Christmas
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5 Handmade Gifts for the One You Love This Christmas

11 Dec 2020

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When it comes to gifting at Christmas if you're anything like me ... money is not important. I would love a DIY gift because it's the thought, time and effort someone I care about has put into it. 

I sat and thought "what gifts would I appreciate this Christmas" and I came up with these ideas that would mean so much to me. So if you're stuck on gifts to buy the one you love then take note as here is a list of DIY gifts you can create for them. 

1) A printed photo framed with a note

Who doesn't love our selfies come to life on our shelves or nightstand? It's super cute and special!

2) Redemption vouchers or coupons

You could make these as unique to your relationship as possible and also as naughty or nice as you want to be with them! Check out some of the ideas on Pinterest. I absolutely love this idea and half tempted to do it for my boyfriend!


3) Scrapbook

Make them a scrapbook full to the brim of photos, cinema tickets, and little handwritten messages. 

4) Open When Letters

One for when they're sad, happy, stressed, missing you etc. These are the perfect little pick me up for long-distance. It's always great talking on the phone and video calling but sometimes a handwritten letter can really hit home. 

5) 52 Reasons Why You Love Them 

Grab an old deck of cards and personalise each one with a reason you love your other half. You can get as creative as you like and in the end, hole punch a hole in them and tie a ribbon through them to bind them all together.  


What do you think of the above ideas? Do you like gifting and receiving handmade gifts? Let me know below! 
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10 Modern Festive Songs You Need On Your Playlist

9 Dec 2020

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'Rocking Around the Christmas Tree' to 'Fairytale of New York'  are two classic songs that the majority of us start listening to every year through the festive season. In recent years though there have been quite a few modern songs that have been released I've added to my Christmas playlist! 

Check out the 10 Modern Festive Songs You Need On Your Playlist below. 

1) Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande



2) All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey ft Justin Bieber


3) One More Sleep - Leona Lewis


4) Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson


5) Santa's Coming For Us - Sia


6) Cozy Little Christmas - Katy Perry



7) Oh Santa - Mariah Carey ft Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

8) Mistletoe - Justin Bieber


9) Like It's Christmas - Jonas Brothers




10) Noel - Chris Tomlin ft Lauren Daigle 


What do you think of the songs above? Have you added these to your list? Let me know below!

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The Ultimate Netflix Christmas Movie Watchlist

8 Dec 2020

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When it comes to watching Christmas movies there is always that one we favour the most over the others, for me it's Elf! Elf is such a fun, festive, family film that everyone can enjoy. It's been my favourite movie for so many years as watching it always got me in the mood the holidays ahead. 

Home Alone has came in a close second for me with The Princess Switch from Netflix a third! I absolutely adore that film and have yet to watch Switched Again as I'm hoping to with my mum this week! 

Below you will find the Ultimate Netflix Christmas Movie Watchlist.


How many will you be watching this year? or how many have you watched so far?  Let me know below! 
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The Boyfriend Tag | Christmas Style

7 Dec 2020

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This is my first Christmas with my boyfriend so I wanted to do something fun to celebrate that and as he always brings out my goofy and carefree side so naturally, I decided The Boyfriend Tag would be a fab way to see how similar or opposite we are when it comes to the festive period as he knows I'm kind of excited with Christmas. 

1) What are you most looking forward to this Christmas? 

Kerry-Ann: I'm most looking forward to my first Christmas with Lee and spending time with my family. 

Lee: Spending it in a relationship with someone I love.



2) Do you have any festive traditions?

Kerry-Ann: We always open one present on Christmas Eve.. although over the years my sister and I have bent the rules so it's only one present from our mum!

Lee: I go to my parents' house on Christmas Eve and stay over until 26th/27th. 

3) When you hear the word Christmas, what do you think about?

Kerry-Ann: Lights, Christmas trees and my family on Christmas morning when we still get excited to rip the paper off our gifts.

Lee: Snow, good spirits and family.

4) Is there anywhere you'd like to spend the holiday season?

Kerry-Ann: This is easy, without a doubt New York. It's one of the cities I've been obsessed with since I was a child and I've had a festive New York bucket list for years! 

Lee: 2 places - either Las Vegas (to see how it gets decorated) or New York!

5) What does your Christmas dinner look like?

Kerry-Ann: Mashed and Roast Potatoes, Carrots, Garden and Bigga Peas, Broccoli, Cauliflower.

Lee: Turkey, stuffing, gammon, roast and boiled potatoes, sprouts, peas and carrots. Sometimes chipolatas.


6) Do you have a favourite Christmas or December memory?

Kerry-Ann: We always went to my Grandparents when I was growing up on Christmas day it was always where my whole family congregated and I remember when I was about 11 it was snowing and nearly my whole family had a massive snow fight! My Granny watched from the window whilst my Granda watched his film on the TV and we literally just all had a ball together. 

Lee: The surprise of receiving a Playstation 2 in 2000 when I never expected to receive it. 

7) What gift have you always wanted but never received? 

