Blogmas day 16 - Top 5 Favourite Christmas Scents

Helloooo!! I'm shamelessly ignoring the fact that a few days have gone past since my last post....

Today's Blogmas post is all about my fave Christmas Scents.

There are so many scents that scream Christmas to me - these also include scents that some "smart" person has just stuck the word Christmas in front to make a few ££s. I love the sweet scents and also the spicy ones.
There's also some scents that don't really fit into a category of their own.

My top 5  faves, In no particular order are;

Christmas Cookies (see what I mean lol) - I am drawn to the candles that have this scent, different brands have different names like Cookies for santa etc. The scent is sweet but spicy with a buttery undertone but with enough spice to cut through and keeps it from being sickly. Strong vanilla can give me migraines so I stay away from the candles, fragrances etc that add too much.

Mulled Spice - Something about mulled fruits just brings a Christmasey feeling and whether it's from a candle, drink or even a diy stove top room scent, I can't get enough of it.

Pine - Pine cones, Pine needles... just pine!! Such a crisp and earthy scent. It doesn't get more Christmastime than this rich memory inducing fragrance.

Orange and Clove - There's something about this combination that soothes my mind. It's warming but also refreshing. It's another stove top diy scent that I love to make. I will be trying to make sliced orange and clove pot pourri this year and maybe the whole oranges with cloves baked inside as decor.


Frankincense, Lavender and Rosemary - I know this an odd combination but Frankincense is definitely up there with the quintessential Christmas scent, (It's also one of my fave essential oils.) The Lavender adds a lovely floral zing and the rosemary pushes an earthy fragrance which cuts through the sweetness. I love to add this to oil burners and my humidifier.


I have to be honest and say that I love these scents so much that I actually enjoy them all year round. With the Christmas Cookie and Pine ones, I try and stock up with candles in theses scents at Christmas time so I can burn them during the year when they aren't largely available.


Which Christmas scents do you love? Or even don't like at all?
Catch up tomorrow xxx

Blogmas!! {A little late!!} - Christmas Colours

No excuses!! I have dropped off yet again with my blogging,,, and many social media activities if I'm honest. I have been very busy lately! I think social media is just that,,,,social and I find if I have plenty of real life, day to day things I have no time for social time which includes socila media too.


All that being said, earlier in the year, I was hoping to participate in Blogmas this year but here we are at 12 December and not one Blogmas post yet!! I was gonna just call it a day and not bother as it's been so many days but why throw away all the days I can do from here on out for the days I have missed?

So I will do a Blogmas post today and keep it going (if I can).

Today's Blomas post will be about Christmas Colours.

I don't know where it came from but there are definite colours or a colour scheme that are though as Christmas Colours like; Gold, Red and Green or Silver, White and Blue etc.

The combination I used for our tree last year was Silver, White and Blue. I tried to get pink baubles but the only ones I saw were far too expensive.

I like using Gold but I do find it can be too much if used a lot. No offence but it just looks ..... is gaudy a bad word?? hmmm let's just stick with too much lol.

Of course I love to use pink for every decor scheme so match it with white and silver to give a Christmas feel
I plan to do some decor pieces in this colour scheme for my room.

I will be putting up some decoration bits up around the home but will have to put them out of our kitten's reach. I like to put bits on the landing window sills but they have become his favourite place to cotch so will probably have to rethink. I'm still deciding whether or not to stick to one colour scheme for every room or have different colour schemes..... I'll let you know what I decide.

Ok, short and sweet post today. What are your fave Christmas Colours? Which colour scheme do you like to use? *see* you tomorrow xxx

Blogmas: Christmas Eve pt2

Wow!! How is it so late?!

The Gingerbread Cake finished baking and this time round it has cracks in the top, no matter, by the time I cut it into squares it'll be fine.

I made a quick icing to go ontop of the cake when it cools and on some of the cookies too.

I decided to drizzle the icing onto the cake while it was still hot to form a glaze.

It looks very shiny, I'm sure the opaque parts will dry/cool clear.

I washed my hair with my new bits I purchased earlier.

Ugh!!! I need my scalp to behave... NOW!! I was hoping to do a protective style for Christmas and winter in general but as my scalp is playing up its really not worth it.

While the deep conditioner was on my hair I finished off the window sill decors, put the Christmas tree lights on the tree and finished off in the kitchen.

I just finished wrapping the last of the pressies(gahhh why every year last minute?)

Now I'm gonna set my hair in a Wash&Go and let it dry overnight.

Blogmas: Christmas Eve

Whoahh!! Is it really Christmas Eve?! My goodness time is steaming by.

