REFLECTING ON MY 2024 GOALS

It's New Years Eve and so it's a time where I reflect on the goals that I had set out at the beginning of the year. I'm actually really happy with how things have turned out as I've managed to achieve the majority of them this year.

Move for Mind

I signed up for Move for Mind around this time last year. I'm so proud of myself for completing this challenge of doing 31 minutes of activity a day for the 31 days of January. It was definitely harder some days than others in regards to motivation. However it's something I can say I achieved and I made a small amount of money for charity whilst raising awareness for mental health.

Read 65 books

I actually managed to read 71 so I'm definitely going to increase my goal for next year. I've read such a great variety of books this past year and will be setting myself more reading challenges for the year ahead.

Have more date nights

Sadly this was one goal that wasn't as easy as we had hoped. Life got in the way and it's something that still needs to happen.

Financial goals:

Save £1000 for an emergency fund

I got pretty close I'm £200 short however I'll continue to be popping money away each month into my emergency fund throughout 2025 to make it grow. Hopefully I won't be needing to use it anytime soon.

Regularly add to my sinking funds

I've got into good habits of adding to my sinking funds this year. Because of budgetting I'm able to put money away into these as soon as I'm paid.

New Year Reflections with a Purpose

With Christmas now over and the closing of the year and the dawn of another, we are presented with a unique moment of reflection and anticipation. It's a natural point in our lives, a critical point where we can evaluate our journey so far and plan the course for our future. Here's how you can mindfully reflect on the past year and set yourself genuine intentions for the new one with your New Year reflection.

Taking Stock of the Past Year With A New Year Reflection

Celebrate Your Achievements: Every year is filled with both highs and lows. Start by focusing on the positives. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they might be. These are the moments that brought you joy, taught you lessons, and contributed to your growth.

Acknowledge the Challenges: Not every day was sunshine and roses but that's okay. Life's challenges, setbacks, and failures teach you resilience. They offer valuable lessons. By confronting these experiences head-on, you can gain closure and wisdom.

Express Gratitude: Think of the people who stood by you, the unexpected joys, and even the lessons from the hardships. Expressing gratitude can elevate your mood and offer you perspective.

Dive Deep with Self-Reflection

Ask Yourself Motivating Questions: Engage in a conversation with yourself. Some questions you may wish to ponder are :

● What were my most significant learnings this year?

● In what areas did I grow the most?

● Were there moments I was inauthentic or drifted away from my values?

● What brought me the most joy and what drained my energy?

Journal Your Thoughts: There's power in penning down your feelings, experiences, and thoughts. It helps clarify your emotions, identify any patterns, and serves as a record for you to revisit in the future.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

How is it 10 days until Christmas! It's definitely coming around fast! We are mostly organised with only wrapping presents and purchasing our Christmas dinner bits left to do. I'll be putting my email on holiday mode from the 19th until around new year ready for making the most of family time.

Today myself and a wonderful bunch of bloggers have come together and as a big thank you for your support this year have a wonderful giveaway for you.

Win Big This Christmas! Some of the UK's top bloggers have come together to offer one lucky winner a collection of incredible prizes that are sure to bring smiles to every face in your household.

From thoughtful treats to exciting surprises, this bundle has everything you need to make this Christmas extra special. Entering couldn’t be easier—simply head over to our Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post for a chance to win.

Don’t miss out—this could be the perfect way to surprise and delight the whole family!

This giveaway is open to over 18 only and age verification will be required. The winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Terms and conditions apply.

The Bloggers

In order to be able to bring you this incredible giveaway, some of the UK’s top bloggers got together. A massive thank you to our bloggers! The bloggers taking part are:

The Perfect Gift for Foodies: FinaMill Rechargeable Gift Set

Upgrade your loved ones' cooking game with the festive FinaMill Rechargeable Gift Set. This set not only adds a pop of colour to any kitchen in its Sangria shade, but it also takes cooking to the next level with its innovative design and features. Whether you're shopping for experienced chefs or kitchen newbies, this gift set is sure to impress.

The rechargeable grinder allows for fast charging and has a long-lasting battery, making it the perfect addition to any busy kitchen. And with its eco-friendly design, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while cooking up delicious meals.

Not only does the gift set come with the FinaMill grinder, but it also includes 3 different types of FinaPods: 2 FinaPod Pro Plus for everyday spices and 1 FinaPod MAX for larger spices and dried herbs. With a sleek and modern tray exclusive to this gift set, your loved ones will have all the tools they need to elevate their dishes in one convenient package.

Not only is it a practical and unique present, but it also shows your loved ones how much you care about their passion for food. Don't wait—enter our giveaway now!

