I cannot believe we’re this close to Christmas already!  This month seems to be flying even faster than the rest of the year.  I have a list of things I need to get done each day, for my full-time job, for the blog and just in general.  Trying to find the time to get everything done is NOT easy.  I can feel how my daily coffee intake has increased, yet the caffeine isn’t affecting my ability to sleep.  I’m usually fast asleep within 15 minutes of climbing into bed!

Sadly this workload will not ease up once work closes for the year – I have assignments to then pump out for my course I’m doing part-time and blog work must go on!  I’m hoping to get most of this done next week and have at least one solid week of leave to enjoy.  My sister is home from Cape Town (yay!) and we have so many plans for our time off and with her.  Good food and good drinks are ahead of me.  I’ve also stopped worrying too much about what I eat now.  I’m trying to drink water and eat a decent amount of veggies and fruit, but stressing about everything I put in my mouth will only ruin the festive season for me and everyone around me.  Once we’re into January, I have plans to do a juice cleanse (I’ll keep you all posted on that) and I have some Skinny Coffee on it’s way from the Skinny Coffee Club to aid in any fat burning too (you’ll hear all about that soon too)!

In the mean time, I have a wonderful wishlist for you – some of the gorgeous goodies that I’ve been lusting after this year.  Just a disclaimer (I feel that I have to do this) but I OBVIOUSLY don’t expect to receive all of these.  I don’t even expect one of them.  Money is money, it’s been a hard year for everyone, and these are not necessary items.  It’s called a ‘wishlist’ for a reason.

HOME/FASHION/GADGETS

1.Nikon Coolpix L340 Digital Camera, R2699 from Incredible Connection – I don’t own a decent camera, and shoot literally ALL of my photos on my Samsung Galaxy 8.  While my phone has a damned good camera, I would love a proper camera to take blog photos on, film YouTube videos on (it’s on my New Years Resolution list to get my YouTube channel on the go properly) and to have when the hubby and I head to the UK and Dublin next year for our actual ‘honeymoon’.  I know that a lot of bloggers (if not all) use DSLR cameras, but I know nothing about photography or whether this is necessary.

If you’re a blogger (or not) and can suggest a great camera for me that won’t leave me with half of my organs traded on the black market, please let me know!

2.Bling Power Bank, R329 from Superbalist – I’m in desperate need of a good power bank, and this one is not only pretty to look at, but is super fast and effective.  Plus it’s slim design makes it perfect to slip into my handbag.  My phone would never die again!

3.Witchery Charlotte Tan Watch, R999 from Woolworths – A beautiful, very simple watch made with a tan leather strap.  Really classic.

4.Olivia Burton Bid Dial watch, R1439 from Superbalist – Rose gold face, black leather strap.  Simple and so beautiful.

5.Soy Lites Entice Candle, R225 on Soy Lites Online – This sounds like a Christmas-scented candle – Cinnamon, Naartjie, Grapefruit and Clove.  Delicious!  Plus, the soy wax can be used as a massage oil or a body moisturiser when warmed, so you get more than one use for it!

SKINCARE/HAIRCARE/BODYCARE

1.Codage Scrubbing Cream, R780 from Metropolitan Cosmetics Online – I’m pretty sure I’ve had this on another wishlist at some point.  I once was given a deluxe sample size of this product.  I had never heard of the brand (and still haven’t heard anything about it), but gave this creamy, hydrating exfoliator a go.  Well – it is the BEST facial scrub I’ve ever tried.  You literally need the tiniest amount, and you massage it into your skin until all the cream has absorbed, and then wash the remaining scrubby bits off.  You’re left with baby soft and nourished skin at the same time, and makeup applies like an absolute dream.

2.Laniege Water Sleeping Mask, R550 from Pink Cosmetics Online – I love me some K-beauty, and this is a hydrating mask that you apply at night, and only remove when you wake up the following morning.  Apparently it leaves your skin plumped up, hydrated and glowing.

3.Kerastase Elixir Ultime for Colour Treated Hair, R590 from Retail Box – I’m due a new hair elixir/oil soon and have heard AMAZING things about the Kerastase brand and their elixirs.  Expensive but you use such a tiny bit each time that it’ll last for ages.

