BLOGMAS 25 || HAPPY CHRISTMAS

It's Christmassssssss!

The day we've been counting down too has finally arrived and I can't begin to tell you how excited I am. Today's blogpost is a short one as I want to make sure I'm spending as much time with my loved ones today, but didn't want to pass the opportunity to thank you for reading my Blogmas posts this year - who knew I would be able to do the whole 25 days without missing one! 

So until tomorrow, hope you have an incredible Christmas!

Love, 

BLOGMAS 24 || CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS

It's finally Christmas Eve and this time tomorrow we will be stuck in with full festive cheer and no doubt already be on to the 5th Mince Pie of the day! As crazy as it sounds though, I enjoy Christmas Eve just as much, if not perhaps a little bit more, than the big day itself. I love spending time with my family doing all the small little traditions that have followed us through the ages without the huge pressure of trying to make the day 'special'. I found an old post of all my Christmas Eve traditions and it's funny how relevant the post still is! 

Christingle

Ever since I was little, my family and I would all go to the Christingle service at my local church on Christmas Eve. There was always something quite magical about walking there in the frost bundled up in coats watching the twinkling of the fairy lights. I’m sure when I was little, I was probably more excited at the fact I was allowed to be up late at night. The Christingle service itself is just so lovely with lots of families joining in with carols as a way of celebrating together. Growing up in a Christian family, Christmas always meant that little bit more to us, so it’s nice to take time out of our day to celebrate that on Christmas Eve. 

Christmas PJ’s

This is a relatively new tradition for my mum and I. We both love to snuggle down in a pair of super cute Christmas jammies. The past couple of years I have bought us matching PJ set’s for us to wear to bed on Christmas Eve. To go with the PJ’s I also remake my bed so I have a fresh pair of linen for the night.

Christmas present wrapping

Since I can remember, my dad and I have always spent Christmas Eve wrapping up my mums and brothers presents. My dad works so hard during the week and never has a lot of time to wrap his presents, so we love to do it together. Plus, I have to make sure he takes the price off of everything! 

Christmas movies

Watching a good Christmas movie is a must on Christmas Eve. The Grinch is a particular favourite of mine as it just reminds me so much of my childhood. I wish I could get away with decorating my house as OTT as the who’s do! 

Let me know if you have any Christmas Eve traditions! It’s nice to be able to look back on how different things get each year whilst doing the same thing. For us, we pretty much keep things the same, although instead of going home after the Christingle, we head down to the pub. 

I hope you have a very merry Christmas spent with everyone you care about the most!

Happy Christmas!

BLOGMAS 23 || DEALING WITH HOLIDAY STRESS

Happy Monday! 

We're so close now to the big day, that I thought it was important to re-share one of my favourite Blogmas posts I had written a couple of years ago that is still very VERY relevant to this day. I hope you enjoy <3 

Baubles, tinsel and tree decorating aside, Christmas can be both one of the most exciting and stressful times of the year. Christmas to me is my favourite season to celebrate. I love the excitement of the countdown to December, and nothing beats driving at night down dark streets lit solely by fairy lights! I have always loved it and my love has grown as I have grown. If anything I have become a lot more obsessed, as I am now in a position that I can treat my family members with gifts that they will love. Although, gift giving isn’t always as simple as it seems. Quite often the idea of shopping at Christmas is easier said than done. I don’t know what it is about Christmas shopping that turns the average shopper into a stress mess, but people turn crazy in the run up to the big day. I know how stressed my mum always gets around this time of year as well trying to make sure that everything is perfect for the family. Which lets face it, it always is!

It is important though to make sure that throughout all of the excitement of work do’s, Christmas drinks, present buying, turkey eating and caroling your mental health isn’t affected. I for one love to end some of the busiest days with a warm bath and a cup of tea. Here are a few of the things I do to make sure I’m feeling stress free at Christmas.

1) Lists. Oh boy do I love a good old list! (Lets be honest, we all add things to the lists that we have done throughout the day JUST so we can tick them off.) But jokes aside having a list is a great way to clear your mind with all of the things you need to do, whilst allowing you to be proactive in the process. Gifts for people are usually one of the main things on my list, which also helps with my next tip!

