Thursday 24 December 2015

12 things to do on Christmas Eve! - Day 12: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So...It's the final day of Blogmas. I have actually really enjoyed writing these festive posts (and being some-what organised). Maybe suggest a month where I should post everyday. October? I don't know. I hope you have all enjoyed these posts. I have tried my best, I mean, some could've been better or more interesting but I like the ones I have written.
Anyway onto the actual post!

1. So the first thing you could do on Christmas Eve is, to go out and buy a board game or something like that ready for tomorrow. Normally in my home we like to play a game after we have eaten our family Christmas meal. And if you are the same then why not go out and buy a new one?

2. Go to Starbucks! Get one of the festive drinks and get it to take out so you get a red cup. Guaranteed festivity. You'll love it!

3. Last Minute shopping. I know that some of you will have gone out this morning to get your last minute shopping done. There's always someone. In fact, My dad went into town this morning to get some presents. Typical. Maybe you realise that you haven't spoilt someone as much as you would like so you decide to get them one last present which I think I may have to.

4. Do a good deed! There may be someone who lives close to you that is spending Christmas on their own so you could buy them a little gift maybe some flowers or something little. You could also just do this for a neighbour or anyone you like. And if you don't really have any money left from all of the gift-buying, you can always just write them a nice letter saying you wish them a merry Christmas etc. You could even include a photo of yourself so they know who to thank. It wont go unnoticed and I'm sure they will highly appreciate it.

5. See a friend! Or relative because why not. They say Christmas is a time for family and friends. So why not go and see them. Obviously some people are busy but just to say Hi might not be so bad.

6. Deliver some presents! I know that my mum always buys presents for a lot of the family, and their kids. So on Christmas Eve we have to go and deliver all of their presents. So if you have bought for people but have not yet delivered, it is your last day to do so.

7. Christmas film marathon! Doesn't that sound like the bes idea...ever? Yes. get some popcorn and sweets, your family and all sit and watch festive movies. You could also watch them by yourself but where's the spirit in that?

8. Write a letter to Santa! Personally I don't have a younger sibling otherwise I would do this with them. So if you do have one then why not sit with them and write a letter to Santa with their wishlist.

9. Play in the snow! Where I live there is no snow, unfortunately. I would love nothing more than a White Christmas. However depending on where you live you might have snow, so if you do, please make sure you at least make a snowman!

10. Take festive photos! This would probably be best tomorrow as it will actually be Christmas day however you could still do this today. Whether you are wearing Christmas jumpers or PJ's, it will certainly be one to keep. I think every year at Christmas I want a photo of the family. And I may even get a photo album and print them out. Just to keep.

11. Have a party for one! Or more, because again, why not. But for me I will probably be in my bedroom with my Christmas music playing really loud. Dancing around like an idiot, on my own. However if you actually have people who you know are not busy you could always have an actual party.

12. Celebrate your sister's birthday! Obviously this doesn't count for a lot of you but there may be one of you that has a relative or even yourself with a birthday on Christmas Eve! By the time this is posted, We will have all gone round to my sisters to wish her happy birthday and have lunch. I also get to see Conan (their dog) so that makes it even better! If you are reading this Samantha I hope you have had a really good day and got spoilt by everyone because you deserve it. (I know I probably did best!;)





So that's all for this post and for Blogmas! However I will still be posting on Sunday's just like usual. I may not upload this week but then again I may. So you may be lucky, who knows!? I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo

Wednesday 23 December 2015

Secret Santa! - Day 11: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So after the past couple of posts that were not that detailed you might be happy to know that today's is slightly more wordy, so to say.

At college we all decided to do secret Santa, which I think is really nice as technically we only get one Christmas together (its only a one year course!). Even both of our tutors joined in.

But after a while everyone started asking who each other had so the word got around. So when it actually came to the day, it wasn't such a surprise when we found out who had who. But oh well. We all decided that the best limit for us would be £5. As some people cant afford a lot and might not be able to give as much as someone else, etc.

