Blogmas 2019 Day Nine: Christmas Stocking filler ideas for kids πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»

Stockings are one of my absolute favourite parts of Christmas.

So, I thought I would do another stocking filler guide, perfect for kiddies.

I will do an adult version too.

I will also leave below the link to my stocking guide from last years Blogmas. That one is a more general guide to stockings and my top 5 categories to include, instead of specific gift ideas.

I’ve tried to cater for lots of different ages so hopefully there is something for your kiddies/nieces/nephews etc

Stocking gift guide


Wilko


Mini games Β£1 each.

To keep them entertained in the small hours of Christmas day and throughout the day too.

Slime!

Fun, gross, glittery… what more do kids want??

Choccy coins, 50p

A must in a Christmas stocking & only 50p for a big bag in Wilko.

Craft carry case, Β£2

These are so cute and perfect for any creative kiddies out there, or to encourage a bit more drawing and colouring activity among your kids.

It’s nice and compact, perfect for taking out and about.

Animal/Enchanted Unicorn figure sets, Β£2

These a great little toy to pop into a stocking. There are lots of different ones to cater to your childs interests and they come with a variety of different figures in each pack.

Wilko Blox collectable figures, Β£1

Wilkos own brand lego have a figure set that you can collect.

These little bags are only Β£1, a great mystery suprise.

Wilko Blox Starter box racing car packs, Β£1.50

These are super affordable little ‘Blox’ starter sets. You get a little racing car to build, along with a figure to go in your finished car. These are really cool and are a perfect stocking filler

TY beanies keyring, Β£3

A classic! Children love a soft toy and a keyring so these would make a great addition to a stocking. They are very cute.


Primark


Harry Potter chocolate frogs

Primark have these cute little versions of the classic. They arent 100% like the original ones but you get a yummy chocolate frog and a witch or wizard card! Awesome.

12 pack of hair clips, Β£1

They do a few different sets, which are different colours/patterns. With 12 in a pack for just Β£1 they are an absolutely bargin.

Hot choc mug set, Β£5

A super cute festive mug and some yummy hot choc πŸ‘ŒπŸ»

Assorted Slipper socket, Β£3

These cute little slipper socks look super cosy. They have lots of different designs as well as festive themed ones too.

Novelty Bubbles, Β£1.50

Cute packaging, and they will keep the kids entertained. Because lets be honest who doesnt love bubbles!?!

Earphones, Β£4

For only Β£4 these are great for the more tech savvy children among us.

Christmas decorations, from Β£1.50

There are quite a few different offerings in this department from Harry Potter, Disney to more traditional Christmas decs, but they are all really cool.

Bathtime finger puppets, Β£3

These little finger puppet sets are such good value. They come in a huge variety of sets, that they change often, so there are lots of different ones to collect.These are great for bathtime but also for encouraging imaginative play with your child outside the bathroom.

Soft toys, from Β£2

There are lots of different soft toys on offer, so lots to choose from!

These are great for childrens stockings and are much more affordable than some soft toys on the market.

Mega Monster Maker, Β£2

Slime & accessories to create your own Monsters… a childs dream gift πŸ‘ŒπŸ»πŸ€ͺ


Matalan


Hat glove and scarf sets, from Β£6.40

One of the more expensive items on my list but very good value for the amount you get.

These sets includes, a hat, scarf and gloved which is pretty good for under a tenner… and they match!

Hairbands (Inc Novelty Christmas ones) Β£6

Hairbands and hair accessories are very popular around young girls right now. These headbands are great for a stocking. They have some festive hairbands included in the range too, exciting!

Assorted Childrens jewellery, Β£5


B & M


Colouring books, Β£1.99

Activity books, Β£2.49

Marvel action figures, Β£3.99

Toy Story 4 mini action figures/vehicle, Now Β£6 reduced from Β£7.99

Stickers, Β£1.49

Because what child doesn’t love a sticker ot ten!

