Belated Blogmas - Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Hello all! Hope you had a fab Christmas. I honestly thought I'd have time to post something on Christmas Day, but relaxed with family instead. The day was more relaxed as I worked Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. I had croissants with nutella for breakfast, opened presents and loved watching the dogs opening their own presents. It was so funny. Click here to watch my adorable babies opening their toys with treats wrapped up inside too!

My last 11 Blogmas posts have tried to promote positive aspects of Christmas or at least be as humourous as possible. I have tried to stress the importance of giving, but it would be a lie to say I hated getting gifts. I love it. I'm not an alien!

Today's post hopes to share the stuff I received on Christmas Day alongside the stuff I received prior to Christmas on the 23rd and 24th of December, Christmas Day was filled with amazing presents including lovely gifts from my parents and one of my friends. My Mum and Dad bought me an organiser and to do list which I knew about in my wishlist post, lots of nail polish from OPI and Nails Inc, foldaway primark bag, two lovely midi skirts, Lola Rose bracelet, lots of chocolate (again as asked for in wishlist) and Dad bought me and Mum hats from a recent work visit to Belgium.

 I love the slogan - it makes me feel positive for the new year ahead. Also like it as it reminds me of a lovely gift that my friend, Julie got to cheer me up this year.

 I just love doing to-do lists. Even if I don't tick everything off, it makes me feel like I'm doing something. I love the colours of this. Great purchase from Paperchase!

 Fab choice of colours from both Nails Inc and OPI. I love the theme of Audrey Hepburn for my gifts this year! People know me too well... I've already tried one of the nude shades in Nails Inc for my nails and toes and love it.

Who doesn't love having a foldaway bag for when they go shopping?

I also received a burgundy midi skirt. They are both lovely and just my style!

I love burgundy for starters, so think this is perfect! I received a green Lola Rose bracelet from my parents for my birthday in October and fell in love. Anyone who knows me will know my love of jewellery. I used to be much more flamboyant with my choices wearing statement necklaces, large rings (including one ruler style and a huge eye once) and huge earrings. However my long love for bracelets has continued and is the main jewellery I now wear.

I love that Dad bought this back for us. He doesn't often buy things as he hates shopping, but when he does, it is so thoughtful. The lining is so soft and warm. Who thought I'd be excited for more cold?

Then, I opened my present from my close friend, Julie which included an amazing array of gifts including a scratch world map, skirt and scramble photo frame:

I love how two friends got me travel related gifts. I love hearing about travelling, seeing new places and having an adventure. I don't want to get older and regret not seeing places. Unfortunately due to different circumstances haven't done the last two years, but who knows 2017 might be the year!? I certainly hope to see more of the UK if nothing else...

I love this mini skirt. Recently after visiting Glasgow, and shopping together, we both bought the same skirt. I guess she must have another one which is a cute tradition! Might need to buy her the next matching skirt...

I love this truly personalised gift! I can't wait to find the perfect picture to fill it with.

My friends did well for gift buying this year, not that you're friends with people for their talents in buying the best pressies, but it doesn't hurt!

After Boxing Day, my grandparents visited and left yesterday. They got me some lovely gifts and ticked off some more amazing things from my wishlist including the Audrey Hepburn biography I'd been wanting, Liz Earle beauty items, my favourite mascara (Benefit Rollerlash mascara), more chocolate, clip-on earrings, Autograph nail polishes and M&S Pjs.

I think this is by far, my favourite present this year!

Audrey Hepburn is an amazing woman, who I greatly admire. She had a tough childhood being raised during world war 2, was hugely talented, very beautiful (never knew it), successful in her career, extremely fashionable with no effort, a mother and of course, most admirably did fantastic charity work for charities such as UNICEF. I don't want to say too much more without reading and knowing thoroughly. I thought who better to talk about her life than her son, so when I heard he had written a book, I knew I had to read it!

I love Liz Earle products, and it probably sounds cheesy, but is true...their products have changed my life. When I started using their cleanse and polish I realised I hadn't previously been getting all my foundation off, my skin improved (I often struggle with acne and scarring) and best of all, people comment on how healthy my skin now looks. When Gran gave me this, I was excited as these are two products I've not tried and I've tried a great few.

This is another product I adore and swear by. I adore Benefit mascaras, but this is my favourite by miles! I like how gentle it is on eyes, how long my lashes look with less time than usual and weirdly I even like the smell of it.

