What I Got For Christmas 2015 | Beauty, Fashion and Homey Bits!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas spent with your loved ones, I sure did! For those of you who don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you've had a lovely few days nevertheless. Today I'm going to be sharing with you what I got for Christmas. I know how boring it can get with the usual disclaimers at the beginning of these posts and videos but I'd just like to put it out there, I'm super grateful for everything I have received this year. I love reading these posts so I thought I'd do one myself! I'm just going to get straight into it.








 First, I'm going to start with my stocking. We've had stockings in my house for as long as I can remember and over the years Santa(wink wink) has gotten so generous and made them larger each year. I have to say, I love stockings and would be more than happy with just a few stocking presents on Christmas Day. In my stocking, I tend to get the same kind of things every year like beauty essentials including cleansers, cotton wool pads and face masks etc which I love as it means I won't have to go out and make the same repurchases over and over again. I've been trying to take care of my nails this year and I kept loosing the tools so I received this dinky little set which is so handy, hopefully I won't loose them now!



We also tend to get a huge amount of chocolate, like most people I assume? Usually it would be gone within a few days but I'm pacing myself this year, sort of. Haha! I'm sat here wondering where it's all gone, hmm..





I also received some lovely candles including this mini vanilla frosting jar and lots of tea lights which are essential for my tart burner. I'm the worst for burning myself whilst lighting candles so my mum picked up this long lighter to avoid that, what a life saver haha! This was well needed.




Now I'll move on to the presents under the tree. My parents told me as I was getting money, I wouldn't have many presents to open but they were wrong! I was still completely shocked with the amount in my pile. I received lots of homey bits this year. Now, when I say homey bits, I don't mean home ware, I mean lots of bits that I'll use whilst relaxing at home.






First up which is possibly my favourite gift out of the lot was a new dressing gown! I've had the same one for about five years now and it was really on it's lasts legs- it wasn't the most subtle either- it was a hot pink leopard print one. The one I received this year is more subtle, a taupe/dusty pink colour. It's so cosy and I'm sure I'll get a lot of wear out of it. I also received this white snuggle blanket, we had one of these in our living room and it was held hostage up in my room for a while so my parents decided to get one for myself. It's so cosy, looks cute on my bed and will be perfect for the rest of the season. Oops, I forgot to take a picture of it but it's used as a background in the rest of these pictures.



Pyjamas are mandatory at Christmas, am I right? We always end up with a pair or two and I'm not complaining. I live in my pyjamas when I'm at home! First I received these super cosy Bambi pyjamas. These are similar to a pair I had last year, again from my sister but this time they have cuffed bottoms which I love as it means I won't trip over trouser legs that are too long!

I also had these pretty cloud pyjama bottoms, again they're cuffed. These feel so comfortable and stretchy so will be perfect for lazy days- by the way, these are from Sainsbury's if you're wondering as my mum left the tag on. What is Christmas without socks? I had three pairs of cosy socks which will be ideal to pair with my new pyjamas!

Next from my sister I had a lovely mug which came with a whisk, hot chocolate and mini marshmallows. It was perfect for during the evening on Boxing Day!



I've really loved Yankee Candles since I first discovered them a few years ago. I'm always tempted by the jars however I find the votives and wax tarts are such great value for money that I won't splurge. From my sisters boyfriend, he very kindly got me a load of votives and this rustic star holder. These will last me a good while and I love all the scents he chose so I'm so grateful.






From my other sister I received an adult colouring book. It was a good while since I'd been eyeing these up whilst shopping so I was so surprised that she remembered! She also got me some new colouring pencils and this lovely Cath Kidston pencil case to store them in. It's from the Kids section as she said the prints were nicer in there compared to the adults, haha!





I'm a huge fan of Olly Murs and was gutted when the calendar had sold out last year, therefore I had to go a year without one but this year my sister picked up the unofficial one- it's got some lovely photos in it so I'm not complaining. I also received an Olly Murs poster, my siblings know me too well!



