I've Been Thinking... - The Festive Countdown.

Hi!!!

Christmas is edging ever closer (it'll be five days away tomorrow!!!) and so I thought I'd share some festive musings both in and outside the world of blogging. I really like sitting down to chat to you guys about things and so I hope that you enjoy reading this. Anyway, enough of my rambling, let's get on into the post.

I want to do something a little special in terms of how I'll be posting up until Christmas so you can expect a post everyday from tomorrow (December 20th) right up to Christmas Day itself. That means I'll be posting everyday for the next five days which will be a really new experience for me. I'm looking forward to writing my "A Dash Of Ginger Festive Five" series (do you guys like the title?) and I hope that you'll enjoy them. There are quite a few different kinds of posts going on so hopefully there will be something for everyone.

 

Aside from coming up with some posting ideas for the next few days, I've been wrapping Christmas presents (celebratory dance for the fact that I've finished wrapping, ribbons and all - I'm feeling pretty smug), I've written all my cards, we bought a real Christmas tree for our hallway and decorated while listening to Christmas carols and I've been watching loads of Christmas films (Arthur Christmas, Home Alone etc.). I've also been singing Christmas songs very loudly (and dancing down the supermarket aisles...) and we've even got an open fire in the living room. My plans for this Christmas week include finishing up Christmas food shopping, going to see a Pantomime, seeing my friends on Christmas Eve and celebrating and relaxing with my family. I'm really excited for Christmas and feel all full of festive cheer.

 

I hope that this has been a nice read for you and that you'll be checking back to see the "A Dash of Ginger Festive Five" that I have got going on over the next few days.

Do you like the idea of the "A Dash of Ginger Festive Five"? What festive things have you been doing recently? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments section.

I'll see you all tomorrow for the first day of the "A Dash of Ginger Festive Five" series. Thanks for dropping in.

 

Have an brilliantly wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - When House of Fraser Stole The Show.

Hi!!!

Good morning guys. How are we all today? I've just been watching some telly and I realised I haven't written an advertising post in so so long. So, here I am and today I want to talk to you about the House of Fraser Christmas ads because I personally love them.

I am in love with the House of Fraser Christmas ad campaign this year. The asthetics that feature in the different 'scenes' throughout are beautiful and they all complement each other wonderfully - think pastels followed metallic and so on. The advert features some incredibly talented dancers performing some really fantastic choreography (no, seriously, I'm obsessed with the choreo) and I really think that is something that sets it apart from other adverts. The choreography features some really wonderful aspects (those puppet isolations tho...) and the dancers all have such different looks that I think it shows that House of Fraser is a store for everyone. Also, the music that features is really good - it has a cool and sassy sound which I am a huge fan of. All in all, House of Fraser have completely stolen the show and I have completely fallen for this campaign - everyone involved in it can have loads of festive points.

Watch it (HERE)

That's all I've got for you guys today. I hope you've had a good week so far and that your weekend is even better. I hope you've enjoyed this post, thanks for reading.
Have you seen this advert? What do you think of it? Do you have any favourite adverts at the moment? Are you looking forward to Christmas? What are you getting up to this weekend? Any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments below.
I'll speak to you guys soon.

 

Have the most fabulous day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

The Bare Necessities! - Essentials - Cosy (and Festive) Night In Essentials.

Hi!!!

Today I thought we'd have a little conversation about some of my favourite cosy night in essentials (with a bit of a Christmassy twist). I'm sure you all know by now that I am a huge fan of nights in and all that kind of stuff to the point where I would consider myself a bit of an expert and since its now December (by the way - HAPPY DECEMBER! ITS CHRISTMAAASS!), its chilly outside, the Sun sets earlier and the festive season is upon us, what better time could there be to share with you the best things for when you want to take some time out for yourself? I think I've rambled enough so let's crack on, shall we?

Cosy Night In Essentials (with a festive twist).

• Pyjamas!!! Whether you're digging out a set of pyjamas you've had for a while and love, are treating yourself to new ones or hopping onto the sofa in your fluffiest onsie (always a good choice), I think you'll find they are essential for comfort, cosiness and warmth. Bonus festive points if you have Christmassy PJs.
• Hot Chocolate. In my mind, hot chocolate always improves everything ten fold and no night in (especially not a festive one) seems quite right without one. I always opt for the extra rainbows and sparkles (AKA marshmallows and cream). Feel free to sub for tea (tea is always good) or coffee if you prefer. Bonus festive points if you hang a candy cane over the side of your mug - it'll make your hot chocolate taste of peppermint.
• Blankets. They bring cosiness to the table and you can truly curl up properly for a lovely evening when you're armed with a blanket. Choose any kind of colour or texture that you like - be it a tartan blanket, patchwork throw or microfleece blanket - it is a total essential. Bonus festive points if you build a whole blanket den/fort complete with lots of cushions and maybe even some fairy lights - actually have bonus life points for that.
• Films. Of course films are going to get a special mention as in my eyes they are a total night in essential. Whether you watch something you already know and love or watch something for the very first time I don't think any night in would be complete without movies - I have a bunch of my favourites listed in my blogger profile if you want to check those out. Bonus festive points if you watch Christmas movies - they are always guaranteed to make you happy.
• Books. If you don't fancy watching a movie or if you've got a bit of time spare on your big night in then I'd always suggest picking up a book. It can be whatever you want - a relaxed read or a crime thriller (who doesn't love a good crime thriller, eh?) or anything really - just spend a bit of time getting lost in the pages. Bonus festive points if the book has a festive theme (shout out to a certain Mr Dickens).
• Snacks. Come on now, be serious, I could never do a post like this without mentioning food especially not with all the awesome food around at Christmas time. Some suggestions include popcorn, crisps, biscuits, cupcakes and all that kind of stuff. Bonus festive points if you opt for mince pies (I blooming love mince pies).
• Music. You know what I'm like for my music so I thought I'd throw it into the mix. Why not pop on some tunes while you're getting all of your essentials ready and have a bit of a dance while you are there? I couldn't think of a more lovely extra. As with the movies, I've got a list of some of my favourite artists in my blogger profile if you aren't sure what you want to listen to. Bonus festive points if you choose to crank up the Christmas tunes!!!

