2016 in Review

Hey guys!

 

 

I know everyone keeps saying that this year has been awful, but it really wasn't that bad. There were some good things that happened in 2016, and to be honest, 2015 was worse for me personally. In 2016, child mortality rates have decreased all over the world, and animals such as tigers and pandas are no longer endangered. Busted returned and Leonardo DiCaprio finally won the Oscar for Best Actor, which he has deserved for a long, long time. And Gilmore Girls returned for the revival in November. On a more personal level, I graduated from uni, attended 5 blogging events, and was offered my first sponsored post (and I've had a few since).

Some great films have also been released this year. My favourites include The Fundamentals of Caring, Bridget Jones's Diary, Finding Dory, Hunt For the Wilderpeople, The Jungle Book, Me Before You, Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children, Allegiant and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - it really was fantastic (sorry!)! Of course, there are a load of other great films released in 2016 that I didn't get the chance to watch: Doctor Strange, Moana, The Huntsman: Winter's War and A Street Cat Named Bob (I was supposed to see this with my mum, but for some reason it didn't happen). In terms of films released in other years, I really enjoyed Labyrinth, Edward Scissorhands, A Princess For Christmas, Brooklyn, Last Chance Holiday, The Book Thief, The Breakfast Club, Innocence and A Girl Like Her.

 

 

I managed to read 24 books this year, which isn't quite as many as I'd planned to - for some reason, I set myself the target of reading 45 books. Unfortunately, I had to write a 10,000 word dissertation and fill out SO many job applications this year, so it was difficult to find the time to read for pleasure. However, the majority of the books were read between May and December, so it's still quite an achievement! Let's hope I'll read 45 books in 2017! My fave books that I've read in 2016 are Longbourn, Brooklyn, Black Rabbit Hall, Isla and the Happily Ever After, The Ice Cream Girls, The Girl On the Train, Easy, Me Before You, The Other Boleyn Girl and All the Bright Places.

 

 

Onto TV... 

 

2016 was also a good year for TV. I FINALLY got round to watching Gilmore Girls and Full House, and they are both so so so amazing! Michelle Tanner is adorable and I'd love to live in Stars Hollow! I also watched Jane the Virgin, which is hilarious but completely ridiculous! I still need to watch Stranger Things and finish the first season of Shadowhunters, but I don't think I'll be able to any time soon when I have to catch up on Jane the Virgin (Season 3), Once Upon a Time (6 episodes of Season 6), Scream Queens (all of Season 2), Switched at Birth (5 seasons), and Full House (37 more episodes). And of course PLL returns in April (why can't PLL return in Jan and Switched at Birth in April?!).

 

 

So what am I looking forward to in 2017?

 

Well, there are a lot of exciting things happening in 2017, not just the return of PLL! I'll be attending my first proper wedding in July and I'm going to be photographing the event! I'll also be heading to BlogCon in March, and hopefully a few other blogging events in January and February! In August my European friends will hopefully be visiting London for our yearly Summer in the City gathering! There are plenty of films I'm excited to see in 2017 too. The main ones are Before I Fall, The Space Between Us, A Dog's Purpose, Pitch Perfect 3, Beauty and the Beast and Everything, Everything. I might be a qualified driver by this time next year too!

 
 

 

What did you enjoy most this year? Is there anything you're looking forward to in 2017? :)


Hasta luego!


Serena 

 

Tune Tuesday: Ultimate Playlist 2016

Hey guys!

 

 

Hope you all had a great Christmas! As it's nearly 2017, I thought I'd dedicate my last Tune Tuesday post to my favourite songs of the year. There have been so many great songs this year and I've discovered many new artists, including Alessia Cara, Twenty One Pilots, DNCE, Chvrches and Daya.

