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Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, comfort and laughter. It's a time where we gather around our friends and family whilst taking for granted the stuffed turkey (or quorn in my case), the presents under the tree and the copious amounts of alcohol. As we dance around the Christmas tree, sing songs around the fire and laugh gleefully at the Christmas cracker jokes, it's easy to forget that there's people that won't be celebrating Christmas this year.
Walking through Manchester a few days ago, I was confronted by many homeless people. Call me naive or whatever you like, but being from a smaller town it's something that I'm not used to seeing and it took me by quite a shock. Each Christmas I go through the emotions of feeling lonely and isolated. I don't have much family apart from my parents and my aunties and uncles never have the time to see me. My favourite and most doting auntie died only nine months ago, in all fairness she was the only person that really understood me. Each year I always crave the big family parties that I see on Christmas films and the television, but before I met my fiance it was difficult. I'm an only child with no grandparents. These days Christmas is larger as my fiances family and mine get together and it makes such a difference. Feeling lonely at Christmas is one thing, but having no-one there at Christmas is just unimaginable for most. Looking at the people on the streets, I couldn't help but want to shed a tear. Of course, there were people that looked like they probably did have homes to go to, but a select few looked like living on the streets was the only thing they knew. Walking back to the train station, I decided to look on the Shelter website and the facts took me by surprise.
The slogan for the Christmas Shelter appeal is 'One homeless child at Christmas is a tragedy, 80,000 of them is a disgrace.' When thinking of children at Christmas most people think of santa claus, opening presents and Christmas stockings, not being homeless. It's surprising how one encounter with an homeless man the other evening has opened my eyes further to a national problem that we all are slightly oblivious to.
This Christmas all I ask from you is to look around you and cherish the moments with your family. To think about all the people less fortunate and to give a little Christmas goodwill to those who need it the most. I will be donating money to the UK Charity Shelter this Christmas and although I can't offer them a mass amount of money, I hope that my contributions will somehow help one person have a good Christmas that they deserve. After all, everyone deserves a home.
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Spare a Thought This Christmas
Sunday Thoughts: Organisation is the key
Another week is over and a new one is just around the corner. I'm really shocked how time has flown over this year. It feels like one minute I was getting my head in a spin as to whether my partner was going to propose and next month it will be exactly one year until we get married...I've been engaged nearly a year and a half, it feels like yesterday. I also can't believe I'm getting towards the end of my university holidays. One and a half months left and I feel that if I blink, i'll be sat in the university library crying my eyes out that the holidays are over. This year is going to be massive. Wedding planning, moving house, getting a new job and hopefully finishing university with a decent degree. It's mind boggling how many things i'm going to be juggling, but as long as I have my diary besides me, I know i'll get through it. Organisation is definitely the key.
So, less talk about the future, what's going on in my life now. Every now and then it's nice to take a break from discussing fashion and beauty and tell you all what's going on in my life. Currently, I have a border terrier that isn't mine sat at the end of my bed with his legs in a weird frogs legs position. Me and my parents are looking after a family friends dog called 'Ollie'. He's a sweet little thing, very well behaved and although he resembles a grumpy old man, he's rather cute. The downside? The quote 'make yourself at home' never seemed so appropriate. He has taken full reign of the house and my teeny Yorkshire Terrier is quivering with jealously. At least it's a temporary measure and we only have the little chap until Friday.
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| Ollie! |
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| My doggy wearing his reindeer hoody because he's cold! |
Secondly, as I have mentioned before, I have a very busy year starting from September and I've now made myself even busier by enrolling onto an Italian course. I love nothing more than learning new skills and although I'm at university, I felt eager to learn something different. I hope I become good enough to eventually write a short post in Italian for some of my European followers. It will be challenging, but so much fun.
Finally, coming up on the blog this week I have lots of exciting and very pretty products to show you. There's even more hair posts, beauty posts and a glimpse into my week as very exciting things are about to hopefully happen.
Are you doing anything exciting in the near future?
Back from Ibiza.
Hola! Yesterday I arrived back from my amazing week away in Ibiza and boy, I've had fun. Me and my wonderful fiance have had an amazing experience from snorkelling on the beach to sailing the Mediterranean sea on a 100ft Katamaran on one of Ibizas famous boat parties. Alcohol was drank in copious amounts, frolicking on the beach was a daily occurrence and spending lots of time with my amazing man made the whole week a holiday I'll never forget.