Kerry-Ann: I've always wanted a charm bracelet filled with charms that represent different memories with someone. I always asked for one or dropped hints every year but my mum always tells me she wouldn't have a clue what to fill it with.

Lee: Action Man Street racer, but Santa wrote me a letter to explain that his elves couldn't make it. 

8) Do you have a real or artificial tree?

Kerry-Ann: Artificial! If I think it's bad my cat Ethan attempting to snack on the fake one everyday, gosh knows what he would do with a real one!

Lee: Artificial for sure! I couldn't keep a real one!


9) You've been granted a wish, what is it?

Kerry-Ann:  To give the world a hug right now! I don't think there's not one person that deserves or needs one.

Lee: For the global pandemic to subside shortly so we can get back to normality very soon afterwards. 

10) What are your plans or goals for 2021?

Kerry-Ann: I spent 2020 focusing on my finances and it's something I will continue to focus on going into 2021. Although in 2021 I want to really think about career options and goals within that area of my life as well as my blogging/writing. 

My plans include continuing to support my boyfriend in his streaming and also strengthening my relationships with friends, family, and my boyfriend.

Lee: To get better at my current job, to support my girlfriend in expanding her audience on her social media platforms and her blog as well as my Twitcher channel and influence.

F A V O U R I T E S

Kerry-Ann
Song: All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey
Movie: ELF
Snack: Candy Canes or Poundland Chocolate Santas
Gift Received: A Telescope I never knew I was getting one year, my dad had lost his job and we didn't have much but it was still one of my favourite Christmasses when he left and came back into the living room after we'd opened our presents and told us someone had left more gifts at the door for us. Mine was a telescope and it's my gift I've received at Christmas. 
Drink: Pink Gin and Lemonade (as pictured below) or Hot Chocolae

Lee: 
Song: All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey
Movie: Die Hard or Gremlins (Don't @ me)
Snack: Candy Cane or Chocolate
Gift Received: I couldn't pick one I cherish them all.
Drink: Has to be beer for me, sadly!

I'm actually surprised by the similarities in some of our answers but also really happy how much we both love the festive season and how important our families are to us. 

Lee is a Twitch streamer under the name cptfishpaste as mentioned I before in my 10 Twitch Streamers You Should Be Watching if you're interested in gaming or enjoy watching others play games then check out his channel and social media links below! I can guarantee you'll be laughing, smiling, and have a fab time if you stop by! We always end up talking and chatting about so much more than gaming and he's always so supportive of fellow streamers that sop by and off me and my blogging. 


Check out The Ultimate Couples Gift Guide from Christmas With Katie full of amazing ideas for within the home or with a personal touch.

What do you think of The Boyfriend Tag? Have you done it with a partner? Let me know below! 
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Step Into Christmas with Lynsey from In Stitches - Q&A #LocalLoves #ShopLocal

2 Dec 2020

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Shopping with small and local businesses has always been something I've enjoyed, I appreciate the time and effort that goes into every item and I know that one individual sale to a small business means alot. That's why when I saw In Stitches put up on their Facebook page about taking preorders for the Christmas items they craft I knew I wanted to ask them some questions.

At this time of year gift items at In Stitches include Terrys Chocolate Orange Covers and cute festive coasters! Lynsey also made my pumpkin back in October which I loved displaying on my bookcase and using in photos. Check it out below.
Last year I bought quite a few covers Terrys Orange covers and this year I've managed to grab a few more, one which I'll be giving away at the bottom of this post, minus the Terrys Chocolate orange! Sorry! Read on to learn more about In Stitches. 


1) Can you tell readers about In Stitches?

Hi everyone, InStitches is a small, local business that specialises in handmade crocheted items. I range from baby blankets to adult scarves, so there's something for everyone.
2) How and why did you start your business?

When my son was a baby our elderly neighbour would very kindly crochet him blankets and cardigans, I was always so amazed watching her in the garden. A few years later after she passed away I thought it would be a good way to remember her if I could learn to crochet myself. I picked it up really quickly and friends and family encouraged me to sell my makes.
3) What's been a highlight for you since starting?

I have so many highlights from starting up InStitches but my favourite would the lovely people I've met and reconnected with along the way
4) Do you have a favourite item which you've made?

Oh that's such a hard one but I think my top favourite would be surprising my LFC mad son with his very own Liverpool blanket personalised with his name.
5) What is your preferred season to craft for?

Autumn/winter is my most busiest time but summer is my favourite as it gives me time to think up and create different pieces
6) Why would you encourage shoppers to shop small this Christmas?

For me, this little business has really helped me provide for my family. Unfortunately lately a lot of small businesses have been hit hard with these uncertain times and it's important to help keep the likes of handmade businesses stay afloat. It shows great community spirit to buy local if you can and feels a little more personal buying handmade.

Stay up to date with In Stitches on Facebook or Instagram.

G I V E A W A Y:


I am giving away one Terry's Chocolate orange hat over on Instagram, to be in with a chance of winning check out the giveaway details HERE and GOODLUCK!
 


