Blogmas Day 7: My Christmas Bucket List

Hey Guys!

⭐Welcome to Day Seven of Blogmas ⭐

Can you believe it is only 18 days left till Christmas! 18 days! I can't believe how quickly this month is going, one week tomorrow and I'll be on a train heading back home for Christmas with my family  ❤

I took this blog idea from the lovely Katy from @KatyMackenzie19 on Twitter and her blog www.somethingdifferent1998.com as she did it on Blogmas Day Two and after reading it I thought it was a lovely idea! Especially as I have a long list of things I want to do this Christmas now I'm spending it in England (I used to go abroad for Christmas) so I thought I'd share this list with you all and maybe you can get some inspiration for your own Christmas plans ❄

See Katy's post here.

Photo Credit: yvettefang0604 on Pixabay.com

Hopefully, I'll get to complete everything on the list!

#1 Christmas Markets

 I want to go to as many Christmas markets as I can! I really want to properly go around the Newcastle Christmas Market again, as the first time I went I didn't have a lot of time. I'd also love to go to the Winter Wonderland in Nottingham and their Christmas market, especially as it is so close to my hometown. If I could I would also love to go around the Edinburgh Christmas Market but it is quite far away and I won't have a chance before travelling back to my hometown, so hopefully I'll get the chance to visit next year. There are also a few Christmas markets around where my family live so hopefully we'll get to have a day out and go around the Christmas stalls and get some treats ❤

#2 Friends & Mulled Wine

When I'm back in my hometown and all my friends are also back from university I want to have a huge catch-up and drink mulled wine in our local pub. I don't get to see my friends back home very often as I'm in Newcastle most of the year so when I get the chance I like to make sure I make time to see them, have a catch-up and fill each other in on what we've missed in the months we haven't seen each other!

#3 Christmas Movies

I've watched quite a few Christmas movies already even before the countdown to Christmas began but I've still got a lot of movies I haven't watched yet such as Love Actually, The Christmas Chronicles, The Muppets Christmas Carol, and Elf. I'm keeping some of the best Chrismas movies to watch on the last couple of days before Christmas Day! If you suggest any fun Christmas movies to add to my list let me know in the comments section below! 

#4 Christmas Eve/ Boxing Day Walk

Since I'm back in England for Christmas this year I really want to take the dog on either a Christmas Eve or Boxing Day walk with the family. Even though it will be absolutely freezing, I love the idea of getting all dressed up in layer on layer of coats and having a nice Winter walk ❄

#5 Make a Gingerbread House and Snowmen

My dad is quite the baker but normally we don't really do any baking at Christmas but this year my dad and I have made the decision to attempt to make a gingerbread house and snowmen! He has brought all the tools we need so once I'm home the challenge to build the best gingerbread house will begin! (We are going to buy a spare one in case our gingerbread house doesn't go to plan and falls apart haha!)

#6 Get More Christmas Jumpers For The Dog

The dog Billy already has four Christmas jumpers to keep him looking cute and warm but I personally think he needs more haha! When I was in H&M the other day there was a Christmas tree dog jumper and it is adorable! He needs to look like a dog Christmas tree so I think he needs more Christmas jumpers for his present!

#7 Celebrate Christmas With Sammy

Normally my best friend Sam and I swap presents at Christmas but this year we decided that instead of spending money buying each other gifts we are going to spend the money doing something together instead. We haven't decided what to do, but we are excited to get to spend some quality time together and make the most of Christmas, especially as we hardly see each other living 3 hours apart from each other ❤

#7 See All Of The Family

Christmas is a very family-orientated time of year and I've been in Newcastle since September without visiting my hometown so I want to make sure I see everyone when I'm back home and make the most of seeing my loved ones before I have to go back to uni in January. I  love spending Christmas seeing all my family!

