It's beginning to look a lot like winter.

I despise winter.

A lot.

I think everyone should. It's cold, dark, depressing. it rains a lot which ruins your hair and make up, it makes your jeans stick to you therefore making you wet all day and the dye comes out onto your skin when you're trying to wiggle out of them (which is such an effort in itself) It's windy so your hair sticks to your face and makes you look like you're a sister of 'Cousin Itt.' then snow starts to fall and you have to brave leaving your fairy lit, warm, cosy bedroom to go out into the rain, wind and snow just to land on your bottom unattractively. The humiliation is more bitter than the freezing wind.
I've started to try and look for the beauty in winter so I can refer back to it when the rain is pouring down my window and wind is howling through the letterbox and mascara is running down my cheeks since my eyes are watering off the freezing air. I've managed to pull together this list so far but if you find any more beauty in ugly winter comment below.

 1. Hot chocolate.

I never drink hot chocolate any other time of the year apart from late autumn and throughout winter. It's not a drink I could drink just for the sake of it, I have to be freezing and feeling like rubbish before I snuggle into a fluffy onesie and sip hot chocolate topped with cream, mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings.

2. Fashion.

Mmm, thick-knit sweaters, chunky-knit scarves, big coats lined with soft fur, faux of course. Those comfy jeans you love wearing day in - day out but would never admit to it, the fluffy bed socks you can wear underneath those faux fur lined boots you've dug out from the back of the closet because winter has crept over the windowsill once again. I love how you can layer things and really dress up causally. Painting your nails dark colours is always exciting for me, usually setting for a burgundy colour because it subtly hints Christmas too.

3. Snow days.

Even though I despise snow, I like watching it fall and lay especially when no one has walked through it and ruined how pretty it is. I don't mind snow as long as I don't have to go out in it. Those days where you snuggle on the couch watching soppy love movies you'd never admit to actually liking with hot chocolate, a big duvet and food are made even more perfect when you can see the snow falling outside and you're nice and warm inside. I'd say pyjama days also fall into this category because no one gets dressed on days like this.

4. Christmas.

As soon as the dark nights come in it starts to look a lot like Christmas which makes me get a little buzz. Things start become cosy and you don't want to stay out with friends you just want to be home being cosy and warm. Christmas tree's start going up in shops and Christmas decorations too. The thought of Christmas presents also begin to creep to the front of your mind as you think about your loved ones. Christmas carols start to appear on the radio and television interrupting your usual programmes as well as the Christmas early sale adverts.

5. Home-made soup.

I'm not too sure about anyone else but grandma's are definitely the best cooks around, especially when it comes to home-made soup. Its so delicious, its hot, filling and she always fills us right up, bless her. The smell of the soup lingers while it cooks making your mouth water and your tummy grumble. The water also makes the weight drop right off quickly and easily which makes it even better.

6. sledging.

I don't personally go sledging any more I'm a little too old now but watching children race down snowy hills definitely brings back memories that make me smile. Its nice to see them out and about having fun instead of shooting zombies on games in stuffy bedrooms.

7. Rosy cheeks and crisp, cool air.

The novelty of rosy cheeks and noses is cute, the pale faces with pink cheeks and noses pressed up against the windows make me laugh, although the cold air can make us poorly and flu-ish it helps our immune system and it makes us feel more healthier although colder. It definitely motivates me to move faster and get things done quicker so I don't have to stay in the cold as long.

8. Snow ball fights.

Ugh, cold and wet. I hate it. However watching others have snow ball fights is much better, you laugh at someone else getting cold and wet its funny, its perfect.

9. Bubble Baths.

Mmmm bubble baths. I have at least three bubbles baths a week with one of Lush Cosmetics bath bombs or melts but in winter i find myself having one almost every day because of how cold it is, the shower doesn't do any justice, being able to sit in the bath with a good book or DVD is perfect after a long, cold day it also does wonders for my skin and hydrates it. Oh, its also incredibly relaxing! also at Christmas Lush release their Christmas range which smells a lot like Christmas with things like cinnamon scents and beautiful Christmas colours.

10. Decorating.

I adore decorating the house at Christmas time, putting the tree up and dressing it in white and red is the best thing to do, ever. Especially when the family gather in your house for a catch up and family time. It definitely beats any other time of the year.

