Fun Things To Do On Halloween

Hi lovelies,

Ok, let's be honest here. I'm not a fan of anything remotely scary. I hate being terrified.. I can't think of anything worse! I know some people love it & I applaud you for it. I wish I had the guts to visit haunted houses & watch scary movies but I get no enjoyment out of it, just a slight heart-attack & feel sick. But, the reason I wanted to write this post, is to prove that you don't have to be into scary things to enjoy Halloween. I absolutely love decorating the house with cute sparkly pumpkins & baking cute spider cookies, so I've put together a few ideas to inspire you to do the same.

Pumpkin Picking
This is something I have wanted to do for years & finally, this year I got to go to a pumpkin patch! I took my mum & we visited Tulleys Farm. They have a PYO section on the farm, where they grow over 75000 pumpkins each year! There was so much choice, from big traditional pumpkins, to small bobbly ones! Mum & I picked a selection, as I find the little ones are perfect for decorating around the house, including our window sills, ledges & bookcases! Tulley's are open until this Wednesday, so there's still time to go along if you're local.

Baking

There are so many mouth-watering Halloween treats that you can bake from the comfort of your own home. You just have to walk into a supermarket & you are transported to confectionery heaven. I've lost count of the amount of magazines I've picked up over the past month & how many page corners I've turned to save the recipes! I made the most delicious Salted Caramel Tart this week & oh my goodness, it was incredible if I do say so myself! I decorated it using white icing to give it a Halloween theme, but I'm definitely saving the recipe for other occasions as it went down so successfully. If you simple type 'Halloween Food' into Pinterest, the most amazing selection comes up & the recipes are incredibly easy to follow. I loved the idea of these little strawberry ghosts, so easy & quick to do.

Movie Night
This doesn't have to involve scary films as such.. any Autumnal / Winter themed movie will do! The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my favs, alongside Halloween Town (who remembers this from the Disney channel?!) But even films like Chalet Girl that make you feel all warm & fuzzy are definite crowd pleasers. I would highly recommend one of these over the Final Destinations! You can make up for the lack of scariness with some Halloween snacks & decorations after all!

Walk
Now you can make this as scary as you like! There's nothing I love more than wrapping up in my fluffiest coat, putting on my hat, scarf & gloves & going for a walk at this time of year. I much prefer to go in the daytime.. however if you did feel daring, you could venture out at night for an extra scary experience! (Just make sure you go with friends / family & take your phone!)

Games Night
There are so many fun games I've found online for this time of year! The girls & I are heading to visit our friend Nicola this week & I've printed off Halloween themed quizzes & prepared some games! So far we have 'pin the nose of the witch', 'Mummy wrap' & 'dangling donuts'. All you need for the Mummy wrap, is to be divided into teams & see who can wrap the person of choice in as much toilet roll as possible in a short space of time! & the dangling donuts game I thought would be hilarious to play; you just need to put some donuts on a piece of string & hang them from a door frame or something similar & blindfold the person before they try to eat the hanging donut! Think of a pinata but with donuts & you can only use use your mouth! You can tell we're taking alot of alcohol with us.. haha!



I would love to know what you've got planned for Halloween.

Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a wicked time : )

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Currently Loving - Autumn Trends

Hello lovelies!

I thought I'd share with you a few clothing items I've loving this Autumn. All of these in fact are my staples most years, but I've had a hunt online for a few key pieces on the high street I thought were too good not to share.

Jumpers

BooHoo Black Rib Knit / Newlook Rainbow Cosy Jumper / River Island Leopard Print Turtleneck

Nothing beats a cosy jumper. I challenge you to find something as soft & comforting as a snugly jumper. This year I've been loving stripes. Rainbow print, block colour, anything that screams 90's. This one from New Look just looks so warm & thick. You definitely need one of these for your Winter wardrobe. I've also included a plain black jumper, these just go with everything. I love the simple look of blue jeans & a basic jumper. And finally, how cute is this leopard print one from River Island? The model on the website has styled it with black pleather shorts, which I love, but I can also see it styled with a black knitted skirt, tights & boots. Definitely going to pick this one up next pay day! 

