On The Fourth Day Of Christmas...

Hailie gave to me...

Four Home Made beauty Treatments!

All these treatments are natural, cheap and most of the items are found around the kitchen! 

Enjoy!

Treatment one:

Egg White and Oatmeal Acne Treatment

To dry out stubborn acne, moisturise the face and close the pores, use an oatmeal and egg white mask. Beat one egg white into foam and add oatmeal powder until it forms a paste. Apply to the face and let it dry. Rinse with warm water, and then cool water to seal the pores and finish the treatment. Don't throw the yolk away because it can be used for so many other face treatments....

Treatment Two:

Avocado Facial Cleanser

Ok so Avocado is already lovely to eat with salt, pepper and vinegar on top as a snack but there is another use for the ones that are a little over ripe. It does not only function as cleanser either, it also hydrates your facial skin at the same time. 

To create a cleansing solution, you need to combine half an avocado with ½ cup of milk and egg yolk (you can eat the other half of the avocado!). Combine and beat the mixture until it creates a liquid consistency of a lotion. Before you apply to your face, you need to wet your face with warm water. 

When you apply this to your face, massage the skin and make sure you cover everywhere but be careful of your eyes and up your nose! (don't worry if you accidentally eat any!). Immediately rinse your face cleanly after applying this mixture. Such treatment will remove dirt, make up residue, and oil as well.

Treatment Three:

Banana Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment:

Deep-condition your hair with banana. Puree a ripe banana in a blender or food processor, or mash it as best as you can if you don't own one of those, and add a few drops of olive oil, mix together. Spread the mixture through dry unwashed hair and leave it in. You can go with an express 5 minute mask or up to half an hour for a real pamper! Wash your hair as usual, and apply conditioner to the very ends only. Style as normal.

Treatment Four: 

Egg and Sugar Exfoliating Body Scrub:

Depending on where you want to scrub you'll need between 1 and 3 egg yolks.
1 would be best for just arms, hands and feet, or your neck and your face,
2 are ideal for your legs and 3 is better for your torso. 

(...if you want to do everywhere you'll probably need a whole box!)

Beat your egg yolk and add in a tablespoon of sugar for every yolk used - 1 yolk, 1 table spoon... 2 yolks, 2 table spoons and so on.
Mix together. You can add in some lemon juice if you wish, it makes it smell really nice and has healing properties which are good for some skin conditions.
Next apply to wet skin using your hands to rub the mixture in and leave for up to 5 minutes - (10 minutes if you are doing legs because it makes them really smooth to shave them after!)

Rinse off and pat skin dry!

Let me know if you try any of these!? 

Hailie

xo

On the Second Day of Christmas...

Hailie gave to me...

Two fishtail braids!

This is a pretty & festive looking hairstyle that's suitable for all your Christmassy occasions!

(sorry some of the video is quiet and you can't hear me! Although that could be seen as a blessing because I rarely shut up...Either way...)

On The Sixth Day Of Christmas...

Hailie gave to me...

Six steps to Perfect foundation!

1. Cleanse and tone your skin then moisturise
   
   Always apply foundation to a cleansed and toned skin. Use a mild cleanser appropriate for your skin and cleanse your face thoroughly to remove all the impurities and oils that have accumulated during the night. Tone your skin with a toner that suits your skin. Use it lavishly – apply with cotton pad and wipe until clean.
   
   Always moisturise your skin before applying even if your skin is oily. The first step when applying make up is the application of appropriate moisturiser according to your skin type. It will improve your skin quality and act as a protective layer to help trap the moisture in the skin and stop it from evaporation. Apply the moisturiser and let it soak in at least 5 minutes before applying.
   Moisturisers protect your skin from the sun, wind, cold, from the environmental pollutants and nourish your skin. Moisturisers plump and comfort your skin and make easier to blend smoothly. If your foundation disappear within few hours of application, or drags when you blend it that means that probably your skin needs more moisturiser.
   
