Cheese recipes seem to be everywhere at the moment - every second video on my Facebook is someone doing something yummy with melted cheese. I mentioned yesterday how food has got to be one of the beset things about Christmas - the baking, the warm comfort food and of course the cheese. One of our family favourites is melting camembert and dipping bread into it - whether we have guests over, or are just sitting together, its a highlight of the table.

So I thought I'd put pull together some of the recipes that have been jumping out at me over this last year, before I put them to the test and try them when I'm home.



Instead of copying all of the recipes into one blog post, I thought I'd share my five favourite baked camembert / brie dishes that are top of my list, and leave links to the places I've found the recipes.

Baked Camembert with Cranberry
Jusrol
This one is from JusRol, and is a super simple recipe for anyone to try. All that's needed is cranberry sauce, croissant dough and of course the camembert. It take no time at all, and I can imagine it tasting amazing for lunch one winter day.

Camembert Snowflake
Salu-Salo Recipes
This has to be one of my favourites, purely because of how Christmassy it looks. I think it would be great to place this centre of the table when you have some guests round, and everyone can tear off bits to eat! (And it has bacon bits through it which must taste amazing with the cheese)

Festive Filled Brioche Centrepiece with Baked Camembert
BBC Good Food
This one is called a centrepiece and you can clearly see why! It takes a little more prep, but the thought of garlic oozing out of each mini brioche makes my mouth water.

Baked Camembert with Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks
BBC Good Food
Another one that looks fantastic, but this time the breadsticks are crispy - giving you a great crunch as you scoop up the camembert.

Herb and Honey Baked Camembert
The Londoner
This one is all about the seasonings, and all it requires is adding thyme, rosemary and honey before baking the cheese - easy but delicious!

Brie Wrapped in Proscuitto and Brioche
BBC Good Food
Brie is a cheese I always associate with Christmas. This time, its wrapped up in a brioche bun and prosciutto, making it the best possible cheese and ham sandwich out there.

Bacon Brie Crescent Wreath
Delish
Another one for those up for a challenge - this one looks fantastic. I love that its a wreath, and you can see the Christmassy colours and goodness oozing out of it.

Savoury Baked Brie with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Cooking LSL
There's so much chocolate and sweets going around at Christmas that its often nice to have something more savoury. This recipe looks incredible, mixing pesto and tomatoes with the cheese!

And those are just some of the baked cheese recipes that I want to give a try! There's so many out there that its hard to choose. I think at this rate we're going to need at least a block of cheese for every day over the Christmas period!

What flavours would you mix with melted cheese? Let me know if you've ever tried something like this!

We've got a long running joke in my family about traditions. It's a word I almost used to title this post, then realised I would be ridiculed by my family when we're all home. Apparently I have a thing for calling things traditions when they're not. And maybe I do get caught up on repeating things that we enjoyed doing the year before. But if we've enjoyed it for a few years, then why not call it a tradition?



We've gotten into quite a routine in my house when it comes to the Christmas holidays... from the films we watch, to the games we play and the music we listen to. To me, it makes me all that more excited for the holidays to come around. So today I thought I'd share a few of the things that make me happy over the Christmas period.

There are so many Christmas albums and compilations out there, but this is the favourite in my house. It starts off with John Lenon's Happy Xmas (War Is Over), and memories of putting up the Christmas tree, and walking into the living room on Christmas Day are all accompanied by the voices of John and Yoko wishing each other a Merry Christmas.

For the last few years we've dusted off the wii so that we can play some family games. Our favourite is Mario Kart, and we've been known to spend many a day playing the game (while drinking wine and eating lots of chocolate).

Hands up, I admit that I will watch this any time of the year. But watching it close to Christmas time is by far the best. This can go for any Christmas film really. There's nothing I love more than watching a Christmas film, while its dark outside and the Christmas tree lights are on. It feels cosy and its my favourite time.

Is there anything better than visiting a Christmas market to get you in the Christmas spirit? Last year I shared posts on Edinburgh's market and Aberdeen's Christmas village. This year I'll be visiting both again, as well as checking out Newcastle's Christmas market. Tasting all the food, warming up with a festive drink and being surrounded by beautiful crafts, twinkling lights and amazing smells.

Of course, Christmas is a time for family. There's nothing I love more than having the whole family together. Whether we're playing the wii or watching a movie together, I love having them all around. I also love giving them their gifts, especially when I've put in a lot of effort with the presents, I get so excited to see their reactions.

Now this I can say is a tradition, without fear of my family shouting at me. Every year we leave out Christmas sacks for Santa to fill. And Christmas morning we're up early to delve into the sack and see what goodies have been left. Christmas Eve always ends with the four of us kids getting a photo with our sacks before leaving them in our spots for St. Nick.


These are just some of my favourite things about this time of the year... Of course, I love so many of the other things, and I'd love to hear your favourite things to do this time of the year!

