Give A Special Gift Food Bank Donating

08.48 in a, bank, chocolate, donating, easy, food, gift, give, homemade, Paid, special, treats

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With less than a week till Christmas, the majority of people are rushing around for those last minute gifts, ordering the turkey, icing the cake and so on. But, not everyone will be doing this, Im not talking about those who are super organised and prepared, Im talking about those who wont be having a Christmas. Those who cant afford to buying those special gifts or enjoy a Christmas dinner.

Im not going to lie, this is the first year I have actually thought about those people and Ive shocked myself by this fact. Of course in the past I have donated to school food and toy collections, but Ive only ever given one item and never given a thought about the causes they are for. There are a lot of people who, like me, have turned almost a blind eye to the matter - Im not saying everyone of you is like this. 

But this year, I actually took in the message. We where told at sixth form that there where children within the school who wouldnt be having a Christmas dinner this year, and most likely no Christmas at all and there would be a food collection to give these families the gift of a hot meal on Christmas day. This struck me. The fact that I was passing people everyday who where in that kind of situation - where their parents probably dont eat so their children can and even then the child may not be having a warming substantial meal. 

(This may seem like Im going off topic slightly) The other day I was at my younger brothers primary school Christmas fair and there was a stall of tins and dried packaged goods. It was coming to the end of the fair and I noticed there was still a lot left on the stall, I was thinking of going over and asking if  they would possibly donate it to the food collection, I didnt. But I really wish I had done as they decided to auction the whole load off and I wish in a way pretty mad at myself for not simply asking. 

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However, this sparked me to do something myself and I did briefly mention the idea in my list of things to do in the run up to Christmas (here). Sadly, I had missed the chance to donate to the food collection at sixth form, but instead I decided to drop some things off at the local food bank. I was in town the other day and had some money left in my pocket, so I popped into ASDA and picked up as much as I could with the £4 I had. It doesnt sound like a lot but I was surprised at how much I managed to get although I wish I could have gotten more. 

I wanted to write this blog post to just share the message that Christmas is a time for giving, Im not demanding you go out and give ££££ worth of food away, you could help in other ways. 

Yes you could spend a few quid and drop it off at your local food bank, they will be closing within the next few days for Christmas so if you miss it possibly do it in the new year. This is the stuff that food banks take as it has a long shelf life.

To give you a rough idea off what I managed to get for just under £4 - jam, 5 tins of soup, 2 tins of veg, porridge oats, spaghetti and a pack of biscuits. 

You could donate toys for less fortunate children, visit an old peoples home and spend time playing games with some of the elderly who may not have a family to go and spend Christmas with, or simply purchasing items from a charity shop. Every little bit helps and the more people that do give a small contribution in some way will create a lot of help for the charities, causes and people. 

I dont plan on just keeping this message for around Christmas time as it is important all year round. 

Luke Cameron is a guy a heard about on Good Morning Britain and I think what he has done this past year is brilliant. Each day in 2014 he has done a good deed! Ill leave the link to his blog so you can read about it if youd like - The Good Deed Diary.

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Angel Food Cake Candle Bakery Fresh

17.16 in a, angel, bakery, cake, candle, collective, food, fresh, haul, little, Paid

So the other week I was, for some reason, a bit too early getting to college for lesson so I decided to wander round town to pass time and ended up popping into savers. I thought it would be a good idea as I am on the look out for a new shampoo and conditioner (if you have any suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments). But me being me I got distracted by other things and didnt leave the shop with a shampoo and conditioner in mind, instead it was this candle.  

I picked this candle up the next day, as I didnt have any money on me originally, and began burning it as soon as I got home. Normally, I dont buy candles even though I do enjoy them, the main reason for this being that I really dont like the majority of scents. I only really like the sweeter smells but ,when I have previously bought sweet smelling candles, they have been to overpowering and left me with a headache - does anyone else get this? 

The smell of cinnamon and pecan is very subtle, I would say it has a stronger vanilla scent. In addition to this there is the sweetness of something like honey in the candle. Im not the best at describing scents so I did have the addition of my mums nose and her opinions.   

It was only £1.99 for this 11oz jar - which is fantastic!

However, it only has two wicks and as a result of this, I am left with a chunk of non melted wax at one side. This my eventually collapse in on itself, but thats hard to tell yet as Ive only burned it 4-5 times. Also I have made the mistake of picking it up by the lid and having it go crashing towards my foot, it was very painful indeed, so you have to be weary of the fact the lid doesnt securely or tightly screw on. 

But overall, its an amazing, decently sized candle, with a great warm and cosy scent which is perfect for this time of year to just have burning in the background.  

