2014 Jade-Emma in review

Firstly, Merry Christmas. I hope you all had a fantastic couple of days filled with family, friends, food and very little movement. From the sofa that is. Now that Christmas is over and New Years is just around the corner, I thought I would celebrate by giving you a round up of my five most popular blog posts in 2014.

The best beauty products for blemishes - if you want to know my top picks for tackling pesky spots and blemishes, then this blog post is worth a read. I still use most of the products included, but since February I have discovered a few more. Keep your eyes peeled for an updated blemish post soon. 

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Tone-Correcting Shampoo - back when I had my dip-dye I was struggling to find a shampoo that tackled that horrid yellow, brassiness. You know, that awful colour that comes as a result of having your hair bleached. This product was fantastic and in fact still my go-to shampoo that I use once a week. 

Tigi The S Factor "Serious" Conditioner - turns out haircare reviews are pretty popular on Jade-Emma and there was no surprise with this one. The likes of Zoella rave about this deep conditioning treatment and I couldn't agree more. 

The Mascara Monologues: Benefit They're Real Mascara - the hype behind this product at the beginning of 2014 was crazy after receiving as a gift last Christmas, I couldn't wait to share with you guys my personal opinion. And trust me, it's an honest one...

The Mascara Monologues: Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - probably one of the better products I have received in a Glossybox, but despite loving the idea, I was left a little disappointed. Find out why...

I love looking back at blog posts from the year, it fills me with a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of I still can't quite believe people want to read my blog. So here's to writing more blog posts and a happy, prosperous 2015. 

Homemade Christmas gifts

I've always loved the idea of making little homemade Christmas gifts. Not only are they super cute but they add a little personal touch too. This year I decided to make these cute little hot chocolate pots for two of my closest friends. 

To make this cute little gift, you will need:

One small Kilner jar (or similar)

Good quality hot chocolate

Marshmallows

Chocolate drops

Cute Christmas ribbon to decorate

Firstly, make sure you give your jar a good clean (If you're struggling to find a good jar, I purchased mine from TK Maxx - they have a good selection at a good range of prices) and let it dry. 

Pour in enough hot chocolate to fill half way and then add a layer of chocolate drops (flavour - your choice - however, I went for milk). 

Next add a layer of marshmallows. They can be any marshmallows you wish. I went for slightly larger marshmallows as they're more fun and it means you can allow for a few extra for eating on their own! 

To really give this hot chocolate a kick, I've included a little mini Bailey's Irish Cream bottle. These are super easy to buy, in fact I ordered mine from www.justminatures.co.uk but you must be 18 and over to purchase. 

Lastly, decorate your jar with some cute Christmas ribbon. I ordered mine from eBay, where you can find a huge selection of different colours, patterns and styles.

This mini jar is super cute for Christmas and you don't just have to limit yourself to hot chocolate. Why not make your own gingerbread body scrub or a Christmas cookie mix?

I would love to see your homemade Christmas gifts that you are giving this year. Leave your links below!

Christmas gift guide: your mum and nan

Christmas gift guide part one

Christmas gift guide part two

Two very important women and what better way to show them how much they mean to you with a special Christmas gift. For most of you, buying for your mum or nan is relatively easy however, for a nan who doesn't want much or a mum whose been overly spoilt, here are a few extra gifts to show how much you care...

Starting from top left to right: (1) Scuffette II Slippers (£70) Ugg Australia; (2) L'Occitane Shea Butter Delights (£10) John Lewis; (3) Pandora Moments Charm Bracelet (£55) Pandora; (4) Olivia Burton Women's Midi Date Dial Watch (£70) John Lewis; (5) Personalised Thanks Mum Print (£28) Elephant Grey; (6) Travel Candle Collection (£62) Jo Malone London. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the last instalment of my Christmas gift guide where I will be looking at those last minute gifts for super special fathers and grandads. 

Christmas gift guide: your boyfriend and brother

Christmas gift guide part one.

If your boyfriend/brother is anything like mine, then buying for them at Christmas has to be one of the most challenging tasks. Boys don't really have 'wish lists' like us girls. They like something, they buy it. Simple. So if you're struggling to find something for the special men in your life, here's a quick gift guide with some fab gift ideas

Starting from top left to right: 1. Nutri-Bullet, Selfridges (£149.95); 2. Born Idol Apollo Tee, Urban Outfitters (£28); 3. Personalised Leather Sleeve for iPad, Brit Stitch (£30); 4. Navy Reindeer Christmas Jumper, Topman (£30); 5. Men Collection Grooming Essentials, Clarins (£38); 6. Lonely Planet Instant Expert Book, ASOS (£14.99).

If you enjoyed this, keep your eyes peeled for Christmas gift guide for your mum and nan - there are some fab gifts!