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As you can see, I've come back with pretty distinguishable tan-lines and despite being there only five days, I really feel that I've been given a nice healthy glow. The weather was red hot all week - sometimes a little bit unbearable, but for the majority of the time it was like being in a tropical haven.
Throughout all the week, I spend a lot of the evenings sampling many cocktails at the local bars. Right across from the hotel was an Irish bar, which made my irish finance light up like it was Christmas. The cocktails all had tongue in cheek irish names and my favourite had to be the cranberry mix and liqueurs mix named 'Temple bar.' Despite it being the evening time, I very rarely took off my lovely Gucci sunglasses. I've needed an excuse to wear them and this was definitely the time. I'm so glad I've come back to blazing hot English weather so I can continue rocking my favourite accessory.
So now I'm back and reality of being stuck in England has hit. It's time for me to get back to doing something that makes me equally as happy as travelling and that's blogging. Expect many reviews coming this way in the next few days, we have a lot of catching up to do.
What have you been up to lately?
What's in my suitcase? So far...
Going on holiday is undoubtedly fun and exciting, but if you're anything like me, packing your suitcase can be an absolute nightmare. When you think about it, you have a small luggage allowance and you have to decide exactly what you're going to wear for the next few days. When you're packed, that's it - no turning back. I've decided to a 'What's in my bag' inspired post regarding suitcases to help other travellers get a grasp of what to take on holiday, plus it gives you all a chance to unleash your voyeuristic side and analyse my clothing decisions.
So this in my suitcase with everything thrown into it. I still have a few days to pack and still a few things to add, but I thought I'd show you what I have so far. My baggage allowance is 20kg and currently I'm on 11kg. Obviously it's important to leave space for items you're planning on bringing back home, so I aim to travel light knowing my shoppaholic tendencies.
First into the suitcase are my beautiful Madden Girl sandals I bought in a House of Fraser sale not too long ago. I love the colours and I bet they'll look fantastic on the beach. Following the scandals are my Gucci sunglasses that I wouldn't leave the house without.
Next are a few dresses. I still have more of these to pack, but so far I have two evening style dresses and this gorgeous maxi dress from New Look. The middle dress will definitely be one of my Ibiza party dresses and that was bought from Lipsy by my fiance as a Christmas present.
As many of my readers will know, this holiday is going to be quite symbolic for many reasons. Firstly, it's my first ever adult holiday abroad due to my laziness in renewing my passport, secondly it's my first holiday abroad with my future husband and third, I've never ever worn a bikini before and after losing all this weight, I think it's about time. I fell in love with both these bikinis as soon as I tried them on. The one in the above image is from Primark and the one below is a high waisted bikini.
Due to the hot weather, it's inevitable that I'll be spending the majority of my time in shorts. I'm taking my new lace shorts from H&M and my stars and stripes shorts from Topshop, along with both crop tops from New Look.
I bought these amazing pink heels from a local boutique a few weeks ago. I think they'll be great for partying and nights out. Teamed up with a white dress, they are the perfect statement wear.
Wedges from Primark! I'm not usually a Primark girl, but these are so comfy. I'm guessing I'll be wearing these quite a lot.
A mask and snorkel and an underwater camera. I love my water sports so I can't wait to take lots of photos!
A few weeks ago I was kindly given these samples of Suntegrity's lastest range to review. It's a natural face moisturiser with a 30 SPF sunscreen protection and can be also used as a primer. Each of the products have a wonderful citrus scent and provides anti ageing properties. When I get back, I'll properly let you know how well they did in the Ibiza heat.
For now, the last things in my suitcase are my Euros, European health card - vital if you're an EU citizen travelling abroad and of course my passport. European health cards are just as important as travel insurance as they allow you to get state health care for free or a reduced rate in emergency situations. Being accident prone myself, I would never even consider travelling without travel insurance or a healthcard.
So that's my suitcase so far. I still have yet to pack my makeup and a few other essentials. I hope you're enjoyed your sneak peak into my bag and the advice I've given. One last tip, always pack in advance - it makes sure you don't forget anything!
Are you going on holiday soon?
Happy Friday!
I love adverts with really cute animals so I felt that I had to share this with everyone.
Have a wonderful Friday!
x
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