Manc' Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets have become a firm festive favourite of mine, I just adore the combination of good food, drinks and independent shops situated in wooden huts! 

My festive craving was no different this year, I indulged in some nutella pancakes, mould wine and the famous Germany hot dog. Then drank my body weight in colour changing and Christmas inspired cocktails at Alchemist. What more could a girl want?

Merry Christmas!

DIY SNOWFLAKE GARLAND

This DIY Snowflake and Star Garland is perfect for back drops and adding a little bit of shine to your Christmas decorations. 

You Will Need:

• Sheets of plain paper (Amount depends on how many snowflakes you wish to make)
• Sheets of plain cardboard (Amount depends on how many stars you wish to make)
• Silver acrylic paint
• Silver glitter glue
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Needle
• White thread

Step 1.

Begin to make A5 sized squares using the plain paper and fold (View the link to the Youtube video below to find out hoe to make a 6 pointed snowflake).

Step 2.

Once you have folded your paper, mark on your snowflake design in pencil, either following the one's in the Youtube video or your own design and carefully cut out your snowflakes. 

Step 3.

Once you have cut all your desired snowflakes (I cute out 5), use the silver glitter glue to add some shimmer to your snowflake using a small pointed brush and leave to dry. 

Step 4.

Using plain cardboard, cut out as many stars as you wish, I used a template online and held my cardboard over my phone to outline the shape. This size can be whatever you wish but my stars had the width on an IPhone. 

Step 5.

Decorate your stars with silver paint and leave to dry.

Step 6. 

Poke holes at the top and bottom of the stars and snowflakes when dry, using a needle. (Be careful not to jab yourself!)

Step 7.

Measure your white thread to the length you want your garlands to be before cutting. 

Step 8. 

Attach the needle to the thread and begin to hoop through your stars and snowflakes alternatively. Make sure the thread is at the back of the shapes. 

Step 9. 

Tie a knot at the end of the garland before hanging using white tack or sellotape. I used a little bit of sellotape at the back of each shape to stop them from sliding down. Repeat as many garlands as you want!

I hope you enjoyed this DIY! You can adapt this DIY by just making a star or snowflake garland!

Be sure to check out my other festive blogs including another festive DIY blog post!

Merry Christmas!

DIY NOEL SIGN

Yes it is December which means it's time for sparkles and glitter. This DIY is perfect for an added shimmer in your room this Christmas and is easy and affordable to do!

You Will Need

• Plain NOEL letter blocks
• Dark Grey Paint
• Acrylic Silver Paint
• Silver Glitter Glue
• Painting sponges/ brushes

Step 1.

Make sure you have a clear area that is protected, I used bin liners to stop paint from marking my furniture.

Step 2.

Squeeze out the grey paint and put a small amount on a paint palette or plate along with the silver paint separately. 

Step 3.

Using the sponges, dab on the grey paint on the N, E and L and leave to dry.

Step 4.

Using a clean sponge, dab on the silver paint to the 'O' or the snowflake in this case and leave to dry. 

Step 5.

Continue to do a second coat on all letters to make the colours more opaque and wait for them to dry.

Step 6. 

Once dry, take the 'O' or the snowflake and using the silver glitter glue, line the edge of the shape with glitter. This will take longer dry than the paint, so make sure you're not tempted to touch it once finished too early to avoid the glue going everywhere!

Step 7.

Finally, when all the letters are dry, you can put them on display!

I hope you enjoyed this little DIY, I personally LOVE the sign and think it is very elegant and classy.

You can also purchase plain signs and shapes from hobby craft including an angel, Christmas tree and star if you wanted an alternative option.

Merry Christmas!

5 Things To Do This Christmas

1. Markets
Christmas Markets are hugely popular everywhere and in England we have plenty of good ones. My firm favourite has got to be the Manchester Christmas Markets, every year the city is brought to light with Christmas decorations, various wooden stalls, perfect food and drink and even an ice skating rink! You can buy anything, from homemade Christmas decorations to hot dogs and mulled wine. 



2. Theatre/ Pantomime 
I feel like going to the theatre is becoming a more popular outing and is not considered an 'old folks' thing, at Christmas time, there are lots of festive favourites from Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and The Snowman. At affordable entry prices, it is certainly a winner for families. 



3. Festive Walks
There is something about walking in the breezy morning when the sun is shining that is just so peaceful, plus is free! There are many woodland walks across the country, including festive walks where children get the chance to meet Santa and his Reindeer's as well as picking out your own Christmas tree! 



4. Cosy Nights
As the skies begin to get darker and colder earlier, it is the perfect occasion for a Christmas inspired film night. Gather friends or family around the TV, with blankets and pillows at hand for the ultimate comfort. Stick on your favourite Christmas favourite film and demolish the many festive treats supermarkets and stalls are selling already. Also, get them hot chocolates and mulled wine down!



5. Craft Making Day
Instead of forking out on presents and decorations, have fun by making them yourself! Look online for fab Christmas ideas such as cookie recipe in a jar, making your own fudge and make your own Christmas sign for your room! Enjoy the day with others by blaring out the festive tunes and chomping on nibbles. 

The Paris Guide

In a few months I am heading to the beautiful city of Paris. Popular for the famous, fashion, food and sights, here's a selection of things to visit, if you're planning a trip to the vintage city. 

The Louvre 

The Lourve is one of the most popular destinations in central Paris, being one of the worlds largest museum, it holds the famous painting the 'Mona Lisa'. However many other beautiful artefacts and paintings are held there, from vintage to modern day, a real taste of art. Book a tour or walk around by yourself, capturing the true beauty. You will see a handful of different cultures from Morocco too African, it's your choice what you see. 

