Countdown: Holiday Gifts

It's getting hectic in London's streets and shops, everybody is busy looking for T-H-E perfect present for their family, friends and loved ones. Every year the same stressful procedure...but that doesn't make it easier. Here are some gift ideas and inspirations, which will help you finding the perfect present for EVERYONE

If elegance would have a scent it would be Chanel No°5. A classic parfum, feminine and floral. Matches perfectly with 'The Little Black Jacket' book, which contains Karl Lagerfelds photographs of celebrities wearing the iconic little black jacket. Stunning photographs! Ideal for...

The Little Black Jacket ₤56, Chanel No°5 Eau De Parfum ₤65

Cute golden star necklace, super soft around-the-world panties and this sleeping eye-mask are the perfect presents for...

Dinny Hall Star Necklace ₤75, Cheek Frills Around-the-World Pantie Set ₤70, Eye-mask ₤15 

I love Moleskine notebooks and the new metallic Satchel bags (available in 4 sparkling colours), not only for...

Cambridge Satchel Bag ₤125, Moleskine Notebook ₤9

A must-have for every creative person in your life: Lomography camera and Helmut Newton's book 'Sumo'. 480 pages full of stunning photographs!

Lomography camera ₤40, Helmut Newton: Sumo ₤100

For 'Mad Men' fans and Whisky drinkers! The new limited Mad Men edition includes all seasons, four Whisky glasses and drink mats. Cheers!

Mad Men Dvd Set ₤95, 1988 single male Scotch Whisky ₤140

Penguin re-issued the classics! Limited edition hardcover books for all F. Scott Fitzgerald and classic book lovers...and of course some sea salt caramel truffels, what is a reading night without chocolate?

Set of 6 Fitzgerald books ₤90 each book ₤15, Charbonnel et Walker Truffels ₤10

iPad, iPod, Blackberry...everybody has one of these devices. Embellish your friend's iPad/iPhone with this unique gadgets

Rebecca Minkoff Don't Bother Me iPad Case ₤96, Marc by Marc Jacobs heart headphones ₤35

 Ultra-cool retro radios available in different colours. The perfect present for...

Roberts Revival Digital Radio ₤160

Taste the magic....for all cooking and food lovers. This Alchemical larder contains sixteen magical ingredients. Salts, spices, petals, saffron and more! And of course luxury tea from the Selfrigdes Selection

Alchemical Set ₤30,  White silver needle loos tea ₤17

Kate Moss...the supermodel's photos are unique and impressive. This hardcover tome shows photos of the icon's twenty-two year modeling career. A must-have! Combined with this small candy turnlock bracelet it is the perfect for....

Kate Moss, by Fabien Baron ₤50, Marc by Marc Jacob bracelet ₤79

Wow! Christmas-Crackers with beauty gems inside...perfect for your beloved Mom.

Estee Lauder Christmas Cracker set ₤45

Neaten your boyfriend's jeans pocket: a classy money clip from Hugo Boss

Banknote Clip by Boss ₤55

Something classy for Daddy, Auqua di Parma eau de cologne gift set and Launer luxury card case

Auqua di Parma eau de cologne gift set ₤80, Launer card case 6₤5

By giving the OPI new top ten collection you can make a Nail Polish lover's (Christmas)day

OPI set: top 10 ₤29, and a sparkling investment Azure 267 carat black diamond nail polish ₤160,000 (no that is not a comma mistake)

For people who like to enjoy their drinks in style. Super classy silver flask and cocktail shaker

Izola Small Flask ₤25, Cocktail Shaker ₤45

This cosy hot water bottle and the cashmere gloves will save your loved ones from cold winter nights

Aroma hot water bottle in grey ₤25 , Jardin des Orangers Cashmere gloves ₤63, Diptyque jasmin candle ₤170 

Dates, dinners, events, notes....a woman's life needs to be organised! Do it in style...with this Alice Temperley filofax

Alice Temperley filofax ₤399, Diplomat Traveller Pen, Stainless Steel ₤34

Glamorous beauty kit with everything a beauty queen needs: Lipstick, high-luxe compact and powder

Mac Beauty-kit ₤30

Home accessories of style are always a good idea. Especially when it's a classic black pair of candlesticks, an aura footed bowl and a 'Mr and Mrs' frame made from vintage playing cards

Vintage playing cards frame ₤60 , Jasper Conran @ Waterford bowl ₤60, Vera Weng @ Wedgewood candlesticks  ₤60

KitchenAid: a dream and must-have for every hobby cook and baker. It's more than an eye-catching kitchen accessory, this stand mixer includes a wire whisk, flat beater and dough cook. For sweet inspirations: Lily Vanilli's Sweet Tooth cooking book with delicious recipes

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer ₤430 (available in more colors), Lily Vanilli's Sweet Tooth cooking book ₤20 

Bvlgari makes every woman feel like a lady, combined with this classic Marc Jacobs bracelet it is the perfect presents for....

