Twenty Things we're all guilty of at Christmas time.

It's definitely true. It's the most wonderful of the year. If you didn't sing that line, are you even celebrating Christmas? So much joy and festive spirit occurs around this time of the year; from the sweet smell of turkey cooking on Christmas morning to turning on every fairy light or lighting every scented candles that you own. Some people say that Christmas changes when you become an adult, whilst that is somewhat true as you think about the cost implications of Christmas and when you're actually going to get time to Christmas shop when you work full time but the true meaning and spirit of Christmas stays the same and you do feel like a child again. 

At Christmas everything from Instagram and Pinterest to high-street stores are surrounded by glitter, festive colours and the sound of Christmas tunes. Unfortunately all of these things seem to be only acceptable at Christmas time. So here are my top 20 things that you can only get away with during Christmas time: 

1. Eating chocolate for breakfast everyday in December and not giving a damn because everyone else is doing it too. 
2. Being allowed to sit and do absolutely nothing because you've got a date with stack of Christmas movies. 
3. Being able to sing out loud because you know someone around you is going to join in the singing of Christmas songs.
4. Consuming your daily amount of calories, eating only mince pies and Christmas cookies. 
5. Cracking out the Christmas jumpers and working it like Sharpey Evans. 
6. Instagramming every Christmassy-themed object.
7. The one time of year you can practically re-decorate your home with more fairy lights, glitter and scented candles than usual. 
8. Having an excuse to buy new homeware items.
9. Taking time to perfect your wrapping skills with colour ordinated bows, ribbons and gift bags to match your wrapping paper.
10. Create a wishlist that you know family and friends are likely to pay attention too. 
11. To do an excessive amount of baking which includes plenty of Christmas spices, cinnamon and cranberry.  
12. Eating too much and not needing to worry about what everyone else thinks. 
13. Reliving childhood traditions that you are only able to do once a year.
14. Unearthing old Christmas decorations that you forgot you had and getting over exciting like a child hyped up on sugar. 
15. Wearing super festive pyjamas and knitwear that no one can judge you on. 
16. Expressing your seasonal joy to every stranger you come into contact with during December. 'Have a good Christmas' or 'Merry Christmas!' 
17. Wearing paper hats out of a cracker like they're in fashion. 
18. The smell of fresh turkey and cranberry everywhere you go becomes like a drug during December. 
19. Not keeping count of how many bottles of fizz you've open during December. 
20. Having an afternoon nap after you've eaten what feels like a lifetime of food in one sitting. 

Until the next festive blog, Au Revoir! Oh and Merry Christmas to all! 

My Top Ten Christmas Films

It's fact. You can't properly enjoy the festive season without snuggling up under a blanket with plenty of festive treats and a pile of Christmas films to watch. I find that during and the build up to the festive season, there is no better way to prepare yourself for the week ahead other than reserving your Sunday afternoons to watch your favourite festive films. There are so many festive films out there and I could've listed them all but I had to draw the line somewhere. When it comes to my festive faves they aren't in an particular order because that would have just been too hard to deal with.

A Muppets Christmas Carol 

This is a super family and festive film that everyone needs to watch. Whenever I watch this it takes me right back to my childhood, I think my brother and I use to watch this throughout the whole of December - more times than I can count in fact. I know not everyone like this film because not everyone likes the muppets. I don't think this film is about whether you like the muppets or not (FYI I love the muppets, if you hadn't already guessed), it highlights the true meaning of Christmas and the festive spirit. 

The Polar Express

I can't tell you how many times I banged on about this film at university, so much so my university friends were properly ready to snap the disc. Tom Hanks is the voice behind the train conductor in the film; the train stops at multiple house inviting children onto the train to visit the North Pole on Christmas Eve night. The train journey and visit to the North Pole has plenty of twists and turns along the way and follow one little boy and his friends in finding his Christmas spirit and belief. It's truly magical and I honestly think that it is the narration from Tom Hanks that truly makes this film great.

