Thursday 29 December 2016

New Years Resolutions

Hey Internet Friends,
So today I thought I'd share with you guys my New Years resolutions as we are so close to 2017.

1. Alter my blog/blog posts to make it more structured.

2. Relax more and chill out.

3. Experiment with my art more (styles and materials).

4. Read more books as often as possible.

5. Keep on top of washing my makeup brushes.

As you can see all these resolutions are fairly simple. Therefore I know I can stick to them. Small steps at a time. I like to keep my goals achievable as I find I'm more likely to stick to them and notice progress.

Love and Hugs,
1 More Blogger xox

Monday 19 December 2016

Favourite Christmas Songs

Hey Internet Friends,

As Christmas is approaching so quickly, I thought I'd share with you my top Christmas songs. Now, these aren't in any particular order, they just all put me in the festive spirit.

Driving Home for Christmas - Chris Rea

Fairytale of New York - The Pogues

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Roy Wood

Walking In The Air - Aled Jones

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams

Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade

Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney

Merry Christmas Everyone - Shakin' Stevens

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Dean Martin

Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes

All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

Hope these all put you in the festive mood. Feel free to comment your favourite Christmas songs. Merry Christmas.

Love and Hugs,
1 More Blogger

P.S. Only one more blog post this year left after this one!

Thursday 15 December 2016

Thoughtful Thursday - Reflection on 2016

Hey Internet Friends,
So today I thought I'd look back on how this year has gone. I am going to split this into mini sections so I don't ramble and obviously still keep some things more private. This is just a rough overview of how things have gone this year, hopefully with quite a positive attitude. Without further-a-do, here is my reflection on 2016. Enjoy.

Blog - This year I have managed to stick to my schedule and put up posts when they're meant to go up all year. This is likely to be down to the many reminders on my phone and notebook of ideas so I can plan in advance. This is definitely something I will continue to do in 2017.

School - So, 2016 was the year I sat my GCSE exams and I will admit I worked my backside off revising. Thankfully, it all paid off and I was accepted into the Sixth Form I wanted to go to, as well as onto all the courses I wanted. The start of A-Levels has been quite stressful but I'm enjoying it.

Work - This was the year I got my first job! I was taken on as a Christmas Temp. back in October. I am loving where I work as it got me into the festive spirit early and I work with some really nice people. It's helping me gain confidence as I deal with strangers every week.

Relationships - In terms of friendships, these have definitely changed, but I'm glad to say I've been forming closer bonds with better people to keep me on the right track. Romantic relationships on the other hand, well, lets just say 2016 hasn't really been my year.

Hobbies - In my spare time (which there isn't really a lot of), I have been reading lots of book and listening to a lot of music. I've also managed to find some time to plan blog posts, organise things and get better at art.

So, that's a quick reflection on how 2016 has been for me. Hope you enjoyed.

Love and Hugs,
1 More Blogger

Monday 5 December 2016

Gingerbread recipe

Hey Internet Friends,
Here is a festive recipe for gingerbread men. Hope you enjoy.
Love and Hugs,
1 More Blogger xox

Ingredients
350g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
125g butter
175g light soft brown sugar
1 egg
4tbsp golden syrup
Writing icing and cake decorations for decoration

Method
1) Sift together the dry ingredients (excluding the sugar) and pour into a food processor.
2) Add the butter and blend until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. At this stage, stir in the sugar.
3) Lightly beat the egg and golden syrup together and then add into the food processor. Pulse until the mix clumps together. Tip out the dough and briefly kneed until smooth.
4) Wrap in clingfilm and leave to chill in the fridge for 15 minutes.
5) Preheat the oven to 180C and line two baking trays with greaseproof paper.
6) Roll out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into gingerbread men shapes. PLace on the tray with gaps between them.
7) Bake for 12-15 minutes (or until golden) and then leave on the tray to cool for 10 minutes, befire moving them onto a cooling rack to complete cooling.
8) Once fully cool, decorate and enjoy.

(Recipe reworded from here)

Thursday 1 December 2016

Present Ideas

Hey Internet Friends,
So, Christmas is quickly approaching and so is the time to buy gifts for people. Here are a few ideas for different types of budgets.

Low Budget
One of my go-to presents for people this year is shortbread that I will bake myself to save money. It's simple to do and you can find the recipe here. If you're no good at baking or just don't have the time, festive tubes of chocolate are fairly cheap and are loved by most people.

Medium Budget
Things like bath products, makeup and body sprays always go down well as presents as they're so useful. Just make sure no one has any allergies to certain brands for things like makeup and bath products.

High Budget
I only tend to spend large amounts on close family members and often buy clothes, jewellery or watches. These types of gifts are quite personal so I'd advise only buying them for someone whose likes you know incredibly well.

Hope this helps some of you out.

Love and Hugs,
1 More Blogger xox