Scarf / Snoods

Newlook Checked Scarf / BooHoo Over-sized Block Scarf 

Scarves make me so happy. You can see my striped theme running from the jumpers into this section too.. just look how cute the patterns are on these two! I'm also a massive fan of snoods at this time of year as well. I hate having a cold neck & will do anything to avoid it! You can guarantee that if I haven't got a roll neck jumper on, I'm wearing a scarf.


Knee High Boots

BooHoo Grey Lace Up Boots / BooHoo Croc Stretch Boots / Newlook Tan Knee High Boots

Ah I'm obsessed with knee high boots. I just love them. I have a pair of black & grey ones & this year, I'm extremely tempted to purchase a brown pair! I struggle with finding the perfect knee high boot though.. I've lost count of the amount of them that I've tried on & they haven't fitted me properly. It's usually the upper part of the boot & making sure it stays up when you're walking around that I find the most tricky when picking out a new pair! I end up striding around the shop testing them out! No wonder James hates shopping with me.. These 3 pairs I've picked out above, I just loved, all for different reasons. The first pair are just so glamorous. I can see myself rocking these for a night out with jeans & a nice top. The black pair look more day time but also suitable for evening & I was drawn to the fact they weren't high-heeled, as my pair kill my feet if I'm wearing them all day! & finally the brown pair, I picked these out because I'm on the market for a brown pair of boots like I said & these looked so comfy. They also have the tie at the top, so no danger of falling down my legs!

Faux Fur Coats

New Look Bear Coat / New Look Faux Fur Teddy Coat / Animal Print Faux Fur Coat

Just saying those 3 words & knowing I can now wear coats again makes me so happy. I purchased the ultimate fluffy bear coat from Pull & Bear at the beginning of the year & I absolutely love it! I've been wearing it this week (before the mini heat wave last Wednesday / Thursday!) & have felt so happy. I really struggled to pick out just 3 from the high street for this category, but after purchasing a pink faux fur coat about 2 years ago & trying to make it work & failing (I had to buy it in 2 sizes too big & it just swamped me!) I wanted to include another one I thought would be a suitable alternative. The first brown coat I've selected is quite similar to mine, but it has a collar & I actually think I prefer it to the Pull & Bear one. It looks super cosy! The final one I'm sure won't be to everyone's taste & to be honest, I can't actually explain why it caught my eye, but just the colours & print were too cute to resist.

Do you prefer Summer or Autumn style? : )

I would love to know if you've picked up any key pieces & what you're loving for this season!

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Quimper

Hello lovelies,

At the end of July, James & I went on a family holiday to Quimper, in Brittany, France. I realised when I was looking through the photos the other day I hadn't actually written this blog post! Apologies for it being so late.

We stayed in 2 beautiful cottages that shared a massive swimming pool & gardens. It was absolutely perfect as we had a range of ages in our family & the cottages were the perfect place to act as a base for people that wanted to go out in the day, but also for those who were happy to relax at the accomodation.

We had pretty decent weather as well. The first couple of days were rainy, but it picked up & got surprisingly warm towards the end of the week.

Barrie, Louise, Martin, Sylvie & I ventured out on the first full day (in the wind & rain!) to Point Penmarch, where there are 2 lighthouses. We also made our way a bit further along the coast & saw some massive waves coming over the rocks. The wind & rain kind of added to the whole setting & it was very impressive. I also managed to spot a wild seal! Which was extremely cute, bobbing it's head under the waves.

We also had a day out to the most gorgeous beach which seemed to go on for miles. It was the perfect setting for a walk.

We then headed to the most westerly point in France, Pointe-Du-Raz. The walk to the view point was actually quite a way from the car park (just to warn you if you are visiting!) but the view was worth it in the end!