I thought I'd do a little Christmas Eve run-down like I did last year(it won't be as big though as the day's already gone lol)

So far I went out to the shops, picked up the last bits and pieces, last pressie, went to the hair shop quickly as my scalp is still giving me probs(I'll post more about that at a later date)

Came back home bearing goodies for the boys and sat down for a bit.

I went to season the mutton ready for tomorrow and gah!!! No curry powder?! How can I do curry mutton with no curry powder??!! Soooooo off I trodded to the shops but none of the local ones had any and the nearest supermarket (Waitrose) was already shut, so I ended up walking quite a way and thank goodness I saw a Co-op (didn't even know there was one there) and grabbed said curry powder and remembered milk, flour and couple forgotten items lol.

Hubby was outside our house so he kindly picked me up as by then I was pooped and achy, and back home.

Phewwww.....

I finished seasoning the meat and put it in the fridge.

I prepared dinner and afterwards cleared, cleaned and then it was time for the baking.

I made the dough for the Ginger Cookies, rolled into a ball and put it on the fridge to chill.

Next on to the Gingerbread Cake.

I made the batter and its in the oven baking -- wheeeeww 

Cleared up the mess, put ingredients away and utensils to soak (I find it easier in the long run if I clear/clean as I go.

Now I'll make some icing to go on top.

Winter Survival Part 1 - Why do I feel so SAD?

Picture Borrowed From Internet

First up sorry for the outrageous play on words in the post title.

It's no secret that I cannot take the cold, no way, no how. Myself and our middle son feel the cold the most in our household (as I type this I feel I am repeating myself lol, I'm thinking I may have moaned about the cold weather before) we just can't take the frost and chill brrrr.

Winter has it's good points and benefits but for many it comes with a condition called
Seasonal Affective Disorder - or SAD for short and also known as "Winter Depression"
This condition causes the sufferer to feel low, have a lack of motivation, problems getting out of bed and many more problamatic symptoms including physical ones.
The severity differs from person to person.

Even people who do not have SAD can feel down on winter days and need to find ways to pick themselves up so in this first part of my Winter Survival Series we will look at ways to survive the "Winter Blues".


Get some sun.
The lack of sunlight hours is the main culprit of SAD symptoms.
Although the frosty weather may cause you to hide under your duvet, brave the outdoors and get some natural sunlight. Not only will you top up your vitamin D but will help to increase the production of Serotonin - the hormone that controls sleep, mood and appetite, reduce the production of melatonin - the hormone that makes us sleepy and help the working of our circadian rhythm -the internal body clock.
If you are unable to spend time in natural sunlight you can purchase specially manufactured light boxes and/or lamps.

Picture borrowed from web

Get Moving.
Regular exercise is important for both our physical and mental health, it can help boost your energy levels, blood flow, immunity, self esteem and waste elimination.
The gym is often the first place we think off when we talk about exercising and it's brilliant for the variety of equipment and classes but if the gym isn't for you, for whatever reason, there's plenty of alternatives.
 Walking is a great choice as it is free, gets you outside (soak up the sun) gets the heart racing and tones legs hips and bum. If you are feeling energetic or are quite fit why not step it up a gear(no pun intended) and jog or run instead.
 You can also workout at home, weights and kettlebells are readily accessible or you can make use of exercise dvds, online classes and Youtube videos.


Be Social.
Isolation and loneliness can make the symptoms even worse. Being around others is great for your emotional and physical well being.
Spend time with people, talk more, go out -it doesn't have to cost much you cold even go on a joint walk and get some sun(see a pattern here? lol)
Organise a day or night where a group of friends get together and socialise.


Get Some Sleep.
Although insomnia and/or sleep disturbance can be symptoms of SAD, it is important to try and regulate your sleeping pattern.
Aim to get adequate sleep at night. Use sleeping techniques if you find it difficult to fall asleep or even to stay asleep.
Take opportunities to nap during the day if you haven't slept well the night before.


Talk It Through.
Anxiety and stress will wreak havoc on your health at the best of times but teamed up with the feelings of SAD you can begin to feel in despair. We often bottle our feelings up and keep them inside but this can be very harmful.
Try to open up to someone close and trustworthy, share your feelings. The old adage - "a problem shared is a problem halved" has a lot of truth to it.
Consider therapy whether individual or group. Writing things down also helps.


Keep Calm.
The worse thing anyone can say to me when I'm in a panic is to calm down! If I could be calm I wouldn't be panicked, but taking measures to keep calm really helps when low feelings arise.
Although medication can help there are alternatives that you may like to try for example herbal teas, bach flower remedies, essential oils and aromatherapy(always check these are suitable for your usage), massage.
Practical exercises such as breathing techniques, counting, closing your eyes etc will also work wonders.
Prayer and meditating on all that is good can calm even the most tumorous situations.

