The Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List highlights all the must-have products for the festive season.

The list will be bursting with inspiration for snazzy stocking-fillers and wonderful gifts in the run up to Christmas. It will also provide details of any exciting events and exclusive offers that are available during the party season. 

Also, watch out for celebrity shopping tips as a number of stars contribute to the ultimate festive directory. 

For submissions, and more information about how to feature in the

Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List, please contact info@lauratoogood.com

 

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Celebrity Christmas with Actress Leigh Arnold…

Talented actress, Leigh Arnold, is familiar to many from her role in leading RTE drama, The Clinic. After a recent stint on stage, the charismatic star now has several exciting projects lined up for 2011 in Ireland, and also abroad.

Recent snowfall has given the petite brunette time to prepare for this year's festivities and Leigh has chosen to share her seasonal tips with the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List

 

 

Have you finished your Christmas shopping?

Yes, and this year I have done something a bit creative! I have been shopping for pretty, handmade dishes and filling them with home made pates and jams. It saves money and is really enjoyable to do - if you have the time.

 

 

 

What is your must-have item for the party season?

As the weather is so cold, I am living in my Uggs and nice cosy cashmere sweaters at the moment. Party or no party, I am keeping warm!!

What is your favourite Christmas memory?

 I was about 8 years old when I first questioned the existence of Santa. I decided that instead of writing him a letter and giving it to my mum to send to the North Pole, I would make a secret wish for him to bring me a Peaches and Cream Barbie. If it arrived, then I would know whether he was real or not. Christmas morning dawned and sitting under the tree waiting for me was a Peaches and Cream Barbie. It was a very happy day!!

 



 Toast Christmas with a Luxury Champagne Hamper from Thorntons...

If you like the idea of sipping champagne and nibbling on delicious chocolates this Christmas Day, then pop into Thortons and take a look at their Christmas Hampers. 

The Luxury Champagne Hamper appears on the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List, and for £40.00 you will be rewarded with a perfect combination of goodies for an ever-so-decadent evening in. Presented in a beautiful box, a bottle of Taittinger champagne is accompanied by two bags of Thorntons Marc de Champagne truffles.


The overnight gift bag from Umberto Giannini...


If you are doing some last minute Christmas shopping make sure you pop into Boots and take a look at this fabulous overnight gift bag from Umberto Giannini. The bag is very spacious with a chic exterior and comes packed with a luxurious range of super hydrating hair care products to help you feel perfectly pampered, preened and truly glamorous.

 

The Instant Beauty Makeover Spray revamps your hair so you can get that freshly styled feel, anytime. Perfect Beauty Finishing Cream, which gives the look of salon finished hair, is also included, along with Pure Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner. At £16, this gift is very good value for money.


Celebrity Christmas with Rosanna Davison…

Since winning the Miss World beauty pageant, Rosanna Davison has become one of Ireland's most famous faces. Previously represented by Assets, the blonde bombshell recently joined the Andrea Roche Model Agency and regularly features in national media.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Rosanna is also the 'Agony Aunt' for Dublin's Evening Herald newspaper and offers weekly advice to readers on a variety of topical issues.  

The ambitious beauty shortly departs for her annual family holiday in Mauritius, but not before sharing her festive tips with the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List

 

What is your key tip for Christmas shopping?

Start early and be organised! Think carefully about what each person would love to receive and plan in advance, rather than resorting to last-minute panic buying. From about September every year I'll begin picking up bits and pieces for presents and will concentrate on small and sentimental gifts, rather than anything overly extravagant. 

 

What is your must-have item for the party season?

A gorgeous red lipstick! It's festive, there's a shade out there to suit every colouring and a slick of red on your lips immediately brings together your look. It's also great if you're in a rush, as there's no need for heavy eye make-up. My favourites are by Mac and Chanel

 

Can you pick your favourite Christmas moment?

Picking one favourite Christmas moment is difficult as there are so many! I have such happy childhood memories of the magic and excitement of decorating the Christmas tree with my family, leaving out milk and a mince pie for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph on Christmas Eve, and the thrill of waking up early on Christmas morning. I absolutely loved every moment!

 


Dreaming of a plump pout for the party season?

The Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List recommends Laura Mercier Lip Plumper.