The person I got was actually one of the tutors, the one who teaches us more. I guess our personal tutor, I can't remember what it is technically called. But yeah, I bought her two energy drinks (because she seems to always have one with her, literally...) and a snow shaker. I know they don't actually seem much but I did put thought into it so I guess it's okay. I was quite pleased with myself. She seemed to like the gifts.
As a group we all got her the Tom hardy calendar as she loves him. We all put money towards it so it is actually from all of us and fair. 

I was also very greatful for what I received. Jack off of my course bought me some malteasers, milk tray and a reindeer mug that had the most adorable little reindeer in. I didn't actually know who had me until Jack told me a few days before but I didn't mind! If you have read this Jack, Thankyou for my gifts. 


It was also interesting to see what other people got. Especially Harry's as Tom got him some fairy wings and a tiara which he had to wear and it was just funny to see him in them. 
I don't actually know what else to say about this so I will leave it here. Tomorrow is the last post for blogmas! I'm actually really sad about it, I have enjoyed these past couple of posts. Let me know if you want me to do this next year too. I could also do a full month of posts if you would like (suggestions would be appreciated:)). 

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo




Tuesday 22 December 2015

My Top 10 Christmas Films! - Day 10: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

Today's post is going to be my top ten Christmas movies. Which you will know by the title.. silly me. Oh well.

A while ago my cousin put Netflix on my Xbox and iPad and yes, this does mean that I have been binge watching series' ever since. However I also like to watch new films, even if they don't look that good. People say that the choice on Netflix is quite bad and I disagree. It's just not filled with the most popular films that are out at the time. Anyway, by having Netflix I can now watch LOADS of Christmas films. So here are my top ten favourites to watch at this time of year. (Obviously all of these aren't on Netflix but you get it..)


10. A Dog Called Christmas
9. Love Actually
8. A Muppet's Christmas Carol
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
6. It's A wonderful Life
5. Jingle All The Way
4. Home Alone
3. Grinch
2. The Santa Clause
1. ELF -  haven't recently watched this but it is by far one of the best films!

I haven't actually seen all of these but I have asked my sister and she gave me a few so I'm pretty sure they're all good! I recommend all of them. Get some popcorn and sweets, a blanket and sit with your family to sit and enjoy!

Monday 21 December 2015

Christmas Playlist! - Day 9: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

I'm very sorry to inform you that today's post is going to be brief as it will be mainly song titles. All of the following songs are the ones that I love to play at this time of year. Growing up, we had this Christmas album and I can remember us all singing along to it in the car (it was also at night which makes this x2356756 better!) It is one of my favourite memories. Anyway, as soon as I hear certain songs, which I assume are on the album, I think of Christmas. Some are traditional and some are more recent but I obviously love them all. Otherwise I wouldn't mention them! If you read my first 'Blogmas' post you will know that I like to coordinate the amount of subjects to the day that I'm on. So today I will list all of the songs that I love but then underneath I will rank my top 9. I thought I would explain that just because I'm nice! Enjoy!

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Olly Murs
Last Christmas - Olly Murs
Last Christmas - Ariana Grande
Last Christmas - Wham!
Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande
Santa Baby - Ariana Grande
Winter Things - Ariana Grande
December - Ariana Grande
All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Michael buble
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Michael buble
Have Yourself A Very Merry Christmas - Micheal Buble
Holly Jolly Christmas - Michael Buble
Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens
Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid (1984 & 2014 versions)
Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee
Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord - Boney M.
Half The world Away - AURORA
Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - John Lennon
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
8 Days of Christmas - Destiny's Child
Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade
Mistletoe & Wine - Cliff Richard
Saviour's Day - Cliff Richard
Stop the Cavalry - Jona Lewie
Mistletoe - Justin Bieber
Santa Clause Is Coming To Town - The Crystals
Extraordinary Merry Christmas - Glee Cast
Step Into Christmas - Elton John
Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Ronettes
Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes
Cheeky Girls - Have A Cheeky Christmas
Baby, It's Cold Outside - Dean Martin
Stay Another Day - East 17
Lonely This Christmas - Mud
Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End) - The Darkeness
One More Sleep - Leona Lewis
Once Upon A Christmas Song - Geraldine McQueen 

9. All I Want For Christmas Is You
8. Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End)
7. Sleigh Ride
6. Last Christmas (Olly Murs)
5. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
4. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
3. Half The World Away
2. Santa Tell Me
1. Fairytale of New York - Of course this is ranked the best! duh. 