 

 

1. Bury It -  Chvrches & Hayley Williams

 

2. Don't Let Me Down - Daya & The Chainsmokers

 

3. Lady Gaga - Million Reasons

 

4. Ariana Grande - Focus

 

5. Lost Boy - Ruth B

 

6. Here - Alessia Cara

 

7. Scars to Your Beautiful - Alessia Cara

 

8. Can't Stop the Feeling - Justin Timberlake

 

9. Cake By the Ocean - DNCE

 

10. Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes

 

11. Starving - Hailee Stenfield & Zedd

 

12. We Don't Talk Anymore - Charlie Puth & Selena Gomez

 

13. Still Falling For You - Ellie Goulding

 

14. Cheap Thrills - Sia

 

15. The Greatest - Sia

 

16. Wiser - Madilyn Bailey

 

17. Back to Church - Alyson Stoner

 

18. Let Me Love You - Justin Bieber

 

19. Close - Nick Jonas & Tove Lo

 

20.  Closer - The Chainsmokers & Halsey

 

21. Running With the Wild Things - Against the Currents

 

22. Heathens - Twenty One Pilots

 

23. Ride - Twenty One Pilots

 

24. Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots  

 

 

(I know the last two were released in 2015 but I only discovered them this year)

 

 

Be sure to add these tracks to your New Year's Eve playlist! What are your favourite songs from this year?

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 



The Christmas Tag

Hey guys!

 

 

Can you believe Christmas is tomorrow?! I can't! I wasn't actually planning to post today but I was recently tagged by the lovely Meg at xmeganlisa to do The Christmas Tag. It's been a while since I was last tagged in a post so I'm excited to do this! :)

 

So here are the questions...

 

1. What is your favourite Christmas movie? 

Definitely Home Alone! I watch this every year without fail!

 

2. What are your favourite Christmas colours? 

Red, gold and silver!

 

3. Do you like to stay in your PJs or dress up for Christmas?

I prefer to stay in PJs but I will dress up if family comes over or I'm staying in a hotel.

 

4. If you could only buy one person a Christmas present this year, who would it be? 

My parents! I know that's technically two people but they've done so much for me!

 

5. Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Definitely Christmas day! I'll open presents from my parents in the morning and then my grandparents come over in the afternoon and we'll exchange presents after lunch.

 

6. Have you ever built a gingerbread house? 

I haven't personally, but my mum built one years ago and I helped a bit!

 

7. What do you like to do on your Christmas break?

Watch loads of Xmas films, catch up with friends, and visit Winter Wonderland!

 

8. Any Christmas wishes?

Just that everyone I'm close to has a peaceful Christmas! :)

 

9. Favourite Christmas Smells?

I absolutely love anything with a vanilla scent! Cinnamon, gingerbread and mint are great too!

 

10. Favourite Christmas meal or treat? 

Christmas dinner! Especially pigs in blankets and honey roasted parsnips! Mince pies are delish too!


I tag Shawn from More Spoons :)


Hope you have a great Christmas and I'll be back early next week with my next post! It'll be about my favourite songs from this year! :)


Hasta luego!


Serena


Favourite Christmas Films

Hey guys!

 

I can't believe Christmas is only two days away! I can't wait! I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family, exchanging presents, and of course watching lots of Christmas films! Which brings me onto the topic for this blog post.

 

One of the best things about Christmas is cosying up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate (or fruit tea, but please no coffee) and binging on festive films. Overall, they're really uplifting and will put a smile on your face. I personally tend to stick to the same movies around this time of year - there's something about Christmas films that makes them so rewatchable. There are 6 films that really stand out, and I've written why I love them so much below:

 

 

1. Home Alone

Home Alone is a film I always watch around Christmas time. It's hilarious and never fails to make me laugh, even though I've seen it several times. It's a classic Christmas film and Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin is so smart and cute. I also love the setting. I've never been to New York, let alone at Christmas, but it sure does look amazing!

 

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is another favourite Christmas film of mine. I've loved it since I was a kid (although I haven't seen it nearly as much as Home Alone). Jim Carrey is perfect for the role of the Grinch, and Taylor Momsen is adorable as Cindy Lou. I still can't believe that's her!

 

 

3. Gremlins
 

 I love Gremlins. I could watch it over and over again. I always wanted a pet mogwai, especially one like Gizmo! He is so so so adorable (until he touches water, of course)! Gremlins can be described as a horror-comedy, but it's not scary at all. All the mischief the mogwai get up to is completely hilarious!

