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Next Christmas blogger challenge – Standby…

 On the 11th day of christmas, Next.co.uk gave to me…
The Standby gift – a safety net!
You know how awkward it can be when you receive a gift from someone unexpected and don’t have anything to give in return… Sometimes it’s hard to know when you and new friends start exchanging presents, or if you’re going to see your great-uncle’s-mothers-goldfish’s-step-gran-in-law over christmas and she’s going to have a little something for you! So to save unnecessary embarassment, over the years I have kept a little standby present ready in case this happens. You might be reading this and think it’s a bit odd, or a bit cheeky. But my gran has always done it, and even though you can be prepared and organised with your christmas shopping, there is no harm in being prepared for the unexpected.

Family Photo Holder – £14

H18 x W47.5 x D1.5cm
Holds up to 10 pictures.

Breakfast Set – £16
Contains toast rack, butter dish and three Bonne Maman jams.

I’ve only listed two presents here rather than my usual three, and neither are too pricey but both really sweet and generic enough for either sex (or for someone in their 30’s, 50’s, 80’s, whatever! don’t think it would matter) I hope the idea of a standby pressie hasn’t offended any of you super organised gift givers out there. Plus if you end up not needing to give the present to anyone, then you get to keep it for yourself 😉

Tomorrow is the last day of my Next gift guide (phewww I hear you cry) You’re probably thinking who is there left to buy for?! Well its not uncles, or aunties, or cousins, or neighbours… I think they could all be covered with most of the guides I’ve done so far. Tomorrow is a final instalment for someone very special who we shouldn’t forget to share our festive celebrations with 😉 You may have guessed it already but come back tomorrow and see if you’re right!

This was me this morning before I headed out to work. I used my barry M dazzle dusts on my eyes for the first time in ages (always scared to because I seem to get them everywhere) And the rest is pretty much just my usual daily face routine, which you can have a nosy at here. Actually, I think thats the first time I’ve used my dazzle dusts since I made that video! I can’t blow dry my fringe now and have it sitting above my eyes without looking like Vicky Pollard, so it’s back to the sweeping side emo kid fringe until I see my mammy for a trim.

A slow but sure trickle of christmas cards has started to form on my breakfast bar. I have more from bloggy friends so far than what I do from family! Some you see here are from Victoria, Gem, Claire, and Ellie ♥ And I think there are a few more on the way 🙂 David’s mum has given us a few extra decorations, and we bought stockings from tesco last night so the flat is definately looking more festive (not long to go now…)

Ayden x

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8 Comments

  • Kelly

    I sent mine ages ago to you!!! I hope you get it soon. 🙁 Damn postie better not have it up in his house.

    I love that toast rack, and that photo frame is cute. I know what you mean about the safety net present. I'm the same with cards, always carry a few blanks incase of a random card giver. 🙂

    xx

    December 16, 2010 at 1:19 pm Reply
  • FromGemWithLove

    Aww my wee card at the front there, hope you have a lovely Christmas hun xxxx I'm guessing it's mam you are doing tmrw? xx

    December 16, 2010 at 1:20 pm Reply
  • Ayden

    @ Gem. Nope nope miss I did mum the very first day! 🙂 xx

    December 16, 2010 at 1:21 pm Reply
  • Emma (girlwiththearabstrap)

    Haha my Mum always has a load of standby gifts – you never know when someone might surprise you! It saves an awkward "Oh I forgot yours" conversation haha.

    Great ideas, I've enjoyed this little series :). Hopefully my card will arrive soon to add to your lovely colection – they look fabby!!
    xo

    December 16, 2010 at 1:53 pm Reply
  • E is for Eleanor

    Aw yay for the cards! Thanks for the mention lovely.

    I love that breakfast set, was debating getting one for my flat! x

    December 16, 2010 at 5:07 pm Reply
  • Jessica

    i love your eye make up here.

    also, just wanted to let you know i'm sending your prize out this weekend.

    🙂

    December 17, 2010 at 1:54 am Reply
  • Cowbiscuits

    I've guessed it and I just know what your going to do 😛
    HOW have I never seen these youtube vids? haha aw your so cute! When do you find out if you won the comp?! xxx

    December 17, 2010 at 9:47 am Reply
  • Fashion Junkie

    Stand by presents- a must! Mine is usually a bottle of wine, but great to see some other ideas. The breakfast set is gorgeous. Reminds me of rural France.

    December 18, 2010 at 12:53 pm Reply
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