Author: Roseanne's Blog

I'm Roseanne :) 33. Married to Tim 💗 I'm a Harry Potter fanatic ⚡ and a Bookworm 📚 I started this blog to document our wedding planning and its grown from there!

A very Harry Potter Christmas: Blogmas day 9 ☇

Hi guys!

So, this is very exciting!! Well I think so anyway haha. For any of my fellow Harry Potter fans out there, this ones for you…

I have seen many photos over the years (thanks Pinterest) of Harry Potter Christmas trees, and with an extra tree in our flat this year, well it seemed rude not to give it a go finally.

I’ve got plenty of Harry Potter memorabilia to create such a masterpiece and so I set about decorating my most magical Christmas tree yet.

I already had lights and fittingly (excluding the pink ) they are red, green, yellow and blue lights, the same colours as the four Hogwarts houses.

I used two Hogwarts ties that I had as tinsel, A red and gold Gryffindor one and a blue and silver Ravenclaw one. The Ravenclaw one is actually my sister Sarah’s, so if your reading this, thanks for your contribution haha.

As I said, I used lots of different bits of my Harry Potter memerobilia to decorate the main body of the tree and it was really fun adding all my little Harry Potter trinkets onto the tree, from baubles to characters, pictures and more.

The tree topper, like many Ive seen online had to be my sorting hat that I got from the Warner Bros studio tour, it brings it all together really well.

Lets take a look…

Ron Pop Vinyl & Hufflepuff bauble.
Harry’s famous glasses.
Dobby pop vinyl & Hogwarts express ticket.
Hermione’s love potion & a Gryffindor tie.
The Gaut family ring & Dumbledore’s chocolate frog card.
The golden snitch.
The time turner.
Yule ball decoration.

 

Here is the finished tree…

The sorting hat!

 

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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The start of advent! 🎄 Blogmas Day 2

Hi guys!

Its day two of Blogmas and its an advent update. I have two advent calenders this year, a chocolate one (Cadburys of course!)

…and a beauty advent, Tanya Burr’s ‘Tanya’s treats’ beauty calendar.

Tanya’s beauty advent calendar is 12 days of Christmas so every other day my Blogmas post will focus on what I have got inside the calendar.

20171201_073230I love having a beauty advent and I wasn’t able to get my hands on Tanya’s last year so I was really pleased to get one, I love her beauty range.

The calendar is really nice, I love the rose gold and shiny burgundy colour scheme and cute sweet shop scene.

Lets take a look at day one!

Behind window number one was a lovely red nail polish. I love the packaging of her nail varnishes, the large gold top and gold writing look really sleek.

The colour is ‘Festive Red’ and is a beautiful and bold Christmas red. This is perfect for the festive season.

20171201_204918(Apologies for the state of my nails!!)

I cant wait to open the next door on Sunday!

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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Christmas decoration Haul:Blogmas day 1

Hi guys!

Blogmas I’m ready for ya! Day one, lets do this!

This first post is all about the decorations. I absolutely LOVE homeware, adding those little (or big!) items that just make a room perfect, cosy & super pretty.

And what could be better than combining two of your favourite things,,, decorations & Christmas!!

Lets take a look at what I’ve got in my little Festive haul…

First up, we bought a new tree!

IMG_20171109_220240_894_resized
‘Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas treee’

Our current tree is a little worse for wear so we picked a new artificial one from Sainburys for £25. It is a 6ft green tree, not too encroaching, just right for our little lounge 🙂

Next up, some decorations for said tree…

Mini glitter baubles
Glitter balls

 

12 pack of glitter baubles; Mini gold star, shaker baubles.

These were also from Sainbury’s and were £6. These are so cute because they are mini and they will look so pretty when they are on the tree, contrasting with the green branches, And who doesn’t love glitter sprinkles?!?

 

‘Jingle bells’
Little pud!

 

6 pack of Christmas pudding bell baubles.

These Christmas pudding bells are super cute and look so festive hanging on the tree. I love the rustic feel to them, the little star cut out and their soft jingle. These were also from Sainbury’s and were £6.

 

IMG_20171109_221825_379_resized
Green glitter ball

Chunky green, glitter bauble.

This bauble is so pretty. Green is my absolute favourite colour (and not just because its super festive… although it helps haha) but also for the Autumnal feel , especially this shade of green.

