not be a typical festive red per se but a coral this pretty, how could I leave it out?! This is definitely the type of shade that is more in my comfort zone and I reach for on a regular basis. I really like this colour and formula, it doesn't look out of place in the day but it can add a pop of colour when built up for a night out, I usually pair it with the Illamasqua lip pencil in Power to intensify the colour and make it last a bit longer - because it's glossy it tends to wear off quite quickly.

MAC Dangerous 

This is the closest that I'm going to get to a true red in my Festive picks and it's still with an Orange twist! Dangerous is from the Retro Matte collection and is perfect for a day when you're not going to stop eating or drinking because this baby doesn't budge.

Revlon Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon

If a bold lip isn't really your thing then a Lip Butter is more of a subtle take on the look. Wild Watermelon is a sheer red shade and the formula is so moisturizing.

MAC RiRi Woo

Another Retro Matte that I can only describe as a deep Hollywood style red, you wouldn't look out of place rubbing shoulders with the film stars of the 50's in this! Like Dangerous it's a turkey proof finish and will stay on until you scrub it off.

Illamasqua Mistress

Mistress is a very similar vivid Orangey red to Morange but in gloss form. I'm really not a glossy lipped kind of girl but I actually quite like this, it isn't overly sticky and lasts for a lot longer than I expected and even when there are signs of it wearing off it leaves a really noticeable stain so you don't lose the colour, just the glossiness.

I don't know about you but I'm ready to get my red lip on!!

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Countdown to Christmas - 7 Days to go! | Last Order Dates before Christmas

I've been surprisingly organised with my gift buying this year which is a far cry from my last minute rushes from Christmases past! I love online shopping at Christmas, what could be easier?! You don't have to get dressed, you don't have to leave the sofa, there's no pushing and shoving or heavy bags. If you still have some bits that you need to get before the big day arrives then I have the dates for you to make sure Santa gets them on time!

Topshop

Standard Delivery - Friday 20th December

Express Delivery - Monday 23rd December

ASOS

Next Day Delivery - Mnday 23rd December before 9pm

Debenhams

Standard Delivery - Wednesday 18th December

Next Day - Monday 23rd December before 2pm

Feel Unique

Standard Delivery - Wednesday 18th December

Priority Delivery - Friday 20th December before midday

Space NK

Standard Delivery - Wednesday 18th December

Express Delivery - Friday 10th December before midday

River Island

Standard Delivery - Thursday 19th December

Missguided

Standard Delivery - Wednesday 18th December before 9:30pm

Next Day Delivery - Monday 23rd December before 9:30pm

MAC

Complimentary Premium Delivery Upgrade - Friday 20th December before 3pm

John Lewis

Free Standard Delivery - Thursday 19th December before 7pm

Click and Collect - Sunday 22nd December before 7pm

Illamasqua

Premium Delivery - Monday 23rd December before midday

Boots

Standard Delivery - Saturday 21st December before 7pm

Next Day Delivery - Sunday 22nd December before 2pm

Collect from Store - Monday 23rd December before 2pm

Amazon

Super Saver Delivery - Thursday 19th December before 7pm

First Class Delivery - Friday 20th December 

Express Delivery - Monday 23rd December

New Look

Standard Delivery - Thursday 19th December

Next Day Delivery - Sunday 22nd December before 4pm

Selfridges

Standard Delivery- Wednesday 18th December

Click and Collect - Thursday 19th December

Nominated/Next Day - Sunday 22nd December

Lush

Standard Delivery - Thursday 19th December

48 Hour Delivery - Thursday 19th December

Next Day Delivery - Monday 23rd December

If there's anywhere that I've forgotten then give me a nudge but my stomach is ruling my brain right now because I'm so hungry waiting to go out for a meal with all my old work friends as a bit of a Christmas reunion. Happy last minute shopping!

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MAC RiRi Woo Lipstick

MAC, RiRi Woo £16.50

RiRi Hearts MAC has landed again for its very last installment of the year! I managed to get my hands on RiRi Woo in the fall collection but by the time that it dropped through my letterbox it was sold out everywhere so I decided to hold onto it until now and then if you do happen to fall in love there might still be a chance you can get it on your lips.

I don't own Ruby Woo so I can't draw any comparisons between the two but RiRi Woo is a blue toned Hollywood red, if you're having a day where you want to channel a bit of Marilyn Monroe then this is the lipstick to wear. It's such a glamorous shade and because it's a blue based red it makes your teeth appear whiter - which is definitely a plus in my books! Rihanna's signature is engraved on the bullet which I think is a nice touch but I won't be upset when I wear it down which definitely won't be for a while. The finish is Retro Matte but I found it a lot more matte than other MAC lipsticks that I own in the same finish. Application is a bit too much like hard work because it does tug quite a lot and I don't know if it's just because I'm an idiot but it ended up everywhere (there was even a bit on my nose) so I'd have a lip brush on hand. I can't imagine it to get on very well with dry patches either so balm them lips up! Once you've actually got it on this isn't budging, it lasted through a meal and drinks without any reapplication and took some scrubbing to get it off. 

