2015 Blogmas 11.Simple Christmas Decoration Ideas for Your Home

Christmas is a time to have fun and get creative so I have found 3 simple ways to make your own decorations this year.

Draw Christmas images on your glasses to add a simple festive touch to your house. View HERE.

These don't look as simple as the rest but the jar with a Christmas scene in it looks too good not to try. View HERE.

Simple snowflakes and garlands around your house can be customised to your specific needs so you never have to opt for the more boring side of Christmas decorations. View HERE. View some snowflake pattern ideas HERE.

I can't wait to try these at some point.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 10.How to Make Delicious Salted Caramel

(Source)

This recipe makes a small amount of salted caramel (recipe can be adapted but smaller batches usually work better) and can be used on and with many things such as ice cream, desserts, hot chocolate or even just on its own.
It is quick and easy to make (around 20 minutes are needed) and tastes amazing when done correctly. Although the recipe is easy to follow you will need to be very careful when cooking it in the pan because it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Trust me it doesn't taste nice when its burnt. :/
It would probably help if you read the recipe fully before starting.

Ingredients:

60ml water
225g granulated sugar
½ cup whipping cream
1tbsp vanilla extract (can be switched with your favourite liqueur, if you want)
½-1 tsp salt (add to your own personal taste)

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan (make sure it's larger than you think it should be because this mixture will bubble a lot) add sugar and water and bring to the boil over a high heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Boil the mixture until it turns a caramel colour (around 5-12 mins), it will probably be smoking slightly but that's normal.
3. *This part will go very quickly so keep your attention on the pan.* The mixture will change from a pale amber to a delicious caramel colour. It can take less than 3 seconds so keep an eye on it and don't let it burn.
4. Once it is a caramel colour, reduce to a low heat and slowly add the cream. It will bubble a lot so be careful.
5. *Optional step* Add vanilla and salt to the mixture. Be careful because it will bubble up again.
6. Whisk until smooth and then let it boil for another minute to thicken it slightly.
7. Move the sauce to a glass jar or heat proof bottle/box.
8. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature in this container (uncovered), the sauce will thicken a lot while it cools.

The caramel sauce can be stored for at least a month so as well as making some for yourself, it could make a great gift for someone.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 9.Winter Outfit Ideas

It can sometimes be difficult to find an outfit in Winter that is the perfect mix of comfort, warmth and keeps you looking at your best. I have found some ideas of what I think is the perfect combination for a Christmas outfit.

(Source)

A simple outfit can be made festive with the addition of a Christmas patterned item such as these leggings or a Christmas jumper. Pair the leggings with a warm jumper to stay warm and but still enjoy the holiday spirit.



(Source)

This outfit is more winter than Christmas. The chunky knit will keep you warm and stylish throughout the colder months.



(Source)

A red accessory (or a few) can really add a Christmas feel to your outfit.

(Source)

Pale colours (pinks and white) can be used to create a subtle and cute outfit. The jumper adds the Christmas element while the hat, scarf and shoes add warmth, making this a great outfit for winter.

(Source)

A checked shirt and a scarf both seem pretty simple but pair them with the right shoes and your outfit could be just as good ads ones you see in magazines.

 

All websites featured by the images include lots of other good Winter/Christmas Outfit ideas, so if your still struggling check them out too.
More ideas from last year's Blogmas HERE, HERE and HERE.



I would love to hear if you have any Winter Outfit tips or styles that you love.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 8.Spice Up Your Hot Chocolate

I found this a couple of weeks ago and it just looks amazing! I can't wait to try some of them out. :)
Hot chocolate is a great way to stay warm and it is also my favourite drink to have when watching Christmas films.

(Source)

Have you ever tried any of these? Was it better than regular hot chocolate?
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 7.DIY Impressive Snowflakes

I'm always looking for some new ideas to decorate my room to make it seem more like Christmas and this year I stumbled on some intricate looking snowflake patterns on Pinterest and decided to give them a try.
It does take a while to cut them out properly making sure that all layers are cut and nothing is cut off that shouldn't be but the end results are worth it.
I found it easier to draw the pattern on the folder paper before starting to cut out.
Here are 3 of the impressive snowflake patterns which I managed to recreate successfully:
1.

2.

3.



