The year in highlights
2017. What a year. So many amazing things have happened that would take like three years for me to talk about with you. I may be still suffering from an illness (rip me) but tonight I'll be starting my pamper evening to cheer myself up, and then stuffing myself with Domino's pizza while waiting for midnight to arrive.
Before the year is up, I thought I'd do my annual post about what made my year. Some are big, some are small, but these are what come to mind when I think about 2017. So without further ado, here they are...
My obsessions of the year
I ask this question EVERY time, but how are we already up with the year? I thought before the year completely escapes us, I better compile all my year's favourites together. Of course, it isn't everything I've loved - otherwise we'd be here till next next year, but it's what I really want to share with you guys!
So without further ado, grab a cuppa, settle down and read on to see all the things I've loved this year...
A jolly festive haul
Not going to lie with you. It feels kind of weird to be typing this post, and only because the whole of my blogmas was scheduled so I've not hit the 'New Post' button on blogger since last month. Holy moly.
Anyways, it's accidentally become a tradition to do this post straight after Christmas (while linking my haul in a video at the end) and it's because I LOVE reading/watching these and I'm a super nosy person. And I just thought you guys would want to see it too!! I'm super grateful for everything I've received and I'm so excited to dig into the Lush gift I bought myself... So without further ado, here's what I got...
Sending you all the love and cheer
Today is the BIG DAY WOOOOOOO! Obviously I'm typing this in advance because I'm sooo organised. But when you're reading this. It. Is. The. 25th.
I'm typing this to send you all the hugs and love on this day. I hope you guys get everything you wish for, create lovely new memories with your family and friends. And of course eat all the food!
A delve into the Christmas Day archives
I was scrolling through my picture folder on my laptop and came across these pictures that were taken on the big day way back in 2015. It only feels like yesterday that 2015 happened, and as it's Christmas Eve today (WOOOOOOOOOOO) I thought it was only right to finally add these to the blog...
Some makeup inspiration for the big celebration
I showed you guys at the beginning of the month my every day winter makeup. Today I'm switching it up and offering some inspo for party makeup that can be easily achieved if you're going for the warming sparkly eye look. This look is so versatile and my own inspiration for this came from the traditional red and gold colours of Christmas - and I also thought of crackling fires in the winter.
The best gifts for a last minute trip
Ok, Christmas is approaching FAST. And you don't have everyone sorted out. Welp. What do you get? Fear not, hopefully my post will be your savior for last minute ideas! So, sit back, relax and read on to see my inexpensive suggestions. Beauty, home or fashion... I've got your back!
Answering your most festive questions
It's blogmas. I've never really done a Q&A on this blog, but during this seasonal time of year - how many times do I have to type this in every post haha - it was only right to mix it up a bit and write one on the blog. Rather than going straight to YouTube...
I asked you guys on instagram and twitter what you wanted to ask me that was related to this time of year, and you did not disappoint! This is going to be short and sweet, so I picked my favourites. So, if you're dying to know the answers then read on!
Relax in seasonal waters
Before the big day with family and friends, it's always good to take some me time and put it into your hectic schedule in between sorting out presents and eating all the snacks the season has to offer. You don't really need all that much to make it as Christmassy as possible all while relaxing and making sure you're feeling your best.
So, here's a few pointers and products you guys can add to your routine and self indulgent pre-Christmas shopping list...
Classics to love this season
Apart from the music, decorations, buying presents and all the fun things that come along with the season of cheer, there's one thing that just about tops it all. Christmas movies! Ones that are cheesy, funny and so festive that there's an unimaginable love for them. And I wanted to share with you guys the three movies I've loved since my childhood, watched on tv, had on VHS and DVD and have watched them every year up until this day. And will in the years to come haha. So here they are...
Get your camera at the ready kids
Every time November and December roll around, I get reaaally excited to see what Central London has to offer in terms of decorations and displays to celebrate Christmas. It's just something that to me, makes this time of year even more warming to the soul and more excited to spend money on loved ones. And also take cute photos of the city.
Kill it at the Blogmas game!
Hello, we are now on day seventeen and I'm typing this on the 15th November. Haha I'm so sadly super organised. (Watch me jinx myself haha) Buuuut, I really wanted to do Blogmas this year as well as doing Vlogmas on my days off. And how was I going to do that? Well, there was only one option...
To do it all the month before!! Then, it hit me like a ten tonne candy cane guys, why not share what I've done to make this a silky smooth Blogmas and give you guys a few tips as well. That's if you're thinking of attempting next year as we're nearly at the end of the countdown! So, read on if you want to be as speedy as me...
Seasonal sweet smelling cheer
I love candles. Like really really love candles. And my favourite types of candles and what I always am dying to burn are Christmas candles. There's just something beautiful about them. It's probably because they're so warming and spice compared to the fresh floral ones that you can get in Spring/Summer.
I thought I would share with you guys the candles that are my absolute favourites for this time of year. All three are super strong in scent and can fill the room without even being lit. So after reading this, you might even be tempted to hunt out your own...
Easily bake Santa's favourite snack
Guys. It's SERIOUSLY not Christmas without mince pies. And what's better than your average supermarket mince pie? Homemade mince pies that are actually deep filled and not a marketing lie. Wow that got deep...
