2018 Travel Bucket List

Photo from CNN Travel via Pinterest

I was lucky enough to visit the breathtaking country of Norway this year and since then the wanderlust has been intense! I also visited London for a couple of days in August for my birthday and I now need to go back again, hopefully I can visit for my birthday again in 2018 as there are still so many sites I want to visit...and shops to spend too much money in. 

Iceland - Northern Lights 

First of all is the place that is the highest on my travel wish list for 2018 or of all time and that is Iceland. I have wanted to go for a couple of years ago, Iceland was on my 2016 travel wish list! I'd love to visit the Hallgrímskirkja church, Gullfoss waterfall and the seemingly gorgeous city of Reykjavik. 

Canada - Hiking, Glaciers & Niagara Falls

Since coming back from Norway after we walked through Norwegian forests, past so many waterfalls, lakes and glaciers, I now have this need to go hiking and see all of those amazing natural features again and again. Canada has so many amazing sights to visit including Niagara Falls and stunning national parks. 

UK Cities: Bath, Edinburgh + Dublin

I love visiting other countries but there are still quite a few places around the UK and Ireland that I haven't visited and Bath, Edinburgh and Dublin are at the very top of my list but I'd also love to visit Cambridge and Oxford. Additionally I would absolutely love to see stone henge, the Lake District and St Pauls cathedral - a very odd mix, I know. 

Kos & Santorini 

Last but not least are a couple of warmer locations, Kos and Santorini, the latter has been on so many of my travel wish lists over the past few years as it looks incredibly beautiful. Destination2.co.uk have a option to visit Kos and stay at the picturesque Kouros Palace Hotel. This five star hotel looks incredible but there are so many other locations on Destination2.co.uk including the Caribbean, Middle East, China, Thailand and others. They have all inclusive deals, honeymoon options and last minute offers to choose from so you are bound to find a holiday to remember in 2018! 

Are any of these countries or cities on your travel wish list? Where would you love to visit in 2018? 

*This is a sponsored post

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Christmas Gift Ideas: Fashion + Accessories ft. Simply Beach

I've posted quite a few Christmas gift guides over the past couple of years including a wide range of products from mushroom growing kits, gadgets, books and beauty gifts to makeup, perfume, food and drink but I've never thought of clothing, accessories or beachwear as gift ideas so I thought I'd scour some of my favourite sites including Simply Beach to give you some gift options!

Pyjamas & Winter Warmers

Presents I always like to receive including scarves, loungewear and pyjamas as it's so cold in England over the winter months! You can't go wrong with super cosy pyjamas, dressing gowns or slippers, all of which would make lovely gifts this Christmas.

Christmas Jumpers

Today is Christmas Jumper Day so not only do we get to wear cute Christmas jumpers (mine is from Absolute Cult) but it's a time to spread Christmas cheer and donate to Save The Children! Christmas jumpers would also make perfect Christmas Eve or Christmas Day gifts for all ages.

Party Wear, Accessories & Jewellery 

Christmas is a time for cosy nights in with family and friends, movie days and eating all the food but there are also so many family parties. I'd love to receive a gorgeous, festive dress for Christmas or some lovely, dainty jewellery. Simply Beach have a gorgeous range of jewellery to choose from.

Swim & Active Wear 

Lastly for those who are gym bunnies or are jetting off to soak up some winter sun then look no further than Simply Beach for a wide range of bikinis, beach wear, accessories, sunglasses and more. I have been looking through their active wear as well and there are so many active wear leggings, bralettes, tees and jackets to choose from. Any gift recipient would love a Simply Beach gift card that can be used to stock up on their swimwear, beach wear and coverups. Also if you are running out of time to buy a gift then don't panic because Simply Beach offers e-gift vouchers that can be emailed to your gift recipient in a few minutes - it's the perfect last minute gift!

Simply Beach have a great Christmas competition running at the moment including discount codes, competitions to win a Simply Beach voucher and free gifts with purchase. The free gifts with purchase are limited to stock levels and the discount codes end soon so go, go, go!

What do you think of these fashion, accessories and jewellery gift ideas? Have you bought anything from Simply Beach? 

*This is a sponsored post

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Christmas Jumper Day 2017

Today is Christmas Jumper Day which isn't just a day to wear cute Christmas jumpers but it is a time to donate to Save The Children which is a UK based charity that helps children in need all around the world by providing lifesaving treatment and healthcare, education and nutrition projects. Today you can donate £2 online or £5 by texting MERRY to 70050 to Save The Children and spread some Christmas cheer at the same time. Sing loud for all to hear is not the only way to show some Christmas joy, although Buddy would definitely recommend it.

