50 Thing That Make Me Happy Tag

Today's post is the 50 Things That Make Me Happy Tag. I wasn't tagged to do this post but it's always good to remember the things that make you happy!

01. Family

02. My Boyfriend

03. Baking

04. Christmas Time

05. Seeing blossom on cherry trees

06. Coffee

07. Going out with my friends

08. Nights In

09. Sitting in front of the fire in my pyjamas

10. Starry nights

11. Receiving Flowers

12. Blogging

13. Online shopping

14. Waking up to watch the sunrise, especially in the summer time

15. Watching the sunset

16. Sunshine

17. Burning candles

18. Handbags

19. Going to the theatre

20. Road Trips

21. Clean bed sheets

22. Friday night

23. Black Milk Clothing

24. Collecting shells at the beach

25. Chocolate

26. Snow days

27. The feeling after working hard at the gym

28. Paris

29. Reading a good book

30. Holidays

31. Taking photos

32. Freshly painted nails

33. White sandy beaches and crystal clear water

34. Going to sleep and not having to set an alarm

35. Pay Day

36. Travelling

37. Going to the cinema and seeing a good film

38. Long walks

39. Ice Cream

40. Blue skies with fluffy white clouds

41. Fireworks

42. Christmas Lights

43. Lush cosmetics

44. The smell of fresh cut grass

45. Disney

46.When the days become longer knowing that summer is not far away

47. Bunnies

48. Cocktails

49. Clean and tidy house

50. Red lipstick

What makes you happy?

Lots of Love,

Sophie xx

Disney Converse

How awesome are these shoe?! 

These are from Starcrossed Designs on Facebook. The girl hand paints all designs onto either Converse or Dr Martins; I chose Converse as they are more my style. The next step was choosing what I wanted painted on my shoes - this was not difficult for me! I knew I wanted something Disney and as Rapunzel is my favourite princess it seemed like a no brainier. 

The lantern boat scene is so beautiful I picked this to go on one shoe. the second shoe I wasn't so sure what I wanted. I wanted Pascal and Maximus incorporated in the design but wasn't sure how so messaged the girl and she helped me come up with something. I am really happy with how they turned out! 

You can add if you want glittery toes, I obviously chose this because I love anything sparkly! Sparkly laces is also and option - the plain white laces were sent with the shoes so they can be changed. 

The shoes did take some time to arrive! I was quoted about 6 weeks but they took 10 weeks to arrive (I received them Christmas Eve). It was around Christmas so I imagine she was very busy around this time (just something to bear in mind if you wanted to get them as a gift for someone). 

Overall I had a great experience with Starcrossed Designs and I really love my shoes. I am yet to wear them as it's a bit cold and it's been really wet but I think they'll be great for when the Spring time arrives.  

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x

Festivities In A Snapshot

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

Before all the decorations and the tree comes down I wanted to share a few pictures from over the festive period. 

What did you all get up to over the season?

Lots of Love, 

Sophie

Fifteen Festive Questions Tag

1. Favourite Christmas smell/scent?

Every year since I can remember my mum has bought Mandarin, Clove and Cinnamon room spray from M&S which I love but nothing can beat the smell of Christmas dinner cooking.

2. Gingerbread or Candy Canes?

Gingerbread. I prefer the look of candy canes - they are so cute! But I never eat them. 

3. Is your tree real or fake?

I kind of have two... My parents have a real tree and over at my Boyfriends we have a fake one, best of both worlds!

4. Quality Street or Roses? 

Quality Street every time - they just seem more Christmassy to me! The coloured wrappers remind me of colourful fairy lights and they taste better.

5. Do you dress up or down for December 25th?

On Christmas day I have always dressed up any excuses to wear a sparkly dress (not that I need an excuse). 

6. Do you have any specific festive traditions?

When myself and my two brothers were younger we would get to buy a new Christmas decoration for the tree every year. Now I am older I have started buying my own decorations which I put on the tree over at my Boyfriends. We also always go to Church on Christmas Eve and then have mulled wine and mice pies when we get back. 

