It’s been a bit quiet round here, I’ve been a wee bit busy.
I started a new job last week, which so far, so good. But it’s meant I’ve been a bit knackered and not had the energy to write much. Once I get my routine sorted, that will change, promise!
Working a three day week, then it’s Christmas, so that’ll hopefully give me some blogging time, before I head back to the office in the New Year.
However, I am a bit more active on Instagram and Twitter, so feel free to find me there and say hello, I’m @ramblingmads on both.
Keep an eye out for the posts I am busily drafting and polishing.
I live with Christmas’ number two fan (his mum is no. 1) and this weekend we put the tree up and made our little flat all festive.
We also discovered that rats are scared of the sound of Michael Buble singing (or maybe it’s when trees suddenly grow inside the house). They quite like the sound of Santa Paws and extra treats.
We also wrote cards and wrapped presents to the sound of a gospel choir singing Christmas carols and discussed which films we will watch to get into the spirit.
We’ve started our own little traditions and have ornaments that mean something to us, like the way all the ones on my parents’ tree have meaning and a story.
I apologise in advance to whoever gets the cards I wrote last, my handwriting can only keep it together for so long before becoming unintelligible.
We have a mix of traditional and contemporary decorations. There’s a Nativity scene and a herd of reindeer, Santas and angels. We’ve even got our first few cards up.
Over the last few years I’ve got quite good at snagging cards and wrapping paper in January’s sales so we’re stocked up well in advance, not scrambling about trying to grab the last pack of cards or roll of paper.
I have a weird relationship with Christmas, growing up it was all about the Sunday School presentation and getting a decent looking Christingle orange and not having my hair set alight by my friend’s little brother (small boys and lit candles are not a good mix).
Presents were not ostentatious or in their multitudes, we had nice things but my mum the ex-hippy doesn’t really do commercialization and she’s religious.
My best memories are of Christmas days at my grandparents, with Grandad’s gag gifts while dressed as Santa and my Nan’s mostly sherry trifle. My cousins bickering over the post lunch TV selection, my dad sleeping off the two types of potatoes and the washing up being done in shifts.
Posting from my phone as my laptop died. If I get it revived I will post the skincare stash sale, it’s too large a post for my phone to handle, but without a laptop it’s in limbo! Sorry.
Here’s a picture of Algernon looking cute and sleeping to tide you over.
Sorry it’s been a bit sparse in terms of posts recently, I’m busy trying to find a new job and have been at a host of interviews, with more to come this week. Fingers crossed I get something soon so I can do my Christmas shopping and get back to blogging more regularly.
There are a few posts to come over the next week or so, keep an eye out.
If you want to see what I’m up to in between posts, Instagram is my current favourite social media hangout.
As a kid all I ever wanted was a chocolate Advent calendar, but my mum, super healthy, no junk food, always said no. That’s not to say we didn’t have nice ones, there was the year my godmother sent beautiful chimney calendars, with little presents in the drawers every day. I still have my beautiful Maria Angel illustrated story calendar – which I use every year.
Last year my Mr brought home a wooden countdown calendar, which is very sweet and will be on display this year too.
But, beauty firms have started releasing advent calendars full of treats that any beauty junkie would be pleased to find every morning.
The ones I most have my eye on are L’Occitane’s (£39 with free delivery) and You Beauty Discovery (£59 with free delivery). I also quite want Lush’s 12 Days of Christmas (not an Advent calendar as such, but definitely on my Christmas list).
You Beauty Discovery Advent Calendar
There are a lot of others, including a Jo Malone one(£250), but some are incredibly expensive. I suppose, depending on budget, you could ask for one as a Christmas gift, that you open on the run up.
L'Occitane's Advent Calendar
Now I know Christmas isn’t about stuff, or presents, and that for people who follow Christian beliefs, sacred and holy. I was raised going to church, I still love the ceremony and go to Midnight Mass every year, but I think that after a year of working hard, doing our bit for the people we love, it’s OK to have a few treats. Especially in the middle of winter when it’s cold and miserable.
Lush's 12 Days of Christmas
Which Advent calendars have you spotted? Will you be buying a beauty packed one?
This September I am doing a charity walk for an organization I am quite fond of – Refuge.
They are the UK’s biggest domestic abuse charity and support women and children fleeing abusive situations. They receive no government funding and as the Government tighten the country’s collective belts, sadly organisations like Refuge are needed more.
Terrible photo, sorry
I am asking, very nicely, if you could sponsor me. All of the money goes to Refuge, nothing will be in my pocket.
I am not one of life’s winners, I don’t have natural luck.
The only thing I ever won as a kid was a blue stuffed elephant, who I imaginatively called Elephant. I still have her. Turns out it was rigged. I was three, it was my great-aunt’s birthday party and the raffle was for a local charity. My Grandad swapped out the ticket so I’d win the elephant.
At school I didn’t win things, I wasn’t that kind of kid, and they don’t give prizes for reading. I won first place in girl’s shot putt in year 10 at sports day. That was a fluke, I am not athletic. But I do have a younger sister and many years of practice in throwing stuff.
Recently I’ve been entering competitions, mostly on social media, and I’ve hit a lucky streak.
I won Saturday’s giveaway on Scribblicious which was an Anne of Green Gables mug and Dr Seuss bookmark.
Then I won Butterfly Twists competition on Instagram, two pairs of ballet pumps (I love shoes)!!
The re-grammed image
Previously I’d won London Craft Club’s giveaway – a book on hand knitting, canvas bag and other bits, and The Vagenda’s discussion group starter kit (book, postcards, badges, snacks, balloons and stickers).
Lomdon Craft Club prize
While it would be nice to win some bigger items, like the bed in this week’s Observer (the slats in ours are on their last legs – that’s what you get when you buy cheap!) or a holiday, even winning little things gives me a nice buzz of excitement, and I didn’t spend any money!
What about you? Have you ever won any competitions or giveaways? Let me know in the comments.
There will be a blog giveaway soon so stay tuned. 🙂
ramblingmads 