7 Best Subscription Gift Boxes.

Gifts aren’t supposed to be given only on special events or occasions, you can also send someone gift to give them a break from their daily hectic routine or you can also get one for yourself to treat yourself a bit special other than the 9 to 5 routine and stress.

So, We spoke to www. topsubscriptionboxes.co.uk and came up with the best subscription gift boxes.

Glossybox

Glossybox subscription means receiving the best and latest treats straight at your doorsteps but there might be some people who aren’t aware of Glossybox subscription so let me tell you guys that Glossybox is monthly subscription service and each month they send you a box containing 5 products from beauty and makeup category and worth over £50. If you want to keep yourself up to date with the latest beauty trends then Glossybox is the best option for you. Their monthly subscription will cost you less than £15month.

Toppbox

Toppbox is a bit different from the other subscription boxes as it delivers only men grooming products according to their skin type. So basically, Toppbox is subscription service for men, each month they’ll deliver you a box right at the comfort of your home loaded with seven different men grooming products of worth up to £70. These products include essential oils, face masks, Bullet & Bone Cooling Recovery body wash and a lot more! To get started you just need to create your account and enter your details so they can send you the box according to your skin type and their monthly subscription will cost you £24month.

Craft Gin Club

Where are all the gin lovers at This one is for you as they allow you to discover and try the unique small batch gins every time they send you a box. Once you’ve subscribed to their service you will receive a beautiful box containing a full-sized bottle of a craft gin, tonics and garnish along with a sweet savoury treat a 56-page club magazine to enjoy till your last sip.

You can subscribe to their monthly service by paying £40 a month.

BakedIn

The BakedIn baking club is a baking subscription service that delivers a different recipe each month to you straight at your doorsteps. After subscribing to their service you will receive a box containing the step-by-step recipe guide book, along with all the dry ingredients and plus some extras too.

BakedIn given you an opportunity to cook your all time favourite muffins, biscuits, cakes and cookies with really easy step by step guide and share it with your favourite people.

If you are one of those who loves baking and spending time in their kitchen then this one is for you and you can get monthly service by paying £7.50.

Grind

We all know that nothing can be better than starting your day with a cup of your favorite coffee and Grind is a subscription box that each month deliver you Compostable Nespresso Pods Letterbox Refill Pack containing 30 pods of three different blends which is enough to get you through the month and give you the perfect boost every morning. They also offer a decaf version in case you’re willing to with that one and you can subscribe to their monthly service by paying £15 per month.

Mud & Bloom

How can we not mention a subscription box for our lovely little kids while talking about the best subscription boxes! Mud & Bloom allows kids to build and improve their gardening skills. Once you’ve subscribed to their service then each month they’ll deliver you a box containing multiple tasks which will surely inspire your kid to learn gardening and get connected with the nature. You can get their monthly subscription by just paying £12.95 GBPmonth

Gadget Discovery Club

Gadget Discovery Club is one of the best subscription boxes for all those tech lover and they give you a chance to treat yourself or your loved ones a bit special by sending them their subscription box fully loaded with 4 innovative gadgets which they didn’t know they needed.

They assure you that every single gadget they’ll deliver to you at your doorsteps will help you to upgrade your home, entertainment or lifestyle for sure as their subscription box contains everything from tech, wearables to smart home devices including SamsungPhilips kits and Google home speakers.

You just need to signup with your details and select your preferences so they can send you the latest and exciting gadgets based on your profile. They also allow you to either choose a monthly subscription or you can also choose their yearly plan and enjoy hassle-free subscription. You can get their monthly subscription by just paying £33 per month.

Please let us know what you think and which one you liked the most by dropping a comment in our comment section below.

Matching family PJs Christmas sets

 Hey readers,

It has become a trend to get all the family to wear matching Christmas pajamas. So, below I have gathered the best family matching sets for Christmas 2021. 

 

                                                                 1. Next. 

How lovely are these fun punny blue snowflakes from Next with snowflakes and even better they are 100% cotton. 

2. Amazon. 

Next, we have the classic red and white stripes with festive green top from Amazon each set is for specific members of the family such as for mum it has on the top mummy elf, dad has daddy elf and for the kiddos, there is a little elf and cheeky elf. 

