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

Blogmas: My Favourite Things About Winter

Hey everyone! As it's nearly December I wanted to share some of my favourite things about Winter with you all. Don't forget to let me know your favourite things about Winter in the comments! If you're still missing the Summer, I hope this post reminds you of the good things to come in the Winter season.

My Favourite Things About Winter

• Thick blankets 
• Cosying up with a good book and a cup of tea
• Snow and building snowmen/throwing snowballs
• Hot drinks on cold nights
• Watching Christmas movies with my partner and his family
• Listening to Christmas music in the car on long drives
• Shopping and wrapping (minus the stress and money)
• Onesies and comfy socks
• Log fires
• Christmas craft and baking
• Oversized jumpers
• Going to London at Christmas time
• The smell of cinnamon and pine needles
• Cute outfits
• Decorating the tree and the house
• The general magic feeling I get at Christmas time
• Crunchy, icy leaves 

I hope you all enjoyed this post and it reminded you of some good Winter memories. Until next time, love, Vee x 

How To Achieve Your Dreams

Hey everyone! For those of you who know me, you'll know that my dream is to become an editor/writer. I have recently decided I'm going to do anything it takes to get to where I want to be, even if it means sacrificing my time, money or anything else.

I have been trying to gain experience in publishing and editing because to become an editorial assistant, you usually need to have a degree and some relevant editorial experience. And after weeks of feeling low, I've managed to secure myself an editorial internship with Society19, a student magazine. I've submitted a few articles already which is very exciting! 

The great thing about this internship is that I don't have to be a student or a graduate; usually, to do an editorial internship you need to have a degree. I'm so excited about this journey that I'm going on at the moment. Good things are coming.

I never thought I could succeed because of my education and lack of qualifications but I managed to achieve one of my goals! And you can too. Don't let your negativity, background or anyone stop you from achieving your goals. 

I'm going to be an editor one day and no matter how many times I get knocked down, I'm going to get back up and fight for what I want. I've had so many fantastic opportunities in my life. Some things may be rubbish, such as a job or a negative person in your life, but I promise you that you can do whatever you set your mind to. You just need to believe in yourself.

Stay positive and remember to take time for yourself. There's no point stressing over things right now; good things are coming, just believe in that. Surround yourself with like-minded, positive people who want you to be happy and you'll start to feel more confident and positive in yourself.

Remember, you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. You are your own person and you can tell people what you think. Speak up for yourself and be heard. You have the power to do anything with your life! Isn't that exciting?

I hope you take away some positivity from this post and work hard to achieve your dreams. It may be difficult but I promise every hurdle will be worth it. Until next time, love, Vee x