Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pantomime at Mayflower Theatre

A Christmas pantomime is a tradition for many and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is renowned for always having something very special for the festive season. This year, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is gracing the stage with guest stars, The Chuckle Brothers, Craig Revel Horwood and dance troop Flawless. Southampton Bloggers went along for an evening of belly laughs, oh no he didn't and Craig Revel Horwood looking fabulous in drag!

A Homesense Christmas Haul

Homesense is basically Disneyland for homeware lovers. It's an Aladdin's cave of trinkets, one off pieces and things you never even knew you needed. I am obsessed, you only have to search Homesense on my blog to see just how much, so it was inevitable that once again, I filled up a basket full of Christmas decorations to bring home with me. 

A Very Special Christmas

Christmas has always been such a special time of year for my family, my mum always made it so magical for my sister and I growing up so I've always done the same even when it was just Arran and I. This year, Joshua has made us a little pod of three and even though he doesn't know what his feet are, let alone Christmas I couldn't resist making it even more special. 

Birchbox X Matthew Williamson

Just like that we are on our final Birchbox of the year! The December Birchbox is in collaboration with Matthew Williamson and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I've been a huge fan of Matthew Williamson since my teens, his beautifully colourful clothes and exotic prints lured me in to buying my first designer bag and I haven't looked back since. A spot of luxury in December seema fitting so here is what you can find in this months Birchbox.

The NEW Clarins Double Serum

Double Serum by Clarins has been doing the rounds in the skincare cupboards of many for a number of years, since 1985 to be exact. This year, Clarins have released the 8th generation of Double Serum and I've finally tried it for myself. It's been a long time coming, that's for sure. As I've got older, I've taken more care of my skin, my teenage self would be shocked at how much time I take preening now but I'm still getting asked for I.D so I must be doing something right.

Celebrate Christmas with Molton Brown

Molton Brown is a brand I associate with beautiful classic scents with an added air of mystery. I remember discovering the brand when I was very young, thanks to hotel toiletries and it has always stuck in my mind. Maybe it's because it's one of the first beauty brands I was ever introduced to so I've always had a soft spot for it. I find Christmas is the perfect time of year to introduced your nearest and dearest to new things that they may love and the Molton Brown Christmas collection is ideal for just that.

Festive Favourites from Nailberry

With December brings Christmas and that means I can crack out the festive nail colours I've been dying to wear! I'm a creature of habit, I keep my pastels for the spring, brights for the summer, berries for the autumn with reds, golds and anything sparkly kept for winter. I've been using Nailberry this year so it was inevitable that I'd pick up some of their festive shades for the party season with The Gilt Trip collection being perfect!

Christmas Decoration Haul

Oh what a wonderful time of year! I am obsessed with Christmas and I think Arran has finally reached the point of not caring and just lets me crack on with it. Every year I find a way to squirrel more decorations into our home and this year has been no exception, especially as I've had the extra excuse of buying stockings and more for Joshua.

Into The Night by Sleek Makeup

It's not Christmas without a brand, spanking new makeup collection from Sleek Makeup to help you obtain dazzling festive looks and they've pulled it out the bag again. The Sleek Makeup Into The Night Collection launched recently with more glamour than you can shake a metallic stick at so here's a peek at what you can expect, get your shopping bags ready!

The Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Pod

Sleep and babies is a conversation we had with people many times throughout my pregnancy. Everyone wanted to know where or how Joshua would be sleeping so it's something we discussed at length before committing to the products we now use. When it comes to buying baby bits, there is so much stuff that it's really difficult to decide on what you actually need and what really is a gimmick. Plus, it is all so pricey that we had to be sure and hope he loved it.

Miller & Carter Steakhouse Southampton

In August, Southampton saw Miller and Carter open one of their much loved steakhouses and they invited Arran and I to try it out for ourselves. We took advantage of my parents offering to babysit and booked in to enjoy our first night out as parents where we enjoyed prosecco and the most delicious meal. We already can't wait to go back, just look at the menu - Miller & Carter!

Autumn Boot Loving with Ego Official

If there is one thing that immediately puts me in the mood for Autumn, it's when the shops start stocking boots. Unfortunately me this year I've had to hand on until my pregnant swollen feet reduced back to size to get in on any of the Autumn boot action. I was still in flip flops until late October and boy were my tootsies cold. Thankfully I have normal sized feet again which meant I could fulfil my love of boot shopping with an Ego Official order.