Visit the website: HERE
The writing is in Chinese but if you follow the pictures the snowflakes still come out looking really good.
For even trickier ones click HERE.
I will be decorating my room with some of these as well as some other decorations (home-made and shop bought). How are you decorating your room this year?
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 6.My Christmas Decorations

Almost a week into December and most of my Christmas decorations are up (at least the downstairs ones are - the ones upstairs should be done soon (pics will be added when it is completed) and hopefully it won't be too long). Knowing me, I'll probably find/buy some more decorations and then I'll have to find a place to put them.
My room still isn't finished but here are some of the decorations that we have downstairs this year.

Hanging decoration that we hang on door handles.

Hand-made angle decorations.

Russian doll style Christmas characters.

These guys are adorable and probably my favourite decorations that we have! They are weighted so they sit up and they help to add some extra fun to a room.

 

I would love to see how you decorate your house! Links in the 'Contact Me' section at the top of the page - click HERE to view them.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 5.Christmas So Far

My Christmas so far has been filled with school work, writing Blogmas posts and decorating the house. A typical chaotic start to December! Have you had a similar start to this or completely different?
To begin with, for the past 2 weeks we have had mock exams to prepare us for the ones which are coming in the summer. This took up a lot of my time because I've had revision to do as well as keep on top of homework and coursework. I've been so tired lately I feel like I could sleep for a week!
One thing that I've been really enjoying lately is the amount of baking and making I've needed to do for this year's Blogmas (Day 2-Recipe for Christmas Ginger Spice Cupcakes - Read HERE, Day 7-DIY Impressive Snowflakes - Read HERE, Day 10-How to Make Delicious Salted Caramel - Read HERE and many more). Making sure that the recipe's were perfect was a bit annoying when it didn't work the way I wanted it to, but it was fun making the snowflakes and baking the cupcakes (it was even better eating them) because I got to take a break from school work and focus on something I love doing.

This past week my Christmas jumper (I only have one at the moment) has been getting a lot of use! I haven't worn it everyday but I have definitely tried to wear it whenever I can. I really love this one because it's thick and warm (unlike some Christmas Jumpers I've had in the past) so I can wear it on colder nights and also when I go Ice Skating on an evening with my friends. I always used to get cold easily but so far it hasn't happened while I've been wearing this jumper (as well as a coat and scarf usually).

I received this last year as a Christmas present from my sister.

Another thing that I love about Christmas is the excuse to go shopping for presents and get out of the house to see all of the decorations and new Christmas stock in the shops. This has definitely been a key activity during my free time this week. Earlier in the year I decided to finish all of my Christmas shopping early (I do this every year and still haven't managed to succeed once!) and so far most of the presents for my friends and family have been bought. The original plan was to finish buying before December so I could start saving for holidays and parties in the New Year, but that definitely didn't happen! If you are struggling for any ideas read Gift Ideas for Her- HERE and Gift Ideas for Him- HERE.
As well as all of this I have been busy helping to decorate the house, the main tree is up and the two little ones should be up by tomorrow. You will be able to see them all in Blogmas Day 6 - HERE.
Sadly, I still haven't had time to watch any of my favourite Christmas movies (Read about them-HERE) but hopefully I'll have some more time this week to watch some of them seeing as mocks are over and lots of my presents are already bought.
How has your Christmas been going so far?
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 4.Gift Ideas for Him

With less than 3 weeks to Christmas you may be wondering what presents to get for your friends and family. To help you find the perfect gift I have made a list of 12 ideas of what you could get your father, brother, boyfriend or friend this year (Struggling for gift ideas for your mother, sister, girlfriend or friend? Read Gift Ideas for Her - HERE).


(Source)

*Disclaimer: This list is general ideas for Christmas gifts given to me by my friends and family. They are to be used as a guide only and items from this list can be used for any gender, not just men. I don't know the people you are buying for so use your own judgement.*

Books (Is there a set he's been dying to read or a favourite author who just released a new book?)

Winter clothes-jumpers, scarves, gloves hats (Everyone needs to keep warm during Winter)

After shave/deodorant (Find out what his favourite one is, don't just buy a random one unless you're sure he'll like it)

Bath/Shower sets (He might not admit it but he likes to be pampered too and we all need a little time to relax, right?)-Make sure he likes the scent and doesn't have sensitive skin.

Jewellery-watch, cuff links (These are really good gifts to show someone you care)

Food/Drink (Everyone has a favourite food/drink, this could be sweets, vouchers for a restaurant/pub he loves, alcohol or hot chocolate; the options are endless)

Gift Box (Made yourself or bought: both are great ways to give lots of little gifts but it still looks impressive)

DVDs/CDs (New film you planned to go and see but it's no longer in the cinemas? Has his favourite singer/band brought out a Christmas/recent album that he hasn't got yet?)