 

4. The Holiday

I only saw this film for the first time last Christmas, but it's definitely one I'd watch again. Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz are four of my absolute faves, and I love the idea of a house swap. The Holiday is also the kind of film you can watch at any time of year.

 

5. Love Actually

Love Actually is a film you hear every blogger rave about and it's not surprising. The film is hilarious and has an all-star cast, which includes Julia Roberts, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson and Keira Knightly. I like how the stories of several different characters are interconnected and explore every aspect of love. I particularly love the story with  Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Joanna (Olivia Olsen). It's such a feel-good movie.

 

 

6. Frozen

Okay, so I know Frozen isn't a Christmas film per se, but it's still worth mentioning. With it's snowy setting and catchy soundtrack, watching Frozen always gets me in the festive mood, and it's the kind of film I wouldn't be embarrassed to watch with the rest of my family (pretty much everything makes me embarrassed). I love how independent Elsa is, and Anna is so determined. Olaf is adorable too!


And here are the ones I need to rewatch (1-7) / watch for the first time (8-14):

1. Happy Feet
2. Polar Express
3. Miracle on 34th Street (the one with Mara Wilson of course)
4. Elf
5. Narnia
6. Little Women
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
8. Christmas with the Kranks (I'm sure I've watched this before but can't really remember!)
9. Edward Scissorhands (seen a bit before but not in full)
10. Four Christmases
11. Arthur Christmas
12. Fred Claus
13. A Princess For Christmas
14. Krampus

 I recently watched Happy Christmas, when I had some spare time last week. It was alright, and I love Anna Kendrick, but it wasn't nearly as good as the films in this post!


So those are my fave Xmas films! What are your fave Christmas films? Let me know in the comments!


Hasta luego!


Serena

Gratisfaction: Last Minute Gift Ideas

Hey guys!

As a graduate, I love freebies, and I'm sure I'm not the only one! There's no better time to get your hands on some free stuff than around Christmas. We all want to save money, and buying gifts can be really expensive. Fortunately, there are such things as freebie sites.

I know many people are skeptical about freebie sites, but there are many genuine ones out there. One of these is Gratisfaction UK, which is the country's fastest growing website for finding the latest free stuff. The website has hundreds of freebies to suit all tastes, ranging from toiletries to chocolate to DVDs. Gratisfaction also offers gift vouchers, flash bargains and a special section dedicated to Christmas gift ideas. It's the ideal website for saving a bit of money when buying last minute Christmas presents.

I've included some of my favourite freebies from Gratisfaction below:

1. Rose Gold Oral-B Toothbrush 

I love the colour of this toothbrush - it is so pretty and matches my phone actually! The offer ends on 7th January so hurry!

2. Lindt Chocolate Reindeer 

Lindt Chocolate tastes heavenly, and it makes the perfect stocking filler or Secret Santa gift (although I think it might be a bit too late for that!). It's so cute too!

3. £50 John Lewis Voucher 

If you know someone who loves to shop at John Lewis, why not sign up to try to win this £50 voucher? There's a lot you can buy with that amount of money (although I do know how quickly it disappears)!

4. ASOS Tote Bag

Are you a student who loves a bit of retail therapy? Or do you have a friend who does? You can design your own tote bag over at ASOS and use it when you next go shopping. The dog one on Gratisfaction is so adorable!

And one for the guys...

5. Braun 9in1 Multi Grooming Kit

As mentioned on Gratisfaction, Braun Kits are "worth lots of money", so I'm sure the guy in your life would really appreciate receiving one as a gift.

I personally haven't received anything from Gratisfaction, but I've signed up for a few freebies so I'll let you know I I've had any success. In the meantime, you can find out what Natasha from Serenity You received.

Have you tried Gratisfaction? What freebies have you received? :)

Hasta luego!

Serena

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post with Gratisfaction UK.

Gift Guide For Cat Lovers

 

Hey guys!

