Feeling Festive! | The Christmas Tag

 I've seen heaps of Christmas themed tag posts floating around but thought I'd create my own so that I can ask all the questions I'd like to answer! Control freak, moi?! 

I start to feel Christmassy when...

The mince pies come out! My mum is a mince pie fan and from the start of December onwards it's mince pies and tea on tap. I'm not a massive fan but I always seem to find myself eating them anyway, in the name of tradition! I also begin to feel super Christmassy when December 1st rolls around and I pop Mariah Carey's Christmas album on, and when I open the first door on my advent calendar. I've gone for a Marks & Spencer chocolate nativity calendar this year, although I'm so jealous of the Benefit beauty calendar Megan is unveiling day by day over on her blog Little Miss Average. Take a look at the treats she's received so far!

I start my Christmas shopping...

When I was younger I used to get all of my shopping done in early November, but apparently the older I get the poorer I get (isn't that the way!) so now it's more often mid December. I'm quite organised and love making lists so I usually know what I'm looking for in advance and budget accordingly once I've scraped the pennies together. This year I'm hoping to find smaller, more meaningful gifts what with most of our money going towards the wedding at the moment. It might be a Christmas on a budget but I think smaller, personal gifts can have a lovely impact.

Our Christmas tree goes up...

We usually buy our Christmas tree from the local garden centre in the second week of December and then it inevitably stands naked or a few days because none of us are particularly keen Christmas tree dressers! My mum eventually drapes the lights on and then I help add various baubles we've collected over the years. I always make sure my special pink and gold bauble takes prime position! I love it when the tree is finished as it makes the living room seem so cosy and wintry. The colour scheme tends to lean towards reds, greens and gold for a classic Christmas look. As you can probably tell by now, I do like upholding traditions!

My favourite Christmas song...

It has to be Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You, I can't imagine ever getting bored of it! It's the ultimate Christmas song to sing along to, it's romantic and it's so sweet. I have both her Christmas albums and as soon as December hits they're on repeat right through to Christmas day, along with anything by Michael Buble, obviously. 

My favourite Christmas film...

Oh man, I LOVE Christmas films. Elf, Little Women (it has a Christmas scene!), Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually, The Santa Clause, Fred Claus, The Grinch, and every Disney film ever made just because they feel so cosy and comfortable and Christmassy. I have a soft spot for Home Alone, which I watch every year, and every Christmas I watch the original Footloose because you can't go wrong with a classic musical! I love watching old favourites like Grease and Dirty Dancing too, even thought they're not *technically* Christmas films... Basically Christmas time is a time to indulge in any and all movie favourites!

My favourite Christmas read...

A few years ago my mum bought me a beautiful hard back edition of A Christmas Carol and I re-read it every year during December. I always find myself returning to Little Women as well, which I received as a Christmas present when I was younger. It's such a comforting read and always has me in tears at the end, in a good way! I used to idolise Jo March (I kind of still do) and wanted to be a writer like her, although I still can't forgive her for rejecting Laurie...

Pre- Christmas traditions include...

Last year I celebrated Yule on December 20th, the winter solstice, and it was such a nice occasion that I'm going to do it again this year. Yule celebrates the triumph of the Oak King over the Holly King and the promise of brighter days and shorter nights to come. I took part in a guided meditation and it was extremely peaceful and comforting; I set about planting 'seeds' for the future in writing out my intentions and hopes, and celebrated by decorating my room with gold candles, berries and mistletoe from outside, and by burning frankincense. I also bought a chocolate yule log for the family to share which was yummy! It's nice to take a moment to slow down during the pre-Christmas rush and Yule is all about slowing down and being at peace.

On Christmas Eve I...

Chris's family have a big Italian Christmas dinner on Christmas eve and exchange presents at midnight, which I joined in with for the first time last year. It was so much fun! I loved having a big meal on Christmas Eve because it made Christmas last longer and it means you get to stuff your face with even more amazing Christmas food. Mmm. Plus it means more time with family, coming together to share a meal and hang out, which is always lovely. 

This year Chris and I will do the same and head on over to his in the evening with presents in tow. At around eight or nine we'll sit down to a delicious dinner (Chris's mum is an amazing cook!) of roast beef with all the traditional Christmas trimmings! Chris's mum stocks the cupboards with lots of Christmas snacks so I'll no doubt end up stuffing my face all evening ;) 

Last year I exchanged presents with Chris's family at midnight, which was awesome, but I couldn't bring myself to open everything as I'm so used to waiting until Christmas morning! Once the meal has been eaten and presents opened, we'll hang out for a while chit chatting and watching TV before making our way to bed in the early hours. 

On Christmas day I...

