Let's Start With This One...

Hey Lovelies,

New Year’s Eve is finally upon us! The day that marks the end of the year and the time to start anew. I must admit that I am really, truly ready to say goodbye to 2019. I want to make 2020 more fun. I want to be free and open again. I want to embrace life. That is my goal.

However, before that, we must say goodbye to the last decade in the right way. The quiet way. I know this may sound boring, but I love to spend NYE reflecting and embracing a less party-based evening. Many times, I spend it with my mum watching films. This year, I will probably be doing the same thing but on my own. Something I must admit I am not looking the most forward to, but know it is key to my recovery.

Spending the night in doesn’t make you boring. In fact, it can be a lot of fun and means you can relax a bit more. Here are a few reasons why staying in on New Year’s Eve is the best:

You Don’t Have to Get Dressed Up: Spending NYE in means that you can wear whatever you want. I have worn workout leggings, PJs, my everyday clothes and even put on my fancy frocks as well. My favourite thing is to wear my comfy nightwear because I feel cosiest in it. I couldn’t suggest slippers over heels more.

You Save Money: Most firework displays now charge people to attend them, which I think is quite sad, considering that so many of them used to be free. However, with the option to stay in, you can create your own display or simply watch the ones on the TV free of charge. You don’t have to pay to travel or for tickets into places either.

You Don’t Have To Deal With The Crowds: When it comes to going out, it often comes with the worry of beating the crowds or being amongst some people that you may not like or want to start the new year with. Beating the crowds and staying in with those you love will stop any worries in their tracks. I love a quiet night with my mum and dad and a few other family members best. I can’t deal with the pushing and shoving in crowds aha!

Netflix and Chill: Instead of listening to songs you may not like or watching something that isn’t what you would normally, starting the new year with your choice of shows or films is epic. Pop on Netflix pick what you want and chill out. Starting 2020 in a peaceful and happy way will hopefully continue for the rest of it.

Pick and Mix Your Own Snacks and Drinks: Going to a party means that you don’t often get to choose the food or drinks on offer. This can lead to a big disappointment when you get to the buffet. With a quiet night in, you can order a takeaway, get in what you want from the shops or simply have a meal of your choice. No worries needed. The same can happen with the drink’s options. In our house, we often have a cup of tea and cheer the new year with our big mugs.

Sleep Is Always an Option: Once midnight has hit, you can stay up or go to bed as soon or as late as you want. No waiting around for a taxi or transport. Just a simple walk up the stairs and into the warmth and cosiness of your forever friend. Bed. The best person and place to start the new year with.

Going out or staying in, there is so much that can be done to mark the end of the year and the start of a new. However, I must admit that with all the choices above, I think I may forever be a stay at home new year’s lover.

Hey Lovelies, 

With only a few days left to go until 2019 and the decade is over, I have been reflecting a lot about what has happened in it. So much can change in 365 days of the year. Some moments make you stronger. Others make you sad. But ultimately, they all make you human.

Looking and taking this blogger’s tag made me realise that 2019 was a tough one, ending on a very hard decision. Yet, it is one that could make all the years that follow a whole lot easier…

If You Could Look Back on One Memory from The Last Year That You Wish You Could Relive, What Would It Be? 
I would love to relive Elton John in June, but hopefully, enjoy it this time. If I knew what I do now and what was going to come a few days later, I would embrace the concert more and enjoy it more.

What Was One New Year’s Resolution That You Accomplished? 
I wanted to conquer my eating disorder and whilst I haven’t beat it yet and don’t know if I ever will, I didn’t let it win this year and got the help needed.

What Is Something You’re Looking Forward to This Coming Year? 
Getting out of the hospital and hopefully beginning to rebuild my life. I need to be at home and looking after myself more.

What Did Last Year Teach You?
To listen to my body and give it the help it needs! Also, to make sure that I listen to my wants and needs. I need to have a lot more faith in myself too.

What Was Your Most Worn Clothing Item of Last Year?
Probably a Disney Spirit Jersey! I have a good amount now and so I wear them all quite a bit. I didn’t want to ruin them, so I didn’t bring them to the ward. I miss them a lot!