Its quite a large bauble and is covered in fine dark green and gold glitter. It is then covered in emerald green sequins too. This is going to look so pretty when it catches the light.

It was also from Sainsbury’s and was £1.50.

 

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‘We’re walking in the airrrr’

Flying snowman decoration.

This little guy is adorable and I love how he looks like he is flying through the sky! It kinda reminds me of the classic Christmas film ‘The Snowman’ plus he’s glittery!! winner.

This was £2.99 in a local garden centre.

 

IMG_20171109_221952_440_resized
GLITTER!

Bronze/Dark gold glitter maple leaf decoration.

This leaf decoration is quite simple but looks lovely in this bronzy/gold glitter. This is also quite autumnal but with a glittery, festive touch. This was 75p in Asda.

 

IMG_20171109_221938_823_resized
A letter to Santa

Felt Santa Claus letter hanging decoration

This little decoration is so cute, a little letter to Santa! Loving the festive colours too. This was £1 from Asda.

Lets move onto lights!

Gold star fairy lights
‘Twinkle Twinkle little star’

Gold star lights

These little lights are so cute. I love how they look like mini cookie cutters and I love the gold colour too, they give off a lovely warm glow when they are turned on.

 

IMG_20171108_203123_312_resized
Berrytastic!

Festive berry lights

These little lights are so cute. There are three different coloured bulbs, a warm yellow bulb, a iridescent white bulb and a festive, berry red bulb. These look great in our lounge, I Love them.

 

Red X-MAS bulb lights.

These are SO COOL. I love bulb light signs like these, if you’ve been round here for a while you’ll know we had a white ‘R & T’ version at our wedding which I still have in our lounge. I also have a red star in our kitchen from last Christmas, as red is the accent colour in there.

 

I hope that you enjoyed this blog post. Check back for more festivities throughout the month of December.

 

Until next time,

Roseanne

 

 

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12 months, 12 books!

Hi guys!

I LOVE to read, I would even go as far as to say it is my favourite hobby. So, I thought I would share this hobby with you guys.

So this is basically my guide to a good read. All of these books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed! Its one book for each month of the year. As I’ll explain along the way, I have put certain books and months together just to make it a bit more tailored to those months and to myself (It is my guide after all haha)

I hope you guys find this useful and are drawn to a few of these brilliant books, maybe you could pop them onto your Christmas list! You may even know someone who would enjoy one of these, or failing that they would make great stocking fillers,

Lets take a look at the books I’ve chosen…

Bridget Jones Diary By Helen Fielding.

Because we all need a bit of cheering up in January! & Bridget is a very endearing character. January is probably when most people would start writing a new diary, a new year, a new chapter.

Billy & Me By Giovanna Fletcher.

A brilliant and cosy love story, wonderfully written. You will fall in love with the setting, its characters and the story of a young couple in love.

Blood sisters by Jane Corry.

I really enjoyed this book and found the twists really keep you on your toes.

After I’ve gone By Linda Green.

This book is SO gripping. With social media being at the forefront of todays culture this novel really makes you think. (+ its full of Harry Potter references!!)

Is it just me? By Miranda Hart.

May is my birthday month and I received this book for my birthday a few years ago. It is full of laughs. Miranda Hart is my favourite comedian and this hilarious book of anecdotes and stories is just fab! Sure to put a smile on your face. Almost halfway!

The Notebook By Nicholas Sparks.

“Every great love starts with a story.” This book is beautiful, true love personified, it made me cry!! (All the feels!!) and during what is a special month for me and my husband I thought this was a rather apt choice.

“I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough..”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”
― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Lying about last summer by Sue Wallman.

Since July is the start of the summer I thought that this would make a good choice. This one is a teenage read (technically, but don’t let that put you off adults!!) It is super easy to get into and is just a lovely story about overcoming fears and letting go of guilt.

Change of heart By Jodi Picoult.

I was on holiday when I read this, hence the choice of months! and this is by far one of my favourites of all of Jodi Picoults books. It is SO gripping you honestly won’t be able to put it down, 10/10.

Harry Potter and the Philosphers Stone By J.K Rowling

Because was I ever going to do a book review without getting a Harry Potter book in there?? (NO, No I was not) This book is so MAGICAL and if your anything like me you’ll be dreaming of boarding that train to Hogwarts on September the 1st.