 

 

If you're a regular reader of my blog or follow me on Twitter, you'll be aware of how much I love cats. I've always had at least one cat at home, and I currently have two Burmans. Their names are Tabitha and Tallulah. If you have a friend or relative who owns a cat, it might be worth getting them something cat-themed for Christmas. There are so many products out there! I've made a list of my personal favourites below:

 

 

1. Black Cat Oil Burner - £15 (plus shipping)

 

 

 

 

This oil burner would make such a great gift for someone with a cat! It is so cute and will make your home more cosy! Zenibas Attic also sells other oil burners, such a white cat one. Unfortunately, the oil burners take about a month to be made so you won't get them in time for Christmas, but you can always buy one early for next year or give one as a birthday present instead!

 

 

2. Crazy Cat Lady Post-it Notes - £6.10

 

Sorry for the terrible quality!

 

Post-it notes are a fun stocking filler for anyone who always needs to jot down ideas. I love the little cat on the corner on this one from Zazzle.

 

 

3. Cat Watch - £18

  

 

 

How cute is this watch?! I'm sure a teenager would love it! I like the fact that there isn't just one colour, so you have a variety of designs to choose from. The watches are also water resistant (so handy!) and come with a lovely 'Hello Beautiful' card.

 

 

4. Cat Art Print - £4.50 (plus shipping)

  

 

 

Oh, I can definitely relate to this pint! I'm sure I'll have 50+ cats roaming the house when I'm 70! (Sorry future husband!).

 

 

5. Karl Lagerfield Choupette Beanie - £31

 

 

 

 

This beanie is so adorable and looks super cosy too! I'd love to get my paws on it! (see what I did there?! :P)

 

 

6. My Purrfect Gift Box - Subscriptions start at £15.95 per month

  

Source: All Subscription Boxes

 

A subscription to My Purrfect Gift Box is the great gift for treating a cat lover and their feline friend. It is packed to the brim with unique products, including jewellery, purses, stationery and treats for your cat. You can get a Limited Edition Holiday Box or choose the products that will be in the box. Check out Claire's review of My Purrfect Gift Box over at PinkChickClaire.

 

 

 

Hope you've enjoyed this post and have found some gifts to get a cat lover! Apologies if you're not keen on cats!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

(Top image: Gr8)

 

Gift Ideas For Students

Hey guys!

 

 

Believe it or not, students are actually really easy to buy presents for. Anything that will help them save money is always a good shout, whether that's clothing-wise, stationery-wise, or around the house. Even food is a great gift to give students - I've included a few ideas in this post.

 

 

1. Stationery

 

While most students prefer to type up all their notes on a laptop or computer, there are still some who like to use pen and paper. I personally was one of the few students on my course who wrote everything down in a notepad. Buying some stickers or gel pens can be great for jazzing up notes from lectures and seminars.

 

 

2. Hip flask

 

A hip flask is one of the best ways to save money on a night out, and I'm sure any student would appreciate getting one for Christmas. I like this one from eBay since it's pretty and so cheap - but hurry as there are only a few left!

 

 

3. Cards Against Humanity

 

It's almost inevitable that you will play Cards Against Humanity at some point during your time at university. It's a hilarious game, especially after a few drinks!

 

 

4. FitBit

 

Gym memberships can be so expensive - it's no surprise that many students complain about being unfit. Having a FitBit will encourage the student in your life to walk or run more - and these two forms of exercise are so much cheaper than signing up to a gym, plus they require you to go outside and get some fresh air, which is rare when you're studying 24/7!

 

 

5. Blender

 

A blender is great for ensuring you eat plenty of fruit and veg, especially if you live in self-catered accommodation. You can whiz up some soup in just a few minutes and save the rest for another day.

 

 

6. Food subscription boxes

 

Subscription boxes such as Graze and Degustabox are perfect for students. You'll resist the temptation to buy chocolate, sweets and crisps from the vending machines. Typical snacks in a Graze box include dried fruit, nuts and flapjacks, while Degustabox contains a whole range of snacks and drinks, for example popcorn, cereal and crackers.

 

 

7. Netflix Subscription

 

What student doesn't love to spend their Sundays binging on Netflix?! If you're the parent of a student, it might be a good idea to get a subscription to Netflix so that you can share it with them and they can save around £90 per year.