Pens & gel pens (Assorted styles) Β£2.99

They have loads of different packs from plain colours, gel pens and scented pens (which children love!)

They also have packs of jumbo glitter crayons for the same price of Β£2.99, so lots of different options.

Bumper value craft set, Β£3.99

Perfect for all those little crafters, this set has loads of different items in it to get their juices flowing! From Pom Poms, foam shapes, stickers and more.

‘Paint your own’ sets, Β£3.99

These are such good value and are a lovely way to keep them occupied and for them to create something that they can keep.

B & M also sell some yummy edible items that would be perfect to pop into a stocking…

●Sweets, 3 for Β£1 or 39p per pack

●Sparkly jelly beans Β£1.99

●Retro Pez dispensers, Β£1 and refills for Β£1

●Standard Bags of chocolate (Cadburys etc), Β£1

●Kinder eggs Suprises, 89p

●Chocolate Santas & Chocolate coins, from 50p

Lots of shops also sell books that are super cheap! The Works, Poundland and B&M all sell lovely story books and they often have them on offer too.


I hope you have found this useful and it gives you a few ideas!

No one wants a stressful Christmas.


16 days until Christmas πŸŽ„

Ho Ho Ho

Roseanne πŸŽ…πŸ»

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 Seven: Pretzel reindeer πŸ¦Œβ€


Pretzel Reindeers


These are so cute!

Here’s what you’ll need…

β—‹Pretzels

β—‹Rolos

β—‹Red and/or brown smarties/MMs noses

β—‹Edible eyes

β—‹Non stick paper

β—‹Baking tray

Heres how you make them…

β—‹ First lay out your pretzels onto the paper (on a baking tray)

β—‹Split a pretzel or use pretzel sticks to create antlers and place two of these underneath each pretzel, in position.

β—‹Place rolos in the holes of the pretzels.

β—‹Pop them in a low heat oven to melt the rolos.

β—‹When the rolos start to go gooey you can take them out.

β—‹Press the rolos down to spread out the gooey chocolate caramel over the surface of the pretzel.

β—‹When its still melted pop a nose and eyes onto the reindeer pretzels to make the face.

(Make sure the pretzel antlers are pushed into the melted choc before you pop them into the fridge, so that they dont move out of position.)

I made a few with red Rudolph noses and a few with brown noses to make his pals.

β—‹ Pop them into the fridge to cool.

Enjoy!

These would be so fun to make with kiddies, as Christmas day treats or as cute little homemade gifts popped into a festive treat bag.


18 Days until Christmas!!

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 Five: Meet the blogger: A new Q&A with a little Christmas twist πŸŽ„

Get to know me!

I thought this would be a bit of fun and it’s always interesting to find out a bit more about somebody.

So, here is a new Q&A, with a bit of Christmas thrown in, (of course) with lots of different questions from the last one.

I will leave the links to my previous Q&As below…

The Husband & Wife Christmas tag

Get to know me tag

Q & A

The Harry Potter tag

Autumn tag

What’s your Favourite Book?

The Harry Potter series.

The first Harry Potter book would have to be my ultimate fave at Christmas too. Their Christmas in that book just sounds so darn magical, it’s one of my favourite parts, I just wanna jump right in and join them.

One of my favourite authors Heidi Swain has set a few of her books at Christmas time, they always make me feel so cosy and Christmassy.

What are your 5 Favourite Movies?

1. The Harry Potter films

2. Back to the future

3. LOTR

4. About Time

5. Goodnight Mr Tom

Christmas movies???

  1. Deck the halls
  2. The Snowman
  3. The Grinch

4. Elf

Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been to?

Venice 😍

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Getting my degree! I worked bloody hard for that and I really enjoyed it. I loved learning more about a topic I find some interesting and it has really helped my career.

In 2019?

Completing a half marathon in my hometown. It was bloody hard!!

If you could ask your pet 3 questions, what would they be?