Bvlgari pour Femme Eau de Parfum from ₤54 on, Marc by Marc Jacobs leather bracelet ₤80

Christmas Outfits

Christmas is almost here, only two weeks to go! And I am sure you have already planned what to do this year. Family dinner, Christmas party, festive drinks with the girls or romantic dinner.

Well, the biggest problem every year is finding the perfect Christmas presents and of course: a Christmas outfit.

I hope the outfit combinations I've picked, will make your choice a little bit easier this year...

From casual to chic, from high street treats to high end gowns!

Chic Christmas

This is the perfect outfit for almost every occasion, dinner with your family or festive drinks with friends. A chic black dress combined with glitter shoes and a classy bag, red lips and nails...one can't go wrong with this!

Dress: Ted Baker  ₤150

Shoes: Jimmy Choo Glitter Peep-Toes ₤465
Bag: YSL Belle De Jour Clutch Belle De Jour Clutch  ₤560
Bracelet: Cada mini snowflake with diamonds ₤1,935
Lipstick: Mac Red ₤14
Parfume: Dolce & Gabana, The One from ₤32 on
Nail polish: OPI Red ₤11

Romantic Christmas

Are you planning a romantic dinner this Holiday? Then I know the perfect outfit: a perfect festive bordeaux colored velvet dress combined with bow ballerinas and a Vivienne Westwood clutch....Gorgeous!

Dress: Adriana Papell Velvet Dress ₤125

Shoes: Sparkle Bow Ballerina, Accessorize ₤35
Bag: Vivienne Westwood Frilly Snake Clutch ₤160
Ring: A sparkling investment Cada Love ring ₤1,565
Parfume: J'adore Dior ₤90
Mascara: Benefit Badgal ₤17


Glamorous Christmas
Wow with this sophisticated 'French Connection' dress you will be the focal point of the evening. Team with simple black high heels and a classy bag.

Dress: French Connection ₤160
Shoes: High Heel Sandals Zara ₤43
Bag: Gold Coast Meadow at Kate Sprade ₤245
Ring: Cada Star Ring, pink-gold with diamonds ₤1,270
Hairband: Eddera ₤105

Cool Christmas

It's not a must wearing a dress on Christmas Eve, never underestimate the power of a cool blazer and skinny jeans! This outfit is perfect for festive drinks with friends. Finish the outfit with pink lipstick and nail polish. A perfect blend of cool and festive.

Cardigan: Zadig et Voltaire ₤455

Blouse: River Island Bow Neck Blouse ₤20
Pants: LNAVelvet Leggings ₤85
Shoes: Kurt Geiger ₤140
Bag: Zara Studded Evening Box ₤56
Nacklace: Netaya Tree Necklace ₤29
Lipstick: Mac Show Orchid Pink ₤14
Nail polish: OPI Pink Flamenco  ₤11
Eye shadow: Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Highlighter ₤32

Couple Christmas

Festive Christmas outfits are not only a girls thing, men should make an effort, too!

This ultra-sophisticated Jil Sander dress combines timeless glamour with flapper-chic. Team with black glitter heels, a Miu Miu statement bag and add adornment with the golden Salvatore Ferragamo necklace. Men should keep it simple: white crew neck shirt or collared shirt under a black, blue or grey suit. Like this one from Hugo Boss, chic and casual. Wear elegant leather shoes and enhance your outfit with a distinctive watch strap!