The Art of Distraction.
Sometimes it's hard to think clearly, things get on top of you and you just can't deal with everything. Day-to-day stresses, or difficult issues can become too much to bare.
It's helpful to find something that will take your mind of your problems, even for a short while.
Find a hobby, play a game, read a book, volunteer for a good cause. Anything that will get your mind concentrating on something else.

Picture borrowed from web

I hope this post was useful and also helpful, Even if you don't feel the "Winter blues" it may help you to identify if someone you know has.
If you do feel low, whether in the winter or any time at all, please don't suffer in silence. Seek help.

Blogmas 2015: Fave Christmas Goodies - Drinks

Its no secret how much I love Christmas. Everything about it just makes my heart sing.

I love "Christmasy" stuff and I know shops and companies can get very grabby during this season but I enjoy many of their offerings. Today I will chat about my fave drinks;

Egnog!! Ohhhhh I know so many people dislike the creamy yellow goodness that is egnog but I really like it. Here in the UK it's not available much and the only version I see is this cheap spiced milkshake carton with a "fake" after taste.
I keep saying I'll try to make some and I may well do this year.....not sure about the raw egg though.

Flavoured Lattes. Starbucks has to be my number one stop for a coffee treat. I don't go often at all. In fact since leaving my job where SB was two doors away, it's normally only a couple times a year and that's during the autumn/Christmas season. I LOVE their Pumkin Spiced, Egnog (surprise lol) and Gingerbread lattes.
I have a tasimo machine in which I make lattes and add my own flavours to save money, or I'll just make a flavoured coffee with my trusty kettle.

Guiness Punch. This isn't exactly a Christmas drink per se but because of all the naughty ingredients I don't have it often at all. I can't even remember the last time I made it, it could well have been last Christmas.

Flavoured Cream Liqueurs. Baileys Original has to be one of if not my fave "strong drink". From a young girl when on special occasions I was given a literal drop to taste to my teen years when I was lets say freer with alcohol it was my go to drink.
It seems to be at Christmas when all the different shops do their own version and add seasonal flavours. Marks and Spencers have gorgeous options like Gingerbread and toffee and pecan. This year they have introduced new ones - Chocolate Yule Log, Sherry Trifle and Tiramisu. I bought the Tiramisu one a few weeks back and it is lovely.
Tesco have a salted caramel one which I have on my list to try.

Mulled Rum Punch. A feww years ago, Marks and Spencers added this yummy addition to their mulled drinks and it was divine. The taste of mulled wine but with the full and warming taste of rum added!! I didn't see it last year in store but I had a bottle or two left over from the great discounted offers the previous year.

Port and Sherry. Much to my hubby's amusement I love a good port. He loves to tease me about loving an "old lady's" drink but I don't care lol. The full bodied drink is on my Christmas list and I use it during the year in cooking and baking. Sherry get's the same treatment both by him and by me but it has to be good quality one (I sound so snobby lol)




mmmmmm just thinking about these drinks is making me thirsty lol, well it's far too late in the night for any of the yummy choices above. It will be some water and bed for me.

Feel free to let me know your fave seasonal drink or even the drinks that are not necesarily seasonal but which you like to partake at this time of the year.

Blogmas 2015 - Chatter

Whooaahhhh!!! Are we really in December already?! I cannot beleive it's Christmas in 23 days!! 23 DAYS!! My oh my the year is nearly over. I will make a big effort to Blog everyday for Blogmas again this year.....being realistic I aim to blog as much as possible. Many of the posts will be Christmas themed but the aim for me is more to blog more often to make up for my huge blogging fail for months.

 

The frosty air and billowing wind has got me wrapping up in my blanket in the morning and dreading the walk to and from school! The bus at the halfway point to school and the journey back calls to me louder each day but I close my ears and carry on walking. I am still amazed at my walking! Today I have already walked 6.26km and got a top 25%..... I give thanks that little by little I am claiming my body back.



I can't wait to buy and put up our Christmas Tree!! It will be our first tree. In fact I can't wait to put up all the decorations and set up rooms and areas with festive decor. I love the Christmas season!!
The excitement is building lol.
I did a small decor shop this morning to add to the other bits I've been buying during the last month or so. I still didn't find anything to use as snow for the Christmas jars I have planned. I haven't seem anything locally so will have to have a think about that.

