I've Been Thinking... - 7 Little Things To Get You Feeling Festive

Hi!!!

Hands up if you are excited for Christmas - I know I am! And to help get you feeling super duper excited too, I've made this list of seven little things you can do in the run up to the big day that will make you feel just like Buddy the Elf. Let's begin, shall we?

Swap your normal shower gel for a Christmas shower gel.

It's probably unlikley that you'll get chance to use your Christmas bath bombs everyday, but by treating yourself a festive shower gel (and maybe also a scrub/moisturiser/lip balm), you still get that feeling of being pampered and to use those lovely seasonal scents. Check out Lush's Snow Fairy, Lush's Lord of Misrule and The Body Shop's Vanilla Chai.

  Buy yourself some Christmas socks.

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of festive socks. Buy any with snowflakes or reindeer or snowmen or Father Christmas on, and feel that little sprinkle of joy when you get dressed everyday (and when you get home and take your shoes off). Its such a simple thing,  but so fun. Primark always do some cracking ones.

Treat yourself to a Christmas Costa.

Whether you stay in the café or get yours to go in one of their adorable Christmas jumper inspired take away cups, it'll put a smile on your face. There's something to suit all tastes - hot chocolate and coffee - so take a look next time you pass one. Or, y'know, just make yourself a really snazzy hot chocolate at home. Also, big thanks to Elf Girl for helping with the presentation in the above photo (and for reading the list of drinks for me each visit -#shortsightedproblems). Check out the menu here.

Have a movie night.

 Line up some of your favourite seasonal movies - see a list of mine here - get in your PJs, grab a blanket and a hot chocolate and work your way through all of them. Laugh, smile and enjoy them all at your own pace. Oh, and turn the big light off, and get the fairy lights going instead - it gives it all a much cosier vibe.

Play Your Favourite Christmas Songs At Top Volume.

 Normally on the way home from going to see a pantomime, we have a huge family sing-a-long in the car. Last year, we outdid ourselves - playing songs top volume, screeching along to them, dancing in the car and laughing at each other. We even had a dance off with another family at the traffic lights. So whether yours is part of a car journey or in your house, and whether you perform solo or with a group, go for it and have fun. Play all of your favourites and pretend you're on stage. All the fun. And FYI, I wrote a post about my playlist last year if you need some inspiration.

Paint your nails in a Christmassy way.

  Maybe a red, maybe some glitter, maybe if you're super fancy and talented some penguins or presents or something. Or get some pretty pre-designed false nails if you're lazy or don't have much time to spare like me - look at these cute Henry Holland ones!!! (they also have Christmas Tree and Candy Cane designs if that's more your style).

Get the Christmas jumpers out.

Wrap yourself up in the cosy, cheesy-ness of them and love every second. Every time you look down at the fair isle/gingerbread men/reindeer/etc  on your jumper, you'll be filled with joy. And, what better excuse than donating to Save The Children's annual Christmas Jumper Day campaign and being charitable in the process?

And those are some of the things you can do to reach peak Christmas.

What are your favourite things to do at Christmas time? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks so much for reading.

I hope your day is magical.

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Reasons Why Lazy Days Are Awesome.

Hi!!!


So, I'm back after pretty much a months hiatus. I cannot apologise enough for this, I really feel as though I have let all of you guys down but I haven't had it in me for a while due to some very poopy life events (which I'm not here to moan about). I'm back now anyway, with this post and I hope you enjoy.

So, quite some time ago now (I started writing this in August), I had a slightly fabulous lazy day. In my own, very humble, opinion, lazy days are one of the greatest things in life. I feel as though, every now and then, a lazy day is highly required and I see nothing wrong with giving in to pyjamas, gallons of tea, movies and back to back TV shows.

Said lazy day involved sleeping in - I was in desperate need of catching up on that sleep thing - washing my hair and showering with some lovely products and getting into my uniform for the day - my long sleeved Supergirl top and some pyjama shorts.

I made myself a little brew and settled down for a day filled with TV, movies and, as you probably guessed knowing me, lots more tea.

So, now you know the basics of my lazy day a while back, and you have (THIS) post where I discuss another lazy day, here are just a few of the reasons I love them.

Five Reasons Why Lazy Days Are Awesome.