   
2. Use Primer
   
    Pump or pour a small amount of the primer into your hand. Dip a damp foundation wedge sponge into the primer and dab it gently onto your face, beginning under your eyes and around your nose. (Note that some primers are packaged in such a way that you spritz them directly onto your face from the bottle.), add the primer to your forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. Using the same sponge, blend the primer into your skin.
   
   Be sure you cover all areas s evenly as possible, but it’s okay to use a little extra in places where your make up tends to wear off quickly, such as in the T-zone or over large pores.
   Wait a few minutes for your primer to dry before applying foundation and concealer.
   
   
3. Use Concealer
   
   Apply concealer to problem areas. Dot the concealer only in places you need to. Start with a slightly darker tone and blend into with a sponge to match the lighter foundation in order to avoid creating light spots. Don’t use too lighter concealer to hide dark circles under the eyes, it should be just slightly lighter than the base color. To hide pimples or spots, use thick concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply it using a small make up brush directly on the spot and blend slightly till it disappears.
   
4. Foundation Application
   
   Warm up the foundation in your palms – this way it will penetrate deep into your skin and will last longer. The best way to apply it is using your fingertips or a makeup sponge. Using your fingertips will give the heaviest application, but a sponge gives a thinner application. Put a little on a makeup sponge, brush or on your fingertips. A sponge provides more control and a smoother application. If you are going to use a brush it should be small, like that for the lipstick. The brush works best if you have to cover marks or pimples.
   
   Start applying in the centr of your face and make sure the colour matches your skin tone. Dot foundation on your cheekbones, chin, forehead, nose eyelids and lips. With the help of the sponge or your fingertips blend well – the foundation must never show. Gently press the sponge over your face to set the foundation.
   Start blending at your forehead and slowly spread all over your face, moving in circular motions. Blend out to the jawline and your hair line until the foundation vanishes. Don’t forget to apply to the neck, especially if you are using darker shade of foundation otherwise your face will look like a mask and unnatural. Make sure everything blends together and looks the same. Ensure that there are no patches.
   
5.  Set the foundation
   
   To set the foundation, apply loose powder immediately after the application. The powder will hold the foundation in place for a longer period of time. Dab the powder brush into the powder and shake off the excess powder. The brush will help you to apply the powder evenly to facial contours for a well blended powder finish. Apply it firstly to the center of your face, forehead and chin. Stroke the face gently to cover all areas evenly. Don’t forget to apply a small amount of powder to the neck.
   
6. Contour your cheeks.
   
   Using a medium-sized blush brush dipped in a blusher of your choice, lightly brush your cheeks in an upward motion. To make your face appear slimmer, suck your cheeks in and apply your blush to the hollow in your cheeks
   
   
   
   
   I hope that helps! Let me know how you get on?
   
   

Hailie

xo

On The Eighth Day Of Christmas...

Hailie gave to me...

Eight looks to avoid!

Christmas is the time of year when many of you will want to try a new look!

I think that's a GREAT idea!

But PLEASE look below for some things you should probably want to avoid...

 ORANGE FOUNDATION

 BRAIDED PIGTAILS

 CLUMPY MASCARA

 DRAWN ON EYE BROWS

 EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS LOOK

 HIGH UP PIGTAILS...

 PANDA EYES

TINSEL IN YOUR HAIR

I mean hey, if you REALLY want to copy these looks then by all means do it but don't blame me when people stare at you for the wrong reasons!

Hailie

xo

On The First Day Of Christmas...

Hailie Gave to Me....

One Easy Make Up Look :)

I've been asked a few times to do some make up looks and hair styles, easy things that anyone could follow...

So I decided I would give you the 12 Days of Christmas tutorial countdown!

Enjoy!

Hailie

xo

Calling All Curvaceous Cuties!

This is a Curvy Girl Special! 

And no that's not 'Plus size' It's Curvy Girl...
Those beautiful girls who aren't skin and bone!

 But Hailie, what is the difference between a curvy girl and a plus size girl?

In the UK, most clothing stores consider a woman who is above a size 16 to be a plus size, but considering the average dress size in the UK is a 14, this seems a bit unbalanced and incorrect to me and therefore I have decided to use the term 'Curvaceous Cuties' instead. It sounds a lot nicer and more correct I think!