2) Shopping online. I know that this almost seems a given now a days but it seriously makes everything so much easier. Christmas shopping is one of my favourite kinds of shopping to do but standing in long queues is certainly not the one. One of the things I have started to do is make a note of what I see in store so I know what to order online. This not only allows you to be in and out of shops quickly, but it also makes your life a whole lot easier as you can order in the comfort of your own home, feet up and Christmas movie on!

3) Take time for yourself. Like every other time of the year, taking time out for you is just as important during the festive period. Christmas is a time to spend with friends and family. Which is true, but amongst all of the partying and celebrating you need to remember to have some time to yourself to compile your thoughts! 

4) Live in the moment. I think one of the main causes of my stress and anxiety is the want of everything to be perfect, I think I take after my mama on this one! It’s hard not to want everything to be neat and tidy with a gorgeous Christmas theme, but let’s be honest what’s the fun in that! Last Christmas (I gave you my heart, jokes) my brother’s girlfriend Emma and I decorated the tree together for the first time. We started off with a colour scheme but like everything we had two different opinions of what would look good. Combined, the finish of our tree looked perfectly un-perfect and you know what, it was ok! If anything it made the house look more Christmassy!

I hope you can find some use with these tips. More importantly, try not to stress out if things don’t go right. I guess in the end, that’s what Christmas is about!

Love, 

BLOGMAS 22 || A SPOT OF CHRISTMAS BAKING

It's become a little tradition of mine to bake on the last weekend before Christmas. For the last three years I've used the same Mary Berry recipe, but this time decided instead that I wanted to mix things up with a new one. I found this snowman cookie recipe and decided to recreate them! Well I tried to recreate them anyway, my designs weren't as good as their version but I think I got them pretty close. 

This recipe is super easy to make and the icing was fun to do too. I haven't used fondant icing before but will definitely be using it again. All of the ingredients were easy to buy from Tesco and didn't cost a fortune either. 

How do you think I got on? Will you try these out for yourself?

Until next time, 

BLOGMAS 21 || GLOSSYBOX ADVENT CALENDAR 14-19

Happy Saturday and Happy 21st day of Blogmas! I'm so so shocked that I'm still on track with this, honestly. I say it every time but who would have thought it! Another thing I am still on track with is opening my advent calendars. This years Glossybox Advent Calendar has been so good I'm finding it harder and harder to wait each day. So what did I get in the last 6 days? 

Over the last 6 days I got some really good products including a gorgeous 3INA cream eyeshadow, Dr Paw Paw balm, Rituals body cream in the most delicious cherry blossom scent, Avant illuminating day cream, Nude by Nature highlighter and Candy Lover watermelon flavoured toothpaste. A great selection and a fantastic variety of products to try and test out. I mentioned in yesterday's post as well how Glossybox have done a good job in not including similar products in their December box which is nice too! 

My favourite from this box is probably the highlighter or Dr Paw Paw balm as that's an oldie but Goldie product for me! 

Until next time, 

BLOGMAS 20 || GLOSSYBOX DECEMBER 2019

It's that time of the month again where I share the contents of my favourite Glossybox, and this one is pretty special! December's box has, obviously, been designed with the festive feeling in mind and looks so pretty with a gold and deep red colour scheme. The classic pink tissue paper has been replaced with red and black bow with gold - it's just so pretty! Inside the months box are 5 full sized products that are all incredible and perfect for this season. If you've been reading my Blogmas posts you know that I was able to get my hands on the coveted Glossybox advent calendar, so I was a little worried that the products in this months box would be similar if not the same to what was inside. Luckily this wasn't the case and the products are very different! Now onto the box...

