blogmas 2016 – Page 2 – Life With Ktkinnes

Christmas Tag

Posted on 15/12/201615/12/2016 by ktkinnes

We’re so close to the big day now I can practically smell the turkey roasting in the oven! On this lovely 15th day of Blogmas, I thought I would do a Christmas Tag! However, before we get into it, we have to tick today’s song off the Christmas Countdown! Today’s song is Merry Christmas Everyone! When I was younger I didn’t realise the difference between this one and tomorrow’s but I feel like it’s important, especially when going through the nation’s favourite songs in the way of a countdown. It was only when getting the link I realised I’ve never actually seen the music video for this song before!

So yes, Christmas Tag. I’ve actually never done one of these before and I’m so excited to answer the questions. Have you ever done the Christmas Tag before? Let’s begin!

What’s your favourite Christmas film?
Wow this is a difficult first question! To be honest, I actually had to come back to this one. It was a lot more difficult than you would expect! It varies from year to year, although I have 2 films that I simply have to watch every Christmas no matter what. I refuse to choose between them! The first would be The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen – Charlie is an adorable child and I think all of us at some stage have wished our dad would become Santa magically so we could travel the world with him on Christmas Eve. My second choice is Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas. I can’t remember how old I was when I first saw this, but it’s the one film I remember watching as a child. There’s something magical about combining Disney and Christmas, am I right?
Have you ever had a White Christmas?
Yes! When I was younger, and lived on the east coast of Scotland, we had so many White Christmases! Well, I say that, we only lived there for 5 years. I don’t really remember much about them, like I remember the odd fact. One story that we get reminded of frequently was one year my dad’s parents came across to spend Christmas with us. I would’ve been anything between the age of 3 and 8, and my Granda was taking great delight in winding us up on Christmas Eve – pretending he could hear Santa etc, you know the usual stuff to get kids excited and make them go to bed early. We got up the next day to find that Santa’s reindeer had left hoof prints and sleigh tracks in the snow on our driveway! We didn’t have a chimney or fireplace so we used to leave the door unlocked for Santa to come into the house. Turns out Granda had just used his walking stick to make the marks but it was the coolest thing ever!

Our house when we lived in Forfar – this picture was taken years after we moved out
Where do you usually spend your holiday?
Normally, we spend it in our house in Lisburn. There have been the few times we’ve been in my mum’s Mum’s house, just for simplicity when Dad has been involved in the church on Christmas Day, and then last year we spent the holiday’s at my aunt and uncle’s in Dundee! Rachel doesn’t like being away from home on Christmas Day as she feels it just isn’t the same.
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Noooo! I refuse to answer this one. I can honestly say I don’t like “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” however I love the rest of them! If I really had to pick one, I’d have to vote for ‘White Christmas’. It’s such a classic!
Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve?
No, we don’t do this. My parents always tried to keep it as only presents on Christmas Day. The only year we got to open a present on Christmas Eve was the year we got our Christmas jumpers! We were given them half an hour before we went to the midnight service at church. I’ve never been so excited! It was red and I loved it.
Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer?
Rudolph, Dasher, Prancer, Dancer, Comet, Donner, Vixen, Blitzen, and Cupid! Course I can, silly question 😛 I’m obsessed with Christmas!
What holiday traditions are you most looking forward to this year?
Since we’re at home again this year, I’m really looking forward to our standard routine! Christmas Eve morning is spent polishing cutlery, setting the table, cleaning the house, and preparing whatever food can be sorted the day before. We make sure the tree is lit all day and have Christmas music blaring through the house. Around lunch time, we all rush through the shower so we can get down to see Granny and go to the rugby club for drinks, nibbles, and music. The atmosphere is buzzing! Around 6pm we head home again for a slow cooked lasagne or something similar that can be left in the oven while we’re out. We wash up and then curl up on the sofas to watch It’s A Wonderful Life, before preparing to go to the midnight church service! To this day, even though we know the truth about Santa, Rachel and I are awake early and sit with each other until it’s acceptable to go wake Mum, Dad and Granny up to open presents! We have so many other traditions but this is what I missed last year with us being in Dundee. I can’t even really remember Christmas Eve last year, but it wasn’t right not having to clean and prepare for the day.
Is your Christmas tree real or fake?
Fake unfortunately. When I have my own house (not flat) I want to have a real tree and a fake one so I can have a themed tree and then a fun one! To be honest though, it doesn’t matter to me whether the tree is real or fake – as long as there is a tree!
What is your all-time favourite food/sweet treat?
At Christmas? Gotta be Christmas pudding! I know a lot of people will disagree but I adore it!

