South Bank Christmas Market Etc.

Sometimes all you need is a best friend, some light shopping, and gorgeous London scenery to cheer you up. Having spent the past three months in Southampton, I woke up today with the desire to do something touristy. Like I mentioned in 'My Favourite Blogging Reads' a couple months back, I adore beauty vloggers and have become increasingly addicted to LilyPebbles' Vlogmas videos. When I watched Lily and a couple other Youtube stars visit the South Bank Christmas Market, I knew that was how I wanted to spend my day... i.e getting in the Christmas mood and eating churros by the River Thames. Ideal.
A five minute walk from Waterloo station, this kitsch little market has everything from Toffee-infused vodka to charming little jewellery stands. Your standard London market really - some weird and wonderful stalls reside next to the crowd-pleasers... who can realistically resist a Baileys hot chocolate?

Having exhausted the Christmas market, my friend Mary (who I somehow managed to rope into this little excursion) wandered down South Bank and stumbled upon a traditional-style book stall. Literally any Literature student's dream come true. After spending what felt like hours admiring the selection of books, ranging from the classics to the ever-so-slightly wacky, I walked out with an edition of D.H Lawrence's 'Women in Love' for only £4 - I know a bargain when I see one!

And then somehow we ended up in Oxford Circus... again... the second time in under a week. It's safe to say that Mary and I are happiest when we're wandering round beauty departments. All was not lost, however, as I concluded our shopping trip with my notoriously-hard-to-buy-for-mother's Christmas present and a real sale snag of a sweatshirt from Whistles. I can't deny it, sometimes all I need is a little retail therapy to lift my spirits. That and some wonderful quality girl time.