The Chicklit Advent Calendar - Door three

No matter how much I love Christmas, I have to admit it has its stressful points....... However, I have never had a Christmas quite as stressful Lydia Grant's.

A Christmas break away with your best friends, boyfriend, the perfect Christmas dinner and a lot of alcohol sounds perfect. Until you find an engagement ring in your Boyfriend's sock drawer......realise you probably don't want to marry him...... and get snowed in at your best friend's (not so perfect) hotel. Throw in the secret love of your life (who just happens to be the new love of your best friend's life), a central heating system that doesn't work, a cooker which keeps giving up, a giant mutilated turkey, a new hunk (I don't usually use that word, but believe me - he is a hunk) a dog with one ear, two children and a very pregnant friend........ then you have Lydia Grant's Christmas - The Night Before Christmas by Scarlett Bailey.

Poor Lydia is desperate to make Christmas perfect, but the more she tries, the worse it gets.

Scarlett Bailey has created the perfect Christmas novel of fun, laughter and tears from a very honest cast with a very real story line.

No Christmas is ever what you imagine and Scarlett captures this perfectly.

The book is full of lovely, festive moments mixed in with the not so festive nightmares everybody experiences at least once (don't tell me you haven't ripped the turkey's leg off in a vain attempt to get it in the too small oven)

The friendships are perfect, the scene is perfect, and if you don't shed a little tear when Carole arrives, quite frankly, there is something wrong with you.

If you want to escape Christmas for a while and immerse yourself in someone elses..... this is the perfect book.

Scarlett Bailey also has her very own advent calendar.....featuring the heroine Amy (she visits Hull and had a boyfriend called Gavin so I like to pretend she is almost me).

Click here.... http://adventcalendr.com/scarlettbailey/ to get a snippet of story behind every door.

What are you waiting for - you've got thirteen to catch up on! And today..... today is the very special day when Bronson makes an appearance. I can confirm Bronson the Reindeer really is named after my lovely dog :) (Thank you!)

The Chicklit Advent Calendar - Door two

Behind the second door of my festive selection of chick lit was the lovely Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris.

Another Tiffany blue cover, splashes of pink baubles and the words 'Dreams can come true.... it could happen to you' and I was tucked in with the electric blanket back on and my new Christmas lights twinkling.

This gorgeous book is an advent Calendar in itself - buy it quickly and you will be able to catch up! Starting on the 1st of December, you are taken through to the 19th December in shopping days. This, in itself, made me ridiculously excited! If I could have read the right chapter on the right day, I would have done..... but be warned, you will have to wait until 1st January (and 357 shopping days until Christmas) to read the epilogue!

Evie Taylor works in the Stockroom of Hardy's, an old fashioned department store at risk of being sold. She is invisible to the shop floor staff, who don't even know her name and her talents are wasted stuck in the basement. To be perfectly honest, for the first few chapters of the book, I really wanted to ring Evie up myself and tell her to stop wearing those shoddy black trousers..... but a little touch of festive sparkle later and she starts to slowly reinvent herself.
Hardy's Department store was opened in 1910 and Evie's stock room is full of glamorous vintage beauties which have been hidden away for years.

When Hardy's starts losing money and is threatened with closure, Evie envisions a store which was as amazing as it used to be.... romantic, dazzling and the place to be.

Vowing that nobody will ever find out who has changed the store bit by bit, she turns 'secret Christmas elf' gives Hardy's a brand new lease of life.

Whilst doing this, Evie is pretending to be somebody else..... literally..... falling in love.... trying to keep her family together and realising friends are the people who are always there for you.

If you love shopping, Christmas and London.... you will love this book. I want to go to Hardy's, I want to buy their vintage make up compacts, go in their VIP changing rooms and have tea at Lily's tea room.

Most of all, I want to congratulate Evie on 'The Wardrobe' and visit the shops in her Vintage London Address Book with her.

Delicious!

Daisy Does.... Dazzling Designs!

There is something seriously special about having one of a kind jewellery..... and if it was made just for you...... well that is the most perfect thing in the World!

With the trend for personalisation soaring, I decided it was time I got my hands on some commissioned jewellery and discovered http://www.daisydoes.net/

What a find!

Daisy stocks ready made handmade jewels on her site. Everything is only made once so every design is one of a kind. You can choose from this selection (I did and bought Snow White) or you can contact Daisy about her commissioning a bracelet for you.

That's exactly how the AMAZING Christmas Deluxe came about.

Clearly, I love Christmas. I cannot get enough of it. So when I asked Daisy to make me a bracelet which wouldn't look out of place on a Christmas tree, I was worried she would think I was slightly strange.

If she did, she didn't show it!! She explained to me she would include stars, snowflakes, snowmen, Christmas trees, stockings and even a partridge - all set off by red, gold and green baubles and little ice cubes.

I knew it was going to be good. I didn't know it would be THIS good!