A Little while a go, a good friend of mine, Claire, asked me to help her with some ideas on what she could wear.

Claire is a UK size 18-20, 5'9" Tall with narrow UK size 9 feet and broad shoulders.
She's training to be a primary school teacher, and she's struggling big time with what she could wear on her 'school days'.

It needs to be:

•  Sensible - Sequins are pretty but lets get serious...getting children aged 4-11 to focus is hard enough anyway without their teacher looking like a disco ball. (Although... that could be one way to grab their attention? Hmm...)

• Modest - absolutely no bum, belly or boobies on show. Ever.

• Sophisticated - She's a smart and classy young woman so she should look like it!

• Age appropriate - She's in her 20's so she wants to look her age and not like a frump!

• On a budget - She's a student at the moment so the price tag needs to reasonable!
  
  
  This is definitely a challenge for me as I'm a UK size 10, 5'2" Tall with UK size 3 feet. There's only a FEW differences between us right?!
  
  
  Go for large prints and chunky jewellery, and make sure the material of your outfit skims over the areas you want to hide.
  
  Choose solid materials and colours, avoid lots of laces, glitters, pictures or horizontal stripes. Avoid chunky knit jumpers because they'll make you look bigger than you are.

 Longer length skirts look better than shorter ones. Go for something below the knee, small pleats, nothing too high waisted. Avoid wide waist bands too.

 Longer length blazers are a fast way to smarten up a plain top and trousers. Leave it open and have a darker colour under a light colour.

 A wide crew neck, large bold monochrome pattern and light floaty material is a successful combination when it comes to dresses. It's feminine, sophisticated and the bold pattern is a little playful making you look more your age. 

 For now, I would suggest she chose V-neck or big U-neck to expose her neck area and do not wear baggy outfit which won't flatter her at all.

Sticking with lighter feminine shades are a good idea as they add some colour to a plain pair of black trousers or a figure hugging pencil skirt. The split on the sleeves will help soften the broad shoulders as well.

 Loving Lace? Again the V-neck on this 3/4 length lace top is ideal for someone with broad shoulders. it opens up the neck making the chin look slimmer, as well as having some 'openess' on the shoulders making them seem less bulky and harsh.

 Bold pattern, looser fitting tapered trousers look fantastic on ladies with a bum to be proud of! And best of all, you'll look smart and sassy whilst having everything covered. Swap your everyday 'sensible' pumps for some sexy sandals and you can enjoys a few cheeky cocktails on a Friday after school's out!

 These straight leg trousers are flattering and smart. Wear with a light weight material top and some bold jewellery for MISS I-MEAN-BUSINESS.

 Kaftans are a great summer time wardrobe essential. they look great with both jeans and Smart trousers, come in a variety of colours and styles and they take no thinking about if you're running late! The Children will never know!

 Pencil Skirts are a must have. And get them on trend with a bold tartan print...steer clear of red though...try instead navy, dark green and mono chrome.

 Wrap around dresses are literally perfect for the curvy cutie! They accentuate all that needs to be accentuated, they hide all that needs to be hidden. Best of all - the different materials, colours, lengths, patterns they come in...you're sure to find one to suit your style.

I found a lot of websites claiming to cater to Claire's size were either too expensive or aimed at women much older than herself. New Look had some okay choices, but not much variety.
After a lot of looking about and research I found one of my own favourites to come up trumps in terms of suitability, price, age range and general inspiration. 

'Asos Curve' definitely came up trumps this time!

I seriously struggled with her shoe dilemma. But fear not... I wont give up just yet!

If any of my readers think they could help locate some stylish UK size 9 women's shoes that don't look like drag queen cast offs and don't cost the earth PLEASE SHARE!!!

So Claire...How did I do?

Hailie

xo


P.s I would like to add that since writing all of this Claire has actually Graduated and I'm extremely proud! Hopefully my advice will still come in handy either way!
Well Done Miss Teacher :)

Surviving Christmas

It is inevitable that Christmas is the topic for many come December, myself included of course!