Got plenty of chocolate this year. Mum got me 4 bags of these too. They are my favourite chocolate buttons and sold in Aldi. They honestly do the best chocolate despite the low-low price. Gran also got me a pack of mini chocolate oranges, which I had put on the floor while opening other presents. My crazy dog thought it was a toy or something to destroy; she ripped it open (luckily without eating as it is poison for dogs). However it was funny to watch. She even growled when I got it off her.

Love the choices here. I've missed wearing the occasional pair of earrings since my piercings seem to have sealed up, so feel these clip-ons will be the best solution. Already worn the top blue pair from Accessorise.

I've also been lucky with my choice of nail polishes this year. I feel I might even need to get a proper box to store all my colours in now! Has anyone ever tried Autograph nail varnishes? I've never come across them yet and big on painting nails. It's the only thing that can stop me biting them. I don't picked the colour off as often as I used to either!

Finally, I got this gorgeous PJ set which I adore, and wear as I type this! They are so comfy and baggy just how I like them! My Gran also bought me another pair from M&S but didn't want to bore you too much with every picture!

As well as this, I received £100 for driving lessons and a gift card to spend in M&S from grandparents. Yesterday I even booked my first lessons for Ipswich. I'm excited, but also nervous as I've not driven since my failed test attempt in March, where I was actually shaking and highly emotional!

It's fair to say I received lots and Santa was very generous! I definitely realise how lucky I am, and hope others got everything they wanted. I hate receiving technology gifts as somehow means less to play with, and almost feel bad asking for something like that at my age. At 24, I should get something like that myself!

I learnt many things about Christmas this year:
1. Just because you get older doesn't mean it can stop being fun. You just need to adjust what you like now
2. Don't ask for chocolate as you'll get too much, eat it all and hate yourself!
3. Appreciate what you have and give where you can!
4. Looking towards goals  is one of my favourite parts (just reconfirmed what already knew)
5. As cheesy as it sounds, Christmas is all about family and enjoying time together

I love the New Year. Honestly no idea why because short of watching the countdown, my new year traditions haven't changed much since being a child. I spend the day with my parents, relax and have festive food. Then at the strike of midnight, we hug/kiss each other and wish each other a happy new year. I've only spent two years outside the house and one away from my parents. One was watching the fireballs in Stonehaven, which was lovely but very cold and crowded. Definitely something I'm glad I did, but wouldn't do again. The other was my first year moving out, and spent with my flatmate and her sister. They both fell asleep which was a disappointing start to the new year.

Why do I like new year? Well, I'm someone who loves setting goals and looking for things to look forward to. I might have already mentioned my goals for 2017 in my post: 10 things as I discuss my 10 hopes for the year ahead. Love to hear if you have any goals for the new year!

I've learnt so much this year as described in two posts: What being overweight taught me and Moving & Updates. I've learnt to accept my body shape, and increased my confidence from doing so. I've learnt what works best on my skin which is Liz Earle. I hope to write about this more in the new year! I've learnt from no longer working in fundraising and within the third sector, what it means to me. Most importantly, I've rediscovered my love of writing since starting this blog in July. 2016 has been a difficult year for not just me, but many others but I believe I've learnt many more personal lessons, which will help me in the future.

Hope you enjoyed reading my very belated Blogmas post. I wish you a merry Christmas, and my next post will be in 2017! I honestly can't wait for the new year. Happy celebrations!

Day 11 of Blogmas - Happy Christmas Eve

In many countries, today is the day to open presents; not tomorrow.

Every year my mum lets me open one present on Christmas Eve; she picks and I open it. To extend on this tradition, I let Dad open his jellybabies. I thought about giving mum a present, but that would leave her with one thing to open, which is due. This year I got her a calendar that she picked and a Laura Geller gift set. While moving, I accidentally smashed her Brighten and Glow by the brand; she was annoyed, so thought it would be nice to replace with some other great products.

Dad tried to say I was too young for this tradition, but like an advent calendar, I refuse to let my mum stop doing it. Total mummy's girl here!

Last night, I had a great Skype conversation with two of my friends, and got to open my presents. We usually meet, have a lovely meal, catch up and open presents. Not this year. It makes me sad, but I'm hopeful we will do it next year when I have more money.

One friend got me a balloon lamp and Body Shop gift set:

I've already tried some of the body lotion since my legs have blistered from chaffing (that's something nobody tells you about putting on weight). I found this lovely, cooling and just what was needed. I'm really happy with this as feel I look after my skin well, but body is actually very dry and neglected.

Another got me two packs of bath salts from Oliver Bonas, book: What would Audrey do? by Pamela Keogh and book: Ultimate Travelist: The Best Places on the planet...ranked by Lonely Planet:

As you know, I love Audrey and she's utterly my idol!

One of the places I wish to visit most!