Daisy explained she would need to order the charms in especially for me - so I thought it would take longer for my bracelet to arrive. I desperately wanted it for my BIG SURPRISE weekend away which is the 10th December.

I ordered it on 25th November and it was ready by the 29th.

They arrive beautifully packaged in tiny little gift bags with Daisy's little card inside.

I also ordered a second commissioned bracelet, which for the time being, must stay secret..... but Daisy was just as lovely helping me with that one.

I can't say enough about how helpful, professional and lovely Daisy is. At a time when personalisation is huge, it's so nice to see that Daisy cares about her customers and wants them to be happy. Her replies to questions are instant and she is genuinely pleased when you are happy with your jewellery.

Receiving a bracelet you know is a one off is a lovely feeling. I can't wait to wear mine for the rest of December and have people ask me where it came from.

I've already got my eye on this fairytale of a bracelet http://www.daisydoes.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_2&products_id=471

I also can't wait for the Valentine's Deluxe...... the Easter Deluxe...... the Tooth Fairy Deluxe..... ermm...sorry Daisy!

The Reindeer bra and other festive favourites.

Simply because..... who doesn't want to wake up on the 1st December surrounded by Christmas?

Why only have a week of festivities when you can have four??

I'm falling asleep snuggling with reindeers, dreaming that Evie from my festive novel 'Miracle on Regent Street' gets noticed (eeekkk, please Ali Harris!!) and waking up smelling the..... festive spice fragrance diffuser I bought from Next.

I'm bathing in Lush Golden Wonder bath ballistics, I'm ordering custom made bracelets from Daisy Does like a mad woman and I've even got snowflakes on my BRA (although I'm not sure posting a picture of it on the internet was the best idea I've had....)
Keep posted for reviews on ALL things festive..... including the chick lit advent calendar :)
WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS 2011.

Let's have a ball!

*cue Mariah*

Vote Blue Maiden

woaahhhhhh would you look at that makeup!

Somebody SERIOUSLY talented must have put that look together...... No, it wasn't me :(

My friend (and fellow Bridesmaid...more to come on that later) Kathryn is the most talented make up artist in the ENTIRE WORLD (as voted for by me)

She created 'Blue Maiden' herself and is now in the running to win a whole load of amazing prizes...... but she needs your vote here...... http://www.facebook.com/OfficialFearneCotton?sk=app_326590657357324

Just find 'Blue Maiden' in the gallery and click vote.....simple!

She is currently in fifth position. I am clearly biased, but she DESERVES to be winning by a MILE.

And...... if you do vote, she might just let me write about her fabulous makeup a little more :)

The Chicklit Advent Calendar - Day One

It may only be November, but with so many lovely glittery books out there I have started the Chick Lit Advent Calendar nice and early to allow maximum time for you to get snug with my festive favourites.
First on my list was A Season to Remember by Sheila O'Flanagan.
If you think November is a little too early to start feeling festive, can I suggest you step through the Tiffany coloured door of The Sugar Loaf Lodge. Do it wearing a onesie, carrying a hot chocolate and with every intention of turning the heating up and your electric blanket on.
A Season to remember promises ‘A special book of touching and poignant stories, guaranteed to warm your heart on a cold winter’s night’ – I’m expecting you are already fairly warm, due to the stifling amount heat I suggested you read in, however if your heart is too icy to be melted by the Sugar Loaf Lodge, I’m not sure you even deserve a Christmas anyway….
Sheila O’Flanagan’s characters range from the heartbroken Holly Gallagher (be prepared to be jealous of her Christmas Eve outfit. Especially if you took my advice on the onesie) right through to the unexpected Louisa.
Fans of Sheila’s will also enjoy a guest appearance from Andie, Jin and Cora from 'Anyone but him.'
She covers every topic imaginable including affairs, debt, adoption and even a sneaky lottery win – with each and every one, the magic of Christmas can always be relied on.
Don’t be fooled though. This book is not just about Christmas. Oh no, it has other angles covered . The history of the Sugar Loaf Lodge is such a sad tale and really does set the scene for the place which so many people find happiness within.
As each character’s chapter comes to an end, you are left waiting to see how they blend in with each other – and you will not be disappointed with the results.
As for the ending – all I can say is, please don’t get too over excited and accidentally look at the last line before you have finished. Wait….. savour it….. don’t even turn the page until you have finished your hot chocolate and you are ready to have a happy little cry (nobody wants snot and tears in their chocolate, not even happy ones).
Now….. turn over and enjoy.
What a book, what a cast of characters, what an ending.
Sheila O Flannagan has truly kick started my Christmas in November – starting the Chick Lit Advent Calendar early was the best idea I’ve had all year.

Bronson is on the Nice List

Just another reason to LOVE Christmas.

Bronson's festive outfits are from Primark.... He will be getting plenty of special treats in his stocking this year :)

The Chicklit Advent Calendar

Ahhhhhhhh........ Just the start of my countdown to Christmas with chicklit.

