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

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

Winter Candle Wishlist

 Hey guys!

 

 As Christmas is only a month away, I thought I'd share the candles I've been lusting over from Yankee Candles and Bath & Body Works.

 

I'll be honest, I've never really been that into candles. As a student, I wasn't allowed candles in my accommodation at uni, and we never really have any at home. However, I keep seeing candles from Yankee Candles and Bath and Body Works mentioned in other blogs, and the scents look so irresistible. When I visited my local shopping centre a few weeks ago, I noticed that a new Yankee Candles shop had opened. Naturally, I had to go in to see what all the fuss is about. Oh my God, the candles smell as amazing as they look! I love all the Christmassy scents!

 

Also, how pretty are the jars?! I love the colours and themed pics on the labels.

Yankee Candles

1. Spiced Orange - bright, cheery blend of sunny citrus and snappy ginger

2. Christmas Cookie - buttery rich, vanilla scented, holiday sugar cookies

3. Cinnamon Stick - fragrant mystery of imported cinnamon bundled with cloves

4. Cosy by the Fire - a warm mix of ginger, clove, and orange combines with woody notes to give the snap of a crackling fire and the comfort of a hot and aromatic drink beside it

5. Festive Cocktail - a tart concoction spiked with mountain berries and a sprig of fresh-spinned pine

6. Pain au Raisin - the tantalizing aroma of cognac soaked raisins baked in a buttery vanilla dough and sprinkled with cinnamon
7. Sugared Apple - a perfect recipe of juicy apples sprinkled with sugar and vanilla

8. Vanilla Cupcake - the rich, creamy aroma of vanilla cupcakes with hints of lemon and lots of buttery icing

 

You can buy Yankee Candles directly from the website or from a range of other stores, including Tesco, ASDA and Debenhams. Online shop Yankee Doodle has a huge range of Yankee candles, some of which are usually only found in America. I just love the names of these candles - they

remind me of Christmas and snuggling up by the fire. I also like the mix of sweet and spicy scents - I love anything cinnamon, vanilla or apple flavoured. Browsing the Yankee Candle website is really making me crave pain au raisins and vanilla cupcakes! I haven't had either for sooo long!
 

Bath & Body Works

 1. Sweater Weather - Fresh Sage, Juniper Berry, Aromatic Eucalyptus, Fresh Woods

2. Salted Caramel - Salted Caramel, Roasted Chestnut, Caramelized Sugar, Dark Molasses

3. Spiced Apple Toddy - Warm Apple Brandy, Spiced Plum, Cranberry, Cinnamon Stick

4. Vanilla Snowflake - Creamy Vanilla, Iced Fir, Wintry Mint, Coconut Flakes

 

 

 Unfortunately, there isn't a Bath & Body Works shop in the UK, but you can buy their products from eBay and Bath and Body Shop. Like Yankee Candles, Bath & Body Works has a fantastic range of candles that are perfect for winter and Christmas. Some of these are listed above. You could also try Marshmallow Fireside, Spiced Gingerbread and Evergreen.


I can't believe I don't have any of these candles already! Please tell me I'm not the only one! But if you have bought any candles from Yankee Candles or Bath & Body Works, let me know which ones are your faves!


Hasta luego!


Serena 

(Image from HD Wallpaper Backgrounds)

Christmas Blogger Gift Swap

Hey guys!

 

 

So I know it's a bit early to be thinking about Christmas (I mean, it's not even Halloween yet!), but after the lovely Viola at A Piece of Viola announced that she was going to do another Christmas Blogger Gift Swap, I knew I had to get involved!

Viola created the Christmas Blogger Gift Swap in order to increase interaction between bloggers around this time of year. You are randomly paired up with another blogger and then have to exchange gifts. You both agree on a budget so that it won't break the bank! It sounds like such a fun idea and I'm so glad I heard about it!

 

 

So how do you get involved?

 

Getting involved in the Christmas Blogger Gift Swap is simple. Although you do have to be based in the UK, there is no limit to how big or small your blog is. Firstly, fill in the Google form. Then, once Viola has confirmed that you can participate, write a post about the swap. Just make sure you complete the form by 1st November! Oh, and spread the word by using the hashtag #apovgiftswap!

 

 

If you want to find out more, feel free to email Viola at apieceofviola@gmail.com and follow her at @violahelen_ on Twitter.

 

 

Have you ever participated in something like this before? Let me know in the comments!

 

 

Hasta luego!

 

 

Serena

What I Love About Autumn and Winter

 

Hey guys!


Before beginning this post, I thought I'd just mention that I'm not the biggest fan of Autumn and Winter. Now I know that's strange, considering the title of this post, but don't get me wrong, there are still a few things I do like about this time of year. What I'm not so keen on, however, is the cold weather. Being a naturally cold weather, the 10+ months of rain, wind and cold we get in England is not ideal. I long for the warm weather. Anyway, this post is not about summer, it's about Autumn and Winter. So, without further ado, here are some things I like about these two seasons:


1. Hot chocolate

I'm more of a hot chocolate drinker than a tea or coffee drinker. However, I don't think it's socially acceptable to drink hot chocolate when it's warm inside. At least in Autumn and Winter I can get away with drinking it! I love topping my hot chocolate with marshmallows - it becomes just that little bit sweeter. Funnily enough, I tend to stick to the milk chocolate variety as although I love white chocolate, I find it a bit sickly in drink form.


2. Jumpers

I love jumpers! Though, to be honest, I don't have nearly enough! The great thing about jumper is that they pretty much go with anything, and you can just throw them on over a vest top and wear with jeans or a skirt. Simples!


3. Leaves crunching beneath your feet



How adorable?!
 

Isn't it just so satisfying?! Autumn leaves are so beautiful too.


4. Halloween

I haven't really had a "big" Halloween as such since I was in primary school, but it's still one of my most favourite days (or rather nights) of the year. I love dressing up (though I'm kinda boring and nearly always go as a witch) and there's always a good selection of films to watch on TV. Addams Family is my fave - it's so funny! Maybe I'll dress up as Wednesday this year, we'll see!


5. Christmas

How could I not include this?! Christmas is undoubtedly my most favourite time of the year. I love the food, the presents, the carols, the shop windows...and Winter Wonderland. This place is just incredible! I've been there at least ten times during the last four years! Here's a link to the photos I took at Winter Wonderland last year: Hyde Park and Winter Wonderland. There are also some brilliant Christmas films, such as Miracle on 34th Street, Home Alone and Gremlins.


6. My birthday

 

My birthday is in January, so of course that is another thing I love about Winter. I'll be 22 on my upcoming birthday! Ah, scary!! I'll be able to sing Taylor Swift all day!!

What are your favourite things about this time of year? Do you know what you're going as for Halloween yet?! Do you have a favourite Halloween / Christmas film? I'd love to hear your thoughts!


Hasta luego!


Serena