My eye caught the new Tim holtz sizzix houses and bell tower!! Ohhhhh they look fab and the houses would look great both in the jars and as decor pieces.... Sigh I wonder how much they are, I'm scared to look as my fingers may be too quick with the order button *hides face*


I have put the beef on to stew early today as I have sooo much to do after the school run, Orders to make and a Greek class in the evening! I am sooooo looking forward to learning Greek again.

Anywayyy chatter over. I must do some preparations to make later run as smooth as possible and cheer up Kuppie as he is a little grouchy today.


Have a great day xxx

Christmas season baking

I think I must have baked more over the past week than I have for the past few months!

Along with the Christmas Eve baking frenzy I baked some Gingerbread in a star shape for our lovely Church Sister on boxing day, she generously invited us over as we moved into the area. Being a big family it really is humbling and I am always so grateful to be invited over as a family and she fed us too lol, it was scrumptious and we were also well watered. I baked the Gingerbread while I got ready and it was still warm when I handed it to her, she was so surprised and appreciative.

My eldest requested some more Star Ginger Cookies and as I had some more of the left over dough and icing in the fridge I rustled some up on the day after boxing day.
The boys enjoyed them very much, they didn't even notice the wholemeal flour I added lol.

I also had requests for mince pies which I made while the cookies were baking.

We had a bag of carrots left over from our mega veggie shop so I baked a carrot cake on Monday.... hmmm or was it Tuesday? my days have gotten all mixed up with the holidays lol. I used coconut oil and margarine instead of butter and added wholemeal flour too. I am trying to make the goodies healthier than "normal" treats.

All the baking has given me he baking bug again. I think the lack of space and low mood kept it at bay but it's back in droves. I have to be careful though as the baked goods are very tempting and I have a loooong way to go to shift this chub for good. I will continue to swap not so great ingredients for better ones.

My phone died lolololol, all the photos and apps. I think the battery is on its way out as it looses its charge very quickly and takes ages to charge up. It wouldn't charge for me to continue blogging on the go so I took pics on hubbys phone.


Spiced Icing mixture for the stars. It was very thick so I used a little water to thin it out but it still wasn't enough, I didn't want the taste to be watery... aha!! My fresh ginger tea was on the side still and as I hadn't sweetened it I used that to make the icing thinner, added to the taste too.























The finished 3D Tree!! My sprinkles could not be found ... anywhere!! They must have got left behind while packing lol so I dusted some M&S Christmas Spice over the icing instead. I must say I am happy with it. The results are just as nice as the illustration on the box of cutters, different but nice. The company zoomed their pic so their stars look bigger. I tweaked their recipe as theirs was for plain cookies and I wanted Spiced Ginger. I also had to add quite a bit more flour to get the dough how I liked it.

At least I know it looks like a tree as the youngest is enthralled with it, the first thing he said when he saw it was "CHrismas tree!!" lol, he climbed on his step and kept looking at it, pointing and trying to touch it. He's slightly confused though and kept asking me "where stars gone" till I explained that the stars turned into the tree haaaaaaa bless him.



I decided to put some of the tree icing on the Gingerbread too. I just need to leave it to cool and harden before I cut it into squares - I need to buy a new rectangle or square tin, probably siliccone. I had to make use with my circle one.

My Poundland Cake/Cupcake stand is being put to good use, Star Cookie on top tier, Round ones in the middle and the bottom row left for the either the Gingerbread or the Brownies, Ooooo or maybe a mixture of the two... festive lolol.
























I had a break in the baking frenzy to make and serve dinner.
After clearing away the dinner stuff I made the Brownies but I was so busy chatting to hubby that I put it into my big pan instead of my tree and snowflake ones... bahhh was funny though, hubby wasn't even sympathetic and couldn't see what the big fuss was, he said the boys wont care and if it bothered me I could make more lol.


I tidied up a little while the brownies baked. I left them to cool and will cut it up in the morning.
I was sooooooo tired. Just time to season the meats for tomorrow:

Bathroom time and then flexirod my hair, then sleep.... need to get a good rest ready for the Christmas cooking lol.

I hope you all had a great Christmas Eve, and all the prep work if any went smoothly.

Phewwwww hundreds of stars done, I had lots of dough left over and kept miss counting - even with my tally list *roll eyes* - so I just made extras.

Still more left over so I decided to do round ones and use my cookie stamp.

My helper loved the stamp

I STILL have more dough left over haaaaaa. I'll leave it in the fridge for in the week or maybe freeze it for later use.

Dohhhhh this was left as a draft!!

First batch of stars done...... And a casualty lololol

Hubby came home from work, liked the yummy smells coming from the oven and my new protective hair style lol.

I used the raw ginger scraps to make some ginger tea to sip while I bake.

Gingerbread done and ready for the oven!!