Rachel’s homemade Christmas Pudding
Be honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better?
I love giving gifts the most! It’s so much fun shopping and trying to think of what the other person would love to receive. Every year I go a little overboard, but if we can’t treat the people who’re always there for us then who can we treat?
What is the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
I actually have no idea… Is that bad? In fact, I’m sitting here trying to remember what Christmas presents I’ve received in the past… I can’t even remember what I was given as a Secret Santa present back in first year of university! That’s quite shocking actually… However, one of my favourite Christmas presents ever was actually what Nuala got me for Secret Santa last year. It’s a mojito making tool! You can get yours here.

My Mojito Master – it’s actually brilliant!
What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season?
Oooooh another tough one! I would love to visit somewhere cold where there is definitely snow on Christmas Day!
Are you a pro-present wrapper or do you fail miserably?
Hahahahahahahahaha I fail miserably every time! I’m the queen of sellotape when it comes to presents.
Most memorable holiday moment?
Two years ago, my Scottish cousins and my aunt and uncle travelled over to Belfast to spend Christmas with us. There were a few ‘incidents’ that made it a memorable time but one thing that will stick in my memory for quite a while is after dinner. We’ve always played games after dinner – our usual one being Tennis Elbow Foot. It’s an associated word game that’s been in the family for a long time (someone starts with a word then going clockwise you’ve to either say a word related to it or rhyming with it e.g. bat, cave, man, ban, forbid, disallow, allow, etc). There were 12 of us all playing, and after the amount of alcohol consumed, there were some very funny answers! It was also the last Christmas we had with Dad’s uncle Tom, so it stays with me a lot more.
What made you realise the truth about Santa?
My neighbour decided when I was 9 and Rachel was 6 that we needed to know the truth about Santa. It was crushing. I refused to accept it until I had left primary school though!
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Do you stick to them?
I always make them, but can rarely stick to them. I’m going to try really hard in 2017 though, I promise!
What makes the holidays special for you?
Just being able to spend time with family without the arguments. Everyone knows I love Christmas, but the main reason behind it is it’s the one time of year my parents tried to hide their arguments from us so we could enjoy the holidays. It’s just so magical, and I hope someday to be able to make it this magical for my children.

Ktkinnes xx

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

Walking In A Winter Wonderland

Posted on 13/12/201615/12/2016 by ktkinnes

Hello everyone! Welcome to day 13 of blogmas here on Life With Ktkinnes. How are you all today? As we start today with our usual Christmas Song Countdown, Stay Another Day! Now, this isn’t my favourite song, and I’m kinda sad because I wanted a really good song to go with this post but anyway. The British public have spoken and so today’s song is Stay Another Day. Although, I suppose, I wish I could’ve stayed another day in London!

But yes, as you might’ve guessed, today’s post is all about the adventures we had in London! I will be honest here and admit that, not only did I not take as many pictures or videos as I had expected, but I also managed to forget to save them from snapchat so have very few to put in. However, I will highly recommend you check out Jordanne and Becca’s posts about it!

Now, Friday night, Jordanne and I were travelling down together by bus. Yup, we got a bus that took over 9 hours from Glasgow to London – dedicated! Excitement was high as we started on the road, the pair of us trying to take part in MoonChat as long as our data held up. We chatted, ate some of our snacks, and just generally had a good time. Before we even made it on the bus, however, some woman managed to turn a lot of the passengers against her. I’d been at the bus station from about 11ish for the 11:55 bus, mainly because I was sharing a taxi with Mary and she was on the slightly earlier bus. So when I said goodbye to Mary, I ambled round to the stand our bus was leaving from. Jordanne joined a little bit later and we chatted until we noticed a queue forming so we went and joined it. This woman then decided she was fed up standing in the crowd towards the back of the queue and suddenly pushed in front of us and a few others. We rolled our eyes and continued chatting, until we were aware of her arguing with a man she’d pushed in front of. It actually got kind of aggressive and in the end, the man she had pushed in front of managed to get on before her! Served her right…

