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 

December & Christmas Favourites

Happy 2016 Everyone! Welcome to first Monthly Favourites of 2016, I hope you're all as excited as I am to start to New Year because it means a fresh start and a fresh adventure. To be honest, it feel rather strange going into a New Year and not going back to university to celebrate but I suppose it's something I'll have to get use to from now on... 

Last month was crazy busy, what with the run up to Christmas, the hectic times at work with handovers and making sure clients were happy before we all went off to enjoy the Christmas break and not to mention the intense days before Christmas where you need to get everything wrapped, sent and sorted whilst waiting nervously for those last minute gifts to arrive in the post and in amongst all of that you have to find the time to do everything else. But some how I still managed to find a few monthly favourites during December including a few Christmas goodies; let's take a look... 

1. Berry Trifle & Bundled Up Yankee Candles
In my eyes there is no such thing as 'seasonal scents', if candle scents are wonderful enough they should be burning all year round, don't you agree? Berry Trifle & Bundled Up are primarily Christmas scents but Bundled Up is such a warm, intense and homely scent that could be lit on those cold, wet and wild days whilst your snuggled under your a duvet with a cup of tea; likewise with Berry Trifle, I mean who doesn't like the smell of Berries or Trifle all year round. Bliss. 

2. EMU Australia Slippers (Colour: Mushroom)
Big shoutout to my Mumma for buying me these slippers for Christmas! Honestly they are the comfy, nicest and softed slippers I've ever had and to top it off this colour is - *insert heart shaped eye emoji here* - beautiful. I don't think I've taken them off since I got them to be honest (apart from the shower because that would just be stupid otherwise) but seriously if you taken any recommendations out of this post, I would highly recommend these EMU Australia slippers in the colour Mushroom.  

3. Pinterest 
I went off Pinterest for a while but over the Christmas break, I decided to once again find my love for Pinterest and boy, I think I have a love bigger than before. Some of  the photography and interiors on Pinterest are amazing and I don't know about anyone else but I find it rather therapeutic putting images into Pin boards, don't you? 

4. White Winter Aero (Limited Edition)
At Christmas time I always dread how much chocolate I am going to receive; don't get me wrong chocolate is girl's best friend (especially when your feeling a bit low) but I always end up with a load of chocolate which I tend to just pig out on for days and I feel awful by the end of December. Not good. But this year, this melt-in-my-mouth chocolate bar (which I have two of by the way) will definitely will eaten with no regrets at all. Yum! 

5. iPad Air 2 in Gold (including The Vampire Diaries)
Getting new technology is the nicest thing ever; I mean there are no scratches, it's so clean, and you get to buy all new accessories for it, what's not to love - also, the best part is the fact that it matches my iPhone colour as well. But since getting my new iPad Air 2 I have been using it for practical purposes like catching up on The Vampire Diaries, Season 6; I've waited so long for the new season of The Vampire Diaries to arrive on Netflix, and it finally has - this TV series in now the highlight of my evenings, sitting down with a cup of tea, snuggled under a blanket with a scented candle burning. Bliss. 

6. Cath Kidston Mug
I love Cath Kidston mugs, I am a big fan some would say. Originally this was a Christmas presents bought so I could take it to work and have my own mug but I've made a decision to keep it at home because it super cute and isn't worth getting ruined. Most importantly it is a good size to get my morning caffeine fix and my evening hot chocolate with cream. Maybe I need to buy another one to take to work? 

7. The Body Shop - Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream 
Once again, this moisturiser is back in my monthly favourites; I previously mentioned it in my November Favourites because this bi-polar winter weather that we were experiencing and still are unfortunately was doing nothing for my skin. De-hydrated and dry was an understatement but this moisturiser has helped my skin conquer this horrendous British winter weather that we've been having and made it look as fresh as it can in winter. A little goes a long way with this cream and it works wonders; it definitely does what it says on the tin. 

Until another installment of 'Monthly Favourites' in 2016, Au Revoir!
Love,
Lauren xo 

What I got for Christmas?

