MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES

Christmas is less than a week away and there's nothing that gets you in the holiday spirit more than watching festive films. I love curling up on the sofa with a Terry's chocolate orange and chain watching my favourites. Personally, I start watching Christmasy movies at the beginning of December but if you're a little behind I would suggest starting with the following films. 

1. Elf - I believe this is most people all time favourite!

2. The Grinch

3. Harry Potter - Of course! 

4. Call me Calus

5. Home Alone 1 & 2

6. Nightmare before Christmas

7. The Holiday

8. Santa Caluse 1,2 & 3

9. Christmas with the Kranks

10. Bad Santa

11. Four Christmases

12. Love actually

13. Miracle on 34th Street

14. Mickey's Christmas Carol

15. The Family Stone

16. Merry Matrimony

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

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CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

I've been terrible for writing festive posts this year, life has been so busy for me recently. With Christmas fast approaching its time to get my head down and write the posts! Christmas has come around way too quickly and I'm not prepared in the slightest. I only officially started Christmas shopping last week and still need to buy a few pressies. Since everyone seems to have everything they want or need it was difficult to think of the perfect presents. In the end I thought about things I always enjoy receiving to generate some great gift ideas, hopefully everyone will love their Christmas presents this year!

Socks

Yes you read that right, socks! When I was younger I used to be a little disappointed when receiving socks but now it's one of the best things ever. They make great gifts, especially bed socks!

Pyjamas

Don't laugh when I say PJs, these are always a great gift, especially if you don't know what to get someone as Pyjamas are always needed all year round.

Fitness clothing

In my opinion sports clothing is one of the best gifts. Whether you go to the gym or do a specific sport, there is plenty of choice. I find that its always good to introduce some colour or patterns into sports clothing, look around the shops and find something a little different. I personally love Piba for my leggings, I brought some Iron Woman ones and use them for flexibility classes so I know first hand how durable they are as they can withstand splits! For people who don't "exercise", sports clothing can still be a good present, perhaps jogging bottoms or a new hoodie is exactly what is on their Christmas list.

Candles

I don't know about you but I think candles are a great present! They don't need to be expensive Yankee Candles (even though these are amazing), you can also find beautiful scents in supermarkets so have a little look around.

Personalised gifts

There are plenty of choices for gifts that can be personalised, whether its a present for adults or kids there are many options. For friends in the past I've purchased personalised mugs or Christmas Tree decorations that have always been well appreciated.

Experiences

Experiences can make amazing presents, have a little browse online and you'll be able to find an activity or day out to suit anyone. Whether it's driving a fancy car, enjoying a day drinking fine wines or taking part in a photoshoot.

Meal out

What do you get for a person who doesn't want nor need anything? Instead of buying something cute for the sake of it why not treat someone to a meal out. My friend and I are going to Zizi's for a meal as our Christmas present to each other, it's a great opportunity to go somewhere you wouldn't normally go so it makes it extra special.

Technology

Tech products are another great gift idea, whether its a new phone case or selfie stick there are so many options. I would personally recommend looking at Cath Kidston as they have some beautiful prints and it's great quality. 

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS

Christmas Eve is truly a magical time, we hang our stockings above the fire place and leave festive treats for Santa and his Reindeer to find. If you love Christmas I bet your pretty excited right about now! People all over the world will be getting ready to celebrate with Christmas Eve traditions, I don't have many myself so I did some research and found a few...

1. Visit the Christmas markets - Go for a nice walk, take in the Christmas atmosphere while enjoying a hot chocolate or mulled wine.

2. Sing some carols - Whether you've got a voice like an angel or a cat scratching a blackboard Christmas is the time when anyone can get involved!

3. Curl up with a good Christmas book.

4. Snuggle infront of the TV and Chain watch Christmas movies - Personally I love The Grinch, The Santa Clause and Miracle on 34th Street ...

5. Attend a Christmas service - I'm not religious but last year I attended midnight mass on Christmas Eve with friends, you will be told the traditional nativity story and sing some carols which can be good fun.

6. Hang your stockings above the fireplace and don't forget to pop some treats in someone else's for a surprise in the morning :)

7. Put out festive treats for Santa and his Reindeer! 

8. Wrap your presents - I'm normally more prepared but this year I'm running a little behind so, all my wrapping will be finished today!