After about 2am, Jordanne and I decided it was time to try and sleep. We actually managed quite well! Until we got to Manchester. Some people were leaving us, others were joining, and there was a scheduled 10 minute stop. Before we were told we could get off for a smoke stop etc, we had to sit there and listen to the annoying woman trying to tell this man where to sit. Literally. She wouldn’t leave him alone, telling him to move to a specific seat, and then getting really annoyed when he wouldn’t do as she said. By this stage, both Jordanne and I needed the toilet, however the toilet on the bus was ridiculous. According to her anyway, I personally didn’t even try it! It seemed no one knew how to flush, there was no toilet roll, and it just stank. So to arrive in Manchester and discover that the toilets there were closed up, we were not happy. We piled back onto the bus and started trying to sleep. Only once again the woman was annoying a lot of people. This time, she was on the phone. Now you can deal with people talking quietly on the phone. But she was talking full volume, with her phone on loud speaker. No. Just no. We were so close to saying something to her.

Eventually we dozed off. After about an hour, I was awake again and happily playing about on my phone. The driver announced he was pulling over to change drivers as he had been driving for 12 consecutive hours and his shift was over, and invited people to take the opportunity to stretch their legs or have a quick smoke. Jordanne was still asleep, and I was happy just sitting there, when next thing that annoying woman was storming to the front of the bus and some woman sitting near me whispered, ‘She’s an absolute nutter.’. The annoying woman was down, outside the bus, yelling at people and telling them to get back on the bus as she was tired, she’d been travelling from Scotland, and she just wanted to get to London. She herded everyone back onto the bus, whether they wanted to be on or not, and then got on herself still yelling and giving off. Woke up the entire bus because she was tired! Then proceeded to make another phone call on speaker phone.

Arriving in London was brilliant. We passed Regents Park and Hyde Park on our way to the station, and then finally pulled into Victoria Coach Station. To give Megabus credit, we did get there an hour earlier than scheduled! We set off on the hunt for toilets and coffee as neither of us were particularly hungry at this stage. Oyster cards were bought, and we successfully found ourselves on the right platform and then the right tube! Thank you again, Cesca, your directions were so so helpful! Unfortunately, we weren’t going to be allowed to check in until at least 1pm, so we left our bigger bags at the hotel and went on an adventure, looking around us at the shops, and stopping for lunch. At 1, we got checked in to our room and finally could get freshened up. It took us until about 3 to meet with Becca and Cathy but when we got together, the 4 of us set off to Winter Wonderland!

The first thing we did there was the big wheel. Well, I say that’s what we did first, we ended up walking in circles to find the way in only to realise we’d been walking past it each time. Now, I will be honest with you. I would rather go on the Tower of Terror in Disneyland Paris again over going back on that big wheel! The doors didn’t fully close, and there were gaps everywhere. It was raining and cold and windy, so of course the cars were rocking in the wind. I don’t do heights. What was I thinking going on this thing?? To be honest, it was fine when we reached the top and I could look around, although I did end up singing along to Mamma Mia in an attempt to keep myself calm! We got back to the ground and headed off in the direction of rides. Queues were massive, and the rain was really beginning to annoy me. We walked for ages to try and get dinner, and I ended up having my first ever Nando’s! Not sure if I was just starving, or if it really was as incredible as it felt, but either way – I can thoroughly recommend the medium spiced grilled chicken wrap! Afterwards, we bought some wine and headed to the hotel for a few drinks in our room and a game of Ring of Fire while Becca drank tea. It was a great night! After midnight, we crashed into bed and it felt amazing to be in a bed after the bus the night before!

Waking up on Sunday was difficult. So much so, we almost missed our midday check out time! But it was all good, and we headed to the underground so we could start our day again. Only a slight hiccup – Jordanne’s Oyster card hadn’t been working properly and she ended up losing over £10 because of it! We used the bag drop at Victoria (which cost £12.50 per item and not the £5 they advertised online) so that we weren’t shopping with our luggage. After a quick brunch in the station, we headed to Oxford Street and Lush! Now trust me. I know a lot of people are obsessed with Lush, and yes it could be considered expensive, but this was like walking into heaven on earth! Except for the number of people. But I didn’t know Lush did hair products as well as bath stuff! Let’s just say my bank account wasn’t too happy when we left…

I also very nearly finally got my tattoo! Well, we walked past a small place and Jordanne decided to get a piercing done, so I asked if they had any walk in availability but unfortunately they didn’t. Thank goodness they didn’t – Jordanne’s simple piercing (top of her ear, don’t ask me what the correct terminology is) cost her £40 as opposed to the £15 it would’ve been here in Glasgow!