Office - Suede Brown Easter Buckle Knee Boots | HMV - Disney DVDS (including The Jungle Book and 101 Dalmations, my favs!) | Olivia Palermo Nail Polish in "My Haute Vacation Coral" | Cath Kidston Billie and Friends Cream Stanley Mug | The Body Shop - Christmas Scented Shower Gels (Frosted Cranberry, Frosted Plum and Glazed Apple) | Kindle PaperWhite | Boux Avenue Fleecy Pyjamas | Frozen 'Olaf' Pyjamas | Christmas Yankee Candle Melt Warmer (with lots of Christmas scents to go with it - Bundled Up my new favourite scent!) | Personalised Heart-Shaped Photo Garland with bestie photos included | New Look Super Skinny Indigo Jeans | Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate | Olly Mur 2016 Calendar (Christmas wouldn't be the same without an Olly Murs calendar) 

Christmas. A time where we all eat too much Chocolate, consume a few too many glasses of Prosecco and the entire nation complains that they've put on too much weight and they promise that they're going to hit the gym in the New Year - a promise which half of us say but never do! 

Yet again, I have been well and truly spoilt this year; after getting over the fact that a twenty-one year old still like Disney, my parents gave me a number of different Disney films - including The jungle Book, my fav! -  a new Kindle Paperwhite, and not to mention the cutest pair of boots I've ever recieved (*insert heart shaped eye emoji here*), along with plenty of pyjamas (which seem to be the 'in-thing' to get people for Christmas these days along with plenty of shower gels and other smellies). Getting new pyjamas for Christmas is the best though, don't you agree? With regards to the 'token smellies' that you always seem to get at Christmas time, well I think my family must of empty the shelves at The Body Shop with the amount of shower gels and facial washes that I have stored in my bathroom right now - don't get my wrong being topped up with shower gels and smellies is what Christmas is all about but I think I'm going to need a bigger bathroom shelf.

It is scary how well my university friends know me; to be honest I think they know me better than I know myself at times. 101 Dalmations is now on repeat constantly whilst my room is filled with beautiful scented candles and I munch on some Christmas choccy - thank you! 

However, where there is Christmas, there are Boxing Day Sales just around the corner, don't worry I am not one of these people, who get up at 5am just to queue outside a store to get the best bargain and fight with another shopper over one item, I do it 21st centure style, yes that's right, I visit the online shop where manic shoppers and stressed out shop assistants are nowhere to be seen and I can do it all whilst in my pyjamas, snuggled on the sofa with vanilla latte and comfy slippers. Bliss. Watch this space for Boxing Day sale treats post...

Another Christmas over and done with; I mean it's scary to think that we are almost in 2016, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

The Ultimate Christmas Playlist

Christmas wouldn't be the same without an ultimate playlist and I've been listening to Christmas music at pretty much every opportunity I can - in the car, at work, whilst wrapping Christmas presents! I always find Christmas music rather motivational; I mean it gets you into the Christmas spirit but it also puts me in a great mood which means I get more done - if only listening to Christmas music was acceptable all year round? Wouldn't that be awesome! To be honest I think I owe it to Mr Michael Bublé for me getting so many blog posts written this weekend, I've been a little 'dry' on the blog lately so I figured it was time to be productive. Cheers Bublé, I owe you one! 

Anyway, to get you up to the same Christmas spirit level that I am at (which is extremely high) I have created an essential Christmas playlist for not only myself to enjoy but everyone else to enjoy too. After hours of Christmas playlist-creating, the final version includes a number of Christmas song classics and a few of my Christmas favourites which may not be everyone elses favourite - Like Frozen, which my parents repeatedly tell me to turn off, they have no Disney-spirit. 