First up is the largest product in this months box, Original Source Rhubarb and Raspberry Shower Gel. I was so excited to see this one as it's something I already use and was running out of. It smells incredible and always leaves my skin soft and moisturised. Next is Lasplash Cosmetics Golden Gatsby 3D Faux Mink Lashes. I'm not really a lash kind of girl, but it's good to have an option for the occasion that might occur. Annoyingly because I'm not a lash gal I don't have any glue and these ones don't come with any - a little silly, but completely understandable. Then we have a Steve Laurant Loose Powder Pigment in a gorgeous rose gold/brown shade. This colour is so gorgeous and would like perfect to finish off any festive look this Christmas. Bella Pierre Liquid Shadow Eye Candy has also been included in a similar brown/gold shade and would work perfectly paired with the pigment or used on its own. This applies with a wand for easy application. Finally I received a L.O.V Cosmetics The Fateful Lipstain in a gorgeous deep red shade. I've never even heard of this brand before but love trying new lip products! I hope this stain lasts the test of time, I will let you know!

Overall this months box was pretty impressive. It's pretty much a one stop box for all of your festive party needs and I was happy with everything received. If only the lashes came with glue and it would be the best box ever! 

Until next time,

BLOGMAS 19 || MY TOP BOOKS OF 2019

For today's post I thought I would try writing about something a little different in an attempt to keep Blogmas feeling fresh, because trust me when I say my idea pot is running a little empty right now. 2019 has been a year of many things but more importantly the year I re-ignited my love for reading. I've read some crackers, but here's a small selection of the ones I thought were worthy of sharing! Perhaps they could make a great Christmas gift for someone! 

John Marrs - The Passengers

The passengers is one book of many that I love from the author John Marrs. His way of writing and storytelling is unlike any other and I am just so obsessed with the mystery behind the pages. This book in particular follows on from 'The One' and is set in the future where technology has taken over. "When someone hacks into the systems of eight self-drive cars, their passengers are set on a fatal collision course. The passengers are: a TV star, a pregnant young woman, a disabled war hero, an abused wife fleeing her husband, an illegal immigrant, a husband and wife - and parents of two - who are travelling in separate vehicles and a suicidal man. Now the public have to judge who should survive but are the passengers all that they first seem?". Honestly it's worth a read!

Heidi Perks - Now You See Her

If you're looking for a quick read then this one is the book for you. Perks tells the story of a little girl going missing and a mothers battle to find the truth. As soon as I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. "Charlotte is looking after her best friend’s daughter the day she disappears. She thought the little girl was playing with her own children. She swears she only took her eyes off them for a second. Now, Charlotte must do the unthinkable: tell her best friend Harriet that her only child is missing. The child she was meant to be watching. Devastated, Harriet can no longer bear to see Charlotte. No one could expect her to trust her friend again. Only now she needs to. Because two weeks later Harriet and Charlotte are both being questioned separately by the police. And secrets are about to surface. Someone is hiding the truth. So what really happened to Alice?".

John Marrs - When You Disappeared

This book is another great read from the author John Marrs. This story is all about a father who goes 'missing' one morning leaving behind his wife and children. It shows the man starting a life elsewhere before finally going back to his married home many years later. I really enjoyed reading this book and experiencing the jump from two different points of view - the wife and the husband. "When Catherine wakes up alone one morning, she thinks her husband has gone for a run before work. But Simon never makes it to the office. His running shoes are by the front door. Nothing is missing—except him. Catherine knows Simon must be in trouble. He wouldn’t just leave her. He wouldn’t leave the children. But Simon knows the truth—about why he left and what he’s done. He knows things about his marriage that it would kill Catherine to find out. The memories she holds onto are lies. While Catherine faces a dark new reality at home, Simon’s halfway around the world, alive and thriving. He’s doing whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of the truth. But he can’t hide forever, and when he reappears twenty-five years later, Catherine will finally learn who he is. And wish she’d stayed in the dark."

Rosie Walsh - The Man Who Didn't Call

So, this is my current read so I can't really go into too much depth as I don't want to ruin it for myself but here is the blurb... "Imagine you meet a man, spend seven glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything. So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him.But he doesn’t call. Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they're wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence.What do you do when you finally discover you're right? That there is a reason – and that reason is the one thing you didn't share with each other?" 

So there we have it! Have you read any great books in 2019? Any to recommend? 

