Internet vs Christmas

I had a four-day break from all social-media channels over Christmas and it was beautiful. I've taken about a fortnight off from my blog which was unplanned but needed. I found myself in a low place just before and I needed to step back, to hide myself, my family, my life away from the world in the little bubble that is the 'Teacup Family home' and take stock. Of everything.

I'm excited for 2014, it'll bring changes; some good, some not-so-much but all needed.

I've been thinking recently that maybe the Internet isn't such a great thing...that perhaps the over-sharing element that comes with social media is ruining our fun at Christmas? People share too much I think. Is it not considered bragging to Instagram all your presents? Would you invite your friends round to gaze upon your festive bounty (neatly arranged and in great, natural light)?

In a time where people are struggling to feed their families, should we really be telling the world what we were lucky enough to receive? Is it safe to Instagram that new Mulberry handbag then tweet you're off to the gym for a post-Christmas work out? 

Is gifting fair? Are there rules? I once won a prize on Twitter and gave it as a present. They saw and were offended that I hadn't gone out and purchased something myself. Truth is, I don't give things that aren't the quality that I would buy for myself unless the recipient specifically asks for it. I spend the same on my sister as I do my brother-in-law, my best friend, my parents etc and the only people who get preferential treatment are my children and my husband.

Is online shopping really the way forward? I bought a friend something this year and when it arrived, was disappointed it wasn't what I thought. Had I gone to a shop to buy it I would've known that. 

And the sales, oh the sales. Can we say relentless?! I was getting emails on sales starting the 23rd! Half the things I'd bought were already half-price! On Internet, you need a slap sometimes!!

The Internet ruins Christmas. There. I said it.

Clare

Budget Christmas Partying

I think it's fair to say that most of us love a good party and let's face it, at this time of year you're unlikely to slide through the month without at least one invite to someone's festivities. But whether you love to party or not, Christmas time is probably the most financially unforgiving with the presents, the food, the parties and all the other little extras that come with making that last week of the year something spectacular.

In recent years, since donning my Mummy hat, I've had to cut back extensively on the Christmas party spending. Four years ago I thought nothing of dropping £100 a time or more on one outfit for one party, but now with two children, a heap of household outgoings and maternity leave this year...I'll be lucky if I spend half of that on all of my parties combined! The old me would've been horrified but I would much rather spend that money on my children or my family than on myself, and let's be honest...is anyone likely to realise that you wore that little black dress last year? Can you remember what they wore last year?

So here's a few tips to make a megre party budget go further, whether it's out of choice or necessity, you can be the belle of the ball on a budget!

Bargain Beauty.

Beauty is an expensive habit and it seems that every time I swing through Boots, more prices have edged just a little bit higher. With that said, there are more and more low-priced brands coming forward to offer make-up at mini-prices. Long-gone are the days where a small price meant 'pocket-money', you can now buy fantastic, pigmented and long-wearing make-up from as little as £1 from brands such as MUA, Barry M, Collection and Sleek. Everything from your basic lipstick and eyeshadow to more professional tools such as primers and brow-kits.

Smokin'.

A smokey-eye is a classic for the party season. It'll give you a great pop of colour and open your eyes up. If you have three shades of the same colour lurking in your vanity table then you can create this look easily with the help of thousands of online-tutorials ranging from subtle to dramatic, depending on the look you're after. If you don't think you have anything suitable, you can pick up a vast range of eye-shadow pallets from the make-up departments of Boots and Superdrug for well under a tenner. Models Own even have a small pallet designed exclusively for a smokey eye which comes complete with brushes and a photo-tutorial, retailing at around £5.

Supermarket Superheros.

The supermarket clothing brands have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and party-wear is no exception. Both Tesco and ASDA have a large range of festive-appropriate frocks online and in store for a fraction of what you'd pay on the high street. Try to resist loud, statement dresses if you want to get a lot of wear out of them, using accessories to change up an outfit from party to party. 

Viva the video.

Stuck for hair inspiration? Not quite sure on that cat-like flick? One word; YouTube! With hairdressers, make-up artists and brands flooding the channels with tutorial after tutorial, you're bound to find a video that'll give you that helping hand that you need! I've even cut my own side-swept fringe using a YouTube video (NOT for the faint of heart)! If the products they use seem a bit on the pricey side, try googling dupes for them as a lot of beauty bloggers will often review and offer a dupe solution for those of us not willing to pay £10+ for a texturising spray!

It's a deal!