This has sold out on Selfridges and the MAC website already but the collection hasn't popped up on Debenhams or House of Fraser yet so if you want to feel like a glamorous Hollywood starlet courtesy of Rihanna then I would get refreshing those pages because I've got a feeling it will be sold out within hours!

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Essie Bikini So Teeny & A Crewed Interest

Essie Nail Varnishes, Fragrance Direct £1.99

(They've gone up to £2.50 now, boohoo!)

Oh Fragrance Direct, how would our Essie collections grow without you?! I was lucky enough to get a couple of shades that I'd had my eye on for a while - for under a fiver you can't beat a bargain like it!

A Crewed Interest is the most beautiful peachy nude shade and Bikini So Teeny is a really unique lavender blue. They're both quite light pastels so it does take a couple of coats to get them to a strong opaque colour. They both go on nice and  glossy but Bikini so Teeny has some sparkle in it so is a bit bumpier without a top coat. Even though there is quite a lot of silver glitter running through Bikini So Teeny which is very noticeable in the bottle but not so much on the nail. Both of these shades lasted a good week on me, there was a bit  of chipping but nothing major.

Essie have done it again, brilliant formula, lasting time and shades - Keep them coming Fragrance Direct!

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Christmas Gift Guide | £5 and under Stocking Fillers

Topshop Nail Varnish - Beauticology Mini Bath Set - Cath Kidston Mirror - Real Techniques Sponge - Topshop Socks - Mini Hottie - Heart Ring - New Look Cat Pot - Initial Candle - Sleek Lipstick 

When it comes to present buying I can always come up with a million and one out of budget presents that people would love but the little stocking fillers and secret Santa presents are what I struggle with. If this sounds familiar then look no further, I've done some digging and here are the best gifts that I could find for a fiver or less whether it be for a fellow beauty enthusiast or that crazy cat lady in your life - get those stockings filled!

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Monthly Favourites | November 2013

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Happy December lovelies, we are officially on the countdown until Santa pays us a visit. I absolutely love the run up to Christmas and all the festivities that come with it so I'm extremely excitable right now and it won't be long until I've dug my Christmas jumper out. In November there were a few brand spanking new additions to my favourites and a couple of long forgotten about products that I've fallen in love with since giving them a second chance.

If doing my face was a game of football then the E.l.f Contouring Blush & Bronzer Cream Duo in St Lucia (review here) would be man of the match. I have to admit that it's the bronzer side that gets most of the love from me, it's the perfect contouring product. I've never got such amazing results so easily and it's only £3.75!!!!!! Another new discovery this month is the blogger favourite NARS Sheer Glow, I was a bit worried about this because I ordered blind from ASOS when they had 20% off but thank god the colour match was perfect and I absolutely love the formula, I won't go into too much detail about how amazing this is because I've got a proper review coming up in the next week or so but I will say that this is definitely worth the hype! I'm forever missing out when Fragrance Direct restock their Essie selection but when I was checking to see if maybe they'd added a few shades I managed to get lucky and nab A Crewed Interest which was the shade I was hoping would pop up. It's the most beautiful nudey peach colour, probably more spring appropriate but a shade this lovely needs to be worn all year round! It was Joel's birthday at the beginning of the month and we had a few days off work so I took the opportunity to sort out my overflowing make up basket and rediscovered a few forgotten gems (There are probably more at the bottom, I didn't manage to get that far!) In the Summer I had a bit of a Look Beauty haul, got all excited for it to come, dedicated a blog post to it and then...nothing. I shoved all the products that I got in my basket where they sank to the bottom and out of sight out of mind! I dug out the Make Me Blush Blusher in Pinch and even with it being with all my everyday make up products it was still a good few weeks until I actually used it and I have definitely been missing out - it's a really nice subtle pink colour that perked up my whole face. Something else that got unearthed while I was having a little rummage was this RMK Cleansing Balm that I received in a Birchbox sometime this year, I think that I used it once and the smell put me off so I stored it away until this week. My beloved Liz Earle is on its last legs and I'm trying to get my skin ready for my work Christmas night out on Saturday. This literally melted every trace of make up away and my skin is looking so much brighter and hydrated. The Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer (review here) is a new addition to my daily routine, it's a creamy, crease free under eye concealer with amazing coverage. There was a little sponge that I used to apply but the whole thing seemed to explode after the twist to get product out bit stopped working properly so now the sponge isn't useable and I've been using my fingers but I still love it!

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Midweek Wish List #18

1-2-3-4-5

You'll be pleased to know that I haven't fallen off the face of the earth but I've just had a really rough week and blogging has taken a bit of a back seat but is there any better way to lift your spirits than making a lust list of pretty thing that you hope Santa might come across?! The post man has brought me a couple of nice parcels recently so I'm going to make an extra effort to get back to my blogging best, sometimes when the shit hits the fan you just can't bring yourself to do the things you usually love but as Elizabeth Taylor once said 'pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together' and how can I argue with that?!

