I like to challenge myself.

You've probably noticed I enjoy a good challenge - from not being wearing the same outfit combination twice, to that mini shopping ban around Christmas, I like to set myself a difficult task and then accomplish it. There's something oh-so-satisfying about discovering the extent of your own willpower, and achieving something you weren't sure you could. Which is why, along with some of my friends, this Lent I am giving up sweets, chocolate, desserts etc. Basically anything sweet, unhealthy and delicious is off the menu for 40 days and 40 nights. I will just add that this is my first time at giving anything up for Lent, so it's going to be a tough one.. but the challenge is accepted!

That means that today, pancake day, is the last day of sweet treats for a looooong time (around 6 weeks) and so I may have gone a little crazy for chocolate. Ah well. At least I didn't wear anything body-con today..

Dress - H&M; Blazer - ASOS; Shoes & Jewellery - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Belt - Malene Birger.

I absolutely love the graphic blue poppy print of this dress, as well as the draped neckline. It's the perfect spring day dress, and if I hadn't been so desperate to wear it I would have saved it for some sunny day when I could wear it sans blazer & tights.. But I wanted to wear it now, so I layered up accordingly. Maybe soon the weather will improve.. I also adored my accessories today - quite Topshop-heavy I will admit. Those big, door knocker earrings were on their first outing, and I was pleasantly surprised by how light they were, as well as loving the mid-century modern twist they put on my dress. Another accessory being christened today was my Malene Birger belt, which is now a firm favourite for its quirky appeal. My one criticism is that there weren't enough holes to tighten it around my waist, so I had to pull it through tightly and hope for the best, but I suppose that is the trouble with being so tiny..

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Just call me Mrs Claus.

Okay people, it is now only five days until Christmas. FIVE. I think I am bubbling over with anticipation. That and the downright smugness of knowing I have bought and wrapped all of my Christmas presents, and won't be participating in a Christmas Eve panic-buying session. Which also increases the anticipation - I can't wait to give my gifts and make people happy (hopefully) by showing them just how much I care. At least it's only five more days to wait until my loved ones (aka my wonderful parents) get to unwrap their presents.. Which were admittedly only completed today, on the final Christmas shopping trip. Here's what I wore to dive into the busy realm of Christmas shopping..

Jumper - H&M; Jumper Dress (underneath) - ASOS; Tights - River Island; Socks - Urban Outfitters; Boots - Primark; Bag - H! by Henry Holland; Hat & Earrings - Topshop; Necklaces - New Look & Rock N Rose; Rings - Primark & Parfois.
I was taking no chances today. I decided to double-jumper myself, then add in my chunkiest cable knit tights, fair isle socks, some serious boots and then top it all off with my beloved faux fur hat. This all resulted in a very snuggly-warm Tara whilst walking around town in the December cold. I also find that layering up in winter is the best way to keep warm, while not resorting to covering your favourite clothes up with a giant coat.. My favourite part of this look remains the gorgeous hat - I wish I could wear it every day because it is just so cosy, and finishes off a winter look so well. I'll be unspeakably sad to pack it away in summer..

Today's shopping trip was shorter and slightly less fun than usual since I am sticking by my little personal challenge of not buying myself anything until after Christmas. It had seemed so easy up until now, when resisting the siren call of the checkout meant that while on the computer I could only browse the pages, not click 'Add to shopping bag'.. Being at home and away from temptation made it seem simple. Then I went straight into a town centre full of my favourite shops, and I have to admit I nearly cracked. There were so many things I could easily have snapped up and added to my wardrobe, so many new gorgeous pieces out just in time for Christmas that were just calling my name, telling me that they could be mine if I just handed over my overused little debit card.. But I didn't. I only bought my remaining Christmas presents, and as a result I now feel very virtuous indeed. Never mind the fact that I am already planning what to buy with my Christmas money (which I am hoping will add up to a lot), right now I feel super smug and proud of myself.

After returning home with my presents, I decided that today was the day to get them all wrapped up and looking festive & gorgeous. So I waited until my mum was out of the way, then set myself up in the living room with everything I needed to wrap, some super-cute paper and the obligatory bows, ribbons & gift tags..

I may have gotten a little overexcited with the wrapping, but isn't the paper just too cute? And anything bright and shiny is a winner with me, hence the bows and ribbon. I will, however, be the first one to put her hands up in the air and admit that her wrapping skills leave a lot to be desired. I'm getting better at it.. but you can definitely tell who wrapped them. My mum's wrapping will be neat, clean and tidy, whereas mine are more than a little scruffy. But it's the thought that counts... Now the only question remaining is who is getting all of these lovely, haphazardly-wrapped presents? Oh, and did I mention it is FIVE days to Christmas?! Love and kisses, Tara xox

I'm up for a challenge.

You're probably expecting to see some kind of 'my look today' post, but unfortunately I'm under the weather today, and am staying home - meaning I look a little bit like death. Being ill does not bring out the best in me. I'm currently curled up on my sofa watching pretty much any DVD I can get my hands on, in my PJs under my duvet, and feeling pretty sorry for myself. But I couldn't let this blog go without an update (and anything to take my mind off feeling bad is very welcome), so I thought I'd just share a little challenge I have set myself.

It might not sound like much, but after continually depleting my bank balance this month, as of Monday (after the H&M purchase) I decided something. No more shopping until after Christmas. Well, no more shopping for myself. Of course there is the Christmas shopping to complete - I have a few more gifts left to get - so I can't promise not to spend money. What I have challenged myself with, however, is to show some restraint and not buy anything for myself until after Christmas, when I will get some more money and be able to properly evaluate what I can afford.

13 days (at least!) without spending money probably sounds like an impossible task, if you know me well. All of my friends (and probably all of you readers too by now) know that shopping is a bit of an addiction for me, and that every time I go out to town I end up buying something, be it a ring, a dress or some metallic gold jeans. Recently these purchases have been more and more impulsive, and I am even a little concerned about the state of my bank account... So even though I will undoubtedly be heading into town to brave the cold, the only people benefiting from my hard-earned cash will be others - apart from the warm, fuzzy feeling I get when giving the presents of course.

I am not even going to let myself buy things that I might be able to justify needing. If I run out of makeup, or cleanser or anything like that, it will have to wait. More than anything, I just want to see how well I cope. How strong I can be with the temptation all around... There are so many gorgeous things I could easily go out and buy, and yes I could most likely afford to, but I am setting this challenge and I will stick to it. It is the third day, and I am pulling myself through by compiling a mental wishlist of all the things I would like to add to my wardrobe - and then after Christmas I can pick some to treat myself to! Watch this space, because I may have to post the wishlist to keep going with this shopping boycott... For now, I am going back under the duvet and hoping to feel better... Love and kisses, Tara xox