Sports Equipment/stuff he needs for a hobby (This can be a really simple one if he is obsessed with a team or pofessional)

Video games (PlayStation, Xbox, computer, Wii-there must be one game that he hasn't got yet)

Pyjamas (Warm pyjamas are often needed near Christmas and in the period after so this one would be perfect)

Make/Bake them something (Home-made gifts are always good because it shows you put thought and effort into the gift you give them. Blogmas 2 is a recipe for ginger spice cupcakes (view it HERE) and Blogmas 10 will be a method for making salted caramel (view it - HERE). You could also search for a recipe or DIY instructions to make him the perfect gift-Pinterest is always good for this)

I hope this has been able to give you a few more gift ideas, have you got any other good ideas?
If so, share them in the comments, I'd love to hear them.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 3.Gift Ideas for Her

With only 3 weeks to Christmas you may be wondering what presents to get for your friends and family. To help you find the perfect gift i have made a list of 12 ideas of what you could get your mother, sister, girlfriend or friend this year (Struggling for gift ideas for your father, brother, boyfriend or friend? Read Gift Ideas for Him - HERE).

(Source)

*Disclaimer: This list is general ideas for Christmas gifts given to me by my friends and family. They are to be used as a guide only and items from this list can be used for any gender, not just women. I don't know the people you are buying for so use your own judgement.*

• Books (Is there a set she's been dying to read or a favourite author who just released a new book?)
• Winter clothes-jumpers, scarves, gloves hats (Everyone needs to keep warm during Winter)
• Perfume (Find out what her favourite perfume or everyday perfume is, don't just buy a random one unless you're sure she'll like it)
• Bath/Shower sets (She probably works hard (If not it would still be a nice treat) so it would be nice to give her a set to pamper her)-Make sure she likes the scent and doesn't have sensitive skin.
• Jewellery-watch, earrings, ring, necklace (Check she has her ears pierced or wears it first)
• Food/Drink (Everyone has a favourite food/drink, this could be sweets, vouchers for a restaurant/pub she loves, alcohol or hot chocolate; the options are endless)
• Gift Basket (Made yourself or bought: both are great ways to give lots of little gifts but it still looks impressive)
• DVDs/CDs (New film you planned to go and see but it's no longer in the cinemas? Has her favourite singer/band brought out a Christmas/recent album that she hasn't got yet?)
• Make up/Nail Varnish (This can be a tricky one if you don't know what type of makeup she wears and which nail varnish brands she likes)
• Stationery (I don't know about you or the girl your buying for but I LOVE it and it always makes me happy unwrapping a new notebook or set of stationery-is that weird?)
• Pyjamas (Warm pyjamas are often needed near Christmas and in the period after so if you know her size and what she likes to wear, this one would be perfect)
• Make/Bake them something (Home-made gifts are always good because it shows you put thought and effort into the gift you give them. Blogmas 2 is a recipe for ginger spice cupcakes (view it HERE) and Blogmas 10 will be a method for making salted caramel (view it - HERE). You could also search for a recipe or DIY instructions to make her the perfect gift-Pinterest is always good for this)

I hope this has been able to give you a few more gift ideas, have you got any other good ideas?
If so, share them in the comments, I'd love to hear them.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 2.Recipe for Christmas Ginger Spice Cupcakes

Christmas food is one of the best part of Christmas but there is still a while to wait. :( While you wait you could try making these moist, delicious and festive cupcakes.
This recipe makes around 12 large cupcakes. You can make small cupcakes and a large cake using this method but you will need to increase or decrease the cooking time to suit it.
Handheld electric mixers, stand mixers and hand tools can all be used for this recipe. Hand tools will take longer but the cake will still taste amazing if you persevere. Speeds for electric mixers will be shown in brackets.
I find that these cupcakes are good to eat on their own and don't necessarily need a topping but if you want to add one, cream cheese frosting is meant to go well with spiced cupcakes. It would make them look prettier/more presentable but these cupcakes are super moist and I personally don't think they need anything extra.

