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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Blogmas ideas 2015

So I've deiced to do Blogmas and during my creative brain storming session I came up with waaaaay more ideas that I needed/I could possibly write in one month of blogging so here's some ideas I might not get around to writing but you definitely should!

A festive themed throwback Thursday collection of photos.
Is your Christmas tree colour co-ordinated and Pinterest perfect, filled with handmade decorations or do you collect baubles from all over the world?
What was the best gift you received as a child?
Create your own naughty or nice list of celebrities or characters from your favorite book or TV series.
Re-gifting.. do you do it? Do frown upon it?
The best things about being single at Christmas are..
The best things about being loved up at Christmas are..
DIY a Christmas gift following and show us how it turned out.
Ever spent Christmas in a different country? Share your experience.

Share your Christmas music playlist.
Are you a gift wrapping extraordinaire or utterly hopeless? Show us the evidence.
Share a festive family recipe or try out a Nigella special.
The best Christmas you've had.
The worst Christmas you've had.
My Christmas Eve/Day routine.
What's on your list to Santa?
Are you a Scrouge? Why?
DIY Christmas cards.
Snap the decorations in your local town and share them in a photo only post.

How is Blogmas going so far? What have you learned from daily blogging?
Try a tradition from another country/culture and document your experience
Top 10 things about Christmas
Share some money saving tips or budget gift guides
Got a Christmas bucket list? Share it.
What are your favourite Christmas TV specials of all time?
Are your parents separated? How did this affect Christmas as a child?
Share your office party outfit
Or better.. your office party confessions!
If you work over Christmas - especially in retail- share your thoughts on it.

Are you taking part in Blogmas?
Make sure you follow me on Bloglovin so you don't miss a post!

ox Lucy

Christmas Gifts for the Career Focused

I've included two Neom Candles - one that claims to focus the mind and one to aide relaxation. Either one would make the perfect gift but the two together would go nicely - one for the daytime and one for the evening perhaps. 

Kate Spade offer this beautiful leather iPad case with a bluetooth keyboard. They're available in a variety of colours but this bright geranium shade makes such a statement. 

Every girl needs a watch right? It's one of those gifts you can't really go wrong with. Especially this Oliva Burton one that will compliment any outfit. 

Bando have some of the most adorable practical gifts - my favourite is this portable iPhone charger.

#GIRLBOSS has to be one of the books of 2015. I've seen it tweeted about and instagrammed so many times. It's enough to inspire those just starting out on their career path.

We all need stationery. Cute paper clips would make a perfect stocking filler for somebody starting their own business and handling their own admin. I found these metallic ones at a steal on eBay.

Granace Dore is the place to buy chic, simplistic desk accessories. I fell in love with the Parisienne feel of this notepad and desk top calendar.

Need I say any more about this letter rack and in-tray? Bravo Paperchase, Bravo!

Finally, This Works' answer to helping us get a good night's rest. Their sleep aides have been raved about over and over again and their 2015 gift set contains everything a girl (or guy) could need after a hard day's work.

Would you buy any of these? Who for?

ox Lucy

Nail Polish Addict's Christmas Gift Guide | Blogmas

1. Mavala Duo Set: Nudes 2. Ciate Tree Trinket: Naughty or Nice 3. Ciate Candy Cane House 4. Barry M Limited Edition Christmas Tree and Jingle Bells 5. OPI Bearest of them All

Christmas Bucket List | Blogmas

Christmas Movie Night

Jumping into my onesie and snuggling up on the sofa with some classic Christmas films is my ideal way to spend any December evening. Sky Movies have their own Christmas channel with the cream of the crop but I usually opt for Channel 5's cheesey films I've never heard of before.

Bake Festive Treats

I love baking for family and friends but there's so much more to sweet Christmas treats than the traditional mince pie. Christmas cookies make a great gifts. Whether you fancy sweet or savoury (or both), Pinterest is full of of Christmas themed goodies this time of year. I have an entire board dedicated to them, the tough part is deciding what I should bake first!

Hand Make Cards

Handmade gifts and cards are so much more personal and often save a pretty penny. I'm hoping to spend an evening making cards and gift tags this year with some Christmas tunes for my soundtrack to sing a long to.

Visit Christmas Markets

This is a tradition I've managed to keep up for the past 5 years and this year, with a girly shopping trip planned, I'll be visiting Christmas markets once again. I try to visit different ones around the country and so far my favourite is Birmingham's offerings closely followed by Manchester.

What's on your Christmas bucket list? Do you have any traditions you like to uphold each year?

Lucy x

Festive Gift Nails

Festive nails are the bestest nails. That statement is 100% factual and definitely not up for debate. I had a go at painting a bow on my signature nail as if it's a wrapped present and for my first attempt I'm quite impressed. My nails will get more festive as the month continues but for now I think this is pretty.

I used the 'Teal' by Barry M, white Models Own nail art pen and just your bog standard silver glitter polish to add a little sparkle - N.B. all festive nails must feature some glitter.. it's like the rules of feminism.

Aside from the 5 hours of uni today, this is the most productive thing I've done. My evening has been spent catching up with last night's Made in Chelsea and watching tonight's I'm a Celeb. I'm definitely Team Kian.

Have you been watching it? Who do you want to win?

Lucy ox

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Everyday I'm crumblin'

Comfort food is undoubtably a favourite at this time of year and what's better than an apple crumble for dessert.

Ingredients:

• 3 Cooking apples
• 75g Butter
• 100g Sugar
• 150g Plain flour
• 1tsp Cinnamon 

Mix the sugar, flour and cinnamon in bowl then add the butter. I find it easier to chop the butter into smallish cubes.

Use your fingers to gently rub all the ingredients together, making sure you do so evenly until it resembles a fine crumb like texture with no big lumps of butter.

Next, peel and core the apples before cutting them into cubes.

Saute the apples in a frying pan with a teaspoon of sugar. Stir occasionally until the apple cubes start to soften.

Transfer to an oven proof dish and sprinkle on your crumble topping.

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180ºC for 30 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown.

What are your favourite comfort bakes for winter?

Lucy ox

Happy December!

'Tis the season to be jolly fa la la la la..

So I'm a little bit excited that it's December. This month will see my final assignment submission of 2013, some festive trips with friends, manic alcohol and food consumption, buying gifts for my favourite people, and of course going home to my friends and family. I haven't seen my Mum since September so as you can imagine I can't wait to give her a big old Christmas cuddle! 

To celebrate the start of this festive season, I thought I'd browse the web to bring you the most bestest, most cheesiest, most festive jumpers I could find. I currently own three festive jumpers and two festive t-shirts.. yup! I'm quite the expert. Here's what I found..

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Unlike last year where Primark reigned supreme, almost every shop on the highstreet and interweb has offered up their serving to the festive plate of Christmas jumpers.

I'm particularly impressed with Topshop's present jumper. It's a more sophisticated style, one that my Mum would love and who doesn't love sequins at this time of year?! The same can be said for River Island's bauble jumper, although at £50 I think it's one to buy in the pre-Christmas sales.

The iconic coca-cola truck is a safe bet as far as festive wear goes. Good news is that Primark have many similar as well as a T-shirt version which I was gifted a few weeks ago by my lovely Mamma. 

New Look's pastel Christmas tree jumper has a secret.. it lights up! Yep! You thought you'd seen it all then BAM! Amazing! Along with Miss Selfridge's 'I want it all' jumper, I'd say these are the most subtle and sweet options out there. Definitely one for the girly girls. 

Which are your favourite? Have you bought one this year yet? I'm loving the Mickey bauble jumper which is actually from Topman. Love it!

Happy December :)

Love, Lucy ox