Now I shall move onto the fashion and beauty gifts I received. I was so happy to receive a new watch as my other one had been playing up, this ones from Avon and is black with a rose gold bezel. I love it!



I saw this bag featured in a haul on YouTube and fell in love with it, especially when I found out it was only £20 from Zara. I put it on my wish list and my sister bought it for me, it's such a great size, looks like real leather and has a longer strap to carry on your shoulder or wear across your body. I can't wait to use it!












Last but not least, onto the beauty bits. I hinted to my parents that I'd love the Soap and Glory Whole She-Bang set and bless my mum, she was up at 7am on her day off to head onto the Boots site to order it. So lovely and I'm so thankful as it has some of my favourite products in and new bits I'm yet to try.






My sisters boyfriends mother was also kind enough to gift me with The Body Shop Coconut set. I love Coconut and The Body Shop so this is a win-win!

I received this really lovely eyes, nails and lips set, I swatched the products and was shocked by their pigmentation as these are from Primark! I'll definitely be looking to try more of the Primark Beauty.



My mum knows I love Real Techniques brushes so picked up the Expert Face Brush for me, however she accidentally ordered three somehow. I asked could I exchange one of them for a different brush and she said yes, we requested a return on Amazon and they accepted and told us not to bother returning the brush and refunded the money. I technically got a free brush, somehow!? And I've now ordered the Setting Brush. So lucky!



I've had my eye on the Stila palettes for a while and when my brother asked was there anything I wanted from the ASOS beauty sale for Christmas, I said I'd love this Stila Eyes are the Window Palette in Spirit. I definitely didn't think he'd get it for me and I was so shocked to open this on Christmas Day. Such a surprise and I'm so thankful!

Like I said earlier, my 'main' present from my parents was money. I also received money from my Nan, Grampy and Aunties etc so I shall be putting that money towards a new purse, probably more makeup and hopefully(if all goes to plan) driving lessons. I'm determined 2016 will be the year I start driving, we'll see eh?

There you have it, what I got for Christmas! I was spoilt this year, as I am every year and I couldn't be more thankful. Of course, Christmas isn't about receiving, it's for giving, loving and spending time with your loved ones. Gifts are just a bonus! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and that Santa was kind to you!




I'd love to hear what you got for Christmas so feel free to leave a link in the comments to your post/video!




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Christmas Q&A | Films, Music, Plans and More!

Bet you weren't expecting to see a post from me today, eh!? As you may know, usually I post on Wednesday and Sunday, however I have a post planned to go up on Christmas Eve so I thought i'd spread them out a little and post my Q&A today. So I took to Instagram to ask you guys if you had any questions for me and a few of you did leave some so I shall be answering those first then afterwards will be questions left here on my blog. Let's just get started!

@thriftyvintagefashion and Grace Kate - What is your favourite Christmas film?

Polar Express, hands down! 

@thriftyvintagefashion - What is your favourite Christmas song?

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday- Wizaard, Fairy Tale of New York- The Pogues, Do They Know It's Christmas- Band Aid, Happy Xmas(War Is Over)- John Lennon

@rosiemaearoha - Which countries do you want to visit?

I've actually done a blog post on this so if you'd like to read it, it's here. I really want to go to America and Lapland, especially at this time of year!

What are you planning on doing for Christmas this year?

The week of Christmas I have a Christmas party, I finish work, I'm going to see Aladdin in the theatre and for actual Christmas Day- I'll be staying at home with my family, having dinner, gift giving and consuming alcohol(just a little bit, I promise) Let me know your plans for Christmas in the comments!

@heyitisjess - Do you have any New Years resolutions?

I haven't thought about them just yet. I know everybody says it every year but I'd really like to eat better and exercise more. I did have a short spurt of it during the summer but I'd really like to get back on track and hopefully loose some weight too.

Amy Rose - What is your favourite part of Christmas dinner?

I love pigs in blankets and I actually really like sprouts!