3. Not On Thr High Street. 

If you something a bit more personalised then Not On The High Street offers a personalised Christmas PJ set that you can literally any name on your PJs, which is fun especially if you normally find your name hard to get on things. Also, a simple design with the penguin on the front of the t-shirt. 

4. Matalan. 

Matalan has teamed up with Alder Hey hospital and raised money for the surgical neonatal intensive care unit. Not only are they lovely designed PJs but money made from the selling of the PJs rate going to a really good cause. 

5. Primark.

 

An affordable range of family matching PJ sets are available at Primark which are these cute Santa squads with Christmas gonk and they also have got baby grows and a pet outfit. 

6. Asda.

These festive green tree PJs are perfect if you want something festive but not in your face. They come from Asda and they are two sets (trousers and long-sleeved tops). 

Cheers for reading X

My Sunday Photo 28/11/2201

                                                  

Autism and Christmas

Hey readers,

As you are probably aware that Christmas is upon us next month. Christmas can be a lovely time to spend with special people in your life, however, as a person with autism, this period can be rather stressful.

One of the triggers for me is that it is a massive change in my routine and expectations are the biggest areas that I struggle with and get quite stressed, probably bound to have at least one meltdown.

So, over the years I have tried to find ways that can help me not feel so overwhelmed by all the change because I hate it very much. I thought I would share some of my coping mechanisms, they could help you or someone you know.

Of course, Christmas isn’t just stressful for autistic people it could very easily be someone without it as there are a lot of extra things you have to deal with especially if you have children, the stress quadruples.

Safe place.

One place that calms me is my safe place, where I go when I am stressed and that is my bedroom. 

I have always associated my bedroom with my safe place, even though currently it looks like a bomb has gone off (hubby will one day decorate it, FFS). 

I still go to my bed to calm down. I have low lights on and put one throw and two sleeping bags, yes excessive but that is a comfort for me. I calm down and it is my space (not the website, lols).

Routine.

I know with Christmas everything goes right out of the window but loosely knowing what is happening helps me a great deal to feel I am in control and there is some structure.

 I hate not knowing what is happening. Also, my eldest is the same so basically, we need it now just for me but for him as well.

Mantras

I like mantras, I like repeating them over and over again especially when I am stressed. So saying to myself, 'it is one day, it lasts x amount of hours and I can get through just like all the other days' helps me because it is a statement.

I can repeat it and it brings me back to focusing on the control which in turn helps with managing my anxiety.

Walk.

I used to have this weird idea that you had to stay in all day at Christmas. I appreciate that some people love this, which is absolutely fine. 

However for me going out for a walk, getting some fresh air really does help clear my head. I feel less closed in with the tree and the disorder of all the toys everywhere etc not in their rightful place.

 It also calms kids down as well and gets rid of some of that pent-up energy they have.

Talking.

I know it is ironic me saying talk to someone, as I myself am fully aware that communication is one of the hardest things to do, but even if it is written down one word such as change this can help other members maybe bit a bit more patient. 

I remind the husband as brilliantly supportive he is, sometimes with his own stress, a polite prompt that you are struggling goes a long way.  

It then gives him the opportunity to be a bit more patient and it is a calmer environment for all to manage.

Cheers for reading X

What is a reverse advent calendar?

Hey readers,

In recent times advent calendars have become increasingly popular. There are so many varieties and not just for children such as cheese and gin to name a few.

Some advent calendars cost a whopping £30 to £50 which I think is a crazy amount. So, instead of buying yourself an advent calendar why not do something a bit different this Christmas with a bit more meaning? Then maybe one thing to consider is to do a reverse advent calendar.

What is a reverse advent calendar? 

Well, basically a reverse advent calendar is where you place a food item or piece of clothing into a basket every day during December or for 14 days depending on what suits you. 

When you have collected the amount you want to donate then you can take it to your local food bank or a charity to give to people who are less fortunate than you that really struggle during the Christmas period. 

It is also a great way to teach children about giving and the fact that not everyone has the luxury of having the money, home, or family to celebrate Christmas with.

 It is a time for giving and focusing less on materialism and more on helping other people in need. 

What should not be included in an adverse advent calendar?