Why wouldn't you love Christmas?!

Decorations, Food, Songs, Shopping, Clothes, Presents, The Tree, Santa, your Family!

That's just it...Same old decorations, too much bad stodgy food, annoying Christmas songs on repeat, horrible Christmas shoppers complaining, Expensive clothes (& not knowing what to wear!), Unwanted Presents, Tree needles everywhere, Being too old to sit on Santa's lap...and YOUR Family.

No, No, No! Make Christmas Merry - Not Cliché!

This year I am making it a mission to get more people to love Christmas, stop being so SCROOGE & I'm doing it all by taking a stand against horrible Christmas clichés!

Lets start with the 10 DON'Ts!

1. Sexy Santa underwear.
   Let's just get one thing straight: Santa is not sexy. He is a over-weight, hairy, old man - so let's stop pretending that red and white faux fur cobbled together scantly makes for good lingerie, because it doesn't.
   
2. Unwanted Present Number 1 - Bathroom bits (not the nice kind)
   No matter what the Boots adverts tell you, Perfume and body oils are one thing...snazzy razors and deodorising box-sets are quite another. That pretty matching wash bag is fooling no one - unless I've asked for it SPECIFICALLY... you're saying I smell and I need to shave. Thanks.
   
3. Unwanted Present Number 2 -UGLY Christmas Jumpers
   
   You can just about get away with them for Christmas day lunch, however come Boxing Day morning and they'll be banished to the back of the wardrobe until next Christmas.If they are Ugly however - they'll never be worn. NEVER. Not even for a Family Photo. 
   
   
   
4. Too much glitz and sparkle
   Don't overdo the Jewellery - Never wise to look more ornamented than the Christmas Tree. In fact don't over ornament the Christmas tree.
   
5. Stuffing yourself more than you've stuffed the Turkey
   
   Yes, there is a table FULL of gorgeous food. Yes, You may only get it at Christmas. No, you do not need to fill your plate to the brim and then waste half of it. Have smaller amounts of everything because you'll enjoy your day much more if you don't feel as thought you're about to explode.
   
6. Annoying Christmas songs on Repeat
   There are some amazing Christmas songs, truly capturing the essence of Christmas. Why do people insist on 'All I want for Christmas are my 2 Front Teeth'... On Repeat. Once is more than enough. In Fact - don't even play it once.
   
7. Spoilt Children
   
   
   I agree Christmas is more aimed at children than adults, but that doesn't mean the children become spoilt, ungrateful, and rude spawn from the devil just because. No. Instead I would like to suggest limiting what is bought for children and maybe slip a lump or 2 of Coal in their present pile...Tell them it was because they were naughty that time in town and ran off, stole sweets and screamed their head off, and the other time in the supermarket when they kicked and shouted and punched you until you bought them that doughnut. Hey as the song goes...

   'You better watch out 

   
   

   You better not cry 

   Better not pout 
   I'm telling you why 
   Santa Claus is coming to town 
   He's making a list 
   And checking it twice; 
   Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice 
   Santa Claus is coming to town 
   He sees you when you're sleeping 
   He knows when you're awake 
   He knows if you've been bad or good 
   So be good for goodness sake!'
   

   Just some food for thought....
   
   
8. Christmas Shoppers
   
   
   Until you've worked in retail, at Christmas, you have no idea how annoying Christmas shoppers are. Not all but maybe 85% of those who are out Christmas shopping are just plain irritating!
   Don't get rude at the cashier because there isn't something you want to buy. It's your fault for not thinking ahead and getting in early. If they've done a great job say THANK YOU! The amount of times I ran around trying to help people with their Christmas presents only to have them walk off and start complaining...GRR you know what I can't even go on!
   Basically - If you don't like waiting, Christmas music, being told 'No' or busy Shops...SHOP ONLINE!
   
9. Real Trees
   
   They don't last much past Christmas day and you'll find the pine needles everywhere right up to Easter... I swear once I found them in my underwear drawer in July. They wreck your vacuum cleaner and you'll come down to random ornaments on the floor where the branches have fallen off.
   Then you have the fun of trying to throw it away in the new year. Buy Fake and thank me later.
   