7. Any embarrassing Christmas moments that come to mind?

I can't think of anything embarrassing moments but I am sure there are plenty that I have chosen to "forget" about. 

8. Do you wake up early or late on Christmas morning?

Every other day of the year I am certainly not a morning person but Christmas morning is much different! I always wake up early super excited to see what Santa has left in my stocking. 

9. If you had a stocking where did you hang them?

I still have a stocking - I think it's the best bit! We put them on the sofa in our space we sit in. 

10. Favourite festive film/s?

My all time favourite film is Love Actually but I also love watching The Snowman and also The Snowman and The Snowdog - so cute! I also love watching all the Christmas specials that are on TV I especially can't wait for Dr Who and Downton Abbey. 

11. Was there a present you always wanted but never received? 

I don't remember not ever receiving anything on my Santa Letter, apart from maybe a pony.

12. What was the best gift you received as a child? 

I was about 8 years old and I desperately wanted a Baby Annabell and a micro scooter (remember those?!). Mum told me I had to pick one because there was lots of boys and girls Santa had to give to! I never could decide on one but come Christmas morning I received both! I was so happy! 

13. What is on top of your Christmas tree?

On the top of my parents tree we have a fairy and on the top of my boyfriends tree we have a sparkly gold star.

14. Favourite festive food?

Every Christmas, even at the age of 22 I'll start to attack some of my sweeties but my favourite festive food has to be Christmas dinner, especially skirlie which is Scottish but it's similar to stuffing. 

15. Favourite festive activity?

After we've had Christmas dinner we play a game, each year it's a different game but it's always great fun. 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Nars - Sin

The first time I saw this blush was on Miss Budget Beauty's Blog ever since then I have been desperate to try it! It's a gorgeous shade of pink. Before receiving it the other week I hadn't actually seen it in real life but thought I would just go for it anyway, I certainly wasn't disappointed when it arrived. 

 I love the Nars make up packaging but I do find that it can get dirty with finger prints really easily. The blush itself is beautiful shade of rosey pink with a hint of sparkle but not too much - small little flecks. Its not the easiest to blend but can be built up to the level of blush you like. 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x  

What's In My Party Clutch

Only ten days until Christmas Day! I can't believe how quick it has come round and I am sooo excited! I'm sure lots of you will have parties and events coming up over the next few weeks so thought I would share with you what I carry in my party clutch. When I go out partying I usually use the smallest bag so what I have with me is the bare essentials! It can be difficult for me to know what to take with me because my day bag is like Mary Poppins' handbag - full of everything! 

For me my phone is the most important thing in my bag. It's great for taking picture and capturing the night. But most importantly getting in touch with your friends if you get lost (it happens to the best of us) and calling a taxi to get home. 

Money is equally as important for paying for the taxi and drinks if you head to a club or cocktail bar. If I'm heading into town I always take my ID - near enough every time I get ID'd, I suppose I should take it as a compliment!

I always have some make up with me; usually my lipstick to touch up and compact. 

House keys might seem like an obvious one but I don't always take keys with me if I am going out with my Boyfriend - especially if I am pushed for space in my bag. 

Lastly I take with me a hair tie and a few bobby pins just in case I decide to change my hair style (read put in a bun because it got in the way #longhairproblems).

What do you carry in your party clutch?

Remember to stay safe during the party season. 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

O Christmas Tree

Is that a real fir? 

Since I can remember we have always had a real Christmas tree and this year was no different. I much prefer real ones but do understand why people have an artificial tree - they cause such a mess! Though I think that's all part of the fun - finding pine needles half way through the year in the oddest of places! The smell of a real tree in the house is amazing! I love going down stairs in the morning to the smell of pine needles and Christmas. 

We went to the forest last weekend to get the tree. As always there was such a debate on which one to get. We ended up going for a ten foot tree which touches the ceiling! I love it! The bigger the better when it comes to Christmas trees! 

When we got back it was rather cold so we put the fire on and had hot chocolate and a fairy cake. 

