I bake a Christmas cake every year without fail even if I end up baking it on Christmas eve and adding the icing on Christmas day. This year however, I had enough time to bake a cake and some Christmas shortbread biscuits. The idea for the Christmas shortbread biscuits came from Tanya Bakes, I used her chocolate chip shortbread recipe without the chocolate chips and then decided to use cookie cutters and add icing after seeing her Christmas cookies recipe. They turned out really well and I really enjoyed icing them, without Love Actually playing in the background because you have to have a Christmas film or music playing whilst preparing for Christmas.
Having three weeks from off from University gives me the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and get on with few things I've been wanting but haven't had the time to do.
1. Finish my dissertation
It's due just as I go back and I only have around 500 words left to write.
2. Watch 'It's a wonderful life'
It's a classic film that I've never seen but it is something I plan on rectifying.
3. Backup all of my work onto my hard drive
I really need to do this, one because it's something we should all do and two because my computer is nearly full.
4. Update my CV
I plan on applying for graduate jobs after christmas but in order to this I need to make sure my cv is update and the best it can be.
5. Catch up with old friends
Something I always look forward to doing and have already began doing, just because me and another friend from the group are both returning to University near the beginning of January so it was easier to meet before Christmas just incase there wasn't time afterwards.
What do I mean by unknown Christmas films? The ones that are released on the Christmas channel on sky or on Netflix basically the really cheesy ones, I thought I would share a list of the ones I've watched this year. I don't know where I found the time to watch this many though.
1. A Wish for Christmas
2. A Christmas Prince
3. Christmas Inheritance
4. A Christmas Kiss
5. A Christmas Detour
6. Snowed- Inn Christmas
If I was to recommend three I would say A Christmas Kiss, Snowed- Inn Christmas and A Christmas Prince.
There is nothing better than curling up on the sofa watching a film, an episode of a tv show you love or in bed with a really good book with a hot drink. My favourite time to have a hot drink is when I get in from work as it helps me to relax before going to sleep especially in this cold weather.
My favourite hot drink is a baileys hot chocolate with marshmallows. I usually make it by heating a mug of milk in the microwave, once it is heated I add a couple of teaspoons of chocolate powder, I use cadburys and once I have stirred it in I add a cap full of baileys before topping with marshmallows. If I have some chocolate in the house I may grater some on top as a little extra. And that's it!
While the year is nearly over there is still a couple of films I want to see, however, I don't know if I will have time to see them whilst I am home over Christmas! I'l try though.
The first is 'Pitch Perfect 3'. In all honesty I never thought I would like 'Pitch Perfect' when the first film was released I wasn't overly keen on watching it and then a few people I had spoken to had said it wasn't worth watching. One quiet evening in found me sitting down to watch it and I loved it! I remember thinking I should have watched it sooner, and now there is a third film whilst I am excited I'm also slightly apprehensive what is there left to do? Will it ruin the entire concept? I'll just have to wait and see.
The second and final film is 'The Greatest Showman' I first watched the trailer for this film when I went to see 'Paddington 2' at the cinema and really enjoyed listening to the song 'This is me' which plays throughout the trailer, let's just say I've been listening to the soundtrack ever since.
I spent 7 hours in the library this afternoon and was in desperate need of upbeat music to keep me motivated. I cannot write essays listening to songs with lyrics but the work I was doing to today was my own work meaning I could listen to songs with lyrics. Hooray! I started off listening to 'From Now On' from The Greatest Showman soundtrack as it has been keeping me motivated these past few days, however I thought it would drive me crazy if I listened to it for seven hours straight so I decided to play some musicals. I thought I would share with you the musicals I've been listening to today and in the order I listened to them:
1. Fame (More Music from the Motion Picture) from the 2009 film
2. Annie - The film soundtrack though from the 2014 film I loved the film.
3. Oliver (1994 London Palladium Cast Recording)
4. Wicked! Reminding me of my 21st Birthday
5. Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
I also listened to Album Radios which is where Spotify generates a Playlist with songs based of the album you were previously listening. Another short post on the bright side my deadline is tomorrow!
Blogmas day 10 was 5 Things To Do When You Feel Unwell and guess who is currently doing a couple of them now... yes me! I can feel myself coming down with a cold as I've had a sore throat and a headache all day but with my deadline on Friday and the fact that I'm currently doing work for a deadline after Christmas I don't have the time to wait it out, so my plan is to not stress about it and power through. I'll put on my most comfortable clothes, play all of my favourite songs whilst doing work in the library and make sure I have a hot drink with me. It will be fine I hope.