Back to my Christmas Eve tradition, this year my mum let me open this:

I love a good pair of PJs as of late, so I'm excited to wake up wearing these.

Here are some funny conversations and things to happen on the lead-up to Christmas to end on:

Conversation 1:
A: I hate it when he screws up his wrapping year every year at Christmas.
B: (laughing) why? Everyone does that!
A: It makes it hard to recycle, it needs to be folded. I will just have to do it after he's done because he just won't.

Event 1:
Have you ever tried wrapping presents with pets? They are fascinated by wrapping paper. I was clever to do mine in my room, and away from animals. My mum not so much. One dog got tangled in sellotape and the other managed to trample on the wrapping paper.

Event 2:
As I might have previously mentioned in my post about Santa here, I believed in Santa until I was 11, which is probably quite old. I even believed when friends said they'd seen their parents putting out the presents. I even believed when I saw Santas at department stores or garden centres, that they were fake but help Santa. I fell for every lie my family gave me. The funniest excuse my mum came up with for why kids had seen their parents giving presents...they are naughty children, and the parents didn't want them to be upset.

That leaves me to wish you a merry Christmas. There will be one short post tomorrow, so I won't wish you a "Merry Christmas" just yet!  Not decided whether there will be anymore December posts, or whether it will be in the new year...

Day 8 of Blogmas - 10 things

Monday's post was very negative and listed the things I dislike about Christmas. However I want to make it very clear - I don't completely hate Christmas. I don't feel as excited this year. It could be because it doesn't feel as cold, or that I feel I've only just moved; it could be getting older or it could be the fact I'm working Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

That being said, I do like spending time with family and all it entails, so here is my positive post about the things I love, am grateful for and goals for 2017.

10 things I love about Christmas:

1. Presents
Yes I'm still a total child! I've had to stop myself opening presents from two of my friends as they posted them.

2. Food
I love being greedy, and it's the one time Mum doesn't lecture me about how I will feel bad about it

3. Day off
It's a nice day off that you can spend off, where neither parents are stressing, and I can be with them

4. No pressure
There are no plans. I am not judged for staying my pjs most of the day!

5. Naps and time to chill
Sometimes I  get to sneak off for naps (I am known to have one, sometimes two and maybe three once).

6. Irn Bru
I've banned myself from drinking it as religiously as I used to. Unfortunately my skin flares up so I like the occasional treat of it on Christmas Day. Most enjoy a bellyful of alcoholic beverages, not me. I don't actually tend to drink anything alcoholic on Christmas Day

7. The aftermath
I love what comes after Christmas. It is the start of organising things for the new year, writing goals and tidying away anything new you've received.

8. Giving
I know presents came first, but this comes in equal measure. I usually start Christmas shopping at the end of October or early November, so love when I can finally exchange gifts; see how much they like it; if they like it.

9. Time for reflection
As it sounds, time to reflect similar to point 7.

10. Coming together
So many families might be far in distance, but come together and celebrate.

10 things I'm grateful for this year:

1. My dogs
2. My friends
3. My family
4. My increasing confidence
5. A home (this time of the year makes me feel for those less fortunate)
6. Learning new hobbies e.g. blog, scrapbooking and more
7. Enjoying being single - no need to look, and learning to enjoy own company
8. My health
9. A job
10. Having everything I need in terms of possessions

10 things I hope for in 2017:

1. Pass my driving test
2. Be the best Maid of Honour I can be for my close friend's wedding in August
3. Get a job in fundraising
4. Make a difference volunteering
5. Go somewhere abroad - preferably to visit my friend, Zara in Norway
6. Visit family who live further afield
7. Go to more gigs and events
8. Pursue more creative hobbies such as jewellery making
9. Start yoga properly again
10. Complete a charity challenge as discussed in yesterday's post here.

Hope you enjoyed this post. As you can probably tell, I love writing a good list! What are you looking forward to? Love to know!

Day 2 of Blogmas - Christmas Memories and Traditions

Today marks day 2 of my 12 days of Blogmas posts, and hope you are enjoying it. Incase you missed yesterday's post, click here. It discussed my wishlist for Christmas 2016.

Unfortunately due to moving and a lot of boxes still being unpacked, in the spare room, I couldn't find any old pictures of me celebrating Christmas, which I would have loved to share. However if I do, I will attach some to the post before Blogmas is over!

For this post, I wanted to discuss traditions and memories.

I can't think of a specific or one "fantastic" memory of Christmas. I just remember my favourite Christmasses having more people around. We used to have my Gran around, and I'm sure whether it was Christmas or during the new year, but we sometimes had my Mum's friends around. I think a Christmas with more people is somehow more fun.

