New Years Eve Nail Art

2016 is on the horizon so I thought I'd honour the new year with a little glitter. Barry M - Masquerade creates the perfect back drop for any party mani. I actually left my nail art tools behind when I came home to my parents for the holidays so used the end of a Bobby pin to write on top. 

Wishing you a very happy new year! 

ox Lucy

2016 Blog Goals

I've been taking blogging much more seriously of late and with the New Year approaching I've come to realise that most of my goals for 2016 were blog related ones. If I get them written down on here I'll be able to keep good track of where I'm at and revisit this post throughout the year to record my progress.

1Purchase my own domain. I'm pretty nervous about this one, I need to do more research into moving over from blogger and which domain hosts are the best. If you've any tips please let me know.

2Streamline my content. Now I'm used to blogging I know what posts I enjoy creating and which are most well received. Focusing my posts in certain topics will improve my continuity and provide prompts when I'm struggling for post ideas.

3Redesign. I love my layout from Pipdig but I'm planning a relaunch once I've sorted my own domain. I want it to be 100% perfect so it's not something I'm going to rush but I've got a few design ideas floating round in my mind.

4Improve photography. I feel like the quality of my images were getting much better during the summer but longer working hours and dark nights have really left me struggling.

5Invest in some equipment. Following on from my last point, I'd like to invest in a light box and tripod this year. I don't need anything expensive, just something that'll help me along the way.

6Rewrite old posts. I've read so much about improving old posts and promoting them again. It seems like a great idea for those posts I wrote when I'd just begun.

7Hold a giveaway. I'm big into comping and enter as many as I can. I'd love to be on the other side, hosting my own giveaway. I might do this when I reach a milestone or to celebrate my relaunch.

8Advertise on another blog for a month. When I'm happy with my blog and content I'd love to purchase an advertising spot on a blog with with readers who would potentially be interested in my content. I'll only do this when I have good quality posts scheduled and I'm happy with what I have to offer.

9Get to grips with SEO. I know very little and I've been learning as I go, picking up a few tips here and there. The beauty of the internet is that it's full of resources that allow you to become an expert at pretty much anything so I'm going to get my study on and become a pro.. or at least competent in SEO. 

10Host a Twitter chat. I love the idea of hosting a chat but I need to gain way more blogging confidence first. This is definitely a goal for the latter half of 2016.

11Expand to YouTube. I love craft and DIY but have struggled to find a format I like for these types of blog posts. YT might be a better option for me so maybe (and it's a pretty big maybe)I'll venture in to a whole new world.

12Write more personal posts. I'm always a bit conscious of putting myself out there and I've got a few draft posts I'm wary of publishing. I'm just going to bite the bullet and do it.

13Comment on more blogs. So often I'll read posts on my iPhone or iPad when I'm on the go and never end up commenting. I need to show more appreciation so I'm going to make the effort to share the love.

14Get ahead. I tend to be about a 2/3 days ahead with my posts. Usually on a Sunday I'll draft my posts for the week and take photos when I can. I tend to leave the final edit until the last minute though and this never makes for my best content. Ideally I'd like to be a week ahead at all times meaning if any emergencies come up or I'll be on top of my blog.

15Plan. To help me get ahead I'm going to start planning dedicated blog times each week. I plan my personal life thoroughly but I can be a bit lax when it comes to blog planning. Dedicated times will help me focus and will stop other things taking over.

16Post daily for a month. I felt a tremendous amount of disappointment in myself when I couldn't complete Blogmas as I was so on track and doing really well. My creativity was flowing and I was getting great feedback. I want to blog daily for a month in 2016 but I'm not sure when. I don't fancy waiting until next December though!

What are your blogging goals? How will you make sure you stick to them?

ox Lucy

What I got For Christmas 2015

After a pretty scary start to the festive season, my Christmas turned out really well. My family loved the gifts I'd bought them for each of them, I ate an ungodly amount of food and I got to spend my favourite time of year with the people I love. I was also extra lucky with the gifts I received this year. Most of them are pictured below - what isn't pictured is the stocking full of chocolates and sweets I'm making my way through as I type this post. I've almost polished off a box of toffee poppets and I'm making my way through a Thorntons' chocolate reindeer. Yep, I'm switching between the two whilst watching movies!