Home Alone 1 & 2 

I know that they are two separate films but I feel like you can't watch 1 without watching 2 - they pretty much come hand in hand. I don't think there is one person that I've ever spoken to that hasn't watched these films - if you haven't watched them what are you watching for? As far as I'm concerned Macaulay Culkin was one of the best child actor of that time, any film he was in it was amazing. In this film Macaulay Culkin plays a little boy called Kevin, who caused trouble for this family and morning after, the family are running late to catch their plane for their family vacation and end up leaving kevin at home alone. Whilst Kevin is home alone, there are burglar who are trying to break in and he sabotages them by playing pranks and getting his own back; all whilst his family is trying to get home to him. They are must see films every Christmas! 

Miracle on 34th Street 

This film has the cutest child actress of all time - you might recognise her as the girl who plays Matilda. This film tells the story of a little girl and her mother who doesn't believe in Christmas but with the help of the real Santa Claus, she start to believe in Santa Claus and Christmas spirit. It is a truly magical story and one that I would say it is in my top three to watch every Christmas multiple times and especially on Christmas Eve. 

Elf 

This film has the best gifs ever. Also, I think has properly seen the biggest increase in DVDs in the past week than any other Christmas film after the news that it won't be aired on British TV channels. *Insert crying emoji here*. I would have to say that this film is the biggest family Christmas film ever, I don't think I've spoken to anyone that does love it and it's witty humour. It's about an elf called Buddy (who is six foot, not the normal height of an elf) who discovers that he is adopted and goes to New York to find his real family. Meeting love interests, siblings and no Christmas spirit along the way, Buddy tried to bring Christmas spirit into his family and New York City.  

Jingle All The Way 

Who doesn't love Arnold Schwarzenegger? Am I right? This is a very modern Christmas film compared to a few of the other and again another festive favourite especially for families. 

The Santa Clause 

I think my love for Tim Allen in Christmas films started with this film. It's about a guy (Tim Allen) who has his son one Christmas Eve and hears Santa on the roof; Santa falls off the roof and disappears. Tim Allen dresses as Santa and becomes Santa, the next 365 days change his live in more ways than he can ever imagine. I haven't seen the second or third film but I hear that they are just as good as the first, so they are definitely going to be on my must watch list this Christmas. And of course this one too! 

Christmas with the Kranks 

I have a confession to make, I only watched this film for the first time twelve months ago! After years of my university friends telling that it is an hilarious and must watch Christmas film, I gave in to peer pressure (not that I need peer pressure to watch Christmas films, I'd watch them 365 days a year if I could) and watched it and haven't looked back since. It's incredible. I don't know why I didn't watch it sooner especially after discovering that Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star in this film - I don't think I can name one Christmas that isn't great when Tim Allen appears in them... 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas 

A classic. A must watch Christmas film that without doubt is on Sky every Christmas multiple times - you can't miss it. It's Dr. Suess as well, so in my eyes it can't get any better! 

Love Actually 

This is a rom-com kind of Christmas film and is again one that you will find on TV every Christmas. There are a handful of actors and actress that you will immediately recognise in this film; from Keira Knightley to Hugh Grant. You can't go wrong with this film, it is set over the festive period and have lots of romance and comedy value in every scene. 

Bonus Film: The Holiday

Jude Law is absolute God in this film. If you like Jude Law and you like Christmas, you don't want to miss this film! 

With loads to choose from, I guarantee I've left one or two out but the good thing about Christmas is there is no limit in how many Christmas films you can watch. What are your favourite Christmas films? 

Until the next time, enjoy your festive movie marathon, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Rice Krispie Mini Christmas Puddings

With Christmas fast approaching, there is nothing better than surrounding yourself with plenty of chocolaty, Christmassy goodness and treats. I'm pretty sure I ended up getting chocolate in my hair whilst I was making this - not sure how though! This recipe is a quick, easy and fun to do and impresses guests; also they go really well with a cup of tea and coffee. Just saying! Everyone loves the classic Rice Krispie cakes, so why not give them a little festive twist!