Mona Lisa

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Cathedral is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris, the authentic building looks just as beautiful on the inside than the out, with impressive arches and beautiful stain glass windows. Whether you are a catholic or not, the cathedral is a must. It is nicknamed 'our lady' which refers to the virgin Mary.

Inside the Notre Dame

Eiffel Tower

Of course this would not be a complete Paris post without the iconic Eiffel Tower, the landscape mark of Paris. The structure is positioned in the centre of Paris, giving you a full 360 degrees view of the surrounding area, advice to go on a clear sky day to avoid the clouds blocking your view! Why not walk up it?  

Traditional Parisian Cafe

Cafe De La Paix

Whether it's a random one on the street or one of the most popular ones like, Le Select, you can not beat a Paris cafe. From pastries like croissants and cakes to delicacies like macaroons, washed down with tea or coffee, would be the ideal afternoon treat before hitting the next hot spot! Cafe De Le Paix ranked the best cafe in Paris for it's mosaic tiled flooring, list of celebrity visits and history since 1975. 

Inside Cafe De La Paix

As always

Amy

2015 Bucket List

As 2014 draws to an end this Thursday, 2015 opens up new windows and opportunities for a re-start. 2014 has been one of the most challenging years in my 16 years on this earth, from GCSE's, starting college, working life and battling my darkest demons of anxiety and grief, however I feel personally I have accomplished much more than I beckoned for this time last year. I have grown within myself, my ambition's have increased and I now seize the chance to do whatever comes my way. 

I have learnt the value of friendship and family as well as accepting that 'shit happens', I hope you all have learnt something valuable this year whether it's how to cook your favourite meal or something deeper. Roll on 2015!

1. Firstly I want to join a sports club. Growing up I always was included in sports whether it was dance, swimming or netball and now I feel it's time I stepped out of the house, away from my laptop for a few hours a week and start netball again! 

2. Learn and instrument. In my house we have a concoction of musical instruments which are collecting dust, piano, drum kit,guitar, violin and ukulele. So why not learn to play one? For Christmas my brother very kindly took upon my future hobby and brought me a ukulele starter book with strings and a tuner so there are no excuses for me not to start now! 

3. Meet old school friends every month. It's hard when you are so used to seeing your close friends daily at school and as soon as you leave college, things change. However me and my friends have remained our close friendship as we have met up monthly ever since we left school back in June. Whether it's a film night too shopping or a meal out, we all have promised to carry on our efforts in the new year. 

4. Eat healthier. Over the past few months my food source has mainly been chips, coke and chocolate, the three c's I like too call them. At college I will no longer have chips and chilli crisps every day but instead choose a healthier option whilst eating more fruit. I will drink more water as it helps your skin also, let's hope it works!

5. Finally I will keep a 1 year diary. I did this a few year's back and it's sooo interesting to see what I got up too in my early teen years and the comparison in writing now. I feel a diary is a great way of expressing how you feel when things get too much, which in college, can happen a lot. 

Hope everyone has a great New Years Eve and good luck for another year! 

Stay positive, focused and grateful for the little things in life! 

Love Amy x

What makes winter, winter

As the skies are turning darker in the day and the leaves have fully vanished from the tree's, it's starting to feel like winter. Winter is my favourite season, Christmas, new years eve and generally I tend to see more family and friends throughout these months. I'm about to share with you some of what makes winter, winter, n my eyes. 

1. The weather

Often I hear people complaining about the cold UK weather, the high winds, rains and cloudy days, however I LOVE it. It's something about a damp and blustery day that makes me feel cosier and more relaxed than having the sun blaring in! I am however ' dreaming of a white Christmas', which is highly unlikely as snow only appears when the Christmas cheer has ended in January. 

2. The fashion

Okay, as much as I like wearing cute little dresses and skirts, I much prefer wrapping up in big scarves, coats and hats, especially wooly jumpers, too feel that extra bit more comfortable. I love the fashion at the moment, the over sized clothing to the tartan blanket scarves and I have seen lots of glittery dresses ready to be brought the NYE.

3. The food

Obviously food had to make an appearance in my blog post! From costa hot chocolates too thick stews in the evening, really does make me feel winter is on it's way. Of course I can not forget the Christmas dinner, lots of gravy with turkey and all the trimmings is a firm favourite throughout my house hold! 

4. Day/ Nights out

I feel winter becomes a more sociable time for me, because there just seems a lot more things to do around Cheshire than in summer! Going for Christmas meals, markets, shopping and even just chilling at home with a typical rom com with my girls. I am planning on going to the Manchester Markets this year for Christmas in December as I have heard there are lots of cute dainty stalls, perfect for presents. 

5. Boxing Day

As much as I love Christmas and spending the day with my family, eating good food and watching Home Alone, I do love boxing day. On boxing day it feels relaxed and chilled, just lazing around with new gifts, eating the Christmas left overs and seeing more family. 

What makes winter, winter for you?

A trip too Plymouth

Firstly I just want to apologize for the lack of posts this month, it's been busy at college with assignments and work placement! On Saturday my family and I went on a 4 hour car journey to Plymouth to visit my cousin in her new home.

We stayed in an old building which once was an army base, it was a modernized apartment with stone walls and fresh interior, located by the harbor with lots of restaurants to choose from!

The Bedroom 

The Bedroom

The living room

The living room

After a mooch around the area we went to visit my cousin, who lives on the outskirts of Cornwall to see her beautiful dog Layla and new home. We went for an AMAZING meal at the local Chinese where I had duck wraps followed by chicken balls. 

The following day we explored more into Plymouth, visiting the harbors, beach and war memorial. 

The last day we ventured around the shops, primark is a win-win, before driving back home.