#8 Read My Christmas Books 

If you read my Blogmas Day One post you'll know that I've got a few books I want to read over Christmas while I've got the break from uni. The aim is to read as much as I can while relaxing back home in the warm drinking hot chocolate. The perfect way to relax after having a stressful few months.

#9 Complete Blogmas 

This is my first year doing Blogmas, so I'm determined to finish it. It has been fun getting to write Christmas themed posts every day and it has got me really motivated for writing more content for my blog! I didn't create a lot of content before Blogmas so now I've committed myself to writing a post for every day I'm determined to write more in the new year ❣

What is on your bucket list this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below ❄

See you tomorrow for Day Eight of Blogmas!

Amy x  

Enjoy a picture of Billy in the snow ❄

Halloween Spotify Playlist // Let's Get Spooky 🎃

Hey Guys!

Happy Halloween 🎃👻

As it is officially Halloween I wanted to share my spooky Halloween playlist with you guys! I'll be listening to this playlist while I get ready to go to an Annual Purge themed party 🔪 Let me know in the comments below what you'll be dressing up as for Halloween! 

#1 Disturbia by Rihanna

#2 Thriller by Michael Jackson

#3 Ghostbusters by Ray Parker, Jr.

#4 I Put A Spell On You by Marilyn Manson

#5 The Addams Family Theme from "The Addams Family"

#6 The Monster by Eminem & Rihanna

#7 Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran

#8 I'm In Love With A Monster by Fifth Harmony

#9 Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

#10 This Is Halloween from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"

#11 Stranger Things Theme from "Stranger Things" 

#12 The Time Warp from "The Rocky Horror Show"

#13 Spooky by Dusty Springfield

#14 One Way or Another by Blondie

#15 Monster Mash by Bobby "Boris" Pickett

#16 Survive the Night by MandoPony

#17 Halloween Night 

#18 Magnetic by Jessie J

#19 Howlin' For You by The Black Keys

#20 Monster by Kanye West, JAY Z, Rick Ross & Nicki Minaj 

#21 Dracula's Wedding by OutKast feat. Kelis

#22 Judas by Lady Gaga

#23 Scream by Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson

#24 A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

#25 She Wolf by Shakira

#26 Monster by Lady Gaga

#27 Cannibal by Kesha

#28 Goosebumps Theme from "Goosebumps"

#29 The Walking Dead Theme from "The Walking Dead"

#30 The Murder (Theme from "Psycho")

#31 The Piano Duet from "Corpse Bride"

#32 Halloween Theme from "Halloween"

#33 American Horror Story (Main Title)

#34 Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell 

#35 Beautiful Monster by Ne-Yo

#36 Beetlejuice Theme from "Beetlejuice"
#37 Witch Doctor (Radio Mix) by Cartoons
#38 Calling All the Monsters by China Anne McClain
#39 Tell Me It's A Nightmare by Kim Petras
#40 Boo! Bitch! by Kim Petras
#41 TRANSylvania by Kim Petras
#42 o m e n by Kim Petras
#43 Close Your Eyes by Kim Petras

Follow the 'This is Halloween' playlist on Spotify here!

I hope you have a spooktacular Halloween! 🎃💀👻

See you soon!

Amy x

A Last Minute Gift Guide For Her

Hey Guys!

As Christmas day is practically around the corner and some of you won't have started some of your Christmas shopping I thought I would share some present ideas with you for either your mum, best friend, girlfriend or your secret Santa! I broke it up into price brackets so that it is easier to see what you can get for your particular budget. I've linked the products in the name so you can easily find what I've listed. 

Presents £5 or Under

Whether you have a budget for your secret Santa or you need some stocking fillers here are some last minute presents you can get easily from Boots, Waterstones and Marks & Spencers. 

Soap and Glory Pink Me Up - £5.00

This would be a great present for a stocking filler as it is something quite small that could be an addition to a main present. Furthermore, if not for a stocking filler it would work for an office secret Santa as most people love a perfume or body care product. Perfect for something small and simple if you're on a budget.