The Ice cream girls By Dorothy Koomson.

Take yourself back to Summer time with this seaside set novel. Heart breaking but brilliantly written by another one of my favourite authors.

Mince pies and mistletoe at the Christmas market By Heidi Swann.

This is a lovely easy reader with an awesome festive feel to it. If this doesn’t get you into the festive spirit I don’t know what will!!

Tanya’s Christmas By Tanya Burr

This is a fantastic book to get you feeling super festive, but also prepared for all the merriment. Its not a story, its more of a guide to Christmas and Christmas prep. Its full of brilliant crafty ideas, tantalizing recipes that will make your mouth water and make up, gifting and wrapping ideas to get those festive juices flowing, perfect.

 

These books are all quite different so I’m hoping there’s something in there for all of you guys to get your teeth stuck into,

What’s your favourite book? Favourite Author? Any recommendations?

 

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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Blogmas 2017! ITS HAPPENING!!

Hi guys!

This is just a brief post to remind you that I will indeed be embarking on Blogmas again this year.

Yup, that’s a blog a day, everyday throughout the month of December, up until the big day on the 25th.

I bloody LOVE Christmas so expect some super festive and fun ideas, craft, recipes, make up, party looks, gifting, food and SO MUCH MORE!!

Its tough but I am so excited to get stuck in and document my festivities, as well as hopefully spreading the festive fun and inspiring you guys to make the best of this time of year, because it really is the most wonderful time of the year. 

So watch out December 1st, I’m coming for you!

 

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

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My top 5 ways to relax!

Here are my 5 simple steps to having a relaxing evening.

I know this is personal preference but its just my favourite way to unwind and relax after a busy week and I thought that I would share it with you guys.

Enjoy!

Step 1:

Treat yourself!

After work on Friday I walked into town and treated myself by getting my nails done. I have only had them professionally done a handful of times and its been ages, So I thought why not!

I went to a little salon where we got our nails done ready for my sisters wedding in 2015. I really wanted an Autumnal colour as I am loving those shades at the moment.

Here’s what I went for …

IMG_20171110_191147_033A full set of acrylics in this lovely dark browny, bronzy colour.

Step 2:

Pamper yourself!

As soon as I got home I ran myself a nice hot bath. I love baths and find them super relaxing. I picked out my favourite LUSH products to add to my bath because the only thing better than a regular bath is a LUSH bath!!

One of my favourite LUSH products is the ‘Comforter’ bubble bar. I also used the Body Shop Vanilla Pumpkin shower gel, from their Autumn range, which I am loving at the mo! The bubble bar creates super bubbles and the smell of the shower gel is DI-VINE.

Step 3:

Get cosy!

I popped on some cosy, festive (I know its early, apologies but at least it is November!!) PJS and grabbed a cosy throw and snuggled down on the sofa.

…and don’t forget the cosy socks.

Step 4:

Entertainment!

Its really important to take the time to do things that you love but usually don’t have time for, read a book, catch up on your fav shows, do a puzzle, write, anything.

IMG_20171111_145241_516.jpgI opted for my current book because reading is by far one of my favourite hobbies. I also had the remote in order to catch up with a couple of the soaps that I watch.

Step 5:

Food!

Because come on, no relaxing and cosy blog post of mine is complete without it (in fact I can think of many times that are incomplete without it haha)

I made myself some indulgent loaded fries for dinner and a nice cold drink too. Time to tuck in!

 

I felt so much better taking some time to myself and relaxing after a busy week.

Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing.

Until next time,

Roseanne 🙂

 

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Halloween fun 🎃👻

So, as we all know yesterday was Halloween! Good ‘ol October 31st 🎃

I did a few different things this year to enjoy this festival, It’s not something I particularly celebrate as such but it’s quite a fun festival to take part in, it’s a good excuse to get together/dress up etc and I love the spooky, dark atmosphere too.

On Saturday we had a family Halloween party…

Party food, spooky music, costumes, decorations, family, fun & pumpkin carvings too! 

The kiddies loved it (the adults too) and it’s a nice reason to all get together.

On Sunday, Me, my sister Sarah & her friend went to a Halloween event in one of our local parks. Its a paid for event but all proceeds go to a local charity. It was called ‘Whose scared of the park? After dark. For thr even they had volunteers hiding around the park ready to scare you.

