Christmas is such a lovely time of year, but it can also be one of the busiest. The closer we get to December, the faster the invites seem to roll in. Work parties, drinks with different friend groups, meals out, family gatherings, a quick catch-up that somehow turns into a full evening… it all adds up. Some of these things I genuinely look forward to, but others? Not so much.In the past, I’ve pretty much said yes to everything because I didn’t want to offend anyone or seem anti-social. I’d accept the invite and show up, even when I was exhausted or completely overwhelmed (which, … [Read more...]
Thrifted Christmas Decorations: Why Second-Hand Sparkle Is the Best Kind….
I’m definitely not one of those people with a picture-perfect, colour-coordinated Christmas tree that looks like it’s just stepped off the front of a magazine. I actually was that person for a couple of years — but only by accident! We’d just moved house right before Christmas and somehow lost our tree in all the boxes. So, on Christmas Eve, we ended up tree shopping at the last minute. One of the big stores was selling off their display trees, complete with all the matching silver, white and lilac decorations, for a ridiculously low price. I think we paid about £15 for a seven-foot tree that … [Read more...]
Preloved Partywear – Save on Outfits for Christmas & New Year….
Christmas party season is on its way, and with it comes the usual panic of “I’ve got nothing to wear!” But before you rush to buy something new, it’s worth checking out the second-hand options. From sparkly sequins to classic velvet, there are so many beautiful pre-loved party dresses waiting to be rediscovered – and often at a fraction of the price.Buying second-hand isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s also about finding unique pieces, avoiding fast fashion, and doing something kinder for the planet. And as if all that wasn't enough, you’re far less … [Read more...]
Christmas melted colourful crayons….
I first blogged about melted crayon cakes way back in 2011, but last weekend I made a Christmassy version that I thought you might like to see today. It’s such a simple little craft, but it looks so cute and it’s a lovely way to spend a cosy afternoon together.When I first made my colourful crayons, it really was back in 2011 when the kids were still at the stage where colouring and drawing filled entire afternoons. The idea back then was to melt together all the random stubby crayon ends that collected at the bottom of their drawing boxes, and it worked perfectly as a fun way to use … [Read more...]
16 Wonderful family traditions to start this year….
A Christmas family tradition doesn't have to be something your family have done for years and years or something that's been passed from generation to generation. It can be something you want to do each year with your own family so why not start a family tradition right now?Christmas seems to come around faster every year, and the older my two get, the more I realise it’s the little things we do together that make the season feel magical. The presents and the big days out are lovely, but it’s the quiet, cosy traditions — the ones we repeat year after year — that really stick. Those … [Read more...]
No Alcohol Fruit Cake Recipe…
This easy no alcohol fruit cake recipe makes the perfect fruit cake for you if you prefer yours without alcohol. It’s an ideal Christmas cake substitute, although I guarantee you’ll love it all year round!It has the same cosy, traditional fruitiness but without the heavy, boozy richness, which makes it a great option for families, non-drinkers or anyone who just prefers a lighter take on the classic. It’s one of those cakes that tastes like Christmas without feeling quite so intense, so it works beautifully for everyday baking too.This super easy no alcohol fruit cake recipe is so … [Read more...]
