Blogmas 2019 Day Eight: Decorating the Christmas tree πŸŽ„


Heres to a very important Christmas tradition, the start of the festive season…

… putting up your tree!

Here is ours this year.


Here are my little helpers! They loved helping me decorate the tree.

& of course we needed snacks to keep us going during the decorating process.

I put our tree up quite early this year (in the middle of November, dont hate me!!) I love it.

I love our red, gold and green themed tree and each year I buy a new bauble. This year I got us a few which will feature in another of my Blogmas posts (Affordable Christmas decs)

I got ua a cute ‘2019’ bauble too.

Tell me about your tree? πŸŽ„


Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

Blogmas 2019: Day Six Decoration shopping πŸŽ„

One shop that is doing amazing Christmas decorations this year is Matalan.

They have a great mix of traditional and more modern decorations.

They also have a real mix of the types of decorations that they sell, from small tree decorations, tinsel, wreaths, tall standing nutcrackers, centrepieces, table clothes, sacks, stockings and so much more!

It’s all really affordable too.

I’ll try and include as much info about prices etc as I can πŸ‘πŸ»


Let’s take a look!


I was literally in Christmas heaven browsing the aisles!!

Christmas throws, From Β£6

These look super cosy ❀

They had a selection of different themed throws from the traditional Farisle patterned ones as well as tartan ones, reindeer and christmas tree patterned ones and block coloured ones, in various Christmas colours.

Assorted coloured Christmas Stockings & Christmas sacks (Sacks Β£10)

These luxurious lettered sacks and stockings are really lovely.

Santa and Snowman stockings and sacks

I love these traditional stockings and sacks.

Super cute and great for traditionalists a kids a like!

Pine cone Christmas wreaths. Β£15

These are SO pretty.

They had circular red pine cone wreaths and White heart shaped pine cone wreaths. They also did feather wreaths.

Assorted colour tinsel

Because let’s be honest, theres not alot that’s more christmassy than row upon row of tinsel!!! 🌟

Assorted tree decorations.

These were sectioned off by colour/style, so you’d definatly be able to find something to fit your style/colour or theme.


I hope you’ve enjoyed this little look into Matalans Christmas offerings.

I love Christmas decoration shopping SO MUCH!!!


Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

Blogmas 2019 Day Four: ‘The Season’ Musical β„


Day four of Blogmas is here!

Recently me and my husband Tim made an impromptu visit to the theatre. I saw a local Christmassy show advertised on Facebook and thought, why not!?

Every year we see the Rock N roll Christmas panto at the same theatre so we hoped this would be to the same standard! And it didn’t disappoint.

‘A New Musical by Jim Barne & Kit Buchan

It’s Christmas Eve and Dougal has travelled from Ipswich to New York for his father’s wedding. At JFK Airport he’s greeted by Robyn. Tomorrow her sister becomes his stepmother and Robyn’s dreading it. Dougal can’t wait. But then Dougal loves Christmas and Robyn’s the original Grinch.

Thrown together for a wild weekend in the city that never sleeps, their adventure becomes a musical whirlwind of confession, frustration and maxing-out credit cards in Macy’s. Will these two endearing misfits provide the ultimate test for the theory that opposites always attract? ‘


It had a lovely Christmassy feel to it and it was a very cute story.

The songs and acting were great and it was really funny, a feel good story.

It was set in NYC at Christmas which is famously magical and festive at Christmas so that was really cool.
I always think it’s so amazing how they do such an awesome job of portraying a story with few actors (there were only 2 in this show) and a simple stage layout that they adapt for different scenes. It’s very clever.

We felt so festive afterwards and it was the perfect pre Christmas activity!

I’m really glad we went as we don’t often go to these kinds of shows, favouring the cinema. It was a very welcome change and a lovely evening spent together.


21 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS πŸŽ„


Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

Blogmas 2019 Day Three: Christmas jumper guide

Festive fashion that doesn’t have to break the bank!

Here’s my guide to some of the best Christmas jumpers that I have seen this year on the high street ans online ….


Primark


‘Santa Claus is coming to town’

It sings.

Need I say anymore??

It’s nice, simple, cute & has beautiful red glittery embroidered writing, and did I mention, IT SINGS.

Β£12

Primark have a brilliant selection of Christmas jumpers and Christmas T-Shirts this year.

They are definatly worth a look.


Matalan


Fab-Yule-Us

Because who doesnt love a Christmas play on words.