 What do you think of the items In Stitches crafts? How do you support small or local businesses? Let me know below in the comments.

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Hello December - Get Your Tinsel On

2 Dec 2019

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Hello December! Can you believe we're into our Christmas month already? I do not know where the time has gone and even yet this month is going to fly by as I'm so busy up until the big day itself! 
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12 Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Stress Whilst Shopping This Festive Season

8 Nov 2019

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12 Tips to Avoid Uncessary Stress Whilst Shopping This Festive Season 
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10 Christmas Movies To Watch On Netflix

11 Dec 2018

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"-give me that warm fuzziness feeling;"

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It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas - A Festive Could Do List

10 Dec 2018

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"-... Everywhere I go... "
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Winter Wonderland Weekend Escape To The Stormont Hotel

3 May 2018

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I stayed recently in the Stormont Hotel to get a taste of what the decor and service were like. 
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Hello January

8 Jan 2018

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Hello January, 
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I'm Finally Starting my December #Blogmas!

11 Dec 2017

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I'm starting my #blogmas17 today as my lovely, amazing, handsome fiance swept me away to the Stormont Hotel for whole of last weekend so it's best to say I've been in a complete bubble of happiness since! 

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All I Want For Christmas... Lifestyle Wishlist

30 Nov 2017

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All I Want For Christmas... Fashion Wishlist

28 Nov 2017

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Miss Bah Humbug

29 Dec 2015

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Christmas is finally over and for me it never really had a chance to begin! All the traditions and plans I'd been looking forward to this year ended up down the drain. In the early hours of Christmas Eve I fell ill.. I had the chills, sweats and a whole list of everything else that rounded it in a little red sparkly bow. Little to say my Christmas Eve was spent in the doctors surgery and then I spent my Christmas Day in bed which continually rolled into Boxing day.. it's been that way since! My energy's been zapped, I've had no appetite plus I never even got to wear my new £60 worth of make-up on Christmas day... or my new clothes and heels.. It really is the little things. *sad face*
I hope Christmas has been good for you and that you got spoilt rotten! Let me know what you got in the comments and tell me how your Christmas was. 
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Blogmas Day 4... Jingle Bells are tired...

4 Dec 2015

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Ahh I am currently getting organised and writing up posts for the month ahead and gearing myself up to start my vlogs tomorrow which I am quite nervous about! I've been out doing more Christmas shopping today and keep buying much more than is needed which is making me think I should just quit while I'm ahead and use the money to give into a plan I've been thinking about for awhile which I will be blogging about in two weeks. 

As it's late at night and I am late again with typing this post.. (Promising myself to do early morning blogging next week) I'm going to share a couple more songs I'm currently listening to for Christmas... I heard this on the radio tonight and absolutely love listening to it every year... 

How's your Christmas shopping coming along? Are you listening to any tunes on repeat?


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Blogmas Day 3.. Starting to Feel like Christmas

3 Dec 2015

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I'm writing this post very late in the date and just about in time for Day 3 of Blogmas as it's nearly Thursday.. in fact 15 minutes away! Today I decided to get into the Christmas spirit and wrap some more presents plus listen to a few classic christmassy feel good songs! :) 

I've listed below a couple I'm currently listening to, are you listening to them to? 




What songs are you currently listening to? Let me know in the comments below!

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Blogmas Day 2: Jingle Bell Blues

2 Dec 2015

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While I try desperately to get better and recover from this stupid bug (I feel myself getting my strength back everyday) I have had alot of food for thought recently.. basically because I haven't been eating and today my appetite came back.. oh what a glorious invention food is! Especially chocolate.. the taste, the smell, the texture! I've missed it! 

Right, back to to food for thought.. and I've missed my train of thought! It's blogmas day 2 and I am not feeling this whole Christmas spirit thing.. I haven't even put my tree up yet which is very unusual for me though I plan to put it up at the weekend and listen to Christmas carols as I do and I also need to start dispatching my Christmas gifts so I can have a nice clear space... clear surroundings for a clear mind! 

Hopefully this weekend I will be more into the Christmas feeling and able to blog and vlog and a litter better! :) 



Have you been taking part in blogmas? Send me a link to your post so I can check it out! 






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The countdown to Christmas..

1 Dec 2015

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The countdown to Christmas has finally begun.. it's time to get organised so everything goes as planned without a hitch.. 

So much for my vlogmas everyday in December as I am currently holled up in bed over coming the worst bug ever and finally feel like I'm getting my strength back (All I've done is sleep the last few days) 



Instead of vlogging everyday I am going to blog/vlog everyday so it's a mixture of blogging and also getting starting into the way of vlogging as I'm not used to doing videos. 

So much for my planning I went to wrap presents and I have no cello-tape good thing I have quite abit of time to wrap them! :) Well now I've wrote this post and used up all the energy I had I'm going back to bed to rest up!

Are you taking part in vlogmas or blogmas? Comment below with links and I'll check them out! :) 
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