I've divided my gifts up into beauty, stationary, Disney, homeware and entertainment..

Just look at all those Benefits mini's! My parent's bout me a gift set and my BFF filled a Benefit stocking for me. I got my second ever Ciate advent calendar and once again wasn't disappointed. How awesome is the mermaid cosmetic pouch? I'm obsessed!

I'm a bit of a stationery addict so I always welcome new notebooks and such. I'm off to New York next year (61 days) so the travel journal, colouring book and map were all given with my trip in mind. As an organising freak I'll put the magnetic list notepad and weekly organiser to use along with the new additions to my planner stickers collection. Let's just take a moment to appreciate the pencils. You can't quite make it out but they say 'Living for naps and Netflix'. Yes yes yes!

My mum admitted that most of my Disney gifts she first saw on the Disney Find instagram account. I'm most excited about the collection of 90's snow globes that my mum tracked down. I shared a photo of my Cinderella watch on Christmas day and everybody seems to love it just as much as I do. You can check out the close up pic here.

Homeware bits excite me just as much as anything. On the bottom left is a face towel in the same design as my weekly organiser and bottom right is the cutest tea towel I have ever, ever seen!Candles and lights are just what I need in my room right now and everybody needs a calendar, right? I received the Everton FC calendar with the players in some cheeky poses all in the good name of charity. It's a win win as far as I'm concerned.

Finally, I received John Bishop DVD and the Grinch after losing my copy when moving house this year. I've wanted the Mad Men box set for month now and when I saw t on a super cheap deal on black Friday I did the right thing and emailed the link to Father Christmas. I'm saving it for the New Year - I think it'll brighten up those boring January nights after work. Oh and what's that? Yep, just a signed Pretty Little Liars' script. I'm hoping to put this on my wall but I want to display it on a cute clipboard. I have no idea where I'd buy one so the hunt is on! My main gift was this Crosley Cruiser. It's the exact one I've wanted for a while now and in the exact colour I would have chose too. Oh Father Christmas you know me so well..

I'd love to see what you got for Christmas, did we get any of teh same gifts?

ox Lucy 

Post-Christmas Update.

So December has been weird. I started off the month in good spirits with a trip to Dublin and powering my way through Blogmas. I was all organised for Christmas shopping, parties and NYE celebrations and then BAM a bus! Okay so I didn't get hit by a bus but I did get hit by a car. 

In the grand scheme of things I'm okay and it could have been much, much worse. The NHS were of course brilliant and I'll continue to be grateful for a service provided for us by individuals who strive to do their best despite such awful conditions and little funding. That being said, I has a nasty bout of concussion to overcome, badly bruised ribs and cuts and scrapes all over.

I tried not to let it dampen my spirit too much - after all I got time off work to watch Christmas movies (although concussion made them pretty difficult to follow) and my family were, as always, superstars. I soothed my aching muscles in Lush baths which, let's face it, is never a bad experience.

Needless to say, Blogmas went out of the window and Christmas shopping was left until the very last minute. I'd missed online delivery dates so had to battle it out in the high street on the last two days before Christmas. I won't be doing that again. Ever!

I'm still in lots of pain with my ribs and on some pretty strong pain killers but now I'm able to look at a computer screen without feeling dizzy I'm ready to get back in to blogging and plan to start 2016 with a bang!

I hope your festive season was enjoyable and you were surrounded by loved ones.

ox Lucy

My Christmas Playlist - Blogmas Day 14

I'm such a sucker for a Christmas playlist that I activate it on my iPod on 1st November every year. It's the perfect accompaniment to a festive stroll around Christmas markets or to listen to whilst traveling home for Christmas. When I was a student I'd listen to Christmas songs on the train the whole way home for the holidays. 

What songs would you add to your Christmas playlist?

ox Lucy

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Sticker Haul - Blogmas Day 10

I'm taking a break from the festive posts today to bring you a little sticker haul. I've been ordering stickers non-stop to use in my planner in attempt to make it look pretty and practical all at the same time. I ordered quite a few from here on eBay. They were super cheap and great quality. These particular ones are all cute little doodles, I especially like the long strip stickers at the bottom of each set. They work great for marking off weekends or to use in place of washi tape. The obvious downside is you only get one of each sticker so I try to use them wisely. I'll definitely be ordering some more though.

