Sunday, 10 January 2016

2015 Christmas Gifts - Part Two

Following on from my previous post (which showed the gifts I received from my boyfriend & can be found here) this post details the lovely present I was lucky enough to receive from my family & friends this year.

Again - I just want to quickly point out that this is in no-way bragging or showing off as I'm writing this due to the fact that I personally love reading posts like this & having a nose at what people received for Christmas.


As you can see I was incredibly lucky this year & received some amazing gifts from my family & friends. These gifts include Soap & Glory gift sets, Pandora Charms, a scarf, adorable teddy-bear slippers, a Liz Earle gift set, make-up brushes, Paper Towns by John Green (I'm sure this will tug at my heart strings just like A Fault in Our Stars), earrings, miniature bottles of wine, a Marie Mug (one of my favourite Disney characters), a candle, both the Aristocats & The Little Mermaid on DVD, a pink Peter Pan collard top, cat gloves, a pair of "riding" style boots, two necklaces, a Ted Baker nail varnish set (which I am in love with), the first 3 Star Wars films on DVD,  and lots & lots of chocolate/sweets. I also received some money/gift vouches which haven't been included above as I thought that may be a little odd. 

Obviously Christmas is about more than gifts & is really all about spending quality time with loved ones without the everyday stresses of work & day-day life (which is definitely something I seem to appreciate the older I get, especially living an hour from my home town) but I am incredibly gratful for all the lovely presents I received this year & as I previously mentioned, I love to have a nose at posts like this so thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get involved myself. 

If you've written a similar post, let me know in the comments as I'd love
to read for myself. 
xxx



Wednesday, 26 August 2015

Walt Disney World Haul

Unfortunately - despite how the title of this post may sound - I haven't run off to Disney World to become a Princess *sobs quietly*. However my family have recently returned from their trip to Orlando, which meant both my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to receive some gorgeous Disney themed gifts.. so of course, I couldn't resist sharing.  



Minnie Mouse Ears, 
A Disney Princess Car Ariel Topper, 
Owl Themed Chop-sticks, 
A Tinker Bell Christmas Decoration, 
Mickey Mouse Shaped Pasta, 
Cat Themed Chop-sticks, 
A Mickey Mouse Shaped Fried Egg/Cookie Cutter, 
A Cat Shaped Chop-stick Rest,
Mickey's "Really Swell Diner" Chocolate Fudge Flavour Cocoa, 
Owl Shaped Chop-stick Rest 
Remy from Ratatouille Plush. 

Obviously not each item above is strictly "Disney Themed" but I know my Mum couldn't resist the chop-sticks & matching rests once she spotted them in the Epcot park... which is great as they're adorable (plus they give me the perfect excuse to order Chinese take-out on a regular basis..). 

It's safe to say that I am completely in love with each of the above items.. If I can't run away to live/work at Disney World, then stocking my little flat full of themed accessories is the next best thing!

post signature

Saturday, 27 September 2014

Class of 2014 - Graduation


On Monday, after many many months of waiting, the day of my Graduation finally arrived!

For anyone who doesn't know, I finished studying at university after three amazing years in June and was awarded a 2:1 Bachelor or Arts Degree with Honours in Events Management from The University of Birmingham. This technically means I can put letters after my name now .. Samantha Brooks B.A (Hons) - but despite the temptation, I don't do this haha! 

Most of my friends had their graduation ceremonies a few months ago, so it felt like such a long wait having ours towards the end of September... However despite the wait, it's safe to say it was well worth it. 

The day was filled with celebrations with family and friends and was honest amazing.. To document this I  really wanted to write a post, so in a few months or years I have something to look back on. 

Cheeky photo of myself to start...  

And here are a few of my favourite photos from the day... 


My lovely house-mates / some of my best friends
 Family

Me and Ollie x
The classic cap through with one of my closets
course-mates

Walking across the stage - I saw my family and was meant
to wave, however I was so nervous and concentrating
on walking so much that I ended up clapping and
pulling this strange face haha...



Another one of my dearest best friends
(I love how happy the lady in the background looks)

Another classic cap throwing moment

Ahhh we look so happy! 

Just shaking hands with the dean.. Don't mind me

Cute cute cute 



These are just a few of my favourite photos... I had to limit myself otherwise I'd be posting photos all night! 

For anyone who's interested here's a better photo of the outfit I chose (without the gown and cap)...