This product uses the latest technologies to instantly plump, hydrate and moisturize for healthier, sexier looking lips.

Available in six shades, the Wild Berry is particularly alluring and leaves your lips looking luscious and succulent. After applying the product, you will feel a fresh tingling sensation whilst it gets to work on giving you fuller lips.


Looking for a new mode of transport?

 

A Pink Bike just had to feature on the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List. You can cycle in style during 2011 on this Gazelle Miss Grace bicycle. It is available to purchase from www.cycle-heaven.co.uk and retails at £619.99.

If your daily commute is not within cycling distance and you are considering updating your car for the New Year, the Ford C-MAX is highly recommended. This car is incredibly spacious and offers a smooth ride. Parking has also NEVER been easier; during a parallel park, the driver can just sit back and relax whilst the steering wheel turns automatically and the car executes the perfect maneuver.

 


A little black dress guaranteed to turn heads...

If you fancy treating yourself to a luxury item for the Christmas party season, then look no further than the Silk Beaded Flapper Dress from Jigsaw.

This show stopping piece takes inspiration from the 1920s with its ornate beading and embroidery, on a luxurious silk georgette base. Retailing at £395, this 'forever dress' is a good investment but also a real treat for your wardrobe.

Follow Jigsaw's latest releases on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the following links: 

                  

 


Celebrity Christmas with top model, Rosalind Lipsett

 

Rosalind Lispett is one of Ireland's hottest modelling exports and a loyal supporter of Tales of the Pink Bike.

For many years, Rosalind balanced a blossoming modelling career with her studies at University College Dublin. Once she completed her degree, Rosalind decided to capitalise on her flair for fashion, and head to the Big Apple.  

 

Her love affair with New York has led to an extended trip abroad - and who can blame her! With her willowy frame and stunning good looks, success has come easy on foreign shores. However, although Rosalind is a leading light in the fashion industry, the brainy beauty has her sights set on pursuing a legal career once she hangs up her stilettos. 

In the meantime, Tales of the Pink Bike enjoys following her progress on the runway and Rosalind was delighted to share her Christmas tips with the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List.   

 

Do you have any tips for Christmas shopping?

I like to make Christmas shopping a fun experience. I look forward to it every year and love searching for exciting gifts. I like to make sure that all the presents I give are very personal - so I try to avoid socks and pyjamas at all costs!


What is your must-have item for the party season?

To be honest, I think Cliff Richard put it nicely; mistletoe and wine is all you really need for a Christmas party!


Can you pick your favourite Christmas moment?

I think the carving of the turkey is when you finally realise Christmas has come. I also love relaxing in front of the TV during the festive period and Home Alone is always replayed on the movie channel - which I love!


Vintage faux fur will have you looking modelesque for the party season…

Top model, Rozanna Purcell, previously named her fur coat as an essential item for the coming party season.

For those of you who want to look model-chic this December, the Tales of the Pink Christmas Wish List has sourced a stunning faux fur coat (see left) from online vintage store GiGi Vintage.

GiGi Vintage stocks one-off pieces that have been handpicked from around the world and this striking coat retails at just £65. Not only will it guarantee to turn heads this winter, but the dark red satin-type lining makes it perfect for staying cosy over Christmas.


A girl can never have too much jewellery, however it is easy to bore of generic high-street styles. If you are looking to make an impression this Christmas by giving a unique and blingtastic accessory, then look no further than Crystals and Co.

The dynamic company was launched earlier this year and is run by Emily Mackeogh and Leah O'Reilly. The girls specialise in providing stunning crystal clutches, bangles, rings and earrings. 

 

Purple is a popular colour this season, which is why this stunning crystal bead ring (pictured right), has been selected for the
Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List
.

The new arrival is now available to purchase online at the cost of €35.

Another striking piece, which couldn't possibly be left off the Christmas Wish List, is the show-stopping Secret Garden ring (pictured below). The stunning detail means it retails at a slightly higher price of €49.

 

 


Celebrity Christmas...with international model, Rozanna Purcell

 

The first celebrity to share their festive experience on the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List is uber sexy model and Miss Universe contestant, Rozanna Purcell. 