Ocoopa HotPal PD Quick Charge Rechargeable Hand Warmer

The Ocoopa HotPal PD Rechargeable Hand Warmer is the perfect addition to our prize bundle, making it an ideal gift for anyone who loves spending time outdoors during the colder months. This hand warmer not only keeps your hands warm and toasty during chilly morning hikes or outdoor activities, but it also has adjustable heat options so you can customise the warmth level to suit your needs.

But that's not all! The Ocoopa HotPal PD Hand Warmer also serves as a backup portable charger using the PD protocol, making it a convenient and versatile gadget to have on hand. It can charge various devices such as lights, earbuds, and smartphones - with lightning-fast speed. In fact, it can charge an iPhone to 50% in just 30 minutes, perfect for those who are always on-the-go. This means you'll never have to worry about your devices running out of juice during your outdoor adventures.

So whether you're gifting this hand warmer to a friend or family member who loves camping, hiking, or simply enjoys being outdoors, or even treating yourself to one, the Ocoopa HotPal PD Rechargeable Hand Warmer is a must-have accessory for any winter adventure. Don't miss your chance to win this amazing prize and make someone's Christmas extra warm and special with our ultimate giveaway bundle!

Opinel Cheese Knife & Fork Set

Looking for a unique and practical gift for the foodie in your life? Look no further than the Opinel Cheese Knife & Fork Set. This set is not only stylish and beautifully designed, but also functional for any cheese lover.

Opinel, known for their iconic French design and quality craftsmanship, brings their expertise to this must-have set for any cheese plate or charcuterie platter. Made from sustainably harvested European wood, the beechwood handles add a touch of elegance to the knife and fork.

But don't let the sleek design fool you, these tools are made to last. The stainless steel blade of the knife is sharp, durable, and easy to maintain, ensuring that it will be a staple in any cheese lover's kitchen for years to come. Plus, the fork serves a dual purpose as a holder for the knife and for easily serving slices from the platter.

This set is not only perfect for holiday gatherings and dinner parties, but also makes a great gift for any occasion. Give the gift of style and functionality with Opinel's Cheese Knife & Fork Set this Christmas!

Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set

The Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set is the perfect addition to our prize bundle this Christmas. With its simple, versatile and efficient design, these knives make everyday cooking much easier. The set includes four high-quality knives with unique and stylish designs that are sure to impress any recipient.

Each knife in the set has a Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade with a high carbon content, ensuring excellent cutting quality and resistance to corrosion. The handles are made from tinted hornbeam and covered in a protective varnish, making them resistant to water for long-lasting use.

The set contains four essential kitchen knives: No.112 Paring knife in purple, No.113 Serrated knife in soft grey, No.114 Vegetable Knife in emerald green and No.115 Peeler in white. These knives are perfect for various tasks such as peeling, slicing, and dicing fruits and vegetables, cutting bread or meat, and even preparing sushi.

The Opinel Art Deco 4pc Kitchen Knife Set is not only practical but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen with its Art Deco design. It's an ideal gift for anyone who loves to cook or wants to upgrade their kitchen essentials.

Note: Age verification will be required for all prize winners. Open to UK residents over 18 only.

The Perfect Gift for Coffee Lovers: RISE 26oz Tumbler by Klean Kanteen

As part of our amazing Christmas prize bundle, we are excited to offer the RISE 26oz tumbler with flip lid in Sea Spray. This sleek and stylish tumbler is not only a great addition to any coffee lover's collection, but also an eco-friendly choice.

Made from certified 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel, this durable tumbler is perfect for enjoying hot or cold drinks on the go. Its Climate Lock™ insulation keeps drinks at the desired temperature for hours, making it ideal for busy mornings or long commutes.

Christmas Negroni Cocktail Prize Pack

Are you looking for a sophisticated and festive cocktail to add to your Christmas celebrations? Look no further than the Award-Winning Christmas Negroni, crafted by Bottle Bar and Shop.

The Winter Solstice Traditions: A Deeper Dive into its Origins and Significance

The winter solstice, is often enveloped in a cloak of mystical charm and profound celestial significance. It has consistently captivated the human spirit since the earliest days of civilisation. This powerful astronomical event, which signifies the moment when we experience the shortest span of daylight and the lengthiest stretch of nocturnal darkness in the entire year, has not merely been a scientific wonder.

Instead, it has intricately woven itself into the very core of cultural, spiritual, and communal fabrics of diverse societies spanning the globe. From ancient rituals performed beneath starlit skies to contemporary traditions that echo the reverence of bygone eras, the winter solstice remains a poignant testament to humanity's enduring connection to the cosmos. In this exploration, we delve into its varied meanings, the rich tapestry of its historical observations, and the myriad ways in which it has been celebrated and revered through the ages.