That being said, it is usually a Christmas of me, my Mum, Dad and the dogs. I love it being close-knit with the two people who love me most. I still feel like a big kid who expects her presents in her stocking; to be bought an advent calendar every year from my mum and a yearly argument or three.

No matter what we're doing, Mum's cooking is always amazing. I'm not a huge fan of roast dinners but love the food at Christmas  I usually have turkey, gravy, pigs in blankets, mash and anything else I might have specifically asked for. Mum is like the food Santa when Christmas is involved! We ask, she gets. Throughout the day I laze infront of the telly like many might do, use or try my new gifts and stuff my face with chocolate and treats until I can eat no more.

The only specific memory I remember as a child is being asked what I thought of my presents, and saying to my mum one year: "Everything is perfect, but wish Santa hadn't bothered getting that!" and pointed to some stuffed doll thing. Years later, I still cringe at being so spoilt and ungrateful.

What are you Christmas memories and traditions? It's always fun to hear how people's Christmases vary.

11 Things I Loved About November

I find inspiration and blog ideas from others, and hope they don't mind too much! I saw at Claire's Comfy Corner, that she had been writing things she loved about each month - big or small. Because I loved this idea, I thought it would be nice to look for 11 things this month as it's the 11th month. Here is my list:

1. I moved to Ipswich

As you will know from previous posts, I had been living in the Isle of Wight for the last 7 months. The island was a very different way to what I was used to. I wasn't excited to move again, but feel more positive since moving here. I feel there is lots to look forward to.

2. I began volunteering again
I love volunteering and think everyone should do it at least once. You learn about yourself, help others and do something fun for a good cause! This month I started volunteering for a local hospice on the island. I am working to volunteer again.

3. I received more presents from my birthday
The great thing about my birthday being the end of month is it means I can decide when is best to celebrate. Because of Halloween, I sometimes organised things at the start of the month. Because all my friends live far away (insert sad face here), most of my presents were posted. I will discuss them in more detail as I love talking about birthdays and want to write something specific about it (yes, it will be VERY late).

4. I started to gather ideas for gifts I could get people for Christmas
It's hard to remember what I did for November (Christmas shopping-wise), but by the end of November, I usually have my entire shop done. Not this year! It started off well with me buying personalised gifts in September for friends. Then, I kinda waived. That being said, all my friends gifts were sent off by this Saturday. It's just a case of getting my parents and grandparents sorted! I've got little bits for each now.

5. Gilmore Girls started!

I was so excited for Gilmore Girls coming back, and have now watched all the episodes. I thought about reviewing it, but having read another blog that spilled it all, I didn't want to do the same for anyone else. I did write about my excitement and what I hope for the new episodes here. All I will say is, I believe the last four words make sense for the journey that the gilmore women have gone through. I believe it was just how I remembered - funny, quirky and full of characters you can't help but relate to. I won't say anymore. I feel anymore will spill it. For those who haven't seen Gilmore Girls, you can watch all the episodes from series one on Netflix. There are also the new episodes there too!

6. My dogs started to love me more!

It sounds daft, but I feel more connected to my dogs. They always got excited to see me, but now they expect me to kiss their heads or by their cheeks. It's funny. They love me walking them and generally making much more of a fuss.

7. Watched heaps of films

As you will know from reading my recent post, The film list, I LOVE films. New or old; I love them. I have watched heaps of films this month including: Bride of Chucky, Before Sunrise, Two for the Road, Brighton Rock, Big Lebowski and am sure there is much more!

8. Places visited

Truth be told, I've not seen that many new places. Far enough, I've moved to Ipswich, but it's been a case of getting used to what is nearby; testing bus routes, walking to see what's close-by and signing up to the doctors. It has been the normal dull stuff. I have enjoyed learning about all the shops that are close by, and happy that I live a 15minute bus journey from the shopping places. I've also seen a bit of a nearby town called Martlesham. I will keep you updated as I learn more on Ipswich and Suffolk. The picture above is one I took just by the shops. I thought the building looked beautiful!

9. Things I've learnt
I feel like I've really reflected on my life this month, and realised I need to stop being as hard on myself. Things happen, and sometimes you can't help it. I've found the last year I've beat myself up for not being as close to friends (when they haven't made the effort), not trying certain things, my weight gain and a lot of things that happen to people. I feel from being less hard on myself and accepting that things will never be 100% perfect, I've felt more relaxed and more motivated to try harder. I reflected on this in my moving post here.