His outfit
Suit: Hugo Boss Benne6/Sairy 4 ₤549
Watch: Baume & Mercier Capeland 10007 POA
Her outfit
Dress: Jil Sander Tinsel Sheath Dress ₤1,305
Shoes: Miu Miu Glitter Ankle Boots ₤490
Bag: Miu Miu Leather Clutch ₤560
Necklace: Salvatore Ferragamo Necklace ₤1,584
Nail polish: OPI Skyfall Collection 3 for ₤24

Casual Christmas

This the perfect outfit for the Christmas Day. A full-on party look is not necessary, especially when you are staying at home. But probably you still want to look festive! This is a good combo of casual and festive: Reindeer Jumper, skinny jeans, must-have Isabel Marant boots and festive earrings in red!

Jumper: French Connection ₤70
Jeans: Skinny Jeans Republic ₤30
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs ₤260
Shoes: Ankle Boots, Isabel Marant ₤350
Hat: Levi ₤17
Earrings: Lindsey Marie ₤185

Cosy Christmas
After the glamorous Christmas parties you are probably looking forward to a relaxed day at home? Cosy up in the cold weather with this comfy outfit...Warm jumper, comfy leggings and ultra soft slippers. Hot chocolate and cookies please!

Jumper: Tibi Penguin knitted sweater ₤355
Slippers: H&M ₤13
Pants: Oasis ₤14
Nail polish: Butter Pink Ribbon ₤12
Make-Up: Christmas Shimmer from the The Body Shop ₤16
Candle: THE tea candle ₤42

Happy shopping!

Guest post: London Christmas shopping

Christmas shopping is probably the most hectic time of the year. First you need to think about the perfect present for everyone and then you need to go on a hunt for it and find it!So which are the best places to do this? I'll put them in a list for you:

Christmas shopping

The first christmas present paradise is Westfield. There are two of them in London - east and west - and they are really large shopping malls which consist almost everything you need. From high end brands like Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, to mid-priced like Kate Spade and Bimba & Lola, so high street like Topshop and M.A.C. If you're looking for a present for your boyfriend/ father/brother there are shops like Nike and Apple. 

Ice rink at Westfield

The good thing is that you'll most likely find everything you need here, without having to run around too much. And it's warm inside! Find lists of all the shops here and here. 

Secondly, I'm a big fan of department stores. Just like malls, they contain pretty much everything you need in terms of presents. All of the following department stores offer a huge range of products and clothes, and they'll have exactly what you need. 

Selfridges is one of the biggest department stores in London. It has a great food hall and the best range of make-up brands. In here, you'll find more mainstream brands. 

Liberty has the most amazing christmas shop on the fourth floor with special tree ornaments and presents. It also has much more unique brands than the other department stores. Another plus is that it feels like you're shopping in an old house, so cozy! 

Liberty 

Harrods is the more touristy option, but also good for christmas shopping. Especially if you're looking for a present for an animal lover or pet, the Pet Kingdom is the place to be. If you're looking for a real gadget present, Harrods is great.

Lastly, there are several areas and streets which are also good for christmas shopping. 
- New Bond Street: for the fancier gifts (Tiffany, Chanel, Victoria's Secret, Louis Vuitton)
- Covent Garden: for the best christmas atmosphere and shopping
- King's Road: more unique and special shops like Blue Bird 
- Marylebone High Street: a good street for mummy christmas presents, it has cooking shops, a Conran, Diptique and much more. 
- Oxford Street/Regent's Street: less original, but has plenty of department stores like House of Fraser, Liberty and Selfridges

Happy holidays!

Athena
www.whiskersandlions.blogspot.co.uk

Chocolate Festival

Only one more day...
Southbank Centre Chocolate Festival

Brownies, cakes, muffins, tiramisu, cookies, chocolate mousse, cupcakes, hot chocolate...chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!
Need I say more?

Cookies

White, milk and dark chocolate with berries

....more cookies....

the new favourite: salted caramel chocolate

white chocolate red velvet cake

salted caramel cupcakes

or rather oreo?

paul.a.young chocolate

whoopie pies

cherry & salted caramel eton mess mini shots

broooowwwnnniiies

amaretto and coffee tiramisu 

nomnom 

Guest post - The most wonderful time of the year

Well, Christmas comes closer and closer. And it’s snowing outside (in Munich anyway), the fire in the fireplace is burning and we listen to Christmas and winter songs on the radio. I love this season! I love baking cookies, I love strolling over the Christmas markets and I love watching Christmas movies. Yeah, this is the most wonderful time of the year! Oh, I forgot something: I love planning our dinner for Christmas. So this year I decided not to present a roasted duck as usually, but to cook an Asian Menu: Maybe Tom Yum Goong Soup as our starter, homemade spring rolls, an Indian Curry with Naan bread and Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Pulp. My daughter and my son love Asian food as well - hot and spicy. And they die for Coconut Panna Cotta. So they always ask me to cook it for them. They will be very surprised to get it on Christmas evening. But....pssst.... don’t tell them.... it’s a secret...