In a nutshell

+ Smells amazing and isnt overpowering

+ Great price for the size of the candle

- Having only 2 wicks means you are left a side of unburned wax

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Blogilates Beginners Calendar Day 7 !

04.09 in 7, beginners, blogilates, british, calendar, day, festival, food, great, Paid

In my summer bucket list I listed that I wanted to exercise at least 3 times a week. I managed to go swimming after 7 years - which I have actually somehow managed to keep up going at least once a week. However, I wanted to do something a little more, to get myself a toned up a little. I was determined. Motivated. Well, for about a week. 

I came across Blogilates a few months ago. For those who dont know of Blogilaties, it is a YouTube channel run by the lovely Cassey Ho. She uploads upbeat, fun pilate style workout videos which I personally love as her teaching style keeps you motivated and pushing through till the end. At first I didnt make any effort to do any of the videos. A new video of Casseys would pop up every now and then in my subscription box, which I would ignore - until a few weeks ago at the beginning of summer. I was then led to her website where I discovered her beginners workout calendar and within an hour I had already completed day one.

From Blogilates.com

I made it to day 3. Didnt reach day 4 though. When the day came around where I decided to do day 4s workout, I probably should of been on something like day 12. So I made the decision to begin the calender again. 

Day 4 done! Not followed by day 5. Once again this missing just one day turned into a week. However, I do have an excuse for this failed attempt - I stayed at my dads for 4 days, where there is no internet (I somehow survived). So I restarted.

Day 7?! The first week is complete! This sense of achievement in addition to feeling physically great has given me a boost of motivation. I would say day 1 and 2 where the hardest as it felt as if I was trying to complete a chore, but by day 6 I was looking forward to my chance to workout. Which is something I thought Id never say, lets hope it keeps up!

I personally thought day 5 was the hardest and was unable to complete the last video but I made sure that didnt stop me wanting to carry on on day 6, the day which was my favourite. The stretching felt absolutely amazing and that What Makes You Bootiful workout, wow definitely felt that!

Are you a fan of Casseys workouts? 

Read about the other weeks:
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. - Arthur Ashe

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Tis The Season Christmas Tag

09.24 in angel, bakery, cake, candle, christmas, food, fresh, Paid, season, tag, the, tis

ITS DECEMBER! That means its officially OK to put up the tree and decorations, wear Christmas jumpers, play Christmas music on repeat and watch all the classic Christmas films. To be honest I have been doing the last two since around the end of September, beginning of October, simply because that is when I started preparing the Christmas cake.

I would have loved to have done blogmas, but I havent had the chance to plan or pre write anything so Id end up getting super stressed instead of enjoying the holiday period. Basically, Ive had a ton of work to do because my procrastination habits slipped back in a few weeks back and that meant I was doing everything last minute (clever me). I really hope to do it next year though!

This morning, I brainstormed a bunch of ideas that I hope to do over the coming weeks, which might help me get organized again. But I thought Id start of the beginning of the season with The Christmas Tag, I spotted on the lovely Ariadnas (Rawr Bows) blog. 

1. Whats your favourite Christmas film?

I cant pick just one but obviously The Grinch and Elf; I dont know anyone who doesnt love those two.  Not only do I love both their animation A Christmas Carol tells a great classic story and The Polar Express  is just so magical (I may find myself crying with happiness at it). 

2. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Yes, and Im thankful I get to experience the special magic feeling it brings at the time of year. They where much better when I was younger, I remember one year we had to have Christmas dinner early and relatives had to leave mid afternoon otherwise they probably wouldnt have made it home.

3. Where do you usually spend your holiday?

Ive always spent it at home.

4. What is your favourite Christmas song?

I honestly dont thing I can pick, not even a few.

5. Do you open any presents on Christmas eve?

No, how could we? Santa Clause hasnt been. 

6. Can you name all of Santas reindeer?

Me and my friend tried doing this the other day and werent that bad.

Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Bltizen and there is one more....RUDOLPH. I used to think there was one called Olive?!

7. What holiday traditions are you looking forward to this year?

I cant think of any special traditions we do. I suppose going for a walk with my brothers on Christmas eve and seeing the way too excited.

8. Is your Christmas tree real or fake?

Fake. We always used to get a real one, and I miss that!

9. What is your all time favourite holiday food or sweet treat?

All food at this time of year is amazing. Im a huge fan of Christmas cake and Christmas pudding, especially with rum sauce mmmmm (I dont understand when people say they dont like them, theyre delicious!!!) There are certain chocolates I only eat at Christmas time - Terrys Chocolate Orange, Toblerone, Ferrero Rocher. Believe it or not I love brussel sprouts! My stomachs rumbling thinking about it all.