Gahhhh!!! I forgot to put the oven on!!!!

Oooooopppps! I'll tidy the table wile it heats up

Dough separated into four, while it cools I'll stick with the ginger theme and make some Gingerbread Squares.

I have aquired two helpers 😄

Blogmas Day 24 - prep with me

Whaaaaaa??!! What happened to the last 3 days?!!! Can someone please tell me time has wizzzed by for them too?! Lololol.

Since I didn't blog for the last few days I thought it might be a nice/fun/maybe silly idea to blog as I go along with prep for tomorrow!! I have a few Christmas Day prep to do so why not?

I'll be blogging from the blogger app so please excuse any typos(what's new haaaa), weird formats etc etc

Plus the pics will come out as is and in whatever size,style etc that the app posts them in.

I'm not sure if emojis work so let me do a couple test ones here:

🎄🎁🎉😁

First up is baking;

Soooooo I dug out my tins, moulds, bowls, spoons, spatulas plus the rest of my bitses and washed them ready to go.

I'm going to do the Ginger Spice Stars for the 3D Tree.

Here's the dough all mixed, kneaded and stroked(am I the only one who strokes dough?! Hmmmm that sounds like a weird euphernism)

I have my iPad on YouTube with a Christmas playlist on

I'm already a little tired as I had to do a couple chores and sort the boys out first. I had on my sweater tunic thing with leggings to be comfy but it's hot!! So I put on my thin onesie to remain comfy but cool -temperature wise, not down with the kids wise.... This onesie is sooo not the second kind of cool:

 lololol

Blogmas Day 21 - Christmas Hopes

When I was younger I used to make wishes. Blowing out birthday candles, dandelions, eyelashes, shooting stars, wishbones you name it. Then there were the times when I would lie in bed wishing things away - hurt, jeers, guilt, grief.

Birthdays and Christmas were filled with wishes big and small.

As I grew up I lost the urge to wish and started hoping instead. I felt that wishes were things that may not materialise and often a throw away comment in the spare of the moment. Hopes however have substance, they have the ability to keep you optimistic during the darkest moments. They can take root and become tangible. For me hopes were attainable.

I thought for today's blogmas post I would put together some Christmas Hopes for this year;

*My Boys to feel loved, special and happy.
*To have a wonderful season without major mishaps, upsets and accidents.
*For us all to be healthy and pain free.
*I hope my boys understand that money is not in abundance after our house move and not feel disappointed by the lack of big gifts but instead feel the love in our hearts and understand that love far outweighs things.
*Family, Loved ones to be happy.
*For anyone who have lost a love one to be comforted at this time.
*For those who find this season stressful to have peace, lonely to feel comfort and tiring to have rest.
*For the children who are in danger to be rescued.


I know this is beginning to sound like a Ms World speech and yes World Peace would be nice but truly, I have had such a crazy few weeks and last weeks Carolling experience has left me with a different mindset and also has put a lot of things into perspective. I feel rather introspective at the moment.

Have you got any Christmas hopes for this year?

Blogmas with DOASAHM - Day 19

Christmas Food Shopping

What an apt prompt today.

Today was the day that I did the Christmas food shopping. I went in the afternoon and was kiddie free. Hubby was at work and it felt odd but free to be shopping on my own. I went to the high road and shopped in a few shops in all to get little bits from each place.

It's so funny how a lifestyle change can transform the contents of my Christmas trolleys. In my unhealthy days it was full of chocolates that we wouldn't really finish and would be hanging around the house in march, Biscuits galore and sweeties.
My trolleys today was full of different veggies... ooo including my beloved sprouts... fruits, meats and staples. As I'm typing I realise not one pack, tin or box of chocs was purchased!! I can't even believe that I am free of my choc addiction, and no sweeties!! wow!! I am quite stunned to be honest.
No way am I all pious as I did pick up a treat or two for the festivities, but these were more food based than confectionery and baked goods.

I have a few more items to get that I couldn't carry like potatoes and eggs. The ingredients for the fruit punch and I also need to get the little bits for the boys' hot drinks packs for midnight. But that will be it, food shopping done? wow, were did this organised me come from?

Hmmmmm I wish she was around to help me get my cards made and the Christmas pressies purchased but hey, she can help me on Christmas day lol

Baking

I picked up some wonderful spices for the cookies and cakes I will be baking but want to wait nearer to the day so they can be fresh. I made some "improvised" gingerbread in the week and will make some more next week. I will have fun baking with the kidos, they love baking with me and now there's space to do it properly.