11. "Winters Coming"

The drama of saying "Winters coming" makes me quite excited. It has high impact and everything, try saying it out loud right now, wherever you are. It sounds good, doesn't it? unlike if you say "Spring is coming" you just sound like someone off a gardening show or if you say "Summers coming" you sound like someone off the boots adverts whose about to tell you to stock up on their offers or if you say "Autumns coming" you sound a little creepy it just doesn't sound right but if you say "Winters coming" its sexy, its dramatic. Its powerful.

12. Sunrises.

A few weeks ago the only people that saw sunrise was people who work night-shift and people with insomnia, no one was ever up that early. But now, time we're getting ready to go to work or while we're walking or driving somewhere we get to see sunrise and its beautiful. the yellow sun in the distance starting to show through the darkness that's fading is perfect.

Christmas gift idea's.

As we all know Christmas is just around the corner, lists are being created and carers are starting to go into the 'Christmas Craze' if they haven't already. Festive adverts such as John Lewis are interrupting our usual programmes to remind us that the magical time is near once again and this year 'Monty the Penguin' will be seeing us through the next two month. 

We all panic when we wonder what to get our loved ones and when we ask the dreaded question  "so, what so you want for Christmas this year?" We end up getting the same reply "ah, I'm not fussed" or "No you don't have to get me anything!" which we all know is a complete lie because every one out there has a little something they want but don't want to seem rude. So this year instead of popping the question everyone dreads, you can surprise them with gifts that are hot on the shelves or simple enough that no one can not like them.   





John Lewis Christmas advert 2014
#MontyThePenguin.

iPhone 6 or
6 plus. 







iPhone 6 on the left and iPhone 6 plus on the left. 


Face it Apple
create amazing products that a lot of people enjoy. I find myself becoming more
and more addicted to their products even though they burn holes in my purse!
Coming in at around £540 for the iPhone 6 you're paying a lot for the thinner
yet bigger apple product. The faster, more innovative phone can do more than
ever as well as fly off shelves into the hands of people around the world 


The iPhone 6+
comes in at around £620 which is crazy for a phone but apple had us hooked from
the start and know people everywhere will find the money and queue all night to
get the latest release of the newest technology. Apple is now the leading brand
of phones and everyone can see why with the stunning designs. 
















A holiday






Rio De Janerio at night. 



If money
isn't an object the iPhone or a holiday is a big gift to give. Although the
special loved one would appreciate it, Christmas isn't all about the gifts.
Coming in at number one Rio De Janerio is high on everyone's top places to
visit this year. Being Brazils carnival capital and also being wedged between
emerald mountains and sapphire sea it's no wonder people want to visit
especially with the 2016 Olympics being hosted there after London hosted it in
2012. 
















Band
merchandise 






Example of band merch.



Bands have
always being huge and the majority of teenagers get obsessed over bands at some
point of their teenage years. Even though we obsess over them it's rather
expensive especially if you're still in school! We appreciate a good t-shirt
with our favourite bands faces plastered all over it or a hoodie with the bands
logo sprawled across the back. It's something we can wear and show support.
Very practical and easy to find! Tickets to go see their favourite band is also
easy to find, usually they're tagged on band merchandise websites or even just
googling it will bring up dates and locations, usually getting them quite early
means their tickets are also cheap but too early the price can be incredibly
high. 
















Hampers





Hamper



Hampers are
incredibly easy to make if you can't think of anything. Cosy pyjamas, nice
slippers, A lufah (sponge), chocolates or other sweet luxuries are a good
choice because everyone likes some "naughty" food, If the person is
over the legal drinking age, alcohol is even appreciated because of how
expensive it can be and it's nice for them to sit down if they've been ran off
their feet hosting dinner parties for family and friends and also good Smellies
usually go down well, Lush Cosmetics do great themed bath bombs and melts which
help the skin and also smell amazing - bath stuff also can't go wrong because
everyone bathes! 
















Kindle








Kindle paperwhite with colourful cases.
More and more
people are using e-readers instead of good old paper books, they're light,
thin, easy to use and innovative. Many books also get sold cheaper than paper
books sold in shops! If you get your loved one a kindle it means you can buy
them vouchers for the kindle on their next birthday or Christmas, meaning you
don't have to have the conversation on what to get them. These are a brilliant
gift if your loved one is a little book worm most kindles allow the user to use
the internet too so they're never far away from a book review or
recommendation!



