Missguided Babe Power Perfume

Earlier this year, Missguided launched Babe Power and my ears pricked up. When I think Missguided, I don't think perfume so I always found this launch a bit odd but that didn't stop me wanting to know everything about it and what it smelt like. With Christmas lurking and Babe Power now available in a gift set with a fluffy pink pom pom, well, it was time to try it out.

Are you ready to Glitter Flip?

Tis the season to be glittery and all that so if you love a bit of sparkle than you need Ciaté Glitter Flip in your arsenal. The lipsticks launched much to everyone's excitement as the first of their kind, glitter lipsticks that apply as a metallic matte before switching to a multi dimensional glitter finish at the smack of your lips, literally. Gimmick or not?

Follow Moz the Monster's Story with Google Home

We've spent the last few weeks, waiting in anticipation for this years John Lewis Christmas advert and on 10th November, Moz the Monster entered our lives. Some loved it, some thought it was a bit naff but I thought Moz was pretty cute and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the book for Joshua. 

The Clarins Everlasting Cushion Foundation

Cushion foundations have fast become the latest beauty discovery from Korea to make its way to the west and some of our favourite brands have launched their own versions in the last year. The latest one I've been trying out is the Clarins Everlasting Cushion Foundation which was released in September and with my changing skin towards the end of my pregnancy, it was the perfect time to try it.

Fragrance Gifting made Easy

The shops are filling up with tinsel and mince pies, the smell of cinnamon is in the air and it's almost time for the big guy to find his way down the chimney so it can only mean the festive season is fast approaching! Christmas always means a new fragrance for me and I love searching Fragrance Direct for some bargains to put under the tree. 

Inside the L'Occitane Advent Calendar 2017

It's that time of year again and is there any better way to countdown to the festive season than with an advent calendar? This year, I have the L'Occitane advent calendar alongside a Kinder one and because you lot are a bunch of gems, I have one for you to win too! Hit the read more button to take a peek inside the calendar and enter to win your very own! Warning: CONTAINS SPOILERS!

The November Birchbox

We've almost come to the end of another year of Birchboxes and it hardly seems possible to have just one box left! For November, Birchbox have teamed up Vogue to bring us a box packed full of beauty treats with two limited edition boxes. This months is a good'un so you are not going to want to miss it!

Five of My Fail Safe Products for New Mums

There is nothing that can prepare you for motherhood, the last few weeks have flown by but recovering from surgery has meant I've really had to make some time for myself. Thankfully, I've had the support from Arran and my family to do just that and I've found five products that I wouldn't be without during this time. 

Here are five products I've sworn by since becoming a mum...

The Mother Box

Becoming a mother is many things, amazing, incredible, overwhelming and scary. Life changes in an instance and you forget about yourself very quickly once you have a tiny human needing all your attention. The Mother Box is a pregnancy and birth care box designed by a midwife and a doula to remind you that, you're just as important and need some tender and loving care too. 

The Decleor Anti-Ageing Skincare Secrets Set

I'm at an age where I really need to be focusing on my skincare more and taking care of what I have so having been a lover of Decleor for years, the latest QVC special offer put a big ol' beaming smile on my face. Set your alarm this November as you won't want to miss this! 

Three Kat Von D Liquid Lips for Autumn

If there is one thing I love about the colder months, it's a dark lip. I match my lip colours to seasons so when summer draws to a close it's time for this dark loving lip fan to get out her faves ready for the season ahead. When Kat Von D landed on our shores last year, I rushed to try the range and firmly fell for the liquid lipsticks so here are three shades you need if you're partial to a dark lip!

Thoughts of a New Parent

I fancied a chat so while I have a sleeping newborn in my lap I thought I'd get typing and see what came out. We've been keeping our tiny human alive for almost three weeks now. Three weeks that have whizzed by and completely turned our lives upside down...for the better. We may be getting less sleep, not getting out the house as quick as we'd like or always eating hot meals but right now, we're really content.

We had a baby!

I thought it was about time I properly introduced you all to our new addition as so many of you have followed us on our journey to becoming parents and welcoming our first son. We've been completely overwhelmed with love, well wishes and congratulations from all of you and it has warmed our hearts. So lets introduce Baby Spake...

