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 

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

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 

Christmas Jumper

Christmas jumper day is just around the corner - 18th December this year. There is still plenty of time to plan what ugly (or not so ugly) sweater you are going to wear. 

Below are just a few of my favourites from this year. 

My first festive jumper I have picked is this garish one from New Look. This one is very "out there" but definitely captures Christmas. 

This jumper is a bargain at £15 from Boohoo also available in "Brunette".

If super fastive jumpers are not your thing this Topshop jumper is for you! I love how the little pearls and sparkly stitching looks like snowflakes. On sale now for £30

Everyone loves Olaf from Frozen and you can have him on your jumper for £16 from ASDA

This is my favourite jumper out of my picks. I love the little romantic kissing penguins! £29 from Hollister 

What jumper are you going to wear this year? There are so many to choose from, I know I'm going to find it hard to chose just one! 

Lots of Love, 

Sophie x 

P.s Remember to donate to Save The Children