Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 12: Christmas traditions

Hi everyone,

Another baby update: she still hasn't made her arrival and we're on to day 12...

Christmas traditions

I don't have many but I thought I would write down the ones I do have or have had over the years.

• Advent calendars! Now I can get greedy with these and usually end up with more than one. I usually have the Lindt ones and a me to you one. This year I have a Cadbury one.
• My Mum would always leave wrapping presents until Christmas eve when I went to bed.
• I still get a Santa sack full of bits and pieces.
• Christmas would always be a big family event. The 'best' table and china would always be used, there would be so many of us sat round the table for dinner.
• Christmas lunch would always be set out as a buffet on the 'everyday' table.
• Every year I would visit a Christmas market.
• As a young girl my Grandma would take me to church.
• Presents would be given throughout the day. My family don't like opening them all at once.

QOTD: What are your Christmas traditions?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 11: Christmas outings: What to do?

Hi everyone,

On to day 11...

Christmas outings: What to do?

I love Christmas and there is always so much to do where ever you live. So I thought I would put together a list of things I like to do at Christmas:

• I have been to winter wonderland in Hyde Park a couple of times and honestly, it's amazing! There is so much to do and get involved in. It's been open since the 18th November and goes on until the 2nd January 2017. They are celebrating 10 years this year. For more info click: here.
• I love to go to local Christmas markets. Traditionally me and my Nanna always used to go to the on at Winchester cathedral. It's a little harder now as I don't live close any more but we would have gone this year again. Find some Christmas markets here.
• Christmas shopping. There's no better feeling then buying a present you know someone is going to love. 
• Go on a Christmas light drive or walk. Have a look around your local neighbourhood at how they have done their houses up for Christmas. I always used to go and look around local houses with my parents as some used to do it all for charity.

QOTD: Where do you like to go at Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 10: Letter to Santa

Hi everyone,

It's day 10 and here is my...

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

This has been one whirl wind of a year and its still is. I only have a couple of things I would like to ask you for this year.

Firstly, I would like to make sure all my family (this includes my boyfriend and his family) are well and that 2017 is a great and prosperous new year for them all. I want to see them all have an amazing year and to really go for what they want and to achieve it.

Secondly, I would love to have my baby girl and be out of hospital in time for Christmas. There is nothing I would like more then this, to have a happy healthy baby girl and to share her first Christmas at home (and with a nice Christmas dinner).

As I said I don't really have anything much to ask but if you can bring me just a couple of things these 2 would be amazing. I believe that I have been as good as I can be this year, so I think I do deserve them.

Thank you

Tasha x

(QOTD: What would you ask Santa for?)

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 9: Nailed it!

Hi everyone,

Day 9, no baby (sad times).

Nailed it!

There is nothing better then searching through Pinterest (find me here) at Christmas time. So I have pulled a few of my favourite Christmas nail pins for inspiration this season.




QOTD: Do you go to the nail bar or do your nails yourself?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 8: Favourite Christmas foods

Hi everyone,

Time for day 8...

Favourite Christmas foods

Here is a list of foods that I love and traditionally have at Christmas:

• Celebrations
• Roses
• Heroes
• Quality street
• Turkey
• Stuffing
• Pigs in blankets
• I always have a chocolate cake as I don't like Christmas pudding
• Gammon

QOTD: What are your favourite Christmas foods?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 7: Favourite Christmas films

Hi everyone,

It's day 7 and still no baby.

Favourite Christmas films

So here are a few of my favourite Christmas films:

1. Miracle on 34th Street
2. The Grinch
3. Jack Frost
4. Rudolph the red nosed reindeer the movie (1998)
5. Home Alone
6. The nightmare before Christmas
7. Elf
8. The Holiday
9. The Santa Clause 2
10. A Christmas Carol

QOTD: What is your favourite Christmas film?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 6: Christmas song playlist

Hi everyone,

What did day 6 bring in your advent calendar today? I had a chocolate snowman.

Christmas song playlist

If I had to bring out a Christmas CD this is what I would have on there as without fail these are the songs you will here me playing. (No particular order of favourites.)

