Christmas Presents

I can't believe it's already been four days since Christmas. I hate how long it takes to get here, and hate how quickly it passes even more.  This year I was extremely spoiled by my family and got some great gifts, so I wanted to show you a selection of them.  Earlier this year, my Mum and Dad bought me tickets to see Girls Aloud on tour next year, which was a Christmas present, so I wasn't expecting to be getting much at all but they still bought me lots of amazing things!  This is by no means a bragging post, I enjoy reading these as I'm pretty nosey and I know some of you are the same! 

 I love receiving box sets at Christmas as I think they are just a great gift. This year I got the complete set of Laguna Beach, The Hills and The City which I've already begun watching from the beginning.  Running along the Lauren Conrad theme, I also got her latest book 'Beauty', which I've had a quick flick through and it looks interesting and a large curling iron to try and imitate LC's hair.  I got a couple of Cath Kidston tech cases, one for my iPhone and another for my iPad as well as some trusty Snow Fairy.  Another box set to add to my ever growing collection is The Vampire Diaries season three - I've completely shifted to Team Delena.  I also got some Soap and Glory goodies.  My parent's bought me the 'Showers that Glee' set and I loved it so much that I decided to use some of my Christmas money to get more.  I picked up the 'Best of All' set which was originally £60 but in the Boot's sale I managed to get it for £27 - bargain! My brother and his wife got me some Vans as my converse are looking a bit worse for wear - shame the weather has been so disgusting, I haven't been able to wear them out yet! 

What was your favourite Christmas present?

Lauren Conrad: From Stylish Woman to Beauty Guru.

"...Ever had a fight with a hair brush and lost?"

Lauren Conrad of reality TV fame has brought us fiction novels, style books, clothing lines (i'm still so excited to buy something from the Paper Crown line) and now a beauty website.  I don't know about you, but I always think Lauren looks great, her style is effortless, her hair looks gorgeous and her make up is always simple yet chic.  When I heard about this from her official Twitter I had to check it out! 

The Beauty Department's its name and tutorials is it's game.  It hasn't got much on it at the moment, asides from a gorgeous vintage hair do and how to get the perfect red lip, but it is sure to be a hit with girls all over the globe!  The site promises to come up with videos, printable photo tutorials (how cute, a scrapbook of beauty!) and also exclusive Conrad photos.  Lauren even talks about the ombre trend and how to translate it onto your nails, which looks pretty cool.  

This is a printable tutorial.  They go into more depth on the site, but once you've done it for the first time, the pictures should be a visual reminder of each step.  

Of course she's not alone, her two friends Kristin (no not THAT Kristin) and Amy help out with tutorials and posts.  

I think you should go check it out, if you're anything like me (make up/hair mad) then you'll love it.  Let me know what you think and I'd love to see photos if you try anything!  

One click to a beautiful new you.  

*all pictures belong to thebeautydepartment.com I do not own anything.