Roz, who is a loyal follower of Tales of the Pink Bike, has experienced a meteoric rise in the fashion industry. The stunning brunette was spotted at the intentional pageant by Donald Trump, who immediately signed her to his New York modelling agency. 

The charismatic Tipperary native has relocated to America and put her studies at University College Dublin on hold, whilst she capitalises on the opportunity to become one of the world's most sought-after models.

Roz was delighted to share her Christmas tips with the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List and we look forward to following her progress over the coming months.

 

What advice can you offer for tackling the shops this Christmas?

My best tip for Christmas shopping is to try and go during off-peak hours. There is nothing worse than shopping with hundreds of people and having to wait in long queues.  

I also like to be really organised; I set a budget and make a list before I tackle the stores!

What is your must-have item for the coming party season?

My fur jacket - I take it everywhere and it will definitely be coming to all the Christmas parties! 

Also, I cannot do without Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream as I find the weather at this time of year makes my lips chap.

What is your favourite Christmas moment?

I love the run up to Christmas. I really enjoy playing old-fashioned seasonal songs whilst wrapping up  presents. I love giving the presents away - that is probably my favourite part of the holiday festivities.

 


Original Irish Supermodels launch the Christmas party season…

 

To kick-start the Christmas party season in Dublin, Sheila Eustace, Siobhan Mahon, Marie Staunton (below right), Sandra Curley and Sylvia Myers are returning to the Irish catwalk, for one night only.

The unique 'MakeupFabLicious Fashion Event' will take place at La Stampa, Dawson Street, in aid of Barnardos. On December 1st this stunning group of original Irish Supermodels will return to the ramp.

 

The event will also feature a show by Rosanna Dickinson's Makeup FabLicious Academy. Top models including Lynda Duffy, Louise Loughman, Lisa Cummins, Corina Grant, Jill Diffley and Alison Canavan (below left) will be styled by Ireland's premier stylist, Amanda Kevlin, who has worked with celebrities including Caprice, Kelly Osbourne and Georgina Ahern.

 

Couleur Productions, who specialise in producing fashion shows, are organising the exciting event. Emma and James English will produce the show and Emma expressed her excitement about the event to Tales of the Pink Bike, "It promises to be the highlight of the fashion year - Sheila Eustace is even flying in from her home in southern Spain. Sponsors include shopin.ie and NYC, and the night showcases the couture collection of our very own top Irish designers, Synan O' Mahony, Patrick Casey, Richard Lewis (who will be using Michael Leong's exclusive hat collection) and rising star Claire O'Connor."

 

A number of other leading Irish boutiques will also feature in the show, which will include performances from uber sexy dancers, Cuban Salsa Ireland, and Ireland's very own Brat Pack. Following the show, the fashion pack will retire to Robbie Fox's new club "The Pink".  

 

If you want to attend the extravaganza then Emma has advised to book a ticket as soon as possible. "Naturally, invites to the show are the sought after ticket in town. The show is nearly sold out and we have a number of top names in Irish fashion and the celebrity world attending. A limited amount of VIP tickets are available for those who want to mix with the stars."

The event is primarily a fundraiser for Barnardos; however, it will also mark the graduation of 2010 students at the prestigious MakeupFabLicious Academy in Dublin.

Tickets from Ticketmaster:

Standard ticket: €25

VIP ticket: €50

Excluding service charge



 

Perfect shoes for the party season…

 

Every girl needs a pair of sparkly shoes for the Christmas season and Rockin' Reptile is the perfect place to shop for those who want striking, individual style.

Two shoes that are perfect for the Tales of the Pink Bike Christmas Wish List are 'Bella' and 'Dawn'.

 The 'Bella' is a delightful lace shoe with diamante detail. The 3.5inch heel means you will be able to dance late into the night, without the being crippled by killer stilettos.

For those who are looking to add some glitz and glamour to their Christmas dress, but prefer a delicate sandal style shoe, then 'Dawn', which is encrusted with silver crystals, is the perfect answer. Dawn comes in silver, black and gold. Again, the 3.5 heel will give you extra height, with maximum comfort.

 

 For more information, check out the Autumn/Winter collection on the Rockin' Reptile website.

 

Happy Christmas shopping from Tales of the Pink Bike
xxx