9. Do some festive baking - Whether your a professional or amateur baker, making some festive treats gets you in the spirit of all things Christmas. Plus, you have some yummy cakes and cookies for Christmas morning. Apparently donuts are a very traditional Christmas treat, who knew!

10. Make some Eggnog - I've personally never tried it but I've heard good things ...

11. Dance around to Christmas music, we all love a bit of Mariah Carey.

12. Get creative and make a Christmas Ornament for 2015!

13. Open one small present because one more day is too long to wait and see what surprises you've got!

14. Take a Christmas Eve photo, gather your friends or family and get group shot! Better yet get the selfie stick out!

15. Take some time to switch off from technology and enjoy each others company while getting competitive playing some board games :)

Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone! 

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

With only 4 days until Christmas people will be going crazy and panic buying all the little bits and bobs they neglected to get! Town will be too busy for me to handle so I will be in hibernation mode until Christmas and Boxing day sales are over! Although for those of you who forgot to buy those little stocking fillers or presents in general, here are fifty last minute gift ideas ...

1. Bed socks - Without a doubt always a winner

2. Scented candles - My personal favourite is Yankee Candles Pink Sands! Beautiful smell :)

3. Mug

4. Sweets - Amazing from a little Sweet Shop and not just from the supermaket

5. Chocolate - Hotel Chocolate or Thorntans is always a winner!

5. Soaps or body wash - The Body Shop is a great choice!

6. Giftcards for Amazon, Tesco, Outfit, Boots - Anywhere you think they will love!

7. DVDs - For those who still collect DVDs, me personally I prefer everything on a hardrive!

8. Starbucks/Costa gift card for coffee lovers

9. Pyjamas - My friend Ema brought me some Alice in Wonderland ones and I love them! 

10. Notebook - I love Cath Kidston notebooks as they are so pretty.

11. Art supplies for the creative people in your life

12. Selfie Stick - This Cath Kidston one is amazing and is on my list!

13. Alcohol - At least your giving them something that won't clutter the house :)

14. Lipbarm - I love the Burt's Bees collection

15. Wolly Hat

16. Water bottle - I mean a pretty one :)

17. Travel mug

18. Jewellery - Pandora is always a winner in my eyes, although be prepared to que for hours in the shops.

19. iPhone case

20. Purse/Wallet

21. Socks

22. Personalised jar of Nutella - Obviously if you live near a Selfridges it's much easier to get this.

23. Hair accessories

24. Laptop case

25. CD - For the people who still love to have the actual item instead of downloading!

26. Soft toy - Your never too old for a little toy from your favourite Disney film!

27. Scarf

28. Gloves

29. Slippers - I got some bunny ones from Next :)

30. Lipstick - Mac always a winner!

31. Any kind of make-up actually!

32. Passport cover for travel lovers - Not on the highstreet have some great ones!

33. Travel Journal

34. Travel Listography - I got this as my secret santa and I love it!

35. Travel set - Including pillow, eye mask, bottles for shampoo and conditioner 

36. Favourite shampoo and conditioner - I know it may sound boring but I love it when I receive the Aussie brand as a gift!

37. Photo frame - Urban Outfitters have some beautiful ones 

38. Flowers

39. Stationary

40. Books - I recently purchased The Diary of Anne Frank after visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, it's very interesting and worth a read!

41. Kitchen supplies such as tea towels - For those new home owners or an auntie haha

42. Art

43. Ornaments - Disney store is always a winner in my eyes, obviously because I love DISNEY!

44. Some of their favourite, Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate

45. Baking equipment 

46. Handbag

47. 2016 Diary - A personal favourite of mine is the Cath Kidston Diary

48. Weekly / Daily to do list pads - For the people who love to stay organised, well try too! :)

49. Magazine subscription - Make sure they love the magazine first, for me it would be Vogue!

50. Cake - Maybe from The Cheesecake Shop or Patisserie Valerie and write on the present fragile!

Don't delay anymore get those last little pressies in time for Christmas :)

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

GIFT IDEAS FOR ALICE IN WONDERLAND LOVERS

Do you know someone who is obsessed with tea parties with the mad hatter? Or loves to escape to Wonderland? If you're shopping for an Alice in Wonderland lover this festive season I've got the perfect gift ideas...