10. The Blog
This month celebrated 4 months of writing for this blog, where I still have a lot to learn. I've done Blogtober, plan to do some of my Blogmas posts starting tomorrow and have even done my first collab post. Including this post, I've written 52 blog posts, set up a Facebook page in the past week (please like) and continue to learn how to promote my posts. Love to hear any tips from those who have been blogging longer!

11. I've made positive steps for a career in fundraising again
I love the blog, but want to be a Fundraiser and make a difference to charities. I feel it is where my heart is, I miss it when I'm not doing it and love that I might not be able to care for people but can make sure I raise funds for the best support a charity may offer. Hope that explains it in the best way. I hope by volunteering and getting into employment, something will come along again!

If you enjoyed the idea of this post, let me know as I will consider doing them for other month ends.

Festive Gift Ideas - for her *

How exciting! This is my first festive post. Working in retail for approximately 4 years; listening to christmas songs on repeat for two months and listening to moody shoppers in the festive period slowly sucked the christmas spirit out of me. That being said, I feel like it might be coming back! This year I look forward to drinking a snowball, eating, opening presents, more eating, dressing up, more eating and obviously giving something.

This year, I've realised I don't have too many to buy for - my mum, dad, a few friends and my grandparents. I can't complain at that! That is not to say that I find christmas shopping to be plain sailing. This year, I plan on getting most things online. So far, I've bought a small personalised gift for my friends from a local seller on the island, who I might discuss in a future post.

Discovering Ezebee was a fun one, it has unique things that you don't find often around with lots of handmade gifts similar to things you might find on sites like Etsy. It's not something you find in your usual shops or typical to marketplaces like Amazon. It's so lovely to find gifts with that personal, handmade touch. This posts show 10 gift ideas for her (whether that is a friend, family member or even girlfriend/fiancée/wife):

1. Personalised Cushion, £35

This is a wonderful present for an older relative who you struggle to buy for, and feel has everything. Get personal family pictures on and it will mean the world to them!

2. Flirty Berry Soap Gift Set, £5.36

I sometimes find it so hard to find something decent for under £10, sometimes even under £20. It might even serve as a fab secret santa gift at work! This amazing gift set includes: bath salt, a strawberry cupcake soap, oats & honey cupcake soap, 2 strawberry hearts and a loofah. Perfect for those friends who loves beauty products or a nice bath!

3. Liberty Make-up Bag, £12

Crafted Chic design a few lovely print designed makeup bags. This was one of my favourite ones! Lovely for friends, mums and any woman in your life!

4. Personalised Hanging Heart Duo, £8

Similar to gift number 1, it is a lovely personalised gift for older family members. It would also be lovely for mums to have with cute pictures of their little ones, engaged or newly married couples.

5. Ring Made Con Austrian Crystal, £6.08

I find it so rare to find beautiful jewellery at reasonable prices. I noticed a lot of lovely Austrian crystal jewellery items to choose from. This was one of them! Only problem is this one I'd rather have for myself...

6. Contentment Jars (Spa day in a jar), £9.57

Similar to number 2, I believe this would make a great secret santa gift. It is perfect for those that love beauty items.

7. Elegant Tree Pendant, £17.36

This gorgeous pendant comes in many different colours; this was just one of my favourite. The tree connotation reminds me of family, and the family tree.

8. Silver Leaf Filigree Statement Necklace, £12.72

Again, this might be more of one that I'd like to receive. That being said, no girl can be without a statement necklace to brighten up an all-black outfit or make a day outfit into night! I firmly believe that jewellery makes an outfit so much better and more fun.

9. Trinket Heart Box, £5.21

Another low-cost gift that can have many uses. You can pop other gifts in, and it would make a lovely ornament, keepsake or trinket box. I also love that it reminds me of asian art. I've always loved items from China and something about it has that vibe.

10. Be your own hero frames, £7.14

I love this picture frame and with so many friends moving into a new home recently, I love it as a gift. I don't think you can go wrong with a home-related gift. This is so quirky too!

This concludes my list. In summary, I think the best gifts are those that are personal and make the person feel like you've really shopped for them. Buy them something they asked for, talked about or something that shows you take interest in the things they care about. If that fails, get those women close to you, some lovely jewellery, something personalised or something beauty-related.

What do you like to buy for gifts? I'm keen to get started properly buying for christmas once November starts! This year I've already got started for my friends. How are you doing with your purchases? Are you more last minute?

*For full disclosure this is my first sponsored post, which I hope will increase my visibility online. I was asked to pick out gift ideas for Ezebee.com. However I hope you can tell that I found this fun to write, and helped me find another great online marketplace, which I can honestly say I will buy from this christmas!