If you cast your mind back many moons, you might remember a post I did on my own JORD Wood Watch. Boyfriend was feeling a little bit jealous so the lovely team at JORD decided to send him out his very own watch.

I really love my JORD watch because it's a little unusual and always scores me some compliments. Boyfriend feels exactly the same way about his. While I chose to go for a light coloured, unfinsihed wood for my watch, boyfriend decided to go for a dark, polished one. I think the darker wood is definitely more masculine. The square watch face on the Delmar Dark Sandalwood and Obsidian combined with the darker wood gives the watch a very James Bond feel.

With Christmas just around the corner, JORD Wood Watches make an ideal gift, for men or ladies (hint hint). If you'd like to take a look at the collection, please use the link below. Trust me, you're going to want to look at the collection!

Is a JORD Wood Watch on your Christmas list?

Dani the Girl XO

Wooden Watches For Sale

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.  

This is your warning that Father's Day is exactly one week away! Before you start to freak out, read on to find out what you get for your dad from Lush this year. The range is all based on sandalwood so you don't have to worry about it being too girly. All of these products are guaranteed to beat any variety of socks and undies you can find AND everything is under $30 so you won't break the bank either. This is just a small sample of the goodies available for Father's Day from Lush, for the full range, head to their site.

Smuggler's Soul Facial Scrub ($22.95)

Most dad's seem a little wary of face washes but their skin needs to same love and attention and everyone else's. The Smuggler's Soul Facial Scrub wil give Dad's manly mug a good scrubbing with shea butter and argan oil for hydration. This smells super manly too, that would be the sandalwood. Best of all, it's easy to use, just slap on, scrub away and rinse off. 

Smuggler's Soul Multi-Purpose Cream ($29.95)

Dad's like things that multi-task right? This multi-purpose cream is perfect for any dad (or anyone really) who doesn't like a separate face, body and hand cream. Personally, I love the sandalwood and cucumber combo, I've found it really nice as a body moisturiser. I would recommend this one for anyone who needs a little pampering!

The Modfather Bubble Bar ($7.50)

Men like baths too! Remember Chandler in Friends?

via GIPHY

Treat your dad to a little luxury with the Modfather bubble bar. He can soak away all his worries in a citrus scented mountain of bubbles!

Smuggler's Soul Shampoo Bar ($14.95)

Attention Dads! It's time to throw away your 12-in-1 shampoo/conditioner/body wash/car wash.drain unclogger and switch to the Smuggler's Soul Shampoo Bar! Packed with cocoa butter, lemongrass oil and, of course, sandalwood, this baby is guaranteed to leave the old noggin squeaky clean.

Thanks Dad Soap ($7.50)

Something as simple as soap has been given a little face lift by Lush, making it a little fanicer, perfect for Father's Day! Thanks Dad Soap is super citrusy and fresh, good for waking up sleepy dads in the morning. It evens spells out D-A-D so no one else in the family will be able to steal it!

What are you planning to get your Dad (or step-dad, mum, grandpa or other special person) this Father's Day?

Dani xo


Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinions are my own.

So it's Christmas Eve and you've suddenly remembered that your second cousin, twice removed, Rupert, told you he would be at the family Christmas dinner and you haven't bought him a present. There's no need to panic, simply read on to find out what gifts you can get at the last minute that aren't super lame.

1. Gift cards

Some people think gift cards are a cop out but personally, I love getting gift cards. It means I can choose something that I really want and don't have to risk a dodgy gift that I'll never use. You can also tailor these to suit the person e.g. Bunnings Gift Card for Dad/bro/boyfriend. Another smart idea to make the gift look less last minute is to find a nice card and write something like "I know how much you love Ed Sheeran so please use this iTunes gift card to buy his new album". It makes the gift look more thoughtful.

2. Wine/whiskey/alcohol in general

Who doesn't like alcohol? To disguise the fact that you had to leave work early to run to the bottle-o to pick up some last minute gifts, spend a little more and get a decent bottle of wine/alcohol rather than the $5 eye stinger that you see first. 

3. DVDs/Blurays

These are great because even Coles and Woolworths sell DVDs and Blurays. You can do the same sneaky trick as with number 1 and write a note to say "I know how much you love the Avengers so here's the new Age of Ultron movie". This is also great for the post Christmas lunch/dinner exhaustion when you've eaten your body weight in prawns/roast potatoes and you just really need to lie down for a while and chill.

4. Subscription Box

Subscription boxes are great because they're the gift that keeps on giving! Not only will you have something awesome to show them on Christmas day, they'll keep getting little gifts from you all year long. There are beauty boxes, food boxes, soap boxes and everything in between so you can tailor the gift to suit. 