Decorating

Now that all the boys' school and college have broken up for the holidays, we will get around to the decorations. I wanted to have them do as much of the decorating as it;s the first year when it will be full on decor rather than just me decorating the shelves and units. Whooooooop I can't wait.

Outfits  

 I have two things in mind for my outfit and will see which one - or even something else lol - I decide on Christmas Eve when I lay it out ready for the next day.
Hubby, eldest and second eldest will choose their own and I'll guide the middle two and choose the youngest's outfit with his "input" lol

Cleaning

I will do a proper clean and clear of the kitchen and Dinning room on Christmas Eve so everything will be ready for the next day. 





Ooooo yes, I do feel quite organised this year. Long may this side of me remain :)

Blogmas Day 18 - Joy To The World

Image edited to protect privacy of Teamies :)

Yesterday I was sooooo busy, I didn't get a chance to sit down much less blog lololol
My evening was busy but amazing.

In the morning we had Christmas assembly and a head teacher appointment(grrrrrrr) then the afternoon shopping and trying to make Mello feel happy about having to miss the pantomine trip(double grrrrrrrr).
We came home and I made lunch for everyone who was in and heated the yummy soup my mummy sent me(ooh how I love her soup) I played a little Animal Crossing with Mello, helping him do the nook tasks ..... again(he made a new person, *sigh*) and then the tired dropsy feeling came over me and I had a little nap, setting my phone alarm.
Before the alarm even went off I had a "mummy" issue to sort out lolololol ah well the small nap did help.
I got ready for the evening Carol, Evangelism and Gift Giving event.

One of our Ministers is the head of the Evangelist dept. and she and her team go out weekly, I am not able to go out much with them as I have the kiddies and Hubby's shift patterns don't really allow for the time they go out. I try to do other Evangelical stuff and take full advantage of the flexibility that being online gives. The team do such fantastic work, helping those who have problems, giving advice and befriending. They go out in all kinds of weather and get such abuse at times. I commend them for their loyal dedication.

Each year they host a Carol singing event alonside their "normal" weekly work and I hop on down to join them. I ended up leading the worship last night and was wayyy out of my comfort zone. I was soooo nervous and insecure and I have to admit, a little uncomfortable but I didn't have time to let ME get in the way of doing Kingdom work. I had to put all my isms and schisms to the side and get on with it. I had no time to think about who was judging my voice or picking holes at my ability. We were a team, working with one end goal.
At one point during the evening I stopped thinking and just did. I felt God wrap me in His arms and guide me. I felt a strange but wonderful feeling come over and within me, I started singing much louder then I ever had even with a microphone I've never been that loud much less on a street corner with no amplification!! I started adlibing in The Word and with meaning.
The group were with me and were openly worshipping, the team members who were giving out tracts, serving tea and giving out presents were also in unity and we worked together.

People were going past smiling, clapping, dancing, singing and the atmosphere was joyful and light. Such a difference from the normal Wednesday on that particular busy and hectic street.

One guy came over to where we were and stayed, handing out tracts, talking and clapping. He was prayed for at the end and fell to his knees not caring if the rain drenched dirty street marked his jeans.

Another highlight of the evening was when a very trouble man started off by mocking, jeering, shouting and rebuking us, he was going on with all kinds of antics. Some outlandish, some odd, some seriously creepy. He was so very troubled. to cut a long story short, he went from all of that to taking tracts from the team and handing them out(what?!) He was also prayed for at the end and was crying and on the floor.

Lives were touched last night. Mine too. I felt different. It's hard to put into words but I just felt so different. It was an awesome experience which magnified the awesomeness of God!

Blogmas Day 16 - Beauty Gift Ideas - my fave Eye Shadow palettes

I love buying gifts for others. I like to make people feel happy and appreciated. Even if I know the recipient really well, I have that anxious feeling that they wont like what I have picked out. I tend not to buy perfume for people I don't know very well as it can be quite a tricky thing to buy, you can't just go by what you like as everyone's sense of smell is soooo different and then preferences of sweet or spicy or fruity or floral or musky or.... you get the drift.
Buying beauty gifts also comes with its own *headaches* I only buy beauty stuff for people I know are into beauty and who I see wear make-up regularly or at least have an interest in wearing it - well obviously - and even then how do you choose? One person's treasure is another persons trash and all that. I take my lead from what they already wear, items they use most, brands I know they love or are interested in etc.
I also go by what I know is great quality - no point in buying something that's only fit for the bin after all.

A beauty gift I tend to reach for is Eye Shadow Palettes, They can be great value for money, often have different finishes(sparkle/matte/satin etc) are versatile,  have a variety of colours that can be mixed to get the exact colours/looks which make them great for every make-up wearer and I LOVE them lololol.