Check out my Christmasy tune playlist below: 

1. All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey

2. Last Christmas - Wham! 

3. It's the most wonderful time of the year - Andy Williams 

4. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano 

{Not everyone's cup of tea but it does have a good beat to it}

5. Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! - Frank Sinatra 

6. Santa Claus is comin' to town - Bruce Springsteen

7. Merry Christmas Everyone! - Shakin' Stevens 

8. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Christina Aguilera 

9. Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes 

10. Winter Wonderland - Tony Bennett 

11. Baby, It's cold outside - Glee Cast 

{Yes, it's Glee and no I don't care *monkey with hands over eyes emoji here*}

12. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas - Michael Bublé

13. Santa Claus is comin' to town - Michael Bublé

14. Jingle Bells - Michael Bublé ft. The Puppini Sisters 

15. White Christmas - Michael Bublé ft Shania Twain 

16. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Michael Bublé

17. I'll be home for Christmas - Michael Bublé 

18. Fairytale of New York - The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

{If you don't have this on your Christmas playlist, seriously what's wrong with you}

19. Underneath the tree - Kelly Clarkson 

20. Jingle Bell Rock - Glee Cast 

{Yes, Glee again!}

21. One More Sleep - Leona Lewis 

22. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber 

23. All I want for Christmas is you - Justin Bieber ft Mariah Carey 

24. I wish it could be Christmas everyday - Wizzard 

25. Merry Christmas everyone - Slade 

26. Last Christmas - Ariana Grande 

27. Do they know it's Christmas - Band Aid (1984 Version)  

28. Wonderful Christmas Time - Paul McCartney 

29. Do you want to build a snowman? (Frozen Soundtrack) - Kristen Bell & Agatha Lee Monn 

30. Let It Go (Frozen Soundtrack) - Idina Menzel 

31. Do they know it's Christmas - Band Aid 30 

{One Direction are in this song, you would be crazy not to love it!} 

32. Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea 

33. Frosty the Snowman - The Ronettes 

Until the next playlist which will probably still consist of Christmas songs, Au Revoir!
Love, 
Lauren xo 

Mince Pie Making

First things first, I have a confession to make. I didn't make these mince pies. My mum did. Oops. But I can make them nonetheless. Anyway, I know what you're thinking, 'it's still November, why are you making mince pies?' Well, there are three reasons behind these actions actually: 1) It will be Christmas before we knew it; 2) Mum loves making batches of mince pies before December, which she then freezes ready for the big day and 3) Baking is fun! 

I think there good enough reasons for making mince pies in November, don't you? 

I am definitely one of those cliché individuals that thinks as soon as Halloween and Bonfire Night are over and done with, that Christmas should begin. I've even started sorting my 2016 Christmas Spotify playlist - that just shows how keen I am for Christmas. Anyway, if your getting into the Christmas spirit early like me; here is a simple and classic mince pie recipe for you to try. I warn you they are delicious: 

Equipment you will need: 

Large Mixing Bowl 

Scales 

Baking Tray 

Rolling Pin 

Wooden or Metal Spoon 

Medium Round Cutter 

Small Round Cutter 

Scissors 

Ingredients for Twelve Mince Pies: 

16oz Self Raising Flour 

8oz Margarine

1oz Castor Sugar 

1 Egg 

Water to Mix*

1 Jar of Mince Meat 

*These measurements might vary. Caution: Add water little by little, don't add it all at once. 

Method: 

1. Weigh out 16oz of self-raising flour and add to large mixing bowl 

2. Add the 8oz margarine into large mixing bowl with the flour - mix together with hands until the margarine and flour goes into breadcrumb texture.

3. Once mixed, add and stir in 1oz of castor sugar. 

4. Add water to the mixture - a little at a time until the mixture creates a pastry dough.*

5. Once mixed all together, sprinkle a little flour on the workshop and roll out the dough until its 1cm thick. 

6. Use the medium round cutter to make twelve circles. 

7. Place the mince pie bases into the baking tray. 

8. Once all the mince pie bases are in the baking tray fill each open with a spoonful (or so) of mince meat. 

9. Once all the mince meat is in the bases, roll out the rest of the dough you have left and use the small round cutter to make twelve circles, which will be used as the lids for the pies. 

10. Place the twelve lids gently on top of the filled mince pies. 

11. On each lid cut two snips with scissors and glaze with egg. 

12. Put in oven at 160 degrees for twenty minutes.

13. Take out the oven and leave to cool for an hour or two.

14. Sprinkle with icing sugar and serve with double cream. 

* If you add too much water, add a bit more flour to help with the wetness of the dough. 

Until the next batch of Mince Pie making, Au Revoir! 

Love, 

Lauren xo