5. Experience vouchers

Another gift that keeps on giving is experience vouchers and there are literally thousands to choose from. You can get everything from skydiving to gourmet meals to massages to rally car driving. It may be a last minute gift but it's one that they will remember for a while!

Any other last minute gift ideas to add?

Dani XO

PS Merry Christmas to all of my wonderful readers!

This is the third installment of my Gift Guide series (click through to read Part 1 and Part 2) focusing on budget gifts. Christmas is a really fun time of year but with all your long lost cousins, great aunts and extended family coming together, you can end up spending a fortune on gifts. Here are a few suggestions that are affordable, but still fun and thoughtful.

For Her

1. Revlon Scented Soy Candle ($19.95) 

Candles, they aren't just for nanas. I personally have a candle collection to rival any Dusk store and love (seriously, LOVE) candles. Revlon usually release a candle range around Christmas and for under $20, they are amazing! My personal favourite is the Sugared Macaroon scent which smells like marshmallows and vanilla.

2. LUSH Secret Santa Gift ($14.95)

If you don't love Lush, there is something seriously wrong with you! They have an enormous range of Christmas goodies from the $100 gift boxes all the way down to this guy, the Secret Santa. It also comes in a cute little reusable Santa cloth wrapping so it's the perfect gift for the eco-friendly.

3. My Cavallino Blue Beaded Watch ($11.99)

This unusual little watch is the perfect Christmas present for anyone who loves to accessorise. The blue beads fill up the watch face making it not only a great gift, but also a great talking point. If you haven't heard of My Cavallino, you can check out my review here.

4. Typo A5 Buffalo Diary ($19.99)

This is the perfect gift for the ultra-organised person in your family. I know everyone has everything on their iPhones these days but there is something special about a real diary. Personally, I can't think of things properly until I've seen them written down. This Buffalo Diary would be a welcome gift under my Christmas tree!

For Him

1.  ASOS Space Scene Trunks ($11.99)

It's about time that everyone just accepted that socks, undies and bad jumpers will appear at Christmas. But, just because they're predictable, doesn't mean they have to be boring. These ASOS trunks are micro fibre aka super comfy and come in a range of prints. My personal favourite is this outer space themed pair.

2. Shot Flask ($9.79)

Hip flasks are always a good gift but this one is on a whole new level because it comes with its own shot glass! How cool is that? 

3. Barber Shoppe Beard Grooming Set ($12.00)

Beards are all the rage at the moment with everyone from hipsters to your grandpa sporting one. This set is perfect for the image conscious beardie. It comes with a handy fold able comb for grooming on the go, beard wax to keep those whiskers in place and beard scissors to trim unruly tangles. 

4. Toaster Grilled Cheese Bags ($14.70)

There are few things that my man loves more in this world than cheese. He could eat cheese sandwiches for the rest of his life and still be happy so he's the perfect candidate for this gift. These handy little Teflon coated bags are designed so that you can simple pop in your cheese sandwich, stick it in the toaster and have a perfect grilled cheese sandwich ready to go. No washing pans, no flipping sandwiches, just pop it in the toaster and then eat. The bags are also dishwasher safe so you don't even have to wash up afterwards!

What are your best budget gift ideas?

Dani XO

Next up in my Gift Guide series (you can read the first installment here) is a guide to the most luxurious of gifts. These are the type of gifts you don't mind shelling out for because they really are amazing. I'll be focusing mainly on the ladies here (sorry gents) but some of the skincare items are unisex. Let's get luxurious!

1. Nuxe Gift Sets

This year Nuxe have really outdone themselves with these two beautiful gift sets, the Prodigieux le Parfum Set ($69.99) and the Huile Prodigeiuse Set ($39.99). I personally LOVE the Nuxe Oil simply beacuase of it's fragrance and versatility. Both gifts sets come with a candle so your entire house can smell fresh and French. The Parfum Set comes with a 50ml perfume and the other set comes with a full size Nuxe Huile (oil for the non French speakers) and a mini shimmer oil too which is perfect for adding a radiant glow on a night out. Although they are super luxe, the price tag isn't actually that high and they're an afforable yet elegant gift option.

2. Real Techniques Bold Metals Set ($99.00)

When these showed up at work, I just about died! Although the Bold Metals brushes are pricey, they are well worth it. If you need convincing, you can read my full review here. This set is available at select stores (including Priceline Queen St where I work) and come with three brushes, including an Angled Powder brush which is exclusive to the set. Pretty sure I will be treating myself to an early Christmas present this year!

3. Clarisonic Mia 2 ($199.00)

This has been a god send and an absolute saviour for my skin. I've been using my Clarisonic Mia for about two years now and whenever I stop using it for a while, I can always see my skin problems resurfacing. This is well worth the price tag and by using different brush heads, you can tailor the Clarisonic to your personal skincare needs.

