Merry Christmas

I've just popped on to wish everyone who celebrates it a very Merry Christmas- and a very merry Wednesday / other holiday to those of you who don't!

I hope you have a wonderful day however you're spending it, and that the present gods are kind to you.

I'll just be spending the day at home, low-key celebrating with my family, and I can't wait to finally be able to relax after a busy month preparing for Christmas because I'm shattered and in so much pain from pushing myself too hard.

My day is basically going to involve stuffing my face with delicious food, watching a couple of Christmas movies, and maybe even playing a board game or two after Christmas dinner, because that's about as rock 'n' roll as my life gets these days! Haha! 

I'm also looking forward to opening presents with my dog, who is a furry toddler when it comes to presents, so Christmas morning with her is always fun, and one of my favourite parts of the day.

I'm sure I'll be posting photos to my Instagram Stories over the next few days if you want to see the highlights, and I'll be back soon to catch you guys up. Until then, I'm going to sign off and be present for a few hours, and hopefully not find myself wanting to throttle my family. 

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Things Haul

I've picked up all kinds of things to help me prepare for Christmas over the last few months, so I thought it would be fun to put together a little haul post to show you the cute things I found. The only problem is, I've been flaring too badly to take pretty photos, so apologies for these truly atrocious, mismatched ones I've had to make do with. I'm hopeless.

I found the cutest kitschy Christmas wrapping paper, and gift boxes by an American brand called Clementine from T. K. Maxx. The gift wrap was only £2.99 a roll for 12m! The boxes are so beautiful. I might keep them to store Christmas decorations in because I didn't find a use for them this Christmas, and I'm not sure I can part with them.

I didn't intend to match my Christmas cards to my gift wrap, but that's exactly what's happened this year. I couldn't resist these pastel pink Nutcracker and Holiday Mug cards. They're so pretty, and a little bit different to what we usually get in the UK.

If you think I was done with the matchy-matchiness, you'd be wrong. I also snagged some paper plates and napkins in the Holiday Mug design for our Christmas Eve buffet, to take some of the strain off with washing up this Christmas. I know they're bad for the environment, but several of us are a bit worse for wear right now, so needs must.

Speaking of napkins, I also found some beautiful Christmas pudding embroidered napkins from Next that kinda work with my Mum's vintage Christmas tablecloth for Christmas dinner. She doesn't want to switch to a new set of table linens, but I was so tempted to get the rest of the set to use one day.

There weren't matching gift tags for the wrapping paper I chose, but I found these adorable present labels on Amazon, which work really well.

I decided to buy Christmas crackers this year, instead of completely making them from scratch, and picked these Scandi crackers on Amazon from a brand called Harvey & Mason. They're a little tacky, but I embellished them with nicer ribbons, and also added some Lindt chocolates, and scratch cards to them, too, and I think they turned out okay.

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a little Christmas tree farm called the Appleton Christmas Barn, and came home with half a dozen new decorations. These starry frosted ones are my favourites. They shimmer in a rainbow of colours under the fairy lights.

In the summer, I bought a couple of cross stitch kits I've had my eye on for years while they were on sale from Cotton Clara. I got the Let It Snow wall hanging kit, and the It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year kit, and I've been having so much fun making them. They're so easy, and ideal for beginners, too. I blogged about the finished hoop here.

You'll be sooo shocked to hear that my purchases also include some new Erstwilder brooches and earrings. I mean, it's totally out of character for me, right? I recently blogged about the brooches here, and earrings here. They're gorgeous, and it's easily one of my favourite Erstwilder Christmas collections to date.

It wouldn't be Christmas without an Advent calendar (or two) to help me count down the days. I treated myself to the OPI Wicked 12 day Advent calendar this year, and I reviewed it- with spoilers- for you guys here.

My Mum also got me a basic Cadbury Advent calendar. It's one I like to get every year, as I sometimes had one when I was little, and the taste of the chocolate takes me right back to childhood Christmases.

I couldn't resist the Owlcrate edition of the new illustrated festive Caraval novella, Spectacular- despite already ordering the Waterstones exclusive. It's one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. The hidden cover, and illustrations are stunning, and I love how the dust jacket looks like a vintage Christmas card. I can't wait to post a proper review of it for you so you can see it for yourself. I had hoped to fit it in before Christmas, but I've been in too much pain to keep up. 