The Lowdown on Urban Decay's Troublemaker

I'm a complete slave to Urban Decay Cosmetics and I have been for a number of years. The brand for me, just gets it completely and it's very rare I find that a product of theirs that doesn't work for me. They've turned me into the palette whore I am today and most recently they've helped me create full fat, luscious lashes. Introducing Urban Decay's newest mascara, Troublemaker...

My Latest Back to MAC

Is there anything better than a new lipstick? There is actually, a free lipstick! Which is how I recently replaced my much loved, much used and much needed throwing away, So Chaud. MAC Cosmetics have been running a programme called Back to MAC for the longest time and I've obtained quite a few new lipsticks through this programme. Not sure what it is? Read on...

My Top 5 Urban Decay Products

Is there anything better than an Urban Decay purchase? They're my go to brand when I fancy a treat and I have a number of their products within my makeup collection, most of which I use daily. In true Annie Writes Beauty style, I haven't bothered tidying up the products, I always like to share how worn or used they are so you can see how much I really love them. So here are five products I wouldn't be without...

My Lush Cosmetics Must Haves

If there is one thing I regularly treat myself to, it's a few new products and some old faves from Lush Cosmetics. The Lush Southampton store has just moved into West Quay Shopping Centre so there's now even more space to mooch around and shop to my heart's content. Lush switch up their products most years so my favourites do change and this year I've discovered five products I hope never leave because I would cry, a lot. So here are some must-haves I always keep at home...

LUSH Green Coconut Jelly Bath Bomb

We've all spent more time than necessary playing with the jelly shower gels so it was about time Lush Cosmetics expanded the jelly range, for us um adults. In July, Lush released four bath ballistics in jelly form and I couldn't resist picking up Green Coconut to try. Retailing at £4.95, there are currently four to choose from and here is what I thought.

Jo Malone London Fragrance Collection

It's been a while since I bought anything from Jo Malone London, I associate their products with special events or occasions so it's not something I will just go and buy. I like that there is a memory behind each fragrance I own including the candles I have in our home. We have a boutique in Southampton so I usually book in for a hand and arm massage consultation as I find being able to experience the scents and chat to the stylists a much better way to discover what I'm looking for. 

Keep Glowing into Autumn with Guerlain

I'm a glow fan through and through and one thing I love doing is switching up my makeup for the new season so with that in mind, I added the Guerlain Terracota Sheer bronzing powder to my collection. During the summer months, I like a matte bronzer to shape my face and add some colour to my skin but come Autumn I like a product that does both. Enter the prettiest bronzer everrrr...

The October Birchbox

Ooo I do love a Birchbox, I've been getting mine for what feels like years now and it's my little treat that falls into my hands each month. The October Birchbox is in collaboration with Coppafeel in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Coppafeel is a charity that is on a mission to stamp out late detection of breast cancer so inside every box this month is a sticker to show you exactly what you should be looking for and how to do it. It's so important to get those pups checked!

The New Aveda Texture Tonic

My hair cupboard has welcomed Aveda with open arms and with a new product launch, it was only right I shared all the details with you. With Aveda being used up and down the catwalks during recent fashion weeks, you know it's a brand you can trust and my locks are lapping up their products.

Merumaya is FIVE!

Can you believe it's been five years since Merumaya launched? I first started using Merumaya three years ago after having the brand attend a Southampton Bloggers event and I've used the products ever since. It's not often I find a skincare company that there isn't a product I don't like and I've reviewed a number of my faves over the years. 

Three Classic Autumn Shades from MAC

I am thoroughly in the throws of Autumn, think chai tea lattes, crunchy leaves and berry lips so it was about time I knocked out the most cliche blog post ever and shared with you my top three shades from MAC Cosmetics for Autumn. Since discovering my love of makeup, I've branched away from MAC in recent years and found so many other brands I love but there are three shades that I'll always go back to as they scream Autumn to me.

Lush Cosmetics Halloween Haul

It's that time of year again! With Lush Cosmetics launching their Halloween collection a few days ago, I was unable to head into store to pick up my bounty for this year so for the first time ever, I made an online order of all things spooky. Delivery was quick and simple, the only difficult bit was not buying absolutely everything. I focused on bath treats so here is what I bought...