One thing I included in last year's blogmas posts was a weekly gift guide. I found these really fun to create - thinking of presents is always something I love to do, so creating guides made me happy and excited. Last year, I took inspiration from gifts I knew my family members would like - with a gift guide for music lovers, a gift guide for book lovers, and a gift guide for dogs (because they're a part of the family too, and deserve a gift, obviously). These were really popular posts last year, so I thought I would give them a go again this year, starting off with a gift guide for garden lovers. My mum found a new love for her garden this year, so Mother's Day gifts brought her seeds and plants, and my grandma always loves being out and tending to the flower beds. So this gift guide could be perfect for your family members too!




Bird feeders are always a great gift, because they can be enjoyed all year round. I know that my grandma loves bird feeders because she can sit at her window and watch the birds come and feed. This one is really cute, and would love lovely hanging from a tree or on the wall.

Tis the season for lots of parties, and getting glammed up. This year, my first Christmas party landed right on December 1st, giving me an occasion to get dolled up before eating lots of pigs in blankets. As part of Durham's collegiate system, I now have formals to attend - where we eat scrumptious 3 course meals then dance the night away at our college bar. Tickets were sold out within minutes for the hottest event of the year - the Christmas Formal - and luckily my chums and I were able to bag a table to ourselves.



For such a festive occasion, some super glittery make up was needed. So I thought I'd share this make up look on the blog, as some inspiration for the party season. It's not often I get fancy, and I was so excited to wear something other than cosy jumpers!

I was wearing a dress that I recently bought from New Look, which was mesh, with a black slip underneath, and has flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves. I've chosen this as my Christmas Day dress (its also stretchy so perfect for all the food I'll be eating), but decided to wear it last night as it was a special occasion.

I decided to base my make up around the flowers on the dress - taking inspiration from the greens and pinks of the flowers. I used greens and silvers on my eyes - something which I haven't done in years, but I remembered hearing that green is a good colour to make green eyes pop. I also blended some dark purple on the outer corner of my eye. On my lips, I stuck with a favourite of mine - NYX Matte Siren. A few weeks ago I shared my autumn makeup look, and used another berry NYX lipstick, but this one is a darker shade, and one I tend to wear more in December.

I don't usually do these styles of posts, but I've found myself watching so many 'What I Got' videos on youtube, and reading so many blog posts. My birthday falls right before the Christmas countdown begins. While I love having adding a Christmas sparkle to my birthday, it often leaves my family wondering what to get me for a birthday and Christmas less than a month apart.



Today marks the official start of the Christmas countdown. Mine officially began back in September when we hit the 100 day mark, Christmas tunes have been playing for months and I'm onto my 10th re-watch of The Santa Clause. Now that December has hit, there can be no more cries of 'its too early for Christmas'.

Today also marks the start of Blogmas. I've taken part in Blogmas for the last two years, with more success in last year's attempt. I've decided to try it again this year, and while I'll still have classes till the 15th this year (sigh) I'll be doing my best to get things written and published on time. One thing I enjoyed from last year was creating gift guides and wish lists, and I thought I'd go along with that theme again this year, starting it off with a What I Got For My Birthday which can also act as somewhat of a gift guide and inspiration for those of you who are still struggling to find that perfect gift.

Before I start, I want to say thank you for all these wonderful gifts. This year I celebrated my birthday in Durham with my new flat mates and friends, as well as a wee visit from my sister. It was a lovely and chill day - exactly what I wanted for my 22nd. My parents sent down lots of little goodies to make my day that little bit more special, and I'm so appreciative of them all.





I've had my converse for years now, and a month ago they decided to give up on me. They've seen me through countless trips and adventures, turning from their bright white to a dull yellow colour. So it was about time that my trusty converse were replaced. 



Did you know that Bill's restaurant is actually owned by an Australian family man and chef? I only just found this out, and instantly lusted after his cook books. Since I love Italy (have you seen my adventures in Italy? Or the fact last years birthday was Italian theme?) the obvious choice was an Italian cookbook, and I can't wait to make my first dish. 





I love a cute little mug, and have had my eye on this one for a while. I love mugs with beautiful designs on it, and this one is a perfect size for a cheeky hot chocolate (or two). This could be a great present, as you can select the star sign to make it personal. 



As a self confessed hot chocolate addict, I love presents like this. I have at least a hot chocolate a day, especially as the days get colder and the snow starts to fall. This present is perfect for me as its a great treat for days when I want something a bit fancier and different. And I'm saving the bites for a night when I can snuggle with a Christmas movie, have a hot chocolate and delve into the packet. 



This is a bumper of a present. It's a combo present from both my parents and my grandparents, and serves as both my birthday and Christmas presents, but I got it at my birthday so that I could use it throughout December too. Its a dream of a camera, and I've been lusting after it for a while now. I can't wait to use it to get some stunning images for this blog and Instagram. 



