Blogmas Day 7 | My Wishlist!

One of my favourite things about. Christmas is the purchasing of gifts for others. I love spoiling my family with bits and bobs I know they're going to love and I enjoy taking the time wrapping and making them look special too. With that being said it's always helpful to have a Christmas list and it's one thing I always ask for before thinking of present ideas. That way there might be something you could get that somebody wouldn't want to purchase for themselves. 

I created a similar post last year featuring a variety of bits that were on my Wishlist and it helped my grandparents out massively. This might even give you a few ideas of bits you too might like to receive this year from Father Christmas, that's if you're on the nice list! 

Apple I Watch Strap 

Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure

Glossier Perfume 

Ellesse Padded Jacket

Lightening Bolt PJs

Moon and Stars PJs

Cat Pjs

Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser

Apple Pencil 

Apple iPad

Monopoly for Sore Losers

Sims 4 University

Sims 4 City Living

Dune London Boots

M&S Dressing Gown

Ugg Boots

ICONIC London Highlighter

iPad Air Keyboard

Cat Mug

So there we have it, my 2020 Christmas Wishlist post! I really do enjoy making these and gathering together all of the bits I want to purchase for my family members. There's a wide variety of bits on this that would be perfect for anybody in your life, and could make great ideas! My favourites from this list have to be the UGG boots as I am all about comfort (and sadly was going to buy these boots before I was made redundant), the pink puffer jacket and my favourite Glossier perfume. 

Until next time, x 

Blogmas Day 6 | Our 2020 Christmas Tree

Our family 2020 Christmas tree is up, which means the season has finally begun! Although it was a completely different experience choosing and picking it than last year, I think I've finally reached a Christmas high! With the new restrictions in place we knew that this year we wouldn't be able to be as picky (by we I obviously mean me as I have been known to be rather indecisive, lol) so did a quick visit to our local garden centre to pick one out and bring it home. I know I say this every year but this tree might just be my favourite. I had decided before going that this year we would try and find one a little taller this year so went down the 6-7ft section. Well we have definitely been fooled as this one is definitely over 8ft! (I secretly love it and it's honestly my dream tree!) 

We've always had a real Christmas tree so this tradition is one that truly means a lot to my family and I. We don't normally do a tree theme, but this year I decided that I would try and do silver, white and glitter. All of our family ornaments have changed over the years and I've found that my special decorations are actually on my bedroom tree than in the lounge. This year we've also got another tree in my dads home office to make his zoom background appear more festive, gosh knows we need it. But back to the main tree. Most of these decorations are the same as last year and are from Next. They do some amazing packs of baubles and look pretty without costing a fortune. I'm always a little weary about where we place ornaments with Alice enjoying looking at herself in them, but don't mind her playing with these if she happens to knock them off. So let's take a closer look. 

So there's the tree and the official start to feeling all the joys that come with this time of year. I know it's no secret this will be a different one but hopefully we can find the small wins, and this is certainly one of those occasions. I'm excited to spend weekday evenings curled up on the sofa watching tv with the twinkly fairy lights sparkling in the distance. 

Let me know if you've posted pictures of your tree as I would love to take a nose! 

Until tomorrow! 

Blogmas Day 5 | Christmas Movies

I won't lie to you, I have been watching Christmas movies since the beginning of November. In fact I actually watch them all year round. This year more than others has been about comfort and reassurance, Christmas movies are this to me! I enjoy the classics, the cheesy tv makes and the new modern versions. Over the years my list of favourites has changed in ranks but the festive cheer remains the same...

1) Klaus - Available on Netflix

This movie was my favourite Christmas movie of 2019 and after watching it for the 3rd time in a week at the end of November, probably still ranks highly for me. I just love that a Netflix movie that is still a little bit underrated can bring festive joy and nostalgia. From the clumsy, like-able postman to the first grumpy turned chatty toy maker this film has so much character! In brief the film follows the motto of 'One act of kindness can inspire another' something we all should take into our own lives. It's worth a watch immediately - oh and did I mention how gorgeous the animation is! 5 STARS!!!