Depending on the cause but as a general idea the items below are considered suitable items to be included in the reverse advent calendar. Though it is always good to check out your charity beforehand to be safe.

Dolls, teddy bears, figurines.

Pencils, crayons, paper, coloring books.

CD’s, DVD’s, books.

Hats, gloves, scarves.

Makeup, toiletries.

Baby clothes.

T-shirts, jumpers.

Arts and crafts, jigsaws.

Bath towels, hand towels, blankets.

Tinned goods such as fruit, tuna, baked beans, chopped tomatoes, and rice pudding.

Cans or (plastic) bottles of fizzy or still drinks.

Chocolate and sweets.

Biscuits and crackers.

Crisps and savory snacks.

How to do the reverse advent calendar?

1. Choose your charity to donate your reverse advent calendar to and check what you can include.

2. Get a box or some kind of container where you will store your items in. 

3. Each day chooses something from your own home or go to a shop and buy something to put into the advent calendar. 

4. Then a day or two before Christmas hand in your reverse advent calendar to your chosen charity.

Where to find your local food bank?

If you want to know where your local food bank is you can check out Trussell Trust website where you can type into the search engine your postcode or town to find your nearest local food bank.

Have you done a reverse advent calendar? What are your thoughts? I love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 21/11//2021

                                                  

SO during the week, I had to go to a routine checkup at the options. Options had photos of inside my eye and spotted swelling on my optical nerve. This resulted in going to the hospital for a few days so they could investigate it.

 Anyhow, after scans and lumbar puncture, I didn't medication as my fluid levels in my span ok, so they just regular hospital appointments every six months or something like this. 

Really weird to not be at home with the kids, of course, they were worried but they loved the information about scans and needles going in my back. 

I met them downstairs in the foyer as no visitors on my ward due to covid. Which is fine and they came to see me which is lovely. 

As I write this post I am at some recovering and fingers crossed I make a full recovery. 

Cheers for reading X

Why I hate Elf on the shelf

Hey readers,

What I am going to write in this post may divide opinion but it is only my opinion so don't get too distressed if you're a fan of the old Elf on The Shelf.

 I am not, lol so I am going to tell you why.

If you haven't heard of Elf of Shelf let me give you a quick explanation about this popular trend at Christmas time. 

It is an Elf that is sent from Santa to check up on children to see if they are being naughty or nice. 

It derived from America from a story that was written in 2005. Parents go out and buy an Elf toy (if you buy the book there is one with it).

 Every day from the 1st of December right up to Christmas parents will bring old Elf when the kids are in bed and place him around in the home in different locations each day.

 Another addition to this phenomena some parents even add presents with the Elf to reward the child for being good.

Deceitfulness.

The idea of encouraging children to behave because the Elf is watching them can potentially encourage children to be deceitful and hide their behaviour in order to get rewards.

Pain in the bum.

The thought of having to think of new and creative ways for the Elf is hard work especially in December as it tends to be one of the busiest months of the year.

  There is the pressure to buy all the products that are attached to Elf on the Shelf and just encourages consumerism. 

Not to mention the pressure on Social Media to outdo friends or acquaintances with what the elf has been up to.

Creepy.

There is nothing more creepy than knowing an Elf is watching you all the time and is knocking about at your home.

 Why do we need to make children feel they are being watched I much prefer to give my boys the trust in doing the right thing.

 Not to mention giving them the feeling that they have the respect of their own privacy without thinking that an Elf is constantly watching them.

Anxiety.

I have seen many fails on YouTube regarding Elf on The Shelf and one of the themes that made me question the whole idea of the Elf is the sheer anxiety and distress that it causes children.

 Some children have a fear of toys that come alive, especially if they have seen them in movies such as Toy Story.

The Elf can cause some children to be petrified in case they have done something bad and will get punished. Where it could simply be the case that they have done a mistake and that it was not intentional. 

They may feel paranoid and cause more distress, it may trigger them to be anxious when they really don't need to be,  bearing in my mind that The Elf on The Shelf lasts most of December.

Learn.

It is common knowledge that sometimes the best way to learn is through mistakes, but this stops children from learning through making things right when they are simple but on the naughty list. They don't get that opportunity to learn and grow as a person.