The volunteers were dotted around a planned 5k walking course and they were dressed in brilliant costumes from creepy brides, chainsaw wielding madmen, nuns, clowns and more. It was a fun walk (cold🤤, but fun) and everybody dressed up and got into the Halloween spirit.

We decorated our faces to look like creepy, cracked faced dolls… 

This was so much fun to do and super effective. 

The final Halloween activity that I did this year was a trip to the cinema on Halloween night to watch a horror film, one of my fave genres of film.

We (Me & Sarah) went to our local cinema, as monthly cinema card holders its one of our favourite things to do and there are a few good horror films out atm, be rude not to see one on Halloween.

We went to see the latest film from the ‘Saw’ franchise called Jigsaw. I really enjoyed the film, it had a really good twist to the plot and aside from the gore (what did I really expect from a Saw film!!) it was easy to watch too.

I hope you enjoyed your spooky Halloween celebrations, whatever they were!

How do you celebrate Halloween? 

Until next time, 

Roseanne 🙂

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Afternoon tea: Aqua Springs 

So on Sunday we treated mum to a spa day and afternoon tea for her birthday! Her birthday was back in September but we thought half term was the perfect time to indulge. We went to Aqua Springs Spa in Colchester which is brilliant and a lot more reasonably priced than most spas, plus you can spend as long there as you like! 

If you’ve been around here before you’ll have noticed that I have reviewed a few afternoon teas (I love cake, ok!?) I mean are you even human if you don’t.

Here are the links to those if you want to check them out too…

Afternoon tea: Suffolk Food Hall

Afternoon tea: The Salthouse Harbour Hotel 

Afternoon tea: Patisserie Valerie 

So let’s get into why we’re really here, the food. I just love the mixture of things that afternoon tea brings together and it was perfect as a little treat alongside the relaxing spa. So let’s take a look.

We had a stand between two people and each stand had three tiers:

Tier one (bottom) was the savoury, a selection of sandwiches

  • Egg
  • Ham
  • Cucumber 
  • Cheese 
  • Tuna

The sandwiches were lovely, delicate finger sandwiches. The only thing I would say was that this tier could have done with something else savoury such as a little savoury tart or a sausage roll as there was alot more on both of the sweet layers.

Tier two (middle) was the scones with cream and strawberry jam. Each person got two full sized scones which was awesome. There was a really good amount of jam and cream too, you each got an individual mini jar of strawberry jam and a mini pot of cream between two. There was also some fresh strawberries on this tier which was nice. 

Tier three (top) was the cake tier.

  • Mini pieces of lemon drizzle cake
  • Mini macaroons (Pistachio, lemon, vanilla, coffee, strawberry & chocolate) 

You got three pieces of lemon drizzle each (nice and moist!) And three mini macaroons too, the variety of flavours was amazing and the meringues were chewy and crisps. 

Also served with the afternoon tea was a cup of either tea or coffee. You only got one hot drink with the afternoon tea which wasn’t quite enough, we weren’t sure if you could ask for a refill or not.

Of all the afternoon teas this one was the cheapest at £9 per person. Although I have said that there are several things that could have been added to this (because nothings perfect) for £9 it was absolutely brilliant. 

Until next time, 

Roseanne 🙂

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Real Techniques Sculpting set.

I have been admiring the Real Techniques Sculpting set for a little while now. Most of my brushes are Real Techniques as I got them for a bargain price last year, check that out here.

So this sculpting set is a collectors edition so the look of the brushes is a bit different, they are more shiny and metallic as apposed to the usual matte look that the handles have. The set includes some brushes that I have wanted to try for ages as well as ones that I’ve wanted better versions of. 

Let’s take a look at the set…

Accentuate favourite features, create defined contours for added depth, or simply enhance your natural bone structure with our collectors edition sculpting set. 

With the use of light and dark makeup shades, this set gives you the flexibility to transform your look:

-Look pixel perfect even in harsh light.

-Ultra plush synthetic bristles. 

  • Sculpting brush:  Features a wide, angled head specifically designed to help create defined contouts.
  • EXCLUSIVE Fan brush: Softly sweeps on powders & whisks away any excess make up for an even finish.
  • Setting brush: The key to completing any look with a controlled dusting of powder or highlighter.