I have a fleece duvet, fleece pyjamas, electric blanket and a stash of biscuits...... No, I don't do this EVERY single night.... but it is a very snuggly countdown to Christmas :)

Reviews will follow shortly :)

My (Faux) Fur (Faux) Photoshoot

Today I took to the great outdoors (yes, my back garden) to have a photoshoot* to show off just how much I love, love, LOVE my new Rosa coat.......

It's soft, furry and goes with everything (a little bit like Bronson) Only yesterday, I wore it to the library just to feel more glamourous.

I will be wearing it for shopping, meals with friends, Christmas fayres and, most importantly of all........ my surprise weekend away.
I have absolutely no idea where I am being taken (by the best boyfriend in the World ;)), so I need a jacket that makes me feel amazing. Rosa (with a touch of Vivienne Westwood sparkle) is the one :)

I bought Rosa from http://www.room31.co.uk/ - unfourtunately, like all the best things in the World, it's currently sold out.

I am devastated - I love it so much, I want both of the other colours. In fact, I even want another black just in case I drop mince pies down this one......
Still, Room 31 have plenty of winter warmers available for to check out while I'm dreaming of Rosa....
Both of these sparkly little numbers will be coming on my weekend away....

http://room31.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=78&product_id=442 -

http://room31.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=78&product_id=435

And, since I fancy giving Kelly Rowland a run for her money, I will also be packing this... http://room31.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=78&product_id=444

Roll on pay day Friday....... I'm just a tiny bit concerned the new wardrobe I'm buying for my surprise shopping trip will leave me with no spending money for other people's presents......hmmmm
At least December is the best time for window shopping..... :)

*photographer = My Mum - who couldn't go very far since her leg is in pot and she is on crutches.... :D

Christmas Roses

Sixty Five Roses is a local (Hull) charity and with the help of Waitrose, Willerby we are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers.
We want to get you in the mood for Chrisssttttmmmaaassssssss!!

What could be a better way of spending Saturday 3rd December than surrounded by all things festive?


Stalls full of gift ideas make present buying easy, carols will have you singing, and if you need any more encouragement - Waitrose will be providing the mince pies, Coffee and hot chocolate.

If you have a craft stall, or would like to donate any lovely, festive presents please do get in touch.

If you would just like to part of this delicious, festive EXTRAVANGANZA (I'm clearly excited).... we'll see you at St. Mary's Church in Beverley on the 3rd December. Doors open at 11am..... (till 4pm) but please get there early as I really don't want to eat all of those mince pies before lunch....

'I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds round my neck'

Cystic Fibrosis. Easy to say isn't it?........ Now, ask a four year old to say it.

Not quite the same?!
Sixty-Five Roses is a charity created when Fiona and Suzi realised it would be easier to call this life limiting disease something a bit less clinical and a lot easier to say
Suzi's daughter Billi-Grace was born with the disease, and Fiona and Suzi, along with the kind support of Waitrose and the John Lewis Partnership, have made it their mission to make people aware of it and let them know how they can help.

There's the history...... now, we need YOU (and lots of roses)

We have a room at Feren's Art Gallery (Hull) to fill with roses......we have a Valentine's Ball to auction them off..... and we have an empty space where our logo should be.

Can you help?

Send us a rose..... let your imagination run wild - anything goes!

Paint, papier machier, even solid gold if you are feeling classy *ahem*

You rose will be put on display in the local art gallery and voted for...... the winner will be made into our logo.

All roses will be auctioned off at our Valentine's Ball in February....... so the better it is, the more money we make for people like Billi-Grace.

We would love roses from everybody - if you are a business, incorporate your logo, if you are famous, incorporate your autograph (and perhaps a lovely signed photo hehe)......... the list goes on.

Every last rose counts and will make a difference.

Please contact myself for more information :)

God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.

James M. Barrie

PS. Chocolate roses are also more than welcome :D

PPS. or cupcake shaped ones

PPPS. Or roses made from cheese........

SNUGGGG

The most wonderful time of the year...... SERIOUSLY, I LOVE it. I cannot get enough of buying new coats, boots, hats, scarfs........ Anything snug, festive or sparkly and I'm all over it.

So, this year I wanted boots that were as comfy as Uggs but looked like I had made an effort.....and a coat that I loved more than life itself.

Like I said, this time of the year is quite important to me.

I found these boots on www.room31.co.uk They were delivered in pink parcel full of pink tissue.....who doesn't want their new darlings wrapped up in pink?! The boots are PERFECT. A little wedge gives me enough height to make sure I don't look like an elf (the one festive thing I don't want to be)....... they had fluff on the outside and LEOPARD PRINT on the inside. The cutest little things I've ever seen.

The coat is from www.ByJam.co.uk who I discovered at the BINTMLive event. WHY I hadn't found this website before, I have no idea. Real wool, fur collar and floral buttons. Need I say more? No, I don't think so.

Winter allllll wrapped up.