Ingredients:

115g butter, softened

100g light/dark brown sugar

1 egg, room temperature

150g dark treacle (molasses)

1tsp vanilla extract

160g plain flour

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp ground mixed spice

Step 5-your mixture should look something like this

Method:

1.  Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan, 350°F, Gas Mark 4).
2.  Place muffin cases in the 12-hole muffin tin then move it to the side.
3. In a large bowl, using an electronic mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand-held rubber spatula beat the butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy (medium speed).
4. Beat in the eggs until the mixture is combined. Keep scraping down the sides of the bowl to make sure it is all mixed together.
5. Blend in the milk, vanilla and dark treacle (medium speed). It won't be fully incorporated but that it normal, so don't worry.
6. In a medium/small bowl stir the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and mixed spice in to the flour until they are completely mixed in.
7. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Put about ¼  of the mixture in each time making sure it is mixed in fully before adding more. Keep scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything gets mixed in.
8. Fill the cupcake cases, leaving around 1cm for the cakes to rise to the top of them. Anymore and the cakes will spill over the sides during baking and make it hard to get them out of the tin. I find that 2 tablespoons usually fill the cupcake cases that I use to the right height. 
9. Bake in your pre-heated over for 15-20mins or until a toothpick can be pressed into the centre of the cake and come out almost clean. 
10. Leave to cool fully before icing, frosting or eating.

 

I hope you enjoy making these and I would love to hear if they were a success. Contact details are in the 'Contact Me' section at the top of the page.
Fiona xx

2015 Blogmas 1.Christmas Movies You Must See This Year

 

One of the best ways to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! But if your anything like me, curling up on the sofa with a warm blanket, a mug of hot chocolate and watching a Christmas movie is a bit more realistic. So I've made a list of 10(ish) movies that I love to watch around Christmas.

1.The Nightmare before Christmas (Rated PG)

I know it's only the 1st of December so we'll start off with a half Halloween, half Christmas film to ease you into it. Jack Skellington Stumbles on Christmastown and plans to gain control of Christmas by kidnapping Santa and taking his role. Includes some scarier scenes which young children may not want  to watch.

2.Love Actually (Rated 15 or R)

Nine Christmas love stories in one! What's not to love (actually)? :) People of all ages and occupations cross paths in this great movie, showing that love can be unexpected, strange, good and bad, all at the same time. Includes sex, nudity, light swearing and intense emotional scenes.

3.Nativity! (Rated U or G)

Also Nativity 2 Danger in the Manger and Nativity 3 Dude! Where's my Donkey?
All 3 are great movies to watch with your whole family. They really remind you that Christmas is great but it doesn't always go perfectly. A school teacher is faced with directing a children's nativity play and they are in a competition against a posh local school. Each movie gets slightly funnier as you watch them.

4.How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Rated PG)

An adaptation of the Dr Seuss book. The Grinch hates Christmas and plans to steal it from those who live in Whoville. This all changes when he meets Cindy Lou Who, who sets her heart on befriending him and showing him the joys of Christmas.

5.Home Alone (Rated PG)

I've only ever seen the first 2 but I'll definitely be checking out the other ones this year. Some scenes may be inappropriate for young children.

(If you can't read it, click HERE)

 

 



6.Arthur Christmas (Rated U or G)

Definately one you can watch with the whole family! Arthur Christmas is the second son of Santa and believes that every child counts and should be able to experience waking up in the morning to find presents. Steve is his older brother and runs the North Pole and hopes to take over from Santa soon. However he believes that Christmas is a mission and tries to make it a military operation to make sure that every child gets a present and the night is a success. Steve's planning isn't as perfect as he would like and he misses a child! Arthur Christmas then sets out with GrandSanta on a crazy mission to makes a little girl's Christmas wish come true.

7.Miracle on 34th street (Rating U or G)

An old classic which tells the story of an old man going around surprising customers and employees of a chain's main store in midtown Manhattan by claiming that he is the real Santa. This leads to a court case to test his mental stability and if he really is Santa.

8.The Santa Clause (Rating U or G)

Also The Santa Clause 2 and The Santa Clause.
After a divorced dad accidentally knocks Santa off the roof and he disappears, he tries on the suit. They (him and his son) are then transoprted to the North POle where the elf explains that he is now Santa! He dissmisses it as a dream but in the run up to Christmas he gains weight and grows a white beard. Could he really be the next Santa?


(The Santa Clause 3)

9.The Holiday (Rating 12 of PG-13)

A great Christmas romantic comedy. Two women decide to swap homes for Christmas after bad breakups with their boyfriends. Each woman finds new romance with a local man but they then realise that the journey back home (England or America) could break up their new relationships. Contains sex, mild swearing and violence.

10.Elf (Rating PG)

Lovely family film which can be enjoyed at all ages. After wreaking havoc in the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity and his father.

(Buddy the Elf)

All of these fils are great (even though some aren't exactly modern) but my favourites are definately Arthur Christmas and Elf- everyone can watch them and they certainly get you in the mood for Christmas. Which is your favourite?
Fiona xx