I'm not really a fan of contemporary romance, but everyone kept raving about The Pumpkin Spice Cafe books, so I picked up a paperback of The Christmas Tree Farm to try. I do enjoy cosy books now and again, so I was hoping I might enjoy this one, but holy crap, it was painful. It only took me a couple of paragraphs to confirm that romance novels aren't for me. It was cute, and I enjoyed parts of it, but I also feel like my IQ dropped a 100 points while reading it. But if you enjoy chick lit with some spice, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

My dog, Rosie, loves opening Christmas presents, so I can't help spoiling her with toys and treats at Christmas. I might have gotten a little carried away this year, but she's going to have so much fun tearing them all open. Most of them came from T. K. Maxx and Sainsbury's, who've both had some great bargains on pet toys lately. I had to get her a new Snow Dog, as it's one of her all time favourite toys, and one of the only soft toys she doesn't murder for its squeaker. I'm hoping that will remain true with her new one.

And, naturally, copious amounts of treats have been purchased for the holidays. Besides all the usual favourites, I've picked up some hot chocolate spoons, a caramel Kinder Santa, and Lindt chocolates to try, and had to buy a tin of the M&S Very Merry Munch. Have you tried it? I got a bag for my birthday, and it was amazing. It's basically a sugar-lovers' trail mix of chocolate covered popcorn, plain and chocolate pretzels, and chocolate almonds and peanuts, and it's soooo good. 10/10 would recommend to anyone without a nut allergy.

What's the best festive thing you've bought so far this Christmas?

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Cotton Clara It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year Cross Stitch Kit Review

My cross stitching mojo had been missing for the longest time, but it's returned again lately, and I've already finished a couple of small projects this December.

My most recent finish was the Cotton Clara It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year cross stitch kit, which was such a fun and easy little make. 

I picked the kit up during the summer when it was on sale, but it's one I'd had my eye on for a couple of years. The design looked so fun and colourful, and I thought the finished hoop would fit in perfectly with my Christmas decorations, so I couldn't resist.

I started it in late November, and it only took about fifteen minutes per letter. I mostly stitched three or four of them at a time, whenever I could spare an hour to sew, but you could stitch this one out in a day, if you've got the stamina. The stitching took about eight hours altogether, and it was one of the simplest, most low-stress things I've ever made!

I still need to finish the back so that I can hang it- which I plan to tackle this weekend- but that shouldn't take long to do.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out, although, I'll admit, I'm not the biggest fan of the fluorescent or golden-brown threads mixed with the others, so I might make the pattern again in prettier colours in the future.

It's the perfect kit to make during December because of how low-commitment it is. It's ideal for those new to cross stitching, but equally great if you're more experienced, and just want something fun you can quickly knock out in a couple of evenings in front of the TV.

The kit comes with everything you need to make it, including threads, aida (fabric), an embroidery hoop, the pattern, a needle, ribbon, and felt and a wooden circle for finishing up the back. All you need is a pair of embroidery scissors, and something to cross off the chart with as you go along. 

All the materials are fantastic quality, and I think it's excellent value for money. You can find it at Cotton Clara, Etsy, and John Lewis, and Not on the High Street.

Have you crafted anything yet this Christmas?

P.S. I wanted to take photos to show you the materials and finished cross stitch in better detail, but I've not been well enough, so apologies for this single crappy iPhone photo. If I didn't post this now, we'd have had to of waited another year. I'll try to update them after Christmas.

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Christmas Blogmas Tag

Thanks to abysmal winter daylight and horrendous spinal pain, I still haven't managed to take the photos I need for the festive blog posts I had planned, so today, I'm going to have a go at another Christmas tag post instead.

The Christmas Blogmas Tag is a short but sweet one with just seven questions, and if you want to hear about my Christmas traditions, what my favourite hot chocolate is, or what I'm hoping to find under the tree this Christmas, stick around to find out!

What is your favourite Christmas treat?

I love some homemade trifle, or the Chocolate Squidgy Log my sister makes every year. It's an old Delia Smith recipe she's been making since Sixth Form. It's basically a fancy chocolate Swiss roll, but with chocolate mousse and cream inside instead of jam. We don't let my sister in the house on Christmas Day unless she brings one.