4.Face Inc By Nails Inc sheet masks in Sparkle like a Unicorn for R125 and Brighten Up for R135 from EyeSeeHue Online – I am a sheet mask addict.  I also love unicorns.  So clearly I need this sheet mask.  The Brighten Up one also sounds lovely, as I really enjoy brightening sheet masks, plus it’s pretty rainbow colours!

5.Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum, R1600 for 60ml from Red Square – I have seen this in 30ml bottles, yet can you even find those online??? I posted about this on my social media a while back and it’s possibly the most gorgeous, feminine fragrance I’ve ever smelled.  It also lasts so long on the skin, so no need for touch ups.  Which is why a 30ml bottle would be so ideal – you really don’t need much of the fragrance and it lingers until you shower.

6.Laura Mercier Hand Crème Crème Brulee, R370 from Skin Cosmetics Online – I’ve heard that the bubble bath version of this smells absolutely divine, but I love a good hand cream.  This would be a great luxe version to keep in my handbag.

7.Coco Gold Coconut Milk Facial Cleanser, R249 on Coco Gold Online – A 100% natural cleanser made from coconut milk, as well as lavender, tea tree and lemongrass essential oils.  This looks so gorgeous and luxe, yet it’s so good for your skin!

8.Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $45 from Sephora – Yes this is pricey but it apparently smells like heaven and helps to tighten and firm the skin around your booty and thighs!

MAKEUP

1.Real Techniques Flawless Base Set, R449.95 from Real Techniques Online – 4 face brushes, that are of amazing quality, with a cup to keep them all organised.  I own their Expert Face Brush, but don’t enjoy it for my foundation.  Apparently the buffing brush in this set is MUCH better.

2.Clinique Lacquer Lip Colour and Primer in Wink Pop, R295 from Red Square – I love the formula of these glosses, and am on the hunt for a pretty nude gloss.

3.Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance palette, available from EyeSeeHue for R1000 – An overseas item I’ve been dying for, this holds all the kinds of shades I love to use on my eyes.  This seems excessive cost wise, but it’s the most affordable LEGIT one in the country, and you’re getting 14 shades of eyeshadow, so it works out to just over R71 a shade.  Plus – I’d use this a ton!

4.Smashbox Drawn In. Decked Out. Shadow + Contour + Blush palette from Red Square for R995 – I already mentioned this in my Gift Guide For Her, but I love it so much that it’s made it’s way onto my own wishlist.  It’s ideal for travel – you have your eyeshadows, blush, contour, bronze and higlight in one palette!

5.Jouer Long-Wear Matte Lip Crème in Melon, R290 from Fashion Police Online – I love the look of this nudey-pink liquid lippie, and I’ve heard great things about the Jouer formula.  Apparently it isn’t drying at all, but lasts amazingly well.

6.IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50 + in shade LIGHT, available on Sephora for $38, but available here in SA at Samika Online for R900 – I’ve been hearing so many rave reviews about this CC cream.  It’s pretty much a tinted moisturiser with a great SPF in it, but it gives you the coverage of a medium to full coverage foundation.  Three products in one!  I’ve had this on my list for a while, and it’s SO pricey when bought here through a company that imports, but so hard for us to get from overseas.

7.Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Nude Shimmer, R285 at Red Square – Lovely, nourishing lip treatment gloss that makes lips look fuller and smoother.  Love these and have been dying to try out the nude shade.

FOOD & DRINKS

1.Hendrick’s Gin, R349 from Makro – I love gin, and love trying new ones.  I haven’t tasted this from Hendrick’s but I’ve heard so many great things!

2.Waffle Rusks in jar, R229.99 from Woolworths – Yep, I’m back with these delicious waffle rusks.  They taste just like waffles that are smothered in syrup and then baked until hard.  Divine in a cup of tea or coffee.  This jar of them is huge, and you can use the jar again afterwards.

3.Flavour Nation flavourings in Creme Soda, Watermelon and Pumpkin Spice, R35 each on Flavour Nation Online –  I adore all of the flavours and ideas that come from this proudly South African company.  I have so many already, so I’ve been trying to work my way through some of them before I splurge on more.  These three are probably top of my list right now.  I love the good old South African GREEN creme soda, I live for all things watermelon, and pumpkin spice just really appeals to me as an addition to my morning cup of coffee.

4.Sugarbird Fynbos Gin, R299 from Yuppiechef – I’ve seen this baby on social media and love the fact that it’s a super SA version made using Fynbos.  Sounds divine and would be so great on a hot summer day.

What are the items on your wishlist this year???