If You Had to Sum Up Your Year in One Word, What Would It Be?
Hard! Definitely hard!

What Are You Hoping for More of This Year?
More time at home with my family rebuilding myself and getting the help I need. I want to be free from the ward and to be back with them as soon as possible. I am also hoping for a trip to Disneyland Paris again.

What Are You Hoping for Less of This Year? 
Stress and health problems. I don’t want to be going to the hospital much more and I want to go to not have as many tests or problems. I also don’t want to care as much now about what people think.

Best Book You Read Last Year?
I loved Celeste Barber’s book but also My Sister, The Serial Killer! I finished it the week of Christmas and it is brilliant. Definitely read it if you can lovelies.

What Is Your New Year’s Resolution for The Upcoming Year?
I don’t like New Year’s resolutions, but I do like to have some goals. This year, I want to get better, go to Disneyland Paris and to read more books. All whilst being gentle on myself.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Growing up Italian means that there is always something we have to have on our Christmas shopping list. The all-important panettone. Each year, my dad would go out and find the one that reminded him of home. Bringing it back for all of us to enjoy. Whether it be as it is, toasted or warmed up with a splodge of vanilla ice cream in the middle of a slice.

Years have passed with this happening, but now I see more recipes going around, with inventive ideas on how to make the most of the classic Italian dessert. With many of us probably having lots of it leftover too, it is always fun to see how you can reuse it in a fancy new recipe.

Below is one of the ones I use when it comes to making sure that none of it goes to waste. It is a bit of a mixture of both the English side of my family and the Italian. Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding. A blend of pure perfection in my eyes. Enjoy:

Ingredients

• 50g Butter
• 250g (About 5 Medium Slices) Leftover Panettone 
• 2 Eggs
• 142ml Carton Double Cream
• 225ml Milk
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tbsp Caster Sugar
• Icing Sugar, For Sprinkling (Optional)
• Softly Whipped Cream or Ice Cream, To Serve (Optional)

Tools

• 850ml/1½ pint shallow baking dish
• Bread Knife
• Table Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Large Roasting Tin

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160C/ 140C fan/ gas 3. Line and grease the baking dish with a little bit of the butter.
2. Using a bread knife, cut the leftover panettone into wedges with the crusts still on.
3. Switch to using the table knife and butter each slice lightly with the rest of the butter. Then cut each slice in half and arrange in the dish, with the buttered side up. Put to one side.
4. Take the mixing bowl and in it whisk the eggs, double cream, milk, vanilla extract and caster sugar together until combined. 
5. Once ready, pour the mixture evenly over the panettone in the baking dish.
6. To prevent spills, place the dish into a large roasting tin and pour hot water around it. This should be about 2.5cm deep and will help the dish cook.
7. Cook the dish for around 35 minutes, until it is just set, yellow inside and nicely browned on the top. 
8. Leave to cool or eat warm with a dusting of icing sugar on top and a yummy option of whipped cream, ice cream or even custard. You know what it is Christmas, use up that leftover brandy cream if you want to. 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies,

While we all try to sit and be with our families as much over the Christmas period, there will always be that time on the big day when we escape to watch what is on TV. This year, I’ve even got myself a Radio Times, to make sure I don’t miss out on any of the good stuff.

I do have to say though that it is a bit of an odd set this year. I don’t feel like many of the TV channels have a lot of special shows on and that is a little bit sad, to be honest. There are still many programmes though that I will be making sure to catch over the next two weeks.

Listed below are a few of them that I can’t wait to see:

Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special: Ten years we have been waiting for the gang to come back. At 8:30pm on Christmas Day, I will be glued, like the rest of the nation watching it. I am already obsessed with the trailer, so I have no doubts the show is going to make my heart rate go up a ton.

Dracula: Dark, gory and made by the people behind Sherlock, this has everything going for it. The Twilight/Vampire fan in me is excited to see how this new adaptation of the classic story captures the heart of the well-known character.