10. Your Family

Christmas has been the season of spreading good cheer, of spending time with your family and of sharing, caring and giving. Of love and compassion and of family bonding. However, it is not a surprise that a large number of people nowadays do not spend Christmas with their families. The vast majority of people do not spend Christmas with their family because they do not like doing it. And why do we not like doing it? Because it's stressful and hard work. 

In stead of spending all day in your PJs, watching the Christmas Specials on TV and falling asleep at 4pm, you have to get dolled up, sit around pretending to enjoy yourself, smile and the previously mentioned spoilt children whilst resisting the urge to knock them out through the window.

My opinion is...Stay at home on Christmas Day and ENJOY YOURSELF. See your family in those few days between Boxing day and NYE when everyone is bored and has nothing to do.

OK So onto the DOs!

1. Classy Christmas Jumpers.
   
   Just because there are some completely disgusting Xmas jumpers on the high street doesn't mean you have to buy them. Instead opt for the classier version. Fair Isle to the rescue.
2. Classic Christmas Movies.
   
   White Christmas is literally one of THE best films. Period.
3. The Songs Everyone Loves to sing along to
   
   There are a few very special Christmas songs that EVERYONE loves to sing...
   
   Just to name but a few...
   

   Fairytale of New York - The Pogues
   All I Want For Christmas - Mariah Carey
   Feed The World - Band Aid
   Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt
   I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday - Wizzard
   Last Christmas - Wham!
   
4. Find out other Christmas Traditions
   
   I hate to break it to you all but Christmas isn't just celebrated here in the UK.
   In fact it is celebrated over most of the world and there are a lot of traditions and beliefs that differ from ours and our State-side cousins.
   
   Here are a few examples:
   
    All Dutch children know that Sinterklaas or Sinterklass lives in Spain, where he spends his time recording the behaviour of all the children in his little red book, while Piet stocks up on the presents.
   
   St. Nicholas is important in Greece as the patron saint of sailors. On Christmas Eve small boys, to the beating of drums and the tinkling of triangles, usually sing carols. They go from house to house and are given dried figs, almonds, walnuts and lots of sweets or sometimes small gifts.
   

   
   Christmas in South Africa is a summer holiday. In December, the southern summer brings glorious days of sunshine that carry an irresistible invitation to the beaches, the rivers, and the shaded mountain slopes. Then the South African holiday season reaches its height. Many South Africans have a Christmas dinner in the open-air for their lunch. In the afternoon, families go out into the country and usually there are games or bathing in the warm sunshine, and then home in the cool of the evening.
   
   
5. Try some new food
   
   As well as all your favourites, why not try mixing things up and trying a different dessert or adding something new to the menu. It's only once and if you don't like it this year there is always next year...if you do then you may have found a new favourite! The Hairy Bikers Christmas Party is a great inspiration if you need some!
   
   In honour of my lovely fiancé I challenge you faithful readers to try some Biltong before Christmas! I swear down I don't know how I coped for so long without it in my life.
6. Look Good - Feel Good!
   
   It's so true what they say that when you look good - you feel good! Go on and get dolled up for dinner on Christmas day, even if you're straight back into your PJs afterwards. (Keep an eye out for my next few hair and make-up tutorials Ladies for some festive inspirations!)
7. Make Yourself Useful...
   
   And make something useful, yourself!
   
   After watching 'Kirsty's Vintage Christmas' I am thankful I have a Crafty nature because I really cannot wait to get covered in all sorts of messy craft goodies MAKING this Christmas wonderful!
   
   So far I've knitted mini ski hats with my Family's initials in each one to pop over a chocolate for Christmas, as well as a few special things for some special friends of mine. There are other things you could make as well - Christmas cards, Thank you cards, Paper decorations, fabric decorations, wreaths, and if you're feeling brave...make your presents too! Honestly, your loved ones will love what you've made them because they knew you put in the effort!
8. 
   Try out a new fashion trend
   
   Even for those on a budget or those who 'don't follow fashion'...POPPYCOCK!
   Have a look on eBay or do a swap with a similar sized friend and be bold this year...
   For me...it's TARTAN all the way. I have loved the print from afar for so long and this year I am plunging head first into it! What better time could there be to try out something that looks so Festive than at Christmas!
   