And now I tell you my secret:

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Sauce

4    Sheets   gelatin
200  ml       coconut milk
250  ml       heavy cream
40   g        sugar   
1             vanilla pod, split lengthways, seeds scraped out

For the sauce

200  ml       mango pulp
1    tsp      lime zest
1    tbsp     lime juice
3    tbsp     coconut flakes

1. Heat the cream and coconut milk, add the sugar and a lengthwise sliced vanilla bean (and the scraped out vanilla seeds). Let it simmer for about 10 minutes and stir every now and then. Remove from the heat.

2. Then remove vanilla pod.

Meanwhile soak the sheets of gelatin in cold water (for about 10 min). Take the sheets out, and put them in add it to the cream/coconut mixture and stir thoroughly until fully combined.

Chill for at least 5 hours, better over night.

4. Mix mango pulp, lime juice and zests.

Brown lightly coconut flakes in anon-stick frying pan.

5. To unmold the panna cotta, briefly dip the form in hot water and carefully flip it over on a plate. Decorate with mango sauce.

Enjoy!

Kirsten 

www.tabletalks.de 

www.secret-supper-club.com

Christmas Chocolate-almond-cinnamon biscuits

Christmas reindeer biscuit in a Biscuit Pocket Mug

I had to bake some Christmas biscuits, just to use the cute mug once. The biscuits are delicious, not too sweet... perfect for Christmas. And they taste even more delicious with some milk to dip in...

Here is the recipe

Lots of chocolate....ready to eat....or better to bake, cook and then eat...

I used a lot of different Christmas biscuit cutters: Angels, snowmen, Christmas trees and and and

The chocolatey biscuits...waiting to be tasted!

 Biscuit pocket mug (Urban Outfitters UK)

Best cheap eats

What I love about London's restaurants and cafés is the variety. Do you feel like eating Indian? Or maybe Indonesian? Latvian? Or rather Japanese? London has it all!

Every kind of cuisine, super chic haute-cuisine restaurants but also budget places. London's budget places show that low price does not mean low quality...to the contrary!

Of course outside of London's center there are a lot of cheap eats and good offers, but I know some places in the heart of London, where you can have drinks, main course and dessert for around £15.

Italian
Pizzeria Icco

Most people who don't know Icco and the pizza there would probably walk past this place. It looks like a American canteen, not chic at all, but curde with bright lights. But you forget about that after your first bite of pizza.

One of the best pizzas I've ever eaten in London, during lunch time it's always full of business men and students. But don't worry the service is quick and friendly.

You will have your Italian pizza after a couple of minutes starting from £ 3.50 (take-away). The Cappuccino is perfectly Italian!
         

Thai : Thai metro

I love this place, it's exactly opposite of Roka but less fancy. Simple interior, small and authentic. Friendly service and best quality. The currys here are amazing, but also the starters and noodle dishes are delicious. Almost all main courses offer a choice between duck, beef, chicken, tofu or prawns....




















....and they don't serve you three poor prawns, or some slices of duck, but a generous full plate.

Same for the starters, instead of three slices of spare ribs we got a whole plate full of spare ribs with tasty sauce. Starters are around  £ 4 and main courses are  £ 6.50

Lebanese

Comptoir Libanais

This is a really delicious Lebanese food chain. One is located in Marylebone, one Soho and another one South Kensington. They have a large range of food, falafel, wraps, mousaka, halloumi steak and more. I can recommend the chicken taouk wrap, the chicken is really tasty and soft.

       

                     

Prices for main courses are around £ 8. The interior is a lovely mix of colorful designs and Lebanese details.

...to be continued....

Addresses:

Thai Metro

38 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia
London W1T 2NN

Icco

46 Goodge Street, Fitzrovia
London W1T 4LU

Comptoir Libanais 

65 Wigmore Street, Marylebone
London W1U 1JT

1-5 Exhibtion Road, South Kensington
London E20 2HE

59 Broadwick Street, Soho
London W1F 9QH