Want, Need, Wear, Read : Dad/Granddad

Instalment number 7 for the Christmas gift guide! And nearly at the end! This ones for the Dads and Granddads! I don't know if it's just me but I really struggle with what to get men and especially my Dad, it often seems that we have bought it all before and it's getting harder and harder to be creative! 

Want : Now I don't think my really seems to want anything these days but I think everyone wants a hot cuppa when they can and the Bodum travel mug will keep your tea for literally hours! So if you have an outdoors dad who enjoys gardening or fishing it would be perfect. Stylish and chic, this is an present that will be appreciated by all! (http://m.johnlewis.com/mt/www.johnlewis.com/bodum-travel-mug-0-35l/p1943665?colour=Blue&un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_v_from_product=un_product_3#page_loaded)

Need : My dads always worked hard and after a long day he will often come home and have a bubble bath, much to my amusement! Well if you are going to have bubbles there is nothing better than Lush! I love this Santa's Belly set, containing two products it will make for a lovely gift in its bauble packaging and it's a practical gift to make the recipient feel festive after every use! (https://www.lush.co.uk/products/under-15/santas-belly)

Wear : This chunky fair isle cardigan will suit men of all tastes, shapes and ages, a bit of a timeless classic! Not much else to say about it! 

(http://www.clothingattesco.com/mens-knitwear/f+f-fair-isle-shawl-collar-cardigan/invt/es522407)

Read : Aldi's Premium Whisky Gift Set includes a whisky appreciation book, so I'm saying it counts! It also comes with a nice glass and three aged single malt whiskies, all in a nice box for £12.99. I was surprised to see this in Aldi as it has a real look of quality to it, I'm sure any whisky drinkers would old joy perusing the book whilst having a nice glass! Cheers! (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/christmas/christmas-drinks/spirits/product-detail/ps/p/premium-whisky-gift-box/)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Mum/Nan

Instalment number 6 for the Christmas gift guide! This is for the mamas and Nanas out there! I think this is a bit of a tough one as mums and nans are getting younger these days, no longer can you shove them a bottle of talc and be done with it! So what to get the hip nana..?

Want : Hard working hand need some luxury, but a nice hand cream seems a bit, dare I say, old? So for a touch of fancy schmancy I would suggest the Sensationail at home gel nail kit. Nails are 'cured' under an LED light to give long lasting colour with a really glossy finish. So for the woman who is working, running a home and wanting to look amazing, it would be a great present! Plus it is very user friendly. There is a Black Friday half price offer if you are quick!

(http://m.international.boots.com/h5/cat_hub?path=%2Fen%2FSensatioNail-Special-Starter-Kit_1766752%2F&unCountry=int)

Need : Mum's are always busy, Nan's never stop! This is why I have put Personal Planner diaries as a need! Mums are juggling their life, and cheeky babysitting duties (or in my case childcare, thanks mum!) What I like with personal planner is that you can add in birthdays (which save so you don't have to type them in when you order next a years diary!) and what not and it is so customisable, mine has a to do list and a weekly meal plan! Plus it comes in so many designs that there really is something for everyone!

(http://www.personal-planner.com/EN/planner)

Wear : Nans may be getting younger but they still love a cardi, everyone loves a cardi! And it is a perfect gift for the horrible cold winter! What I live about this New Look cardigan is the subtle but trendy print, long sleeves to cover those pesky bingo wings, and a really flattering waterfall cut. Bonus is that Mums and Nans do not usually shop on New Look so it's less likely they will already have it! (http://m.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/black-aztec-fine-knit-waterfall-cardigan-_366961009)

Read : At first I really struggled with this one, but when I saw this I was so impressed, a simple idea but one that would become a treasured memory. the idea is that it is a book of questions for your mum to filming about her life, from early memories to school etc. We have all grown up hearing different stories from our parents life and this way you will never forget them and will be able to pass it on to grandchildren and beyond, the story of granddad checkerboard Christmas cake will never be forgotten! 

(https://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/gifts/dear-mum-from-you-to-me.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_feed&utm_campaign=froogle&gclid=Cj0KEQiA4eqyBRDUh7Omv9vCtsoBEiQAspfs8ui_Lb0vFM6tHKwAbhultXS3TUm-sbQZrH8DXOofOC0aAjkO8P8HAQ)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Best Friend

Instalment number 5 for best friends! 

Want : Anna Sacccone's zodiac necklace line are stunning! A hotly anticipated release in the blogging world and they do not disappoint, there are the more purse friendly silver options through to the delicate rose gold finish. I am already thinking I may get one for me as a self birthday present, and I think it's a lovely way to offer a quality quirky personal gift! 