This is one of my favourites this year.

Β£15


Next


‘Pigs in blankets’

So cute.

Β£30


‘Pink, high neck Ho, Ho, Ho Jumper.’

Such a lovely colour.

Β£32


Such a pretty reindeer 🦌

Β£35


George at Asda


How could j not include a Harry Potter Jumper…

Β£14


‘Merry & Bright’

Β£16


This is adorable.

Penguins always look cute on a Christmas jumper 🐧

Β£16


New Look


Longline Slogan Chrsitmas Jumper

Β£25.99

This looks super cosy and cute.

I like how you could team this with skinny Jean’s or leggings for a super comfy Christmas outfit.


Asos


Asos Christmas Charity jumper

I love the stylish cream colour of this jumper. The detailing of the colourful embroidered trees is really pretty, nice ans simple but effective. I like how they look like the they are made out of tinsel.

Β£28


Asos have a lovely selection of Fairisle patterned Christmas jumpers. So much so that I couldn’t choose! They ranged in style, size of the pattern and colour. Definatly worth checking out if you dont want anything too gimicky for a Christmas, something with a little festive feel to it.


Misguided


Rudolph, sequins, pom poms, what’s not to love!?!?

Β£25


I hope you’ve found this Christmas jumper guide helpful. Get those numpers bought and wear them with pride this December.

Christmas really is the most magical time of the year!!!


22 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!


Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

Blogmas 2019 Day Two: My reading challenge, the December edition πŸ“š

We’ve made it to the final month of my reading challenge! I’m honestly surprised I managed to keep this up all year but also very pleased.

I will do a little round up in Jan of everything that I have read this year and perhaps introduce a new challenge for 2020.

Firstly, I will share with you what I read in November…

  • A Christmas gift by Sue Moorcroft
  • T’was the Nightshift before Christmas by Adam Kay
  • A wedding in December by Sarah Morgan

I thoroughly enjoyed all of these books and they have definitely got me into the festive spirit

So, without further ado, for the last time in 2019, here are my reading picks for this month…


The Christmas Wishlist by Heidi Swain


After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him. Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . .
Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.
As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?


The Christmas Stocking and Other Stories by Katie Fforde


THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING: Romy is all set to join her boyfriend and his family in France for Christmas, though truth be told she isn’t looking forward to it very much. And then she meets Felix – and her plans for the big day suddenly become a lot more interesting.

CANDLELIGHT AT CHRISTMAS: It was meant to be the perfect Christmas – surrounded by friends and family in their beautiful home in the country. But then the lights go out, and Fenella knows she will have to work very hard to keep everyone happy …

THE CHRISTMAS FAIRY: It’s Christmas Eve in Crinan, and a young man is on his own with only his nephew and niece for company. Then Ella arrives. Dressed as a fairy, she is determined to wave her wand and give them all the best Christmas ever.
And many more!


23 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS πŸŽ„


See you tomorrow for Blogmas Day 3!

Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

My reading challenge: November β›„πŸ“š

The penultimate installment of my reading challenge is here!

This year has gone seriously quickly.

I’m quite looking forward to reflecting on all the books I’ve read this year though.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what I read last month and what I’ll be reading this month…


What did I read last month:


The big little festival by Kellie Hailes

&

The Husbands secret by Liane Moriarty

I enjoyed both of these. The big little festival was a very easy read and I really enjoyed its cosy vibes. The husbands secret took a little bit to get into it and you had to really focus on each character to keep track. When the characters started to link together it was a bit easier to follow and towards the end the chapters were a much more manageable length which I liked, and this made it quite gripping as the story really got going.


This months books:


A Christmas Gift by Sue Moorcroft.

One Christmas can change everything…

‘Georgina loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Gerorgines struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school, and when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistants Georgines grateful for the help. But rheres something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of her friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all? ‘


T’was the night shift before Christmas by Adam Kay

‘Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat… but 1.4 million NHS staff are heading off to work. In this perfect present for anyone who has ever set foot in a hospital, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious, horrifying and sometimes heartbreaking peek behind the blue curtain.

T’was the nightshift before Christmas is a love letter to all those who spend their festive season on the front line, removing babies and baubles from the various places they get stuck, at the most wonderful time of the year.’