 

 

8. Hot water bottle

 

 It's essential to have a hot water bottle as a student, especially since uni accommodation is notoriously cold (yes, even on campus). I just love this one from John Lewis - it is so adorable and Christmassy!

 

 

 

Hope this post has given you some ideas of what to get a student for Christmas! Don't forget that make up, jewellery, technology, vouchers (especially for a clothes shop or supermarket), concert tickets and actual cash work well too!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

Purechimp Matcha Tea

Hey guys!  

I've been hearing so many great things about matcha tea recently, so when Purechimp offered to send me a sample of their matcha tea, I jumped at the chance. Well, not literally, of course!

So what is matcha tea?

Matcha tea has been around for centuries. It is traditionally consumed by the Japanese, but has recently made its way over to the UK and America. Matcha tea is a type of green tea that is made from a fine powder. The matcha plants are grown in the shade for a few weeks - this enables them to produce theanine and caffeine. Once harvested, the leaves are ground into a powder, which can be used as an ingredient in drinks or other recipes, including chocolate brownies.

Information about Purechimp Matcha Green Tea

The Purechimp Matcha Green Tea comes as a powder in a small, but fun and cute, pouch. Each serving is "equivalent to 10 cups of regular green tea". Purechimp recommends that you prepare the tea by mixing half a teaspoon of powder with hot water. Since matcha is quite strong, don't use too much powder, and add some honey to sweeten it. You could also mix the matcha with fruit juice for a 'super shoot'. I decided to try both, in order to see which one I preferred.

Benefits of Purechimp and matcha tea 

Purechimp matcha tea promises to do the following:

1. Clear your head

2. Steady energy levels

3. Improve your skin

4. Boost your metabolism

5. Burn calories

Purechimp matcha tea is 'rich in skin-clearing antioxidants' - apparently even more so than superfoods like nuts and goji berries. You can see just how much in the graph below:

Matcha tea is full of vitamins and minerals, and like DETOX TEAS, matcha tea can cleanse your mind and make you feel more energised. You can find out more about the benefits of matcha tea in the article I wrote for Kettle magazine.  

My Thoughts

The first thing I noticed about the tea was its vibrant green colour. Usually I'd be put off by a drink that green, but since matcha is so healthy, I decided to try it anyway. I first tried the powder with hot water and a few teaspoons of honey. The drink had a distinct grassy taste and there was a slight bitterness. It was more drinkable than I'd anticipated, but it's not something I'd consume on a regular basis. I then decided to try the matcha powder in a glass of apple juice. The matcha was more subtle and it didn't weaken the flavour of the juice. It also left me feeling more energised.

 If you're keen to try matcha but can't handle the bitterness, I'd recommend mixing a little with juice, smoothies or hot drinks. Matcha has a noticeably strong flavour, which not everyone will like. However, it has so many health benefits, so you should give it a try if you can. But remember, the matcha tea latte from Starbucks doesn't count!

You can purchase the powder directly from the Purechimp website. The pouch I received is only £6.95 - much cheaper than I expected. As it's nearing Christmas, Purechimp are offering a gift set for £29.95.   

Have you ever tried matcha tea? What did you think of it?

Hasta luego!

Serena

Disclaimer: I received Purechimp Matcha Tea in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Health Benefits of Quitting Smoking That You Need To Know!

 

 

Hey guys!

 

 

Although I don't smoke myself, I am aware that many students do smoke, either to relieve stress or as a result of pressure from friends. Unfortunately, smoking has negative effects on your health, as well as your bank balance. By giving up smoking, you could save money and reduce your chances of getting lung disease. Think of all the things you could buy if you didn't smoke - maybe you'll finally be able to afford to go on holiday with your friends. If that hasn't already made you want to stop smoking, here are some other benefits of being a non-smoker:

1. A reduction in anxiety

I know most people are likely to disagree with me on this one as cigarettes are known to calm the nerves after a puff or two. However, according to a British study published recently, suggests that quitting smoking can actually reduce anxiety in the long-term. According to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry study, people who smoke experience a modest increase in anxiety, while those who quit experience a substantial reduction in anxiety.

