Twenty Things I'd Like To Do In My Twenties

I'm sure I'm not the only one saying this, but how is it already 2018; last year certainly went in the blink of an eye. And with a new year comes new year resolutions. I'm not usually one for new years resolutions; I made them one year, yet there's something about trying to squeeze in so many goals in a relatively short space of time that just doesn't appeal to me.

So instead I'm here with a list of goals that I'd like to achieve within my twenties, some easier than others! Being 23, I've got plenty of time left to achieve each and every goal I set in place; some are one-time events that I'd like to happen at some point or another, whilst others will be spread out over the entire seven years, something that I'll need to put the effort into, so that I can make a positive change. I want to vastly improve my life over my twenties, becoming healthier, happier and more independent in the process and I personally like this way of going about it; there's no rushing around trying to get something done before these 365 days are over - and trust me, they'll be over before we know it! 

Grab a drink, this is a long one!

What's On My Christmas Playlist?

If there's one thing that'll put me in the Christmas mood, it's guaranteed to be Christmas music. For me, the festive season has officially begun from the moment that I blast my favourite Christmas playlist whilst I'm decorating our family Christmas tree; embarrassingly I find that it's one of the happiest days of the year!

So what do I tend to listen to on my Christmas playlist? 

Instagram Roundup | February

I still can't quite believe that we've already made it to March! Am I the only one who thinks that it's still Christmas? Seriously. But this past month has been both an exciting, stressful and busy month for myself. Whilst there are some things that I'm personally not going to share, this month has definitely seen my independence soar and has lead to a number of exciting announcements for myself!

Cold/Flu Essentials

It's most definitely that time of year where many of us are coming down with a dreaded cold. And if you've been lucky enough to avoid them recently, I'm sure you're somewhat worried about the next time you'll end up contracting one. In fact, I've just spent pretty much the whole new year dealing with a cold and an incredibly sore throat...not how I wanted to bring in the new year! But it got me thinking; thinking about the essentials that I need plastered to me for the entirety of my cold.

Mini Stationary Haul

It's odd. I'm not usually the type of person to go out and buy masses of stationary, but recently it seems as though that's all I want to do. I say masses, but I did manage to restrain myself! Whilst half of the reason I've become obsessed with stationary is due to the fact that I think it looks incredibly pretty in blog photos, bringing a bit more detail and making them appear a little more interesting, I've also had this odd yearning to become more organised, make more lists, write more things down...you get the point. And out of all places to look, I ended up finding some absolute gems in Wilkinsons.

Generally a store that I overlook, specifically because of its out-of-the-way location in my hometown, Wilkinsons actually stock some pretty incredible stationary pieces at very affordable prices and I'll definitely be heading back in the future to see what new items they have. In fact, my little haul here ended up costing me the mere fortune of £5! So where to start?!

Plans In The Run-Up To Christmas

With just under a week to go until Christmas, it's safe to say that almost everyone is well and truly in the Christmassy mood...well, except for all those Grinches out there! 

And as the sunlight is having some trouble making an appearance, hence why I've been unable to take some decent photos which I feel I can show you, I thought that I would instead talk to you about my plans in the lead-up to Christmas! I would also love to know what you have planned for this next week!

The Best Games To Play With Your Family On Christmas Day

It's fair to say that during the festive season, I love a good game. Whether it be a card game, board game, trivia game, I don't care; there's something special about being together with the whole family and gathering to play a fun little game. But in particular, the one day that we seemingly play more games than any other is Christmas day, and they always seem to be games that we only ever pull out on the day itself! 

So I've compiled a mini list of some of my favourite family Christmas day games. Therefore if you're on the lookout for some fun ideas for the 25th of December, look no further!

50 Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas!

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who has been with just days to go until Christmas and still yet to find that perfect present for someone. And with Christmas looming around the corner, (is it seriously next Sunday), we all need to kicks our butts into gear! So if you get your mum the same present ever year, have nothing in mind for the grandparents, or just have a hard to buy for friend, I may actually have you sorted!

Yes, 50 ideas! Whilst none of them are specifically tailored to any individual, I have collected 50 different ideas which may be suitable to buy as a last minute gift for honestly, absolutely everyone! Whilst the majority of items shown are my own, and will therefore be highly suited towards 22-year-old Disney obsessed, makeup loving females, there are still many options that could be altered to fit the tastes of your 82-year-old gran or even your 6-year-old brother! 

So make sure to watch the video below for a quick run-through of 50 last minute gift ideas and let me know what you think!

What are you go-to gifts for that tricky person?

Lots of Love

Murray Christmas! | Decorating The Tree

It's pretty safe for me to say that other than Christmas Day itself, one of my absolute favourite days of the year is the day we bring down all of the decorations and finally put up my beloved Christmas tree! To me it signifies that Christmas is well and truly under way; I can begin to feel festive and get into that Christmassy mood. Although I love all the decorations placed around our home, the tree will always have a special place in my heart...so special I've gone to the trouble of naming it! Everyone, meet Murray, Murray Christmas!

How Christmas Changes As You Get Older!

I'm not old. As much as I like to say I am, I'm 22. I'm really not old. But as I've gotten older, things have definitely changed. And Christmas is one of those things I've noticed drastic changes in over recent years.