   BE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL.
9. Spend time with friends
   
   Talk about the year that has been, talk about the year coming have some drinks and delicious food and appreciate your friendship. You don't have to exchange gifts or cards, just knowing that person values all your effort is the best thing about Christmas. Don't forget to plan a completely insane night out for NYE while you're at it!
   
10. Your Family.
    
    I know this was number 10 on the Don't list as well but lets face facts...some of us actually like spending time with our family.
    But not family who don't BOTHER talking to you for the other 364 days of the year...
    The family you talk to often and see for birthdays and share special occasions too.
    Just make a little bit of a change this year to implement in the years that follow...
    Christmas photos should be silly and spontaneous as well as posed. You can't capture what happened on the day if you're faking it the whole time.
    It's not all about the children. If they are misbehaving - tell them off. Spoilt Kids makes everyone miserable and irritable.
    Play some games, Keep the TV off!
    Talk to each other!

How will you survive Christmas this year?!

Hailie

xo

November Roundup

OH MY! I'm a naughty blogger aren't I!? I haven't been on here for the whole of November!

I've had a lot of problems getting used to the new painkillers I've been on- I really struggled to get up most days let alone even get dressed....


EXCUSES, EXCUSES I KNOW!!

Ok so to kickstart things off:

The beginning of December is here and so is my monthly round up of November.
Overall I've had a unproductive month. I've not been that great due to my back injury and thus have not been out that much
Top 5 events :

1. Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Episode! 

2. Wedding gown shopping with Steph!
 

3. Free Trip around Marwell Zoo & Wedding fayre with Steph!

4. Finn getting right on trend in his tartan coat!

5. Knitting, Knitting, Knitting! Still loving it and have advanced a great deal since my mini hats!

What did you get up to?

Hailie

xo

October Round Up

The end of October is here and so is my monthly round up.
Overall I've had a productive month.
Top 10 events :

1. Celebrating my anniversary with my fiance

2. Learning to knit & making cute little hats for charity

3. Gimli's photo shoot with Laura

4. It's less than 1 year until I get married!

5. Visiting Donnington Grove to see the leaves turning for Autumn

6. Halloween! (though I didn't do anything!) but my next door neighbor's little girl dressed up as a monster high doll!

7. My new Kurt Geiger boots - anniversary present

8 . Deciding to give Finn a permanent home here!

9. Losing half a stone!

10. Winning some free drinks from Malibu UK for myself & my best friend Steph... For being best friends!

Top Auntie!

I have literally been working my socks off on my newest hobby of knitting. As a result I've been really neglecting my blog lately! But I'll have plenty to write about over the next few days so please stay tuned!

Okay!

My niece turns 4 near the end of November & she is baby dolly mad.

So me & my fiance have got her yet another dolly pram set, her mum is getting her a baby Annabell & my Mother in law is getting her the cot to match. (can't go wrong with more babies!)

I've been knitting her some outfits to dress her babies up in & having quite a lot of fun really!

I plan on doing a complete set for her birthday & even more for Christmas!

Her older sister isn't into babies, but has lots of teddy bears so I'll knit some clothes for her to dress those up in for Christmas too.

My mum even got on board with a crochet cape & a knitted blanket which is just gorgeous!

I'm a top Auntie!

What have you done for your niece's or nephew's birthday?

Here is what I've got so far:

Fall in Love...

...With Autumn

au·tumn  (ôtm)

n.

 The season of the year between summer and winter, lasting from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice and from September to December in the Northern Hemisphere; fall

This is literally the best time of year. It's my utmost favourite and if I could have it my way it would be Summer for 6 months and Autumn for the rest of the year! I've always been a huge fan but over the last couple of years I finally narrowed down why. Here they are: 

1. This time of year is the perfect excuse just to chuck on a comfy slouchy jumper, some leg warmers, snuggle up, and watch some TV.  If you have a fire place...Even better.