What was the best present you got for Christmas?

This was a hard one! It'd probably have to be one of the gifts for me and my siblings to share. One year we had a Wii even though my parents had convinced us that they were sold out everywhere so we wouldn't be able to get one. It was such a surprise! Another would have to be the year myself and my siblings each had a laptop. It was the year everyone was getting them but I had never even thought about asking for one then all of a sudden my parents passed us each a largish box and it was a laptop, each! I was gobsmacked, there's actually a picture that captures that- haha!




Rosie Author Writing - In your opinion, what is the true meaning of Christmas?

I'd have to say spending time with your nearest and dearest, giving to others, especially those who need it most and being thankful.




And that's all the questions I was asked. I loved answering all of your questions, be sure to go check out the people who asked the questions on Instagram and their blogs which I've linked. I hope you enjoyed this quick post and are enjoying the festivities, Merry Christmas!




WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS?




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The Perfect Christmas Movie Night!

Christmas is next week, next week!? I know, crazy right? I can't believe we're less than 5 days until Christmas and I'm yet to have a movie night. Today I thought I'd share with you my perfect idea of a movie night which I shall be having on Tuesday evening as that's when I finish work for Christmas. I've also teamed up with Casper, a company that sells amazing mattresses here, to share with you my essentials for a movie night.

Casper was actually lovely enough to create this checklist for me, once I had given my input. You may like to use this or adapt it so feel free!

First up is a comfy mattress as there's no better feeling than jumping into bed in your festive pyjamas after a long day at work. Next up you'll need a pile of comfy cushions which Casper also sells, here. Does anyone else strategically place them for ultimate comfort whilst watching films?!

And of course as I briefly mentioned earlier, your favourite festive pyjamas! I love these navy bottoms with a reindeer print all over from F&F a year or so ago. I've also picked up a new tartan flannel pair which I'm excited to snuggle up in on Christmas Eve!

How can you have a movie night without some treats!? I love snuggling up in bed with a hot chocolate, at the moment I'm loving the Galaxy one. It's super sweet but definitely isn't sickly. I love dipping cookies into hot chocolate and tea so I definitely won't forget them!

My movie night sounds almost perfect, just a couple of things missing. I love lighting candles as they just set the mood and makes everything feel more cosy. My favourite festive candle is Yankee Candle Simply Home Sunlight On Snow which you may have seen me mentioned a good few times. It's more of a fresh scent rather than a sweet/spicy typical Christmas scent which I love.

And finally, a movie night is not complete without a few films! I recently did a blog post on my top five festive film picks here so head on over to check that out. There I mentioned my favourite was The Polar Express, I love how magical it is. It's such a lovely film and gets so excited for Christmas.

So there's that, my perfect set up for a holiday movie night! It was lovely to work with Casper on this post so be sure to go and check out their products, linked here. Also, I'd love to know what would make it to your checklist so let me know in the comments below.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOVIE NIGHT ESSENTIALS?

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My Top Five Festive Film Picks!

Today I thought i'd share with you my top five festive film picks. I don't tend to enjoy films often, my attention span is poor and I lose interest. However, I love Christmas films because, well how could you not!? If you're planning on binge watching Christmas films in the run up to the big day then I've listed my five favourites, starting from five and reeling them off til my ultimate favourite- number one. Let's get started, shall we?

5. A Christmas Carol (2009)

This stands a firm favourite as I first saw it in the cinema with my family on Christmas Eve. As well as being nostalgic, it's also a great film where it follows the life of Scrooge in the run up to Christmas. Of course, i'm not going to spoil it though I'm sure most of you will have seen it or know the story. The most recent release of it is definitely worth a watch!

4. Nativity!

This is one I watch numerous times in the month of December. As you could've probably guessed from the title this one is based around the preparations for a school nativity. It's a hilarious comedy, how can you not love Mr Poppy?! Also, fact of the day: one of the children in the film actually went to my primary school. How cool is that!?