We also had a day out at a gardens which was so beautiful & I got to wear my sunflower dress! (My ultimate dress of the summer!) Perfect for strolling around looking at all the wildlife & pretty flowers. It was only £9 on Ebay!

Did you get to go on holiday this year? If so, where did you go?

I can't wait to start planning our next adventure!

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My Blog & I

Hello lovelies!

I started off my last blog post saying I was 'back from my blogging break'. I think it's been longer between that last post then the post before! It's not like I haven't wanted to sit down & type, in fact I've been desperate too, but every time I give myself an hour or so to sit down with my laptop, my mind goes blank. Don't get me wrong, I have so many blog post ideas, but getting them typed up at the moment is extremely hard. The most frustrating thing is, I don't know why! 

I know a lot has changed in the blogging community over the last few years. Everyone & their mum is talking about it.. but has it really changed that much? When did sitting down & typing what was on your mind so difficult? That is the question.

I understand it's different for everyone. We all go through different things in our lives at different times & that effects us in all kinds of ways. A life-changing event happened this Summer for me & it's been hard to focus on anything but that lately. (& sadly no, it wasn't a positive thing that happened, but our family is working through it together) One day I will talk about it when it isn't so fresh.

But still the question remains, when did something we love so much turn into something so negative? A fight for the most views on a post.. who can work with a brand first.. who's bought the latest Prada bag.. none of that used to matter. It simply was about sitting down & writing what you were loving, your 'outfit of the day' or where you went on an exciting day out. 

I think that's where my blog has struggled.

I'm not popular within the community.

I started my blog 7 & a half years ago.. There are people who have been blogging for 6 months & have more followers & brand deals than I'll ever have, but I truly believe that's because I'm true to myself & blog about things I want too & still keep my blog as a hobby. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure everyone is passionate about their writing & some people are so driven to make their blog their job, but I'm quite happy it taking a back seat. I've been publishing my 'Life Lately' posts since the start of my blog & treat it as more of an online diary. I'll be forever thankful I never gave up on blogging, because looking back over everything I've done over the years, it makes me so happy! All the ups & downs, past relationships, work & my life are documented on this tiny page on the internet. It's amazing.

I guess this post is a rant. Or maybe it's not. I'm not actually sure.

Maybe it's just me, sitting down, talking about what's on my mind. After all, isn't that what a blog should be, right?

I would love to know your thoughts! : )

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Life Lately #150

Hi lovelies!

I'm officially back from my 'blogging break'. I really hate saying that, as I'm not actually sure what qualifies for a break anymore.. but I think this has been the longest time period where I haven't blogged & I've missed it. I thought I better start with an update post (number 150!) from this past month as I feel like so much has happened..

As this weather has been so beautiful recently, I've been spending more & more time in our garden. My plants however are not loving it so much.. my strawberry plant in particular! But I have been loving growing my own vegetables & fruit in our garden this Summer. Our onions are currently flourishing & the lettuces we grew were so successful. I've got another post on the sidelines about falling in love with my garden this summer which should hopefully be published in the next few weeks.

James' brother Alex celebrated his 22nd birthday at the beginning of July. Our present to him was a day out to Brighton to do an Escape Room. I completed my first escape room at the beginning of June with the girls & loved it so much, I thought it would be the perfect present for Alex. We completed the room in 58 minutes just in time & then headed to Nandos for lunch. England were playing in the world cup at 3pm, so we rushed home in time for the match!

That evening we headed to Valerie & Barrie's for a Murder Mystery night. I'd never done one before so wasn't sure how it all worked, but it was really good fun. We each got sent our characters a week or so before, so we knew a bit about them & how to dress & act at dinner. The game also comes with a tape & you follow a script to find out who committed the crime. I was Lady Shippe, the widow of Lord Shippe & James was the local vicar who was into drinking & gambling! We thought we would find out the murderer quite early on, but it kept us guessing right till the end. I'd highly recommend taking part in one if you haven't before!

Oh & I held my annual Summer BBQ, which was amazing as ever! It always feels like the day goes so quick, what with all the planning & preparation, but it's always so much fun. I love getting everyone together & playing games as the sun sets. We had the most amazing weather as well.