I hope you all recognise most, if not all, of these songs. If not listen to them, You will not regret it, I promise. Obviously there are more songs but I cant remember half of them! I hope you are all still enjoying 12 days of Katie. I think I'm going to miss it... Maybe I will do all of December next year!?

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo

Sunday 20 December 2015

Gift guide! - Day 8: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

This post is going to be me giving you some simple gift ideas for for the people you know and love. I have based these presents on the people that I am buying for however I have tried to include presents that would be perfect for anyone.

So the first person I will be giving examples for is My mum. Because, why not start here. After all she did give birth to me... Anyway my mum always, without a doubt, asks for some slippers. Whether that is for her birthday, Christmas, or Mother's Day. Sometimes I will get her some throughout the year just because she loves them. I only get her the ones from Primark that are around £4. They have memory foam in the bottom and she really likes them. Although they do wear down after a while which is good for me because then I always have something I can get her. Another gift you could get your mum could be a DVD/CD. Which ever they would prefer most I guess. I saw a CD advertised the other day, something about country songs and I was going to get that mum because we were both singing along to the advert. However she got it so my dad can give it her. But if you know your mums well, which I'm pretty sure you will then it wont be difficult to find something she would enjoy. You could also opt for something you would enjoy too and then you can have some time together. Mums love that too.

Carrying on with family members, I will go onto the dad's. Normally, they receive socks or PJ's mostly, in fact any grown man does. Guaranteed. This is the easy option. For my dad, I sometimes get him an Xbox game. However, now because we have an Xbox one, the games seem to be more out of my budget. So, I seem to have switched to little gadgets or fun things (but if you can afford it, go for one that would suit them). For example, this year I went into the gadget shop in Meadowhall (I cant remember the name) and picked something up for him. I can't quite describe it but I will leave a picture anyway. Basically it's a little elastic band gun. About the size of your hand and it also turns into a pen, WOW. Not going to lie... I was slightly impressed and it was only £5.


The next relative I will give ideas for is a sibling. This might not even appeal to you, but I guess this could work for a cousin or anyone. I have a sister and her birthday is actually Christmas Eve so it's really hard to find several presents, or even remember that I need to pick up two presents instead of just one like everyone else. However this year I had previously written down what she asked for so I had an advantage. I'm not actually too sure whether she reads my posts so I'm not going to say what I got her but if your sibling has a hobby then that might be a good place to start. Maybe a colouring book. This can work for all ages, because there are colouring books for adults in order to de-stress. I actually have one and I recommend them for anyone. But you get the idea.

The last person I will give ideas for is a friend. I'm not too sure on what to suggest because at the end of the day it just depends on the person. I have bought one of my close friends some PJ's, quite sad I know but they have Micky Mouse on and she loves that. I guess you could get your friend a onesie (still not sure on how to spell that!) and maybe get a matching one. I also always get friends something sweet to eat, which I guess is a bad idea because everyone does this but oh well! And if you like to get your friend several things why not just get little bits and bobs that you think they'll like. If you go shopping with them and they say they like something write it down and get it them. That's pretty much all I suggest.

 
(Credit to Tom for this photo!)

I know that this might not help a lot of people but if it helps just one person then I'm happy with that. I wish I could be more helpful but I just based this on people I know and some of them read my posts so I am limited as to what I can say so apologies!

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo







Saturday 19 December 2015

7 things I love and hate about Christmas! - Day 7:12 days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So in this post I'm going to tell you 7 things that I love and hate about this time of year. Hopefully this goes well as I haven't planned this post because I was meant to be doing more of a gift guide but it was really similar as the one I'm doing tomorrow so yeaaaah.