Understanding the Winter Solstice Traditions

The winter solstice is a celestial event of great significance that occurs annually between December 20th and 23rd in the Northern Hemisphere and between June 20th and 23rd in the Southern Hemisphere. This pivotal moment in the Earth's journey around the Sun is defined by the specific position and tilt of either hemisphere—North or South—being at its maximum distance away from the Sun. As a direct consequence of this orientation, regions within the affected hemisphere experience the shortest duration of daylight, resulting in the longest night of the year. This fleeting period, where day succumbs to night in its most pronounced manner, has been observed and celebrated by various cultures and civilisations throughout history, drawing attention to the intricate dance between our planet and the star that gives it life.

Winter Solstice traditions - Historical Observances of Winter Solstice

Many ancient societies built monuments and developed traditions based on the solstice:

Stonehenge, England:

Beyond its alignment with the winter solstice sunrise, recent archaeological studies suggest that pigs were slaughtered at Stonehenge in December, hinting at midwinter feasts and gatherings.

Newgrange, Ireland:

Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, the Newgrange tomb is aligned so that on the winter solstice, sunlight illuminates its inner chamber. This annual event draws modern crowds who hope to experience this ancient wonder.

Saturnalia, Ancient Rome:

Etending the earlier mentioned Saturnalia, Roman poets like Catullus described it as "the best of days," a time when homes were decorated with wreaths, and candles and clay dolls were gifted.

How Yule Pagan Traditions Shaped Modern Christmas

While Christmas is often associated with Christian traditions celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. You may not know that many of its popular customs and symbols have ancient roots in Pagan Yule celebrations.

Yule, or Winter Solstice, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a turning point where the days gradually grow longer. It was celebrated by various ancient cultures, and over time, many Yule customs were incorporated into Christmas festivities. So let's explore some of these traditions and their origins.

Yule Log

The burning of the Yule log was an integral part of solstice celebrations in various European cultures. It symbolises the return of the sun as the days begin to lengthen. Families would select a large log, often oak or ash, and burn it to bring luck and protection.

Today, the Yule log persists, especially in Europe. Some still burn logs ceremonially, while others enjoy a culinary version, a delicious rolled chocolate cake called "Bûche de Noël". A chocolate Yule log is something we personally choose to have most Christmases.

Evergreen Decorations

This Yule Pagan tradition involves Druids, Celts, and Romans adorning their homes with evergreen boughs, holly, and mistletoe. These plants, which remained green even in the depth of winter, symbolised everlasting life and hope for the return of spring.

These days, Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands owe their popularity to these ancient customs. Mistletoe also retains its place in holiday celebrations, famously known as a spot for sharing a festive kiss.

Feasting and Gift Giving

The Yule period was a time of celebration and feasting. As most agricultural work was halted, it was an opportune time for communities to come together. The act of gift-giving during Yule was to ensure good fortune for the upcoming year.

Why bingo could be the game for you

*This is a collaborative post

Are you looking for a new game to play alone or with friends? Bingo could be the answer! Discover why this iconic activity has been a national favourite for 100 years.

1. Straightforward gameplay

One of the main reasons bingo spread like wildfire through the UK during the 20th century is it’s easy to pick up and play, making it widely accessible. No skills or tactics are required – it’s a classic game of chance where everyone is on an even footing whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned player.

90 numbered balls are kept in a cage and drawn out one by one by a caller. Players have unique 9x3 grids with 15 numbers and 12 spaces and must mark off these numbers as they’re called. The first to reach a full horizontal line gets a prize and the first to a full house wins the game.

2. A great social experience

Another reason why bingo was so popular is that it’s a great social experience. It took over working men’s clubs in the 1920s and community halls in the ‘50s after WWII. Following the introduction of the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act in 1963, at its peak popularity in the ‘60s and ‘70s dedicated halls were built just to host bingo sessions. These venues were considered central to the community and are still a great way to make friends with locals.

Unboxing the History: The Origin of Boxing Day

Once the twinkling lights of Christmas Day have dimmed, but just when you think the festive spirit is drawing to a close, along comes Boxing Day with its own share of merriment and traditions. This uniquely British holiday, celebrated on the 26th of December, has piqued curiosity for its name and traditions. Let's dive deep into its history to demystify this special day.

Origin of Boxing Day - Servants' Day Off

One of the earliest origins of Boxing Day dates back to the Middle Ages. Where it was traditionally the day when landowners would give their servants a day off. After working tirelessly on Christmas Day, to ensure that the lord of the manor and his family enjoyed their festivities, servants were allowed the following day off to visit their families. They were often sent on their way with a ‘Christmas Box’ – a gift of appreciation, which leads us to the next origin.

