10 Things to love about Winter

The leaves are done falling, the temperature is dropping and everything feels a little different. It can only mean one thing. Winter is here!

Let's face it. Living in a country with such a spontaneously varied climate (*cough* RAIN! *cough*) like Ireland can make the simplest thing like deciding what to wear when venturing outdoors a task in itself. But let's turn this on its head and focus on what wonderful things Winter has to offer and why we should embrace the season:

1. An excuse to stay in and put your feet up.

Image from Blogher.com

Long gone are the Summer days when you felt guilty about playing around on your laptop indoors when the sun was splitting the stones. Now that the weather has taken a turn you've the perfect excuse to stay in and just relax! Catch up on a boxset, play a board game or video game or catch up on books you've been meaning to read. You've got the time!

2. Halloween

Image from funnyimagesgallery.net

It's one of those holidays where there's something for everyone. Sweets for the kids (and big kids!), Halloween parties and horror movies for the grown ups and Irish folklore about our links to Samhain for everyone in the audience. Plus, who doesn't like to dress up once in a while? Each year brings new and innovative costumes.

3. Being cosy

Gif from Gurl.com

Onesies. Fluffy socks. Blankets. Hot water bottles. Electric blankets. Winter duvets. Hot chocolate. Need I say more?

4. Christmas

Image from funnypictures.me

Every year the adverts seem to get closer and closer to Halloween, but the commercialism of modern day Christmas has been noted. When you get to the core of it, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones, exchanging gifts and watching the odd cheesy Christmas movie whilst vowing to never eat Brussels sprouts again.

5. The Late Late Toy Show

Image from Broadsheet.ie

One can't talk about commercialism and Christmas without talking about the Toy Show.. I jest!

The Late Late Toy Show is an institution at this point, where children and adults alike tune in each year to see the must have toys, talented Irish children (be it dancing, singing, or being a mini Culchie), or even what festive sweater Tubs dons. It's part of our cultural heritage, and I for one am a fan.

6. Happy New Year!

Gif from thegloss.com

Bubbly! Parties! Ringing in the New Year with loved ones and making resolutions. Gotta love that optimism!

7. January Sales

Image from telegraph.co.uk

After all the celebrating that comes with Christmas and New Years, it's time to treat yourself. It's a great feeling when you find something you want.. In your size.. In the sale.. For at least 50% off. Victory!


8. Snow

Gif from vustudents.ning.com

Every now and again, it makes an appearance in Ireland in varying abundance. And admittedly it can cause chaos, but there is an ethereal beauty to watching snow fall and wondering if there'll be enough for building a snow man or at least gathering enough snow to make a snowball or two. Snowball fight!

9. Sitting in front of a roaring fire

Gif from lorilynn101.wordpress.com

There's nothing to make you feel quite as snug and festive as watching a roaring fire, even if the wind and rain are howling outside. And the ambitious marshmallow roasting if the mood is right.
(Also as someone who loves open fires but isn't skilled at building them, a huge thank you to whoever invented firelogs!)

10. Feelgood festive ads

Image from coca-cola.ie

It's at this magical time of the year that the feel good vibes wiggle across broadcasting systems and make us go "Aw!" Whether it's 'the' Coca Cola ad which puts the smile on your face or something more touchy feely like this year's nostalgic Tesco ad or tales of Friendships from the formidable advertising which is John Lewis. Embrace it. Everybody has one.

These are my top things to love about Winter. What are yours? :)

New Year, New You?

The bird has been stuffed and eaten, the cheesy movies have been watched and if you're anything like me, you're trying to work out where to put all the lovely Christmas pressies you've received.

One thing that I never really understood was New Year's resolutions.

Also, don't google 'weightloss', it makes for depressing reading, even in the images section.

Ads for weightloss and getting fit have been popping up all over the interwebz, as these are generally the things that people hope to change when resolutions are made. Personally, I could never go on a diet so soon after Christmas. There's chocolate, sweets and biscuits to, ahem, 'dispose' of. We have two boxes of Celebrations and biscuits to nibble through. There's just too much temptation!

I think that so much emphasis is put on changing the physical, that often the mentality behind the changes can be neglected. Instead of wanting to change your body shape, why not work on your own body image?

I could not be described as skinny, I have wobbly parts. And stretchmarks. Not such a sexy picture, but I'm human! Body confidence is still a major issue.


I see it in my own circle of friends, when I compliment a friend's figure or say that they look great, they're quick to swat the compliment away. Why do that? Take the compliment, you look great and you should feel great. Granted, I'm guilty of compliment swatting. I did it for years. It was only when an older and wiser friend told me to try just saying "Thank you!" in response that things started to change.

Confidence is something that everybody struggles with, be it in work, in relation to their body, in social situations, whatever it may be. No one is immune from suffering from a lack of confidence. If you do one thing today, pay someone a genuine compliment. Seriously. If you think they look good, if you like their hair/outfit, a joke, something funny or interesting they tweeted etc., then say so. By paying someone a sincere compliment it can help bolster someone's confidence and really brighten up their day. Guys and girls alike. Try it and see!