There are so many cute Christmas jumpers out there, some are adorable and festive while others are tacky, generic or itchy, thankfully Absolute Cult has come to the rescue *cue happy festive music* this Christmas season. Absolute Cult have a vast range of t-shirts, jumpers, hoodies and more that feature your favourite TV shows or movies. Now they have a Christmas range from men, women and children in a selection of sizes from extra small to xxx-large and children sizes from 3/4 years to 14/15 years.

I was very kindly sent the *Elf Women's Christmas Tree Sweatshirt (£33.99) which I chose in the navy blue colour option although it is also available in black, red, royal blue and grey as well as a range of womens sizes. I chose the medium which is a UK size 10 and on me (I'm a UK 8/10), it fits well although it's a teeny bit oversized and the arms are pretty long.

The jumper is official, branded merchandise with an Elf tag and it's a mix between 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Elf is definitely my favourite Christmas film with no exception, mainly because it's adorable and Will Ferrell is just adorable and so funny as Buddy the Elf!

I love the Elf design of this jumper as it is unlike any other Christmas jumper. It is christmassy but not in a tacky or immediately obvious way and it's such a warm, comfortable jumper that is perfect to throw on with jeans. It features syrup bottles, candy canes, a dancing Buddy the Elf along with his hat and snowflakes. I love the navy blue shade although I like the grey and black options too. Definitely check out Absolute Cult as you still have time to buy a Christmas jumper in time for the big day or as a gift! They are offering free standard shipping for a limited time only so go, go, go!

What do you think of my Elf Christmas jumper? Are you taking part in Christmas Jumper Day or donating to Save The Children? 

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Janina Teeth Whitening

I am always looking for new products that can help whiten my teeth, especially at this time of the year when there are the most parties, get togethers and catch ups with friends in one month. I've tried so many at home teeth whitening kits and products (let me know if you would be interested in a round up post) with varying results. I was kindly sent a couple of teeth whitening products from Janina that I've been using consistency for the past couple of weeks or so.

*Janina Ultra White Advanced Charcoal Toothpaste (£11.50)

There are so many whitening toothpastes out there and I've tried quite a few but this is one of the very few that seems to have a positive whitening effect. The toothpaste contains activated charcoal so it does have a grey colour to it. It is designed to whiten teeth, remove stains, and purify breath. I've been using it consistently as my toothpaste for a while and I do notice an overall lightning and whitening of my teeth, although it isn't an extreme difference. One thing I do notice is that my teeth seems a teeny bit more sensitive after using this toothpaste and it does feel a little strange using a grey toothpaste as it makes me feel like my teeth aren't being cleaned fully, even though they are! I'd still recommend giving it a go, especially as it's currently on sale at Boots and Superdrug as I'm writing this (14/12/2017).

*Janina Ultra White Charcoal & Clay Teeth Whitening Powder (£13)

Th final product is a little more unusual and it's a product I've never tried before - it is a teeth whitening powder. You just mix it with a little water and is designed to gently polish, whitening and remove stains. It's natural and fluoride free and suitable for everyday use although I've been using it 3 to 4 times per week.

It is a little odd to use at first but when used along side the toothpaste I think both products have definitely been helping make my teeth whiter. One problem I have with teeth whitening products that come with stick on treatments or trays is that only the teeth that are fully in contact with the product will become whiter but with these two products, you get an overall whiter smile. For me personally it isn't a miracle product and it won't instantly work overnight, you have to use it consistency but I think they have definitely been helping in time for the festive season! Janina products are currently on offer at Boots and Superdrug at 1/3 off until the 29th December.

*Update: I've been using it for a week or so more since writing this post and I'm seeing even more of the whitening effect which is amazing* 

Have you tried either of these products or anything from Janina? Do you use teeth whitening products? If so, do you have any recommendations? 

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#HealthyHerbalifeXmas

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year but it's also filled with stress, anxiety and barely any time to do what you need to before the big day, during or after the festive season. It's also a strange time when it comes to food as there is always so much around, so much cooking and baking to do for Christmas get togethers and there are plates filled with appetisers in the fridge that you can't eat yet. 

In comes Herbalife to help not only get in your boost of protein, fibre and healthy nutrition but it will subdue those sweet cravings when there is so much chocolate, biscuits and desserts around. Herbalife create nutritionally rich products designed to help you achieve and maintain your weight and wellness goals. 