The Christmas Box Tradition

The term 'Boxing Day' is believed to have been derived from the custom of giving and receiving Christmas boxes. But what were these boxes? In the late 17th century, it became a tradition for tradespeople to collect “Christmas boxes” of money or presents as thanks for good service throughout the year. This was not limited to just the household staff but also extended to mailmen, milkmen, and other service providers. The box was a token of appreciation for their year-long service.

Alms Boxes in Churches

A more religious origin of Boxing Day relates to the alms boxes that are placed in churches during the Advent season for the collection of donations to the poor. On the day after Christmas, these boxes were ceremoniously opened, and the contents were distributed among the needy, ensuring they too had reason to celebrate during this festive season.

Origin of Boxing Day - The Feast of St. Stephen

Boxing Day also coincides with the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, known for his charitable acts. The carol "Good King Wenceslas" highlights this connection, describing how Wenceslas, the Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century, ventured out in harsh winter to provide alms to the poor on the Feast of St. Stephen.

COSY UP WITH AN ADORABLE UNICORN SCARF FROM WICKED UNCLE

The temperature has definitely dropped recently and so this adorable and magically soft unicorn scarf, is perfect for keeping cosy. Unicorns are definitely popular amongst children and so this is the perfect accessory that doesn't just keep your child warm and cosy but is also stylish.

The unicorn scarf from Wicked Uncle is a stylish accessory that features an adorablely cute unicorn with a light pink maine and sparkly silver horn. It is made from 100% Polyester and at 90cm long will wrap snuggly around your child's neck keeping them toasty.

With it's incredibly soft texture being a stand out feature the unicorn scarf brings an extra layer of warmth when heading out into the cold. The fun design is also practical due to it's handy velcro loop which helps to keep the scarf in place no matter how active your child is.

Classic British Christmas Food: A Culinary Trip Down Memory Lane

The festive season in the UK is as much a feast for the taste buds as it is for the eyes and ears. Come Christmas, British households light up not just with twinkling lights but also with the delightful aromas of traditional foods and drinks. Let’s take a journey to explore some of the quintessential British Christmas treats.

Classic British Christmas Food - Mince Pies

Mince pies, despite their name, have evolved significantly over the years and no longer contain minced meat. In the past, these pies did indeed feature a mixture of meat (often mutton) and sweet spices in their fillings. However, as time went on, the inclusion of meat gradually faded away, ultimately resulting in the delicious sweet filling that we know today.

In the modern culinary world, mince pies are typically filled with a mixture known as mincemeat. This mincemeat is a delightful blend of dried fruits, aromatic spices, and occasionally a dash of spirits such as brandy for added flavor. Encased within a layer of delicious buttery pastry, these bite-sized treats have become a beloved dessert, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth to savour.

Mulled Wine

The tradition of enjoying spiced and heated wine can be traced back to ancient Roman times, and it was introduced to Britain when the Romans invaded the region. However, the practice of mulling wine gained significant popularity during the Victorian era in England.

Now, the preparation of this delightful drink involves gently simmering red wine with a blend of aromatic spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Additionally, oranges, lemons, and sugar are frequently incorporated to enhance the flavor profile. The end result is a comforting and fragrant beverage that is particularly well-suited for warming up on cold winter evenings.

British Christmas Food - Christmas Pudding

This classic British Christmas food’s origins trace back to the Middle Ages as a porridge-like dish called 'frumenty', containing beef, mutton, raisins, currants, wines, and spices. By Victorian times, it had evolved into the sweet, dense dessert we recognise today.

This rich pudding is made with suet, flour, breadcrumbs, and a medley of dried fruits. Traditionally, it's steamed for hours, then aged for weeks (sometimes even a year!) and is flambeed before serving. It's a spectacular end to the Christmas meal. There is also the tradition of lucky silver coins being added, promising wealth to whoever discovers them.

Roast Turkey

Though us Brits have been enjoying Christmas feasts for centuries, turkey has only became a popular choice for the main course in the last few centuries. Before that, goose, boar, or even peacock graced tables instead.

LIGHTING UP YOUR HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

Ad – review. I was sent the string lights in return for featuring however all thoughts are my own.

So December is officially here and our Christmas decorations are up. I absolutely love the magic of all the Christmas lights this time of year, as does B. This year we have changed up the lighting on our Christmas tree thanks to Avoalre over on Amazon.

We were sent some warm white LED lights that are suitable for both indoor/outdoor use. These Christmas string lights are 40 meters long and have 300 lights! They don't have to be just used on your Christmas tree either. They can be used in a variety of places in and outside your home.

The LED lights are IP44 waterproof rated (protected against water spray from all directions). The outer protective layer of the light cord is made of a high quality PVC that can be bent to shape around trees, signs, furniture etc. They maybe small lights however they emit a soft and warm lighting to help you relax come the end of the day.