1. It gives you an opportunity to watch the films that you have bought on DVD or recorded on your Planner (if you are a Sky Customer like me - other TV doobrees available) that you have been meaning to watch for a long time. My choices often include Disney movies and Rom-Coms - particularly Richard Curtis ones. My choices on the lazy day in question included - The Jungle Book and Killers.
2. It gives you a chance to do the silly little things you might not have had time for otherwise like painting your nails with that pretty little nail polish that you bought the other day, or trying the body butter in the drawer of your bedside table, or read that blog you discovered the other day. They are some of the things I often like to do. On the lazy day of destiny, I tried some new bath and body care that I had bought and caught up on reading all of my favourite blogs.
3. As I said before, you have a chance to catch up on sleep, and I know that I certainly value that time as I tend to wear myself out till I am running on empty and need to recharge sometimes in a big way. On the lazy day this post concerns, I woke up fairly early, had a cup of tea and went back to bed for an hour or two which was perfect.
4. Pyjamas! You guys all know that I love pyjamas and often buy myself new tops or bottoms or sets of them - I went shopping the other day and the only thing that I liked happened to be some Jungle Book pyjamas from Topshop (which aren't in stock on the website anymore, but HERE is Topshop anyway). As I mentioned, on the fabulous lazy day that I'm banging on about, I wore a Supergirl long sleeved top and pyjama shorts.
5. The joy of just "being". It sounds incredibly cheesy, I know, but certain things really remind you how lucky you are. The way I believe lazy days do this by reminding you how lucky you are to be so busy that you need a lazy day, how lucky you are to be able to stop for a minute. Lazy days are a good opportunity to take stock of your life, and that is something we all need to do sometimes.

Did we enjoy? I know it was a short post, but its just nice to be back blogging! I promise that I will be posting as much as I used to from now on - I've got my head together again and so I feel happy to do so.
Do you enjoy lazy days? What do you get up to on yours? Do you agree with my reasons for them being awesome? Any comments or suggestions for future posts? Just fancy a chat? Let me know in the comments.
See you (very) soon for more posts (promise)...

Have a totally wonderful day!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - 5 "Brain Bits" From The Past Few Days

Hi!!!


How are all of you lovely little people? I thought that it might be a nice idea to share some thoughts (or "brain bits" as they will be called for the sake of this post) from the past few days with you. They might be simple, they might be slightly unexciting but I think that they might just make for an interesting post when all compiled.

5 "Brain Bits" from this Week...

1. I have felt saddened by the news that both Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall have passed away, even more so because they were both screen icons in their own right and both starred in some of the greatest films. RIP.
2. I have felt excited by some ideas and plans that are being developed which involve family, trips and pantomimes, especially since they are all really cool. You'll hear more on these as they get closer. Yay!
3. I have felt a lot of love for long-sleeved tops used in a loungewear context, they are really comfy and cosy and pair nicely with pyjama shorts. Great for the massive lazy day that I had on Sunday - more on that soon.
4. I have felt confused by the amount of times I hear that all of these vegetable juices are the greatest thing in all of the world. I tried one the other day - supposedly of high quality - and I couldn't see what the fuss was about or why people like the taste. Might just be me...
5. I have felt interested in buying some of (THESE) new Revlon lip stains - they have some stunning finishes and bright colours and they are the two things that I look for most when buying a lipstick. Plus, I haven't bought much makeup recently, so. it might be time to treat my wee self.



So, there is a little insight into how my brain has been working over the past few days and the kind of things I have "been" lately. I hope that this has been interesting for you, and maybe a bit of a change from some of the other posts that have been put out there recently.

Have you had any key thoughts or likes recently? How do you feel about some of the topics mentioned? Have you had any similar thoughts or likes to lately? Did you find this interesting? Any thoughts, comments or suggestions for future posts? Let me know in the comments.
Thank you for reading!

Have an absolutely great day today!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - "Chelsea, Chelsea I Believe..."

Hi!!!

How are you lovely people? I wanted to talk to you today about all things flowers, plants and gardening - bit of a new one for me!

So, this week is the week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

If you don't know what kind of things go on at Chelsea, then head on over (HERE) for some information. In short, it is a giant, annual flower/garden event. Designers and their teams create gorgeous gardens, those who grow plants and flowers show off their works, all the while competing to win awards. Oh, and celebrities and members of the public can all go and view them (if they own tickets booked highly in advance).

I have been watching the daily highlight shows on the BBC throughout the week and so far, I have been amazed by just how high the standard is this year. Lots of the gardens are very up my street and I love seeing the variations of flowers in the pavilion.

I thought that I might include a list of favourites from the show so far (in no particular order)...

• The M&G Show Garden designed by Cleve West, (HERE).
• RBC Waterscape Garden by Hugo Bugg, (HERE).
• Togenkyo – A Paradise on Earth by Kazuyuki Ishihara, (HERE).
• The DialAFlight Potter’s Garden by Nature Redesigned, (HERE).
• The Birmingham City Council garden (no name found), (HERE).
• Vital Earth, The Night Sky Garden, by Harry and David Rich, (HERE).

