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I’m not sure how people will feel about the subject of this post, but I think just as relevant as any other, so I hope it will be taken as such.

There are many reasons that people may be spending the ‘key’ holiday days alone – not having/ having contact with family, feeling in a position that you simply can’t face being with other people and the pressures social situations can bring, or being extremely poorly and physically unable to make it out of the house to be with with loved ones. All valid reasons, and they have the potential to make you feel pretty crappy about what you “should” be doing and the fact that you’re not.

I’ll be honest and say that I’ve never been in that situation but I have gotten to a point where I’ve come very close to it, and think it’s important to be forearmed so that you can try and take those negative feelings and turn them into something a little better so that these days pass easier. A lot of these tips are centred around self care activity and are easy to develop into being as indulgence or short term as you like.

Plan ahead: The majority of shops and businesses will be closed on key holiday days, so make sure you head out for everything you want and need in advance. If you can’t get out yourself, try and arrange for someone else to for you, or organise home delivery options to arrive in good time.

Get Comfortable

It’s cold outside, try and make your environment as snug and inviting as possible for you to nest in during this down time. For me this usually involves popping on some fresh PJs or soft loungewear, a really comfy pillow (I swear by the Dunelm cuddle cushion) and a massive furry throw (again, swear by the Dunelm teddy bear throws and have been a fan for years) on the couch or my bed.

Strong food game

Just because you’re having a meal for one, why shouldn’t it be awesome? You are worth the effort of enjoying good food and drink, so make sure you get some of your favourite meals, snacks and drinks to have at your leisure. I’ve been known to go to either ends of the spectrum with food when I’m alone at home – chuck on some music and cook a full on meal from scratch, or eat as much as possible that requires as little movement as I can manage.

Entertainment

If you’re lucky enough to have satellite tv on an on demand service, this one is pretty easy – stockpile all of your fave shows and get watching! If you don’t there’s the delights of YouTube and podcasts online, re-watching your fave DVDs (the holidays are the best time to enjoy the oldies but goodies) o treat your self with a bit of peace and quiet whilst costing up with that book you’ve been meaning to get round to starting.

Pamper

Having time alone can be a great excuse to indulge your body with a bit of TLC too. A cheeky facemask whilst you’re watching a film, a lovely body scrub in the shower or a colourful and lovely smelling bath. It could even be as simple as catching up on some sleep.

Join in: if you’re alone during the holidays not through choice and you feel like having company of the digital kind (aka you can still chat but don’t have to put pants on) jump on the #joinin conversation and chat with others facing a similar situation or that are simply taking time out from their days to have some quiet time. Comedian Sarah Millican started this initiative, which she explains more about in her online magazine here.

As I mentioned at the start, these are more light hearted suggestions, however I fully appreciate that it’s not always as easy as having a bath and putting the telly on to help get you through certain times. If you’re in need of greater support and help this year, please do reach out for it. I know it can feel like the most difficult step, but I hope you’re able to make it so that the rest of life can start to feel that bit better and easier.

See you tomorrow,

J xx

You’ve officially got 10 days until #ChristmasJumperDay2018 and about 21 further days you can legit wear a festive jumper for the year, it’s time to get shopping if you haven’t bagged one yet (or if you just want a new one for more options). Here are some of the best options you can still snap up both on the high street and online:

Marks and Spencer Rudolph jumper

My nan has actually bought this one, which is where I first saw it, and I think it’s the greatest mix of Chic and cute at the same time. It’s great to chuck on with jeans and trainers for super-cas but also dress up a little with back cigarette pants, boots and a red lip. Nailed it.

New Look Present sweater

You’re the best gift you can give this year, make sure people know it!

Rock on Ruby Dear Santa… sweatshirt

Simply, to the point but still frickin’ cool. The babes at ROR have some brilliant items in their festive range this year, including the cute pink Well behaved reindeers don’t make history sweatshirt.

Boohoo Fairisle knit

If you want to go more traditional in style and colour, this one is a winner. If you want traditional and a little bit more edge, this also comes in black for a cute monochrome look with black skinny jeans and boots.

River Island Sequin star roll neck jumper

Ok, technically not a Christmas jumper but it’ll still totally work as a nice nod in a cosy-chic kinda way. P,us, it’ll last past the holiday season an into the chill depths of the new year and still look cute.

Next Black metallic Christmas tree knit

This walks such a nice line between festive and party wear – it’s great for more dressy-casual festive gatherings. I’ll be wearing it with coated skinnies, leather look black trousers and a faux fur coat.

Hope this has managed give you some inspo if you’re still waiting to pick up a festive jumper!

See you tomorrow,

J xx

On the third day of #blogmas I am giving you… a super speedy soup recipe that contains 3 ingredients and has a beautifully rich taste.

It’s perfect to serve as a starter for a festive feast or simply as a winter warmer you can batch cook and eat all week. Plus, for anyone following #slimmingworld can enjoy this guilt free!*

Makes 2 portions

– 900 ml vegetable stock

– 500 ml frozen cauliflower

– 10 Laughing Cow light triangles (I use original, but any flavour you fancy will work)

Step 1. Pre heat a pan on the hob on a medium heat.

Step 2. Add cauliflower and stock and allow to simmer for approximately 15mins.

Step 3. Remove the heat and store in the Laughing Cow triangles until they start to melt.

Step 4. Transfer to blender and blitz for around 45 seconds of until smooth.

Serve alone or with your favourite bread. For an extra bit of taste, sprinkle a little paprika over the top.

And that’s pretty much it! Quick, simple, tasty. Boom.

Enjoy!

See you again tomorrow,

J xx

*based on a Slimming World recipe I followed in 2016. Please check the Slimming World website, app, official literature or with your consultant for the most up to date versions of the plan to confirm the recipe is still free (using heA) under the SP and Extra Easy plans.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… BLOGMAS is here!

I did #blogmas last year and really enjoyed it, it helped to give back some fun and inspiration at a difficult time of year, so I was keen to give it another go this year.

What better way to start things off than by Unveiling the festive beacon of my home, the Christmas tree!

I bought us this tree last year from Asda to feel more festive – it’s big, (fake) snowy covered and looks fabulous in our new living room…I think this is the first peek of the house I may have shared online since moving in a few months ago.

We tend to change up the tree decorations a little every year – this year to celebrate the first Christmas in our new home we bought some new bits from Southwood Garden Centre which is practically at the end of our street. We’ve gone for a kind of Nordic/snowy kinda theme.

Wearing – Next Festive Sloth PJs and Candy cane bed socks

See you again tomorrow!

J xx