What Christmas traditions do you celebrate?

We don't really follow any exciting traditions in my house these days. (I'm a single and childless old spinster, and I live with a bunch of Scrooges who don't get excited enough to care about traditions). All I can really think of is that we always play a compilation album called 100% Christmas while decorating the tree, which we've played every Christmas since 1994; my older sister and I drive around to look at Christmas lights together every year (usually on Christmas Eve); and I make a blackberry and apple trifle every Christmas Eve. Oh, and I like to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol when doing my first batch of wrapping. 

When I was younger, we always went to my Auntie's Christmas Eve party; were allowed to open one present from under the tree when we got home; put our stockings out on the sofa (we never had hooks over the fireplace); and were forced along to church on Christmas morning.

Are you wishing for snow this year?

I would love to get snow for Christmas, but I've only ever had one white Christmas, and no amount of wishing will change the fact that it doesn't snow very often here in south east England.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

It's a tie between Santa Claus the Movie, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. They're the best Christmas movies ever!

Have you ever built a gingerbread house?

No, I've always wanted to, but for some reason, I never have.

What is your favourite hot chocolate?

I love Hotel Chocolat's hot chocolate. The cocoa whipped cream they top them with is to die for.

What gift are you hoping to get this year?

I would love to get one of the Polly Pocket Loungefly bags, or some of the books from my wish list this Christmas. I posted my Christmas list last week, if you'd like to see what else is on it.

And that is the Christmas Blogmas Tag.

If you want to take part, consider yourself tagged! Just make sure you leave me your links so that I can read your post if you write one.

Do you have any Christmas traditions?

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My Christmas List 2024

I might be a little too late to submit my Christmas list to Santa this year, but I'm gonna post it here, anyway. I mean, I've been so good this year, so maybe he'll deliver the goods? Maybe not.

Either way, I wanted to show you some of the lovely things I'd love to find under the tree on Christmas morning. I hope it gives you a little present inspiration if you're still struggling for ideas for the women in your life this Christmas.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17 // 18 // 19 // 20 // 21 // 22

1. I'd love some new nail polishes for Christmas, and the Nails Inc Leave Them On Red set has the dreamiest mix of winter hues.

2. The Moomins was one of my favourite cartoons growing up, so I need this Moomin smock dress from Truffle Shuffle! 

3. These books have been on my wish list for well over a year, so I'd be sooo happy to find the Illumicrate editions of The Bride of the Shadow King trilogy under the tree on Christmas morning.

4. I was obsessed with Polly Pockets in the nineties, so I'm dying to get my hands on this amazing Loungefly Polly Pocket Convertible Mini Backpack.

5. How cute is this Erstwilder Donut Cake brooch?! 

6. I'm not content to just have my cake and eat it, too- I also want to wear it. Not on my face- with this Erstwilder Romance Isn't Dead cake brooch pinned to my clothes.

7. I bought the other two collector's editions of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare over Black Friday, and still need book two, City of Ashes, to complete the set. It's so pretty.

8. I rarely wear slippers as I overheat so quickly, but I'd make an exception for these amazing Labyrinth Worm slippers from Truffle Shuffle. Best slippers ever? I think so!

9. I love Tarte make up, and the Tartlette Amazonian Clay palette set from QVC is calling my name. It's one of the nicest sets I've seen in ages. The eyeshadow palette is currently on sale on their website at a far better price, though...

10. I'd love to get the Serpent and Dove boxset; I've wanted to try this series for years.

11. The Nails Inc 8 Days of Nails set looks like it would be perfect for making my nails look pretty over the holidays.

12. I already have a couple of Labyrinth dresses, but I still want this Labyrinth Celestial velvet smock dress from Truffle Shuffle to make it an uneven-three. It's amazing!

13. What I wouldn't give to get this gorgeous Lust & Longing Journal from The Quirky Cup Collective. My only problem would be choosing what kind of paper to have in it- lined, dotted, or blank.

14. And I'm also coveting the matching Everything Nice Reading Companion. It's basically a streamlined version of their brilliant reading journals. (I have a couple- they're fantastic).