Bunny Headband - £4.00

These headbands from The Body Shop are so cute! The bunny headband is my favourite. This is a great gift for a friend or relative as everyone loves a cute headband to hold back their hair when they are washing their face or doing their make up. These are better than just a plain looking headband as they have a lot more character and this puts more thought into the present :)

M&S Christmas Themed Socks - £5.00

Everyone loves something Christmas themed for a present! So if you are looking for something for a secret Santa present amongst your friends or for something to further fill up a relative's Christmas stocking these would be a great choice! They are cute and Christmas themed - perfect for opening on the 25th! 

Presents £25 or Under

Elf Christmas Pyjamas Set - £25.00

Christmas themed pyjamas are so fun! And if you haven't seen Elf where have you been?! These pyjamas would be perfect for an huge Elf fan and for those who love Christmas themed pyjamas! I love getting Christmas themed clothing items, whether that is pjs, socks, mugs or jumpers so this would be perfect for any of your friends and family who have a love for Christmas themed presents!

Yankee Candle 3 Small Jar Gift Set - Sale £19.59

Christmas themed Yankee candles smell so good! Especially 'The Perfect Tree' and 'Christmas Magic' candles as they smell exactly like what you'd expect Christmas to smell like. There are so many people who are a fan of Yankee Candle, I know my auntie loves them for around the house and anyone who loves Christmas would love a Christmas scented candle. It will make their house even more festive!

Urban Decay -Afterglow Highlighter Palette - Sale £18.90

So many people love Urban Decay's products so why not treat a friend or family member to their 'Afterglow Highlight Palette' this Christmas! Everyone loves a highlighter palette, it will add to that Christmas sparkle haha!

Huggable Heat-Up Koala Cushion - £16.00

As it is always cold this time of year it is always a great time to get either a hot water bottle or some sort of comforting warm present like this heat-up cushion. There is nothing worse than going to bed and being absolutely freezing, so I'm sure anyone would appreciate this thoughtful present from Urban Outfitters!

Presents £60 or Under

Pink Short Faux Fur Coat - £44.99

If Christmas isn't the perfect time to get someone a coat when is?! I really like this light faux fur coat as you could pair it with most outfit selections whether it is casual or more of a formal attire. I don't know if it is just me but I love receiving coats around winter and December as I have something else to wear in the freezing cold weather! You could get this for your sister, bets friend, favourite cousin or your daughter as a nice winter warmer gift ♡ 

Monstera Leaf Duvet Cover Set - £30.00-£50.00

If you have a friend or relative who you know loves bedroom interior design then this would be great for a Christmas gift idea. This isn't the only design Urban Outfitters do, they also have a celestial one, a swirl design and a few more other sets that are very bright and colourful for any style of bedroom. 

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look in a Palette, Smokey Eye - £49.00

The fact the palette has everything in one is very convenient as there doesn't need to be a individual make up palette for every face product. If any of your friends and relatives like Charlotte Tilbury then this will be a great gift idea for them! It has all the different face products us make up enthusiasts need and for the price you pay you aren't just getting one thing but seven different options which can be incorporated into any look!

Amazon Kindle eReader, 6", Wi-Fi, Black - £59.95

For all those who are book lovers this would be perfect! Nowadays there are so many books being published and when you are travelling and constantly on the go it can be frustrating carrying around loads of paperback and hardcover books so having a Kindle can be so convenient and easy. The Kindle can store up to hundreds of books, is light weight and can be read in the sun or the dark so if you have friends who love to read on holiday this would be great for them to receive as a gift ♡ 

Which gift ideas would you choose for your friends, relatives or secret Santa? Let me know in the comments below! 

See you tomorrow my lovelies! ❤ 

Amy xx

Would You Rather Christmas Tag

Hey Guys!