The Great British Bake Off Christmas Special: Is Christmas even Christmas if we don’t get a Bake Off special? With two to celebrate the holidays, the first bunch of contestants is true Bake Off icons, who will be followed in the New Year’s special by the cast of Derry Girls. Get the mixing bowls and spoons ready!

The Tiger Who Came To Tea: When I was little I couldn’t get enough of this book. Now, I hope that the show made for TV will be just the same. Sweet tuning for the whole family, everyone will be able to sit down and enjoy this rare beauty.

Home Alone: Thankfully someone is putting on what I believe is the best Christmas film on actual Christmas Day. Tune in to it on Channel 4 after your dinner for optimal entertainment. If the little ones haven’t seen it before, I am sure that they will be enrapt with it.

A Christmas Carol: Created by the people behind Peaky Blinders, this three-part series looks set to give an edgy, thrilling and downright brilliant look at the classic Dickens story. Starring Guy Pearce as Scrooge, the series began yesterday and continues tonight and tomorrow. All to get you out of the grumpy Christmas spirit in time for the festive day.

Looking through the TV magazine, I could pick a whole host more that I hope to catch and suggest you do too, but I wanted to know more importantly what you will all be watching? Let me know what you think should be added to the list and I will definitely try to take a look!

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Helping someone who is going through something at Christmas time can be a truly lovely thing. For many, the holiday season is filled with parties, joy and the art of giving. Yet, it can also be a time of sadness, stress and pain for many. The littlest things though can bring a moment of calm, serenity and happiness.

Life on an eating disorder ward is tough. As someone who adores Christmas, never did I imagine that I would be spending one in hospital. However, finally, I think I am seeing just how ill I am. If this means that I have to miss one Christmas than sadly I am going to do it. Even though I am certain that there will be many tears on the big day because of it.

Having only been here two days, I have already found though that people can be the nicest when they really don’t have to be. I have been welcomed into the group on the ward with open arms and I truly thank them for it. On my second day, they even gave me presents and cards. Something I was not expecting at all.

Giving a small gift, even if it is just a card, can mean the world to someone. It doesn’t have to cost anything. It can be homemade, a moment, even a hug, but it can mean everything. There so, I wanted to create this post to highlight some of the ways you can help a stranger, friend or relative going through something at this time of year:

Phone A Friend: Lots of elderly or lonely people don’t speak to anyone at this time of year. Find out from Age UK or other local charities how you can change this. Even if you take 30 minutes out of your Christmas Eve shopping, Christmas Day turkey cooking or Boxing Day snoozing to do so, I am certain it will make all the difference.

Donate A Present: Instead of buying those gifts for yourself that catch your eye or small unneeded gifts for others that will go to waste, why not buy them for people who really need them? A box of chocolates could help feed a lot of people at a homeless shelter. Warm cosy socks, hats and scarfs can too. Unwanted gifts after Christmas? Donate them to your local charity shop or host a swap shop so that they don’t go to waste. Put a few bits of money into a charity pot or shop lovelies. Even if it is only coppers, it can help fund so many projects, such as books for children, other countries in need and more.

Visit and Be There: Simply going to see someone can be a gift within itself. Whilst on the ward I have seen how seeing a friend or family member can go a long way. It changes people and makes them incredibly happy. There is a sadness I spot when people go and believe me, I went through it when my mum left on the first day. However, knowing that you have a visitor coming helps you get through the day and I think that comes out in lots of ways. Take the time to see an old friend, family member or a neighbour this holiday season. You never know how by just being with you will make them feel.

Create A Gift Scheme: I had never thought about this before, but I loved the idea when I heard it. Using tools on or offline, you could give the gift of a gift card scheme this Christmas. Netflix film night loyalty cards. Cooking meals for loved ones. Date nights needed. Whatever the options, create a funky gift card and hand it to those you love. Then when they need a bit of one on one time, they can use it. You will be like the Genie from Aladdin in no time.