I love a deal and at this time of year 3 for 2 reigns supreme!! If you have an award card such as Boots Advantage card, check out what offers you can get before you spend. You often can get vouchers and money-off of certain products that might work out cheaper than buyingt hem on a multi-purchase. My best friend and I like to split a 3 for 2 offer when it comes to a party. We'll buy an item each and then share the third (usually a nail polish), we've then got two new products for the price of one! If you have older daughters, this is also a great way to keep them cheery!

Clare

Hobbycraft Wreath Making

To me, nothing says 'Christmas is upon us' like a well-decorated home. I live in a Victorian terrace, one of a long row of three-bedroom homes that stretches down the road, fifty-houses-long. There is not much more festive than seeing door after door adorned with a festive wreath. I, sadly, have never owned one so you can imagine my excitement when I was offered a wreath-making kit by Hobbycraft.

When it arrived I was beyond anxious to get crafting with Moo as my glamorous (read chaotic) assistant, however, when I opened the box up, I was a little surprised by my provisions. Here's what we got...

The wreath-frame itself was more than I expected, however the two decorative embellishments that came with it were what I had imagined, not what I would describe as typically festive; a bunch of silver-glitter flowers and a sprig of red glitter fruit(that isn't on the website). I certainly wouldn't of picked them myself. The fruit was already falling apart (curse you delivery man) sadly but still, once Moo and Bear were collectively asleep I got cracking!

The first problem that I encountered was that the stem for the fruit was very thick and rigid so all I could do with it was stab it through the twigs that made up the frame and rely on a bit of balance and gravity to hold in place (I later got some cotton and tied it on). Next I attempted to add the flowers whose stems were firm paper-covered wire. Bendable but really thick. Too thick for the frame they came with and white which meant that no matter how much creative twisting I did, they were visible from the front of my creation. I wanted to add some tartan ribbon but alas time escaped me and I never made it to the haberdashers. So I ended with this...

Yeah...for someone with a background in art and design, not my finest project to date.

If you're thinking of having a go at making your own wreath then Hobbycraft is definitely the place to go! The range of items available and the prices are brilliant, here's what I would pick if I were to have another go...

Raffia Heart

Heart-print Ribbon

Pointsettia

Jingle Bells

Red Berry Spray

Clare

Please note these items were provided for the purposes of review however all thoughts and opinions (and awful crafting) are my own.

Pets at Home Christmas Cat Gifts

Let me introduce you to someone special that doesn't get a mention very often; the cat.

She's my husband's cat, he and his brother have had her since they were young children (they're in their twenties now). She's very old, very grouchy and very hairy. Her name's Fluffy. 

We were kindly sent a large box of goodies from the lovely people at Pets at Home to sample some of their festive treats for moggies and believe you me, they've come a long way since I had my own cat and I used to buy her the standard cat-treats-in-the-shape-of-a-stocking (though one of those was included, rude not to, it's a classic)!

Here's what we got...

Catnip Santa - £2.50

Reindeer Dangle Teaser Toy - £3

Webbox Treat Sticks - £1 per pack (two packs in photo)

Cat Treat Stocking - £5

Also included was this fabulous door hanger toy (£6 but seems to be sold out as not on website, it's worth checking your local store though as it's brilliant)! It has four Christmas-themed dangly objects and hangs over your door handle for your cat to bat and play with. I loved it and though it was brilliant...unfortunately, Fluffy not so much as you can see...but no matter, it make a great little decoration and is there should she change her mind and decide to let her hair down (at which point we'll be hoovering up the fur...again...)!

Fluffy did enjoy the catnip Santa, it turned her nose bright red and she apparently went super loopy around the living room (I was out, but my husband's Nan found it amusing). The dangly toy and treat sticks were also a big hit but like I mentioned earlier you simply cannot go wrong with a cat treat stocking! The Pets at Home one comes with catnip treats, milk drops, cat milk for adult cats, 4x toys and a ball of scrunched paper-stuff (which any cat owner at Christmas will tell you the best gift you can give your feline companion is to drop them into the middle of a pile of torn-off wrapping paper)!

I'm totally in love with the cute Christmas range at Pets at Home this year, so much so I wish I had more (more playful) cats at my disposal and I'm so glad it's becoming easier to shop for our four-legged friends at Christmas too! Is it me or are cats the ultimate in hard-to-buy-for recipient? 