Things I hate (I might as well rant first and end on a positive note!):

1. Rude people.
I mean this goes for the whole year round but it seems that it is at it's worst at this time of year. I get it. You're in a rush, it's hot, and busy but newsflash, You're not royalty. Manners don't cost a single penny. If I go out of my way for you I would be extremely grateful if you said thank you or even just one of those, very British, nods. You also get people who just push you out of the way, like wow, don't even get me started.


2. When someone drops something.
Sounds weird, I know but when someone drops something it's nice to help them on their way. especially if they are kind of old, It's just polite people!


3.Babies.
Oh my god. There is nothing more annoying than this. Taking your children shopping. Fair enough but at least control them for crying out loud. Letting them push trolleys or the little baskets with wheels when it's busy is a bad idea fyi. Or when the parents decide to use the biggest push chair/pram in the world and block a full isle. If I ask politely to come past please don't just ignore me and carry on staring at the shelves, I mean isn't that just selfish?! Besides I'm pretty sure, if you are a nice person, someone wouldn't mind looking after your child while you run errands.


4. Disappointing.
I hate when its Christmas Day and it slides into the evening and you're just like 'oh' that's it. As a child it's not the case because you have toys to play with but as you get older it gets boring. The lead up to Christmas is sometimes more exiting than the day.


5. Feeling pressured to socialise.
Don't get me wrong, it's lovely to see friends and family but personally I like my own company. I like to be alone sometimes. I mean, half of my family aren't even bothered about me at all and haven't spoken to me in many years - there loss I guess, so this means I don't see a lot of family. But on Christmas day, you've been with your family all day opening presents, eating your meal maybe even watched a film or something, and then more family come round, and more, it just gets too much for me sometimes. I don't know.


6. When people posts pictures of what they receive.
So around this time of year, parents or even teens now, because of technology, post pictures of what they have received. The most aggravating thing is seeing a full grown adult gloating about how many presents are under their tree. It's so inconsiderate. Some people don't get a lot, remember that. Personally, I used to get a fair amount but not once did I broadcast it. Yes, I was still thankful, very thankful. But I just didn't feel the need to show it to the world.


7. Finally I love just about everything else about Christmas. The food, giving gifts, how it's cold, everything is so pretty and so on. It is such a nice time of the year, probably the best to be quite honest. Despite of everything I've said above, I still love it. Even when my dads childish side comes out! That is it for this post.

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo


Friday 18 December 2015

6 ways to decorate your bedroom for Christmas! - Day 6: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

Today's post is going to be how you can decorate your bedroom for Christmas in six ways. All of the things I am going to be mentioning, are affordable so it is easy for you to feel festive. I hope you enjoy!

1. Mini Tree's!!
Last year I really wanted a fake mini tree for my room but they were all too bulky. (That and my mum wouldn't let me..) However this year I found a really cute one. And as soon as I bought it, I saw the same types everywhere. Funny story actually... I bought the tree thinking it was fake...Yeah, it's not. So I actually have to take care of it, which might end badly. It is actually still alive - THANK GOD. But even though it isn't massively Christmassy, it is still very cute and festive. I love it. I wish it was slightly bigger though so it could have some baubles on! Oh well. I bought this for £2.50 at Wilko's and you could get a slightly bigger one for £7.00. Just in case you were wondering.


2. Baubles.
Another way to decorate your room is to buy some nice baubles and hang them around your room. I think it looks really nice, especially from the outside, if it is near the window. However I don't have a curtain pole because I just have a blind. So I can't do this. But if I include a picture then i have obviously found some way to do it.


3. Tinsel.
I know this sounds 'easy' if you like or 'boring' but it can look adorable! above a mirror, on a wall, at the window or on your desk. I think this is a really easy and probably the cheapest thing to do.


4. Snowflakes.
This is one of my favourites of the six, mainly because this can be a great activity to do. You could do this with friends or family or even just buy them. I saw some in the pound shop but didn't think to pick some up to use in a picture, silly me! You could also hang these just like the baubles. or hang them from your ceiling, which would probably look really cute.