(Pics below in order of list)

    This is perfect for contouring and really defines your cheek bones.

    This fan brush is so light and soft, it creates an amazing highlight with a small amount of product. 

    The setting brush is great for blending in concealer. This is what I’ve used it for so far and it works really well, especially for lighter concealor under and around the eyes.

    Here’s how my make up looked when I used these brushes: 

    You can tell that these brushes are really good quality and this set only cost me £8.99 on eBay. 

    Which make up brushes are your fave?

    Until next time, 

    Roseanne 🙂

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    The Autumn Tag 🍁

    I love Autumn, cool crisp mornings, foggy horizons, colourful crunchy leaves, candles and all things cosy. 

    I thought it would be fun to do another ‘tag’ post as I feel like thise are quite fun to write and read! & they reveal a bit more about the person writing them, Me!

    So without further ado, here is my Autumn tag 🍂

    8 questions, here we go!

    1. Favourite Autumnal lipstick:    💄I have recently discovered my little collection of berry toned lip products ready for this season (see below)

    My favourite berry lip is the Bourjois Rouge Velvet liquid lipstick in the shade ” perfect for this season. 

    For a more ‘everyday look’ I picked up a lovely nude with a purple tinge to it from Ptimark, its a bit more understated but still really pretty. 


    2.     Favourite Autumnal scent:  I really love candles at this time of the year, they are just so cosy and I have a couple at home that I’m really enjoying. One is a vanilla cupcake candle which has a strong scent of vanilla and gives off cosy baking vibes ✌ The other is all about the berries, sweet and warming, 

    I also picked up this beautiful candle holder/jar from TK Maxx last Autumn and I’ve got it out again. I love the Autumn leaf pattern, the colours look lovely when a candle is lit inside.

    3. Favourite Autumn clothing: It has to be cosy jumpers, without a doubt! The obsession is real and I have added a few new ones to my collection this year, because can you ever have too many aye, whose with me?!

    I also LOVE cosy pjs! Something that will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me well. I picked up a super cute pair from Sainsbury’s with this lovely woodland animal/ Autumn theme, adorable. Is there anything cuter than an animal dressed in knitwear… (nope!) 🐿🌰

    …told you! (Adorable) 

    4. Favourite thing about Autumn: The refreshing, crisp air (especially in the morning!) and definatly the colours 🍂🍁 The trees just look beautiful and they always make me smile, stop  and look.    

    5.  Favourite seasonal beverage? I have been loooooving Options hot chocolate sachets recently, especially now that its much colder. My favourite flavours are the Strawberry and Chocolate Orange ones 👌 

    & they are great if you follow the Slimming World plan as I do 👍🏻 Sachets range from 1-2.5 syns.

    6. Favourite skincare products: I am loving my new moisturiser that I picked up a couple of weeks ago, its the Neutrogena Hydro boost gel cream. I have combination skin and this is so hydrating and perfect for using before bed. The colder weather isn’t great for dry skin so I hope this keeps my skin in tip top shape.

    I’m also super interested in The Body Shops new range ‘Vanilla Pumpkin ‘ it sounds AMAZING, really Autumnal and I’m hoping to pick up something soon. 🎃

    7. Favourite accessories: It has to be my Black watch scarf  (no idea what I’m talking about?!? Yeah, don’t worry I didn’t know the technial name for the green/navy tartan but there yaaa go!) 

    I’m also loving my Mustard coloured scarf that my Auntie got me.

    I LOVE bobble hats 😁 They are soooo cosy and look super cute & casu’ with any Autumnal outfit. The perfect Autumn accessory. 

    Zoella has brought out a bobble hat in her new Zoella Lifestyle range, It’s grey with a bottle green bobble (fave colour alert!) So I can’t wait to pick that up. 

    8. Favourite Autumnal nail varnish:  Some of my favourite nail varnish shades are dark bottle green, copper, red, burgundy and anything quite grungy and dark. A specific fave is a berry toned one by Barry M, the shade is ‘Raspberry’ and it’s my ultimate nail colour, and one of their classics.

    I hope you enjoyed that guys!
    See you again soon for something Halloween themed, let’s get spooky 🎃

    Until next time, 

    Roseanne 🙂

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