I've been scrolling through Twitter trying to get some ideas and inspiration for more Christmas related blog posts when I came across the 'Would You Rather Christmas Tag' so after doing the normal 'Christmas Tag' I thought I would give this a go as well. This year I'm so excited for Christmas, more than I have been for the past few years so I'm trying to share this festive spirit as much as a can! Last night my housemates and I cooked a Christmas dinner for ourselves and then played Game of Thrones Monopoly and for that I was way too excited - to the point that I was jumping up and down in our kitchen waiting for the pigs and blankets and stuffed chicken to come out of the oven! I think having our Christmas in our house this year has made it a lot more special compared to last year when we lived in university accommodation :)

I got the inspiration for this 'Would You Rather' from the lovely Lauren from Bournemouth Girl, after reading her Blogmas post I decided this was one I was going to have to try for my own blog. Go check out her version here.

Lets Go!

Giving presents or receiving presents?

I'd say giving presents. I always love buying presents for other people and finding things that I know they would love, especially for my family members and best friend. When it comes to giving them their presents I love seeing them open it and their reactions, it is the best feeling ❤ 

2. Christmas pudding or trifle?

I don't really like either, they aren't my favourite choices for dessert. But out of the two I'd probably choose Christmas pudding as I don't mind it if it's with custard. On it's own it really doesn't taste that appealing. For our Christmas dessert yesterday my housemates created their own Christmas chocolate brownie mix with marshmallows and oreos, it tasted so good!

3. “Home Alone” or “Christmas Carol”? 

I would say 'Home Alone' as its such a funny Christmas movie! I do like the story of the 'Christmas Carol' but I'd choose 'Home Alone' as I'd prefer something funny. They are both classic Christmas movies though :)

4. Spend Christmas abroad or stay at home? 

I already spend my Christmas abroad with my parents, auntie, uncle and two cousins so I guess I'd choose abroad as that is our new tradition as a family. The holidays we have had away have been so relaxed and fun! We have created so many memories and it is such a nice break for all of us. There are a few things I miss about being home for Christmas but that is because there are a lot of Christmas memories in my family home too. But I would still choose to go abroad, it's special! 

5. One expensive present or several not so expensive presents? 

I do love the little presents I receive, for example this year we did secret Santa at my uni home with a budget of £5 and I received an adorable Santa mug with chocolates and sweets all inside which I loved! I've been wanting a Christmas themed mug for my uni home as I have one at my parents house as well and after hearing me talk about it my secret Santa went and got me one for my present :) It is something small and thoughtful and to me these presents are my favourite ❤  

My Questions

1. 'Last Christmas' By Wham or 'All I Want For Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey?
2. Christmas games or Christmas movies?
3. Pigs in blankets or turkey?
4. Christmas pyjamas or Christmas jumpers? 
5. Mince pies or cheese and crackers? 

Who I Tag

Beth from Steal The Beauty
Emily from Drained Beauty
Rebecca from Rebecca Louise Blogs
Holly from The Chronicles of Holly
Shona from What Shona Says 

After you've finished this tag come up with 5 'Would You Rather' questions of your own and tag 5 other people to continue with the tag ♡ 

See you on Sunday my lovelies!

Amy xx

Top Christmas Movies To Watch This December

Hey Guys!

Now that it's December the countdown to Christmas begins! There is nothing better than watching classic Christmas movies for the build up to the festive occasion. So here are my ten favourite Christmas movies to watch throughout December to get in the festive spirit. Lets go!

Home Alone

If you haven't watched this movie around Christmas or at least seen it on TV where have you been?! This movie is a classic and a favourite amongst most people in the UK! This film has been played every Christmas none stop all of my childhood and even now I still laugh at the same scenes even though I've seen them so many times. It is one of those films that really gets you into the Christmas spirit and will always be an ongoing classic ♡ 

Elf

Elf is a classic Christmas movie! It was always the one movie we would put on at secondary school when we had movie week before breaking up for the Christmas holidays. It's fun, light-hearted and its one of those festive movies that you don't get sick of :) Buddy's character is just so lovable!