And this is my first official improvised recipe. A lot of the time I've just been using Tanya Burr recipes, but this time my friends, I took a BBC Food recipe (which I'll link at the end) and completely turned it to suit me.
It's so easy you'll be dying to make your own and to want to taste crumbly sweet pastry with perfect mince meat. That doesn't actually contain meat. I was lied to as a child. Anyways, enough deep thoughts, here's the recipe...
Spice up your instagram lifestyle
Aside from the excitement of Blogmas, one of my favourite things about this time of year is going to hangouts that are super popular with every blogger in the UK. Think amazing coffee, food, cake, aesthetics. It's a paradise for us to take pictures of flatlays and our surroundings. And then of course upload them to Instagram or the blog.
I have a few of my own favourites that I'm glad to have experienced during this wonderful time of year. And maybe a couple I wish I would have visited at this time of year... But either way, they will put a smile on your face!
My favourite products for winter skin
Now that it's getting colder, it seems my skin is getting drier. Meh. So I recently switched up my routine for my hydrating products. And of course there's no surprise here, when you see that it features Lush. I even left out my toner (Tea Tree Water) and moisturiser (Sweet Asa) because I felt this post would be too Lush orientated lmao.
Anyways, this is what I religiously treat my skin with every single day. Without fail. And especially in the run up to Christmas you need sweet looking and feeling skin!
All hail gingerbread
This pic that from insta is so pretty (
source here) and I promise is relevant to this post. Kind of. But who doesn't want the most Christmassy pic you can find in a blogmas post??
Anywaaaays, I don't know about you but I love getting into traditions. Especially when it's around this time of year... I've got a few that I'm all about doing and I thought it would be fun to share them all with you!
Treat them to something amazing
I did one of these posts last year and I loved doing it so much that I just HAD to do another this year. I tried to make it as different as possible, but there will be slight repeating. But let's be real, you can never go wrong with what I'm going to suggest because the people in your life deserve the best.
Wear the season on your sleeve
What's better than music, snacks and bath products centered around the season of Christmas? Jumpers! That's what. And over the past three years, I hate to admit I've grown quite a collection - and I don't plan to stop...
Save money AND create a winter wonderland
When it comes to the most jolly time of year I want to decorate every millimeter of my room with decorations. But alas, I don't have the money to buy everything I see in shops. But, in the past two years I've managed to create a traditional kitsch yet stylish festive theme for my room. All without breaking the bank!
Oh how I love you...
The dear gingerbread latte. Your sweet biscuitiness (I know that isn't a word leave me alone) fills my heart with pure joy. The kind of joy when you know Christmas is near, and that all things spicy and warm will make me feel like I'm home.
Making my room like the North Pole
I know I did a room tour last year, but I've bought a few new bits and bobs for my room since then and even got stuck in a bit of DIY. Ooooh. You guys probably recognise and few bits from the post I
did here last month, and it only seemed right to show them off in their new home. My aim is to keep my room looking as traditional and novelty as possible. And I think I achieved it. Soo, with visuals, let's get into what seasonal touches I have added...
Indulge in only the best
November and December are the months where I stock up on hot chocolate powder, marshmallows and whipped cream. And so I add them all together to make the most amazing hot chocolate...
It's always so nice to make one in the late afternoon or evening and watch a movie, vlogmas or read a novel with the fire on. Literal favourite pastime when it gets darker earlier! It's just essential for feeling warm inside as well as out.
So it was only right to put in this simple yet super warming hot chocolate recipe during this blogmas season. Plus, I can show off my gingerbread man mug that I am so so in love with. So read on to see how you can get in the festive spirit...
Bring the festive cheer to the bath
I LOVE A BATH. In fact, it's EVEN better if it's a Lush Christmas bath. Because let's face it. It's the best time of the year when the company releases the collection. Even though all the products have their own unique scent, there's some that can go so so well together it seems almost silly not to create a bath cocktail. Especially when you're taking a break from all the rush of work or shopping for presents.
Books to warm your soul
You know that whole chicken soup for the soul thing? Yeah, I feel like festive reads are just like that, they are full of Christmas goodness that it makes you feel whole and warm and fuzzy inside. I've got a few that are my ABSOLUTE favourites! They're all funny, lighthearted and perfect for picking up whenever you want. And I felt like it's about time I shared them with you! Soo, read on to see what you need to buy next on your trip to the book shop...
Feel festive like a snowflake
I always pull out the silver and red lip at this time of year. It makes me feel sooo Christmassy (is that even a word idk) and I'm getting all excited now!! What makes this every day look extra special for the season is that I put a bit of an iridescent green in the inner corner and I think it makes it look super pretty.
Have a Christmas party every day
To me, the BEST part of Christmas is the music. Playing festive songs from the likes of Mariah Carey to Wham! while you're doing present shopping, writing blog posts or even going to work can bring a smile to anyone's face. I hope. Unless you're Scrooge.
It's the season of Christmaaas
The festive season is upon us. And even though I am typing this way earlier than this post is being published, welcome my friends to the first day of Blogmas!! *sleigh bells ring out*
Now that December is finally here, you can bet I'll be opening my first door on my chocolate advent calendar. What's the build up without one? I also have a few other favourite things that I want to share with you guys! And that's not just including advent calendars...