4. GHD Air ($200.00)

My amazing boyfriend gifted this to me last Christmas and to say it's been appreciated is an extreme understatement. Before using this, I never really thought that more expensive hairdryers actually made a difference. I'm now a complete convert and they're going to have to price my GHD Air from my cold, dead hands! It leaves my hair silky smooth and less frizzy and also takes a much shorter time to actually dry my hair. If you're going to invest in any hair styling tool, make it this!

5. Tiffany Necklace ($250.00)

This one is purely a chance for me to sneak in something from my personal Christmas list! I've been coveting a Tiffany Necklace for years. Although I'm doubtful, there is a very slim chance this gorgeous piece might make its way into my stocking this year.

6. JORD Wood Watches (from $129.00) 
A good watch is a gift that lasts a lifetime and the JORD Wood Watches are no expection. The fact that they're made of wood makes them a little more unusual, but all the better for a personal Christmas gift. They come in a huge range of different colours, woods and designs. I personally own the Fieldcrest Maple Watch and absolutely LOVE it! I think anyone who finds a JORD watch under the tree on Christmas Day will be one lucky person!

What will you be spending on this Christmas?

Dani XO

The Nuxe gift sets and JORD Watch were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.

Images sourced from brand websites.

December is here and I can hardly believe that Christmas is just around the corner! This year, I thought I would start a Gift Guide series to help make holiday shopping just that little bit more bearable. Here is the very first Gift Guide which focuses on fragrances.

Girls

 1. Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet EDP 50ml ($79.00)

Daisy holds a special place in my heart as it was the first "proper" perfume that I ever wore. I still purchase it to this day. My love for the original Daisy will never fade but the new (limited edition) Daisy Sorbet is an absolute winner. I might actually buy it instead of the original when my current Daisy runs out. It's fruity and floral, like the original Daisy, with a hint of citrus.

2. Jessica Mauboy Be Beautiful EDT 100ml ($34.00) 

This is a newly launched fragrance and the first for Jessica Mauboy. The bottle alone sold me, it looks much more expensive than the $34 price tag. It's fresh and fruity with yummy green apple scent. It's actually a really great dupe for DKNY Be Delicious. If you loved So Fresh but don't want to fork out, or you're on a budget, Be Beautiful is the perfect fragrance to pick up. 

3. Davidoff Cool Water Sea Rose EDT 100ml ($45.00) 

Davidoff has never really been a fragrance brand that I've been interested in. I loved the men's Cool Water fragrance but never paid much attention to the female ones until I picked up Sea Rose. It's such a beautiful, delicate perfume. Everything from the bottle to the actual scent is light and pretty. The fragrance itself is a mixture of sweet pear and pink peony. I'd suggest this scent for anyone who doesn't like super strong smells but still wants something light and fresh.

4. Eau de Gaga EDP 50ml ($49.00)

This is a bit more of an unusual choice but Eau de Gaga is one of my all time favourite fragrances. It would be perfect for someone who doesn't stick to the rules and likes things that are a little different. It's citrusy and woody and a little bit masculine but the lime notes are what really sell me on this one. The bottle is also gorgeous and would look perfect in a minimalist bathroom....so not mine but I still love it. You can read my full review on Eau de Gaga here.

Guys

*Side note: boyfriend had a lot of input for this section as I personally don't know much about male fragrances.

1. Diesel Only the Brave EDT 125ml ($75.00)

If the awesome fist punching bottle doesn't sell you on Only the Brave, the super masculine scent soon will. Although it's very manly and leathery, it also has notes of citrus and violet, making it a little less in-your-face and a little more wearable. This is a great daytime fragrance and makes an awesome display piece in the bathroom too.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo Legacy EDT 100ml ($89.00) 

And here I thought Ronaldo was just a football player! Turns out he's a man of many talents, having just released his debut fragrance, Legacy. The packaging makes it look like a higher end perfume and the gold and black are a very classy combo. It definitely packs a punch with notes of wood, amber and smoked vetiver. These are tempered by a little lavender and green apple to give a well rounded and very masculine scent. Boyfriend also gave this his official seal of approval.

3. Diesel Fuel for Life EDT 75ml ($90.00)

This is possibly my favourite male fragrance, there is something extremely sexy about it. I like the slightly unusual packaging, it screams "I've been stranded on a desert island but I still want to smell like sex on legs". It's sweet and spicy with just a hint of grapefruit and raspberry. This gets MY official seal of approval.

4. Hugo Boss Soul EDT 90ml ($65.00)

Soul is probably the hardest of the bunch to track down but you can still find it. It's fresh, spicy and citrusy and pairs nicely with a sharp suit and fresh shave.

Will you be picking up a frangrance for youself or someone special this Christmas?

Dani XO

Be Beautiful, Legacy and Eau de Gaga were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinion is my own.