As a kid, I think it's fair to say that many of us are a little selfish, thinking of all the toys we'll receive on the big day, possibly for months in advance. I'm not afraid to admit that I was selfish in a way; I was a kid. I would spend an entire day flicking through the Argos catalogue and noting down all the presents I wanted that year...I'm not alone, I've heard of many others doing this too! 

But as I've grown (and I'm sure for many of you too), I've begun to realise what Christmas is really about. Yes it's lovely to receive gifts, it's also lovely to give gifts; in fact I love shopping for gifts so as the individual I'm shopping for isn't as I would say "awkward". And on another note, one of my favourite days of the year is the day we put up our Christmas tree. But as corny as it may sound, I started to realise that Christmas is really about family and spending time with those who you truly care about. Christmas is really that one and only time of the year that I get to see my entire family all at once; where we all come together for food, games and just general festive chats, and I treasure all of that - I know, you want me to stop with all the cheesy slop...

But just remember that regardless of your age, Christmas isn't all about the gifts you receive, it's about the memories that you make. Horrible as it may sound, you never know when your last Christmas with anyone will be, so cherish every moment.   

I've also filmed the Christmas Tag on my YouTube channel, talking about all things festive! 

What is Christmas all about for you? Has it changed since you were younger?

Lots of Love

The Most Extensive Disney Christmas Gift Guide

We all know how much of a Disney freak I am; at least I'm more than happy to admit it though! But whether you're as crazily obsessed as I am or not, I'm sure there's at least a part of you that holds a little bit of Disney in your heart. So for Christmas this year, something that I've been more interested in is Disney gifts. Whether you're looking for something to go on your last minute wishlist or maybe you live with that intense Disney fan but you're struggling to find a gift, I'm pretty certain I have something that will help you. From gifts for fashion lovers to Disney park junkies to gifts for the home, there is something that I'm sure will interest each and every one of you!

Best Christmas Movies

With Christmas just around the corner, there's a few things that have already begun to put me into the festive spirit. Although we haven't yet decked up our house with decorations and my beloved Christmas tree, Christmas movies having been showing up here, there and everywhere...and I just can't resist but to watch them all. Saying that, after planning this post, I've realised just how many Christmas movies I haven't watched - I know, I'm a bad person!

And Just Like That, Autumn Was Over | Instagram Roundup

Well there we go, another Autumn is over, and we've now made it into the most festive period of the year - should I be happy about that, or sad that this year has just gone insanely fast? 

Regardless, I've had quite an enjoyable and different Autumn to any other that I've experienced before, and just like I always seem to do now, large parts of my life are now documented through my Instagram account! I had a little flick through my page and it was clear to see a few standout events for me throughout this season; ones that saw me acting like a right ol' child and others that show just how much I've had to grow up in recent months. Quite contradictory really.

22 Things I've Learnt In 22 Years

Yes, it did happen over a week ago now, but I am now at that stage in my life where I can sing Taylor Swift's "22" with actual relevance to my life. I know, pretty amazing right?! 

Saying that, over these last 22 years, whilst I may have made many mistakes, I've also accomplished quite a lot, and through both my failures and successes I would say I've learnt a fair amount in my life...about life. And so why not share with you a random assortment of 22 things that I've learnt over the years. Here goes!

Chocolate or Beauty? | Advent Calendars

It's December! I know, where has this year gone!? Trees are now popping up here, there and everywhere, Christmas music is seemingly played at every possible opportunity and there's basically just festive cheer all around. 

Being young at heart however, the one thing I always look forward to as the final month of the year rolls around, is for the day to come when I can finally pull out my Advent Calendar and begin the countdown to Christmas! Whilst I was uhming and ahhing for a ridiculous amount of time as to whether a beauty advent calendar would be better suited towards me this year (being the insane beauty hoarder I am), I eventually decided against it. There personally wasn't one calendar I could see where I would truly enjoy every product and so couldn't quite justify spending the high price tag that usually accompanies these beauties.

A Struggling Graduate | The Troubles of Finding a Graduate Job

As a now recently qualified university graduate, I wouldn't blame you for thinking I'd be on top of the world right now. But in fact, you'd be completely wrong. Attending my graduation a few weeks back was both a blessing and a curse; a blessing for the fact that I could celebrate finishing years of studying, exams, and lets not get started on the dreaded dissertation, but a curse in a large way, as seeing many of my fellow graduates and friends succeed in their post-university life can be quite discouraging. Discouraging as over six months since finishing my last exam, I'm still out of a full-time job.

Walt Disney World Wishlist

You may or may not know, but towards the very end of this summer, I'll be jetting off to the fabulous Walt Disney World for two weeks. Being in the happiest place on earth, it's obvious that I will want to buy plenty of things to remember my amazing holiday and I've already started thinking of exactly what I will want to buy. Although there will probably be many other things that I'll pick up whilst I'm there, (let's be honest, there will be), some particular items have really stood out to me after watching far too many Disney World hauls that I feel I definitely need in my life!

Instagram Roundup | May

I love Instagram and this year in particular have been more active on it than ever. I document so much of my life on the platform and love that I can look back over the past few moths or even years to see the things that I got up to. So each month I've now decided to so a monthly Instagram roundup to pinpoint the highlights of my month, as well as to share it with anyone who does not follow me on Instagram either!

This month has been very eventful for me; not in the sense that I've travelled places and seen things, but in the sense that this month has led to drastic changes in my life.