(https://stilnest.com/en/leo-zodiac-sign.html?attr_173=36) 

Need : There are some people in life that are always cold and my bestie most certainly fall into that category, so I would say she needs warming up with a nice jumper! I love this cream Superdry jumper, it's chic and wintery and would work well with layering! Ticking all the boxes! (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/ZQ2806/Superdry-Womens-Brittany-Crew-Knit-Cream)

Wear : My bestie is a hard working girl, and when she isn't working, well, usually she is asleep! So I've chosen some cute pyjamas and they are the items she is most likely to be wearing! Primark are totally rocking the Disney princess jammies and I like that they aren't the traditional girly style! (Top: http://m.primark.com/en/product/white-disney-princess-pyjama-t-shirt,R35397113618471)

(Bottoms : http://m.primark.com/en/product/pink-disney-princess-pyjama-leggings,R35397113618723)

Read : Now, my girl is many things but a reader she is not. However, a bride to be she is! So what better than a subscription to a wedding magazine! You can choose the length of time and give a gift that she will look forward to month after month! 

(http://www.whsmith.co.uk/products/wedding/9012000009496)

I hope you have enjoyed it! Have I missed anything? 

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Secret Santa

Instalment number 4 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for Secret Santa ideas, that wonderful or annoying gift exchange depending on who you get! The presents are in the £10-ish mark as that is what I am used to but all gifts could be scaled up or down according to budget! 

Want : For the younger or more boozey colleague I would suggest making a little coctail kit. A bottle or Irish liquor and Tia Maria makes a 'Baby Velvet'. Aldi sell Ballycastle Irish Country Cream (NOT Baileys, wink wink) at £3.75/70cl, they do sell a not Tia Maria but it isn't on their website so I can't offer a price, but it would bring the total down further. A 35cl bottle of Tia Maria from ASDA is £8.50. By printing off a cocktail recipe and adding a four pack of Christmas shot glasses from Poundland, and you have a festive present that will you know will feel the receiver with festive cheer(s)!

Shot glass: (http://www.poundland.co.uk/christmas-shot-glasses-4-pack)

Tia Maria : (http://groceries.asda.com/asda-webstore/landing/home.shtml#/product/910000282119)

Ballycastle: (https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/product-range/drinks/spirits/spirits-product-detail/ps/p/ballycastle-irish-cream-liqueur/)

Need : This is what I am doing for my colleagues Secret Santa! The person I work with is a young, geeky male who works shifts so I am getting him a personalised Gameboy style mug, and on the back I am having printed 'Insert Coffee To Start' (I know, I am hilarious!). I am then putting in a bag of fancy shamshy coffee, and some nice biscuits as well, if I am so inclined! A small but useful present! 

(http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/141831775147 ) 

Wear : My view is we all have heads and we live in England where it's cold, ipso facto hat and scarf! This set of ombré beanie and scarf comes to £11, and it's chic enough to look good from hipsters to gentlemen! It's from ASDA and the items are available separately so could be mixed and matched with gloves or another item. 

Hat (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/ombre-beanie-hat/G005204129,default,pd.html)

Scarf (http://m.direct.asda.com/george/mens/accessories/twist-ombre-scarf/G005204130,default,pd.html)

Read : Ok, so I am taking liberties in this being reading, but it is a book! Adult colouring books are all the rage, and by promoting relaxation and calm they would do even the most David Brent of bosses a bit of good to chill out! I particularly like Johnanna Basford's delicate and grown up style, this is defiantly not your little sisters Noddy colouring book! The 'Artist Editonn, Pull Out and Frame Book' pictures are so pretty the book is designed to be coloured and then framed, much as the title suggests! Add a pack of pretty pens are you are giving a gift that keeps on giving!

(http://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Johanna-Basford/Secret-Garden-Artists-Edition-A-Pull-Out-and-Frame-Colouring-Book/17522935)

That's all for Secret Santa! I still have a few more gift guide instalments up my sleeves, but let me know if there is any specifically you want to see, and what you are making of there gift guides.

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Sisters

Instalment number 3 of 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for a combination of my sisters and all their  different tastes! 

Want : This beautiful Ted Baker scarf will appeal to older women for its classic style and younger ladies for the brand and lovely bright colours. Perfect for the duller days and who doesn't want to feel all fancy shmanchy in a nice scarf (http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/TB3368/Ted-Baker-Womens-Amarili-Tangled-Floral-Long-Scarf-50-Deep-Pink)

Need : With the 5p bag tax and a general responsibly to look after the environment, a food away shopper is so convenient, and my sister have a particular penchant for biscuits! This Sass and Bell shopper is perfect for popping into your bag and folds into a wee Jammy Dodger! Perfection!  (https://www.sassandbelle.co.uk/product.php/5274/biscuit-foldable-shopping-bag)

Wear : Who doesn't like a little sappy message, and what a delicate little present. In our family we have a sister in heaven so this seems a particularly special gift, but I think all sisters would love this sweet Sour Cherry bracelet and they stock plenty of other styles for the more sassy or alternative tastes! (http://www.sourcherry.co.uk/sister-heart-and-wings-bracelet-gift/)

Read : One of the best things about siblings is being able to sit and reminisce of childhood days. I love the vintage style of the Ladybird books and I think mindfulness is a wonderful thing to think about and share. A book with fun and a bit of meaning! 