Until next time, x 

BLOGMAS 18 || LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

Ever been in the position where you forget to buy that one last present for someone and think the whole of Christmas needs to be cancelled? Trust me, we've all been there! Making sure everyone is ticked off your present list can be a big task so I thought I would compile a little list of bits and bobs I think would make the perfect last minute gift for anyone and everyone! 

Gift Vouchers

Let's be real everyone loves a gift voucher. Especially if a gift card means the receiver can pick their own gift cutting out the handing over of a gift receipt awkwardness that sometimes occur. The wonderful thing about our online world is how quick and easy it is to print off an E-card. So whether you plan in advance or buy 5 minutes before Christmas Day, you can make sure you get the gift that gifts itself! My faves are ASOS, Amazon and Apple!

I-O-U

This is something my family tend to gift a lot and isn't as lazy as it sounds. I-O-U is basically a little note/card that says you will be doing something for them in the future. In the past I have received these to let me know I will be going out for the day, going to the cinema, having money for a specific product, the list goes on....

Handmade

If you've read a few of my previous Blogmas posts then you will know I am no stranger when it comes to a little bit of handmade gifting! Obviously this one depends on owning the right tools, but it can be easy to do if you don't have the time to wait for something to come in the post but can make it to a small local craft store/wilkinsons. Why not paint a little picture onto a canvas? Buy a frame, decorate the outside and pop in a special photo to make it personal? Buy sticky letters and create your own poster? Honestly have a look on Pinterest, the ideas are endless! 

That's it for today's post, apologies for it being a shorter one. I'm off to finish getting ready for my works Christmas party now, fingers crossed my outfit all goes to plan! 

Until next time, 

BLOGMAS 17 || THE CHRISTMAS TAG

It's taken until December 17th, but here it is. My Blogmas Christmas Tag! I will own up to the fact I have found Blogmas tricky to achieve this year. I spent an evening before it began planning what posts I wanted to go up on each day and pretty much every one, bar one or two, have been moved days before as I've been unable to get decent photographs or time to do them. I had initially thought about writing and scheduling them in advance, but didn't think they would be as organic. This is coming back to bite me on the bum though as this week is extremely busy! Not only is it the last week before Christmas Day, but it's also my final week at work before I start a new job in Jan. We have a Christmas lunch, Christmas party, final shopping and countless mince pies to consume! So excuse this post, I know it's less exciting to the usual Blogmas posts but one I enjoy reading all the same! If you wish to join in I have left the blank questions at the bottom and tag you all! 

The Christmas Tag

Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I didn't even know it was a thing to open presents on Christmas Eve! We've always been a Christmas Day kind of family and I don't think this will ever change. This year my brother is coming to us in the morning to keep our present opening tradition the same despite moving out in October. I can't wait to see him as have missed him so much.

Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

My opinion on this one has changed over the years! As a family we've always had a real tree and nothing has ever compared to the smell or festive feeling of having one. BUT I have in the recent years purchased a couple of fake ones for my bedroom as well as in a room that the cat gets near! I love these ones just as much and love how Christmassy it makes everything feel! 

You have been granted one Christmas wish... what will it be?

Without dampening the mood...My Christmas wish would be for my little Luna to come home. Wish this EVERY day. 

Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

My Christmas Eve traditions have changed over the years but are still so special to us. We like to visit our local church's Christmas Eve Christingle service followed by a light dinner (in prep for the massive meal the next day). We also snuggle up and watch a Christmas movie of some kind before I give mum her Christmas Eve pjs. We always match and it's a new tradition of ours! 

What sits on top of your tree?

This is going to be a funny answer and is VERY random. We have a Mickey Mouse head at the top of our tree that was gifted to us from Walt Disney World a couple of years ago. It was supposed to be a bauble, but is extremely large and didn't look right/didn't feel safe hanging so we now tie it to the top and it looks beautiful - not very traditional though! 

Have you ever had a White Christmas?

I don't think we have ever had a white Christmas that I can remember in the UK. It's always been Frosty, but I don't remember ever having snow on the ground. 

Can you name all of Santa's Reindeers?

