Calm By The Christmas Tree

 Hi everyone, I hope you are all well. 

It feels like forever since I wrote a post on here but I am back and the blog has a new look and we are kicking things off with a stop on the Calm by the Christmas Tree book tour,

So, grab a cuppa, get settled and away we go,

Merry Christmas!!

I would like to wish all the companies I have worked with and most importantly, all my readers a merry Christmas and a very happy new year.

For me, this year has been a rollercoaster of amazing highs and heartbreaking lows and I am looking forward to a fresh start in 2017.

So from all of us, Merry Christmas xxxxx

,

Children's Christmas Stocking Fillers

With Christmas day only two weeks away, I am sure many of you have almost finished your Christmas shopping.  If, like me, you find hard to get the little stocking fillers or small fun gifts for the kids it can become a bit stressful. No need to worry anymore as Dotcomgiftshop have something for everyone, and yes that includes the big kids too.

Snow Is Falling

Ok, so the snow isn't falling all around us just yet. in fact it is unseasonally warm and sunny, but it is still October and Christmas isn't far away.  I am such a big kid when it comes to Christmas and I am already planning what decorations I want on my tree this year.

Out and about

So this week I have really pushed myself to get out the house and it feels great.  Today I even went to the boxing day sales knowing full well it would be incredibly busy.  I did start to feel anxious as it was busy but I continued on with shopping and even went into a shop myself to have a look around.

Here are some pictures I took to chart my progress and to keep me going.

After the boxing day sales

Family picture Christmas day

Out for Christmas dinner

We found the big tree

At my sons nativity

I was a very lucky lady and was totally spoilt this Christmas here is what I got.

Merry Christmas

Well it is that time of year again and I would like to wish all my readers and their loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

All the best.

Angela, James, Liam & Sophie.

My Debenhams Christmas Wishlist

I absolutely love Christmas! Seeing the lights, the atmosphere when shopping and the happiness on my loved ones faces when they open that special gift.

As a mother of two young children, Liam 4 and Sophie 2, Christmas is even more exciting now.  I remember when I was young and on Christmas morning my dad would carry me downstairs with my back to the living room window and my mum would turn on the light and when I seen all the presents Santa had left for me it was simply magical.

Santa would bring me a good mixture of toys and games, my favourite was always Lego, who doesn't love Lego!!

Liam has asked Santa for Disney Cars and Disney Planes toys and Sophie wants Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins toys.

I can't help but wonder what I would want if I was a child so I had a look on the Debenhams website for toys I know I would love.  Maybe I should ask Santa for these for my children too!!

Teksta £60
Kitty - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030399699_-1

Lego £80
Lego Friends - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030314999_-1

Sofia the First £27
Royal Family pack - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030334099_-1

My Little Pony £44
Rainbox Kingdom Playset http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030346099_-1

Melissa & Doug £6
Decorate your own piggy bank - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171010794899_-1


So many fun and educational toys are available these days! Sophie enjoys playing with her brothers cars, planes and trains and Liam will play with anything! I love seeing them have a great time interacting with each other and using their imaginations.

What would you have on your wish list?

Christmas lights switch on

On Saturday we took the kids up to the Antonine Centre.  I know that sounds like an every day event, BUT, this time Santa was there and he was switching on the Christmas lights.

When we told Liam & Sophie where they were going WOW they were that excited I was nearly crying. Their faces just lit up and that made me so so happy. I painted their faces, a Christmas tree one one side and Santa's hat on the other side haha. They loved it.

We got there 5 minutes before the lights were being switched on as we didn't want them waiting around too long. The shopping centre was extremely busy, not surprising really!

Santa came down the steps and you can imagine the noise from all the kids!!  The light went on to cheers and I am sure i saw some tears too!

Liam & Sophie met Santa and he gave them some sweets. They were so excited and happy, yes I did have tears in my eyes. Even though I felt unwell, and it was the first time I have been there in a while, I felt amazing seeing my children so happy I came home and James stayed a little longer with Liam & Sophie so they could spend more time with my mum and sister.

Letter from Santa

As a child I loved writing my letter to Santa and telling him about all the lovely toys I wanted and I know my children are the same.

I did wonder how I would reply and make it look authentic as if Santa himself had replied.  I don't need to wonder anymore.!!  Thanks to http://www.laplandmailroom.com/

Lapland Mailroom offer you a choice of lovely letters from the man himself :)

They offer 4 fabulous letters to choose from.  3 are suitable for any age and are slightly different. The 4th is for baby;s first Christmas and is a beautiful keepsake,

Every letter can be changed to suit each child at the time of purchase.  All you need to enter is the child's name, address, best friends name and the present they really want.  Only things that Santa will know!

MAIL PACKAGE ONE: Letter from Santa - £6.95

MAIL PACKAGE TWO: Letter from Santa with activity pack - £7.95

MAIL PACKAGE THREE: Baby's First Christmas - £6.95

Please note for a limited time you will receive a personalised "nice child certificate" for free (normally priced at £2.95)

I received the letter with activity pack and certificate.

I really cannot wait for my children to open these letters from Santa, which will be "delivered" in December.  The fun activities mean they can get everything ready from the Santa Stop Here sign to the Christmas card. They love colouring in so this is perfect.

The Activity pack includes

• Colouring in Santa Stop Here Sign
• Elf Yourself Activity Sheet
• Colouring in Christmas Card
• Door hanger for the children's bedroom
• Colour and keep Christmas tree decoration.

These letters really are amazing and I know my children will be happy when they receive them.

You can order your letters at http://www.laplandmailroom.com/  The letters will be sent from 1st December and will arrive a few days later.  They also offer a next day delivery service which allows you to receive the letter the next day before 2pm.

Lets keep the magic of Christmas alive.

Christmas Wish List

Thought I would share my Christmas wish list with you.....might be different to what you were thinking.

• That my children have a wonderful day
• That we all have fun at Christmas dinner (going out this year)
• That James is stress free
• That my family have a good year
• That I get better and can finally live my life again

I don't think that is too much to ask do you?

I would also like

• NHS waiting times for mental health support to be slashed
• For people to continue to raise awareness
• People to be more open and honest about their experiences with mental health conditions
• The media to give fair and non-judgemental coverage of mental health issues.

Let's hope that I get what I want for Christmas xx