The rest of the day was spent browsing a few shops and just generally having a great time! After a nice dinner and a coffee from Costa, we headed to the bus station. Our bus back was so much more comfortable than the bus there! We both got a sleep, and arrived back in Glasgow about 6:30am. I, of course, headed home and collapsed straight into bed for a nap before getting revision done.

London was an amazing experience, and I genuinely couldn’t imagine having a better time with anyone else! It’s actually quite weird not looking up from sending a quick tweet and seeing Jordanne opposite!

Have any of you been to Winter Wonderland? What did you think?

Ktkinnes xxx

Links to the girls:-

Jordanne

Blog – http://www.thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/ofaglasgowgirl

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ofaglasgowgirl/

Pinterest – https://uk.pinterest.com/ofaglasgowgirl/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Thelifeofaglasgowgirl

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2vDcqy8YE43qNBJpLPKduQ

Bloglovin’ – https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/life-a-glasgow-girl-14297709?widget-ref=http://www.thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk/

Snapchat – ofaglasgowgirl

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

Quotes for Christmas!

Posted on 12/12/201615/11/2016 by ktkinnes

Well that’s been a fun couple of days in London and I’m now curled up in bed getting some more revision done for these exams. Considering I’m the only one in the flat with exams this semester. Well, Jason has tests to do but they don’t count for anything.
London was incredible! And now that we’re on the 12th day of Blogmas, I’ve finished opening my Tanya Burr Beauty Advent Calendar! Would you be interested in a post about what is in it? Let me know below or tweet me! Today’s song on the Christmas Countdown is Driving Home For Christmas. While I’m not heading home for Christmas just yet, this always is on my playlist for travelling home at this time of year.

Now for today’s blogmas post (day 12) I wanted to share my favourite Christmas quotes with you! Last year I wrote these down and put them in my refillable advent calendar with a chocolate each day.

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree” – Roy L. Smith

“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling” – Edna Ferber

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year” – Charles Dickens

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together” – Alexander Smith

“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” – Dale Evans Rogers

“Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little more!” – Dr Seuss

“Christmas is not as much about opening out presents as opening out hearts” – Janice Maeditere

“Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white'” – Bill Crosby

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.” – Andy Rooney

“Christmas gift suggestions: to your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” – Oren Arnold

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” – Norman Vincent Peale

“Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don’t quite know how to put our love into words.” – Harlan Miller

“Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.” – Augusta E. Rundel

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” – Charles Schulz

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope

Hopefully some of these have caused you to smile, laugh or just think about the way we all view Christmas.

Hope you all have a lovely day! Do you have any favourites I haven’t included there?

Ktkinnes xxx

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

My Favourite Things

Posted on 10/12/201611/12/2016 by ktkinnes

Okay, I won’t pretend this is a post I’ve written today or last night as I am currently in London. Well, I’m actually not, this is scheduled. In fact it was written back in October… But for you reading this, I haven’t written it live due to London. That was more complicated than it needed to be.

Today’s Christmas Countdown song is Step Into Christmas, and what better song for the day I go to Winter Wonderland for the first time ever?? You can probably guess just how excited I am for this, I’ve only been planning it since 23rd August! A little bit of Elton John is good for everyone.

Today’s Blogmas (Day 10) is all about why I love this time of year. Just in case you missed it, I love Christmas. Absolutely adore it. I think Mary, Nuala and Jason are well aware of this, as are quite a few of you on Twitter… but just in case anyone missed it, I truly do think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year!

The clock strikes midnight on the barrier between 30th November and 1st December and it’s like my body goes into action without me even being awake. The music starts that morning (who am I kidding, the music has been around for ages but now it’s acceptable to play it out for everyone to hear), the decorations come out of hiding, and I can put my Christmas pjs on. All this before I even hit proper Christmas spirit!

Everywhere you go, multicoloured lights line houses, roads, shops and everywhere else you could think of! Whether they’re warm white, bright white, all one colour, or multicoloured, they just add a sense of excitement that isn’t around the rest of the year. Why do we only put these up for Christmas? They’re gorgeous, and make everything so much more pleasant to look at. Stuck in traffic? Enjoy looking at all the lights around you! They’re fun, bright, and are a trademark of Christmas.

As I said yesterday, a lot of children associate the turning on of the Christmas lights in their towns and cities with writing their Santa letters. Watching children get excited for what Santa may possibly bring them, queuing for their local grottos in the hope of seeing the big man and asking him in person for their most desired present. If you have any young children in your family or friend groups, ask them what they’re asking Santa for this year! It’s heartwarming to know that this still continues even though time has progressed and so many more children are getting technology related presents, they still want to ask Santa to get it for them.

