CHRISTMAS PREP!

Once again, I have been ready for this season since the end of summer. I really enjoy this time of year and look forward to all the cheese, romance and happiness that comes with it. Preparing in advance allows me to have as much fun with it as possible. Being organised; planning and spreading the cost over 3 – 4 months, often has me in a much better position, financially, for the new year! Nobody wants to be broke in January! 

But, for you, preparation for Christmas might take the excitement out of it. Or, you may enjoy the adrenalin of getting things together in a short; somewhat pressure fuelled, time frame. Either way, here are some ideas and tips to help you prepare for Christmas day!

Presents
Setting yourself a budget is a good place to begin. Also, make use of any creative, or craft skills you have. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that have been made with the most amount of love. If there is no creativity in your bones, you can look to the high street.

TIP: You can recycle gift packaging from presents you've been given or use colourful tissue paper which is a lot cheaper and ends up the same place as expensive, glossy wrapping paper once the gifts have been opened!

Decorative Fun
I love seeing the OTT houses that are turned into a grotto! They are a bit of an eyesore but, at the same time, they defo get me in more of a festive mood. Personally, I’m not one for doing the most with decorations in my home regardless of the season. I prefer to have a few tiny hanging items that are easy to take down and pack away.

TIP: For a handful of miniature decorative bits and bobs that will not break the bank, check your local charity shops and discount stores or make your own with help from plenty of How To videos online!

New Experiences
Last year, my chums and I dined at The Jones Family Project in Shoreditch and the food was delicious! It has an upstairs bar for drinks only with the restaurant downstairs which also has a bar to serve diners. I felt that our table was a tad cramped once all the food arrived but, otherwise, it was a really good evening (great atmosphere, pleasant staff, sweet vibe) and plenty of laughter was had! I'd defo return.

This year, as well as having more time for myself, the Autumn/Winter goal was to explore new places and spend quality time with loved ones creating significant memories. 

September was all about my birthday and I did a lot including - the Upside Down House, Rome, Venice, Paris and Popworld! I truly had the most fun and thank everybody who joined me for the celebrations! In October I thoroughly enjoyed a Me, Myself and I week which included meditation, a therapy session, plenty of reading and, of course, my beloved Home Spa Experience. I dressed up as Chucky for some Halloween fun too (not that I 'celebrate' the non-Christian tradition). Despite being a challenging month, November served up lots of joy. There were lovely moments with friends (such as a very fun photoshoot in Camden), praise Jah and I discovered/explored a few areas in London (e.g. New Bond Street and Fitzrovia known as 'hidden London') that I'd not been to before (not sure why) and (deep breath) I went on a date!! Get me! HA-HA!

I also plan to have a Salt Cave session as I've been told it is so good! For 3 weeks in October I was very sick (severe flu virus and chest infection but, I had to work as my employer does not grant sick pay which meant getting better was a struggle, to say the least. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my stories sharing the frustration I felt at not feeling myself. Altogether, I was unwell for SEVEN weeks and it was very unpleasant!). What has remained is a chesty cough and a semi-permanent blocked nose together with an on/off headache I can't shake. The Salt Cave will apparently clear my airways, get rid of my dry cough, ease the headache and have me get the best nights sleep I've ever had! 

Have you visited a Salt Cave before? What was your experience? If not, book yourself in if you can! Look for deals on the Groupon app.

TIP (from a member of staff at the Wandsworth branch): Make sure you wear light clothing, no dark colours and take with you a book and a change of clothes if you intend to go out afterwards. The salt can get everywhere including your phone so, place it inside a plastic cover that you can seal while still being able to use the phone or just put it away!

Probably the most interesting new experience I had was my first ever Hen Do (I was booked as the Photographer - see the collage below, LOL) and, er, yeah........., it was definitely a season highlight!! Ha-ha!

You still have time to do something new, explore a place that's on your list and get together with loved ones (before Christmas day, of course) to share a unique experience which will leave you all with the best memories. Do it!!

Fashion and Styling

Okay, so, if Christmas is not the time when you can afford to completely relax where keeping up with fashion is concerned, I don’t know when is! Try not to take it too seriously. Have a laugh and be a bit tacky with it. Dig out some old, wearable pieces fit for the season and style them with some basic accessories. 

If you’re attending a festive shindig, Amazon, eBay, Primark, Matalan, iSawitFirst, boutique outlets, high street retail and local fancy-dress shops are usually great for affordable items which you can use again. 

Happy Christmas planning! x