Christmas Presents 2015 - BlogMas Day 4

First ever haul

I've always enjoyed the various haul-based videos that are scattered throughout YouTube. There are so many to choose from -- you've got your clothing haul, makeup haul, paint supply haul etc. My favorite definitely has to be the ones that pop up during Christmas (I.e. The "what I got for Christmas" videos). So in spirit of that, and because I've opened them up already, I thought I'd try to produce my own version of a Christmas presents haul (only through writing and photos rather than through film). 

As they say, "sharing is caring", so feel free to comment below on what you got for Christmas too. Hopefully this can give us some inspiration for Christmas gift shopping when it comes around next year (what can I say? I like to keep on top of schedule - always). And hopefully this will be the first of many hauls to come!

Boxes of joy

1) Benefit Party Popper (makeup and beauty advent calendar)

• This was such a cool and nifty gift. There are 12 different products (for "12 days of [being] gorgeous") mainly for the skin, lips and eyes. I particularly liked the Total Moisture Facial Cream that was included. Oh and did I mention that the box sings to you when it opens? Totally fabulous.

2) MINISO Inductive Wireless Speaker

• The name "speaks" for itself (pun intended)! I've never gotten a portable speaker for my iPhone so this is definitely going to come in handy. Plus it's in the shape of a Lego brick - what could be better?

3) Sweet treats

• Chocolates are nice but waffles (pink box) and assorted biscuits (brown box) are even yummier! No doubt these'll satisfy my late night cravings for a long time (well...maybe for this month at least!).

4) AwaTaccino 3D Latte Maker

• One word: AWESOME! Apparently you can make a snowman, bunny, dogs and even a seal. Hopefully I'll get the hang of how this works soon -- will make sure I post again once I have so you can see what I've been able to craft.

5) Fluffy Christmas blanket

• A wonderful and warm alternative to fluffy socks. This kept me nice a cosy when I was in bed with the flu last week.

Before I end this post, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who got me the above gifts this year (and for the ones I didn't mention in this blog post as well). They will definitely be used well  by me! However, what I will treasure the most is your support to me and our friendship - these cannot be bought by money and I feel grateful that they've been sustained for so many years already (and for many more years to come!).

Stay tuned for the last (extremely belated) BlogMas post which will be released tomorrow (aka. The last day of 2015!!!).

In conversation with Indre Jakumaite, designer & owner of "Alexa Jay"

“生命影響生命”

Wise words from the mother of yours truly that essentially mean one’s life can impact another. Simple but meaningful, I think that one of the best things about making new friends is, quite honestly, the inspiration they bring you. Be it about a new challenge or a new way of thinking, I find that a significant part of my life is created by all the people I have met and their unique personalities. On this occasion, I had the privilege of getting to know, through a good friend of mine, fashion’s latest hip and fab handbag designer, Indre Jakumaite.

Created by t-i-v-a-s-u-r-a-d-e-j on Polyvore

Jakumaite is the owner and designer of the brand, Alexa Jay. Starting only 2 years ago, this London-based brand is well known for its beautiful accessories in stunning statement colors and elegant classic styles. With a hint of playfulness, the products often evoke printed motifs and interesting textures, two of the utmost important themes that constantly inspire Jakumaite.

So what exactly is the story behind the name “Alexa Jay”?

“Initially, we started the business with #IJ, but soon realized that it didn't work. It took us quite a few glasses of bubbly to get the juices flowing and to come up with a new name. We wanted it to be personal and meaningful to us, so my partner and I decided to play with our names and their sounds. Thus Alexa Jay was born.”

And who is this “Alexa Jay” girl you might ask?

“She’s a happy and busy city woman, with an iPhone in one hand and coffee in the other (and occasionally a cupcake!). She loves fashion but isn’t necessarily fashion led, and likes to go for playful looks that are elegant, classy, and in bright, statement colors. She’s keen on high-end trends with a mid-price point. Last but not least, she’s well-travelled, educated, and career-orientated but still has time for socializing, relationships, and caring for her own appearance and home.”

The girls of ALEXA JAY

I personally think that’s the kind of woman ALL women (including myself) should aspire to be.

But it’s not simply the Alexa Jay girl that I found inspiring, oh no. It was her creator, Jakumaite herself. Having a background in HR, she made a daring move by quitting her job and buying an industrial sewing machine to begin designing and making handbags. Her passion for fashion has allowed her to experience the two most “adventurous” years of her life. With the help of her mentor, Donna Ida Thornton, the founder of the denim boutique Donna Ida, Jakumaite has gained success in marketing her brand such that Alexa Jay products are now available both online and in numerous stores, notably Anthropologie in Selfridges, and has even made it to the designer spotlight of the infamous Marie Claire magazine (issue May 2014 to be more precise!). Her ending remarks? “I love what I do and so my business is a great source of pride and pleasure.”

Inspirational? I think yes.

Reach for the stars and be open. Let the experience of others influence your life.

And remember

Be “flirtatiously colorful.”

x

For more details about or to purchase items from Alexa Jay visit:

Web: http://alexajay.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexaJayHandbags?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexajay_bags

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/AlexaJayBags/

Alexa Jay products can also be found at:

·         Anthropologie (King’s Road, Regents Street, Bath, Guildford, Westfield, Selfridges and online)

·         The Mercantile (Spitalfields)

·         Kristina Goes West (online)

·         Lolly & Mitch (Hertfordshire – from November)