Christmas day is the main event at my house, so in the morning Chris and I will be waking early at his and heading to mass where my mum will join us before coming back to mine afterwards. I've always gone to church on Christmas morning (sometimes on Christmas Eve instead) and it's such an ingrained tradition that I don't think I could ever not go. I really like the community feel of it and the excitement in the air. The 8am start is a little difficult (!) but it means I'm up early. I don't want to waste a second of my Christmas day! 

Once at mine we'll gather around the tree with my mum and older brother and exchange presents. While I'll no doubt have torn through mine in about twenty seconds my mum always takes what feels like hours to open hers, which always drives me a little bit nuts! I still have a stocking because I absolutely refuse to give that tradition up; it's the best part of Christmas morning! My mum used to hang my stocking on the end of my bed when I was little and I'd have to force myself to stay in bed and not open it at some point during the night. So tempting! We usually fill each other's stockings with little bits and bobs like chocolate coins, a Chocolate Orange, toiletries and other small gifts. Last year I made sure Chris had a stocking too, and tradition dictates that stockings are to be opened before any under-the-tree presents.

Once the presents have all been opened it's breakfast time. Every year since my brother and I were little my mum has bought one of those cereal selection packs, so I always end up munching my way through a few packets of Coco Pops with a cup of tea. Sometimes we'll have Bucks Fizz and croissants, although I'm a stickler for tradition so I'm hard pressed to give up the cereal! After breakfast I have my 'Christmas bath', which involves using a selection of the toiletries I've received as presents (hint hint!) and then I put on my pre-selected Christmas outfit! 

Sometimes we have neighbours over for Christmas drinks at midday, and I always see Alice to exchange gifts. My mum is in charge of cooking the turkey and we eat at around 3pm. Roast turkey with all the trimmings, it can't be anything else! I particularly love sausages wrapped with bacon, and I'm obsessed with roast potatoes cooked in goose fat.. So crispy! I'm in charge of the 'pickle bar' which usually opens in the evenings when we have smoked salmon, crackers, various cheeses and pickles for dinner. Mmm. After lunch we laze around watching TV, napping, playing with presents, eating our way through chocolate selection boxes and generally taking it easy. Perfect!

Writing this post has made me feel thoroughly festive (and also quite hungry. Bring on the Christmas treats!) I'd love to hear how others celebrate Christmas, so do feel free to have a go at the tag!

Baci e abbracci, 
          
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Beauty | Winter Favourites

Brrr, it's cold outside! I'm so excited that we've finally hit December. Christmas is just around the corner and I've been busy prepping my Christmas beauty wishlist! I thought I'd share a little roundup of the products I've been loving recently, before I stock up on all the Christmas beauty offers available... I would say I won't go crazy this year but I'm a sucker for Boots 3 for 2 and I have my eye on so many things! 

Over the past week or so I've been reaching for products to soothe my winter worn skin, what with constant central heating and cold winds causing havoc with my sensitive combination complexion. Superdrug's popular Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser (£4.99) is extremely gentle and moisturising, and removes make-up and grime in only a few swipes. There's something very comforting and relaxing about taking makeup off with a warm muslin cloth and this beauty is helping to keep pesky dry patches at bay. 

I always find myself in a bit of a pickle when it comes to moisturiser in winter as I don't like the feel of heavy creams but I do need a gentle moisture hit after cleansing. I was very kindly sent an Elemis Here We Glow Collection (£15) kit a few weeks ago that includes a mini tube of Softly Softly Daily Moisturiser and I've been loving it so far. It has a light lotion consistency and a divine lavender herb scent that proves super relaxing before bed. It sinks in quickly, making it a great base for makeup in the mornings and it doesn't leave a greasy residue. Perfect!

I can't be without a good lip balm throughout the winter months (actually, I'm obsessed all year around and can't sleep unless I've slathered on a layer!) and Smith's Rosebud Salve (£8) is my current prized possession. I spied it in Selfridges during the summer having lusted after it for months and had to grab a tin. It's a little more costly than what I'd usually pay for a lip balm, but I'd say it's very much worth the money. Aesthetically speaking, the tin is adorable and appealed to my superficial side instantly..!The balm itself is a multi-purpose, rose scented wonder and can be applied to lips, brows, cheekbones, eyelids, cuticles, etc. I've been using it primarily as a lip balm and love how it leaves a subtle rosy tint. It packs a real moisture punch and smells gorgeous, and the tin is pretty big so it should last a good while longer. 

My hair has also been in desperate need of nourishment and my oil of choice at the moment is Got2b Oil-Licious Styling Oil (£2.99). It has a nice thick-ish consistency, smells yummy and makes a visible difference to the frazzled ends of my hair. Plus, it's a total bargain! 