2. Improved sex life

Researchers have shown that there is a close link between decreased sex drive and smoking in both males and females. According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine back in 2008, nicotine can ideally have an effect on sexual arousal in non-smoking individuals.

3. Improved dental health

It is a fact that quitting smoking can radically decrease the risk of dental issues like gum diseases, cavities and even more severe conditions such as oral cancer. According to HealthDay, smokers have 1.5 times higher risk of getting at least three dental conditions compared to those who quit the habit.

4. Mood enhancement

This is a benefit I bet most people didn’t know. According to a study published by Brown University, quitting smoking can actually make you a happier person. Researchers discovered that smokers were never more pleased when quitting, and never were if they went back to smoking. The most illustrative subjects were those who just stopped temporarily. They were seen to have the best moods when they were not smoking. When they retracted, their moods darkened and some even portrayed higher levels of sadness and even depression.

5. Improving pregnancy chances

According to NBC news, female smokers have a 60% higher chance of becoming infertile when compared to non-smokers. Smoking cigarettes is ideally linked to miscarriages. So, if you are trying to conceive, it is best you stay away from cigarettes.

6. Reduction in hair loss

If you love your hair, you may want to quit smoking. That is because studies have linked smoking to increased risk of hair loss. In 2007, BBC reported on an Archives of Dermatology study that showed even after considering other male pattern baldness risk factors like race and age; heavy smoking substantially increases the risk of hair loss. WebMD also reported that apart from stress, genes, and drinking, smoking is ideally a risk factor for hair loss.

7. Healthier skin

If you are concerned about the condition of your skin, then cigarettes should not be a part of your day. Studies have shown smoking has a significant effect on the skin tone, and it promotes wrinkles around the lip region and skin sagginess. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, however, proved that just 45 days off the cigarettes would be enough to bring back your skin to a healthy state.

8. You will live longer

According to a study by the Lancet, quitting smoking can help women live 10 years longer that they would have if they continued smoking. Experts also discovered that the more an individual smoked, the higher the risk of premature death, regardless of whether you are a light of heavy smoker. Researchers have found that smokers have a doubled risk of passing away when compared with non-smokers. Professor Sir Richard said, “if women smoke like men, they die like men, but regardless of the gender, people who stop smoking before hitting middle age will gain about an extra 10 years of life on average.”

9. Less severe colds

According to a study by the Yale University researchers, mild cold symptoms tend to be more serious for smokers. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2008 ideally showed an overreaction of the immune systems of mice that had flu when exposed to cigarette smoke. According to Dr. Jack A. Elias, M.D, the anti-viral responses in the mice exposed to cigarette smoke were both defective and hyperactive. These results suggest that people who smoke don’t get in trouble because they cannot fight or clear the virus, but because their bodies overreact to it.

10. Food and drink will taste better

Believe it or not, smoking can affect your taste buds. Most food will taste very bland if you smoke since the chemicals in a cigarette flatten the taste buds on your tongue. This is bad news for anyone who loves coffee or bacon. Within 48 hours of quitting smoking, food and drink will start to taste normal again.

 So, there you have it- health benefits you may not have known that you can get if you stop smoking. I hope that this piece has motivated you even more towards complete abstinence from smoking, or even if you switch to e cigs which is the healthiest alternative to smoking tobacco.

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

Dislaimer: This is a collaborative post with Simply E-Liquid

 

 

 

Tune Tuesday: Christmas Playlist

 

 



Hey guys!

 

 

It's now December and you can finally play all the Christmas songs you've been aching to hear listen to all year. I personally love listening to Christmas songs; they are so positive and uplifting. I've listed all my favourite Christmas songs below so that you can add them to your own playlist. I've tried to include a few that you may not have heard of before, as I know how a lot of playlists have the same Christmas songs.

 

 

1. All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

 

This is without a doubt my most favourite Christmas song.  I always have it on repeat throughout December, and in fact I'm listening to it right now. I just love Mariah Carey's voice.

