Instant Goddess goes Christmas Shopping!

Instant Goddess says ‘tis the season to be shopping! The holiday season is upon us, and like it or not, this means present buying in some form or another for most of us. The last postage dates for parcels to UK is December 6, to the US it’s December 7 and to Australia it’s December 10 and the rest of the world dates are here. You have been warned!

So, Christmas shopping goggles at the ready, as it’s time to nail that present shopping, Goddesses! The Christmas fairs have begun – and the biggest and best has to be the Conrad which offers three fairs – the next two are set for November 27 and December 10. For more information click here and if you do go it’s always a bit of a scrum so proceed with patience, Goddesses!

But are you in need of some inspiration before you hit the fairs and pound the streets? So, here’s what’s appearing on my shopping radar this week.

For Her

I always find it a good plan to start off with a present for yourself just to get you into the spirit of Christmas and what better way to start than with a show-stopper… This one will be on my Christmas wish list:

Ferris Collar, The9thMuse $2525

These sellers caught my eye at the Conrad Fair:

 Boho Betty Minky Monkey Quad $400

Boho Betty bracelets are always a Sassy favourite and a great present idea for a friend. BB will be at the Conrad show on 10 December or you can buy online.

Jewelled Scarves $480 | Slide Cross Bracelet $350

These striking jewelled scarves by local mum and daughter team L’Rene also caught my eye. I don’t think L’Rene are appearing again at the next Conrad show but you can contact them about their designs on Tel: (852) 98393791 or email [email protected]  Side Cross bracelet is from N D Edelsteine who will be at the Conrad Fair on 10 December.

Tide Black Clutch $388

This black clutch from newcomer Tide is hand stitched and handmade with brass chain fastener made with natural gemstones: moonstone, lapis lazuli, malachite, amethyst and careline… contact Helen at Tide for more details.

Laykh Python Back Wallet

If you fancy turning your hand to designing your very own hand bag or creating a bespoke handbag as a present for that special someone then check out Laykh’s website for a great selection of exotic leather including python and my favourite ostrich in many different styles.

And to the high street, these pieces caught my eye as good present options “for her”:

Zara bib scarf $399 and necklace $199

Massimo Dutti leather clutch $690 and coloured pochette $890 perfect for an Ipad

And it’s always a good idea to have an emergency present up your sleeve! I’m a fan of these Shanghai Tang candles, which you can have gift wrapped in store. I can’t remember the exact price but they’re about $300.

For Him

At the Conrad Fair I came across No.1 Bond Street, London selling cufflinks and cufflink boxes. For the man that has everything, could this be a present solution? They’re well made, have good compartments and come in a selection of designs.

How to buy in Hong Kong: Email No.1 Bond Street here and for more cufflink boxes and cufflinks check out No. 1 Bond Street website here

The Mandarin Oriental Salon/Spa

Stressed out hubby? Get him a voucher for a massage at the Mandarin Barber. $790 for 60 minutes or $320 for a wet shave. If there is anything else that tickles your fancy, you can choose from the list of treatments… it’s amazing!

Voucher from Stretch

Hubby with lots of aches and pains? Get him a voucher from Stretch whether it’s a sports injury or a general wear and tear troubling him… the experts at Stretch who specialise in Active Isolated Stretching should be able to help. A session with a therapist starts at $1050, but the whole thing will be cheaper if you buy a package. My friends swear by this technique for sorting out all their aches and pains.

For Kids

Make bedtime stories more interesting by letting Karoo Personalised Books
create a book starring your little one as the main character! 

Carrying on the bespoke theme what about a pair of Personalised pyjamas or Bath Robe by Stuck On You.

Can’t face schlepping around the shops?  Hip Little Bubba online have some great present ideas:
Butter wouldn’t melt T | Canvas wall print birth notice (also available in pink).

Skip Hop Zoo Bag from Baby Central  | Boho Betty now have a kid’s range: Candy dazzler wrap bracelet.
Check out all the designs at Boho Betty Belles

 

Midweek Meal Inspiration

As you may recall I do love a fish cake and I’ve already included a salmon fishcake recipe a while back… but this week I tried out yet another salmon fishcake recipe, as my quest for perfection is never-ending! I once spent a year making crème brûlées every Sunday to find the perfect recipe. Anyway back to the fishcakes, it was no ordinary recipe but from the one and only Ivy restaurant in London’s theatre district. I was impressed! So for the risk of being a fishcake bore, this week I give you the Ivy’s Salmon Fishcakes. Full recipe here.

Tip: the recipe asks for anchovy sauce, I amazed myself at tracking this down in CitySuper in IFC, I used Geo Watkins brand. If you have no luck tracking down the Geo Watkins brand, try the Korean food aisle as Anchovy Sauce is often used in Korean cooking.

Yogi tea saying of the week: Today, do everything you told yourself you could not do yesterday.

Instant Goddess saying of the week: Ok self… go ahead and buy that Ferris Collar from The9^th Muse… only joking! Fishcake anyone?

Until next week Goddesses and remember you are always, always worth it! XX