Clare

Please note these items were sent to (Fluffy and) me for the purpose of review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fruitbroo

Being a Barista for more years than I care to admit, I like to think I know a thing or two about hot drinks. I love a hot drink...but not tea. Yes, I know I'm British and I should be full-on loopy for the stuff but I really don't like 'black' teas like your everyday brew or the dustiness that is Earl Grey. I do however love a green tea or an 'infusion' (non-tea teas like fruit, peppermint etc.) and as coffee mad that I am, I do prefer one of these on an afternoon!

So when Fruitbroo dropped me an email to ask of I'd like to give them a whirl, I couldn't of been more excited to take them up on their kind offer.

Fruitbroo are 100% natural, 15 calorie, little bottles of hot fruit heaven that are completely caffeine, gluten and dairy-free making them suitable for everyone. They come in six mouth-watering, scrumptious-sounding flavours including honey and lemon which I bet is really fab for those cold, I think I'm catching something, mornings.

I received Apple, Ginger and Spice as well as Rhubarb, Apple and Cinnamon to try and was instantly boiling my kettle to try the first. The instructions say one teaspoon or two then add boiling water. I tried one to start off with which gave a subtle, refreshing flavour. My tastes are pretty strong so I added a second spoon to get a good flavour punch and it was perfection. I could taste all three elements of the labour profile and it made a wonderful hot drink alternative to the black Americano I would usually be sipping at that time.

I found the apple in both drinks to provide just the right amount of sweetness, two spoons might be too sweet for some as I add sugar to my coffee and fruit teas (I know, bad...)! The Apple, Ginger and Spice was my favourite to taste, purely because I'm not a massive fan of rhubarb or cinnamon. I found the rhubarb made it a little on the tart side for my liking. But that's me. If you like a rhubarb crumble hen this is the drink for you!

Here are my pros and cons...

Pros.

- Sickeningly easy to use. Easier than a tea bag with it's brewing time and water temperature! Just a spoon or two plus water and away you go! Fruity yumminess!

- Great range of flavours.

- Small bottles, ideal for home or work.

Cons.

- Uhm...guys? Where's the berry flavour? That would by far make my day, if not my month!

Apple, Ginger and Spice - one spoon.

Fruitbroo's current slogan is 'Christmas in a cup' and I will definitely be offering up these little beauties to my guests this festive period with some (un)homemade gingerbread and panettone!

Fruitbroo is currently available online or in Sainsbury's for £2.50 per bottle (approximately 15 servings), with free delivery until 16th December (minimum order 2 bottles). They're also giving away heaps and heaps of prizes this Christmas on Twitter under the antagonistic #FruitbrooGaveToMe so quick, get following!

Clare

Please note the above products were sent to me for the purposes if review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

We Love Christmas

Christmas conjures a varied mix of memories for me but when I think of Christmas shopping I always remember fondly the Saturdays I used to spend wandering around the mammoth gift section in the BHS in Harlow, Essex with my dad back in the nineties. Shelves upon shelves of colourful novelties, thoughtful trinkets and the sweets, oh the sweets! To this day I can't stroll past my local store in Eastbourne without being tempted over the threshold by the colourful variety of gifts and wrap on offer.

Founded in Brixton (London), BHS has been a major player on the high street for decades, I'm sure if you're not a British Home Stores regular, your mother was, and probably your grandmother too. I even bought my wedding dress from there last year (honestly, I did and it was gorgeous)!

Stocking stuffer of Secret Santa, girlfriend or granny, you'll find something to fill that Christmas-present-shaped hole in BHS, and all without breaking the bank or compromising on quality. For a little sneaky peek at what you can pick up online or in store, check out the oh-so-cute and clever ad below.

Online offers a fab gift-finder service as well as daily deals in the shape of their virtual advent calendar. Whoever you're shopping for this Christmas, BHS have got you covered!

Clare

Please note, this is a sponsored post. Sponsored by Spreaditfast.com.

All Budget Gift Guide for Under Fives

Whether you're shopping for your own children or someone else's, it's fair to say you probably have a budget in your head. Nobody walks into a shop or logs online with no idea of how much they'd like to spend. With that in mind, today I'd like to show you my pick of Christmas gifts for the under-fives for all budgets!

Under ones.

Tutu - £20 - Itsy Buts Boutique.

I'm not going to lie...there's nothing cuter than a little girl in a frilly tutu. Hands up, I can't resist a bit of frothiness! Itsy Bits have lots of lovely things on offer but these are by far my favourites! They're also running some great Christmas promotions at the moment making them even more the best-value tutu boutique online!

Tummy with Mummy - £45 - Amazon.

Super-sweet little chair that grows with your baby, a safe space for tummy time before evolving into a sitting space for toddlers.