Lend A Hand: Volunteering has become something many of us would love to do. But, with time always running out at Christmas, with present wrapping, gift buying and more, it can be tough to do. Simple things are achievable though. Why not spend a morning or evening helping in a local food bank or kitchen for the homeless? Ask someone if you can give them a car share opportunity to spend time with their loved ones on the big day. Invite a person you know will be alone to come and have Christmas Day with you and your loved ones. There are so many opportunities and you can do so many of them for a small fee or nothing lovelies. I know it can be stressful, but a little goes a long way in this case.

However, you can help is amazing lovelies. If my experience is teaching me anything this year, it is that kindness is all around. Something Love Actually got very right. If only we had Hugh Grant for a Prime Minister to help us see this even more.

Hey Lovelies,

Today’s Blogmas post comes with the chance to win a TV show that you can cosy up with this December for a fun night in! Kindly gifted to me, I have a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-Ray copy of the ultimate cut of the film, Watchmen to giveaway to one lucky winner!

To be in with a chance of winning, head on over to the blog's Twitter page, follow the page and retweet the pinned post.

I will be picking the winners on Friday 27th December, so make sure to enter before then lovelies and good luck!

• 400g (14oz) of White Chocolate
• One Packet of White chocolate buttons
• One Packet of Pretzel sticks
• One Packet of Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Halved
• Sprinkles or Red and Green M&Ms/Smarties

• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Mixing Spoon
• Microwavable Bowl
• Spatula
• Knife

1. Line one 20.5cm (8-inch) baking tray with baking paper and leave to one side.
2. In a microwavable bowl, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl for 30 seconds intervals. Watch to make sure that the chocolate doesn’t burn.
3. While the chocolate is melting, prepare the decorations. Use white chocolate buttons to mark out the snowman’s body. Split pretzel sticks in half for the arms. Cut the Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in hearts to make their hats and use black and orange sprinkles for the eyes and nose.
4. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, pour it onto the prepared tin. Use a spatula to flatten the chocolate on the tray and leave to stand for a few minutes until it begins to set.
5. Quickly add the decorations in the ways in which you want to make the snowmen.  
6. Around the snowman, scatter more sprinkles or the M&Ms/Smarties around them and leave to chill in the fridge for around two hours until set.
7. Once hardened, cut with a knife or break shards off with your hands. Then sit back and enjoy lovelies.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies, 

• 125g Unsalted Butter
• 100g Dark Muscovado Sugar
• 4 Tbsp Golden Syrup
• 325g Plain Flour
• 1 Tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda
• 2 Tsp Ground Ginger
• Writing Icing (Optional)
• 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon (Optional)
• Mincemeat (Optional)

• Baking Trays
• Baking Paper
• Rolling Pin
• Mixing Bowl
• Mixing Spoon
• Saucepan
• Teaspoon
• Straw (Optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C, gas mark 3 and line your baking trays with baking paper.
2. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in your saucepan, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, when all mixed and melted together.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, ginger, and cinnamon if you are using, before stirring in the melted ingredients making a stiff dough.
4. On a lightly floured surface, place the dough and roll out until it is 5mm thick. Using cookie cutters of your choice, make the shapes you desire and place them on the trays. If you are using mincemeat, place a teaspoon on each biscuit and cover with another shape. You will have fewer biscuits, but they will be filled with tasty treats.
5. Cook, in batches if needed, for nine to ten minutes or lightly brown.
6. Once ready, remove from the oven. They will still be soft, so if you are going to be making decorations with them, now is the perfect time make the holes for the ribbon.
7. When completely cool, decorate with the icing. Gift or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Hey Lovelies, 

Hey Lovelies,

Friday is here and that means that the weekend is about to begin! To start the celebrations early, I thought I would bring the holidays home with a tasty Christmas cookie recipe that will delight all who walk through your door this weekend.

Filled with gorgeous spices and all things nice, these cookies are perfect to make Christmas decorations, as gifts or to keep in a decorated jar in the kitchen to enjoy whenever you wish. Iced or not, you will not be able to stop making them in the lead up to the big day.