10. Be honest do you like receiving or giving gifts?

I love giving gifts, especially when I know its something perfect for them or what they want. But receiving gifts is special as it makes me thankful for the people around me.

11. Whats the best Christmas gift youve ever received?

Its probably between my cozy coupe that I received when I was two or my keyboard a few years ago - I played with both constantly for the rest of the day, and the following days.

  

12. What would be your dream place to visit for the holidays?

Id love to visit New York before Christmas day and then Christmas day would be amazing spent skiing and staying in a cute, cosy cabin.

13. Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably?

I get all excited wrapping presents, I do try to and make the gifts all cute and pinteresty, but it doesnt really work out.

14. Most memorable holiday moment?

Theres two, and they both happened the same year. On the 23rd my brothers where sledging and the youngest was heading towards a bin, stuck his foot out and hurt himself. We left it overnight thinking it was just a bang, but took him A&E on Christmas eve to find out hed fractured his leg and he was meant to stay in over Christmas. But because he was singing and laughing the doctors sent him home late Christmas eve, with a cast from his hip to his foot. The second being on Christmas morning, when we where all together in my parents room drinking tea before heading downstairs. My grandma was sat the bed and ,from laughing, fell off. It was a had to be there moment but everyone laughed about it the whole day. 

  15. What made you realise the truth about Santa?

I was actually very unwilling to know the truth. But then my mums friend just blatantly told me and inside I was a little upset.

16. Do you make New Years resolutions? Do you stick to them?

No, because 1. I know I wont stick to it 

2. I can never think of anything.

I do have some ideas for next year though.

17. What makes the holidays special for you?

Personally, I enjoy buying gifts. I see it as a way to thank and show appreciation to my family and friends.   

This was actually really fun and I tag you to do it too! 

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Great British Food Festival

11.59 in board, british, diy, festival, food, great, multi, notice, Paid, purpose

Ive heard food festivals being mentioned a few times but never any close to me - until the Great British Food Festival was advertised in a local paper. So my family and I decided to pop along today. 

Obviously, being with my brothers meant us going to all the stalls with tasters out, I was surprised to find some things that where on offer: zebra, kangaroo, crocodile, camel and ostrich. My mum handed me a slice of sausage on a cocktail stick and I happily ate it, I was curious as it was much chewier than normal sausages, I was then informed by the man of the stall that Id just eaten kangaroo. Im still a bit flabbergasted. 

Of course they had your usual stalls of cheeses, preserves and ordinary meats. But Im almost always drawn to the baked goods stalls! Lets just say that cupcakes where bought and gone before I even thought about getting my camera out. Oops! 

The festival was held on the beautiful grounds of Stonyhurst College and we managed to take a guided tour and talk around the building - learning about its history, the people who lived there and how it became a school. I can honestly say it made me miss history lessons a bit.

We came away with this delicious fresh tomato and herb focaccia, which went amazingly well with a pasta dish. Also a spiced cranberry and orange chutney and I cant express how good this is! We spent quite a while at the Friendly Food and Drink stall trying a wide range of curds, preserves and chutneys. Another one of my favourites was their chilli and chocolate spread. 

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Cosy Christmas Eve

03.11 in a, bank, christmas, cosy, donating, eve, food, gift, give, Paid, special

 Usually it gets around to this day every year and Im rushing about doing lots of little things. But this year, somehow, I seem to be more organized and have got no last minute gift buying, wrapping, baking etc to do! Im pretty surprised at myself. All the gifts where sorted and wrapped by Sunday, the Christmas cakes were covered marzipan, left to dry and then iced by Monday, and mince pies and gingerbread where sorted on Tuesday.

 But as a result of this, it means I dont really have anything I have to do. So I thought what better way to spend the day than snuggled up watching endless Christmas films whilst drinking hot chocolate and tea with some delicious home made baked goods. 

Typical me in the kitchen, making a mess, as I ended up dropping one of the mince pies whilst transferring it from the tray to the cooling rack. I followed Deliciously Ellas mince meat recipe and then for the crust I combined oats, flour, coconut oil and stevia as we didnt have ground almonds or dates.

If youre wondering why the gingerbread men have letters on, its so that my brothers have their own one, so there isnt any fighting over who gets what - Christmas isnt a time for arguing. I used this recipe from Skinnytaste and I highly recommend it, its delicious!

Id love to know how you have/are spending your Christmas eve. Im now going to watch another film and I wish you all a Happy Holiday. 

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