In the meantime I plan on putting on a Christmas film whilst I sort myself out for tomorrow and aim to be asleep before 2am.
I'm sorry this such a short post today whilst my deadline is approaching and I'm preparing to go home for Christmas they might be a bit shorter than usual. To try and make up for it I thought I would leave you with this video from Tom Fletcher's The Christmasaurus.
On the 12th day of blogmas I chose to post to thee...
So far this year I've barely had the chance to think about Christmas as I have been so busy with uni work, my family have been asking me what I want since November to which I replied I'll tell them at the beginning of December did I know what I wanted then? Only just, I spent around half an hour thinking of things I would like and then decided to include things that I need like shower gel for uni. I may as well it saves me having to buy them. It isn't until the past couple of hours literally as I was planning this post that I have found a couple more things that I like. I thought I would share with you all my 2017 Christmas wishlist.
1. Caroline Gardner Rose Tinted Thermal Mug - John Lewis
You are now allowed to take coffee into the library at my university and I am so happy, the number of times I have wanted a coffee whilst working in their and never ended up getting one as I would lose my seat. Also I'll be able to make a coffee or a tea and take with me in the mornings saving me money.
2. 'Some Kind of Wonderful' by Giovanna Fletcher - Amazon A book is always on my christmas and birthday lists, I loved reading 'Billy and Me' and 'Always with Love' so I thought why not add this one to the list.
3. Almond Milk & Honey Calming and Protecting Hand Cream- The Body Shop Hand cream is an essitenaly of mine, I have some on my desk and some in my bag with me at all times. I'm forever washing my hands, slight ocd so they are always dry the cold weather only makes it worse.
4. Instax Mini Colour Filter Lens Set - Urban Outfitters I love the look of these and think I could have a lot of fun with them.
5. 'The Atlas of Beauty: Women of the World in 500 Portraits' by Mihaela Noroc - Amazon My dissertation tutor showed me this book during one of supervisions and it's something I am interested in reading, not that there is much text but I hope you know what I mean.
6. Mobile Lens Kit - Urban Outfitters I'm a photography student anything that can enhance any aspect of my photography is something I am interested in having, I'm hoping this will transform a few of my Instagram photos when I don't have time or access to my camera.
7. Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Restoring Body Lotion- The Body Shop I prefer the body lotion to the body cream as it is nice and light.
8. Almond Milk & Honey Soothing and Caring Shower Cream- The Body Shop I need some more shower cream and love this product by the body shop, it's perfect for my skin.
I purchased the roll on of this perfume when it was on sale in Boots over the summer and loved it, the scent isn't too overpowering.
10. 'The 365 Bullet Guide: How to organise your life creatively, one day at a time' by Zennor Compton - Amazon I am obsessed with my bullet journal, I honestly have no idea how I would have survived this past year without it, and I'm looking forward to reading this book and expanding my journaling.
11. HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer, White - John Lewis I think this is perfect as a photograph student I am forever taking pictures and now I will be able to print off the ones on my phone straight away!
12. Nellie Manicure Set- Oliver Bonas This manicure set is so pretty, I love the purse as I am forever losing all of my manicure stuff.
The majority of gift guide posts I've seen are mainly gift guides for him or her so as a student I've decide to put together a gift guide of things students may love to receive so if you are still deciding what you want for Christmas there might be something in here for you.
An Experience
You don't have to buy a psychical gift, you could perhaps treat your friend or family member to tickets to see their favourite play or to The Harry Potter Studio tour, it's something you can do together and will create a memories that will last forever.
If you have a friend or family member that loves to drink tea then a mini teapot makes the perfect gift, I personally drink a lot of tea when writing essays and love to refill my teapot as I go.
Whilst your their why not also treat them to some tea to go with it. Whittard has a variety of flavours and if you have a large store nearby you can pop in to smell the tea before you buy it. They also give out samples for you try there and then but also to take home. I would recommend the Mango and Bergamot tea along with the extravagant Earl Grey. Whittard also sell a variety of coffee and hot chocolate for those who don't like tea.
Headphones make the perfect gift for music lovers and these particular headphones have a noise reducing feature which is for great when you want to drown out the sounds of people talking in the library or perhaps the noise within a coffee shop if you decide to work in there for a change of scenery.