My Fave Eyeshadow Palettes in no particular order (Ooohhh I've gone all X-Factor haaaaaa) are;

[pls note I borrowed internet pics as my palettes are very..... well loved and not pretty looking]

Urban Decay : Naked 3. approx £37 $54 €46

Although on the pricey side, the Naked 3 palette is worth every penny. you do get 12 shadows - both shimmer and matte - in the pack so you can happily justify your splurge.
The pigmentation is on point. I feel the colours would suit a whole spectrum of skin tones and something about the.rose gold vibe is so sumptuous.
I love that the names of the colours are printed on the case(under the shadows).
The eyeshadows are creamy and blend well. The longevity of the shadows is very good.
A duo ended brush is included which works well and is better than those cotton bud looking things. I know some people don't like the brush but it comes in handy when you are travelling.
The Packaging is nice and sturdy. The metal is both strokable (I love the raised lettering) and durable.
The mirror means you can apply on the go and also get a close up view if at home.
There are soooo many different looks you can do with this one palette.

Bourjois: Smoky Eye Trio - Modiore chic. approx £8 $13 €10

These may be little but they pull a big punch. The pigment is subtle but very pretty.
They make a cute stocking gift or a little something to add to a basket/hamper and looks nice enough as a little gift by itself.
For a smoky eye, the shades are set for you with a little demo on the back to show you how to get that smoky effect.
The size is great for travelling and on the go.
A little applicator is provided but to be honest it isn't very nice. You could buy an eyeshadow brush to replace it if you don't think the recipient has one of their own.
The packaging is pretty and I like that you can see the colours without having to open the top. The plastic is durable and makes popping it in your bag mess free.

L.A. Color: 6 colour eyeshadow - hypnotic £1 $1.50 €1.25

Talk about bargaintastic! I picked up this palette in Sam 99 for you guessed it, 99p :) for 6 shadows.
I wasn't expecting much to be honest but really liked the colours. (I hadn't heard much about LA Colors at the time but now that I know more about this fab brand I'm kicking myself for not getting more. The shop had different bits and pieces by LA Colors, like lipsticks and glosses, eyeshadow pigments, eye pencils etc. I picked up a couple lippies and a pigment to try out but didn't go back for ages and when I did they were gone.)
I was so surprised at the quality and the colours just sing on the lids.
The pigmentation is fair but is better with primer or a white shadow pencil first. I don't go too wild with this one anyway because I'm not that brave fore really vibrant colours unless it's to go with a costume.
The metallic colours blend well together but the shadows are not very creamy and can look a little chalky if not smoothed nicely.
The packaging is basic and although the plastic hasn't broken, it doesn't feel as strong as I would like but I still put it in my bag with no qualms. Being nice and thin it doesn't take up valuable space.

Too Faced : Chocolate Bar Palette -approx £39 $49 €50

Another pricey but worth it palette! You get 16 shadows - shimmer and matte, 2 being *doubles*
The shadows are soft, creamy and smooth. Pigmentation is second to none.
The shadows actually smell like chocolate! Like seriously lol, not sickly I may add.
The eye look possibilities - both neutral and striking are (almost) endless. Such a versatile and delightful palette,
The shadows blend seamlessly and feel so buttery on the lids. The longevity of the shadow is very good.
The packaging is both functional and charming. The chocolate bar case is too cute, and the metal very durable. The only let down packaging wise is that it comes with a piece of crappy plastic that has the names of the colours on it instead of printed on the case. (the new semi sweet version has names printed lol) I thought I would have lost said piece of plastic but as I keep the palette in its box (unless travelling) I've managed to keep it.

Sleek: i-Divine - So Special - approx £8 $12 €10

This was my first big palette, I had a few quads that I played with but wanted to get a bigger one. I wasn't able to go for the big name ones at the time and had heard good things about sleek for years. I went to Superdrugs and had a good play look at the different options (they had loads). With the help of 2nd son I chose this one as it had soft and dark colours but still looked fairly neutral without being a wash of browns.
The price point is very good, 12 good sized shadows.
The shadows are not creamy being mineral based but they're not chalky either. You do get *fallout* but not too bad.
The pigment is good and longevity and vibrancy can be boosted with the use of primer or white shadow pencil if preferred.
The packaging is basic but - excuse the pun - sleek. The plastic is very strong and thin enough to slide into a bag without being bulky.