 

 

2. Last Christmas - Wham!

 

This has long been one of my favourite Christmas songs.

 

 

3. Last Christmas - Carly Rae Jepsen

 

I love Carly's take on 'Last Christmas'.

 

 

4. Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande

 

 

5. Baby It's Cold Outside - Idina Menzel & Michael Buble

 

Idina Menzel is just so incredible, and I love Michael Buble too!

 

 

6. Sleigh Ride - Fun

 

 

7. Do You Hear What I Hear? - Jordin Sparks

 

 

8. Warm This Winter - Gabriella Cilmi

 

 

9. A Holly Jolly Christmas - Lady Antebellum

 

I only recently discovered this song but I loved it straightaway!

 

 

10. One More Sleep - Leona Lewis

 

 

11. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - John Denver

 

This is a childhood favourite!

 

 

12. Mistletoe - Justin Bieber

 

 

13. Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson

 

I almost completely forgot about this song! How?!

 

 

14. I'll Be Home - Meghan Trainor

 

 

Have you started listening to Christmas songs yet? Which ones are your favourites?

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

 

 

Gift Ideas For Bloggers

Hey guys!

With Christmas only a few weeks away, I'm sure you're getting ready to buy Christmas presents for your friends and family. I'm starting a series of gift guides to help you, and the first one is 'Gift Ideas For Bloggers'. While bloggers love expensive presents like new gadgets and holidays, we also like little things, like stationery, books and anything that will help us stay organised. We're pretty easy to buy for. However, if you're feeling a bit stuck, this guide should come in handy. Most of the gifts I've included are under £20, but there are some that are more expensive.


1. Desk calendar - £18




Kikki-K



Us bloggers like to be organised, and what's better than a desk calendar? This calendar is ideal for splitting up time between blogging, socialising and relaxing, and a job if you have one. It comes with lots of quotes to keep you inspired.

2. The Little Book of Hygge - £9.99



Oliver Bonas

If you're a blogger, I'm sure you would've heard of the word 'hygge'. It's been mentioned so much recently, especially after Meik Wiking released The Little Book of Hygge earlier this year. In his book, Wiking tells readers how to live like the Danes, who are often viewed as the happiest people in the world. The book is filled with illustrations and photographs, and tells you how to take pleasure in the little things in life, for example hot drinks, candles, cooking and holidays.

3. #Girlboss - £7.49

WHSmith

I haven't yet read #Girlboss but I've heard that it's an inspirational read and it focuses on the director of the company Nasty Gal. It's the perfect book for any blogger who is feeling unmotivated.

4. Phone Case - £15

Etsy

This phone case is ideal for fashion bloggers.


5. Olympus Pen - £678

Jessops

I don't actually own an Olympus pen, since I'm happy with the camera I already have, but I know that the Olympus pen is on a lot of bloggers' Christmas lists this year. It's quite pricey, but definitely worth it for the high-quality pictures it produces. Oh, and it also has built-in WiFi. What more could a blogger want?!

6. Portable Charger - £11.99 (on sale, RRP £20



Amazon

A portable charger is essential for any blogger who is always on the go and has lots of events to attend and places to visit. Unfortunately, batteries don't last a long time, and many coffee shops and event areas do not have sockets, so it's handy to keep a portable charger on you just in case. I definitely need a portable charger in my life - my iPhone battery runs out so quickly.  As a blogger and freelance journalist there's bound to be something I need to photograph when I'm out and about, and if my phone and camera run out of battery I'm pretty much screwed. I did get a portable charger for Christmas a couple of years ago but unfortunately it's not compatible with my phone.

7. Cactus Plants - £21 for 10

Etsy

It is no secret that us bloggers love cactus. It looks great in blog pics and it also livens up our bedrooms and offices. Why not get a selection of cactus plants for the blogger in your life this Christmas? If you need any more inspo for cactus-themed pressies, check out this post by the Urban Jungle Bloggers.

8. Marble background - £5.14

Amazon

A marble background is a must-have for flatlays! Pretty much all blog photos have marble in the background! For more presents with a marble theme, check out my marble wishlist.