I was kindly sent the *Herbalife Formula 1 Healthy Meal Shake Mix - Cookies & Cream (500g) which is a nutritional meal replacement shake. It contains fibre, protein, key nutrients and vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B6, B12 and E as well as Zinc, Selenium and Iron, among others. It can be used to replace one meal or two meals per day although it's up to you and you should you your own judgement. "Clinical studies show that daily use of meal replacement shakes as part of a calorie restricted diet is proven effective for managing weight, along with moderate exercise". 

I was challenged by Herbalife to create a festive shake that would make a great meal replacement for those busy bees during the Christmas season or as a calorie controlled and highly nutritious dessert or sweet treat alternative. They have numerous flavours such as toffee apple and cinnamon, vanilla, mint chocolate and more but obviously I had to choose the cookies and cream flavour. 

The shake is really quick and easy to make with just two tablespoons of the powder and 200ml of milk - I used oat milk to make mine and I also added a little cinnamon and a shaving of chocolate to some festive cheer. The shake is sweet enough on it's own as well as being creamy, rich and very delicious, so much so that it a fantastic alternative to heavy Christmas desserts. 

I'm really happy with how the shake turned out as I didn't expect it to taste as nice as it does and I'm also happy with the photos especially as the weather today has been awful and so dull (#BloggerProblems). I would definitely recommend this shake as it's a yummy sweet treat that is also highly nutritious - they'd be a great alternative to your morning smoothie or smoothie bowl with added extras such as fruits, nuts or seeds. 

Have you tried anything from Herbalife? Have you ever tried a meal replacement shake? 

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*Hosting Guests Over Christmas + Places To Visit

The festive season is upon us and that means an influx of friends and relatives as well as neighbours coming over for a catch up, to exchange presents or for a Christmas get together which can be more than a little daunting! There is always so much to do at this time of the year with Boxing Day and New Year not far behind so here are some of my tips for hosting guests over the festive season as well as recommendations of places to visit in the North West.

Christmassy Vegetarian & Vegan Options - The Easy Way

Let's start with the best part of any Christmas get together...food. As a vegetarian (and mostly vegan now), I always find going to get togethers so awkward and I just end up eating Pringles which we all know is a recipe for disaster as when one pops, one just can't stop. If you have vegetarian or vegan guests visiting over the festive season don't panic, there are so many incredibly easy options to make such as my vegan cinnamon rolls, vegan  pizza or if you are looking for an easier option then Marks & Spencers have a great range of vegetarian options. The key to any get together is preparation so make sure you prep as much as you can before hand.

Delicious Festive Mocktails For All The Family 

Cocktails my be delicious and perfect for the festive season but not everyone drinks alcohol so festive mocktails are a great alternative for all the family! There are so many combinations but I created a couple of festive mocktails last mont that were so sweet and delicious. Don't forget to dust the rim of the glasses with sugar for a fabulously frosted look. Also unlike cocktails, you don't have to go out and buy specific ingredients, you can make them with drinks, fruit and extras you probably already have in your kitchen.

Christmas Decor

We already have our tree and other Christmas decorations up (they're from Amara, including the sequinned bauble above) and they are essential to any Christmas party or get together. I love this time of the year with the multitude of fairy lights, bauble filled Christmas trees and glittering outdoor lights. Why not go the extra mile this year to impress your guests with homemade Christmas decorations such as a nordic winter wreath, homemade Christmas crackers or handmade Christmas cards.

Party Games & Quizzes

Entertaining vast numbers of family members can be a little difficult so why not watch a festive movie? My favourites have to include, Elf, The Grinch and The Polar Express - just add some festive popcorn dusted in cinnamon, chocolate chips and edible glitter and you're ready. Christmas quizzes are also a great way to keep everyone entertained as they argue with each other! We always have a Boxing Day family quiz and it never ends well...

Days Out: Christmas Markets & Shopping

Last but not least, why not head to the Christmas markets with your friends and family this year! Manchester has a plethora of Christmas markets all over the city centre to enjoy. Another place to visit is Liverpool ONE which is a huge shopping area not far from Manchester with entertainment and restaurants by the waterfront. There are over 170 shops as well as a cinema, indoor golf, gardens and the Roxy ball room. Liverpool ONE restaurants range from Bill's and Byron to Jamie's Italian and more; some of which have Christmas menus to choose from. If you want to add some sightseeing into your visit then Liverpool ONE isn't far from the Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum or Tate Liverpool. I visited Liverpool ONE (well, Liverpool in general) for the first time earlier this year and loved it despite the awful weather and I'd love to visit again!

Do you have any tips for hosting guests at this time of the year? Have you visited Liverpool ONE? 

*This is a collaborative post

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