Some of those are really stunning so do have a butchers.

There is also a link to the Great Pavilion flower/plant exhibitors, (HERE).

I would very much like to congratulate everyone involved with the Flower Show this year for their wonderful works and creations.

I also hope everyone who attends the show this year (including my Auntie S and my Nan) enjoys themselves thoroughly.

I hope that you have enjoyed this post, and the lovers of all things horticultural have enjoyed this. Do have a look at all the links, some of them are crackers.

Have you been following the Chelsea Flower Show? What are your favourites? Are you going/have you been to the show? Did you enjoy this post? Do you have any comments or suggestions for future posts? As always, you can tell me in the comments and have a chat with me.

Thank you very much for reading, see you soon!

Have an utterly fabulous day!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking.... - I Have Big Plans Tonight...

Hi!!!


This is 100% not as exciting as the title suggests. I just wanted to do a quick post today and thought, what better than a peek into the kind of way I want to spend tonight? I have to say, I live a pretty wild life...

My Big "Plans" Are To...

1. Wash my hair, gently apply a light dose of salt spray and/or styling mousse, and plait my hair so that it is all wavy and curly in the morning.
2. Paint my nails in a fan-cay nail art way that will make me smile. I've had many an idea, so we'll see, and I might just share with you. Do you want a dedicated post?
3. Watch a movie. Don't know what movie, so if you have any suggestions, let me know.
4. Drink some Vanilla Coke - I have some massive life supply going on right now - I am literally finding cans of the stuff everywhere around the house! - and so I need to make some progress on that front!
5. Go to bed a little bit earlier than normal. I want to get up bright and (not too) early tomorrow morning, so I'm gunning for a good nights sleep tonight.

So, that's all for today, I hope that you have enjoyed. I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I hope that you don't mind too much!

Have you enjoyed this post? Do you ever make "plans" like mine? Do you have any suggestions for upcoming posts? Let me know in the comments.

I will speak to you all very soon.

I hope you have a wonderful days/nights everyone!

GingerSnaps xxx

I've Been Thinking... - Why I Love Bridget Jones.

Hi!!!

I absolutely love Bridget Jones. I have seen the films a million and one times over and me and Elf Girl - I've mentioned her in loads of posts, but here is one main one (HERE) - absolutely love them but sadly I haven't read the books - YET!

There's one on now in the background and I thought I'd make a list of some of reasons I love Bridget Jones (in the films).

1. She's as clumsy as I am - if not worse, which is very, very difficult...
2. She's hilariously funny, "without even trying".
3. She's not super skinny - she's of a normal size, if slightly chunky - very rare in film characters but much more relatable.
4. She ran down the street in her knickers and a cardigan... Legend.
5. She thinks in more or less the same way everyone *really* does, but won't admit...
6. She has really hilarious friends.
7. She has a habit of putting her foot in it...
8. She's seen smothered in a duvet eating two tubs of Ben and Jerry's in one go - my kinda person.
9. She's the reason Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) fight like girls all the time - which is always super hilarious.
10. SHE'S JUST BRILLIANT, OK?

 

Tis all for today. It's just a quick post but I hope it made you smile. There are plenty more reasons, but I didn't have time and didn't want to bore you! If you'd like the rest, do tell me. I'd be happy to oblige. Oh, and before I go, I just wanted to add that I've heard rumours about the next story line for Bridget and I'm not happy about it, K?

 

 

Have a brilliant day (you'll probably spend most of it comparing yourself to Little Miss Jones).

 

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 



I've Been Thinking... - Autumn Love...

Hi!!!

With any luck, you'll have picked up on the fact that it's now Autumn and that means that it's time for this blog to show off how much I love this season. I, being the odd creature I am, have separated this post into lists... that's just how I roll... Did I really just say that? (this list is more September to October, because I don't tend to count the whole November as Autumn, once Bonfire Night is over, it's Christmas and Christmas is in Winter, OK?)

 

Natural Things I Love About Autumn: 

 

• I know this one is a bit obvious, but I love the way the leaves change colour from bright greens to rich plums, vibrant oranges, deep reds and mellow yellows.
• Another thing I love is the way that there are berries (especially blackberries) everywhere, waiting to be picked. The best are just when your walking round your neighbourhood and you see loads of blackberries and you just pick them and eat them and life is all "tumblr-fied" and "pintrest"-y and good.
• I love the drop in temperatures. Stepping out the door in the mornings, being wrapped in a cool breeze, then running back into the house to try and find a jacket.
• The afore mentioned breezes.
• Apple trees with loads of fruit and colour. Also, spontaneous apple picking is always fun. (Gosh, I sound like such a stereotypical blogger these days...).
• Big, long walks in pretty forests/parks/and so on. Those walks just seem endless, and they don't have to be planned. I'm actually going for sometime this weekend.