So, there you have it, that is why I hate Elf on The Shelf? Are you a fan or do you hate like I do? Love to hear your thoughts in the comment section down below.  

Cheers for reading X

43 Christmas Instagram Captions!

Hey readers,

Looking for a fun way to comment on your Instagram photos this Christmas? Look no further have a variety of different festive captions to enjoy and be merry!

FUNNY CAPTIONS.

1. All the jingle ladies. 

2. The tree isn't the only thing getting lit this year.

3. It's beginning to *cost* a lot like Christmas.

4. But first, let me take an Elfie.

5. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. But if the white runs out, I'll drink the red.

6. Me every day: slay. Me in December: sleigh.

7. I can't wait to exchange all these presents.

8. This is my resting Grinch face.

9. Don't mind me, I'll just be over here crying and watching Hallmark Christmas movies.

10. At least the presents were beautifully wrapped for a couple hours ...

11. I'll be ho-ho-home for Christmas.

12. One more cookie and I swear I'll fit in the Santa costume.

13. Instead of listing everyone in this photo, let's just call it, "The Naughty List".

14. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle.

15. It's like they WANT stockings full of coal.

16. Current status: ready for a long winter's nap.

17. All I want for Christmas is you (and maybe some cookies, too).

SONG CAPTIONS.

1. "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!" — Johnny Mathis.

2. "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas." —Bing Crosby.

3. "All I want for Christmas is you." —Mariah Carey.

4. "We can hardly stand the wait. Please Christmas, don't be late." —Alvin & The Chipmunks.

5. "Have yourself a merry little Christmas." —Frank Sinatra.

6. "Silver bells, silver bells. It's Christmas time in the city." –Bing Crosby.

7. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly." –Thomas Olliphant.

8. "Rockin' around the Christmas tree, at the Christmas party hop." –Johnny Marks and Brenda Lee.

9. "Although it’s been said, many times, many ways... Merry Christmas to you." – Mel Tormé.

CUTE  CAPTIONS!

1. It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

2. May your days be merry and bright.

3. My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others.

4. If kisses were snowflakes, I'd send you a blizzard.

5. All is calm, all is bright.

6. I got all spruced up for the holidays.

7. Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.

8. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

9. Love the giver more than the gift.

10. Meet me under the mistletoe.

11. Although it's been said, many times, many ways ... Merry Christmas to you.

12. My favorite color is Christmas lights.

13. I'm only a morning person on December 25th.

14. One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas Day.

15. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ...

16. All I want for Christmas is you!

17. Snuggled up together, like two birds of a feather would be ...

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 14/11/2021

My first Christmas hot chocolate (mint) of the year from Greggs.

Melting snowman cookie recipe

Hey readers, 

A nice little Christmas recipe you can do with the children is these super easy melting snowman cookies. 

These are perfect because it is not too complicated but will get anyone in a festive mood. 

What you will need.

*  12 cookies.

 * 12 white marshmallows.

 

* Red/green/yellow tube of writing icing.  

* 400g of fodent icing sugar. 

How to make the cookies.

1. Place the icing sugar into the bowl. Start with a teaspoon of water and mix into the icing. 

Keep adding a teaspoon of water each time until the icing gets to a runny consistency but think enough to coat on a spoon. 

2. Cut the marshmallows in half. 

3. Now getting the icing sugar and cover the cookie and add the marshmallow at the top of the cookie.

4. Give the cookie a couple of minutes to set the mixture. 

5. Get the red icing pen put two dots for the eyes and a red mouth on the marshmallow head.

6. A yellow dot for the nose on the marshmallow head. 

7. Get the red icing pen again and make a red scarf around the marshmallow.

8. Use all three icing writing pens and make dots on some of the cookie's tummies.

9. On the other half of the batch of cookies draw a yellow line down the tummy of the snowman and then yes red and green dots on the line to make it look like a snowman scarf. 

10. Allow some time for the icing to dry onto the cookies and then there you have some melting snowman cookies.

Enjoy!

Cheers for reading X

Ways to stay warm in winter.

Hey readers,

During the winter period, it can be very cold - in and outside of the home. Here are some ways that I have found it helpful to stay warm during the winter months.

