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Nina A Spencer – Motherhood Mentor – Simplifying the every day for busy overwhelmed mums -Mum Of Twins Twice! Placenta Accreta Survivor, Mental Health Champion, On my own simple living Journey filled with adventure and travel . Embracing The Imperfectly, Chaotic moments of motherhood.
Lets be real, I’ve been wearing my Christmas Jumpers pretty much every day since the first door of the advent calendar was opened.But next week I will be sending my kids to school in their best Christmas jumpers in aid of ‘Save The Children’
I have complied my favorite jumpers on sale.
Next
Matalan
Matalan
Next – Kids
Next
Asda
Matalan – Kids
Matalan – Kids
Asda
Asda
But what is Christmas Jumper day?
But next week I will be sending my kids to school in their best Christmas jumpers in aid of ‘Save The Children’
Christmas jumper day is just that You donate to Save the children and get to wear your Christmas Jumper all day long!
Of course if you work or go to school somewhere thats taking part. If not there are other ways you could fundraise for Christmas Jumper Day.
Why not host a Chritmas Jumper party?
You could hold a DIY jumper competition – Get a cheap jumper and decorate it in the most outrageously festive way you can think the winner could get a tin of Christmas chocolates.
How about heading out on a festive walk? You could all get dressed in fancy dress and ask for donations for your efforts!
Will you be taking part in Christmas Jumper day?
Who else has already been wearing their Christmas jumpers??
Christmas can bring out the stress in even the most placid of people if your not careful.
Filling days with lots of activities, buying loads of gifts that are unneeded or unappreciated. Going overboard on the Christmas dinner menu and not practicing any form of self care!
So I thought I would leave a list here to remind myself and any of you of what to do to keep away the stress a little over the next few exciting weeks.
Create a Plan – This for me is most important. I have to have a plan for the whole of December if not I feel overwhelmed or double book things in already busy schedule.
Say No – You really don’t need to accept every invitation and if your schedule is already full say no!
Cut down – There is no point getting into debt to pay for Christmas if you cant afford it dont buy it! The kids may moan that they didn’t get some thing yes I’m not going to lie and say they wont care because if they are anything like mine they will. This year however I am focusing on a couple of main gifts and a few little gifts If they moan they dont have much they will just have to moan. I’m not getting into any more debt or cluttering up my home for fear my kids will be disappointed! That good old rule of “Something you want, Something You Need, Something to wear, Something to read,” Is a good thing to stick to!
Take some me Time – During the chaotic times take a moment to breath and relax, Paint your nails, go for a coffee, a walk in the park, even a bath when the kids are in bed.
Vitamins – Stress can be exaggerated if there are vitamins lacking in your body so take a supplement each day I take Wellwoman Max vitamins which contains a multi vitamin, omega, and calcium as well as that important vitamin D thats lacking this time of the year!
Don’t attempt new recipes on the day of your big meal or party. If you really want to try something new why not have a trial run before your big day? However dont go overboard with your menu. Its better to spend time eating with your family not stressing that you dinner isn’t going to plan.
Create a Menu – Dont just wing Chritmas lunch create a menu for yourself with timings of cooking and preparing on it Above I said dont go over the top but If your like me I love to entertain and I have 15 for dinner so i really do need to plan my menu in advance!
Dont turn to Alcohol – There is nothing worse than trying to entertain the in-laws (or worse your husbands ex wife. Yes I have my step sons mum for dinner this year – Long story but we do get on) than trying to entertain them with a hangover. or getting so drunk you end up arguing. So sure enjoy a tipple or two but dont go overboard.
Get some air – Ive mentioned getting some me time but getting out in the fresh air is also a good way to take 5. Even if its as a family, Just wrap them up warm and take them for a walk. pick up some fresh veg or head to the woods. just get some air.
I think thats all for the moment. If you can think of any more please leave them in the comments below.
**I just want to point out that this post is in no way sponsored and I paid for this book with my very own pennies.
I just love Christmas and the magic surrounding it. PNP just adds to the magic.**
Last month I attended the country living fair in London and I met up with the elves from PNP.
They were showcasing a few of the PNP products and gathering interest for a brand new product that isn’t fully going to launch until next year.
Now if you read this post from December 2017 you will know how much I love Portable North Pole. The magic it creates is tear jerking.
At the stand there was a book on the table.
As I opened the book a message from Father Christmas started to play.
I was totally sold there and then. I didn’t need any more persuading.
I know, I know I’m trying to cut down on Christmas, and the amount of gifts we just don’t need. But this is such a special little item. It’s brings me so much joy when I see the kids faces receiving their message from Father Christmas.