You might even move that jar into the room when you start wrapping because, with a recipe this easy, you won’t be able to stop making them:

Tools

• Fork
• Teaspoon
• Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Food Wrap
• Cookie Cutters
• Baking Tray
• Baking Paper
• Cooling Rack
• Straw (Optional)
• String/Thread (Optional)

Ingredients

• 100g Plain Flour (Plus, More for Dusting the Service)
• 75g Butter
• 75g Caster Sugar
• 5ml Lemon Juice
• 1 Teaspoon Mixed Spice
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Egg

Method

1. Grease and line the baking tray with baking paper. Set the oven to 180(C)/Gas 4/356(F).
2. In a large mixing bowl, place the butter in cubes into it. Add the flour and lemon juice. 
3. Rub together the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. 
4. Add in the sugar and stir until light and fluffy. 
5. Beat the egg with the fork and pour into the mixture. Using a spoon mix until all combines and then knead with your hands into a smooth firm ball of dough. 
6. Laying the clingfilm flat, place and wrap the dough in it, before placing it in the fridge to chill for 20 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out later. 
7. After chilling, dust your surface and roll out the dough until it is 3mm thick. Then use your chosen cookie cutters to cut out the shapes you wish. If you want to make them into decorations, use a straw to place a small hole at the top of your shape. String or your chosen thread can then be placed through it. 
8. Place on the tray and bake for eight to ten minutes or until golden brown. 
9. Once cooked, leave to cool for five minutes on the tray, before moving to cool completely on the rack. Decorate how you wish lovelies and tuck in!

I am going to attempt to make these as much as I can this week. I am even thinking of making some Christmas jumper shaped ones today to mark the Christmas Jumper event. What designs are you thinking? As always, don’t forget to share the finished items with me lovelies!

Hey Lovelies, 

Christmas Jumper Day is just around the corner, with all of us getting ready to wear our finest pieces tomorrow to help Save The Children. Whether it is a white fluffy piece or a vibrant number, Christmas jumpers are a must as soon as December hits.

To prepare for the big day tomorrow or for when the 25th hits, I wanted to help you all by finding and sharing just a few that have caught my eye recently. Some places truly know how to nail a festive look and the jumpers below are ones I will be investing in as soon as possible.

Get ready to cosy up in one of the following from the moment you buy them until January and beyond:

Mean Girls Festive Jumper, Asda, £14: Who doesn’t remember the Jingle Bell Rock scene? Forget wearing the little leather dresses and put this on instead to give everyone those festive Fetch vibes this holiday season.


Home Alone Jumper, Truffle Shuffle, £27.99: Home Alone is the ultimate Christmas film in my eyes and this jumper is truly lovely. Digitalised it is also great for the gamers in your life. Wear it whilst making sure your home is safe this Christmas.


Mickey Mouse Christmas Jumper, Next, £32: In sizes for the whole family, you and the little people in your life can match with this festive foody jumper. Perfect if you are going on a Christmas break to Disney or you love it at home, I think this would be ideal to wear at a holiday event such as carol singing or family party.


Elf Quote Jumper, IWOOT, £14.99: Is it even Christmas if you don’t have something to wear with Elf on it? I adore this jumper, because of the way it features a quote on it. Normally we have Buddy’s face, which I do love, but this just makes me think of all the best sayings from the film in my head. Who else is with me?


Wham Jumper, Primark, £12: Available in red and black, this jumper will have you singing Last Christmas from the moment you put it on until you take it off. Wear it when going to see the new film, featuring the music of George Michael and Wham, or on Christmas Day, when you can really sing your heart out to the classic song.


Friends Snowflake Jumper, IWOOT, £14.99: This jumper will be there for you when the rain starts to fall. It will be there for you throughout the festive season too. If like me you adore all things Friends, then this is perfect for you. Gather your group and ask them to match with you too. Perfection!


I know these may seem a little bit out there, but when can you go bright more than at Christmas? The jumpers may not arrive in time for Christmas Jumper Day, but you can also take a look for them in-store if possible and if not, make sure to order in time for the big day instead. There are lots of ways you can make a jumper festive tomorrow and it is more about the giving than the way you look anyway. Just have fun and enjoy the holiday season.