With only 10 shots per role of film, using an Instax mini camera can become quite expensive, however if you were to buy some film for a friend or ask for some yourself it will save you some money.
Bullet journals are very popular right now with layouts that suit all, these Tombow Brush Pens are perfect for those who love to journal in a creative way these pens are perfect. On one side they have a large brush tip great for calligraphy and the other is a fine tip. The ink in the pens are water based and can therefore be blended. Whilst these may seem slightly expensive I assure you they are worth every penny and by ordering a large pack you can have a different colour for every month of the year. The Pen Company sell four different packs, Primary colours, Secondary colours, Pastel and Earth all for a reasonable price they also offer same day delivery so you aren't too late to order a pack in time for Christmas and the delivery is extremely quick, I believe my pack arrived a day or two after my order had been placed.
How to Bullet Plan: Everything You Need to Know About Journaling with Bullet Points by Rachel Wilkerson Miller - Amazon
If you are knew to bullet journaling or if you have had a bullet journal for a while this book is perfect for suggesting things you can add to your journal thus making you more organised.
The worst thing to happen at this time of year is to fall ill even if it's just with a cold well especially with a cold as they make you feel rotten and can last for days. It is the busiest time of year, with work do's, University deadlines and then the business of Christmas and you just don't have the time to spend in bed. But when you are going to be ill you are ill and whilst your head maybe thinking you don't have time to be ill and is therefore trying to soldier on, your body is telling you to take a break and recuperate. And to be honest the quicker you do just that the quicker you will be back on your feet. I also find being ill quite boring to be honest as a teenager I would always want to go to school rather than stay at home all day. Strange right! I'd always regret afterwards though when I would spend the next few days lying on the sofa feeling worse for wear. I thought I would share with you 5 things I like do when feeling ill.
1. Watch your favourite film
When I am feeling ill I like to watch one of my favourite films and unusally I happen to have a specific film I watch when I'm feeling ill it is Notting Hill, I first watched the film after my Dad came to collect me from college because I felt really unwell and since then I seem to only watch the film when I'm feeling ill. Although around Christmas I enjoy watching Hallmark Christmas films, what's great about them is that you can predict the ending, the boy is going to end up with the girl it's just a matter of how and because of this it makes those films easy to watch.
2. Have a hot drink
Hot drinks are your best friend when feeling ill, not only does it warm you up it also keeps you hydrated helping to aid your recovery.
3. Allow yourself to sleep throughout the day
Sleep is another thing that helps aid recovery and you also don't feel as ill whilst sleeping so don't fight it when you feel yourself drifting off to sleep even if it's during you favourite film, no doubt you have seen it at least a thousand times.
4. Wear comfortable clothing i.e pyjamas
When you are unwell you don't want to be lounging around the house in jeans, you want to be in a pair of your favourite pyjamas with a blanket wrapped around you.
5. Don't stress
You have so much to do and think about and your body has gone and betrayed you by getting ill. What are you going to do now? Don't worry about it, just focus on getting better for the time being everything will work itself out in the end and you stressing about it isn't going to help you get better.
Today we had our second Interim exhibition. My work has taken a fairly large turn since the first interim. For example my original plan for my final major projects was to shoot on location as a lot of my work in first and second year was studio based. However, I am now back in the studio.
The feedback I received this time around was to do with a few technical things such as adding a reflector so there was more light around the eye. I was also told that because of the depth of field and the confrontational look of the eye. The image is very intriguing make the observer want to know more about the subject.
It's blogmas day 9! This week has been a very busy week, it's coming up to the end of term and with deadlines approaching and christmas approaching it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. I thought I would share with you all what I've been up to this week, that's if I can remember it's gone so fast it feels like a blur.
I met up with one of my best friend's and her mum in Leeds on Tuesday. We met during our first year of University but because I took a year out on placement whilst she didn't I'm having to complete my final year without her, which I have to admit is strange. I was in the library the other day and it brought back memories of the days me, her and another friend would spend in the library doing research, editing work and writing essays together. It was really nice to see her though and catch up, she has just started a blog as well, you should all go and give it read it called Waddingon and you can read it here.
I've posted every single day of blogmas so far and I'm pretty proud of myself this is something I really want to continue with as I think it will help me to post more constantly in the future. I'm currently loving all of your support so far on here and my Instagram, thank you. If you want to follow me on my blogs Instagram you will find it in the sidebar, the Instagram account on the home page is my personal one, feel free to follow me there too if you want.
I've completed my Christmas spreads in my bullet journal and I'm now feeling a little bit more organised when it comes to Christmas, I plan on buying presents next week.
The Christian Union held a Carol Service on Wednesday night and it was lovely, they held it in the cathedral next to the University and I have to admit it was strange to think in a few months time I'll be graduating in there, it was also exciting though.
I discovered Shane and Shane's Christmas album 'A Worship Initiative Christmas' and have it on repeat since. My favourites are 'Go Tell It On the Mountain' and 'Joy to the World'.
I ticked off one thing on Niomi Smart's list of things to do before 2018 and tried a new workout by attending a body vibe class. I have a weakness in my left knee so it was a bit painful but I'm doing exercises for it so I know in time it will pass. I really enjoyed the class though and plan to go more when I return to University in the new year. Check out my post Taking part in Niomi Smart's 10 Things To Do Before 2018 | Blogmas Day 4 to see what else I plan to do.
This is my third year purchasing a No7 beauty advent calendar and so far I am loving what I have received. I was trying to make all of my old make - up items last as long as possible to avoid buying anything new before I opened the calendar on the 1st December and I am so thankful I did, I'm also extremely thankful the mascara was behind door number three, I don't know what I would have done if it was later on in the month. I thought I would share with you all what I have received on days 1 - 8.
Day 1 -Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum
I haven't tried this product as I don't usually use serums, however I was happy to see on the packaging that it is suitable for sensitive skin.
Day 2
Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream
This is another product I haven't gotten around to using yet, I prefer to keep small day creams like this one for when I am travelling.
Day 3 - Exceptional Definition Nutrient Enriched Mascara
This mascara is incredible, my favourite thing is the wand, half of it is tailored for your top lashes and the other half for the bottom leaving you with a flawless and natural finish.
Day 4 - Airbrush Away Primer
This primer is lovely it leaves your skin feeling smooth all day and is the perfect base to apply your foundation to, I apply just before applying concealer as I don't wear foundation, it works just as well.
Day 5 - Protect and Perfect Lip Care
I couldn't find my usual lip balm the morning I received this so I took it out with me. It's perfect for keeping my lips hydrated and is something I would consider purchasing.
Day 6 -A mini eye shadow brush
Perfect for taking with you on the go and in preparation for day 7.
Day 7 - Eye Shadow - Matte Mocha
A really nice colour that looks really good with my skin tone I don't usually wear eye shadow, but this is very subtle.
Do you ever wonder around the shops or spend hours online making a mental note of all things you would buy when you have your own home, I've found I've been doing this more and more as I've gotten older, and to a certain extent I've had the opportunity to buy a few things when shopping for my university room to make it feel more like a home.
1. Lit Pinecone Christmas Fairy Lights, £18 as they are 40% off, The White Company
2. Jormaepourri Pine Cone and Orange Bag, Large, £15, John Lewis
There is a bit of a theme to the things I like I am currently loving anything with stars on at the moment so the star decorations are a must it's the same for fairy lights and candles extra lighting always makes your home feel cosy especially on a cold winter's night. I know the wrapping paper isn't really a decoration but I think it becomes one once you've wrapped friends' and family's presents and put them under the Christmas tree.
What things would you put on your Christmas Decoration Wishlist?
Hello, today I thought I would share with you songs I enjoy listening to in the run up to Christmas. I have created two separate playlists as when writing essays listening to songs with lyrics distracts me, so I usually play a soundtrack from a film or any other form of instrumental music.
If you don't have the time to listen to every song on these playlists I would recommend "Go Tell It On the Mountain" by Shane and Shane, 'It's Christmas' by Chris Tomlin,' Shining light' by Rend Collective and 'The Polar Express' by Tom Hanks from the above playlist.
From the below playlist I would recommend 'Christmas at Hogwarts' by John Williams, 'Suite From The Polar Express' by Alan Silvestri and 'Let it Snow' by Lindsey Stirling.
Another quick post again today as I've been really busy preparing for my deadlines, however, some of these songs are really helping me stay motivated during this busy time.
What songs do you enjoy listening to at Christmas?
It's blogmas day 5, so I've decided to compose a list of films you should watch this Christmas.
1. The Holiday
2. The Polar Express
3. Love Actually
4. The Muppets Christmas Carol
5. Arthur Christmas
I was discussing this with my housemates and there was much debate as to whether 'Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone' and 'Die Hard' are Christmas films. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Yesterday Niomi Smart posted a video on Youtube discussing 10 things she wants to do before 2018, I am going to be honest and say I would not be able to complete everything on that list so I'm going to take a couple of things out or slightly change a few things adding my own spin on it.
1. Read a book
I'd hope to at least have read a book a month this year but sadly that hasn't happened but if I plan to read a whole book before the end of the year. I don't know if it will be one off of my 2017 reading list as I can't remember if I brought any of those with me.
2.Walk 10,000 Steps
Whilst at University I live opposite a park so to ensure this happens as much as possible before I return home for Christmas I might start going for morning walks.
3.Try a new workout
I'll take a look at the classes that are currently on at the gym I am registered too and keep you all updated.
4. Spring Clean
I've been planning to clear out and update my wardrobe for a while now.
5. Go to a Gallery or Exhibition
There is currently an exhibition to do with Harry Potter going nearby where I live, one which both me and my housemates are interested in attending.
6. Go on a road trip
Does going back home for Christmas count as a road trip? If not I'm off to visit a friend in Leeds tomorrow., so that should count.
7. Go to the Cinema
This is something I've done! I went to see Paddington 2 on Friday with a couple of friends.
8. Me time
Once my deadlines are over with for the term I'll consider this one.
9. Be grateful /Reflect on my goals for the year
I'll do a post of some of the things I am grateful for during some point this month.
Do you have a list of things you want to do before the end of the year, or are you interesting in also taking part in this?
It's blogmas day 3 and today I thought I'd share with you my top 5 Christmas adverts of 2017, being a student and not watching any live Tv means I've had to go and watch all of the adverts on youtube in order to write this post. It's been fun though and means that I've actually watched all of the Christmas adverts this year as usually I don't end up watching many or any unless people recommend them. These are in no particular order:
1. John Lewis
John Lewis never disappoints it’s clear their adverts are well thought out and carefully planned. And I love their music choice. I can understand why people cried at the advert I have to admit I did tear up whilst watching it.
2. Sainsburys
A fun advert that puts a smile on your face it has a song that sticks in your head hours after watching it, this is another well carefully planned and thought out advert. I love how different it is!
3. Boots
A lovely advert, well thought out about family and the memories you have as well as the ones to come the message in this advert is that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. The song worked really well with the advert as well.
#showthemyouknowthem
4. Morrisons - Free From Christmas advert
Is a simple yet sweet advert that links with what they are advertising.
5. M & S
Lovely advert featuring Paddington Bear, I first saw the advert whilst I was at the cinema waiting for Paddington 2 to start. It’s a lovely advert for all ages showing true Christmas spirit.
What are your favourite Christmas adverts of 2017?
It's December which means I can no longer feel guilty for listening to soundtracks from Christmas films whilst doing my work. This year I have decided to set myself the challenge of blogmas, with this being my final year at University by attempting to also tackle blog mas, it is really going test my organisation skills, I'm clearly already off to bad start considering I'm combining day one and two together.
I can't believe it's December already, this year has flown especially this first term of uni, whilst I am looking forward to Christmas at the moment I can not quite see past the 15th December which is my first big university deadline, to get me in the Christmas spirit I've decorated a mini Christmas tree my Mum bought me during my first year which feels like such a long time ago. I've also got a lovely Christmas wall paper courtesy of the company Ella Iconic who creates free monthly wallpapers for your phone and laptop.
Speaking of Ella Iconic on the 11th November a friend and I took a very early train to London to go Stylist Live, there I had the opportunity to visit Ella Iconic's stand and meet the lovely person behind the company. We had spoken briefly on Instagram but it was really nice to get to talk to her in person. For those of you who do not know Ella Iconic is an online company that sells stationary as well as a few jewellery bits. Whilst I was there I bought the most beautiful pair of elephant earrings. And had a look at her planners as well.
I already have a bullet journal but for those of you who may be looking for a new planner for 2018, I would highly recommend the 2018 Daily CEO of my own life planner, as it's diary with extra pages for goals and habit tracking it may seem a bit expensive but it will be worth it especially if you don’t have the time to create a bullet journal. Or it would make a lovely Christmas present for your very organisedfriend, if not check out her earrings unfortunately the elephant ones are currently sold out but there are a lovely pair of paw earrings for yourself or your dog lover friends. If you do purchase anything say hi to Ella Iconic on Instagram she is lovely to talk to, and give her a follow whilst your there her post of her creative spaces are beautiful.
You can find Ella Iconic's diaries and earrings here