Alice poster: abookononepage £39.99

I first saw these posters at a market in London, it's such a clever idea! A book on one page! This is the second book "Through the looking glass" but the first book is available and is pink instead of blue with Alice looking the other way. These would look amazing together, although at £39.99 I would buy them one at a time. If you prefer the original "traditional" illustrations from the books you can also choose from a selection of characters such as the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat and the King or Queen.

1. Bronze necklace: Etsy £6 || 2. Watch: Hot Topic $19.50 || 3. Cheshire Cat & Alice Laptop Case: Zazzle £26.40 || 4. Pyjama's: Primark £11 || 5.Title pullover jumper: Hot Topics $34.50 || 6. iPhone case: Etsy £12 || 7. White Rabbit toy: Disney Store £18.95 || 8. Cheshire Cat 3D mug and spoon: Disney Store £12.95 || 9. Cheshire Cat Vans £52 || 10. Tote bag: Disney Store £15.95

Christmas is only 5 days away but there is still time to get those added extras. Alice in Wonderland has been popular for years now, it's my favourite Disney film so I love to receive Alice goodies. This year already my friend brought me the pyjamas, so comfy and cosy on a winters night :)

All of these items are perfect pressies for the festive season, still time to order and receive them in time for Christmas. My personally favourites are the abookononepage and the iPhone case, simply because I don't own anything like this Wonderland related and would be an amazing addition to my ever growing collection! 

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

CHRISTMAS NOVELTY FAVOURITES

The beautifully wrapped presents, the delicious food on the table and all the twinkly lights are some of my favourite parts of Christmas but lets not forget Novelty! These items are always a crowd pleaser, you may only be able to wear/use them during the festive period but oh it is fun! :) Over the years I've seen the good, the bad and the tacky!

Let's see what this year has to offer shall we ladies!

1. Mickey & Minnie Pyjamas: Disney Store £20.95 || 2. Novelty Dress: eBay £9.48 || 3. Minion Christmas T-Shirt: George £7 || 4. Reindeer Onesie: ASOS £38 || 5. Christmas Pudding iPhone Case: ASOS £12 || 6. Elf Slippers: BHS £20 || 7. Mickey Mouse Santa Hat: Disney Store £22 || 8. Fairisle Christmas Socks: Matalan £8

Winter is a time to stay cosy and warm, so its time to wrap up in some fluffy socks and festive pyjama's. In my opinion one of the best presents you could receive at Christmas time! **hint hint

The festive season wouldn't be the same without a santa hat, but why be like everyone else and have a simple one? Not me, I love adding a little Disney into Christmas, I purchased my Mickey Mouse Santa Hat when visiting DisneyLand in 2013. It's become a little traditional of mine to wear it every year! 

Decorating the house is a great way to really get into the festive spirit. 

1. My Pick n Mix: FindMeAGift £9.99 || 2. Salt & Pepper Shakers: Next £8 || 3. 12 Days of Christmas Candles: George £10 || 4. Gingerbread House Lamp: George £16 || 5. Jingling Monogram Ornaments: Anthropologie £6 (Per Ornament) || 6. Christmas Pudding Sack: Matalan £6 || 7. Candy Cane Lights: Matalan £12 || 8. 3D Minion Money Bank: BHS £12

I love feeling festive, decorating the tree and covering the house with endless candy canes and gingerbread houses. If your house is going to look the part, why not smell christmasy too? I love this idea from George of 12 days of Christmas candles, I can already smell spiced apple scent. 

Novelty bits and bobs are great to have around the house, especially if you're having guests. Around the festive season everyone develops a sweet tooth, make it easy with a pick 'n' mix box to sneak a few chocolates or sweet before dinner :) 

This is my ideal Christmas Novelty items, do you have any favourites?

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

It's time to get in the festive spirit with Christmas only 4 weeks away! Cuddle up in your festive knits and break out the mulled wine it's Christmas time. Unlike me, you may be prepared and do your Christmas shopping in enough time. I always have good intentions but find that doing everything in one day is more of a challenge! This year I'm adding a personal touch to my gifts so realistically I need to start hmmm .... yesterday!

Over the past few years it's become more difficult to buy the perfect present, my family and friends already have their own houses and everything they need. So what do you get someone who says they don't need nor want anything?

Today, I'll be sharing some ideas for the festive gift giving season that are different to the usual Toshop giftcard.