So those are some of the best gifts you could get a blogger for Christmas! Gift cards and stationery are also good options - I love the notebooks from Ohh Deer, Paperchase and Papier.



What gifts would you recommend for bloggers? Are any of the gifts I've included on your Christmas list?


Hasta luego!


Serena

Teatu Teatox Review

 

 

Hey guys!

 

 

A while ago I was sent the 14-day Teatox from Teatu. I'll admit I didn't start the teatox straightaway, hence the reason why this review is so late! I've never tried a teatox before, as I am quite happy with my weight, but I've been seeing detox teas everywhere recently, so I decided to try one.

 

What is the Teatu teatox?

The tea comes in a small box, with two individual pouches. One is for the day, with 14 tea bags, while the other is for the night, with 7 tea bags. You take the day one every day, and the night one at least one hour before bed every second night. The daytime tea aims keep your energy levels up and stop you feeling hungry during the day. The ingredients in the night time tea aim to reduce bloating. Here's a complete list of the ingredients:

 

Daytime Tea: Green tea, cocoa peel, spearmint, green coffee, ginseng and chilli chai.

Night Time Tea: Peppermint, rooibos, lavender, liquorice, cinnamon, cardamom, senna and natural caramel flavour.

 

I'm aware the dangers of detox teas, but fortunately Teatu is laxative-free. It only contains natural ingredients, which include peppermint, liquorice, cinnamon and cocoa peel. The mint is definitely the strongest flavour in both teas, and I could also taste the liquorice in the night time tea. When I made the tea, I dropped a teabag into a mug, poured hot water over it, and left it to infuse for a few minutes, which is what suggests on the package. Even though I prefer herbal tea to regular tea, I wasn't sure whether this tea would taste good or not. However, the flavours mixed well and it was an enjoyable drink.   

 

What do I think of the teatox?

Overall, Teatu Teatox is a great product for anyone who wants to lose a bit of weight. I didn't notice any negative side effects - the only visible difference at the end of the detox was that I'd lost around 12lbs. I also felt less bloated and hungry. However, I will point out that I do go swimming a couple of times a week.

While the teatox was effective for me, it's recommended that you use it for at least 2-3 months and combine it with Thermalix and CLA. You should also continue to stick to your regular diet and exercise regime while using the teatox.

 

If you want to find out more about using teatox, check out this article. The teatox is available directly from the Teatu website for £19.99, which I think is quite reasonable.

 

 

 I hope this review was helpful! Have you ever tried a detox tea before? Was it effective?


Hasta luego!


Serena


Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
 



What's On My Netflix List in November

Hey guys!

 

 

I hope you're all having a great weekend! I went shopping yesterday and treated myself to some goodies from Superdrug and Tesco, which you can find over on my Instagram. As it's been a while since I last did a  Netflix-related post, and it's nearing the end of the month, I thought I'd share with you a few of the latest movies and TV shows I have added to my Netflix list.


1. Dreamgirls

Youtube

I've already watched Dreamgirls a couple of times, but since that was a while ago, and it's such a brill movie anyway, I might as well watch it a third time. I love the songs in Dreamgirls - especially 'Listen' and 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' - and Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson are both fantastic


2. Bride Wars

Pinterest

How have I not seen Bride Wars yet?! I've been meaning to watch it for ages! It seems like such a great chick flick.


3. Violet & Daisy

Wikipedia

I need to watch this film asap! I love Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel! It's based on a Japanese comic and focus on two teen assassins.


4. Little Black Book

IMDB

Can you believe that I've only ever seen Brittany Murphy in 2 films?! Well, this is going to change soon since Little Black Book has been added to Netflix.


5. Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life

Wikipedia

I seriously cannot wait to see this! I would've watched it as soon as it came out, but unfortunately I'm still at the beginning of Season 7! It's so hard to avoid all the spoilers - I already know some of the things that happen during Season 7 thanks to Facebook and Twitter - but I've managed to keep away from them so far! I've heard mixed things about the revival but I'm sure it'll be great!


What have you been watching recently? Do you have any recommendations? :)


Hasta luego!


Serena