Let’s take a minute to just appreciate the music at this time of the year. There are so many different Christmas songs, and so many of them have multiple covers of them! You could never get bored of them! I personally alternate between Christmas Carols or Hymns and the usual pop songs we get at this time of year. Hopefully during my song countdown to Christmas your favourites will appear but please feel free to comment with your favourites and whether or not you agree with a day’s choice! In my mind, there’s something for everyone in a Christmas playlist. Even those of you may not celebrate Christmas can surely appreciate some of the music?

The cooler air brings in yet more jumpers and boots – and it’s finally acceptable to wear my Christmas jumpers around university! New scarves, with matching hats and gloves, become must-have accessories. You can see your breath in the air, and it becomes even more difficult to get out of bed in the mornings. Everywhere sells fluffy pyjamas and socks and thermal clothing becomes a necessity. There’s a chance of snow, even if it is a small chance! I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones we used to know back when I lived in Forfar. Global warming has a lot to answer for!

Shopping now becomes a case of every man/woman/child for themselves – survival of the fittest if you like. People dash from shop to shop, muttering under their breath when they’ve to wait in yet another easily avoided queue and questioning whether they really need to get their second cousin once removed a present this year before deciding yes and buying yet another pair of Christmas socks.

Christmas markets spring up all over the place, their stalls filled with exciting food, drink, and other such things. The mix of smells, the sound of music mixed with happy conversations, it’s all just brilliant! Plus, they always seem to be in the cute little cabins. To be honest, I’m so excited for today’s trip to Winter Wonderland. Hopefully you’re all following me on snapchat to see what it’s like!

Overall though, I would have to say my favourite thing about Christmas is the fact that families make an effort to see each other and spend time together, even if just to watch Home Alone for the umpteenth time as it’s shown on TV. Children everywhere begin to listen out for Santa and have their eyes peeled for any sign of snow. Christmas day arrives and families around the world try to put any arguments on hold until we all celebrate this time of year – some for religious reasons, others just because of the symbolism of peace, love and giving.

What do you love about this time of year?

Only 15 more sleeps!

Ktkinnes xx

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

Dear Santa

Posted on 09/12/2016 by ktkinnes

Hello my lovelies! Tonight I board the bus to London and I have never been so excited for a road trip. In fact, the last time I did a road trip this long was back in 2009 when we drove from Belfast to some southern part of England for a family wedding. But we’re getting off topic. It’s yet another day closer to Christmas Day! And to celebrate, today’s song is 2000 Miles. Quite appropriate, is it not? I mean, yes, the journey from my flat to where we’re staying in London is only 400 odd miles (of course I looked it up, why wouldn’t I?) but it’s still one heck of a long journey! Again, it’s not my favourite song but I am sticking with the list I found on the Independent’s website of the top 50 Christmas Songs as voted by the public – so take it up with those they interviewed if you don’t like it!

For Blogmas Day 9, I thought I would share my Christmas wishlist with you all today – my letter to Santa if you like. I remember years of getting excited for this part of Christmas. As soon as our birthdays were over, Rachel and I would rush for the Christmas edition of the Argos catalogue to go through it and see what we could ask Santa’s elves to make for us that year.

When we lived in Forfar (east coast of Scotland for the many of you who won’t know where that is), every year we went to the lights being turned on. It was a great night, and all the families went. We would have an early dinner, wrap up warm, and meet in the town centre with our Santa hats or reindeer antlers on. There would be lots of Christmas music and a parade, during which Santa would pass through and you could run up and give your letter to him or his elves in exchange for a chocolate bar! After that, Santa would go on stage and turn on all the magical lights, before promising to reply to us as soon as possible and reminding us all to be good girls and boys unless we wanted coal!

rachel-christmas — Rachel on Christmas Day 2015

We moved to Lisburn when I was 8, and yes I still believed in Santa at that age. I was heartbroken to discover Santa’s helpers wouldn’t take my Santa Letter! At this stage, Mum and Dad started to ask us to type up our letters to Santa and Dad taught us that when he was little, he had sent his letters up the chimney to Santa! I was apparently quick to point out that Mary Poppins might steal the letters and Mum told me that if the fire was lit when the letters to Santa were put in the fireplace then Mary Poppins would know to leave them for Santa. It all made sense to me! The next obstacle was to make sure my letter didn’t get mixed up with Rachel’s… you can imagine how awful that would be if Santa gave me her Babyborn stuff and she got my Gameboy!