The Muppet Christmas Carol

I remember always choosing to watch this film when our teachers gave us the choice of what Christmas movie to put on at the end of term. Compared to the original Christmas Carol movie this version is so much more fun. As a child I always watched loads of Muppet episodes with my grandma and family so I love that this film has them as characters and narrators - it makes it a lot more fun for me!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

This film is so funny! It is such a timeless classic and Jim Carrey is perfect in this film, he brings the character of the Grinch to life and I never stop laughing at this movie. You see all these memes on Facebook and Twitter of scenes from the Grinch movie and these scenes just make the movie the classic it is. But it isn't the typical soppy Christmas movie as it has the silly and hyper Jim Carrey playing The Grinch making it crazy funny and more of a comedy!

The Holiday

I've watched this so many times in the Christmas holidays. My friends and I used to always have snow days in secondary school and this was one of the films we always used to put on when we stayed round each others houses. It is one of those movies that isn't all about Christmas but it builds up to be about the festive occasion! If you haven't seen this movie I highly recommend it as it's such a cute film about two girls who swap houses in Los Angles and Surrey to get away from their current realities and have a break :)

Love Actually

Everyone has got to love this movie! I love that there are lots of different stories going on all in one movie and it jumps from one scenario to another. It makes you laugh, smile, feel sad and overall is a feel good movie for this festive time of year. I love the scenes with Sam and his dad and with having so many different story lines going on throughout the movie it shows us there are different forms of love and this film addresses both the easy going and difficult types of love. It is a great movie for the holidays when you are spending time with your loved ones ❤ 

Nativity 

The Nativity is quite a recent movie compared to some of the others and it was only this year that I watched it. My housemates had all seen it before and raved about it, so last week we popped it on and it is so cute and fun! Doing a film about a school's nativity play is a great concept for a Christmas movie seeing as here in the UK in Infant and Primary school we all had to take part in the nativity play. In my case I was always an angel, donkey or star, unfortunately for me I never got the chance to be Mary. But looking back at it I probably would have forgotten all my lines haha! This film is so relatable to us who always had to be in the Nativity play this time of year, it's a nostalgic feel good movie!

What is your favourite Christmas movie? Let me know in the comments below ❤ 

See you on Thursday my lovelies!

Amy xx 

The Christmas Tag

Hey Guys!

On Twitter I saw that @onceupunatime_ has done a Christmas tag to get in the Christmas spirit and kick off day one of Blogmas so I became inspired and decided to do the tag as well. I'm so ready for Christmas this year and actually can't wait to spend Christmas with my family, so nothing better than starting December with a Christmas tag 💜 

I also have a new blog post schedule for the month of December. I was going to attempt doing Blogmas this year but I don't have enough content and Christmas themed ideas so I thought I'd upload content every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 6pm instead. 

1. What’s your favourite Christmas Movie?

This is a hard question as I love so many Christmas movies! There is The Grinch, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Polar Express, but my favourite is probably Elf as its the perfect jolly Christmas movie that you can put on whenever and no matter how many times you watch it the charm never goes!

2. Where do you usually spend Christmas?

A few years ago I would have spent Christmas at home with my mum and dad having a traditional Christmas dinner and then Boxing Day would have been spent with the rest of my extended family. But for the past three years myself, my mum, dad, uncle, auntie and two cousins have travelled to Lanzarote to spend our Christmas somewhere different, and now that is our new tradition :)

3. What’s the best present you have ever received?

That's a hard question as I've always been so spoilt when it comes to Christmas presents. But the best present I've ever received would have to be when I was younger and my parents would buy me Polly Pocket. They were my favourite toys growing up and my collection could have been a small toys shop. One year they brought me the Polly Pocket Cruise Ship and it was honestly the best present ever! It came with deck chairs and three dolls, it was honestly the best! Especially as I was obsessed with it my entire childhood 💕 

4. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

We have a fake Christmas tree that we have used since I was young and it's perfect! We have never really gone for a real tree as my mum probably doesn't want to clean up after all the needles when they drop, and we have pets, specifically ones that like to climb trees!