James & I headed up to Bristol for Matt & Alice's wedding. James was an usher for Matt, so we attended the rehearsal on the Friday evening before the big event on Saturday. It was so much fun meeting all their friends & family & getting to celebrate the day with them.

& finally, at the end of July, we went to Quimper in France for a week with James' family. It was a week full of exploring, socialising & relaxation. The accommodation came with a private pool, which was so nice, as the weather was just as hot as England at the time.

So I think that's about it! I'm currently working my second to last shift before 9 days off from work & I couldn't be more excited. I'm planning on doing a Summer / Autumn clean (is that a thing?) in our house & organising a few days out with my girls but otherwise, I haven't got much on, just going to make the most of the last of the Summer if the weather co-operates!

I'd love to hear if you've been anywhere nice this year? Or still have any holidays coming up? : )

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Book Review - The One We Fell In Love With By Paige Toon

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The One We Fell In Love With

"Phoebe is caught between a rock and a hard place. Settle down and get married, or return to the French Alps to pursue her passion?

Eliza is in love with someone who is no longer hers. In fact, he probably never was… And her dream of becoming a successful musician seems to be vanishing before her eyes.

Rose is out of a job and out of a boyfriend. To make matters worse, she’s been forced to move back in with her mother…

But these very different girls have one thing in common. Angus. The one they fell in love with…"

----------------------------

Ah this book.

I love writing reviews just as I finish a book so I can put everything I'm feeling down in words. Main point of this book; it surprised me.

I knew I would love it. Look at that front cover? It just screams rom-com but I never thought I'd be so attached to the characters, I really didn't want to finish reading it!

You're introduced to 3 triplets at the beginning of the story; Phoebe, Eliza & Rose, who couldn't be more different, but that's what makes the story so great.

I actually surprised myself & warmed to the character I thought was going to be my least favourite, Rose. She is the most adorable person, who I just wanted to be friends with immediately. Obviously they all have a bond with Angus but I read another review of this book & the person stated even though the title is 'The One We Fell In Love With', it really isn't that much about Angus. It's all about the sisterly bond & the relationships between the girls, which I loved.

People have mentioned online that there was a 'big twist' to the story & yes.. there was! A complete twist which surprised me so much, I had to go back & read a few pages again as I wasn't sure what I was reading! Sounds silly, but I can't really re-literate it as it'll totally give it away but I really wasn't expecting it.

I have to mention another character that becomes a main part of the story, who I warmed too immediately; Toby. I won't say anything else, but if you read this book, let me know what you thought of his character!

Overall I absolutely loved this book, it's been one of my favourites so far this year!

Have you read any of Paige Toon's books?

Overall rating -★★★★

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Kefalonia

Let me introduce you to the beautiful island of Kefalonia..

Kefalonia is the 3rd Greek island I've been lucky enough to visit & I have to admit, it's my favourite so far. The views that we got to experience were breath-taking. I'll never forget looking down on the crystal clear waters below us as the sun set.

There was so much to explore on the island, we could have done with an extra week to see everything it had to offer (well.. an extra month would have been nice if I'm being completely honest..!) but we made the most of the time we had.

We stayed in the most incredible villa called Altomare, near Fiscardo. The lady that owned the villa met us there to welcome us & as soon as she opened the door, the view took our breath away.. literally. It was absolutely stunning, the photos don't do it justice!

There were 2 pools in the villa, but we only tended to use this one as it was bigger, warmer & in the main communal area. There were sunbeds placed around the pool & in the opportune sunbathing spots, looking out to the sea.

This is where we sat to eat all our meals, it was the perfect place to look out at the sunset in the evenings.

This sofa bed was outside our bedroom, anyone else instantly think of the day beds in Love Island? Haha!

We also had access to a library in the house which had quite an impressive range of books. There were lots about Kefalonia; places to eat & visit & secret beaches to explore.