2. Hot Drinks! To me it just doesn't feel the same drinking that much tea in the summer even though I am a Teapot by nature. Autumn welcomes back hot drinks with open arms...This year it also brings Fruit teas and Hot chocolates with whipped cream, marshmellows and a flake. Need I say more? No.
3. Or what about lovely walks in the woods? You'd see a beautiful array of Autumnal colours such as rich reds, oranges, yellows, golds and browns.


4. Halloween. What would autumn be without Halloween?! That special time of year you can dress up, eat a ton of sweets and act stupid ...and being allowed!
   
   
   
5. The weather - It's so much better than other seasons. Sometimes it's still sunny and warm but not scorching hot. Sometimes it's cool and breezy without being too cold. Sometimes it snows. Sometimes its a heat wave. Sometimes there are thunderstorms. Sometimes it's mild and dry. 
   
   
   
6. It's the beginning of new life. Now I know that may be contradictory to what most of you will think - 'Trees and flowers die off, animals hibernate...'. Although true... the fact is leaves fall off and flowers finish their spring and summer cycles to start adding nutrients back into the surrounding soil to help next year's plants grow. In turn the plant litter provides food and shelter to a lot of smaller animals and insects. Nature really at it's best.
   
   
   
7. It gets dark early so you can get into your pyjamas at like 3pm and no one questions you. It's also perfectly acceptable to be in bed by 7. Hey by that point it's already been dark for several hours any way!
   
   
8. No silly body hang ups!
   In the summer: 'My legs are wobbly in shorts and blotchy from shaving' or 'my Tummy is flabby...'
   In the Autumn: 'My legs are wobbly and hairy but hidden in baggy jeans and my tummy is flabby from all the yummy cake I've eaten but you can't see that because it's hidden under my slouchy  jumper.'
   
   
9. Bonfire Night! The pretty colours, the fantastic shows, candy floss, fairground rides, laughs with friends... The smell! Fireworks and burning wood have THE greatest smell. 
   Mmmmmm.
   
10. The Clothes! Scarves, snoods, hats, gloves, mittens, leg warmers, boots, coats, jumpers, slipper socks, cardigans... Anything that is warm, fuzzy and knitted is a winner for Autumn!

Do you have a favourite time of year?

Hailie

xo

The Big Knit

For my 21st birthday my sister knitted me the most amazing merino wool snood. 

I love it and still wear it often.

Since then I've been totally jealous of her ability to knit, and my mum's ability to crochet. 

So this week I decided to learn once and for all how to knit, and to start with I thought 'Oh God this is so difficult...'

Then it got a little better as I mastered the basic knit stitch, a bit more confusing when I was learning how to purl stitch until I mastered that as well. 

So after one evening of teaching myself via YouTube and a little help from my mum when I needed it I had knitted a few squares and was so proud of myself.

I stayed up the next night knitting some more squares, mixing the stitches to achieve different looks and this advert came on the TV which instantly caught my attention...

The Innocent Big Knit!

They want people of all abilities and ages to knit those cute little woolly hats that sit on the smoothie bottles in November, to help raise money for Age UK.

So can you guess what I did...Yep I knitted a little pink hat.

Then a pink and teal striped one.

Then a pink and teal ribbed one.

Then a teal ribbed one.

Then a plain teal one.

 I obviously couldn't resist putting one on Gimli! She looked adorable!

I plan on knitting as many tiny hats as I possibly can before next weekend so I can post them off so that they too might sit on a bottle in November.

As well as that I will be knitting little hats to sell to people for 25p each, donating that money to Age UK...So those who don't like smoothies...or those who just want a tiny woolly hat can have one too!

Remember to wrap up warm this winter...Keep loved ones safe from the cold too!And Jokes aside that goes for your pets too!

Do you have a piece of knitwear you just love? Ever tried knitting yourself? What's your favourite woolly hat look like?!

Hailie

xo