2) The Grinch - DVD 

I couldn't have a Christmas movie list without including The Grinch. It's such a classic movie and is truly timeless. This movie is also on my list of movies to watch on Christmas Eve too as it gets me completely in the festive spirit. I'm sure I don't need to tell you a rough storyline but incase you've been living under a rock, The Grinch tells the tale of someone who's on a mission to steal Christmas with his sidekick dog Max. However his mood quickly changes after meeting little Cindy Lou and he soon finds he has a new friend! (Probably should mention the NEW Grinch movie, however that's not as enjoyable as the OG version)

3) Arthur Christmas - DVD & Netflix

This movie is also a big favourite of mine (shock) but one that is really really loved or really really hated. Either way, it's not one of the movies people talk about. I loved the modern take on a classic Christmas tale. The storyline, graphics and many many rubbish jokes keep me coming back for more and it's another movie on my Christmas Eve viewing list.

4) Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer The Movie - DVD

I said this last year, but this is honestly the film of my childhood. Before my cousins and I grew too cool to get together and spend Christmas Eve as a family, we would always watch this movie. I have so many happy memories from this film and was so excited to find it being sold on Amazon! Annoyingly it's in German and I have to change the country every time I want to watch it, but what a small price to pay for a lifetime of memories (lol). Another great film to pop on your list - the music is pretty nostalgic too! 

So that's my top 4 Christmas movies. All of these are unchanged from last year, which speaks millions about how big favourites of mine they actually are! Please let me know what your fave movies are as I would be VERY interested in investigating further myself! 

Until next time, x

Blogmas Day 4 | Glossybox Advent

I can't believe it's taken me to the 4th December before sharing this years Glossybox advent calendar. If you followed my Blogmas last year, which let's be honest you don't have to scroll that far to find (bad blogger!), you would have seen I had one of these then too. I was so impressed and excited about it I knew I wanted to get another one as a little treat for myself. I've been a subscriber to Glossybox for over 5 years now so know the quality and choice are usually spot on. I'm excited to open all of these doors. 

The design of this years box is different to last time, which I love as the storage nerd in me can think of one million ideas of how I can reuse when January arrives. The drawers have small boxes inside all numbered from 1-25 and make it truly feel like a present each day. Not many advent calendars include something for Christmas Day, and from the experience of last year it's bound to be worth the wait! 

So what was behind the first few days? Let's take a look shall we....

So there we are, the first three days of my Glossybox Advent calendar and boy is it good! There's something so christmassy about opening these little boxes everyday and it's truly a gift to me from me! Like last year I'm opening this box completely blind and have hidden the little booklet that includes what's inside so I don't ruin any spoilers for myself. I can't wait to see what the rest of the boxes include. 

Blogmas Day 3 | Gift Guide For Her

On the third day of Blogmas, my true love gave to me... a gift guide perfect for the lady in your life. Be it friend, sister, daughter, niece or grandma! This little guide includes my ideas of what I think would make Christmas Day special!

Handmade

Christmas doesn't always have to be about spending lots of money, and sometimes it can be made extra special with a handmade gesture. One of my favourites is a pamper gift set which can be filled of mini products that you think they would love. Primark is a great go to for things like this and often you can find some cosy pjs or a blanket, fluffy socks, mini toiletries and other little extras that make it special. This year I'm going to be making a few boxes myself and found a hamper set on eBay to help me wrap it all up. 

Another handmade gift bound to make someone smile is a little hot chocolate kit. You can make these by putting the right amount of hot chocolate powder in a little plastic bag, add some marshmallows and a little bit of chocolate to the top and you've got a little set sorted. You could even purchase a mug to put it all in doubling up on the present.