Plan With Jade is my new favourite Etsy sticker shop I featured some of her Christmas stickers in my planner post here and bought the above New Year's set at the same time using a Black Friday code. I can't wait to decorate for New Year's now, these designs will look perfect with my silver glitter washi tape. I do wish there was a 2016 sticker included but I'm already on the hunt to find one that'll match.

Finally I chose some practical stickers, also from Plan With Jade. The first is the Little Things set that will help me plan TV and meals each night. Although TV I can always be caught up with later, I've found myself consistently missing favourite shows so this should get me back on track. The cleaning stickers are probably the most 'adult' sticker's I'll ever own. I hate wasting precious weekends doing lots of chores so starting in the new year I'm going to spread them out between evenings during the week. That way I won't feel overwhelmed and will stay on top of things. 

Are you planner obsessed like me? Which are your favourite stickers?

ox Lucy

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Christmas Gift Guide for the Big Kid - Blogmas Day 9

Let's face it, each family has that one grown up who never quite received the 'you're an adult now' memo. These are some of the most fun people to buy for so here's a round up of some of the most awesome gifts that'll keep your 'big kid' entertained all Christmas long

For any Star Wars fans who like to take control come BBQ season, these Light Saber Tongs are quite the novelty gift AND they're actually useful.If you're wanting to push the boat out that little bit further though, Hawkin's Bazaar have 20% discount on a remote control inflatable R2d2. This one is a little less practical but imagine the hours of fun you'll have on Christmas day!

Beer Pong is the ultimate adult drinking game, perfect for the competitive natured. You can easily make your own game but this Beer Pong kit comes with everything you'll need. If you're looking for a Secret Santa gift this will be welcomed by most. Have you played Cards Against Humanity yet? If not, you need to. 

You'll send somebody right back to their childhood buy buying them an adult space hopper but maybe send with a safety warning. These Retro Sweets Jars come all ready packaged and make great throwback stocking fillers too.

When I was a kid I'd love going to sleepovers and making popcorn for a movie night. Popcorn makers are really affordable and perfect for student night's in with flatmates. Another choice for a group of students or for a Dad to play with his is a Nerf Gun. Yep, don't think they're just for kids- even I'd like to run around the house having a Nerf war with my nieces and nephews this Christmas. 

The final three are ideal stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts. Build Your Own Batmobile looks super easy and will keep your big kid amused whist waiting for the turkey. I've never heard of Lapkins before but this genius gift from Topman will ensure lots of giggles at the dining table. Finally, for that secret Santa you have no idea what to buy, Basket Case. A great game for the easily amused. It'll make those working hours over Christmas go a little quicker.

Who's the Big Kid in your family?
ox Lucy

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Dublin: The Bucket List - Blogmas Day 8

My friend and I are off on a mini festive break this week. When searching for things to do in Dublin there was a lot more than supping a pint of Guinness that caught my attention. Here's my Dublin bucket list full of my must-do experiences in the city. 

-Spend an afternoon people watching on Grafton Street

-Listen to some traditional Irish music

-Eat Irish stew with Colcannon - a traditional Irish dish of creamy mash with cabbage

-See a Leprechaun, real or otherwise

-See if Irish soda bread is better than my home made version

-Complete the Twelve Pubs of Christmas challenge

-Take a bus tour - this is on my bucket list for pretty much every city that offers the open top bus tour

-Visit a tea rooms and eat Barmbrack - this traditional Irish fruit cake seems right up my street

-Drink a pint of Guinness

- Take a stroll in the Botanic Gardens

Have you been to Dublin? I'd love to hear your tips and recommendations 

ox Lucy

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Red Apple Wreath - Blogmas Day 7

During the power cuts in Lancashire over the weekend my obsessive candle hoarding finally proved to have a purpose. Our living room looked beautiful by candle light with a mixture of tea lights and larger candles dotted around sporadically. Whilst I was careful not to use more than one scented candle in a room at one time, this was the perfect opportunity to use up some candles and give me an excuse to replenish my stocks.

Yankee Candle's Red Apple Wreath has been lurking around for a while and I wish I'd used it before now. The warm cinnamon scent is sweeter than you'd expect thanks to the apple and maple notes so if the usual festive candles don't do it for you, this might be the one. 

I only used the votive size but I might treat myself to a jar of it I liked it that much.