3. Love Actually

Believe it or not, I had never seen this until last Christmas. So many people raved about it so I thought it was about time I saw what it was all about. I loved it, hence why it's made it's way into my top five. If you haven't seen it, the film basically follows a number of different couples during the run up to Christmas. I probably haven't made that sound too appealing but it's a rom-com so you definitely won't get bogged down with slushy couples. If you haven't seen it- make sure you give it a watch this year! Let me know what you think of it, if you do.

2. Home Alone

A classic. I'm almost certain that everyone has seen this film- if you haven't, you've probably been living under a rock. Is there really any point in trying to explain this film? The title gives it away right? I've seen this countless times and I never get bored of it, it's hilarious and i'm completely hooked within the first few minutes. The second film is also just as good, the ones after aren't so.

1. The Polar Express

You were expecting me to say Elf right? If i'm honest, it's never been a favourite of mine- don't get me wrong it is a good film but I can't take too much of it. The Polar Express however is a different story. It's just so magical and exciting. It follows the journey of a little boy who struggles to believe, he is taken on a journey to the North Pole that shows him the excitement never fades for those who believe. You'll also fall in love with the lone boy singing at the back of the train, 'it's so much fun when Christmas comes to townnn!' Just me? Ok then...

So there you have it, a run through of my favourite Christmas films. Do you love any of these as much as me? Let me know or leave me any festive film recommendations! I'll be back Sunday to share my idea of a perfect movie night!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS FILM?

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A New Job and Christmas Blogging Plans! | Update

Today I thought I'd have a little catch up with you guys to let you know what's going to be happening on my blog this next month or so.




As you may know back in July I qualified as a childcare practitioner and since then I've been looking for a job in the childcare field, I was unsuccessful so I decided I would do supply work as a Teaching Assistant. I really enjoyed myself whilst working as a TA and I would definitely consider it in the not too distant future. However, for now- I've just got myself a job as a Play Worker/Nursery Nurse in a near by playgroup/pre-school. I start next Monday and I'm super excited as my colleagues are so lovely, however it may be a little bit tricky to get posts up twice a week on a Wednesday and Sunday, unfortunately. 








However, Christmas is upon us and I've got lots of ideas that I really hope I can find the time to work on and get up. Recently I felt as though I had lost my blogging mojo and was lacking inspiration and that may have showed through. I hope it didn't and you stuck with me! I promise there's lot's more festivity coming your way as Christmas is my favourite time of year, so you can make sure you're up to date with me by following me here via bloglovin- if you want of course!








Also, something exciting for me and maybe for you too?! After umming and ahhing for a good while, I finally decided to get the Feel Unique 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar! I'm super excited as this is the first beauty advent calendar I've ever had so I'm looking forward to see what goodies lie beneath the doors. 

Now the exciting part for you guys, well maybe.. I'm debating whether to do a post each week on what I find(bearing in mind this will only be 3 items as the calendar is only 12 days) or whether to a post at the end of advent showing what I received in the whole calendar. I also thought it might be nice for you to see me open it, so instead I was wondering whether you'd like me to record myself opening each door and posting it on Instagram (@xtracesofmythoughts) then a month or so after, give a review on each of the items. Please let me know what you think in the comments below!




And that's all I've got to update you on, I think... I hope you're looking forward for what's to come on my blog, I know I'm excited to get in the festive mood! Just one month til Christmas guys! Also, let me know whether you've got any Christmassy posts planned! 

I shall be back on Sunday with a collab, so keep your eyes peeled!




HAVE YOU GOT ANY CHRISTMAS BLOG POSTS PLANNED?




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Something To Put A Smile On Their Face | Operation Christmas Child 2015

Halloween is out of the way, Bonfire Night will be done and dusted by the end of next week so why not get a little Christmassy here on my blog today. Today i'm going to be sharing with you an initiative called Operation Christmas Child by the charity Samaritan's Purse. I'm going to put it straight out there, this is not sponsored. Blogging allows me to connect with people all over the world, therefore I feel it is my duty to share good things and thoughts in order to have a positive influence on those reading. Anyway, let's get on with this and allow me to explain a little more about it.