1. Paul McCartney- Wonderful Christmas time
2. Mariah Carey- All I want for Christmas is you
3. Band aid 1984- Do they know it's Christmas?
4. The Pogues feat. Kirsty Maccoll- Fairytale of New York
5. Wizzard- I wish it could be Christmas everyday
6. Shakin' Stevens- Merry Christmas everyone
7. Mel & Kim- Rockin' around the Christmas tree
8. Slade- Merry Christmas everybody
9. Justin Bieber- Mistletoe
10. Wham!- Last Christmas
11. Jackson 5- Santa Claus is coming to town
12. John Lennon- Happy Xmas (war is over)
13. Kylie Minogue- Santa baby
14. Chris Rea- Driving home for Christmas

QOTD: What is your favourite Christmas song?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 5: Stocking fillers for him

Hi everyone,

Day 5 and I am going to talk about....

Stocking fillers for him

These are things that if I were to be doing a stocking for my boyfriend (as well as some other bits I know wouldn't be for him) he would like:

• Underwear.
• Belts.
• For my boyfriend FIFA points. So if the man you are buying for likes gaming maybe a PlayStation or Xbox voucher.
• His favourite aftershave.
• Deodorant.
• Chocolate and/or sweets.
• Miniature bottles of alcohol (remembering the legal age in your country).
• Joke/novelty items.
• Key ring.
• Mug and/or glass.
• Shower and/or bath products.
• Body lotion (Nivea is a favourite of my boyfriend).
• Something personalised.
• Travel games.
• Slippers.
• Gadgets.
• Stationary.

QOTD: What would you put in a stocking for a man?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 4: Stocking fillers for her

Hi everyone,

Quick baby update... still no sign. On to day 4...

Stocking fillers for her

So I have devised a list of things that my Mum would put in a stocking for me. Yes I'm 20 years of age and I still get a stocking, anyone else? Best part of Christmas is a stocking. My Mum usually puts stuff in there that will last me and that way I don't have to buy the stuff for myself.

• Underwear. I don't think a stocking is complete without a novelty pair of socks and knickers.
• Body sprays/splashes. I love getting Charlie, Impulse, So...? etc. in my stocking.
• Mini perfumes. You can get some cute miniature sets from Boots, Superdrug, the perfume shop etc. 
• A Christmas teddy. My Mum is a sucker for a teddy and I usually find one or two in my stocking.
• Chocolate and sweets. A stocking from my point of view can never have enough chocolate and what's a stocking without chocolate coins?
• Razors or wax strips. Practical and saves me buying some for a while.
• To link to that, shaving foam.
• Dry shampoo. I usually find 3 or 4 bottles in mine and dry shampoo always comes in handy!
• Pyjamas. Same with the underwear, novelty ones are the best.
• Lip balms. From Nivea to novelty (seriously Christmas is all about novelty right?) you can never have enough.
• In the picture below I received a tangle teezer and I love it!
• Facial wash/scrub.
• Facial Wipes.
• Face creams.
• Her favourite pieces of make up.
• Makeup brushes.
• Storage for make up and brushes.
• Jewellery.
• For the over 18s/21s (depending on the legal age in your country) miniature bottles of their favourite wine or spirit.
• A money box (as seen in picture below in front of the Guylian chocolates).
• The year I received this stocking below my Mum put in some hot chocolate from Whittard. I believe it was rocky road flavoured.
• A gift voucher.
• Nail varnish.
• Slippers.
• Joke items.
• Keying's.
• Candles or reed diffusers.
• Lush bath/shower products.
• Surprise her with a ring? For those of you looking to pop the question, place it at the bottom of her stocking so just when she thinks it can't get any better... it gets 100x better.

A stocking my Mum made up for me

QOTD: What do you like getting in your stocking?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 3: What's on my Christmas list?

Hi everyone,

So today is the day that baby girl is due! How exciting! Today's post is...

What's on my Christmas list?

