Christmas....do do do do do

I have always loved Christmas. Loved loved LOVED it! Although over the last few years I have to say I have felt decidingly too "grown up" for it, and there was a little less magic about it. Especially last year where after putting up all my decorations I sat down on my couch and cried realising just how lonely it was to be completely alone at that time of year.

But this year my whole mindset is completely different. No matter what anyone throws at me I will be continuing to smile and look for the love and magic in this season.

Christmas also started early for me this year! I don't normally start thinking about it until the second weekend of December, but this year I decided to put them up on the 2nd. And it really was a magical day. I had a very helpful Elf lending a hand, making me smile all day as he also took great delight in the decorations, music and mulled cider we had brewing all day. (My GAWD did the house smell good!)

So here are a few of my Christmassy photos, including some arty (and slightly hipsterish) Instagram photos of a few decorations.

Seen on Pinterest...



My recreations....

I made those lyric printables and you can find them on my Pinterest. If you use them please send me a photo - I'd love to see them in use elsewhere! :)

The Christmas Song printable
White Christmas printable
I didn't draw the image but it is here



Decorations!

These are all from America. HoHoHo ws sent to me by my awesome McMegs 2 Christmas's ago in a Lexling care package. The other three are all from New York and I love them so much. My helpful Elf especially loved the Polar Bear (we share an obsession with New York and a love of the Central Park Zoo Polar Bear!) 

Christmas Kitties (who have so far not caused too much dama...typed too soon. Jack is gnawing on the tree as I type. *le sigh*)

Tree and part of the very cosy living room.

That "Happy Christmas" train has been in my family I think before I was born. I love it so much, because it's old and a tradition, My Mum hated it though which worked out pretty sweet for me because it meant I took ownership when I moved out!

Christmas top tip
See those lights across the fireplace thingy? Battery operated. I have another set across the arch in the hallway, and more in the windows. I cannot advocate battery lights enough. They dont run up the electricity bill, safe enough to leave on all day, and versatile enough to put everywhere. If you havn't already buy some, buy some now! (I got mine from www.dotcomgiftshop.com - in case you were wondering)

Christmas movies
Yes that IS Muppet Christmas Carol on my TV. Perfect night time film after all the hard work decorating.

Merry Christmas everybody! 

Thank You

Just a brief post, just a quick one to say a massive Thank You.

Thank You to the Universe, to whatever it is that led to this. To all the things that were hard to understand at the time that meant I'm now right here, feeling his happy, excited and content.

I think it's important to show our gratitude. So this is me, putting a little gratefulness into the Universe.

Comic-con!

I've always been a bit of a Geek. Whether you choose geek to be defined as that brainy kid who annoyingly ALWAYS had the answer at school, or someone who is just a tad too OCD about organising, or simply someone who becomes hugely enthusiastic about a hobby or interest - that's me.

So you tell me how I had never managed to go to Comic-con or similar over the last few years? I don't know....it's beyond my comprehension too! 

But this year was different. I went and it was AWESOME! Anyone who knows me knows I love dressing up and it was a tough call deciding who to be. In the end budget and time meant I had to utilise whatever I already had, perhaps plus a couple extras, which resulted in my uber-cool (though not especially feminine) Marty McFly cosplay! 

I have to say though, when I saw all the different ladies in varying degrees of sexiness I did begin to regret not going for a more attractive costume, but *meh* such is life! 

I wish I could begin to comment on the amazing things that I saw. Marsha screaming, crying and running from a cyberman (when she didn't even know what one was) was pretty memorable, meeting 3 Doctors and Captain Jack who all looked like their characters was VERY VERY cool, and seeing a woman dressed as Jareth has made me torn between being Sarah or Jareth! 

  

For me the most amazing part of the whole event was this complete feeling of "together-ness". Ok that sounds very corny I know, but it's true. Everyone was admiring each others costumes, taking pictures together, laughing and joking and playing games. Despite the vast number of people, and often long ques I didn't see anyone getting bitchy or angry. No-one was arguing - everyone was just there to have a good time. And more so - making sure each other had a good time. 

I really don't think there are many sub-cultures or large events that can say the same. When was the last time you felt that same atmosphere at a football game or concert. Heck when was the last time you got on the tube without wanting to kill someone? Because even crammed onto the DLR, freezing on the platforms (a lot of cosplay costumes are not noted for their warmth) or desperatly wanting to find a sandwich - everyone was just so chilled out. Excitable, hyper, in full character mode or geeking out at something awesome - but chill all the same. And that made me very happy. 

Now I can't WAIT for the Sci-Fi weekender in March. It's going to be an amazing weekend! 

Loves of late

This is a tag by the lovely Louise at Sprinkle of Glitter and I think it is a great one. We spend far too much of  our lives moaning and griping and it can do us all the well of good to stop for a moment and think....really think about the things we love, the things we can be grateful for, and the things that just make us smile.

So here is a brief run down of things making me happy, and things that I am currently loving.

My Friends
I've said it before, I'll say it again, and I'll say it a million more times. I love my friends. They are one of my greatest blessings in life. I am especially luck to have so many, so many different groups of people I've met throughout my life that all have a very special place in my heart. I honestly don't know what I would do without all of my special ladies and the evenings spent giggling, drinking wine and coming out with some of the most random one-liners I am often convinced that I am living my life in a sitcom!

Hazelnut Mochas
I have always loved these, and always will. Starbucks you are my sanity and my craving all at once for making a drink so deliciously amazing! Although I have to say I can't wait for the red cups to arrive and gingerbread and peppermint lattes and mochas to be drunk in the countdown to Christmas!

Geeking out
I love geeking out about the things that I love. I love being just on the right side of obsessive and I will watch a TV series or movie over and over, re-read books and buy the t-shirts to match! Current re-geekings are: Back to the Future and Friends.

Game of Thrones
First of all - see above. I was introduced to the world of the 7 kingdoms this weekend and I have to say I'm already a little obsessed. Must. Watch. More!

What things do you love? What is making you happy at the moment?