As I’m sure you can imagine, we stopped writing our letters quite some time ago, however Mum does still ask for a list of ideas and then she’ll pick and choose from the list. This year, I have no big thing I’m asking for, and so I’ll either get more of my little suggestions or money, depending on how much she spends on Rachel.

And so, just for old time’s sake, I wanted to write it as a letter to Santa. It’s fun! You should definitely do it too!

Dear Santa,

Firstly, how are you? It’s been so so long! In fact, I think the last time I wrote to you, we still had the desktop computer in the little room – boy has a lot changed since then! You see, I had the unfortunate experience of growing up. I know, I know, we all have to at some stage, but one thing no one ever warned me was that you could still be judged and laughed at for being excited for Christmas as an adult! I’ve really missed getting to enjoy and discuss the magic of Christmas with you. Speaking of, do you remember the year it was too snowy for you to land on our roof and so you landed on the driveway and the reindeer left their hoof prints? Rachel and I were so excited! How are Dasher, Dancer, Donner, Vixen, Cupid, Comet, Prancer, Blitzen and Rudolph? I’m still saving up those carrots Mum tries to feed me at dinner so I can give them to the reindeer!

I would like to hope that I have been good this year, I promise I tried my best! If you are in agreement, would it be okay to ask for a few things this year? The main things I would wish for can’t be made by your elves unfortunately, so I won’t bore you with them. If possible, I would like

A new electric toothbrush
Mark Hill shampoo and conditioner (yes, I still use these after all these years of you giving me them!)
Any book – you know me well enough to pick a good story!
Pyjamas – a girl can never have enough
Sock – same rule as above. These can be fluffy or normal.
Calendar
iTunes voucher – yes I’m still using these.
Bubble bath and bathbombs
Contact lenses – those things are expensive if you can only wear them for a few hours before having to bin them!
Cosy scarf
Outfit for Christmas Day or New Year
No7 Translucent Setting Powder

As always, these are just a few suggestions and you are more than welcome to pick and choose from them!

I really have missed our annual chats. The mince pie and coke will be on the coffee table by the door. Dad still suggests giving you a whiskey to keep you warm but you don’t want to be caught driving under the influence of alcohol!

I’ll always believe,

Katie B.

What are you asking for this year? Is there something you get every year? Let us know in the comments below!

16 more sleeps!!!

Ktkinnes xx

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

Looking back

Posted on 08/12/201627/11/2016 by ktkinnes

Nostalgia is kicking in big time today! Welcome back to Life with Ktkinnes for yet another day of Blogmas. Can you really believe I’ve lasted a week? Yes, I have another exam tomorrow, but my mind keeps jumping to London and how excited I am to spend the weekend away, exploring a new city and spending time with the girls I’ve spent the last 108 days talking to. It’s crazy when you think we only started GRLPOWR 106 days ago!

Continue reading “Looking back” →

Blogmas, Christmas, Lifestyle

Katie Tries Fashion

Posted on 07/12/201606/12/2016 by ktkinnes

Well anyone who knows me even slightly will know that this post is more than slightly out of my comfort zone as I have awful fashion sense, and my idea of dressing up is a sparkly top with my slightly less see-through leggings and some heeled ankle boots that are in serious need of polishing. So you may be wondering why I decided to go with something like this. One answer – Christmas Jumpers!

As I’m sure you’re aware, we’re now onto day 7 of my Blogmas posts and with that some our 7th song in the countdown of Christmas Songs. Now, I would be lying if I said I prefer this original version compared to the Michael Bublé one but then again who doesn’t love his voice? Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) was first released by Darlene Love back in 1963 – that’s even before my mum was born!

The lyrics resonate with a lot of us at this time of year. Whether we’re the ones away, or our loved ones aren’t with us, there’s always someone somewhere waiting for that person to walk in through the door, throw their bags to the ground, and hold them in a bear hug. No, just me? Sorry, emotions showing again!

Anyway, this year I finally achieved the dream of having a new Christmas jumper to wear each day of the week and so I thought I’d show you them all! Now, as I’ve been gathering them for a few years, unfortunately I can’t guarantee that they’ll still be being sold in their respective shops. Also, please excuse the photography, I’m still so new to actually including pictures in my blog, and I really didn’t want to be in the pictures!