Were you affected by the floods this weekend?

ox Lucy

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Christmas Acts of Kindness - Blogmas Day 5

'Tis the season of good will and whilst we're shopping for gifts for loved ones it's important to remember those who might not be as lucky as us. Be it the financially poorer, ill of health or somebody who's lonely this Christmas, there are so many ways we can lend a helping hand. 

- Donate Christmas food to food banks. If your local supermarket has cranberry sauce on two for one or you have more than enough packets of stuffing mix, give some away to those who might need a little extra help for Christmas dinner.

- Help an elderly relative or neighbour decorate.

-Have a pre-Christmas clear out to make room for new gifts and give anything in good condition to charity. Lots of people shop at charity shops for presents and that autobiography you received last year and will never read could be somebody's favourite gift this Christmas. 

-Take on a chore you wouldn't usually do. Offer to peel the veg this year and give your parents a break or clean the house before all your family arrive to exchange gifts. I'm providing Christmas dessert this year. Whether I'll bake it or buy is still to be decided but it's one less thing for my parents to think about.

- Donate a toy to a children's charity. My local supermarkets have a basket where you can drop off new toys. Local Children's hospitals run similar schemes so it's worth doing a quick google search to see how you can get involved.

-Give up some of your time to help at a Christmas fair. I painted nails at my local fair this year.

- In each Christmas card you send write a little thank you note for something the recipient has done for you this year so they know it's not gone unnoticed.

-Take time to listen to Carol singers in the city instead of rushing past in attempt to get your shopping done quickly. Drop some change in their bucket too if you can.

- Leave a card and maybe even a homemade gift for the local milk man or your window cleaner. 

- Donate old hats, gloves and scarves to homeless shelters.

Of course random acts of kindness can take place all year round - I have a few more suggestions here but I'd love to hear some of your ideas too.

ox Lucy

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Winter Wonderland Mani - Blogmas Day 4

Essie - Blanc

Barry M - Diamond Glitter

Ciate - Celestial

I love a glitter cascade mani so for December I've strayed from my usual French polish design and opted for something a more winter wonderland inspired. Nest time I don't think I'll use Celestial, although I love the larger pieces of glitter the polish leaves a slight blue sheen making the transition look much less seamless. I still like them though and I've had lots compliments at work today.

ox Lucy

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The Christmas TAG - Blogmas Day 3

-What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
I'd love to be in a winter wonderland like Lapland where I could enjoy a picture perfect Christmas Day but for the entire holiday season it would have to be America. Watching the Thanksgiving parade would be a dream.

–Favourite Christmas movie?

The Grinch.. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then he thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, perhaps, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

-Are you on the Naughty list or the Nice list?
NICE! Never naughty :)

-Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Sadly not, I remember going to Spain one Christmas and when I got home everybody was talking about how it snowed on Christmas Day. Granted the snow wasn't anything spectacular but still, it would have been nice.

-Where do you usually spend your Christmas?
At home in Northern England.

–Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
Every Christmas Eve for as far back as I remember I have opened one gift. Each year it's a new set of PJ's and more often than not slippers. I always open it after my bath and spend the rest of the evening cosied up in my new jim jams on the sofa. 

-Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?
Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen.. and Rudolph! *Can I have a gold star for that one please?*

-What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year?
My favourite part of Christmas is Christmas Eve. Every year I do to the local church's Christingle with my family. That's the most important part of Christmas for me that I wouldn't change for the world.

-Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Fake it til you make it! But I burn a pinewood scented candle to give the home that authentic feeling.

-Hands down, what’s your all-time favourite Christmas food and Christmas sweet treat?
Pigs in blankets! I bloody love them.  

-Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?Both, I love shopping for gifts for others and knowing they're happy with the gift I've bought/made for them but I'd be lying if I was to say I didn't love receiving gifts too - who doesn't?!

–Does your family have a special Christmas recipe you like to help make?
My Dad makes mince pies every year. As a child I used o help but nowadays it tends to be my nephew taking on the role of Sous Chef.

-Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably?
The first few presents I wrap each year always look hideous. Once I get into the swing of things though they tend to look pretty neat.

–Most memorable Christmas moment?

When I was seven or eight I got a black and white video camera for Christmas. We spent the whole day filming each other and playing pranks. I wish we still have the VHS tapes from it - I'd love to look back on them.