Firstly let's look at keeping yourself self-warm when you go outside. I think the key element is to focus on your laying of clothing and making sure you have the right garments for the temperature outside.

Maintaining Heat.

It is important to maintain your temperature so doing things to keep warm such as using a hot water bottle in bed. Make sure that you have at least one hot meal a day.  Having a hot drink is a quick way to keep warm at home.

Stay active.

Another way to stay warm is by moving about and being active. It is recommended that you get up every hour to move about and get the blood circulating which will, in turn, help keep you warm. Doing moderate exercise can also help keep warm, even if it is doing some situps or wall pushes this will help towards staying warm during winter.

The layering of clothes.

So this could be wearing long sleeves and trouser pajamas at night or even wearing a dressing gown and bed socks. Having cotton, silk or wool will be more warming as opposed to synthetic materials.  You can also have a top under a top and check out thermal clothing to give that extra layer of warmth.

When going outside have suitable footwear, socks, hats, gloves, and jumpers that will keep you cosy in the harsh winter weather outside. The good thing is if you are getting hot from walking you can remove the layer and vice versa putting back on the garment when you are getting cold.

Weather.

A great tip for keeping warm in winter is making sure that you are on top of the weather forecast and knowing what the weather of the day will be like.

 This then prepares you for what the weather is like outside so you can wear suitable clothing and if the weather is bad to consider going out at all. Also if you drive you will be conscious of what the roads will be like and if you have the right tools to make sure that car is good enough to see out of when driving.

Blankets.

Blankets are a Godsend during the winter as they keep you warm - especially with a hot water bottle underneath when you are in the living room watching TV or reading a book. plus they keep you cosy when it is cold and dark outside.

Warmers.

A brilliant product you can purchase is hand and feet warmers. Feet warmers are designed to stick on your feet and once open can last up to 8 hours. With hand warmers, you hold them in your hands and they give off heat. Perfect if you are working outdoors or just being outside for a long time in the cold weather.

Insulate your home.

When at home making sure that your home is insulated by closing the doors and curtains and when the sunshine is out to open curtains to let the sunshine heat warm a room up. Seal gaps that let the cold air in it

Bath/shower.

If you are cold in your home try taking a hot bath or shower to warm your skin up and then get into some cosy pajamas.

Air.

Seal gaps that let cold air into the room with draft excluders or weatherstrip around the windows.

Cheers for reading X 

My Sunday Photo 07/11/2021

What to write in christmas cards.

Hey readers,

It can be hard to think of things to write on Christmas cards to friends and family. So I have a selection of texts that you can use and I have picked a mixture of different categories, enjoy!

General Message.

* Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you be surrounded by all the things that bring Christmas cheer.

* Hoping you can feel love, joy, and peace this Christmas season.

* Keep Christmas a time of celebration and love. Don't let Christmas become a chore. Don't let Christmas bring strife to your home.

* Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays.

* Have a lovely Christmas and a fantastic new year!

* Happy Christmas! Merry wishes and Santa kisses!

* "We hope Father Christmas brings you all you’ve asked for!"

* "Tis the season! Wishing you peace, joy, and love!"

* "Have a magical holiday!"

* We want to send our warm wishes to let you know we are thinking of you this Christmas.

Quotes.

* Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . .means a little bit more!’ Dr. Seuss.

* One can never have enough socks. Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books. from Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.

* Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind. Mary Ellen Chase. 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.

* I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month. Harlan Miller.

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

* I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. Thomas S. Monson.

* Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. Calvin Coolidge.

* Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. – Peg Bracken.

Funny and offensive.

* Merry f%#@ing Christmas.

* I think Santa should hire giants instead of elves so that he can have a faster production of gifts.

* Rudolph has a red nose because he is drunk.

* I would say all I want for Christmas is YOU, But I really would love a new credit card as well!

* Christmas (noun) - The only time of year in which one can sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of socks.

* Merry kiss my ass!

* If you rustle my Brussels and pull my cracker, i'll jingle your jangles and stuff your turkey.

* When I think about you I touch my elf.

* It's beginning to feel like a lot like...fuck this!

* I tried to think of the perfect thing to write on your card. Then I realized that I'll never reach perfection, so I'll just be honest. I've got nothing.

Cheers for reading X