I think that that is everything that I have for you today. I hope this was an interesting read for you and that I gave you some ideas that you hadn't thought of already and inspired you to have your own fabulous cosy night in (with a festive twist).

What are your cosy night in essentials? What do you think of mine? Are you going to give the festive twists a go? How many bonus festive points do I need to award you? Any other comments or suggestions for future posts - particularly Christmassy ones? Let me know in the comment section.

Thank you very much for reading, I hope you have a lovely weekend.

 

I hope your day is completely amazing!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

Let's Make A Change - Charity Telethons - Children In Need 2015

Hi!!!

Aloha, my lovely readers. Children in Need has once again rolled around and now, sat here, armed with my pizza, I'm going to have a little chat with you about it.

Children in Need is a charity telethon that the BBC host for us UK people each year and is an incredibly heart-warming evening for a whole host of very worthwhile causes which support the young people in the UK who need it the most.

 

I shan't ramble on but I do want to say that we all have the power to help and make a positive change. There is always someone out there in need of a helping hand. There is always someone out there who needs support and guidance. Everyone deserves the best life possible for them and you can help by donating to Children in Need tonight. If you are in a position to, then please do give what you can.

Find Children in Need (HERE)

 

Thank you for reading. I hope that you have a lovely weekend if I don't get chance to speak to you all before its over.

What are you most looking forward to about Children in Need tonight? Have you done any interesting fundraising? Any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Adios, beautiful people.

 

Have a totally spectacular day!

GingerSnaps xxx

 



Lest We Forget - Armistice Day 2015

Hi!!!

How are you all today? How has your week been so far? Since today is Armistice Day, I thought I'd put together a little post for you all to read.

On the 11th of November 1918, the First World War ended officially and with that came the end of years of conflict and casualties and deaths. Since that time, on the original Armistice Day, many other conflicts have taken place and they are all the reason (from the First World War to more recent conflicts) that we should participate in the two minute silence at 11am today - to commemorate the ending of conflicts, to remember the service men and women who died for their country or who were injured fighting for their country, who had to put their lives on hold to go and fight for their country, those who struggled to adjust to life after conflicts and of course the families and friends who were affected by war, too.

 

Thank you for reading, I will speak to you guys later in the week.

What do Remembrance celebrations mean to you? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments below.

See you soon!

 

Have a wonderful day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

We Will Remember Them... - Remembrance Sunday 2015.

Hi!!!

While this post is quite serious one, it is also an important one. If you've been around for a while, you'll know how important I think Remembrance Celebrations are, and so I have written this.

Today is Remembrance Sunday (as I'm sure you know if you are in the UK). Today is a day for remembering the brave service men and women across the globe who have sacrificed their lives for their country in various conflicts all the way from the First World War right up to more recent conflicts. It is also a time to spare a thought for those still out there fighting, to think about the service men and women who have survived war and to think about the families who have supported and are supporting the service-people they care about as well as the families who haven't been so lucky as to see their loved ones return home.

We wear poppies every year throughout the months of October and November as a sign that the armed forces and their families are thought of and remembered by us as a nation, as individuals and as communities. By buying Poppies, you can donate to Royal British Legion so that they can continue their work to support service men and women and their families and friends during and after conflicts, no matter what happens to them. I will always wear a poppy with pride.

 I hope that today you are respectful and take part in the two minute silence at 11 o'clock, and make those two minutes count in whatever way it is you see fit (be it silent prayer or reflection or thought).

And so, to Service Men and Women everywhere in the world, alive or passed, who fought a century ago or this year, I salute you. We will never forget.

Find the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal (HERE)

I'm going to write some more about Rememberance on Wednesday - and will be urging you to take part in the second two minute silence. Do check back then to see that, if you'd like to.

Do you have a poppy or maybe a pinbadge or wristband to wear? What does Rememberance Sunday mean to you? Do you have any stories you would like to share about this topic? Do have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Why not let me know in the comments below? Lets all be respectful there, please...
Thank you for reading, see you guys later.

Have a lovely day.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

The Night of The Sparkler - Bonfire Night 2015

Hi!!!

Today is the 5th of November which is Bonfire Night, as you may or may not know depending on where you are in the world. If you aren't quite sure what it is for whatever reason then do feel free to click the link to find out more (HERE).

Bonfire Night is one of my most favourite times of year - I love fireworks  (I mean *really* love fireworks) and bonfires and toffee apples and candyfloss and all of the other fun stuff that comes along with the celebration.
I know I've said this before, but to me, Bonfire Night is like the send off to all things Autumnal and the start of Christmas and Winter which makes it all the more fun and exciting.

 We go to an arranged display every year and this year is no exception. The display is on Saturday so I'm going to have to wait just a little bit longer for my Bonfire Night celebrations - I've been looking forward to it all week!

 

I hope that you enjoy your Bonfire Night this year whatever it is that you are doing - have fun and stay safe, everyone!

 

Thank you for reading, I hope you've enjoyed this post. I'll see you soon.
What is your favourite thing about Bonfire Night? Are you having fireworks at home or going to a display this year? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Be sure to tell me in the comments below.
Happy Bonfire Night!

I hope you have the most glittery and sparkly Bonfire Night ever!

 

GingerSnaps xxx