Play Duvet - £75 - Play Duvet.

Such a simple but genius idea. I love it and I want one oh-so-bad! A gigantic, squishy play mat big enough to fit all the family on, fully-washable and lasts for years! I love the pattern also. Just don't forget to grab yourself a double duvet to pop inside!

1-3.

Happy Hopper - £20 - Amazon.

Moo's had one of these since she turned one, she loves it and still gets a lot of enjoyment out of it now! They come on a variety of sizes also to suit different ages/body types!

Trampoline - £35 - Mothercare.

Who doesn't love a trampoline?! And it's a Giraffe!!

Train table £100 - Mothercare

Chop chop! Brilliant fun and it comes with all the parts, a definite for any transport made boy or girl!! £100 well spent I think.

3+

Bean Bag - £28.50 - Teeny Beanies.

Such a cutie! I love the beautiful faces and how you can personalise them. This is a really unique and attractive gift, one that I doubt you'd find under the tree from anyone else!

Innotab - £70 - Amazon.

We bought Moo one of these for her birthday and she adores it. It's fun and educational and gets her off of our iPads! You can buy games, once again, in different age groups to ensure they are age-appropriate and keep your child's attention.

Rocking Horse - £300 - Little Bird Told Me.

You probably already know that I love a traditional toy and the rocking horse is the king of them. These offerings are beautifully crafted with stunning fabrics. They will last you many, many years and many, many children! A great investment.

Clare

#youreinvited

Uhm...I don't wish to alarm anyone but it's less than six weeks until Christmas. Did you catch that? LESS THAN SIX WEEKS!

So with tins of biscuits and more bath-time-gift-sets than you can shake a stick at (where does that saying even come from?) filling the shops, I'm sat here quietly smug that I finished my Christmas shopping ages ago. In fact, all I have left to buy is Moo and Bear's festive outfits...yknow, their super smart, best-behaviour-no-moo-get-off-the-table clothes that say 'Its Christmas, I'm cute, take a photo and give me chocolate'.

My first (and often only) stop is always Monsoon because their elegant, sleek designs and soft palette are just what I think is appropriate for a big family christmas dinner at your Grandmother's (well, my husband's). I have always found Monsoon clothing to be spot on for what I want when dressing my children; rich, attractive colouring with flattering cuts that allow plenty of movement and child-like behaviour without taking away from the biggest fact of all; they're children. No matter what time of year I shop there, their collection is always fashionable but age appropriate with top-quality fabrics and craftsmanship.

This Christmas is no exception and I'm already biting my nails in nervous anticipation over what I'll pick for my snoozy baby and girly-but-spacially-unaware toddler.

I love the Poppy Shift dress (far left) and I know Moo would too. I'm also head over heels in love with the Velvet Beaded Estella dress which the little girl is wearing at the beginning of the new Monsoon Christmas ad (it's also available in navy which is possibly even more stunning). 

I can have all three, right?

Take a look at the beautiful new television ad below, the imaginative (and incredibly brave, I wouldn't let children in my office) people at Monsoon turned their working space into a 'winter wonderland' for their children to explore, play and get down with the festive spirit, showing the beautiful party-wear range which you can shop here.

Fancy having a go at winning a cool Christmas wardrobe worth £200? Send in your festive party wear look to competitions@monsoon.co.uk then pop on over to their Facebook to vote for the winner!

Do you think I'll fit in that poppy dress...? If I hold my breath?

Clare

Please note this is a sponsored post. Sponsored by Spreaditfast.com

I'm lovin' it A/W13

Bababababaaaaaaaah I'm lovin' it...

Yes! I thought it was high time I had a little round-up of what I've been loving so far this season!

Allasaurus necklace £20.49 Designosaur

Kitsch jewellery.

Just before I had Bear, my husband bought me a selection of jewellery from Designosaur, including this perspex Allasaurus necklace which re-kindled my love of over-sized, statement necklaces which I like to wet with the boring, basic tops I have to wear for breast feeding.

Matte Nail Paint £3.99 Barry M

Matte Lipstick £1 MUA

Matte make-up.

I know it's been around for years but I do love matte-effect. I've always been partial to a matt eye shadow but it's only recently I've started to like it in lipstick and nails and with them now on the high street, it doesn't break the bank to get on board and bring a bit more 'grown-up' style to my collection. After all, I am hurtling towards 30...