-What made you realise the truth about Santa?
Erm what?

-Do you make New Year resolutions? Do you stick to them?

Every year I make a resolution - usually to get fitter, quit wasting money or to be more organised. I usually fail miserably but this is actually the first year I've stuck to my resolution. I'll be writing a post on this during the run up to New Year.

-What makes Christmas special for you?

Family, just being together watching Christmas TV specials and eating quality street before falling asleep on the sofa for a food coma induced evening nap.

Are you Taking part in Blogmas too? Leave your link below to let me know if you are. You can catch up with my latest posts here. Make sure you follow me on Bloglovin so you don't miss my new ones too.

ox Lucy

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A Disney Christmas Gift Guide 2015 - Blogmas Day 2

So here it is, without a doubt my favourite gift guide of them all. You might as well call it my wish list because I'm in love with absolutely all of it. 

I could have included everything on the Disney Couture website but this Ariel necklace is the cutest, I haven't delved into the world of Disney jewellery yet but once I do I know it'll be a slippery slope. Currently Beauty and the beast is my favourite Disney film and I wanted to find some more sophisticated gifts for the.. erm.. more mature Disney fan. This Beauty and the Beast print would make a perfect gift and it looks a lot more expensive than it is. The Belle silhouette notebook is another beautifully simple suggestion and 100% practical too - win! Along similar lines, art therapy is all the rage this year and the Disney Princess edition will be magical. Imagine your favorite Disney obsessive relaxing over Christmas with their new colouring book. Pair it with a set of crayons and your gift is good to go.

I've seen glitter phone cases everywhere lately but who knew they did Disney ones?! There's lots to choose from on Etsy but Olaf is the most seasonally appropriate. That being said there's an Stich one that's super cute too.

Primark always deliver when it comes to cute affordable Disney bits. The Bambi cosmetic bag would be a perfect stocking filler or fill it with some mini smellies and you've got a complete gift set for your friend. These Cinderella PJ's are awesome too - I saw them in my local Primark at the weekend but I have a feeling they'll sell out so shop quick! For something cosier this Mickey Mouse onesie is perfect; it even has a tail eeeek! 

The Disney Vans collection keeps getting better and better. There's a pretty big range now but if I was heading to Disneyland in the new year I'd be sporting this Disney Princess cap.. oh yeah! I'd also like this Minnie Mouse suitcase to start of my Disney journey in style. 

If you're looking to buy something a little more special, this collectible Mickey and Minnie Christmas Ornament won't disappoint.  Not only is it adorable, it also plays music, rotates and the dome at the top opens up to reveal Micky and Minne having a good old festive smooch.

Finally, a gift for all ages - this make your own Tsum Tsum kit could be the cutest thing ever! It's could be a cute Disney craft project for the holidays for adults and children or even for both to do together.

If you could receive one of these on Christmas morning what would you want? Feel free to link your gift guides below - I love reading them.

ox Lucy

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Christmas Planner Layout #1 & Welcome to Blogmas

Eeeeeeeek it's December! Are you as excited as I am - I hope so. It's finally time to wear our tacky Christmas jumpers and eat mince pies guilt free. No longer can people look at me in disgust when I say I've been listening to my Christmas Spotify playlist on the walk into work. 

Planning is a big part of December for me. With gifts to buy, parties to attend and this year Blogmas too I need to be more organised than ever. 

For week one I've eased into the month with a gingerbread theme.The individual stickers are actually part of a set from Poundland. Most of their stickers are aimed towards children and are reward based but it's worth a look to see if you can find some gems and at two sets for £1 they're the cheapest stickers I use. 

How cute is the Merry Christmas washi tape - I'll probably end up using this each week of December. Both washi tapes I've used are from Paperchase I featured in this haul. 

The rest are a mixture of sets I bought on Etsy from The Plump Planner and Plan with Jade. ALthough I don't hate the way these stickers look and I definitely love the cute designs but I do wish I could find some made specifically for the personal planner. I almost forgot to mention the little Passport and Check In stickers on Saturday and Sunday. They're part of a travel set I found on amazon. If you're planning a trip of scrapbooking your summer holidays I highly recommend this set.

Are you all organised for Christmas? Where do you buy your planning supplies from?

ox Lucy

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