There's Dasher and Donna and Cupid and Blitzen. Dancer, prancer and Rudolph?!?! (I've just checked and I'm missing Vixen so close!) 

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Be honest!

I won't lie to you, I have had quite a tricky year. Dealing with the loss of Luna amongst over things has been hard to deal with. With this being said I think I have been kind and thoughtful still so hope I will be on the nice list.

Which do you enjoy more? Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I love Christmas Day don't get me wrong, but nothing beats the excitement and festive cheer of the anticipation of Christmas Eve. I find Christmas Day to be quite overwhelming and a time of high anxiety! 

What do you eat for Christmas Dinner?

This is a funny one. My family have always done Turkey for Christmas Day along with all the trimmings. A couple of years ago my brother and I finally decided to let our parents know our hatred for Turkey and that we only ate it to keep them happy. Ever since we have always had gammon and BOY is it delicious! Obviously we need all of the trimmings still, peas, parsnips, Brussels and bacon, pigs In blankets! 

Do you have an Advent Calendar each year?

Yes I do! This year I actually have 3! 2 chocolate and 1 beauty! 

Do you send out Christmas cards?

I send cards out to my immediate family and a few work colleagues, but I don't tend to send to every tom, dick or harry anymore. I let my mum sort those out! 

So there we have it the Christmas tag! I would love to read your posts if you happen to get involved with this one! 

Until next time, 

Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
You have been granted one Christmas wish…what will it be?
Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
What sits on top of your tree?
Have you ever had a White Christmas?
Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Have you been naughty or nice this year? Be honest!
Which do you enjoy more? Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
What do you eat for Christmas dinner?
Do you have an Advent Calendar each year?
Do you send out Christmas cards?

BLOGMAS 16 || OUR CHRISTMAS DINNER TABLE

What's the first thing you think about on the run up to Christmas Day? No, not presents...FOOD! Christmas Dinner is such a key element to every Christmas Day and I get so excited to lay the table and make it look pretty for the fam! This year we've decided to go with a red, green and white theme for our table as it looks perfect against our white and silver tree decorations. 

Everything on the table was really really affordable and super easy to recreate (minus the cutlery and glasses)! Once you decide on a theme it's easy to decorate and it can be quite fun too. Instead of crackers this year, I spent a few pounds on getting small table gifts and wrapped them up to be a cracker alternative as well as doubling up as a name place. I found the placemats and coasters in Debenhams, red table runner from Poundland and silver table runner from Wilkinson. The small candles were ironically from Ikea and the silver presents are old family decorations that were once a table setting with chocolate inside. I am SO happy with how this has worked out and can't wait to enjoy many a festive meal around this table infront of the tree. 

Placemats and coasters

Alternative Red felt runner

Silver table runner - Purchased in Wilkinson but unavailable online

Red table cloth 

Candles

I feel SO much more christmassy now I have written this blogpost! I can't wait to spend some time wrapping up all of my presents and getting everything made cosy and ready for the big day! I would love to see you table ideas, do you do anything similar?

Until next time, 

BLOGMAS 15 || GIFT GUIDE FOR HIM

You've already had my gift guide for her, so this time it's over to the lads! Shopping for men, my brother in particular, is one of the hardest parts of Christmas for me. He's not fussy and has always loved pretty much everything I have bought for him, but he just struggles to come up with ideas for himself. If there's something he wants he just goes out and buys it. Hopefully this post will help you out if you're struggling, goodness knows I needed it to help with my own research!

Latitude top - £25 | Topman 

Check scarf - £15 | Topman

Tension Board Game - £15 | Debenhams

Virtual Reality Headset - £15 | Debenhams

Smartphone projector - £19.99 | Firebox

Worlds smallest zen garden - £7.99 | Firebox

What do you meme? game - £30 | Menkind

Glasses holder - £29.95 | Not on the high street

Scratch Map - £17.95 | Not on the high street

So there we have it! I hope some of the above suggestions are helpful, they've really helped me out and I now have so many ideas for my dad and brother! If you have any more PLEASE help a sister out as I am struggling! 

Until next time,