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Samaritan's Purse is the charity that runs Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child allows anybody in most countries around the world to send a shoe box full of gifts including hygiene items, school supplies and toys to a child somewhere in a less developed country to enable them to have a happier Christmas. If you'd like to find out more, just search Operation Christmas Child followed by where you live as each country has a different website with specific details on how to pack a box. For example, Operation Christmas Child UK. Or you can click here, if you're from the UK.

How to pack a shoe box?

First of all you should wrap your shoe box ensuring the lid and box are wrapped separately. You should then pop a label on top stating whether your box is for a boy or girl and which age range. I did a box for a boy and a girl, both aged 5 to 9.

Next you should fill your box with gifts, including hygiene items, school supplies and toys. However, I must make you aware there are some restrictions on what you can put in as these are going to be flown across the world, therefore you should avoid food, liquids and sharp objects. There are also some restrictions on toys such as war-related toys(soldiers, guns, knives), hand-made stuffed toys and playing cards. If you're unsure, click here to find a more in-depth list of what you can and can't include. 

Here I've included pictures and a list of what I've packed in each box, i'm sure you'll be able to tell but the first is for a boy(aged 5-9) and the second is for a girl(aged 5-9).

HYGIENE ITEMS

-Toothbrushes

 -Toothpaste

-Bar of soap and a flannel

-Comb/hair brush

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

-Notebook

-Ballpoint pens
-Pencils

-Colouring pencils
-Ruler

-Eraser and sharpener 

TOYS

-Train set
-Truck

-Animal figures

-Doll

-Jewellery making set

OTHER
-Hat/Scarf/Gloves
-Hair accessories

-Colouring/Activity book

-Sweets(best before date must be at least March of the following year) 

MAKE SURE THE LID CAN SHUT!

The only items missing are a colouring/activity book for both and hair accessories for the girl as I feel the box is a little emptier compared to the boys. You should also make sure that the lid of your box can close properly, you don't want to loose anything!

How much will this cost?

I know you're probably thinking this, how much is this going to set me back? 

Not a huge amount in my case, though it does depend where you shop.

I cannot recommend Wilko enough for hygiene and stationary items. For example for a two pack of toothbrushes it cost just 18p! I went for the bigger pack of pencils which cost 50p each, however they do have smaller packets for 18p so it depends on your budget.

For the toys, i'd shop around the pound shops. I have a few in my town so I went into each looking for appropriate toys, a hat and glove set and sweets. 

So far in total i've spent £16.09. You must also donate £3 for you box to be shipped, you can either include this within the box or you can pay online. I am going to do this online as they give you a barcode which you can stick in your boxes to track them. You will then recieve an email in the new year to find out where your box has gone!

Grand Total(2 boxes) = Under £25

Of course, I understand that not everybody has that much to give. You could just do one box, which would come in under £15 with the £3 donation included in that price. However, you could do a box with the basic necessities including hygiene items, some stationary with one or two toys, which would be even cheaper! I'm sure whatever you can give will put a huge smile on a child's face. You and your friends could also gather any small change/pocket money you have to create a box between you. There's no better feeling than doing a good deed! 

How do I send it off?

Once everything is in your box, including the £3 donation to ship it- i'd recommend putting an elastic band around it to keep the lid on and to prevent loosing anything from your box. You should then take it to your local drop off point. This can be done from today up until 18th November, so you've got just over 2 weeks to do so! You'll be able to find your local drop off point, here.

And that's it, you've done your good deed for the day and i'm sure you'll make a child very happy on Christmas morning! There's no better feeling!

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This post was a little different to what you'd usually see on my blog, but I hope you enjoyed finding out about an amazing initiative and I really hope some of you will go and look more into this. Of course, if it's not practical for you this year due to lack of funds or time then you can keep it in mind for next year!