To be honest I don't want a lot for Christmas (just so you're aware I sang that line, cue Mariah Carey all I want for Christmas). I have been going through the boots website and I have picked out things that I like the look of. So here is what I would like for Christmas:

• (To follow my Mariah Carey sing song) There is just one thing I need: a happy healthy baby, come on little one we're rooting for you today!

The make up and cosmetics wish list:

• Some new makeup brushes. MAC, Spectrum, Real Techniques, I really don't mind. 
• Sleek smoke and mirrors set. (Or any Sleek makeup/gift set for that matter.)
• Ted Baker Sparkle and shade set. (Again I love Ted Baker so I would love all of the sets.)
• Essie nail polish sets.
• I'm obsessed with Jack Wills so I would be grateful for any of their makeup gift sets.
• No7 beauty haul colour vault.
• Ted Baker Treasure Trove.
• Any bareMinerals set.
• Dior total matte smoky palette.
• Dior All-in-one couture palette.
• Rosé all day gift set.

Bath and Body wish list:

• Jack Wills bath and body sets, I'm not picky.
• Any Ted Baker bath and body set.
• Soap and Glory super spa set.
• Soap and Glory Girl-o-Whirl set.
• Soap and Glory pick of the bunch set.
• Soap and Glory the whole glam lot set.
• French Connection luxe collection
• French Connection bed ready set.
• French Connection lost in the mist.
• Disney Alice late for an important date body mist and cosmetic bag set.
• I love... lots of bubbles set (the scents in there sound amazing!).

Perfume/Fragrance:

• CoCo Chanel Mademoiselle.
• Charlie body sprays.
• So...? Body sprays.
• Impulse body sprays.
• Marc Jacobs decadence.
• Issey Miyake eau d'Issey. (I love this fragrance!)
• Ghost perfumes.

QOTD: What would you like for Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 2: This time next year tag

Hi everyone,

This time next year tag

Thank you to Leah who tagged me a week or so ago to do this tag. So I thought I would include it as part of my Blogmas. They sort of tie in with New Years resoloutions.

The Rules:

• Thank the person who tagged you.
• Write your goals for next year.
• Write how you’re going to achieve your goals.
• Tag at least 5 of your blogger friends to share their goals.
• Then if you wish in 365 days write a post for everyone to see if you have been successful or not!

This time next year I would like to have:

1. Make a savings account for baby. I know Leah has this on her list but it's something I have been thinking about for a while. How I will do this is go into a bank and set her up an account. It will probably be one of those that she can't touch until she is of a certain age as I don't want her wasting the money we have saved for her.
2. Be doing everything I can for little one. As I am a qualified nursery nurse I understand the importance of one-to-one time. I want to do so much with her and already have so much planned in my head.
3. Read more books. Sounds simple but even though I have the time I still don't just pick up a book. I'm going to set a goal that I will have read between 3 and 5 books next year.

The people I nominate are:

1. The-Finer Things In Life
2. Life with Ktkinnes
3. The Life of a Glasgow Girl
4. BeautyLifeMom
5. Me Becoming Mum

Sorry if you've already been nominated.

QOTD: What would you like to see yourself doing this time next year?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016 Day 1: Favourite things about Christmas

Hi everyone,

It's December! How excited am I?! Not only is it December but it's day 1 of Blogmas!

Day 1 is...

Favourite things about Christmas

So here's my list:

• High spirits. I love how everyone gets so excited and there's just a lovely Christmas atmosphere.
• Christmas lights.
• Christmas shopping.
• Spending time with family.
• Christmas cooking.
• Giving to others.
• Wrapping presents.
• Christmas music.
• Christmas films.
• Christmas markets.
• Seeing how excited the children in the family get.
• Decorating the tree.
• The night before Christmas and you know the big day will be here when you wake up!

QOTD: What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 28: Winter

Hi everyone,

So it's the last day of November and the last season which is...

Winter

My favourite things about winter are:

• Christmas! Say no more.
• Layers! I love to layer and keep warm and cosy.
• My birthday. I'll be 21 next year!
• Christmas markets.
• People coming together. It's always nice when people are in high sprits and wishing each other 'Merry Christmas'.
• An excuse to eat chocolate!