Pregnancy Diary 38-40 Weeks

I'm writing this at 40+4 weeks and we're creeping ever closer to my original due date and the one that definitely felt more right. The last two weeks have whizzed by again and I am still waiting for the apparently inevitable 'slow down' of pregnancy. I've had so many people say the last four weeks are the equivalent of four years but that hasn't been the case at all, even now I'm overdue. We haven't quite managed that final date night yet or seen that film we both really wanted to see and now I'm not sure we're going to as the next stage gets ever closer. 

Homesense Candle Haul

I can't resist a trip to Homesense to stock up on all those essentials that aren't technically essentials. I have a homeware obsession and I'm not afraid to admit it, although while we're on the subject I am banned from buying lamps and lanterns sooooo maybe there's more to it than I realise. One thing I can never have enough of is candles, I am always burning something and with the new season upon us I stocked up on Autumnal scented everything...

10 Things you have to do this Autumn!

It's October, my favourite month of the year and of course my favourite season which means I get to do a whole host of things again such as pumpkin picking and drowning in seasonally appropriate Starbucks drinks. So here are some things you should totally do this season...

Mothercare Baby Clothes Haul

Aren't baby clothes just the cutest? I've been so, so good on the buying front so far as we've been given so many lovely pieces so other than boring old vests, I haven't bought much at all! So with a gift voucher in hand and the Mothercare sale starting, I made a big ol' order of baby clothes! 

Why you need Havaianas

If there was one thing I was never quite prepared for when it came to pregnancy, it was how swollen my feet would be. I knew they would swell up a little thanks to water retention and the hot weather but I did not anticipate not being able to wear ANY of my shoes and I mean any. If I was going to have to wear flip flops, I was going to do so with style and so Havaianas came to the rescue. 

Inside Our Nursery

I'm so excited to finally share all the bits and pieces in our nursery, I say our nursery, it's actually our very large bedroom but with not moving until next year we made the most of the space we had. So here you have it, all the little pieces, toys, furniture and decorative bits we've included for Splodge.

10 Thoughts I've Had About Breastfeeding

I've always said I would try breastfeeding, even before I fell pregnant but as the time comes closer I'm getting more and more nervous. The plan is to breastfeed but if it doesn't work, I'm not going to be forcing myself to do it so please no breast is best comments! There is such a debate around what people do with their own bodies and I think that, that more than anything is what makes me nervous. Over time I've had a number of thoughts about it so naturally they all went into a post...

Pregnancy Diary 36-38 Weeks

I've had a pretty eventful two weeks with my big old bump filled with lunch dates, coffee dates, shopping dates and a horrible incident with a bus driver. Splodge is now the size of a Pomeranian and kicking away making me a little uncomfortable with the odd rib jab. Nothing that a quick push back doesn't fix though. 

Clarins & FEED Projects

Since 2011, Clarins and FEED Projects have been collaborating to bring a gift with purchase as well as being a social purpose by providing millions of nutritious meals to children in developing countries around the world.

Introducing Formula 10.0.6 Skincare

I love discovering new skincare brands and the latest bundle to fall in my lap is from Formula 10.0.6, designed for troublesome skin. The range was founded by a chemist in 1933 using natural ingredients to help formulate a skincare routine especially for your skin and any concerns you may have. Now available in Boots and on Asos the range is even easier to get a hold of.

Haircare to buy with your next food shop!

When it comes to my beauty products, packaging and the way it looks plays a massive part in what I buy which is why I've never tried Mane 'N Tail before, despite its cult following. The packaging just didn't entice me in so it's a good thing that with their latest launch within Sainsbury's stores that a box full of hair care treats arrived for me to try. Having now used the collection for a few weeks, I'm kicking myself that I haven't tried it sooner...

What's in My Hospital Bag

A few weeks ago I shared What's in Baby's Hospital Bag as when looking for posts like this myself, I would've preferred them separately so that's exactly what I've done. Today, I have What's in My Hospital Bag, think snacks, toiletries and lots of breast pads. While looking for advice myself, I found a lot of help on the We Made A Baby blog which quickly became my life saver so here is exactly what we've packed inside my bag ready for that hospital visit!

22 Things not to say to new parents

We have just weeks to go until our little one arrives and I've been thinking a lot about the last nine months. I've had a relatively easy pregnancy but the one thing that always kept coming up was the way people would constantly try and install fear inside you just before you're having a baby because they've been there, done that. They try and pass it off as advice but really, it's unsolicited advice no one wants to hear, the same advice they moaned about when they were pregnant. So here is a list of twenty things not to say to parents to be, all of which have been said during my pregnancy...