5. Coasters.
I know, I know. Sounds odd. I get it. But I bought these cute snowflake coasters from town and by adding them to my room its add that little bit of red and to me that's Christmas. I also got matching place mats for our table on Christmas day but I am currently using one on my desk just for little things, like my tree and dish for rings. I think its cute so yeaaah. 


6. A picture.
The final one has to be a little bit of a joke but it's a picture. A picture of what you say? Well, why not use a Christmas selfie! Personally I would probably do this just because I can be vein but you could also use a Christmas family photo, or one with your friends when you were doing something related to Christmas (a meal maybe). I haven't actually done this yet but I might for a present for my mum! Haha, your welcome mum:).

That's it for this post but I hope you are enjoying blogmas, if not.. then I do apologise! Feel free to try some of these yourselves and let me know in the comments if you like them or not.

Merry Christmas
Adios amigos!xo







Thursday 17 December 2015

How to be festive! - Day 5:12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So today I'm going to tell you five ways you can become festive ready for Christmas. Which in fact is only eight days away which is crazy because even though I'm in the festive spirit and all, it seems still so far away... However that could be because I've been singing Christmas songs since like March. Oops.

I guess you could say this is also a weird post but hay ho. The first thing that I suggest to get festive is to dress festively. Wear a Christmas jumper! I love to buy a new one every year although I only have done tht for a couple of years but it definitely will be a regular thing. I love tacky Christmas jumpers also! The ones you look at and think 'wow that's too far' but they're not, they're accepted which I love. Although I don't actually own one.. Strange. You could also get reindeer antlers, or an elf hat just like me!


The second way you could get festive is to bake Christmas recipes! For me this means anything with ginger or anything in the shape of things that relate to Christmas. Obviously for other people it will be different but you get it. You could have a full baking day with Christmas music blasting out and serve all of your delicious makings for your family and friends. Doesn't that sound fun?! It does to me. I posted some Christmas recipes yesterday so check out that post if you're interested in actually taking my advice!

You could also decorate your bedroom. Because why not? Yes, I'm sure most of not all of you have already got your trees up and decorated, however what about your room? Any tinsel? A little tree etc. In a few days time I'm going to give you a few ways in which you can actually decorate your bedroom for Christmas so keep your little eyes peeled:). 

To also get in the festive mood, you could watch Christmas films. I suggest a movie marathon - the only marathon I take part in... Grab yourself your favourite snacks, a Christmas blanket, light some candles, and lie back while you watch your favourite festive movies. I'm sure after you have watched elf, you will all be ready for Santa coming to town. Why not even have your Christmas tree lights flickering away while you are all cosy. If that doesn't shout festive then what does?!

The last thing I am going to suggest is getting in a car (not just a random one because that is bad kids, maybe your parents..) and driving around your town at night looking at all of the pretty, glowing Christmas decorations. You could rate the houses out of ten and then decide which is your favourites. You could also throw in some Christmas tunes here too! You can never hear Wizard or Mariah Carey too many times so go for it! Have your self a merry little Christmas while you're at it, haha see what I did there? Yeah I know, that was awful. Anyway I would've included a picture of a really pretty house but I think that would be slightly weird so I won't but here is a picture that I took in town. Enjoy.


Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo

Wednesday 16 December 2015

4 Christmas Recipes! - Day 4: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

Can we just have a moment to be proud that I have made it 4 days of doing blog posts? I mean there are other people who are doing one everyday for 25 days and honestly, I salute them. I don't think I could do it for that long! Maybe I will try it next year as I am actually really enjoying writing all of these. I'm actually enjoying being organised - ish. I say ish as even though this is going up on the 16th, I'm still only writing it at 10pm on the 13th.. Oh well.

This blog post is going to be brief as it is three recipes for something sweet for the holiday. That sounded weird.
Here they are!:

1. Rice Crispy Puddings.

Ingredients:
  • 180g of marshmallows, I've gone with mini.
  • 100g of rice krispies
  • 200g milk chocolate
  • 100g white chocolate
  • 50g butter
  • Decorations (leaf)


What to do.