1. Do you like me?
2. What do your different squeaks mean?
3. Are you ok?

If your wondering, the pet we have is a guinea pig.

When you’re having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?

Have a hug with my husband & read a book.

Although at Christmas I’d probably wrap some presents, admire my tree or sit in cosy pjs, in my lounge surrounded by Christmas lights.

Using one word, how would you describe your family?

Cray-Cray

Who is the kindest person you know?

My husband β™‘

Favourite Christmas tradition…

This is so hard!! I love a tradition.

Probably Christmas Stockings and going to look at Christmas lights on Christmas eve!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Without a shadow of a doubt I would travel back to Florida & visit Universal Studios again ❀⚑🌍 & Disney 🌟🏰 SO MAGICAL.

I would 100% love to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas, I bet its absolutely breathtaking and the ultimate magical Christmas experience. One day.

If you could shop for free at one store, which would you choose?

Primark!!

They have so many Christmas jumpers, T-Shirts, little bits and Bob’s and decorations atm! I would be in my element.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Miranda Hart 🀣 & it would need to be set at Christmas.

Favourite Christmas TV?

I usually watch the TV Christmas films, whichever ones are on, and I like to watch the Christmas episodes of Doctor who, Eastenders etc.

But, Christmas specials or episodes of my favourite shows are the best. I love binging on them all at Christmas time… Gavin & Stacey (WHO ELSE IS FRIGGIN’ EXCITED FOR THE NEW CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AHHHHHH) Miranda, Glee.

What’s the one food you could never bring yourself to eat?

Oysters, cockles, mussels, that sort of seafood 🀒 & black pudding 🀒

At Christmas?

Giblets, yuk! And Christmas pud, also yuk!

Favourite Christmas food?

Apart from the Christmas dinner itself of course?!? Probably, all the yummy sweet stuff like chocolate oranges, shortbread, panattone…Mums trifle & Christmas bakes.


Let me know some of your festive faves.

See you tomorrow for another Blogmas post ❄


20 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS


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™‚

2018 πŸŽ‰ July – December πŸŽ‰


July


My lovely husband Tim celebrated his 27th birthday πŸŽπŸ’—

My niece Evie-Mae celebrated her first birthday πŸ‘ΈπŸΌ

Me & my twin sister Sarah enjoyed our Italian cooking experience.

A friends get together to celebrate some birthdays. Picnic fun in the sun, cycling & a water obstacle course.

Fun at the end of term work do πŸŽ‰.

Fun days out with my Uni friends ❀

I finally reached my Slimming World target.


August


The.BEST.holiday.EVER.

My youngest nephew Casey turned two.

I’ll never forget the day I watched him come into the world πŸ’™.


September


Summer BBQ fun with friends 🌞.

My biggest nephew Noah turned four!!!!

We went to the Spa Pavilion to watch ‘The Greatest Show’.

Noah started school nursery and Casey started playgroup.

We watched our friend Livy perform in ‘The Little shop of Horrors’

We booked a holiday to Disneyland Paris 😁


October


Me & Tim joined Jaffa running club.

Evie started to walk.

We stayed in a Hobbit hole for the weekend.

Half term fun!!

Soft play, going to the theatre & games.

Halloween Parkrun πŸ‘Ÿ.


November


Bonfire night fun πŸŽ†

Celebrating Dans birthday 🎈.

The Christmas decorations went up πŸŽ„πŸŽ

Me and Sarah went to the ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ Double bill.

Fun at The ((Bounce)) Christmas Party! Dressed as Mickey & Minnie Mouse.

A fun weekend away together at Rose Farm in Great Yarmouth.

Friends Christmas meal together.


December


My Work Christmas meal at ZizzisπŸŽ„πŸ½

Meeting up with these guys again and meeting little Bella for the first time.

πŸŽ… Christmas β˜ƒοΈ festivities πŸŽ„


Happy New Year!


Until next time,

Roseanne πŸ™‚