1: Plan a weekend away to the Christmas markets

Have you ever been to the Christmas markets in Europe or in a different city in the UK? Neither have I, that's why I booked a long weekend in Amsterdam. It's a great way to get in the festive sprit with a great atmosphere, new sights to see and food to discover.

Photo: Amsterdam Christmas Markets

This was a spur of the moment trip for me and am so excited, I can already smell the chestnuts roasting and taste the delicious hot chocolate. Why not book that last minute trip yourself? Take your pick of the beautiful destinations which have a great Christmas atmosphere that is sure to get you in the festive mood. Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Brussels, Strasbourg or maybe somewhere more local? Manchester, Birmingham or London.

2: Plan a day trip

Having an experience can be the best gift. Whether that be Afternoon Tea or Cadbury World, there are so many day trips you can do! For my birthday this year, my friend Ema took me to Bakewell for Afternoon Tea at the Lavender Tea Rooms. I loved this experience, a different town, great food and amazing company it was the perfect day!

Photo: The Lavendar Tea Rooms, Bakewell 

Here are some great day trip ideas:

• Harry Potter World. Due to the high demand throughout the Christmas season tickets are sold out for the run up to Christmas on weekends but weekdays are still available. Otherwise, why not go after Christmas? The festive theme is still live and an added bonus, your Christmas presents last through January! 
• Cadbury World
• Afternoon Tea 
• Alton Towers
• Spa day at Eden Hall
• Hike's with a pub lunch
• Rent a bike and go around the city 

The list goes on and on!

3: See a Musical

Musicals are becoming more and more popular with our favourite childhood stories coming to life on stage. I recently saw Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in London and was blown away by the amazing talent of the entire cast. There is something about Musicals that puts a smile on my face! **hint hint

I know this isn't the cheapest option so if you're on a budget and both want to go why not use it as a Christmas gift to one another?

4: A box of goodies

I love to get creative don't you?! Why not make/decorate a box and fill it with your friends favourite goodies. This adds a little personalised touch to your gifts.

Photo: Bridesmaid box I received from my friend Ema

I loved this little box of goodies, such a nice gift idea and works on many occasions. Here's a list of items I would include for a friend at Christmas:

• Pick 'n' Mix
• Jewellery - My homemade Bunny Kitch Jewellery
• Mug
• Candles
• Hand warmers 
• Mittens 
• Bed socks - always a winner!

From the content of this box you can assume my friend loves to stay warm and feel cosy while eating her favourite sweet treats. The content will change depending on the person, but there is something for everyone! If you're really creative why not knit the mittens instead of buying them? If you can't knit, you best learn quick! 

5: Do a course

I love learning and take every opportunity to discover something new. Whether it be creative like a flower making course or a cooking class. This is a great way to have fun while exploring a new talent you may have.

Photo: Cake Decorating Company Cookie Course 

In the past I've done a few classes with The Cake Decorating Company in Nottingham. If you love cakes and decorating them you're in the right place. At the minute they have a very festive Royal Icing Christmas Cookie course on, I might attend myself!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

FESTIVE KNITS

1. Retro Christmas Jumper: George £16 || 2. Bunny Jumper: Next £34 || 3. Red Snowman Jumper: Dorothy Perkins £26 || 4. Reindeer: Miss Foxy £7 || 5. Let it Snow: George £16 || 6. Vintage Ski Motif: ASOS £35 || 7. Fairisle Stag: Next £32 || 8. Christmas Pug Jumper: Matalan £18 || 9. Christmas Tree Jumper: Tesco £20 || 10. Ginger Bread Man: ASOS £28 

The festive season is well and truly upon us! The air is crips, its time to start wrapping up and what better way to stay cosy this season than in a Festive Jumper. Novelty Jumpers have become one of the most iconic parts of the Christmas season. Don't be a spoilsport get involved with this yearly tradition. In my opinion the tackier the better but if you're on the shy side you can go for a subtle style which still celebrates the festive season. It's never too early to get your Christmas knit, whether you love traditional fairisle or prefer a tacky wolly with pugs, reindeer or snowmen there is something to suit everyones style this year.

I've selected my top 10 picks from the highstreet for the festive season, my personal favourites would be the bunny and Christmas tree jumpers! I'm a sucker for anything with animals in clothing, but that's just me :)

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx