Morning Chums. I trust you all had a fabulous weekend.
I spent my saturday walking round Warwick Castle enjoying the sites, watching the owls being flown and learning that I have MASSIVE VERTIGO...
I go to the top of the highest turret and realised I was about to faint due to fear, and the realisation that I would need to make my way down the steep stairs. That was scary.
All in all my weekend was lovely. I found some new blogs, which I am excited to watch, and I drank lots of tea.
Favourite Book:
I have started reading Is It Just Me by Miranda Hart. If you don't know who she is get on iPlayer now and watch some of her shows - she is just hilarious.
So far within her book I have noticed 2 things;
1) She writes how she speaks. Which is of course AMAZING
2) The books is a self help book for those of us who find certain social situations difficult.
I am enjoying it so far because it is different from celebrity biographies that I read, it doesn't talk about the journey to fame (yet), and what diets work for them. It tells me about Miranda's first date, her awkward teenage years and I believe there is a section fashion (not got that far yet).
I am reading the e-book available at iTunes for £9.99
So last year me and him, discovered a lot of new television but one series really stood out for us.
Previously I had been a massive Desperate Housewives fan, I wonder if anyone agrees with me when I say the last series SUCKED.
We also loved the Homeland/Prision Break series but they had been watched and we needed something new. Then out of the blue Emily Thorne hit our screens in a new and exciting show - Revenge.
I am not going to go into great detail about the plot because if you haven't seen in then I would basically ruin it for you.
Check out the trailer below and then order the boxset from Play.com
Season 2 looks even more promising and starts tonight at 9:00 on e4! Popcorn at the ready.
Favourite Outfit:
Having had a weekend where I hardly looked at my laptop or a magazine I have not seen many new outfits. So todays favourite outfit is a Golden Oldie - but oldie as in months...
(Image and Credit to withorwithoutshoes.com)
Mixing the pastel and softness of an Angora sweater with a tough and statement mini skirt really could go so wrong. But this is perfection!
The sweater is from H&M and was modelled by Lana Del Ray so as you can imagine it sold out in second. There are a few kicking around on eBay - but you'll have to fight me first!
So over the next 3 months, I am stepping up my working life which is great for the bank balance but not good for the life of Blogging.
I will be halving the amount I posts. Sad I know. But you won't miss me that much.
Favourite Instagram:
Once again my Instagram is not working. It doesn't stop me from falling in love with all the amazing photo's that I am seeing.
Best of the week is @samanthadewinter
This account has the most pretty photo's gorgeous food ideas and great beauty recommendations.
I would love to have a working Instagram so that I can post pretty photo's alas it is not meant to be!
Favourite Music:
Over the Christmas break I have been able to spend some time listening to some amazing music! So hear is a few favourite - there is a lot of variety.
Wiley - Heatwave feat. Ms D
Such a good dancy song. I have been listening to this while I have been having a spring clean!
Rihanna - Stay (Feat. Mikky Ekko)
A really pretty little tune.
Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble
Loved this song from the day the album was released. Video is amazing.
I hope you like this weeks choices. Let me know if you have any good recommendations for music!
Favourite Outfit:
So as part of the new year, I have decided to take out the "My outfit for the day" segment but do a segment of someone else's outfit.
I decided I didn't like the idea of parading myself around to much. But if your going to miss this bit. Follow me on instagram for the odd outfit post @cat_gh
So my favourite outfit today is actually two outfits.
Mary Kate and Ashley Oslen have always been a great inspiration style wise for me. I haven't seen them around for a while until this popped up on my news feed.
I love the chunky cardigan worn as a coat.
But the piste resistance for me is the red hat! I would so love to be able to put of this look. Jean, Tee, Boots and Hat. But I just can't!
But this is perfection.
Favourite Fancy:
Even with Favourites and Fancies having a re-vamp for the new year no post would be complete without this section!
Todays item is a major lux! I will one day save enough money to buy one of these beauties!
I will miss 2012, because of the ease of writing it on a keyboard.
I'm kidding. But seriously this year has flown - like they always do.
I could very easily spend my morning writing about how amazing 2012 was for the UK, and me. Really thats a waste of time - you can read the news for that.
This morning my mental musings and colourful notes are about NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS.
I am hopeless at keeping them. However I have a found a method that will help me keep at least one of them this year. Make LOTS.
So here I am sharing with you the various resolutions I have this year.
JOIN: a Hockey Team:
I haven't played Hockey for YEARS.
Probably since school/I was 18. But I did used to play for Crowborough Hockey Club very briefly and for the school team. And I did love it.
My reason for wanting to do this is because I need a competitive sport to make me want to do exercise. I am not one of these people who enjoys going for runs/walks/or randomly to exercise classes. I have to actually want to do the exercise.
Hockey = Perfect Solution.
I am also really hoping to meet some amazing people whilst doing this. I don't have friend pouring out my ears, so it will be amazing to meet some different people by doing this.
It was not so long ago that I went to a friends house and had major waredrobe envy it was full of Topshop, ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Designer Bags/Footwear. I looked in my cupboard when I got home noticed that my wardrobe is full of lots of cheap clothes, shoes and bags.
I had more stuff that her but her stuff was infinitely better.
My new years resolutions is that this year I will give myself designated shopping days. Rather than spending randomly.
Each week at the end of the week I will put my spare change/any odd money, into a jar. Also each pay day I will give myself a % of my paycheque into the jar.
I will plan exciting days shopping where I can open the jar and spend only what is in the jar.
START: Saving Money:
Because of my random shopping habit - saving money is a real issue for me.
So hopefully these two will go hand in hand.
I aim to save £100 a month into a savings account. Setting up the standing order will be the turning point because once that is done it is done.
I aim to have a proper holiday this year - somewhere hot and far away. This will happen!
EAT: No Snacks:
Snacking is my favourite part of the day.
But it has started to take over my normal eating. I can now snack so much in the afternoon that I don't need dinner till 9pm - not okay!
Switching from my usually bag of Crisps snack to my carrot/pepper or apple sticks snack will help.
This will help me feel healthier and improve my metabolism.
DRINK: No Alcohol in Jan:
It happens to everyone. They have wine overdoses over the Christmas period.
Not only does it make you poorly inside but it piles on the weight. So "No Drink January" will be starting as of 12:00...
Welcome back! I have finally been coaxed out of my food coma!
Merry Christmas to all of you!
So today's and the rest of the weeks posts will be relating to gifts, sales and clothes - I will revert back to my usual style posts on the 2nd of Jan. It is nice to have a break sometimes.
What I got for Christmas...
More than usual this year I was throughly spoilt. Last year I think I may have had about 8 presents. This year we are looking at 28... Big difference.
I know it is not about quantity but quality. But sometimes - its is nice to have lots.
Today I am going to share with you some of my favourite presents.
So it is only recently I have found out the beauty of Lush products.
I have always been a little wary due to the fact that when you walk past the door you are hit by a smell that kind of insults the senses - you can practically taste the soap.
But their stuff really is amazing. They are all natural ingredients which is good for sensitive skin.
But I loved the way that my gift came.
Lush - Gift Set
I will review the use of these products at a later date.
Thank you my darling Ciara
These below were probably the most exciting gifts. Mostly because I wanted them all - but also I will use all of them!
If you read my blog enough you'll know that I eat popcorn verging on obsession!
So receiving a popcorn maker and 2 kg of popcorn could not have been more perfect.
Cath Kidston Mug Set
Popcorn Maker
Popcorn Kernels
Popcorn Cob
Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss
What sales will I be shopping in?
Naturally I will be doing some sale shopping but not loads - I am not in need of anything desperately.
But here are a few recommendations and tips for sale shopping!
1) Shop Online:
This year is the first year that I have not worked in retail over Christmas. It has been a massive eye-opener. I longing to shop on Boxing did actually come to me - but then I thought of all the tired, fed up and sad sales assistants and managers who had made there way into work on Boxing day to serve crazy sale shoppers. With that in mind I stayed at home and shopped online with a glass of wine in my hand.
Topshop.com did me proud. I received 20% discount for not going into store that day and staying at home. I purchased these little beauties... for £40
(Image from Topshop.com)
2) Go Early:
Don't expect that at 1pm that the sale section within your favourite store will be neat and tidy - it will be all over the floor and it will still be busy.
More than often after day 1 and 2 of the sales new sale stock comes out of the store room to fill up spaces.
3) Get it now:
So you have seen some beautiful things - but really they are still not cheap enough to call them sale items. Get them NOW! They don't stay around long.
£30 for this amazing Urban Outfitters jumper doesn't seem like a sale price but it will sell out quickly!
(Image from Urbanoutfitters.com)
My final note is a short one. Do stay festive. It is only a small amount of the year when we can be excited for christmas - enjoy the food and the drinks. So keep it going for as long as possible.
My favourite part of christmas so far has been watching my wee doggy play with her £1 christmas gift. She played by herself for 50mins yesterday entertaining the whole house!
Hands up if you have finished work for Christmas?!
Ohh me me me!!
I finished work late last night after having a really fun christmas party with my youth group!
It was mental and fun and reminded me why Christmas is so good!
I always enjoy writing my Friday post. Who knows why?
Maybe its because it is a bit longer!
Maybe it is because Friday is usually my day off and I get to do my fun things then!
Today is particularly special. I am venturing to Birmingham and visiting the Christmas Market. LOVE!
Favourite Quote:
Todays wee quote is from a classic book which as a child I read ALOT!
(Image from Pinterest.com)
I can still hear Pooh saying these word's. Simply put this is actually in my mind what Love really is.
Favourite Movie:
Again I haven't been able to choose just one this week. But I know thats okay!
I watched quite a few children's films this week. Reminding me of home, holidays and happy times with my family.
So these following films are part of my growing up my memories and part of my history!
Monsters Inc.
Probably my favourite Pixar, makes me cry with joy and sadness.
