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

December...

December... Wow! This year has gone by so quickly. It's hard to believe that Christmas is just a month away. Last year I attempted Blogmas by posting everyday in the lead up to Christmas and I recieved an amazing reaction, so I decided to do it again this year.

For Blogmas 2014 I did Christmas/Winter essentials:
1. Warm Tights
2. Healthy Eating (Part 1)
3. Healthy Eating (Part 2)
4. Jumpers (Christmas)
5. Lip Care
6. Tissues
7. Cosy Socks
8. Keeping Your Skin Looking Fresh
9. Candles
10. Comfy Clothes
11. Get Your Summer Glow Back
12. Christmas Jumper Day and Finally in the Festive Spirit
13. Comfy Boots
14. Face Masks
15. Reading a Good Book
16. Layer Up
17. Protect your Hands
18. Keep it Cool
19. Christmas Pyjamas
20. Cotton Wool Pads
21. Christmas Films
22. Wrapped Up
23. Make Up
24. Nights at Home (Christmas Eve)
25. Christmas Day

This year I am going to be doing general Christmas posts such as recipes, outfits and favourite things to do and watch around Christmas time. I will be posting everyday in December until Christmas but until then... Have you seen the new John Lewis advert? If not, here it is.

(Click HERE for #ManOnTheMoon)

Let me know what you think in the comments
Fiona xx

Revision Tips

Exams are always stressful and sometimes it's hard to revise effectively to get the marks that you deserve. I also find that it's difficult to set aside time so that you can properly focus with no distractions. After sitting my exams last year I found some tips that really helped me and with more exams just around the corner, I thought that I'd share them with you to help reduce stress and improve your performance in your exams.

(source)

Here are 10 revision tips to help you achieve the best possible result:

1.Make a revision Timetable

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That's what I've heard anyway. By creating a revision timetable it will help you keep on track of everything you need to revise and for when. When I make one, I put in revision blocks of 30 minutes and then around 15-20 minutes in between each one. This helps me to focus and not get stressed out by a tonne of revision books, notes and papers (also scientists are now saying that to concentrate better you should do short revision sessions with frequent breaks).

2.Find a quiet space

You need to create a space at home where you can just get down to work and not have distractions everywhere. If you can't you could also go to the local library or find a place at your school, college or university to work. This will allow you to have a peaceful space where you can revise and work with no one to distract you.

3.Start early

Stick to your revision timetable but the sooner you start revision, the less you will have to revise closer to the time of the exam. This will reduce stress and put you at ease knowing that you're ahead of everyone else. Also if you start early in the morning you will have more time in the afternoon for socialising and this way you won't have to sacrifice your life for your exams.

4.Make it fun

Add some colour and pictures to your notes and timetable. Using coloured paper, pens or pencils can help you to memorise the facts and this way it is personal to you. Diagrams, mind maps, tables or just notes on a topic are all great places to use colour.

5.Past papers are your friend

Doing past papers before your exam will help to familiarise yourself with the types of questions that will be asked and which topics are popular. You can get past papers from your teacher or directly from the exam board's website as well as the mark scheme to check as you go along.

6.Summary notes

Summary notes are an amazing way to remember lots of information without being bombarded with textbooks filled with information. It also helps you use your time effectively rather than staring blankly at a page full of words or numbers. Colour, pictures, diagrams and statistics can all be put on summary notes to help you remember the important information.

7.You friends and family can help

Take a break from writing notes and reading textbooks and spend some time with your family/friends. Give them your summary notes and ask them to test you on facts, figures or translations on words (scientists say that by teaching someone about what you are learning, you will have a better understanding of it).

8.Exercise

You may not be an active person but trust me, it relieves so much stress you might not even know you have. Although it may seem like spending less time revising is a bad thing, spending your time moving or exercising is beneficial to your exam success. Any physical activity - walking round your neighbourhood to having a full workout at the gym - will help you because it will increase your heart rate causing your blood to circulate faster. This allows more oxygen to get to your brain, resulting in increased productivity as well as a reduction in stress and tiredness caused by doing the same thing every day.

9.Reward yourself

After revising you need to take breaks so that you can carry on taking in information, otherwise it will just go straight over your head. Spend your breaks doing something you enjoy. This could be being with friends/family, a sport, playing a video game or you could treat yourself to the next episode in your favourite tv series or your favourite food/sweet. Whichever way you decide to treat yourself, just make sure you are in the right mindset in time for your next revision session.

10.Believe in yourself

If you put in the work, you will do well in your exams, so all you have to do now is relax and try not to get too stressed about it. Believe in yourself and know that you will do as well as you can. Don't forget to socialise and take breaks (as well as actually revising or course) and you will be ready for your exam in no time.

I hope that these help you. Good Luck in your exams!
Fiona xx

A Week in Keswick

During August I spent a week in the Lake District with my family. We stayed in a lovely second floor apartment which was in the centre of town, so nothing was too far away. As we were on holiday we tried to do something new/different everyday to make the most of our stay.

Saturday
We travelled on the morning and stopped at The Horse & Farrier Inn to get some lunch before going to collect the keys for our apartment. After settling into our apartment we found a fish and chip shop for some tea and took a short walk around the town.

Sunday
On Sunday my whole family was exhausted from travelling for most of Saturday so we walked around town again and bought some Lake District necessities (waterproof trousers). In the afternoon we decided to go to Whinlatter forest park and do a four hour walk around there. We climbed Lord's seat and Barf (lovely name isn't it :/) and then we ate in the little cafe at the forest park to gain some of the energy we had lost by doing the walk.

(View half way up Lord's Seat)

Monday
Again we looked around the shops and bought some present for people at home. Then we played Crazy Golf before heading to the Bank Tavern for some lunch.

Tuesday
We climbed Binsy in the morning to look at the amazing view from it, you can see for miles and on a clear day you can see Scotland in the distance. Afterwards we spend the whole day at North Lakes Safari Park looking at all of the animals they have there. One thing I love about North Lakes Safari Park is the talks and feeding opportunities that the keepers give throughout the day.

Wednesday
We spent the full day at Nichol End after taking the ferry across Derwent Water. The view was spectacular from the balcony where we ate our lunch and the food was delicious. As some of you may have known the Perseid meteor shower was happening while we were away and because of the rural area we were staying in we managed to see them first hand. It was spectacular, you don't actually realise how many stars there is until you go to the countryside. I would strongly recommend that next year, if you are in an area with little to no light at night, you try to see them  because you will be blown away by how many of them there is and how fast they travel.

Thursday
In the Wainwright books High Rigg is pictured as a lovely little hill that anyone could climb with lovely views all the way up. However this was NOT how I experienced it. Bracken has taken over and covered most of the path which would have previously been used, also this bracken is well over 5 foot tall and so anyone only just above 5 foot (me) can only see bracken the entire way up. It was a bit of a let down and it took a lot longer than we had originally planned because paths cut off and we had to retrace our steps quite a bit in order to get the the main path again.

Friday
It rained a lot so we visited a local museum, ate come ice cream and then headed home in the evening.

Have you been on holiday during the summer holidays? Comment where you went below.
Fiona xx