1.Melt the butter and milk chocolate in a pan, maybe do this in a heat proof bowl with water in the pan so that you don't burn the chocolate. That would be a waste of chocolate! But, obviously if you are used to doing it or if you are an adult you could try without.
2.Next add the marshmallows and melt them into the chocolate.
3.Add the rice krispies and mix.
4.Take off the heat and let it slightly cool, but don't allow it to set!
5.Scoop out a heaped tablespoon and roll into a ball. Leave to set. - BEWARE, it will get messy!
6.Melt the white chocolate (you could also do this in a microwave. (Just make sure you stir every 30/40 seconds until it is melted so it doesn't burn.)
7.Fill a piping bag with this chocolate and pipe onto the top of the rice krispy balls we made earlier.
8.Then just add cute little leave decorations which you can get in supermarkets on the baking isle normally.
9.Finally, serve them on a plate and enjoy!

2. Oreo Truffles.

Ingredients:

  • Two packets of Oreos
  • 113g (roughly) Cream cheese
  • A large bar of chocolate (this can be white or milk)

What to do.

1. Firstly pour all of the oreos into a food/sandwich bag, and then beat until a crumbled mixture - a rolling pin may be the easiest. Or you can also use a food processor, which ever you prefer.
2. Now you need to pour the crumbs into a large bowl and then add the cream cheese. 
3. Slowly mix the ingredients together with a wooden spoon, and then once slightly combined you can change to an electric mixer just to make your lives a little easier. 
4. once you have done that, you need to get a heaped teaspoon of the mixture and roll it (with your palms, sorry its messy!) into little balls and place on a tray with parchment paper. If your mixture isn't sticking you may need more cream cheese.
5. Continue until you have no mixture left and then put the tray(s) into the fridge to set.
6. Now it's time for the chocolate! Melt half a big bar of chocolate, either over the hob or in a microwave. I suggest the hob as it makes it smoother in my opinion. 
7. Then you need to put the balls onto a cocktail stick or fork, and dip them until they are completely covered.
8. Because this is supposed to be a Christmassy recipe, I am also grating only a little bit of white chocolate over them so it slightly looks like snow. This can be optional of course. 
9. Finally put them back in the fridge to set, it might be easier to do this overnight or while you bake something else so you know they are set. 
ENJOY!


3. Tanya Burr's Triple Chocolate cookies.

Ingredients:

  • 200g butter
  • 300g caster sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 275 self raising flour
  • 75g cocoa powder
  • dash of milk (optional)
  • a large bar of white and milk chocolate
  • 3 daim bars - I am not using these though!

What to do.

1. pre-heat your oven to 200C
2. Cream together the sugar and butter with the back of a wooden spoon until its a smooth consistency (you could also use an electric mixer).
3. Crack in the egg and add all of the dry ingredients and blend together.
4. If your mixture looks dry add the dash of milk.
5. Now break up all of the delicious chocolate and mix into the mixture. (If you are including daim bars, you would add them here too!)
6.  Line two trays with baking paper or foil and prepare to get really messy!
7. use your hands to separate the mixture into ten balls.
8. Now you need to put these in the oven for exactly 11 minutes. Tanya says, they will not look done but you have to leave these to cool for half an hour afterwards. Even though they don't look done, they are! If you leave them in they will over cook and go hard, so take them out, you hear me?
Now its time to serve these and I included these in because it is traditional to leave mince pies, cookies etc for santa, So why not make them yourself?



4.  Iced ginger shortcake.

Now, I'm sorry to say this but unfortunately I probably wont have time to make these as this post isn't pre-written and I haven't had time to bake this morning. I am going to bake the recipes above and include a picture of the results. However if you do want to try something a little different then I will leave a link below of the BBC Good Food website where I found the recipe. I hope you all enjoy these simple yet delicious treats!
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/290604/iced-ginger-shortcake

This is the only photo I have as some of mine failed in there own way. For example I forgot to add the marshmallows when doing the mini puddings so they didn't work, instead I made just Rice Krispies buns. Oh well still tasty though.! I hope all of yours works! I haven't included my truffles because they are still in the fridge setting so I may add a photo tomorrow afternoon. 



Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo







Tuesday 15 December 2015

Visting Christmassy Places! - Day 3: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So today's blog post is going to be mainly pictures which I'm sure you wont mind - less reading after all!

I know a couple of people who aren't in the Christmas spirit yet and I think maybe this blog post will help you, well I hope so anyway. These photos aren't the best, such as the one of the red cups in Starbucks, but this is because I wasn't sat near them so I zoomed in to look less like a weirdo.
All of these places are slightly odd but I'm sure I will be able to explain myself, so just hold on.

The first place is going to be Starbucks, weird I know. But, hey ho. I'm certain that almost all of you have seen or heard of the famous 'red cups'. At Christmas time, Starbucks change their hot drink cups into red ones in spirit of the Christmas spirit. I'm pretty sure the cup itself had a pretty pattern on but I think someone complained so they had to remove it, I have no idea. However they made sure that there were still some of the pattern involved; on the cardboard holder thingy. Any way, I thought I'd mention that as personally it's very festive. You could even be extra festive and have a gingerbread latte in a red cup. Imagine that.....

  

The second place is going to be on of my local pubs that sells food. Don't worry I don't go there to get drunk mainly because I'm under age...haha. But, yes, this little pub has gone all out this year, they have tinsel-type decorations on all of the ceiling, tinsel everywhere, wreaths hung...It's actually really beautiful. I constantly stared at them, almost mesmerising. I love it. At first, I thought it looked a bit busy and over the top and I normally don't like that but when I actually looked at it when I was waiting for my food, it looked gorgeous.



The last place is my local town centre. Recently, the Christmas lights were turned on by Peakfm (The radio station). To be honest it was quite boring, but the lights were really pretty so that makes up for it. While I was doing some of my Christmas shopping I took some photos of the pretty decorations so hopefully you guys can see just how pretty it actually all is. I have also included one from Meadowhall as it was to pretty to not include! One of the reasons I love this time of year is because of all the pretty things. I guess some things are tacky, but we all still love them and have them. Besides, what's Christmas without a tacky Christmas jumper eh?

  
  

  

That's all for this post and I'm sorry it is such a weird one, but if you are maybe in the spirit and just want somewhere to go or if you aren't in the spirit I suggest these sorts of places. I hope you are all enjoying these posts!

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo





Monday 14 December 2015

Advent Calenders! - Day 2: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys,

So, today's post is talking about advent calenders. I know, its kind of a weird subject but I thought I'd talk about this because after all, who doesn't love opening a cardboard door and having a tiny chocolate in the early morning?

Today (the day that I am writing this) I was talking with some relatives about advent calenders and they said its silly when you get to a certain age to have these. Personally I think that I will be a sad 29 year old who has moved out and has loads of advent calenders - just for myself of course! I hope that even when I can't walk and in a care home that I get one. Just because its something that is silly yet fun.

This year I had to practically beg my mum to get me one, because she wasn't going to get one as I'm nearly 17. Like, I don't care how old I may be, I still want to open that small door and get my christmassy shaped chocolate. GIMME.

This year my mum also bought my cat one too! I love the idea of a pet version of them. Its a nice little way for them to be involved.. even if they don't know about it. Besides, if we are aloud to have a treat everyday, why shouldn't they? You can get dog and cat versions from pet stores such as Pets at Home or market stalls, and to be honest they're not even expensive. They range from £3.00 - £5.00 each, the same for both cats and dogs. BARGAIN! (in favour of all the pets out there, I suggest you invest in one next year!) You can also get little advent houses or something which you can fill with your own sweets/treats, so if your child or pet is fussy, why not get something they like and customise your own? Good idea? Of course.

  

I didn't expect for me to write this much about advent calenders but I guess you all got lucky! I hope you are excited for the rest of these blog posts.

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo

Sunday 13 December 2015

SURPRISE! - Day 1: 12 Days of Katie!