Prep Time: 1 Hour (including fridge time and setting)  | Serves: 24

Ingredients 

• 50g Unsalted Butter
• 180g Mini Marshmallows 
• 100g Rice Krispies 
• 200g Milk Chocolate 
• 100g White Chocolate 
• Festive Sprinkles (Holly) 

Equipment 

• Baking Tray
• Baking or Greaseproof Paper 
• Mixing Bowl (Must be able to be used to melt chocolate in) 
• Spatula
• Two Saucepans (1 small enough for one of the mixing bowls to sit on top of; the other large) 
• Food Bag

How to make Rice Krispie Mini Christmas Puddings 

1. Melt the butter into a large saucepan.
2. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows into the saucepan and mix until completely melted. 
3. Remove from the heat and add the Rice Krispies into the mixture and mix until completely covered. Put to one side once mixed. 
4. Melt the milk chocolate in a bowl over a smaller saucepan filled with boiling water. Once melted add the chocolate into the mixture with the Rice Krispies, marshmallows and butter. 
5. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Take a small handful of the mixture, roll it into ball and place it on the baking tray. 
6. Once you've found out all of the mixture, place the baking tray into the fridge to set for 30 minute. Double check they're set before removing them from the fridge, if not give a little longer. 
7. Once they have set, melt white chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan filled with boiling water. 
8. When the chocolate has melted, carefully spoon the chocolate into a food bag, push all the chocolate to one corner and twist the top of the bag until tight. Cut a small hole at the bottom of the bag to be able to pipe. 
9. Gently squeeze a blob of the White chocolate on top of the Rice Krispie mini puddings - don't worry if too much goes over the side. 
10. Place chocolate or festive sprinkles on the White chocolate and leave to set. Place in the fridge for another 30 minutes.
11. Once set... ENJOY! 

Another delicious festive treat ready for the big day, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo 

Spending a Day in Bath

Bath city centre. A place with dreamy, light stone architecture, beautiful scenery, rich history and the smattering of dreamy independent shops mingled in amongst the favourite chains stores like Anthropologie and Lush. Also when you’re a dog lover, how can you resist a place that has ‘dog welcoming’ signs outside of bars and restaurants wherever you turn – you cant! I often say that I want to live here; I would become a commuter, just to live here in Bath, that’s how much I blooming love it. It’s beautiful and if I get the chance to go, I’ll go. No one needs to suggest it to me twice! Today, I want to tell you all about my day trip to Bath and the awesome places I visited along the way…

Last weekend, when I headed to Bath to meet up with a really good friend for Saturday brunch, to explore the city, shop and mainly have a good old gossip civilized catch up. 

Bath is filled with plenty of cosy cafes to sit in for a long, slow brunch and where you can enjoy the atmosphere and the lovely friendly vibe of Bath city centre. Our first stop was the Green Rocket Cafe, a small vegetarian and vegan restaurant about five minutes away from Bath Spa train station, with an amazing range breakfast choices and delicious coffee, it is definitely a place worth visiting. 

Green Rocket Cafe, Bath - A small corner cafe that has the tasty breakfast that I think I've every had

Whilst there, I enjoyed a ‘mini veggie breakfast’ consisting of: portabella mushroom, scrambled egg, grilled tomatoes, vegetarian sausages and sourdough toast – it was insanely delicious. INCREDIBLE! I would highly recommend this little corner café, if you’re ever in Bath – they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner – so a meal for every occasion, what’s not to love! 

After fuelling up for the day, it was time to head out, hit the shops and explore. Bath is a haven for quirky, independent shops, which are hidden away in the back streets of Bath but hold so much personality and beautiful interiors. In Bath, you really need to go off the beaten track to explore what Bath is all about and find some of those hidden gems; from small quirky restaurants to independent stores where no matter the person you’re buying for, you’ll find a gift for them no matter what. 

For a small city, Bath is well stocked with everything to you need. From all the favourites like Anthropologie, Lush, Jo Malone, Jack Wills, Ted Baker, Urban Outfitters but also independent stores like Pug and Puffin, Found Bath, Beyond the Kale, December 25th and plenty of others to choice and love along the way. Whilst having a lot of choice is great, it also comes with fear, fear for my bank balance – the damage I could do in Bath is not even worth thinking about! Whether you’re after a new perfume, beautiful homeware, or the perfect gift, Bath has a bit of everything. 

Also, if you're the biggest Christmas lover like me - you will love the store December 25th, actually you'll just Bath altogether especially around Christmas time. It has some of the nicest little homeware pieces to help me your home in Santa's Grotto every Christmas, however you could spend a fortunate in there - so approach with caution! 

So there you have it a day in Bath. Bath is so vibrant and has a really friendly vibe; I challenge you to go there and not to love it, like I do. I bet you won’t be able to…