15. This Loungefly Polly Pocket mini backpack is so cute! I love the heart print on the sides.

16. Popsy Clothing have won my heart once again with their beautiful Dorian Book Print Full Skirt Dress. It combines two of my favourite things- books and dresses!

17. Too Faced always have the most amazing Christmas collections, and this year's Merry Merry Make Up eyeshadow palette looks incredible. I'm not sure what I love more- the shades, or the packaging.

18. I'm apparently craving all the Polly Pocket things this year, but can you blame me when the Loungefly Polly Pocket Zip Around Wallet is this cute?!

19. This Waterstones Exclusive hardback of The Januaries by Olivie Blake looks so beautiful. I'd love to add it to my collection.

20. I've also got my beady little eye on Owlcrate's special edition of The Stars are Dying. Every last detail is to die for.

21. The Owlcrate edition of Your Blood, My Bones is another book that looks as great as it sounds. Its hidden cover looks fantastic.

22. And last but not least, the Too Faced Let it Snow Globes eyeshadow palette set would be a welcome addition to my dressing table. Even if they almost look too pretty to use!

If you want to see more like this, you can find my full Christmas list board on Pinterest here.

What's at the top of your Christmas list this year?

The Amazing Christmas Tag

I've seen the Amazing Christmas Tag on a couple of blogs this week, and since I still need to take photos for a few blog posts I have planned, I've decided to give it a go, too.

There are sixteen questions and sixteen answers, and if you want to know where I'm spending Christmas this year, what colour my Christmas lights are, or what I left out for Santa when I was a kid, today is your lucky day!

1. When do your decorations go up?

I used to start decorating for Christmas on the 1st of December, but these days, it varies depending on when I can catch a good pain day. I try to do my bedroom decorations during the first week of December (although, I haven't yet this year), but the last few years, we haven't got to the main decorations until a few days before Christmas. This year? We're actually planning to tackle it today!

2. Who is the Scrooge in your family or friendship group?

It's definitely my Dad. He's not anti-Christmas, but it's more of a religious holiday to him, and he can get annoyed if the decorations go up too early, and by the excessiveness of it all. I've lost count of how many times he's jokingly told us Christmas was cancelled over the years.

3. If money were no object, how and where would you spend Christmas?

I'd love to experience Christmas in New York; in a log cabin somewhere in Scandanavia with a lot of snow and views of the Aurora Borealis; and also somewhere hot and tropical, like Australia. But, in all honesty, I think nothing would compare to celebrating Christmas at home.

4. Who do you find the hardest to buy presents for?

My Dad is a nightmare to buy presents for. He doesn't really have hobbies anymore, he can't drink because of his health, his idea of a skincare regime is soap and water, and he's diabetic, so sugar is out. And to make it worse, his birthday is a month before Christmas, so it makes it twice as hard to come up with something new that he'll actually like. I struggle with him every year.

5. What did you leave out for Santa when you were a child?

We usually left out a mince pie, and a shandy, plus sometimes a carrot for the reindeer. 

6. Where did you spend last Christmas?

I just spent it at home in The Cotswolds, with my family.

7. Do you have a real or artificial Christmas tree?

We have an artificial tree in the living room, but I always get a small real tree for my bedroom, too. Best of both worlds!

8. Which celebrity would you love to spend Christmas with?

I'm not sure I'd actually want to spend Christmas with a celebrity. I'd probably be too nervous to actually enjoy myself, or they wouldn't be as nice as they appeared on TV, and it would change how I saw them.

9. How are you spending this Christmas?

I'll be spending Christmas at home with my family, like I always do. We'll do some baking, and have a family buffet on Christmas Eve, with lots of tasty nibbles. And on Christmas Day, my sister, brother-in-law, and Auntie are joining us for the day, so it'll be a low-key Christmas with all the usual things- presents, Christmas dinner, movies, games, nibbles- and should be really lovely.

10. Do you own an ugly Christmas sweater?

Ugly? My Christmas jumpers are cute, thank you very much!

11. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone, who would it be?

I wouldn't say 'no' to Jason Momoa.