5. What’s your favourite Christmas memory?

I have two favourite Christmas memories, one from my childhood and another from my second Christmas in Lanzarote. 

My favourite childhood memory was when on Christmas Eve my dad and I put out carrots on the lawn for the reindeer, then put our 'STOP! Santa' sign outside the front porch so that Santa would know where to stop to give us our presents. Then we put a little glass of dry sherry and a mince pie on our little coffee table next to the Christmas Tree so that Santa could have a little snack before setting off to the next house. The next day when I woke my parents up (very early of course) I went down stairs and into the living room to find loads of snow on the living room floor and big foot prints leading from the fireplace to the tree, and then loads of presents under the tree. To me that was my favourite memory as a child as it was so magical and I was so excited! The fact my mum and dad went to so much effort to put down fake snow and put down foot prints makes me very grateful for my childhood! 

My favourite Christmas memory in Lanzarote was last year. Unfortunately for my Christmas holiday last year I was recovering from a bad cold/flu and was still pretty sick so even though it was relatively warm in Lanzarote I was freezing and constantly had to be wrapped up in a blanket to keep me warm. But, besides the fact I was feeling pretty poorly I had an amazing time. My favourite part was that every night we would all snuggle up on the sofa and watch loads of films all together. I just loved being cosy in my blanket next to my favourite people watching our favourite films and it made me very grateful for the people I have around me. 

6. What’s your favourite Christmas food?

All of it! But my favourites are the pigs in blankets, roast carrots, stuffing and the gravy! It all just tastes so good and the fact I'm with my family having a great fun filled day makes everything so much better! My dad cooks our Christmas dinner and even though we are in the Canary Islands we are able to get everything; turkey, brussel sprouts, pigs in blankets, the works. 

7. One thing you really want for Christmas?

Because I go away for Christmas that is a big enough present for me, as it is truly a treat being taken away on holiday. But if I was to ask for something that I really wanted it would be an INSTAX mini 9 instant camera, as I love being able to take a photo and have it printed there and then. I've used my friend's Polaroid camera quite a few times here at uni and they are great for silly instant pictures! I really want one so that when I'm on holiday and spending Christmas with my family I can capture memories in the moment. Then with all the printed pictures I can create a scrapbook and a display in my room  💙 

8. Do you have special pyjamas just for Christmas?

Of course! A few years ago when shopping with my mum in Tesco I persuaded her to buy me these Christmas themed pyjamas bottoms with candy canes, holly, and Christmas sayings on and then we picked up some Christmas socks with Santa, Christmas pudding and hollies on :) They are so cute! I might have to invest in some more this year - Primark are doing some really cute sets!

9. What’s your favourite Christmas song?

'Last Christmas' by WHAM! and 'All I Want For Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey, they are some classic Christmas tunes! I love loads of other Christmas songs too but these are the original classics that I always listen to on repeat haha!

10. Do you have any Christmas traditions?

We now have a new tradition where we go to Lanzarote every year for Christmas. So we will fly out a few days before Christmas Day and then spend a week in the sun, sipping cava by the pool. It is a holiday for my family where we can just relax. Our old Christmas tradition has changed since the children have grown up and my grandparents passed away so, we decided to make a new tradition, which is a Christmas holiday abroad :)


Here are the bloggers I tag:
Becky - Becky Lumbard
Lisa - Lisa'a Reality
Lauren - Lauren Catherine
Cat - More About Cat
Lauren Ann - Lauren Ann Beauty
Lily -  Learning Lily 

What is your favourite part of Christmas?

Let me know in the comments below!

See you on Thursday my lovelies!

Amy xx