1. Hallelujah, a NARS palette that doesn't include Deep Throat or Orgasm! I know that they're the most popular blusher shades but I already own both and am light years away from hitting pan so I can never justify parting with my pennies for something I already own. This is the Splendor In The Grass palette which includes three blushers and a highlighter, what a beauty!

2. We're less than a week away from December so there's no denying that party season has arrived and if you can't wear head to toe sequins at Christmas than when can you? I absolutely adore this Topshop dress but it comes with a hefty £68 price tag which I've been trying to talk myself into for a good week or so but I'm not quite there yet.

3. Roll on January, my lips are crying out for these Revlon Colourbust matte balms! I predict that the blogging world are going to go crazy over these when they finally make it to the UK. I don't think I've seen one of the ten shades that I don't want yet, Boots better have a 3 for 2 on when these come out!

4. My beloved Real Techniques foundation brush is losing bristles at a ridiculous pace and I'm fed up of picking them off my face when I'm doing my make up! I don't own any other MAC brushes but I've heard some really good things about them and Debenhams had 10% off so I'm guessing you can put two and two together, oops!

5. Surprise, Surprise another coral lipstick that I'm dreaming of - how many can one girl own before it becomes an addiction?! I love Illamasqua and a week doesn't go by without me using a product of theirs but I've never tried a lipstick so I think it's about time that that changed.

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E.l.f St Lucia Cream Blush and Bronze Duo

Elf, Cream Blush & Bronze Duo £3.75

All I've ever wanted is sculpted cheek bones a la Kim Kardashian or Alexa Chung but as I was born with an extremely round moon face it ain't going to happen without the help of a great product, Ladies and gentlemen I have found that great product and it happens to be only £3.75!

I took full advantage of an E.l.f 50% off offer and snapped this up as soon as I saw that it was was in stock (the first time I had ever seen it in stock!) I absolutely love E.l.f products and this is hands down the best thing I've tried from them. The packaging is extremely NARSesque with the sleek black palette, white writing and a nice sized mirror inside the lid, this is actually a lot bigger than I thought it would be but I'm not complaining - the more product the better! The blush side is a rosey pink and a little goes a long way so make sure you use it sparingly. I've never used a cream bronzer before, I usually stick to powder but out of the summer months when I'm not as sunkissed and even when I've got a bit of a tan they usually come out too dark or too orange and instead of leaving me with killer cheekbones I just look strange and mucky but this bronzer is a complete gem! It's a flat colour so no sparkles or shimmer and it's a really subtle tan shade with no orangey tones. I usually dab it along the hollows of my cheeks and then blend it out with the Real Techniques stippling brush but I've read that some people use the Expert Face brush and take the product straight from the pan so I'll have to give that a go. The formula is really smooth and creamy so it's easy to work with, layer and blend - even a contouring rookie like me ends up with something that resembles cheekbones!

I cannot rave about this enough, it's the best £3.75 that I've ever spent!

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November Glossybox 2013

Glossybox, £10 plus p&p

After last months extremely disappointing Glossybox I was hoping that they'd make it up to us in some shape or form this time around but I'm still undecided! On first impressions It looks like a good box because there's a lot of full sized products that bulk it out which is a definite contrast to lasts months tiny little products that were rattling around in that big old box. The theme of the box is a Glossy Wishlist just in time for Christmas so lets have a look what their idea of a stocking filler is!

Vichy Idealia Life Serum

Can you get any better than a little pink bag filled with skincare goodies?! This has to be the star of the box this month, I'm really excited to try these skincare saviors out and get my skin looking lovely for these Christmas parties that are coming up.

Emite Make Up Micronized Eyeshadow in Dams

Oh dear, this isn't for me at all! This is a pure black eyeshadow free from all nasties and perfect for sensitive eyed girlies. I've seen that there have been some better shades doing the rounds in other boxes and if I got more of a neutral shade then I definitely would have some use for this but this is far too scary for me!

Yves Rocher Hand Cream

I don't think that a girl can ever have too much hand cream, I've got one in every bag, every room and at work so this will happily join them. I really like the smell of this but it makes me hungry because it smells so much like the strawberry centered chocolate you get in Roses!

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry For Nails

I'm going to have a nail painting session tonight and I cannot wait to test this out. Waiting for my nails to dry is the bain of my life and if this spray can put a stop to that then I'm buying in bulk.

B. Quick One Coat Professional Finish Nail Polish

Taking into account how much time I spend in Superdrug I am pretty suprised that I've never tried their own brand before! I'm not one to turn my nose up at a top coat because I use them every time I paint my nails but this one is all gold and shimmery which is my idea of  nail hell. Like the eyeshadow, I've seen some really nice Autunmy colours in other boxes so I just got unlucky with the shade.

This box was a definite improvement on last months but it's still just alright. I'll get use out of a few things but I feel like I was blinded by the size of the products but what would you prefer a family sized bar of Kinnerton chocolate (The chocolate from cheap advent calendars) or a Cadburys Freddo - Need I say more?!

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