I love our tree so much! It has a Victorian feel to it with the white lights and lots of different baubles. These are some close ups of my favourite baubles although there are too many to choose from! 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Christmas Cookie

I love baking cookies! They always go down a treat and are virtually fool proof to make. Also  you can make any flavour you like just use the basic recipe and then add whatever you want.

You will need: 

125g Butter

100g Light Soft Brown Sugar

125g Caster Sugar

1 Egg

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

225g Self-Raising Flour

1/2 tsp Salt

White Chocolate 

Orange Zest 

Green & Red Smarties

Pre heat over to 180C, cream together the butter, sugars and egg. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix. It doesn't matter how much or how little chocolate you add its all down to personal preference - I quite like a lot of chocolate chips. 

Place baking paper onto a baking tray, scoop about a walnut size amount onto the tray and bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden. Remember to leave enough space in between each ball of mixture as when the cookies bake they will spread out. 

If you try them out let me see them with the hashtag #sophieschristmascookies or in the comments below.
 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie

Christmas Jammies

I love having new pyjamas for Christmas. I know lots of families have the tradition of getting a new pair on Christmas Eve; that's not something we ever did but of recent years I have been buying myself new pyjamas for the season. Below are some of my current favourites

Three pairs I have picked are from Victoria's Secret, this was not intentional I just love their pyjamas so much! They have lots of different styles and designs to pick from. Another feature I really like about VS is that you can pick the leg length which is amazing! I always struggle with finding pyjamas that go past my ankle so for me this is a great addition. The candy cane pyjamas, polar bear short pyjamas and the pink multi colour star pyjamas are all from Victoria's Secret. I actually have the star pyjamas on the way to me. 

The cute little penguin shorts are from Cath Kidston. These pyjamas will be great for after the festive season too as they don't scream "CHRISTMAS" 

I was so excited when Rosie Huntington-Whiteley released her Rosie for Autograph line at M&S because I just love her style! None of her releases have ever disappointed and these pyjamas are just gorgeous. These could also be worn all year round. 

The reindeer pyjamas are from Primark as are the red check long sleeve pyjama set. Like Victoria's Secret I love Primark for pyjamas because there are lots of styles, designs and are affordable. The only thing I find with Primark pyjamas is they seem to shrink after a few washes but for the price you can hardly complain! 

This Hollister pyjama top is super cute! You could even wear it as a top for day time as it's not super obvious that it is a pyjama top apart from the fact it is sold in the pyjamas section... 

Finally are these Coca-Cola pyjamas from Asda; you know it's Christmas when the Coca-Cola advert is on TV so I just had to include these! 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Favourite Christmas Songs

For me Christmas starts as soon as Halloween is over (sometimes even before) and the best way to start celebrating the festive season is with Christmas music! Below is just a few of my top favourite songs. 

1. All I want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey 

2. The Power of Love - Frankie Goes to Hollywood

3. O come, O Come, Emmanuel

4. Holly Jolly Christmas - Michael Bublé

5. Santa Baby - Marilyn Monroe 

6. The Holly And The Ivy

7. Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

8. Last Christmas - Wham 

9. Step Into Christmas - Elton John

10. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

These are not in any order - I love them all the same! 

What's your favourite Christmas song or carol?

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

Midnight Mistletoe

Ohh so very sparkly! 

I love festive nails! Well actually I love everything Christmassy - festive nails is just one of the things I love. Red is a classic Christmas colour and something that I'll always go back to. Today I wanted to add a little twist with this glitter bomb nail polish "Midnight Mistletoe" from Rimmel London.

I bought this last year but noticed Rimmel are still selling them on the Boots website. I'm not sure if they have been re-released or if they have been available all year round; either way they are definitely worth the £3.99 price tag. Boots also have a 3 for 2 offer on just now so you don't have to chose just one glittery nail polish!    

The Nails Inc polish is called "Big Red Apple" and was a free gift in a Glamour magazine. I can't seem to find it on their site; it was possibly an exclusive to Glamour but this St James nail colour also from Nails Inc looks very similar. 

Expect to see some more festive nails before the big day!

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x