12. Have you ever had a white Christmas?

Only once. We had one of the coldest winters I've ever known in 2010, with temperatures well below freezing in the day time, and icicles the length of my arm hanging from the windows. We had a few heavy snow falls before Christmas, and while it didn't snow on Christmas Day, so it's not an official white Christmas, we still had about a foot of it on the ground on Christmas morning, so I'm counting it. It was magical, and I remember my Mum buried the frozen turkey in the snow to save on freezer space! We don't get a lot of snow in south east England, so it was a real novelty, and I doubt we'll ever have a Christmas like it again.

13. Do you use coloured lights on your tree, or white?

We have coloured lights on the living room tree, and I currently use warm white lights for my bedroom tree. 

14. Have you finished your holiday shopping, or are you a last-minute gift-getter?

I actually finished my Christmas shopping last week! I always pick up presents throughout the year, to spread the cost, but I'm not usually this organised already. I'm not gonna lie, it feels good! I could never leave gift-giving 'til the last minute. I feel stressed just thinking about it.

15. What's on your Christmas wish list for 2024?

My Christmas list is 90% books this year, but I also have my eye on a few dresses, Erstwilder brooches, Too Faced make up sets, and some new bookshelves. I'll be blogging my Christmas wish list this week, but if you want to see what I have my eye on, you can find my Christmas list board on Pinterest here.

16. How do you plan to spend holiday cheer in 2024?

Just by giving presents and cards to my family and friends, wishing people a Merry Christmas, posting festive content, and if I have enough money to spare, I want to donate to a food bank, and put a box of goodies together for a homeless person.

And that is the Amazing Christmas Tag.

If you want to give it a go on your own blog, consider yourself tagged! Just be sure to leave me a link to your post so that I can have a read.

How will you be spending Christmas this year?

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Upon a Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar Christmas Book Review

Last Christmas, I read a gorgeous Swan-Lake-retelling from the author who wrote Midnight in Everwood, and it was one of the most magical festive books that I've ever read. I didn't finish it until after Christmas, so I've been waiting all year to share my review, and the day has finally arrived.

So, let me tell you why you need to read Upon a Frosted Star this Christmas.

Book Title: Upon a Frosted Star.

Author: M. A. Kuzniar.

Genre: Fantasy, romantasy, fairytale-retelling.

Edition: Waterstones Exclusive.

Plot:

Upon a Frosted Star is a devastating and wintry retelling of Swan Lake set in the Roaring Twenties, beginning with whimsical parties that give off Caraval and The Night Circus vibes, with hints of The Great Gatsby.

It's about a young artist called Forster who falls head-over-heels for a woman he meets at one of these enchanting parties, and becomes consumed with finding her again.

When they finally reunite, Forster discovers that the woman, Detta, carries a secret. Detta is cursed and can only remain human when it snows. When the snow melts, she turns into a mindless swan, and so she stays until it snows again.

It seems they're not fated to be together, but as any great fairytale will tell you, love is stronger than the distance between them, and absence makes the heart grow fonder. (Or some other soppy cliche about long-distance love).

Forster becomes a recluse from the world as he waits for Detta to return, year after year, and as Detta weakens with each year that passes, they realise he must find the man who cursed her if they have any chance of being together. But will Forster be able to track down the mysterious villain, or is Detta cursed to remain a swan forever?

Thoughts:

So... I'm just going to come right out and say it: I loved this book!

I haven't read the original Swan Lake story, so I don't know how it compares and differs, but I enjoyed this melancholy fairytale mixed with a 1920s setting, as it added so much romance and glamour to the existing story. 

It was so beautiful, whimsical, and romantic, and with all the snow and festive scenes, it was the perfect book to curl up and ignore the world with during the holidays.

The writing was so magical and descriptive, and it immersed me in every scene until I could almost feel the snow crunching underfoot, and taste the sugary cakes on my tongue. I particularly loved how Kuzniar described the enchanting parties, and the fun and imaginative ways the invitations were sent out each year. They sounded like the most magical parties ever, and I wanted to go to one so badly! And I hate parties!

Now, I admit, I'm not much of a romance reader, either, (unless it's romantasy and involves morally-grey fae warriors or vampires); I enjoy them even less than I enjoy parties. But I loved Forster and Detta's tragic love story so much. They were so cute together!

There are so many books about love lost and found, but having a couple fall in love, and then be separated by the cruelty of magic, weather, time, and distance each time the snow melted, made their story so unique and tragic. The fact that it happened continuously, and that they were lost to each other, despite remaining nearby made it all the more heartbreaking.