MUA: Undress Me Too palette  - approx £4 $6 €5

This has to be my most used palette, I have as you say *hit pan* on one of the shadows - only the very last bits around of the side left and another is heading that way.
The price is fantastic, £4 for 12 shadows!
Said to be a dupe for Urban Decay's Naked2 palette it is was always out of stock at my then local superdrugs until one day I found it and sang all the way to the till, we've been inseparable ever since. I have the Undress me (dupe for UD original naked) but don't reach for it even 1/4 as  much as this one.
The colours are delicious and blend so well it's a breeze to get a nice eye look without trying.
The quality of the shadows are awesome and they go on very smoothly.
The packaging is basic and being white gets dirty quickly but it doesn't get stained and a quick wipe gets it tip top. The transparent lid allows you to see the shadows without opening the lid but it isn't very sturdy and I have a crack in mine (MUA packaging as a whole is the only thing that could be worked on, other items I own have broken hinges, broken lids)
It's not bad enough for me to wrap it before putting in my bag though and is nice and slim so takes up little space,







Wow!! Who lnew I could go on so much about Eyeshadow haaaaaaaa. Hope it was helpful anyway.

Blogmas Day 15 - Christmas Tag

Borrowed from internet

Today's Blogmas post will be a Tag. I saw this tag on a blog but I have lost the owners name and blog addy :( 



1. Do you like to stay in your PJ’s, or dress up for Christmas? 

I like to put on some comfy cooking clothes in the morning/afternoon then when all the food prep is done I put on my Christmas outfit for that year.

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

If I couldn't buy everyone I wanted presents then I would make them instead. I wouldn't like to only give one present to one person, it wouldn't feel right to me.

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

 We open one present midnight on Christmas Eve and the rest on Christmas Day.

 4. Have you ever built a Gingerbread house?

 I think I may have as a child but deffo not in my adult life. I always plan too and then do something else. I don't think I could bring myself to eat it or even dismantle it.

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

*Spend time together as a family.
*Go to Christmas Church Service.
*Go to some local concerts.
*Visit family and friends

6. What’s your favorite Christmas meal or treat?

 Every part of our Christmas meal will be faves.

Fave Treats are;
Mince Pies
Gingerbread Men
Mini Stolen
Lebuchken
Rich Carribean cake 

7. What’s your favorite holiday movie?

Oooooo how can I choose??
Some faves are;
The Snowman
Elf
A Christmas Carol(and the various spin offs)
Arthur Christmas
The Preachers Wife
While You Were Sleeping
The Santa Clause

right let me stop now, I looooove Christmas movies and can't wait for the Christmas channels to come back each year.

8. Candy Canes or Gingerbread Men?

Gingerbread Men

9. Have you ever made a snowman?

Yep

10. Which do you like better, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Christmas Day

11. White lights, or colored lights?

OOooo I can't choose. I like the coloured ones as they look so , well.... colourful. On the other hand white lights have that crisp, elegant look to them and go with any decor.






 I enjoyed that tag. Oooo I just realised this was the first tag on this blog whooooopppp lol

I tag anyone reading to do this tag, if you have time please post a link to your tag answers in the comments so I can have a nosey.

Blogmas with DOASAHM - Day 14

OH wow!! I have soooo many happy childhood memories that I can't choose just one.



If I look back at the Christmases past I can remember the following flashes from all different years;

*Sitting on Santa's knee at around 4 years old and the newspaper publishing a photo, my mummy took the cutting and kept it, showing it to whoever wanted to see (and those who didn't I bet lol)

* Various school Christmas plays.

*Singing in the school choirs for Christmas concerts in infant, junior and senior school.

*Playing various instruments for Concerts.

*Begging my mum for a Cabbage Patch Doll one year but not really thinking I would get one as I knew money was tight. Seeing a present under the tree and opening it to find my beloved 'Paige Leslie' oh how I skipped and danced. I loved her to bits and was ecstatic to see she came with her very own adoption certificate. I still have her to this day *blush*

*Sitting around with my humongous extended family enjoying the stories, auntie and uncles would tell, laughing at their jokes and antics. Anxiously hoping they would forget about asking me to sing(I was soooo shy-still am) but they never would and I'd have to stand in the middle and take requests.

*Putting up the Christmas tree, as soon as I got big enough it became my job and I would take time aranging the decorations and leave the angel for the top till the very last. I'd turn on the fairy lights and sit staring at the tree for hours.

*Getting out the decoration box that was chocka full with decorations from years before, each one with it's own story and/or memory. I'd spend hours just looking at them and playing with them before putting them up in the room or on the tree.I remember my fave ones still now (I wonder if mummy still has them?) I used to be soooo sad when the time came to put them away for another year.

Oh my, I am sitting here and the lovely memories are dancing around in my mind. I am smiling and at times laughing as I remember. Thanks for such a great prompt Sandra(DOASAHM)