Hey guys!

I bet you wasn't expecting this was you? Well maybe you were because after all it is Sunday...
Anyway this year I decided I was going to do blogmas, but I decided a bit late. So I have altered it so that I do 12 days instead. Also that way, I can have every post related to Christmas, and lets be real here, that makes it worth it right?

This post is basically the introduction of what I'm doing so, basically from today I am going to be putting up a blog post every single day!

I am not sure how to explain what I am planning to do, but I will give it a go. Today I am going to talk about my Christmas tree (this may be a long post!) and that is one subject because its the first day of Christmas. And tomorrow, will have another subject but with two. I guess I may as well give a spoiler to help me explain this. Tomorrow will be about advent calenders, but I will be talking about two different types. Each day the amount will increase just like the song, which I'm sure you all know which I am talking about.

Congratulations if any of you understood that! But anyway, onto today's topic.

Christmas trees! I love them. Every type, real, fake, small, tall, tacky and even ones with lights on the ends.. they're all beautiful! To be honest, I've never had a real tree. We've had the same one since I can remember and no matter now much I beg, were not having one. So I have decided when I move out, that Christmas I am having a real tree. Even if I have a room mate or partner at the time, I am having one (no discussion is needed).

I guess they can be dangerous for pets because of the needles falling off but, isn't that why they invented hoovers? To clean things up? I might not even have a pet at this point so it might not even matter but if it got too bad I would just keep a guard or something around it I don't know.

But, today is the 13th which means...it's time to put up the tree! I wish I could've had a real tree but my mum has actually let us have a new one this year! However we haven't had time to actually get one so we have had to deal with the one we have. She also still wont let me get new baubles even though the ones we have currently are falling apart. (Mum I know you are reading this...)

This year I've also bought a tiny tree from Wilko's which was £2.50. I was actually really chuffed with myself no idea why to be honest. I actually realised when I got home that it is in fact real.. Yeah, I'm not good at keeping things alive except myself and the cat. However it is still alive so maybe, just maybe it will still be alive for Christmas.

There's something about putting up the tree that makes me really happy. We always have lots of Christmas songs on full blast, eating chocolates as we go along. I love it. If you don't, then I guess hello Scrooge!

  

Well that's the end of this post. How exciting is this though, a post everyday?! I hope you're all excited anyway. Awkward if you aren't. Oh well. I love you all.

Merry Christmas.
Adios amigos!xo

Monday 7 December 2015

Meet Guiney!

Hey guys,

So this weeks post is a tiny bit weird. Sorry! But I thought I'd change things up a bit and maybe meet some other cat obsessed people.

Anyway, yes. Guiney (g-w-in-ey, just because I know a lot of people don't know how to pronounce it!) is my pet cat. Although she didn't used to be mine. She used to be my sisters, and just to clarify my sister named her. Personally I love the name, it suits her a lot. However I know some people are like, huh? On her head there is actually a 'crown' shape in her fur and i think this is why my sister decided on her name.

Guiney is 10 years old and is still really small. Some people ask how old she is and are shocked when I say because she is so much smaller than an average cat. Now, I'm probably making her out to be tiny.. she isn't but cats can grow bigger. And believe it or not, she actually gets bullied by other local cats because of this. Which is really odd to think about but is actually quite sad.

I don't know what it is about her but she always manages to make me happy and I'm sure any pet owner will agree that their pet makes them very happy they instantly see them. I am just like that with Guiney. I can come home from a really crappy day from college or whatever and then when I see her it all goes into a good day.

However she is getting really old now and I am absolutely dreading it because at the end of the day, Guiney helps me get through a lot. And if she goes, how will I cope? How will I cope with her going without her to be there to comfort me? I just keep giving her the biggest of hugs everyday so I know I wont regret not seeing her.

Anyway, as I'm sure I'm boring you, I'm going to leave it there and just include some adorable pictures of her below, you will even see one of her 'crown'. I may also add more to this as it isn't as detailed as I would've liked but I am actually really tired so goodnight my friends!


Adios amigos!xo