Giving back this Christmas

Ok.. it has just hit October.. surely it's time to talk about Christmas?!

Well the deadline for this years Shoe Box Appeal is nearly a month away so I'm sorry but I have to talk about the big C word!!

This year I have partnered up with my local church to collect Shoe Boxes for elderly people living in poverty abroad. However I am sure there are local homeless charities around else where doing the same thing in this popular time!!

If not.. Samaritans also do a Shoe Box Appeal for Children in poverty abroad. They even tell you where you parcel has been sent to which is a nice touch!

Here is the link to the Samaritans appeal, you can choose what age and what gender you are making your box suitable for. https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk

I have chosen to do mine for a male. For some reason I think males in poverty just don't get the same amount of compassion and in this case will have a lot less shoe boxes. Plus how much easier are women to buy for then men?! Gift ideas come up so much more naturally with women than men! Maybe cause I am a women.. I know what I would like but anyway, I have included in mine. 

Pens

Notebook - which I think I am going to write a message in on the first page as a nice touch

Tuna

Pasta

Sucky sweets

Flannel

Soap

A Chocolate bar

A Christmas Decoration

Tooth Brush

Toothpaste 

Plasters

And a reusable shopping bag

All these things may seem a bit boring but I am trying to think of basics people will need and maybe can't et hold of or can't get out much to get. The fact these people think someone cares for them in the world is so lovely and imagine watching their reaction opening a box full of gifts just for them. 

We seem to quickly forget other peoples misfortunes when it comes to Christmas time. Sometimes even a elderly widow down your street has no-one to have Christmas dinner with and spends all day on their own - what a sad thought that is?!

Between my Grandad dying and my Grandma going into a home, she had about 8/9 years on her own and though she would come to ours at about 1pm for dinner and stay till night time I would always feel sorry for her waking up on her own. From being a little girl, to being married and then sharing Christmas joy with her young boys - she's ended up waking up completely alone on Christmas morning. What a sad thought. 

Im blabbering a lot now but I just feel so sad for people at Christmas!

Anyway, get involved if you can.. all that cost me about £6/7 from places like home&bargains and B&M etc - which isn't a lot for someone to be feel appreciated and special on Christmas Day. 

xx

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SWEET CANAPE IDEA

As I was preparing for Christmas I was trying to find nice sweet treat ideas that were effective but still simple to make as I have so much more to do regarding the actual dinner let alone the night time buffet!!

I love these marshmallows. They are simple, cheap, effective and taste good (if you have a sweet tooth!) 

You don't exactly need a recipe for these - or even a method haha as they are effectively just marshmallows dipped in chocolate. I just fancied taking photos as I was creating them!! 

I have made them for two sets of parties now and everyone has come up to me to tell me how lovely they were and how I made them (not sure if that's a joke though... haha)

I added some Christmas themed decorations on them to get them all party-like.

I would buy a full bar of chocolate but only melt 4/5 squares at a time as it is surprising how much chocolate it makes once its melted! 

Twist the marshmallows into the chocolate to get a good covering and then place them on your tray!
Stick the decorations on (if wanted) whilst the chocolate is still wet so it sticks well!

Once all done - place the trays in the fridge. Once dry, the trays/marshmallows can be stacked on top of each other to save space!

I got all my ingredients from Home Bargains. The trays - 79p each, the marshmallows - £1, the chocolate - £1 and the decorations -79p each!!

Serve these up along side your pudding platters or dot them round the room like canape trays!

X 

'Christmas Party' Season Pretty Little Thing Wish List

As Christmas is slowly (but quickly) creeping upon us I thought I would do a quick Christmas Party wishlist from Pretty Little Thing as you all seemed to love the last wish list I did from them! I still cant believe how many views it got in the first few hours! but thankyou!

ANYWAY - 
1 -  This is a great top to dress up and dress down. Especially if your Christmas party is a meal out or something slightly more casual! I also love the recently popular trend of wearing a detailed triangle bra/lace bralet underneath to give a little bit of sexiness away if you dont want to actually get your boobs out/have none to get out even if you wanted too (like me) Buy it here - £15

2 - How gorgeous is this dress?! Perfect for the slightly more extravagant Christmas party. You can wear it again and again - black tie events etc and even a prom?! so elegant and affordable! Buy it here - £25

3 - glitter and sequins... what else best describes Christmas?! I love this for your Christmas night out with your girls etc. It could easily be worn again without looking too Christmassy but screams Christmas when worn in the right season! Buy it here - £30

4 - A slightly more 'demure' version of number 3. Subtler glitz and slightly longer but still gorgeous. Ability to wear again without Christmas - 10/10. Buy it here - £25

5 - I think this is my favourite one! The shape and silhouette is absolutely gorgeous. I love the colour, the neckline - everything! They have got this spot on with the design! Perfect to dress up and dress down depending non what night you have planned and super amazing if you have lumps, bumps and problem areas as it doesn't cling to everything you have! Buy it here - £25


Hope you've enjoyed this just as much as my previous wish list. Happy shopping and have a lovely Christmas Party!!!
XO