The bedrooms were quite basic compared to the rest of the villa, but it didn't bother us as we spent the least amount of time in there.

We had quite a few days where we relaxed at the villa & the other days we explored the island. The days spent at the villa mostly consisted of us sunbathing, swimming & playing with the inflatables! Oh & who can forget the pool volleyball! I brought an inflatable doughnut & Sally the Flamingo & Alex & Charl brought one of the biggest whales I've ever seen, so when they were in the water altogether, they took up most of the pool!

Allan & Maria celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary while we were on holiday, (I blogged about their wedding last year) so for the second night, we went to a beautiful hotel for dinner.

James had the most incredible dish; the TonyHawk Steak, which was absolutely massive! I don't know how he ate it all.. it was SO big!

As well as this steak, we had some lovely lunches & dinners out at local tavernas. Greek food is simply the best.

We also found the most amazing dessert bar in Fiscardo.. just look at the size of these puddings! Baring in mind we had just had a full meal before this, the struggle to finish them was real.. : D

Like I say, as well as enjoying our villa, we had some exciting days out. 

One of my favourite days was when we hired a boat (a tradition we do every holiday) to sail around the neighbouring islands & explore the hidden beaches.

Our little boat was so cute, it did extremely well to cope in the choppy waters we experienced after lunch. 

There's always a moment on holiday when I think I'm going to die.. that was this time!

I have to admit, I'm not a confident person in water at all. I'm not happy swimming out of my depth or swimming at all really. I like to be able to touch the bottom at all times, so being in a small boat in the middle of the ocean isn't my idea of fun, but as long as we can see the land & aren't too far from the beaches, I'm ok!

We stopped for lunch on the island of Ithaki, which was extremely beautiful. They had some adorable little shops & I found this sign which I just wanted to take home! 

Oh & on our walk back down to the boat, we saw these beautiful flowers. Any idea what they were? I instantly fell in love with them!

We also went to lots of beaches on the island, my favourite being Myrtos Beach. Just look at that water..

We also found a place for the boys to do water sports! Not my sort of thing, but the boys loved it!

The main road on the island also took you up incredibly high, so the viewpoints were to die for! 

We also visited the village of Assos. It was one of the busier places we went to, on the hotest day, so we were literally sweating so much at lunch, but it was worth it! Look at the little houses by the harbour.

One of my favourite trips we went on was to the Melissani Cave. It was absolutely beautiful. I know I keep saying this, but the colour of the water was incredible. It apparently changes depending on the time of day, but it was the most fantastic shade of blue when we went!

The guide takes you on a tour through the caves, where we saw a couple of bats & lots of pigeons nesting at the top of the rocks. It was such a lovely experience, definitely reccomend going if you go to Kefalonia.

As well as all these incredible adventures & days out we went on, my favourite time of day was sunset. Where ever we seemed to be, we could see the sun setting in the distance, making the sky the most fantastic colours. Here's a few of my favourite pictures I took.

On our last night, we headed down to 'A Place For Dreamers' which was only about a 15 minute walk from our villa, to watch the sunset & have dinner. The taverna is owned by Stefano (pictured below) who came out & prayed to the sun as it set. It was the most wonderful thing to witness.

& finally I couldn't not add a few of the Greek wildlife we saw. I absolutely adore the fact you could be walking down the road & a lizard will suddenly dart out by your feet or your driving along the road & a herd of goats block your path..

In conclusion.. I WANT TO GO BACK SO BADLY! 

As I'm writing this post, it's almost a month ago that we flew out & we currently would have been celebrating Allan & Maria's wedding anniversary, by the pool, cocktail in hand.. 

Which brings me on to mention a blog post I wrote last month; How To Beat Those Holiday Blues! Definitely need to take some of my own advice right now.. haha!

Oh & remember you can check out my other holiday blog posts if you like; Corfu Part 1, Corfu Part 2, Lefkas Part 1 & Lefkas Part 2) to see what we got up to on our previous holidays.

Here's to the next one!

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