Sully is brilliant and is so fluffy! He is also my favourite colours.
The Land Before Time
I can remember as a child me and my sister sitting down to watch this together before Christmas because we loved it. Albeit a bit scary in some points for young kids.
It is a good storyline for friendship and family. But also about indifference - there is a lot of hidden "Anti Racism" messages in this film.
It is a true favourite of mine!
The Snowman
Shhhh... I have have never seen the Snowman - well not at a time in my life where I can remember watching it! Maybe when I was younger I did.
I have been told this year that I MUST SEE IT! As it is a right of passage.
Favourite App:
(Image from roaring apps.com)
This app has literally saved my live, when it has come to being stuck in a car having nothing else to do but shop while your driven somewhere.
I have also made the megabucks over this app. It is not so easy to list items on eBay through here however checking how they are doing and answering questions it's perfect for when your not sitting in front of a computer screen!
And... it's FREE!
(Image from happymoneysaver.com)
This is also a car journey app for me.
However for iPhone not so great as there is not much to see. On iPad it's awesome.
You can play as 1,2, or 3 people against the computer on various levels.
Also its really interactive. Trades are also really good - they are different than playing it yourself.
Only £1.49 for literally hours of fun!
Favourite Destination:
People always say that New Years Eve is always a massive let down, and therefore I think it is a slightly underrated part of the Christmas holiday! Because so much pressure is put on the evening it goes down the toilet. But it doesn't have to be as long as the planning is there and the excitement factor is there.
I have been trying to plan New Years Eve for weeks now. But the people who we are planning on spending it with however are so disorganised they ave no plans yet. For someone who plans things this is really hard to deal with!!
So I was researching some potential ideas for a party destination.
(Image form thesouthbankcentre.co.uk)
The Southbank Centre completely win my vote this year with there Vintage New Years Eve. If you can pay the whopping £90 ticket price, then you can have a 1920's cocktail bar, 50's bands playing, and the London fireworks. All in all the most stylish new years eve ever.
There are thousands and thousands of helpful blogs and articles on the web about planning a New Years Party and a successful one can be had in your own home.
1) Get the food right. Don't have a sit down meal if you don't have the space - don't ask guest to eat steak on a paper plate. Finger food - buffet is the best option and work to a theme. Italian Anti-Pasti always goes down well. Or tapas.
It is unlikely that people will not eat a full meal before they come as they know they are going to be in your home for a good few hours.
2) Get the start time right! Don't ask people to arrive at 7:00 if you haven't got entertainment planned people will get bored - no matter how much good music, drink and food you throw at them.
3) Get people doing something. A party with something to do such as silly games, garden treasure hunt or fireworks will be rememberable and fun so people will be more happy to stay around longer.
4) Get the drinks right! You can't ask people to come to a new years party and not give them something fizzy for when the clock strikes.
Lidl have some great (and tasty) sparkling wine for only £3.00 a bottle.
Or if you have the cash Moët Channdon in bulk buy will cost you £129.00 for a case in Costco.
Favourite Fancy:
So after making a bit of money on eBay this week.
My case of "The Want" is out of control.
(Image from topshop.com)
This cute Pork Pie Hat, needs to be mine!
I found out about a year ago I look fairly good in hats, I just haven't found on that looks like it can be worn in the day.
This is it.
It is pretty pricey for a hat though. £25! But I am sure it will last a long time.
Your feeling full all the time but Christmas Dinner is not over and you want that Christmas Pudding!
Christmas is a time of year where 2 parts of out body get a massive beating.
Livers - too much champagne and mulled wine.
Digestive System - too much food!
So I have been doing a little research. And here are three tips to feeling less bloated and sluggish.
1) Eat Popcorn
(Image from wikipeadia.com/uk)
Popcorn is one of the most filling food so only a small amount is required it also have very few calories. So when your family and friends are snacking on bags of sweets, chocolate - make yourself a small portion of popcorn. It will make you feel like you have had a snack but because you have only had a small bit not so full and sluggish.
2) Drink LOADS of water.
(Image from triple pundit.com)
To keep your intestines and stomach healthy and moving you need to drink about 2 litres of water a day. How I work this out is before you eat your meals, have a pint of water.
It is so good for you skin too!
3) Drink Hot Water with a slice of Lemon
(Image from Happyaccupuncture.com)
Lemon and hot water is a natural cleanser. Drink first thing in the morning even before a cup of tea! It washes out the bad stuff in your system from the night before.
Take also after you have had your meal - your going to feel full, sleepy and ready to lie down. For most this is not possible. The lemon in the water is sour so naturally wakes you up.
So those are my tips for having happy tummies!
But really if all of the above fail and you find yourself full and bloated.
Have to large spoonful of this...
(Image from pregnancyhealthtips.wordpress.co.uk)
Gaviscon - I practically drink the stuff. It settles stomachs and neutralises acid in the tummy.
You'll be plain sailing.
Happy Weekend!
Tune in on Monday for my Christmas Eve post before a 4 day break!