Boots £12 ASDA

Bargain boots.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a super-cute and on-trend pair of black ankle boots from Primark for £15. Now, they won't last forever but they're warm, water-proof and look great with jeans or tights. Bargain!

Yankee Candle in Christmas Cupcake from £1.25

Festive scents.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...and Yankee are known for doing great Christmas smells! I want to fill my house with them...which I'm sure my husband will be totes on board with...

Hot chocolate.

If you don't love hot chocolate, I'm afraid we cannot be friends. As much as I dislike Starbucks for multiple reasons, they do do a great seasonal novelty drink! The current favourite; salted caramel hot chocolate.

Essie Midnight Cami £7.99 Boots

Navy nails.

Navy is the new red! It's a great way to wear dark nails for those not wanting to wear black. I find it a more sophisticated edge than flat onyx.

All things magical and fairy tale.

My step-mum has me totally hooked on 'Once Upon a Time' as well as a little trip we have coming up to France to see Disney at Christmas next month, I am WELL in the mood for a bit of pixie dust...

Clare

Christmas Wishlist #2

Ooh, Christmas is getting close! Exciting stuff! Time for another wishlist, me thinks!

Kitchen Cannister Set £5 ASDA

Mushroom Broach £6 Cath Kidston

Melting Logo Necklace £7.95 Ebay

Biscuit Cushion £22 Not on the High Street

Vintage Steamer Trunk Various eBay

Yankee Candle in Salted Caramel £19.99 Yankee Candles

Clare

Baby's First Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching (seriously, where has the year gone), it's only natural that as parents, our thoughts turn to our children. This will be Bear's first Christmas and like with Moo, I know he won't be old enough to get any appreciation out of it. I don't care. I still want him to have presents under the tree and a stocking at the foot of his bed, just like his sister did. Moo was almost three months old for her first festive period, Bear will be approaching four months so very similar in age. I still have her 'Baby's First Christmas' stocking and so intend to use that again. It's small, room enough for a few little, token pieces.

I know a lot of people don't do Christmas for babies, but like I said. I do and I feel it's doubly important with a toddler in the house.

John Lewis Baby's First Christmas stocking £9.95

The great thing about babies at Christmas is that big or small, they know no different. Here's a few tips on super stocking stuffers for a magical baby's first Christmas...

A good gift, is a useful gift.

Bibs, socks, weaning spoons...all things that will be needed whether sooner or later so take this opportunity to make something boring into something adorned with pretty paper and ribbon.

Avoid the novelty.

I get it, the urge to buy everything you see emblazoned with 'baby's first Christmas' is strong, it is an incredibly special time for most of us...but remember that it is one day and while the odd bit here and there (things like socks and bibs are a good purchase for your first if you intend to have more) will do no harm, but don't go crazy or you'll end up with a cupboard full of the stuff! In my opinion, the perfect moments is an ornament, invest in something sturdy that will stand the test of time, to be brought out and hung every year as a reminder.

Theme it.

Children open their stockings on Christmas morning, right? Why not fill the stocking with items to make the day extra special? First Christmas socks, a chocolate Father Christmas, new cutlery for festive lunch or a special decoration for the tree...

Shop smart.

Poundland, Savers and Supermarkets all offer very cheap, good quality and even branded items at teeny prices, ideal for filling a little (or big) stocking.

Bandana Bibs 2 pack £3 Matalan

Baby Socks 5 pack £3 Matalan

Figure of 8 teether £1.50 ASDA

Tommee Tippee Aeroplane weaning spoon £2

Bath duck £2.45

Other great stocking fillers for babies (dependant on age) include a rattle, baby biscuits, chocolate coins, mittens, a hat, a wash mitt, a toothbrush, baby soap, a small book, dummies and fruit.

Is this your baby's first festive fiesta? Will you be splurging or saving?

Clare

Christmas Wishlist #1

With the shops starting to stock festive goodies, my thoughts have turned to Christmas; what I need to plan, what I need to buy...and what I would like to receive (hehe cheeky)! So here's a few little gems that I've come across...can you tell that I'm a bag person?

Brit Stitch Half Pint Satchel £70 Kuji

Bunting Necklace £35 Tatty Devine

Cambridge Satchel in Pink 11" £79 ASOS

Leopard print cross-body bag £20.30 H! By Henry Holland

Baby Keepsake Bear £39.50 Love Keep Create

Tangle Teezer £10.20

Limited Edition Hobbit Notebook £13.99 Moleskine

Lulu Guinness Clutch £149.99 TK MAXX

Have you spotted any goodies for Father Christmas to bring yet?

Clare