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: New Look
Nail Varnish: Barry M, Matte Nail Paint in shade Espresso


Although pretty scary at times (I've never been as nervous as I was walking across that stage, especially in heels!)... Graduation was honestly the BEST day ever! It was so lovely to see all my family, friends and friend's families so happy and proud of each other. 

After working so hard for three years this was the perfect way to finish and celebrate the time we spent at university. Well done Class of 2014. 

If anyone has written a post about graduation - let me know, I'd love to read it :) 

xxx



Saturday, 20 September 2014

Family Gifts.

Wow... It feels like I haven't written a blog post in aaaaages! Well, in the blogging world 10 days is a long time, especially when some people write posts daily! 

I've been super busy with work this week as I was coming to the end of my probation period (which for those who don't know is basically a time where your employer tests to see if you're going to be good at the job and usually lasts for a couple of months) and I had to do a presentation in front of some of the bosses *eek* which was terrifying! So that was really taking up a lot of my time over the last week or so, but it was all worth it as I was informed after the presentation that they'd like to offer me a full time position within the company... *cheers happily*.

Anyway - less about my boring work life and back to the fun stuff.. Presents!



After my pay cheque came in last month I decided to treat my family to a few little gifts as they've always supported throughout university - so now I have a few pennies to my name, it seemed the perfect opportunity to say a little thank-you.


First things first.. My step-dad's gifts:




Now these are technically late Birthday presents as I couldn't get back for my step-dad's birthday a few weeks back. He's a big football fan, loves dark Chocolate and the odd beer after a long week at work so I made sure I incorporated each of these things into his presents. If you're interested in Football or know someone who is, I purchased the "The Football Pocket Bible" from eBay for around £4. This is a bargain considering it retails for around the £10 mark on Asos.

The beer came from Tesco for about £2, however you can also find it on the Hobgoblin website here (only if you're over 18 of course).... and finally the chocolate came from Poundland.. Now I was a little sceptical as cheap chocolate isn't nice tasting chocolate, however I purchased the milk chocolate version of this for myself *naughty* and it actually tasted really nice!

 Mum's gift:


Source
As my family live around an hours journey away from me, I speak with my mum regularly on the phone. Around a week ago she told me about a skirt she'd recently purchased from Marks and Spencers in red, however she'd also liked the yellow version. I had a look on the website whilst we were on the phone and described it to see if it was the same - as she said it was, without her knowing I ordered to my local store ready to surprise her with when she visits Monday.

This is a lovely high-waisted skirt which, as you can see from the photo, would be lovely with (or without) tights throughout the autumn and winter months. If this colour isn't for you, that's fine as the skirt comes in six colours including red, black and pink. This retails for £25 and as it's from Marks and Spencer's will undoubtedly be great quality.

If you want to have a look at the other colours or buy it for yourself click here to visit the M&S website.



A gift for my sister:

Source




Now my sister isn't the easiest person to shop for... However she is a huge fan of VW Camper vans, so when I saw this I couldn't resist buying it for her (Hopefully she isn't reading this post...). I

This blanket was a bargain at only £5 from ebay and is so soft and has lovely bright camper van pictures all over. It's also available with different prints ranging from leopard to flowers to a lovely pink tartan print (I promise it looks nicer than it sounds).

If you'd like to purchase this for yourself you can click here to be taken to an eBay site that currently has them in stock. I'm very tempted to buy a few of the designs ready for the chilly winter nights!


Last but not least.. My lovely Nan:



I'll admit that I struggled to think of something for my nan - I didn't want to get her the usual bath bits and bobs which (even though are lovely) is something my nan receives a lot and doesn't always use up.

This is a Baylis & Harding candle in the scent Peony, white tea and jasmine. I purchased this from Tesco for £6, which I think is pretty reasonable for a scented candle of this size. I've had a look on both the Tesco and Baylis & Harding website but unfortunately can't seem to find this anywhere. However if you want to see any other products from Baylis & Harding click here to go to their website, the hand wash is lovely - or I'm sure your local Tesco will stock this.

I decided to get my Nan this scented candle that would make her flat nice on cosy through the winter months - who doesn't love a good candle?!

I haven't been able to see my family in a few months (especially my nan *cries inside a little*) so I can't wait to give these gifts to them on Monday when they come to visit for my Graduation *eeeeek*. I'm planning to write a post about my Graduation ceremony and the day - so please all wish me luck that I don't trip in front of everyone whilst walking on stage! Haha.

xxx






Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

2015 Christmas Gifts - Part Two

Following on from my previous post (which showed the gifts I received from my boyfriend & can be found here) this post details the lovely present I was lucky enough to receive from my family & friends this year.