Makeup wise I can't get enough of a darker lip and two of my favourites are Collection Deluxe Lipstick 'Prohibition' (£3.99) and Barry M Ultra Moisturising Lip Paint '156' (£4.49), (the pink tube!) both of which I spied in Superdrug a few months ago. I'm quite fussy when it comes to red lipsticks as anything too bright or yellow based makes me look washed out, so I tend to favour a darker berry red. 'Prohibition' is a gorgeous deep red colour that I've been reaching for in the evenings, while Barry M's '156'  is more of a pinky purple berry colour that I've been loving during the day. I've been teaming them both with Rimmel's new clear Moisture Renew Lip Liner (£3.99) which is AMAZING. It eliminates lipstick application mess, which is great for a lipstick clutz like me! It also helps lock down colour when applied all over as a base before lipstick. 

I'm determined to branch out with my eye makeup and have started experimenting with colour, hence the inclusion of MUA's Pearl Eyeshadow '25' (£1). I love the cranberry colour and the pigmentation is pretty good considering the price. The shimmer it gives is lovely; you can't beat a shimmery eye look, especially for Christmas! I've been adding this to a slight smokey eye although to be honest I think I need to make more of an effort as it's so easy to resort to my tried and trusted neutrals! One thing I'm never without at the moment is Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner 'Nude' (£3.99) which works wonders at making me look refreshed and awake on cold winter mornings. I apply it gently to the waterline of the eye and it instantly eliminates redness. 

Unfortunately I have a sad tale to tell about the B. Cheeky Blusher 'Candy Cane' (£5.99) perched in the top left of the photo above *Sobs all over laptop* I love a light pink blush in winter to compliment my pale skin but alas on my hen night a few weekends ago I somehow managed to smash this little beauty to bits in my handbag! Sad times. Prior to it's unfortunate departure from my makeup bag I was using it everyday and loved it for its pigmentation and staying power. Now that it's gone I've rekindled my love for Natural Collection's Blushed Cheeks blushers (£1.99 each) especially 'Pink Cloud' which is a really lovely alternative... But I still miss my B. blush like crazy! 

I'd love some recommendations for other wonderful winter products, so if you've got something in mind let me know!

Baci e abbracci, 
       
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Sunday Gratitude | December 1st 2013

Happy 1st December! The countdown to Christmas begins today, and I thoroughly enjoyed cracking open my advent calendar this morning and munching on some chocolate! I'm settling down to write today's post with a warm mince pie and cup of tea to hand, feeling very snug indeed. Here's what I'm grateful for this week...

I'm grateful for a lesson learned

The past few weeks have been a little up and down, and I've really wanted to throw in the towel with uni work on numerous occasions. I had to request an extension for an essay as I was finding it impossible to tackle the research and writing required, and once the anxiety gremlins take hold it's really difficult to kick them to the curb. 

. However, rather than give up and run away from it all, I decided to keep going, one step at a time, slowly slowly. I've now typed up my assignment and just need to edit it a little tomorrow before sending it off. Even though it isn't brilliant I feel so proud of myself for pushing through and at least giving it a go, as I know it was important to face the fear and not run from it as I've tended to do in the past. A hard lesson to learn but an important one. 

I'm grateful for Christmas movies

I've stumbled upon a wonderful antidote to anxiety and panic attacks this past week: Channel 5 afternoon movies! They all seem to be Christmas themed now that we're getting closer to the 25th, and it turns out there's nothing more relaxing than a cheesy American made for TV movie! I've managed to watch quite a few this week, in between studying and wedding prep, and I'm not in the least bit embarrassed to admit I've really enjoyed them! 

I'm grateful for tarot

This week I've started a new routine of randomly selecting three cards every morning, and I'm finding the process of reflecting on the cards and recording my thoughts very therapeutic. The 

Tarot has proven to be a very gentle and comforting tool lately and I love how  reflecting on the cards allows me a little daily meditation time. I've been posting Tarot Trios on Instagram and am hoping to start including them on the blog as well. Keep your eyes peeled!

I'm grateful for bus journeys

A bit of a random one, I know, but I love bus rides, especially in winter. Waiting in the cold makes nabbing a seat feel even better! Yesterday I indulged in some people watching and loved seeing families heading to the local park, kids kicking up leaves, dogs running around.  Everything looks crisp and fresh, Christmas lights are springing up everywhere and shops are looking so cosy and festive. It's nice to get out and about and see the sights from the top deck!

I'm grateful for reaching 300 followers on Bloglovin'!

This morning I received a lovely email that instantly put a smile on my face: I've made it to 300 followers on Bloglovin'! This was such a welcome surprise as I've been finding it quite difficult recently to write up posts, so I'm thrilled to know that people are still taking a peep at the Bluebird & the Robin. I've got lots of ideas bubbling away for 2014 and reaching milestones like this gives me such a boost during tricky anxiety ridden times. I'm going to keep on writing and doing my thing!

What are you grateful for this week?

Baci e abbracci, 

                                                       

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