Blogmas: Gifts for Readers

Hey guys! I can't believe it's so close to Christmas! I wanted to write a post on what to get the reader in your family. If you have any ideas, please share them in the comments!

Gifts for Readers

• Bookmarks (you can never have enough)
• Bookish candles, these can be found on Etsy 
• Bookish subscription box (you can google where to find these but popular ones include Fairyloot, Owlcrate and Once Upon a Book Club) 
• Reading light
• Book sleeves - these can also be found on Etsy
• Book Review notebook - I have one from Fable and Black that I can write my reviews of books in 
• Bookish pins
• Bookish necklaces - I have a Fault in Our Stars one
• Bookish iron-on patches
• Bookish coasters
• A tour of their favourite author's house/book settings (such as Beatrix Potter's house)
• Prints of their favourite quotes from books/authors 
• Bookish mugs
• A book bag - not just handy for books but also shopping
• Literary tea bags - yes they do exist!
• Beanbag chair. Us bookworms love our comfy spaces
• A kindle for easy portability 

I hope this list was helpful for you! Until next time. Love, Vee x

Blogmas: Christmas on a Budget

Hi everyone! I was thinking up Blogmas ideas and I thought that because Christmas is such an expensive time for so many, that I would create a budget post to help you at this time of year! I've struggled over the years and have managed to do Christmas on a very tight, apprenticeship wage. I know, magic. But this is how you can do Christmas on a budget, too.

Christmas on a Budget

• Make things instead of spending a fortune - such as Christmas cards (if you have children, get them to do some artsy drawings for you), tags, gifts and even wrapping paper. Pinterest has some great ideas on what to make at Christmas time.
• Save pennies up in your money box throughout the year - it all adds up!
• Make a list (yes, I know I love a list) of who you're going to buy for and what you want to buy for them. Work out how much you want to spend on each person and break down the costs.
• Avoid going out to shop; do as much online shopping as possible to avoid impulse buys.
• Shop second hand - buy from CEX, eBay etc. You can find some great bargains on electronics and games.
• Avoid buying decorations for the table such as candles, napkins or paper plates - ask yourself if you really need them.
• If you're looking for a Christmas tree, shop around locally but I recommend investing in a fake otherwise you'll have to keep buying trees for £60-100 each year when that money could be spent on gifts.
• Pick up gifts in the after Christmas sale for next year - you'll be glad you bought those cards half price. If you can remember where you stored them!

I hope this post was helpful to you and if you have any Christmas budget tips yourself, please share them in the comments! Until next time, love Vee x

New Year's Resolutions: A Poem

New Year's Resolutions

As we watch the fireworks and chime in the New Year

I wonder what poor soul is on the street tonight.

Some families have lost it all

While others make New Year's Resolutions 

To buy the new car they wanted. To diet. To exercise.

But what about all the lives lost? 

The fireworks light up the sky 

And for a moment everything is beginning.

But what about them? 

As we celebrate a New Year,

They just think "another day."

My New Year's Resolution

Is to be generous, thoughtful and kind.