Again - I just want to quickly point out that this is in no-way bragging or showing off as I'm writing this due to the fact that I personally love reading posts like this & having a nose at what people received for Christmas.


As you can see I was incredibly lucky this year & received some amazing gifts from my family & friends. These gifts include Soap & Glory gift sets, Pandora Charms, a scarf, adorable teddy-bear slippers, a Liz Earle gift set, make-up brushes, Paper Towns by John Green (I'm sure this will tug at my heart strings just like A Fault in Our Stars), earrings, miniature bottles of wine, a Marie Mug (one of my favourite Disney characters), a candle, both the Aristocats & The Little Mermaid on DVD, a pink Peter Pan collard top, cat gloves, a pair of "riding" style boots, two necklaces, a Ted Baker nail varnish set (which I am in love with), the first 3 Star Wars films on DVD,  and lots & lots of chocolate/sweets. I also received some money/gift vouches which haven't been included above as I thought that may be a little odd. 

Obviously Christmas is about more than gifts & is really all about spending quality time with loved ones without the everyday stresses of work & day-day life (which is definitely something I seem to appreciate the older I get, especially living an hour from my home town) but I am incredibly gratful for all the lovely presents I received this year & as I previously mentioned, I love to have a nose at posts like this so thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get involved myself. 

If you've written a similar post, let me know in the comments as I'd love
to read for myself. 
xxx



Walt Disney World Haul

Unfortunately - despite how the title of this post may sound - I haven't run off to Disney World to become a Princess *sobs quietly*. However my family have recently returned from their trip to Orlando, which meant both my boyfriend and I were lucky enough to receive some gorgeous Disney themed gifts.. so of course, I couldn't resist sharing.  



Minnie Mouse Ears, 
A Disney Princess Car Ariel Topper, 
Owl Themed Chop-sticks, 
A Tinker Bell Christmas Decoration, 
Mickey Mouse Shaped Pasta, 
Cat Themed Chop-sticks, 
A Mickey Mouse Shaped Fried Egg/Cookie Cutter, 
A Cat Shaped Chop-stick Rest,
Mickey's "Really Swell Diner" Chocolate Fudge Flavour Cocoa, 
Owl Shaped Chop-stick Rest 
Remy from Ratatouille Plush. 

Obviously not each item above is strictly "Disney Themed" but I know my Mum couldn't resist the chop-sticks & matching rests once she spotted them in the Epcot park... which is great as they're adorable (plus they give me the perfect excuse to order Chinese take-out on a regular basis..). 

It's safe to say that I am completely in love with each of the above items.. If I can't run away to live/work at Disney World, then stocking my little flat full of themed accessories is the next best thing!

post signature

Class of 2014 - Graduation


On Monday, after many many months of waiting, the day of my Graduation finally arrived!

For anyone who doesn't know, I finished studying at university after three amazing years in June and was awarded a 2:1 Bachelor or Arts Degree with Honours in Events Management from The University of Birmingham. This technically means I can put letters after my name now .. Samantha Brooks B.A (Hons) - but despite the temptation, I don't do this haha! 

Most of my friends had their graduation ceremonies a few months ago, so it felt like such a long wait having ours towards the end of September... However despite the wait, it's safe to say it was well worth it. 

The day was filled with celebrations with family and friends and was honest amazing.. To document this I  really wanted to write a post, so in a few months or years I have something to look back on. 

Cheeky photo of myself to start...  

And here are a few of my favourite photos from the day... 


My lovely house-mates / some of my best friends
 Family

Me and Ollie x
The classic cap through with one of my closets
course-mates

Walking across the stage - I saw my family and was meant
to wave, however I was so nervous and concentrating
on walking so much that I ended up clapping and
pulling this strange face haha...



Another one of my dearest best friends
(I love how happy the lady in the background looks)

Another classic cap throwing moment

Ahhh we look so happy! 

Just shaking hands with the dean.. Don't mind me

Cute cute cute 



These are just a few of my favourite photos... I had to limit myself otherwise I'd be posting photos all night! 

For anyone who's interested here's a better photo of the outfit I chose (without the gown and cap)...

Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: New Look
Nail Varnish: Barry M, Matte Nail Paint in shade Espresso


Although pretty scary at times (I've never been as nervous as I was walking across that stage, especially in heels!)... Graduation was honestly the BEST day ever! It was so lovely to see all my family, friends and friend's families so happy and proud of each other. 

After working so hard for three years this was the perfect way to finish and celebrate the time we spent at university. Well done Class of 2014. 

If anyone has written a post about graduation - let me know, I'd love to read it :) 

xxx



Family Gifts.

Wow... It feels like I haven't written a blog post in aaaaages! Well, in the blogging world 10 days is a long time, especially when some people write posts daily! 

I've been super busy with work this week as I was coming to the end of my probation period (which for those who don't know is basically a time where your employer tests to see if you're going to be good at the job and usually lasts for a couple of months) and I had to do a presentation in front of some of the bosses *eek* which was terrifying! So that was really taking up a lot of my time over the last week or so, but it was all worth it as I was informed after the presentation that they'd like to offer me a full time position within the company... *cheers happily*.

Anyway - less about my boring work life and back to the fun stuff.. Presents!



After my pay cheque came in last month I decided to treat my family to a few little gifts as they've always supported throughout university - so now I have a few pennies to my name, it seemed the perfect opportunity to say a little thank-you.


First things first.. My step-dad's gifts:




Now these are technically late Birthday presents as I couldn't get back for my step-dad's birthday a few weeks back. He's a big football fan, loves dark Chocolate and the odd beer after a long week at work so I made sure I incorporated each of these things into his presents. If you're interested in Football or know someone who is, I purchased the "The Football Pocket Bible" from eBay for around £4. This is a bargain considering it retails for around the £10 mark on Asos.

The beer came from Tesco for about £2, however you can also find it on the Hobgoblin website here (only if you're over 18 of course).... and finally the chocolate came from Poundland.. Now I was a little sceptical as cheap chocolate isn't nice tasting chocolate, however I purchased the milk chocolate version of this for myself *naughty* and it actually tasted really nice!

 Mum's gift:


Source
As my family live around an hours journey away from me, I speak with my mum regularly on the phone. Around a week ago she told me about a skirt she'd recently purchased from Marks and Spencers in red, however she'd also liked the yellow version. I had a look on the website whilst we were on the phone and described it to see if it was the same - as she said it was, without her knowing I ordered to my local store ready to surprise her with when she visits Monday.

This is a lovely high-waisted skirt which, as you can see from the photo, would be lovely with (or without) tights throughout the autumn and winter months. If this colour isn't for you, that's fine as the skirt comes in six colours including red, black and pink. This retails for £25 and as it's from Marks and Spencer's will undoubtedly be great quality.

If you want to have a look at the other colours or buy it for yourself click here to visit the M&S website.



A gift for my sister:

Source




Now my sister isn't the easiest person to shop for... However she is a huge fan of VW Camper vans, so when I saw this I couldn't resist buying it for her (Hopefully she isn't reading this post...). I

This blanket was a bargain at only £5 from ebay and is so soft and has lovely bright camper van pictures all over. It's also available with different prints ranging from leopard to flowers to a lovely pink tartan print (I promise it looks nicer than it sounds).

If you'd like to purchase this for yourself you can click here to be taken to an eBay site that currently has them in stock. I'm very tempted to buy a few of the designs ready for the chilly winter nights!


Last but not least.. My lovely Nan:



I'll admit that I struggled to think of something for my nan - I didn't want to get her the usual bath bits and bobs which (even though are lovely) is something my nan receives a lot and doesn't always use up.

This is a Baylis & Harding candle in the scent Peony, white tea and jasmine. I purchased this from Tesco for £6, which I think is pretty reasonable for a scented candle of this size. I've had a look on both the Tesco and Baylis & Harding website but unfortunately can't seem to find this anywhere. However if you want to see any other products from Baylis & Harding click here to go to their website, the hand wash is lovely - or I'm sure your local Tesco will stock this.

I decided to get my Nan this scented candle that would make her flat nice on cosy through the winter months - who doesn't love a good candle?!

I haven't been able to see my family in a few months (especially my nan *cries inside a little*) so I can't wait to give these gifts to them on Monday when they come to visit for my Graduation *eeeeek*. I'm planning to write a post about my Graduation ceremony and the day - so please all wish me luck that I don't trip in front of everyone whilst walking on stage! Haha.

xxx