I don’t know how it happened, but it’s December! 2019 is over, 2020 is loading with all the anxiety that it brings, but first? Let’s enjoy the festive season and all its goodness.
Traditionally, I hate the Christmas season. Did I hear a gasp? Well, come closer and I will tell you why. I was born on Boxing Day and as my fellow sufferers will tell you, there is just no outshining the superstar that was born the day before.
I have been trained over the years to expect NOTHING. “Here is your Christmas and Birthday present” I am used to hearing and often, I get no acknowledgement the next day.
This year, I have decided enough is enough. I deserve to be celebrated just like absolutely everybody else on this planet. After all, you cannot buy time at the market and marking another year on this planet in good health and of sound mind is not to be sneezed at.
In my bid to be super helpful, please find below my birthday gift list.

This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure

THE GIFT LIST
1. The Perfect Lippy

In my humble opinion, a great, bold lip never goes out of style and lately, I have been crushing on the Pat McGrath Labs Mini MatteTrance™ lipstick trio. A-plus for packaging and wow factor. This lipstick trio would look perfect in my Christmas stocking, and better yet, works great with all skin tones, from the richest to the fairest.

2. Facelift Massage

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My future lipstick will look good on a full, puffy pout, but my face would need to be depuffed: thanks to an at-home gua sha massage. If you are not clued into the benefit of a regular facial massage, it’s time to get on the bandwagon—and get the appropriate gua sha facial tool. This flat jade pebble, used in traditional Chinese medicine, is credited with chiselling out cheekbones, depuffing under eye bags and bringing a glow back to the skin.

3. Pols Potten Pottery

I am a bit of a homebody, so pretty things that bring out the best of my home experience bring me joy. Every season, Pols Potten studio creates innovative, joyful pottery pieces firmly rooted in its Dutch sensibilities. This season’s dinner set collection called ‘Grandpa Plates’, is a retro-inspired modern design with bold colours that will bring the right amount of drama to any table setting.

4. A Little Leather Luxury

I love the smell of leather and nothing makes me happier than a perfectly constructed bag. Totally worth the wait is the sleek and smart Giorgio Armani La Prima bag. It comes in some delicious candy-coloured inspired tones. Things that make me go, “Hmmm!”

5. New Year, New Smell?

Tom Ford has been top-of-the-class since his fashion label went into the fragrance industry. Tom Ford Orchid Soleil eau de parfum is a vibrant and sensual scent, that is purported to capture the magic of the most brilliant sunshine. Sign me up for all of that I say.

6. Travel with Style

The scene: Me stepping out of a delightfully charming European car and asking the valet to carry my Globe Trotter Trolley Case as I peer at my luxurious hotel on the Riviera, through a pair of designer sunglasses. Sigh! One can only dream. These bags are real, and pack the vintage charm of an Agatha Christie character; setting off on the Orient Express.

7. A Little Mary Jane

My shoe game is largely determined by my need for comfort, an unfortunate set of bunions and freakishly narrow ankles. This means that when it comes to heels, I am usually found in some incarnation of a Mary Jane-style shoe. This pair from Marni are just too cool for school and I will take mine in a size 39, thanks kindly.

8. Wrap it Up

Headbands are still all the rage and my favourite brand, Aunt Harriet’s, launched a gorgeous glittery festive limited-edition damask set just in time for the season. I will be having one of each, thank you very much.

So, there you have it. I will not be hearing “sorry I forgot” this year, oh!
For further information about my adventures, check out my Instagram @le_oddbod.