(https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-ladybird-book-of-mindfulness/jason-hazeley/joel-morris/9780718183523)

I am really enjoying writing this gift huide series and would love to know what you think! 

Gift Guide : Want, Need, Wear, Read : Husband

Want, Need, Wear, Read : Dad/Husband 

Installment number 2 of. 'Something you want, something you need, something you wear and something you read'. This one is for the man in my life, this is not what I am getting him, maybe some of it ... Ooh mysterious! I don't want to ruin any surprises! 

Want : In a universe where I'm not a student and a part time employee, I would be getting Mr B an Apple iWatch. He is a tech kinda man, and although initially reluctant to join the Apple tribe, is now a fully paid up iMember! I think he will end up with one but maybe a model further on so any early glitches can be worked out. To be honest I kinda want to play with one too! (http://www.apple.com/uk/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch-sport) 

Need : Mr B is not in the game of needing things, but there is something I can just about consider a need. I am a Cambridge Satchel fan, I am getting mine for my birthday and am so excited! Mr B is an assistant headteacher and goes to work looking ever the professional, but I can't help but think his boring laptop bag lets him down! I am a bag lady (not the Home Alone 2: Lost in New York kind - just love bags), and I think Mr B would look so dapper with a Classic Batchel in black leather. A cross between Don Draper and Steven Hawking, smart and sexy - you can decide which is which! (https://www.cambridgesatchel.com/en-gb/for-him/the-15-inch-classic-satchel/SAT151002NIC10101.html?cgid=gifts-for-him#start=14)

Wear :  Mr B isn't mad on clothes as gifts, much like a child! But he will always receive an amusing set of socks from me. I like to add a touch of whimsey to his look when he is suited and booted, and socks never go out of style! Now I usually go for a multipack of Star Wars or Marvel from ASDA, but I have seen these Pringles Design Socks from ASOS which I think are a game changer! (http://m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-2-Pack-Socks-With-Pringles-Design/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=5557795&istCompanyId=6f061ed0-7427-4b6c-bb90-987c0bd08468&istItemId=lawwxpxqi&istBid=tztx&affid=14179&channelref=google+shopping&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=67778836182&utm_content=&utm_campaign=&cvosrc=ppc.google.67778836182&network=g&mobile=1&search=1&content=&creative=53496280341&ptid=67778836182&adposition=1o2&r=2&mk=ab&gclid=CjwKEAiA7MWyBRDpi5TFqqmm6hMSJAD6GLeAfzrl_-fTBK-d3C4YJcLlFQpM-ZZUo0IFp3XQvR6zjRoCNuvw_wcB&un_jtt_application_platform=newPlp&un_jtt_redirect) and I would say the colours are almost festive?!

Read : Mr B doesn't read much unless is Star Wars or Jeremy Clarkson, so it took a while to think of something but then I remembered that the person who deigned the artwork in our house also wrote an adorable Star Wars book! Wookiee The Chew - The House at Chew Corner by James Hance. The style is of the traditional Winnie The Pooh but with a Star Wars twist, which would be lovely for Me B and Tom to enjoy together. I would also recommend looking at the artworks available as there really is something for everyone with a geeky, nostalgia twist! (http://www.jameshance.co.uk/wookiee-the-chew/wtc-book-001-wookiee-the-chew-the-house-at-chew-corner-book) 

I would like to add that I find men and especially Mr B really hard to buy for! And it has taken me a while to gather these ideas! If you have any to add then they would be greatly appreciated! 

The Parental Facade : Lies We All Tell

I was recently at a work function in which I was asked if Tom sleeps through the night. I think it's fair to say my regular readers know the answer is LIKE FUCK! My actual answer was, "Well, he hasn't been well, but before that we was doing well"

"Doing well"

No we wasn't doing well, we just wasn't doing as badly as we were before 'doing well'. Sometimes he did, sometimes he didn't. 

I think we are all guilty of it, just prettying up the truth. We don't want our child or our parenting to be judged so we... Well ... We make our child seem a bit 'better' than perhaps they are...? 

1. Can he walk yet? Pah, he is practically a member of Stomp 

... Well the noisey part is true 

2. Is he a good eater? His first word may as well have been quinoa. Can't get him away from carrots  

... Mainly in the form of the Organix carrot sticks, but still it's carrot favour, right?!

3. Isnt he a good boy? Oh he is so full of spirit! He loves playing!

... Based on his energy levels, he could be Drop Dead Fred and Beetlejuice's love child

4. Can he talk? He has some key words and he speech is really coming along

... Mama = I want

Bananas = all food

Cat = get back here, I want to love you 

Dada = everything else

6. He is so handsome! I know, I love him so much

... Well I wouldn't endure a 26 hour labour for the sake of it! 

Do you find yourself in these situations? It can't just be me!