Blogmas day 3 - flying Santa and donuts

Hello there,

Day 3 of Blogmas has seen a flying Santa over Southampton!

Now Southampton is a pretty big city, but over the last few years, the Christmas lights in the city centre have been pretty miserable. So when the council announced a new German Market, new lights and a daily flying Santa show - we had to go and investigate.

We got there early while the market was still quiet and we could look round without getting squashed.

One of the nicest things about markets like this is all the food and treats you can buy. While we waited for Santa to arrive we tried some German donuts.

Oh my goodness - these were the best donuts ever! Nothing like the normal donuts you get at funfairs. These were more like little sponge cakes and were so light. We opted for the Nutella version (of course!) and one bag was plenty for 2 people. I'm actually temped to go back to the market just for another serving of these.

Then at 5, Santa arrived. It was magical to see so many little children excited and waving to him. This sort of show is the only one in the UK and lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. If you're in the area, I would really recommend going to see it. I have to admit that it was a lot better than I was expecting.

As he flew towards the Bargate (the castle like building in the distance) the sleigh had fireworks. It does look like he's on fire here, but trust me, it looked good in real life.

I tried to get some video, but sadly failed. However there are some excellent clips on YouTube like this one here:

Day 3 of the Sephora Advent Calendar was an odd one - so odd I didn't know what it was! I'll show you all what it is when I do day 4 tomorrow.

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

Blogmas day 2 - Christmas wrapping and painting Rudolph

Hello there,

Bit of a laid back day for day 2 of Blogmas. I finally managed to make a start on wrapping pressies. But I have a feeling there are some hiding somewhere in the house I haven't found yet...

I also bought some giant bells from Primark - but quite what I'm doing with them, I'm not sure yet. Hopefully inspiration will strike soon. My friend has plans for one of the silver bells and I may just hang the rest on the tree.

I have this little guy which I plan to paint and give to my mother. I started painting him this evening which went well until I realised I'd ran out of brown and red paint - but at least I've made a start.

And finally, day 2 of the Sephora Advent Calendar. Today was a Rose Sleeping Mask. I'm really interested to see how this will work. I can't imagine sleeping with a mask on as I tend to face plant the pillow - I can't see it all ending well!! Plus rose scent - I do like rose as long as it's not too strong. But to be on the safe this will probably be saved for a night away when I'm on my own.

Tomorrow the plan is to visit the German Market in the city centre and watch Santa fly. I will try to photograph him if he stays still for long enough!

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Blogmas day 1 - Advent calendars and coffee

Hello there,

It's official, Christmas has started. It's the 1st of December which means advent calendars, festive drinks and themed jumpers (some of us actually started on the themed jumpers last week - oops!).

There's lots of ideas and plans out there for ideas for Blogmas, but I have to admit, I'm pretty terrible at remembering these. So this year, I'm just making it up as I go along with a Christmas themed post each day.

Today was Christmas shopping with my mother, and to start the day, a snowflake topped cappuccino.

Earlier this year I picked up the Sephora Advent Calendar while in France. This is my first ever beauty advent calendar so I was pretty excited to see if they're worth the money. Day 1 had a cute little capsule of the Cotton Flower body wash. Perfect for overnight trips and for putting in my travel wash bag. So far so good!

And you're never too old for a Disney chocolate advent calendar as well

Even better when him himself brings a second one home from work. Two chocolate calendars - result!

I'm going to try my best to post a festive something each day, lets see how I do!

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

Evans haul

Hello there,

I don't know about you, but I really struggle this time of year to find good light, and if there is good light then chances are it's pretty chilly or wet outside (and I'm not a cold weather person at all). Plus working from home normally means jeans, jumpers and slippers - not the most exciting outfit! All of which adds up to not many outfit posts this time of year.

But recently, I was lucky enough to win an Evans gift voucher while at the Curve Fashion Festival, so after a lovely day in the Newbury store, I decided to brave the elements (and give the postman a good laugh while he was doing his rounds).

First up, a couple of tops that I just wasn't sure about.

I really did like this heart print, but how many heart prints do I need (no answer needed). Plus I love my jumpers baggy and cosy so I would want to size up in this (this is a 22/24). I'm still thinking about this, it may end up in my wardrobe yet.

Not the best picture - the outline of my belt doesn't help! I just didn't love this as much as I thought I would. I still don't know why as this is normally one of my favourite colours (size 22/24)

Now for the items I fell in love with. Please excuse some of the wobbly changing room shots and my serious concentrating face!

This was in the sale - a bargain at £12 (size 20). It's sheer lace with ribbed cuffs and hem details. I had a white t-shirt on in the store, but normally I'd wear something like a black vest underneath.

Now this is a top I can see me getting a lot of wear out of. I love the detailing on the sleeves and can be dressed up or down with jeans and smart boots. I added a black vest underneath as it's very sheer! (size 22)

Now these last two jumpers are a perfect example of some of the confusion I felt with the sizing. I know that there is no standard size, despite what the industry would like us to believe. I have clothes in my wardrobe ranging from a 16 to a 22. I tried the 22/24 on in jumpers as I like a loose fit and I expected the 22/24 to give me that, but this white scenic jumper I had to size up to a 26/28. Now this is my personal choice and others may prefer a more fitted style, but it's worth remembering if you're ordering online. And you know what - it doesn't matter. It's only a label. 

Size 26/28 - it's so fluffy, I feel like a cuddly polar bear!

Size 22/24

Finally, a real frivolous purchase (you got to have one of those sometimes). I'm not sure when I'll wear it, I can certainly think of lots of occasions in the past when I could have worn it! But it will keep and I fell in love it with it, so it just had to come home with me.

Glitter waterfall jacket - size 22

The Newbury store may not be the largest of the Evans stores, but the ladies there were so friendly and helpful. I was in there for so long, I'm sure they thought I was moving in! 

I didn't manage to get any Scarlett & Jo, so a trip up to London is called for very soon I think to spend the rest of my voucher.

Thanks for reading

Cathy 

xx