Shop Small

I'm going to be completely biased with this one as I re-opened my own small shop back in January 2020, but there's nothing better than supporting independent businesses during this time. It's true what they say about small shop owners having a little happy dance with every order, I know I do! You can find lots of incredible shops on Etsy, Not on the high street or even through local Facebook groups to you. Quite often small shops can offer unique products that the bigger shops would never take the time to design and sell. So buy with pride this year! 

Christmas Gift Sets

I love shopping during November/December as they're the months that Christmas shopping tends to be at it's peak and it means all of the gift sets are out in their full glory. I always tend to go to Boots, House of Fraser or Next for my gift sets as they tend to be the best. Have a little look below at what I've picked as my faves! 

So that's it for this gift guide, I have millions of ideas as gift giving makes me the most happy. If you're in need for some of them let me know and I would be more than honoured to help! 

Until tomorrow x

Blogmas Day 2 | Wreath Making

Ever since I can remember I've always had a passion for being creative and being crafty for every and any occasion. Last year I went through a phase of making wreaths and garlands for Christmas and wanted to share my tips and tricks. Before I made them I was looking for a garland for our family kitchen to make it feel a little more festive but found them to be so expensive. I made my wreath and garland for under £20 and was extremely chuffed with myself! Plus they were both super easy to make!

To make the wreaths you simply need a wire ring, batteries and the garland which often comes in a kit. Everything can be purchased through trusted eBay sellers for £13. A BIG reduction from store, and in my opinion they look just as good if not better! If you're able to, and restrictions allow, you can also buy a garland kit from Wilko! The garland kit is perfect as well as it's long enough to make two wreaths (just note you only get one string of fairy lights, but you can additionally buy these on eBay too). Also in the kit comes some red bows and supposedly pine cones/snowflakes. I say supposedly because I have never received the snowflakes and have only received the pine cones in one batch! 

To start the craft you simply cut the garland in half and then fold in half to find the middle. Once found you thread it into the ring and start to work your way around the wreath weaving as you go. When happy with the spacing the longest task begins. To cover the ring you have to take a little bit of time just weaving strands around. This helps to secure the design as well as hiding the copper parts. Next you add in the fairy lights.  I find it easier to make a section of green at the bottom big enough to hide and hold the battery pack in. Start to weave the lights on the front and try not to just go around in a circle as it wastes some of the lights. The final step is to add on the red bows and any other decorations you want to. After you've added the batteries your wreath is ready to go and is guaranteed to look F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S on any door. I imagine you're only meant to use the wreath inside considering the lights are battery operated, however it looks super cute on our front door in the porch. 

So there we have it. A super simple and VERY easy Christmas craft that I know has a great impact! 

Have a great day! x

Blogmas Day 1 | Welcome to Blogmas 2020

It's the 1st of December 2020 which officially marks the start of Blogmas! I love this time of year, and although it is going to be extremely different, I'm determined to make it just as special. With lockdown nearing an end and life becoming a little bit more relaxed again, I'm hoping that some of the Christmas traditions can still take place, albeit from a distance & wearing a mask!. Speaking of lockdown, did anybody else decorate super early this year? I won't lie to you, I have slowly started to get out the festive pieces from 10th November hiding them in plain sight from my family. We have a family tradition that we will get our real tree on the first Saturday in December so we've got a couple of days to wait until then, but the fake trees are up in my room and the Christmas bedding is on! Being the Christmas lover that I am, I have two trees for my bedroom and I love to decorate them with special ornaments that I've purchased myself throughout the years. This year is no different and my 2020 ornament is a rocket ship from M&S, marking the end of my career with them for now and how out of this world the year has been!! 

So that's a little look at the decorations in my bedroom. I'm trying to keep things more minimal and classic year, however it wouldn't feel christmasy without my pink tree with pink ornaments! Have you decorated your tree yet? Will you be having any decorations in your bedroom? Leave your blogmas posts below and I will have a little read. Until tomorrow...