I hope you've had a lovely week. Let me know what you think of this idea in the comments below!

♥   ♥   ♥

What I Got For Christmas | Christmas 2014

Hello!

It's currently Christmas night, I'm currently reminiscing the day while in bed thinking of how thankful and fortunate I am. I must admit I was not expecting to do this post as I simply thought my mum was just giving money like we agreed, once again my family outdone themselves as they do every year. As I explained I am so grateful for everything and I thought I'd show what I received deemed as this is popular in the blogger world.

I'll split this into 3 categories, home ware, fashion/beauty and stocking fillers. If and when I purchase anything worth showing in the sales there will be a post up shortly after this but lets get started.

 The first present I opened was the largest, I mostly always go for the biggest as i'm so intrigued what could be in a big box. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened this beautiful bird cage as i've been looking for one for a while but I simply didn't want to purchase one myself so it made the perfect gift. Inside holds four slots to burn tea lights, it looks so pretty and makes beautiful patterns on my walls.

Next up is the gift I received last when I thought I had finished unwrapping, I was again surprised with this- an Olly Murs photo frame wall clock. If you don't already know I am a tad in love with Olly Murs so this was great and I also received tickets to see him on his 2015 tour(tries to breathe)!

I also received some more sentimental gifts that can be put around my room, to the left is a photo cube from my sister(not yet with my own photos I must add), so i'll have to trawl through the albums to find photos that I truly love to display in here. To the right may be my favourite gift, small but so thoughtful! A little keep-sake with a photo of my grandparents on which reads 'To our Grandaughter Amy, Lots of Love Nan and Grampy xx' I welled up a little with how cute this is, I love it!

Next up is a load of candles, I love candles so I could't be happier- a mix of Yankee Candle, Votives, Wax Melts and the cutest tiny jar! Some may find this odd, but I also received a tiny frying pan as i've been loving egg muffins recently, how perfect haha!

Now i'll move onto the fashion, accessories and beauty bits I received. Firstly are these gorgeous black heeled boots from hiddenfashion.com, I picked these out myself and they're super comfortable as they're fur lined!

I didn't receive any clothes this year but I did have this dream. A fluffy Bambi pyjama set! I never want to take these off, they're the most comfortable piece of clothing ever and the look super cute. Thank you sister!

I've wanted something from Pandora for the longest time now and my sister said she'd get me something. I wouldn't really wear a bracelet so I opted for a Birthstone Ring. I am so content with how beautiful it looks and fits, i'm also wanting another dainty ring so I think that's what I'll spend some of my Christmas money on!

Speaking of rings, this was actually a stocking filler but I also go this lovely silver diamante key ring as I was complaining that the ones I currently have kept braking and although cute where also impractical so this will do the job!

In terms of beauty beneath the piles of wrapping paper held two Soap and Glory sets, one from my parents and the other from my sisters boyfriend- so kind! I love Soap and Glory so it wouldn't be Christmas without it, here I got The Soapremes and Soap for the Best. The Soapremes contain a range of full-sizes and minis where as the Soap for the Best contains all minis, perfect if you travel!

I also had a lot of beauty essentials in my stocking which is always useful, such as shampoo, smellies, cotton pads, makeup remover and lip balms etc. Stockings are my favourite types of gifts!

I had A LOT of chocolate and sweets this year(some of which I've already eaten), enough to last me a long while so i'm not complaining! When else can you acceptably receive ridiculous amounts of these sweet treats though?!

As I've said at the start of this post I am forever grateful for everything I received and didn't expect any of this as my mother said she'd give me money to spend in the sales, so I am over the moon with how generous my family were this year. I'm going to be doing a spot of shopping with my Christmas money so i'm sure a haul will be up shortly! 

I hope you had a lovely Christmas spending time with your loved ones and as we're near i'd like to wish you a very Happy New Year, let's hope 2015 is the best yet!

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