Seasonal Food & Drinks That I Love:

 

• As I mentioned before, I do love blackberries and apples (and although not mentioned above, I do also love pears). Yummy...
• Warm Crumble Cake with Berries on a Sunday after a massive roast dinner with my family -  pudding is always homemade by me, I love baking.
• Pie. Pie is a good thing, OK? I do love a good steak pie, or a chicken pie (but not chicken and mushroom, mushrooms = death).
• Bacon on hot crumpets in the morning (as long as someone else is making it and I can lie in!)

 

Activities I Love Doing In The Autumn:

 

• As I've said before, big long walks are always great.
• This is the last time I will mention fruit today, I swear, but picking seasonal fruit is always fun.
• Watching tellybox in my jammies with a huge brew (translated into: watching the television in my pyjamas with an oversized mug of tea).
• Trying to catch falling leaves - for those of you who don't do this, you have to try and catch a random falling leaf and if you catch it, you make a wish. Then, that wish will come true.
• Baking cakes and other sweet treats..
• Reading a good book.
• Singing my favourite Autumn related hymn from Primary school, Autumn Days, around the house, or while I get ready in the mornings. If it sounds familiar and you want to listen to it, then feel free to click HERE. You'll have to add the singing yourself though, sorry...

 

Makeup Styles I Love Wearing In The Autumn:

 

• When the Autumn rolls round, I like matching my makeup to the colours of the season. Because of my skintone, hair colour and eyes, browns, gold, plums and forest greens (not for everyone, but I like them) on the eyes, tend to suit me.
• I like wearing deep nail polishes. Deep, dark nail polishes look better on me than bright and nude or at least I think so, but in the summer some people see them as too much/draining/etc. But once this season draws in, I know that I can dig out my beautiful dramatic varnishes.
• Using cream blushers when it gets colder gives a really healthy glow to the skin, look more soft and pretty in comparison to the change in drama when it comes to eyes and lips.
• I'm a dark lipstick kind of girl and so I love wearing plums especially on the lips (I won't wear red now until everything gets festive) but I also like a rosy tint (step forward Vasline Rosy Lips).

 

Fashion and Clothes I Enjoy In The Autumn:

 

• Jumpers. Lots of jumpers. Jumpers for me are absolutely brilliant; they keep me warm, make me feel really comfortable and snuggly and also, I think they look really cute. I know some people like the more structured version but I just adore loose, oversized, soft, baggy jumpers. I do like the structured ones too, my favourite being a handmade cream fisherman's jumper: the family member who it was made for gave it to me recently. My friends and I are all obsessed with jumpers... We are very strange...
• Chucks. My Chucks. Known to many as Converse, however to me, they are my Chuck Taylors, cos I'm cool like that. My lovely red high-top Chucks are ideal on classic Autumn Days. I love those shoes so much!
•  I do love my Bull & Boxer boots (or Boxer & Bull Boots, I'm never quite sure which way round it is). They are ankle boots and so I wouldn't class them as boots as such. I love them eternally and you will see them very soon I promise.
• Wearing "full-on" boots, as I call them when it starts to get really chilly.
• My Jack Wills gilet; comfy, cosy, goes with everything and brilliant over all sorts of other clothes.
• I love wearing hats - beanies and berets in particular - and scarves. They are so lovely to wear and pull an outfit together I find.

 

Other Stuff I Couldn't Quite Categorize...

 

• Strictly Come Dancing. I love Strictly so much and Oh My Glitterballs, this years line up is looking sooo good.
• Officially starting my Christmas countdown - right now, it's only 88 days away!!!
• Going to Costa for hot drinks in takeaway cups.
• Wearing super fluffy slippers.
• The anticipation for Halloween (which I usually spend over at my best friend Elf Girl's (find her HERE) house, dressed up like something or other - more on that soon) and for Bonfire Night (I love fireworks so much, I think they are the one most beautiful things ever).

That's all for today then. I'd ramble on more, but I wouldn't want to bore you but if you would like to see more on my love of autumn, please do let me know. What are your favourite things about Autumn? Are any of them the same as mine? Do you think I sounded very blogger-y in this post? I think I probably did...

 

Have an excellent day today!

 

GingerSnaps xxx