Late Late Toy Show excitement!

You would be forgiven if you didn't recognise me as it's been far too long since I've updated my blog. But I am here, and to say I'm excited is a fricking understatement!

If your childhood was anything like mine, the run up to Christmas wasn't complete without the Late Late Toy Show. For anyone outside of Ireland, it's basically a show all about this year's most popular toys which children have played with and then review to the host Ryan Tubridy. Without fail, at least one toy doesn't work on cue, one child always gets a bit dazed when pedalling out during the bikes/tractors/scooters parade and the host has to rock a Christmas sweater.

Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Toy Show

Christmas cheese tree eh? Nom!

When I was a child I was always so excited about putting the tree up, the earlier the better in my eyes! However now that I'm an adult, I've decided that the official 'Putting up the tree' date will now fall on whatever day the Late Late Toy Show airs. Tonight, is that night folks.

After work I've got a list of groceries to get for the feast. One of my lovely aunts gave me a recipe for homemade Chex Mix, so I'm going to try make that this evening. Each year I put together a cheeseboard and make mulled wine too which is always fun!

Mmm... Mulled Wine!

I'm even wearing a colourful knitted jumper in anticipation for the big event. I, for one, can't wait to release my inner child! Roll on 9.30pm! 

Third speed engaged!

This year is officially flying by!

Next month will be pumpkin carving season, there are Christmas trees and festive decorations already for sale in some stores!

Any Sims fan will know what I'm talking about when I talk about the fast forward function on the Sims clock...

Third speed engaged surely?!

Think it's important to remember to kick back every now and again. I've taken my own advice and have bought a new tea pot and some exotic teas, it's a lazy Sunday must!

Perhaps I'm just 'feathering the new nest' a little bit, but I've become a little overenthusiastic about homeware goods. Although I'll buy myself and Mr. Ree the odd treat, I can't resist oh-so-subtly side stepping into the homeware department of any store I'm in.

I really want these Scrabble cushions..

IKEA is my mothership. There, I said it! There are soft furnishings and little bits and pieces to make the place homey. Anywhere I live will never be immaculate, manicured or kept like a show house, but I've always tried to make it feel like a home.

Adding this to the Christmas list!

 Let's be honest, home is where you relax. It's your haven from whatever is going on outside and it's a reflection on yourself. I'm currently surrounded by DVDs, photos, comic books and candles, all things that we both love. Life is already manic enough, it's so important to fit time into relax. If you can't relax at home, where else can you? 

The Annoying Moment when...

You think you're on top of this whole Christmas malarkey and realise that all the presents haven't yet arrived! I have half the pressies wrapped, Christmas cards bought (but not posted, doh!), few goodies stocked away for Christmas Eve and plans to meet family and friends this week.

For me, no Christmas is complete without the Mr. Bean Christmas special episode, it doesn't seem to be on the TV this year so this is where streaming comes into its own!

I believe the best part of Christmas is the run up to it, which builds up to Christmas Eve. Child or adult, no one can deny the anticipation that's in the air on Christmas Eve. The bird is in the fridge, presents under the tree, all we have to do is snuggle up with some goodies and watch Christmas specials.

Part of me will be glad when the whole organisation of Christmas is over and I can just indulge on Christmas Day whilst my body digests the delicious dinner. I tell you, its the anticipation that makes it!

Stop!

Oh yeah! Wait a minute Mr. Postman!
I currently have this tune stuck in my head...

I am officially on postman watch. I thought I'd be clever and do my Christmas shopping online. "How easy and time efficient" I thought, but now I'm worried about whether or not they'll arrive in time for Christmas. It might be an idea for me to buy a few little back up presents, just in case. Or at least some IOU notes!

Christmas Shopping Craziness

I am currently present shopping for Christmas. If anything, finding and buying presents for our nearest and dearest should be a piece of cake, thanks to the internet. I currently have my eye on a few items, and have morphed into a bargain hunting Queen. I am becoming adept at pitting eBay, Amazon et al against each other for my business. I'm calculating the currency exchange, virtual shopping trolleys and baskets are filling up.

But more than anything I'm looking forward to spending time with my nearest and dearest, watch a few corny Christmas movies and relax. Bring it on!

Mr Bean related nostalgia

Remember Mr. Bean? Rowan Atkinson's bumbling character who got up to all kinds of mischief? My favourite episode was the Christmas one, the nativity scene relocating, the turkey getting stuck and of course, Teddy getting new eyes.

Who didn't love Teddy? A keen eyed friend of mine spotted this online, so it is now possible to have their own teddy, eyes and all!

Only one more day...

Until the Christmas tree goes up in Chez Ree! I have fought the urge to get the tree out of the attic in November, leaving it til the 8th of December just feels too late. What we need in these gloomy times are creature comforts and a few beautiful things in our everyday lives to look at.

I can't wait to see all the ornaments for the tree again. Over the years I have collected a few lovely pieces (if I don't say so myself!) But most of all I'm looking forward to seeing the Newbridge Silverware ornaments. I'm a bit of a magpie in that respect, but I think everyone can appreciate a little bit of sparkle!