QOTD: What are your favourite things about Winter?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 29: Autumn

Hi everyone,

Next comes...

Autumn

So what are my favourite things about Autumn?

• The weather gets to the right temperature. Not to hot and not to cold just how I like it. Sometimes you can go out without a coat, others you can layer and then take some layers off if needs be.
• The pretty colours of the leaves changing.
• Comforting foods! Stews, casseroles, roast dinners, the list goes on.
• Knowing Christmas is just around the corner.
• Knitwear!

QOTD: What are your favourite things about Autumn?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: Blogmas 2016!

Hi everyone,

So as it is my first year blogging it would be a shame not to take part in Blogmas!

As you know I am due my little girl in a couple of days so I am trying to get as many posts scheduled as possible. So if I miss a few days I can only apologise. I'm hoping to get as many of my selected posts written up over the next couple of days but I have no idea when she'll want to make an appearance (I'm due Saturday). So I am running mine for 25 days for this reason so it will be up until Christmas day.

But here is my Blogmas 2016 line-up:

1. Favourite things about Christmas.
2. This time next year tag.
3. What's on my Christmas list?
4. Perfect stocking fillers for her
5. Perfect stocking fillers for him
6. Christmas song playlist.
7. Favourite Christmas films.
8. Favourite Christmas foods.
9. Nailed it!
10. Letter to Santa.
11. Christmas outings: What to do.
12. Christmas traditions.
13. Perfumes I'm loving.
14. Winter favourites.
15. The perfect red.
16. Christmas makeup.
17. A kind thing to do.
18. A day in the life.
19. It's a Lush life.
20. Baby winter OOTD.
21. Photo Diary.
22. Christmas day outfit.
23. First Christmas.
24. Christmas eve!
25. Merry Christmas!

These posts are subject to change but I am going to try to stick to these as much as possible. I may be doing Christmassy bits but as of now I am unsure. I'll let you know of any changes and my post schedule will be a lot more clearer when baby arrives. I hope and I thank you for your understanding.

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 28: Summer

Hi everyone,

So after Spring comes...

Summer

So what are my favourite things about summer?

• Dresses! I love pretty dresses!
• Shopping trips. When the summer gets here I feel I need some new clothes.
• The weather. Okay, well British weather can sometimes be a bit hit and miss but we get there eventually.
• The fruit! I love Strawberries and its obviously the perfect time of year for them.
• Family get-togethers.

QOTD: What are your favourite things about summer?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 27: Spring

Hi everyone.

So as the alphabet has come to an end for the last few days the posts will be about the seasons. The first season is...

Spring

So what are my favourite things about spring?

• New life. I love seeing all the baby animals.
• Daffodils. Something about daffodils just puts the post winter blues away.
• New trends. It's always exciting to see what new fashion and beauty trends come in.
• More light!
• A chance to change things. A new season brings change and although I don't like change sometimes things can be changed for the better. Also, a good spring clean will be in order.

QOTD: What are your favourite things about spring?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 26: Z is for...

Hi everyone,

So we are at the end of the alphabet and 'Z' is for...

Z is for Zoo

I think the best zoo I have ever been to has to be Longleat. I think I must have been about 10ish when we went. I still remember a lot of it now. I'm afraid I don't have any pictures.

I loved the fact you could drive round like a safari and see all the animals.

A zoo I would like to go to is Colchester zoo.

QOTD: What is the best zoo you have ever been to?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 25: Y is for...

Hi everyone,

Only a few days left of November now! Y is for...

Y is for Young

So I thought I would make this post all about pictures and show you how I have changed. Sort of a then and now.

Aged 2

Bit of a jump: About 13

I was just about to leave secondary school: Aged 16

First year of college: Age 17

Aged 18

Age 18

Body goals again after pregnancy: Aged 19

M.A.C makeover: Aged 20

Modelling Shoot: Aged 20

QOTD: How do you feel about showing people your baby pictures?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 24: X is for...

Hi everyone,

X is for...

X is for Excited

So as you all know what I am looking forward to and excited about I thought I would update you on my countdown!

Days until Christmas: 31!

Days unit baby girl is due: 8! (How scary!)

