Tag Archives: Christmas

Thorntons Christmas Hero

Posted on by Abi

The good folks at Thorntons recently asked me if I’d like to play Secret Santa and gift a worthy recipient a yummy box of Thornton’s Chocolates. There was no hesitation, no moment of doubt in my mind, my Thorntons Christmas Hero had to be my Dad!IMG_5026

My Dad is a one of a kind chap. As a child he was there to clean my grazes or hold my hair back when I had the flu. He indulged my active imagination, having no qualms about running around Sherwood Forest pretending to be Robin Hood as I gleefully squealed and laughed. He was the perfect Dad in every way.

Fast forward twenty or so years and despite being retired, occasionally suffering from bad health or tiredness he’s now turned into the perfect Grandpa and Dad!IMG_5039

When I suffered ill health post the birth of my twins he took me to the Dr and held my hand as I struggled to string a sentence together thanks to extreme sleep deprivation.

When I was hospitalised with a chest infection on Christmas Eve, once again he stayed with me holding my hair as the medication did disastrous things to my stomach.

Before I learnt to drive it was a struggle to get anywhere, two babies in car seats took up the entire back row of his car. My Dad still drove me around whenever I needed him too, at family gatherings he would even make two trips to bring my husband as well!IMG_5055

As he reached retirement far from taking life easier he now takes all three of my children to dancing classes, birthday parties or to see their friends whenever I need help.

Knowing that you have such a rock of support which is only a phone call away is the most precious gift in the world and I can never truly show my Dad just how very grateful I am.

IMG_0043I hope this wonderful Family Night In bundle from Thorntons will go a little way to showing him just how much we all love and appreciate him!

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Gift Guide for the man in your life

Posted on by Abi

I think men are harder to buy presents for than women or children, partly because so many ‘manly’ gifts (tools, socks, aftershave etc) are boring and uninspired. As a general rule I want my recipient to know that I’ve considered their tastes and hobbies whenever I give a gift. With that in mind I’ve created this short gift guide full of ideas for that chap you know but can’t think what to gift.

timberland-earthkeeper-chukka-bootFor the outdoors man

For the man who likes to spend time outdoors roaming the countryside or tinkering with the car I don’t think you can go wrong with a really great pair of boots. I think this is the kind of gift which is often appreciated more during use, especially if you can find a stylish yet comfortable pair. I found these Timberland boots online at Cockney Rebel Fashions, they even have a few reduced pairs at the moment.

562978For the Gardener

Tools which lighten the load and make gardening more pleasurable can really be appreciated. I particularly love this Golden Gark Multi Purpose Lightweight Garden Rake from QVC. The ability to lift and scoop makes chores like mowing and leaf raking significantly easier.

51msJxwJjlL._SY450_For the creative man

Give your chap a brand new hobby! I really like this jar and bottle cutter from Supermarket USA on Amazon, it could be used to turn bottles into vases or drinking glasses.

p6351_column_grid_12For the smartphone fan

Smartphones are great until you get a call on a cold day and have to pull your gloves off to get the screen to respond. With these Mujjo Touchscreen Gloves from Firebox your guy can keep his hands toasty warm

p5611_column_grid_12You could even go a step further and nab these whimsical Bluetooth gloves also from Firebox, although the question of whether you might look slightly mad talking to your fingers still remains.

 

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Getting your home Christmas Ready with 5 top tips

Posted on by Abi

snow gardenIt’s far too early to start decorating for the festive season but that doesn’t mean you can’t be super organised and start getting your house Christmas ready!

For most of us Christmas is almost synonymous with an increase in clutter, the area by your tree becomes hard to sweep, dust or hoover and those sparkling lights can draw your eye to unfinished DIY or tired furnishings. So come November you can start preparing your house or room for the forthcoming decorations.

Tip 1 – Watch the Paint

If you’re expecting visitors this festive season, consider tidying up your paintwork on walls or woodwork. A quick coat can create a dramatic difference.

Tip 2 – Furnishings

Hire or buy a steam cleaner and get those furnishings looking fabulous! Or if you’d rather replace them look at discount stores in your area or online, for example you can often pick up really stylish curtains from TJ Hughes.

Tip 3 – Reorganise

Having a reorganisation of furniture doesn’t just freshen up the look of your room, it can provide extra space for your tree! We even move chairs to other rooms just for a few weeks. If you’re expecting guests perhaps consider some affordable cushions and home accessories to freshen the look of your room and potentially add extra seating (large cushions can be used like a bean bag).

Tip 4 – Temporary storage

Don’t squeeze those decorations in, make room for them by boxing up some of your daily décor and pop it away in the loft or garage for a few weeks.

Tip 5 – The obvious one!

Tidy tidy tidy, it will be harder to clean, dust or hoover so make sure you get a really good clean in just before getting the decorations up.

Of course though the most important thing is to have fun and try not to get too stressed!

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