If something brings you joy it’s allowed right?
The book it’s self can store around 3- 5 videos depending on the size of the video. So you could use it for more than one child.
You upload to the book from your computer using a usb lead that comes with it. It also uses this to charge.
Along with the book comes a pass to access the PNP videos.
When I spoke to the PNP elves they said they had only made a limited amount this year to gage people’s interest. As such I can’t give you a link to buy these adorable books all I can do is tell you to watch this space for next year.*
If your anything like me and love the magic of Christmas. This has to be on your 2019 Christmas list!
Nina x
*You can however still purchase other Portable North Pole goodies from John Lewis and amazon.
I think I have been good this year! You know its hard being a mum to twins twice so please give me a little leeway.
Here is my list of things I would love to receive under my tree.
Magazine Subscription – I love magazines I often have a read during the little twins nap time! Currently on my wish list is Country Living Magazine, Top Sante, and simple things.
Bath Caddy – I keep seeing those instagram posts where people are in the bath with their wooden caddy holding their book and glass of wine! I have to make do with balancing mine on the side at the moment but I’d love to have a caddy for my cuppa.
Canon G7X Mark 2– I really love my canon but its so heavy and not really practical for every day vlogging. At the moment I’m loving vlogging again. capturing memories and sharing them with others. the community that those vlogs then create. I just love it.
Spa/ Swimming membership – I keep saying I need to get fit, I really do need to but I have lacked motivation. I love swimming and loved going to the spa for a swim a few times a week but its so hard to fit it in with having two sets of twins and trying to run a house as well as trying to build up my business!
Iwatch, – As above I need to get fit I know a watch doesn’t mean I will get fit but I work well with goals to work to. My IWatch has well and truly died So I would like to update it and start following the daily goals of filling in the rings and walking 10000steps.
Family Portrait– I would love to get a cartoon style portrait of our family I want a physical one to hang in our playroom.
I dont think thats too many things on my list however I am aware there are some quite big things.
And they will help me to be good all thorough next year hopefully!
I’ve seen my fair share of Christmas adverts. Some starting as far back as September.
But what makes a good Christmas Advert?
I normally vote for the ones that have a story, are memorable, the ones that’s scream Christmas.
Remember this one?
Or …
What if I say “the holidays are coming ,the holidays are coming….”
That advert has to be one of the most iconic Christmas adverts of all time.
But what is it that makes a good Chritmas advert?
Well for me
Children singing – One child is great but a whole school choir will get me every time.
Nostalgia – Anything where I can look back on memories gone by.
Astory – If there is a story to the advert Im more likely to get engrossed.
Humour – A little bit of humour can really make an advert memorable.
Cuteness – Is there a cuddly creature or toy? Everybody say Ahhhhhh
Ive added some of my favourites in a playlist over on Your Tube.
The best ones for me in 2018 have to be
Boots – I love it. It really gives me a tear every time I see it!
John Lewis – I’m not a massive Elton fan but seeing the child that receives his piano on chritmas day that piano makes his whole life. floods of tears here
And I cant leave out
Mum: Who are you playing in the school play?
Kid: The Plug
Mum The What???
I just love it!
I asked around what other people class as their favorite Christmas adverts are and why.
Pink Pear Bear – The John Lewis advert where it fast forwards through time of a woman’s life. It came out when I was pregnant and it made me weep every time but it’s a beautiful advert and reminds me of sitting with my big bump and picturing the future.
Mums The Nerd I loved The Snowman Love Story – John Lewis. It still makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Mrs Hible I loved the John Lewis story of the bear and the Hare. Lily Allen’s song along with the animation was just amazing.
Happy Mummy John Lewis Man On The Moon – absolutely loved that one.
Sophies Nursery Mine is the Sainsburys one set in WW1 during theChristmas Day truce – so moving!
Ellamental Mama Boots 2018 which features a single mum. Something many companies overlook. As a single mum it’s lovely to see that bond shown loud and proud.
A Rose Tinted world The banned Iceland advert from this year. Important message about how we are wrecking the planet in our lust for palm oil.
Mamma Mummy Mum I love the Iron Bru snowman one, it never fails to make me laugh! And lets be honest, Christmas is all about putting a smile on people’s faces.
Life In The Mums Lane Mine is a close contest between Sainsburys WW1 and John Lewis Hare & Bear. Both have a real story andChristmas spirit. Can I have both?
Christmas Playlist
What is your favourite Christmas advert of all time?