I love that they didn't concentrate on the time they didn't have, and always focused on making the most of every minute they had with each other. Although, as romantic as their stolen moments were, their heartwarming romance and declarations of love did become a little soppy and repetitive towards the end, and had me rolling my eyes at times.

Mostly, I just felt sorry for Detta and all she'd been through, and for Forster left behind in isolation from his friends, spending all year waiting for the snow to fall so he could be with the woman he loved. It was so damn tragic, I became so invested in their hunt for Rothbart in the hope that they could break the curse, and have their happy ever after.

I did feel that the ending was rushed and wish that it had been developed more, but I adored this book, and it was one of my favourite reads of 2023.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

So, basically, this book stole my heart, and if you enjoy devastating fantasy romance, and fairytale retellings, I think you'll love it, too.

I'm so tempted to reread it again this Christmas!

Have you read Upon a Frosted Star yet?

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The Christmas Book Blogger Tag

I saw the Christmas Book Blogger Tag on a couple of blogs, and thought it would be fun to jump on the band wagon, so here we are. Let's do this!

What is your favourite Christmas scene in a book?

I love the Christmas scene in Little Women when Beth is recovering from scarlet fever, and Mr. Lawrence gives her his late daughter's piano. It makes me cry every time.

Oh, and also the scene in A Court of Frost and Starlight when Azriel takes it upon himself to fix the Solstice decorations Cassian and Feyre made a drunken mess of hanging; when he gets exasperated, and gets caught downing Rhys' good wine. His reaction is hilarious!

Do you have any Christmas book traditions?

Not really. The only ones I can think of are that I try to read festive books during December, and my older sister and I usually go sale-book-shopping between Christmas and New Year. I might have to make shopping for new festive books before Christmas a thing, though.

Do you prefer to get presents of book vouchers or books?

I honestly don't have a preference. Either way, I get new books. I love receiving new books people have chosen for me or picked off my wishlist, and gift vouchers are great because I'm a pro at getting more for the money during the Boxing Day sales.

Do you give books as presents?

Yes, I do. My family are all readers, so I gift books as part of their presents almost every year. A few people will be getting books off me this year, too.

What bookish item is on your Christmas wishlist?

I'm unlikely to get them, especially as they're from international brands, but I would love the Everything Nice Reading Companion from The Quirky Cup Collective; and the Kingdom of the Wicked Favourite Sin blanket from Litjoy Crate.

What three books would you love Santa to have in his sack for you?

1. The T. Kingfisher set of The Twisted Ones, The Hollow Places, and House with Good Bones from Illumicrate.

2. The Bride of the Shadow King trilogy from Illumicrate.

3. The King of Scars Annotated Special Edition Boxset from Litjoy Crate.

Fake Christmas tree or real Christmas tree?

We always have a fake Christmas tree in the living room, and I always get a small real one for my bedroom, so I have the best of both worlds. I always thought I prefered real ones, but I think fake trees are much less hassle.

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

I particularly love seeing all the Christmas lights and decorations brightening up in the dark winter nights; giving gifts to my family and friends; and watching Christmas movies.

What Christmas book would you recommend?

I'd recommend:

♥ Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

♥ Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar.

♥ Upon a Frosted Star by M.A. Kuzniar.

♥ A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

♥ A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas.

♥ Noel Streatfield's Christmas Stories.

♥ A Merry Christmas and Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott.

What dish on the Christmas menu are you most looking forward to?

My brother-in-law's goose-fat roast potatoes. They're so damn good! And also my blackberry and apple trifle and my sister's Squidgy Chocolate Log, because they're both delicious.

When do you open your Christmas presents?

We open ours once everyone is up on Christmas morning. And then exchange presents with my older sister and brother-in-law when they arrive around midday.

What's your favourite Christmas song?

It's probably between Last Christmas by Wham, I Believe in Father Christmas by Greg Lake, and It's Only Christmas by Ronan Keating.

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

I would love to have another white Christmas, as I've only ever had one (in 2010), and it was magical. It was so cold, we had snow on the ground for weeks, and icicles the length of my arm hanging from the windows! It rarely snows in Oxfordshire at the end of the year, though, so it's unlikely to happen again any time soon.