QOTD: What are you excited for?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 23: W is for...

Hi everyone,

Almost at the end now! W is for...

W is for Weekend

So here is an overview of my typical weekend:

Saturday:

• Wake up and say good morning to my boyfriend.
• He gets up and brings me up breakfast (not expecting this for much longer 😛)
• I have breakfast in bed whilst catching up on my phone.
• He usually plays some FIFA whilst I play a few games on my phone.
• After he starts to get ready for work and I start to get myself ready for the day.
• I see him off at the door.
• I more often then not start working on my blog.
• After an hour or more of working on my blog I phone my family.
• By the time I have finished doing that my boyfriend has more then likely finished work. I then phone him whilst he walks home.
• When he is in we decide on what to have for dinner.
• After dinner is cooked we eat and watch a bit of TV.
• We then usually shut of for the evening and watch something together in bed.

Sunday:

To be honest Sunday is pretty much the same as Saturday, apart from my boyfriend doesn't have work. His family usually come round so we spend time with them.

QOTD: What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 22: V is for...

Hi everyone,

V is for...

V is for Victory

So I was unsure what to right for this so I am going to right about my achievements I feel have been 'victories'.

• Completing my college course. I went through a bit of a bad spell at college, I became quite ill. However, I pulled myself through and qualified.
• Being 38 weeks pregnant and about to drop. I never thought my body would cope with pregnancy, however, as always my body is full of surprises and I feel I have done amazingly!
• Starting to beat my anxiety. This blog for one is a major help as a couple of years ago I could never have imagined me doing this. Let alone sticking at it for as long as I have. That's just one of the things though.

QOTD: What do you feel is your biggest victory?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 21: U is for...

Hi everyone,

U is for...

U is for Us

Todays post I will tell you about me and my boyfriend as 'us'.

My boyfriend and I

Name: Aron
Anniversary: 4/04/2015
Engaged/Married: Not yet.
Children: One on the way
How we met: On Instagram. Strange I know.

QOTD: Do you have a partner? If so how did you meet.

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 20: T is for...

Hi everyone,

T is for...

T is for Thanksgiving

Here is a list of things that I am thankful for:

• Food and water. Pretty obvious because without it where would we be?
• My Family.
• My Boyfriend.
• My Boyfriends family.
• Our little girl, soon to be here.
• Chocolate. Food I know but why not.
• My blog.
• Currently Rubicon mango (pregnancy craving).
• Roast dinners. Again with food but deserves one of its own.
• Warmth.
• Love.

QOTD: What are you thankful for?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 18: S is for...

Hi everyone,

Today's letter is the letter 'S' and 'S' is for...

S is for Surprise

This year has given me the best surprise I have ever had and that is finding out about being pregnant and with our little girl.

I honestly cannot wait for her to arrive and her due date is exactly 2 weeks today! It's all getting very exciting and I am obviously nervous. I just cannot wait for her to be here so we can finally meet her and become a family.

QOTD: What has been your best surprise this year?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 18: R is for...

Hi everyone,

Today's post is based on the letter 'R'...

R is for Revelation

So I honestly couldn't think of any facts about me that I haven't told you in previous posts. Nothing new has happened to me either so there is nothing I haven't disclosed. I'm still pregnant so no surprises there, just waiting for her to make an appearance now. So I am going to cheat and refer you back to some posts with facts about me:

The Versatile Blogger Award

A Secret About Me

50 Facts About Me

QOTD: What is one fact many people don't know about you?

Tasha x

Itsatashathing: #AlphaBlogBites Day 17: Q is for...

Hi everyone,

November is still going at a steady pace for me, I just want it to go quicker now. Today's letter is 'Q' and 'Q' is for...

Q is for Questions

So here are 3 questions I would like to ask my future self:

1. Will I get married? I ask this because it is something me and my boyfriend always talk about and it's something I have always dreamed about.
2. How many children will we have? With one on the way I would like to know how big our family will be.
3. Will I always be financially stable? It's always a worry especially when you have little ones depending on you.

QOTD: What would you like to ask your future self?

Tasha x