&

A wedding in December by Sarah Morgan

‘The White family are gathering for Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the brides parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughters marriage is a milestone are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret about their own, they are on the brink of divorce. The last thing they need is to be trapped together on an irresistibly romantic Winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister Katie is worries that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake so she is determined to save her sister from herself, if only the irritatingly good looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her Fiance but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived – how can she tell tell she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one family Christmas none of them will ever forget.’


I am so ready for cosy Christmassy, festive, reads πŸ“šπŸ“š

This is definatly one of my favourite times of the year to grab a book.

I’m glad I’ve got mine ahead of time as it can get so busy at this time of year and these kinds of books are great for grabbing a few moments of calm in all the Christmas chaos.

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Halloween party fun! πŸŽƒ

Today we had a little family Halloween party!

We all got a few bits together, costumes & food and headed to my twin sister Sarah’s house, with her family, my husband Tim, and my sister Charlotte and her family.

The kids (& me) were very excited.

Noah was desperate for a party and this was the perfect time to do it as we were all working on Halloween.

We popped on our costumes and Halloween themed clothes to get into the Spooky spirit.

& first things first, we needed to decorate!

Once everybody had arrived we tucked into some yummy party food whilst watching a bit of Hotel Transylvania.

(If you would like to know how to make these cupcakes head over to my previous post )

For our activities we had Spooky Halloween arts & crafts…

…A bat pinata,

& a game of ‘Pin the eyes on the spider.’

It was lots of fun!

πŸŽƒHAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYBODYπŸŽƒ

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

Halloween Bat cupcakes πŸ¦‡

I hope you enjoyed Halloween on Thursday πŸŽƒ

What did you do?


If, like us, you are celebrating Halloween this weekend then this little recipe will be right up your street.

These bat cupcakes are super cute, chocolatey and my ultimate favourite flavour combo, chocolate orange.

They are perfect for the spooky season, a Halloween party, to make with the kids or to just to help you indulge with a cuppa this weekend.

So, enjoy!


What you’ll need…

  • A chocolate cupcake packet mix (12 cupcakes)
  • 1 egg
  • 1.5 tbsp oil
  • Water
  • Chocolate buttercream icing
  • Orange extract
  • Jaffa cakes
  • Jaffa cake nibbles
  • White choc drops (for eyes)
  • Icing tubes (to draw on the fangs)

What you’ll need to do…

  • Make the packet mix as instructed
  • This usually entails adding your egg, oil and water to the packet mix and stirring.
  • Separate into your cupcake cases evenly.
  • Cook in the oven (See individual packets for times/temps.
  • Whilst the cupcakes are cooking, mix some orange extract into your chocolate buttercream.
  • Leave your cakes to cool before decorating.

Decorating…

  • 12 Jaffa cakes
  • A pack of Jaffa nibbles
  • Chocolate orange Buttercream
  • Icing
  • White choc drops

  • Top each cupcake with a generous helping of chocolate orange buttercream.
  • Cut each Jaffa cake in two, to create wing shapes.
  • Pop the wings either side in the icing.
  • Pop two nibbles in between the wings for the eyes.
  • To add detail to the eyes, use a little leftover buttercream to stick a white chocolate drop onto the nibbles.

Eat & enjoy!


I hope you like this little recipe idea, they taste heavenly or should I say devilishly good πŸ‘Ή

πŸŽƒπŸŽƒ Happy Halloween πŸŽƒπŸŽƒ

Autumn πŸπŸ‚πŸŽƒ

Autumn, or fall as some as you may know it, is one of my favourite seasons!

& heres why…

A chance to cosy up with a good book.

U unlimited crunchy, colourful leaves.

T ime to warm up with a hot choc/Coffee or two.

U umbrellas & cosy coats.

M assive jumpers.

N ights in!

I love this breezy, crisp lead up to Christmas. Cosy, contented & colourful.

πŸΏπŸ¦”πŸ¦‘πŸ‚πŸƒπŸβ˜•πŸŽƒπŸŒΎπŸ‚πŸƒπŸ

Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚

You started school today πŸŽ

5 years ago I was working in my first ever reception class, eagerly awaiting your arrival, proud as punch when you finally arrived and I knew from then onwards that my life was going to be brighter, more fun and full of even more love.

Now you are ready to start your own reception journey and Im just as proud today, if not more, of the little boy you’ve become! Go show them what you’re made of Noahy, be the superstar that you are. Auntie Ro Ro cant wait to hear all about it XXXX

First day at School, Tuesday 3rd September 2019

πŸ’™