I hope you've enjoyed The Christmas Book Blogger Tag. If you want to take part, consider yourself tagged! Just make sure to leave the links to your posts in the comments so I can have a read!

What's your favourite Christmas book?

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OPI Wicked Mini Nail Lacquer 12 Day Advent Calendar Review With Spoilers

This year, I'll be counting down the days to Christmas with the OPI Wicked 12 Days of Thrillifying Shades nail polish Advent calendar, and I'm here to review it for you- with plenty of spoilers of the contents!

So, this year's OPI Advent calendar is a collaboration with Wicked the movie, and features twelve bewitchingly beautiful mini OPI nail polishes in shades inspired by the characters, which are perfect for the holiday season and beyond.

There are Glinda pinks and Elphaba greens, yellow-brick-road yellows and ruby-slipper reds- and a whole ensemble of other magical nail colours in between. 

I love the mix of nail shades included in this set, and that there is a colour for every mood, and occasion. Whether you're looking to get into the holiday spirit, feeling feminine like Glinda, or going for dark and edgy like Elphaba, there's a shade for it. It's been so well curated.

Here's a full list of the mini 3.5ml nail polishes you'll find inside. (Descriptions taken from OPI's website):

♥ Ga-linda- a light pink shimmer nail polish that'll ga-lindafy you.

♥ Oh, for Oz Sake- a white polish with pink and green pearlescence that'll unleash magic.

♥ Ozitively Elphaba- a green polish with gold pearlescence.

♥ I'm the Wonderfullest- a blue polish with multi-coloured shimmer.

♥ Glinda, the Good!- a hot pink shimmer that screams 'good witch.'

♥ Love You So Munchkin- a yellow and gold polish.

♥ Deflying Gravity- a black nail polish with blue and silver shimmer.

♥ Nessa-ist Rose- a rosy red nail polish that's Nessa-sary.

♥ Let's Rejoicify- a purple nail polish with red and gold shimmer.

♥ Oz-mazing- a light gold shimmer.

♥ Witch o'clock- a positively green polish that's Wicked.

♥ Fiyero's My Man- a cobalt blue polish that nails every prince-iple.

It was the greens, Ozitively Elphaba and Witch o' Clock, that sold me on this calendar- both shades look dreamy- but the black and purple shimmers, Deflying Gravity and Let's Rejoicify, and classic rosy red, Nessa-ist, look like they're going to be favourites, too. I haven't worn or even swatched any of them yet, as I'm saving that treat for when I open them, so we'll see if my favourites change later.

All of the nail polishes included in the calendar are 3.5ml minis, but they're still a reasonable size, and you'll get at least a few manicures out of each bottle. I can't deny, it would've been nice to see a full-size nail polish included for the final day, though.

The calendar itself is smaller than a paperback book, which is so cute, and perfect if you're short on space. It's made of sturdy, recyclable cardboard, and features a Wicked-inspired design in green and gold, with Glinda and Elphaba from the movie on the front.

Pull back the giant green nail polish, and it opens on a hinge to reveal the twelve numbered windows, in numerical order, and split into two sides. The left is green and purple for Elphaba, and the right is pink, purple, and yellow for Glinda. It's such a pretty design- especially the green side.

The windows are also clearly numbered with a modern white font, so it'll be easy to locate the correct one each day. And you'll find the name of each nail polish shade on the reverse of each window. You'll want to make a note of each one in case you wish to order a full-size bottle of your favourite shades, as, annoyingly, once again, they aren't printed on the bottles. I wish OPI would just print the names on the mini bottles already- it would make identifying them so much easier.

The OPI Advent Calendar retails for £52, which is expensive for twelve mini nail polishes, but it's fair when you consider the full-sized bottles retail for around £16 each. It's also currently included in a lot of Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals, so you should be able to grab it for much less. 

Overall, it's a fantastic, reasonably-priced nail polish Advent Calendar to count down to Christmas with, with a gorgeous variety of high-quality nail shades that will keep your nails looking their best long after the festive season is over. I'd highly recommend it.

You can find it from: Amazon, Boots, Nail Polish Direct, OPI, and Pretty Little Thing. (OPI currently have the best deal)!

Which Advent Calendar have you chosen this year?