Pandora
charm bracelet 
Half filled Pandora Charm Bracelet.











The Pandora
charm bracelet is stunning and beautiful. They're subtle and classy for people
who aren't the show of type or older and can appreciate it more. Just like the
kindle when buying the bracelet you don't have to fill it up at once, they can
be quite pricey therefore their next birthday or Christmas you can easily pop
into the Pandora store and purchase a new charm instead of aimlessly wondering
what to get the special person you're buying for. 






















Photo
albums
Photo Album.











Photo albums
are amazing, they capture moments which are so much more precious than any
expensive gift. It doesn't have to be full as they can fill it in time, it can
be based on a special occasion such as a wedding day or just throughout their
life from being a small child, going through them embarrassing phases into
adulthood, no matter how old the special person is they're guaranteed to adore
the gift and it takes time and effort so the loved one can appreciate it more
after all, it's the thought that counts! 
















Games 
Traditional board games. 

Whether it's
games for the play station, Xbox or good old board games many people appreciate
them because they can reuse them and get years out of them. It challenges
people to do better and it becomes addictive. Many people grew up with
traditional games like monopoly and snakes and ladders, not forgetting super
Mario brothers therefore the person can enjoy revisiting the childhood game.




















Pens and
pencils 



Professional art set.











Even though
times have moved on and iPhones go on Christmas lists for little elves to try
and magic up, pens and pencils are an everyday essential and more and more
people are becoming creative and arty meaning we actually like getting a set of
colouring pencils or nice felt tips to draw with, especially if the loved one
is already arty or taking art as a GCSE, A level, etc it can be expensive to
get all the equipment so we do appreciate a nice set of pens or pencils or
something else arty! 
















Vouchers 











Intu Metro Centre gift card.
Vouchers are
very easy to find and most shops sell them for their own, you cannot go wrong
with vouchers since the person can get whatever they like and you don't have to
think "are they actually going to like this?" I love getting vouchers
because it means I don't have to set a list and wonder if it's too much to ask
or too difficult to find it's just good to go out and get it myself! 
















Clothes 
Pile of sweaters











We all love
clothes and they're an essential you don't have to rob a bank to buy them
either. Some good essentials like some jeans or a sweater can go down so well
especially since its winter. A good big winter coat is amazing because they're
always needed it's not a fussy one, everyone needs a coat therefore everyone
appreciates it! 
















Jewellery 
Jewellery.











Every girl
loves a bit of jewellery to sparkle up her life, it doesn't have to be
expensive either! Earrings are sold in most shops and very versatile even if
your loved one isn't the girlie at of girls, they've probably had their ears
pierced since they were a baby so they can be simple and not something to show
off but appreciated more than any iPhone. 
















Jewellery
boxes/storage 
Jewellery box

















Jewellery figure.




























No one likes
it when their favourite earrings get lost or their ring moves itself from the
drawers to another dimension even though you swear you haven't moved them and
no one else has seen them or been in your room. Jewellery boxes are very
traditional and I'm sure every girl had one while growing up, I loved mine
until I started watching horror films and then the music scared me so that went
up to the attic, now I use a gorgeous figure to hand stuff on, this way I don't
get any horrible knots in necklaces or backs of earrings don't he lost down the
cushioning of the jewellery box.
















Phone
accessories
Portable phone charger.











From
earphones to phone cases we love it all. Phones are now a huge part of our life
and valuable too, just dropping them from a slight height can shatter it so
protecting it with a simple phone case can do us the world, now there's phone
cases for iPhones that charges our phone while we're on the go meaning we can
be out with friends and have a phone, I think this is the greatest creating
ever. Earphones usually break easily if they're cheap ones which means we
actually start to spend more on different cheap ones where as a good quality
pair can last years. 

























Sweets






Everyone
loves sweets whether they're a chocoholic, or love old sweet shop favourites
everyone has a soft spot for a sweet tins of sweets go on sale around the end
of October mostly because of Halloween and then just carry on through Christmas
or if you wanted to send them a childhood sweet that is hard to find nowadays
there are plenty of old sweet shops that will probably have the sweet you're
looking they'll even send them to you in the post which means they're literally
a click away!