Whenever I see people wearing coats like this, I can't help but think how cosy they look, so I was super excited to get one for myself. I think that the fur makes it extra warm - perfect for this time of year when the temperature is dropping. It'll go perfectly with jeans and boats, and can be worn each day to uni.

I hope that these gifts give you some inspiration if you're looking for gifts for your friend or sister. I am in love with everything that I got, and can't wait to use them all.

Be sure to follow me on twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with all my blooms posts. I've been quiet on the blog front since I moved to Durham and settled into my masters, but am determined to give blogmas a good go.

Let me know if you're doing blogmas this year, I'd love to check out your posts too!

I've started wearing this outfit so often throughout December. This is a cute little 90s style outfit, pairing a black polo neck with a dog tooth patterned pinafore. Its casual enough that I've worn it out and about during the day running errands, but can be dressed up for fancier occasions. Instead of wearing the black polo neck, I've worn a white one (also worn in this OOTD) as well as some coloured t-shirts and white shirts. It can be dressed up and dressed down, and that's what I look for in a new purchase.  


As its got a lower neck line, I've been wearing my 21st Birthday present, which is a silver locket. I thought that this added something to the chest area, and love how it shows off my necklace.

Yesterday I made a list of some of my favourite things to do in December (if you haven't seen it then you can read that here). One of the things on that list was baking, it's one of the best things to do this time of the year. Filling the cupboards with boxes of tasty home bakes, and the house with a delicious smell.

While my mind isn't coordinating Christmas presents, scheduling blogmas posts, or building up motivation to write a dissertation, I love to indulge in some Christmassy past times. There's nothing better than giving into your guilty pleasures, and pandering to your Christmas needs.

So I've created a wee list, sharing some of the things I love to do throughout December (with lots of links for you to follow) so that you can feel relaxed and festive this season. Especially now that schools and work is ending for the holidays.

Man's best friend, dogs have really become part of the family. I find myself calling my dog Alfie my little brother, or cooing at him calling him my baby. Dogs are just as cute as little babies, and as much trouble as toddlers, but they're a treasured part of the fam.



Can you tell I'm a dog owner? My instagram is covered with pictures of my dog, who I'm totally in love with.Their dopey expressions, their personality and wagging tails make it hard not to fall in love with them. In which case, they shouldn't be forgotten at Christmastime. Dogs deserve a little treat for being a good boy or girl all year long too, so here's a light hearted gift guide for those loved fur babies.

An Edible Stocking
It's no understatement that dogs will eat everything and anything, so why not give them something that they're actually allowed to eat? Lots of shops have fun edible stocking that are filled with lots of treats, to keep your pup occupied while you tuck into your Christmas dinner.



Personalised Treat Tin
Speaking of all those tasty treats your dog has, why not store them in a cute tin that has their name on it? This way you don't have packets lying around (for these to sniff their way to) so really its a gift to you too!



Personalised Dog Bandana
I love seeing dogs in bandanas - they look so cute. These bandanas are adorable for Christmas day and will have your dog looking swish. You look your best on Christmas day, so why not let your dog too?



A New Bed
Half the time they're a ball full of energy that you can't contain; the other half, they're curled up sleeping. A new bed is perfect for this time of the year, after all it's endured a year full of muddy paws so could probably do with a spruce up.

Christmas Pet Parcel 
This pet parcel is adorable (and they have a version for cats, for any feline lovers). It's from pets at home and will make Christmas shopping for your dog a lot easier. For £15, you get a box filled with treats and toys, which is a huge deal cheaper than if you bought them individually. Your dog will love finding all the surprises in this box!

Fun Dog Bowl
Food is always a good route to take with dogs - and this dog food bowl is a great gift for all year. Since dogs can't speak, this bowl is perfect to convey what's on their minds - more food. This bowl is from Dogs Trust, meaning you're helping out a charity too!



Squeaky Toy
This is a gift purely for the dog's joy - I haven't met anyone who loves giving squeaky toys to their pet, but if you can't make an exception at Christmas then when you? A squeaky toy will give your dog hours of fun (and you a headache), and since its Christmas you can get a Christmas Pudding shaped one from Wilko so that it fits in with the decorations.



A Raincoat
Its cold and wet this time of the year, so while we get wrapped up for going out on dog walks, it seems right to give your dog a coat of its own. We have one for Alfie and it keeps him warm, and keeps mud from covering his body so the coat needs a quick wipe, rather than cleaning messy dog prints and splatter marks (from the inevitable shake when they get in the door) around the house.

I can't wait to spoil Alfie rotten on Christmas day with lots of new toys and treats. After all, he deserves lots too. Do you get your pet gifts?

Love,
Emily
xxx

Other Gift Guides:
Book Lovers
Music Lovers

~ Latest Post - Wishlist | Christmas Pyjammas ~

What's more festive then a pair of pyjammas? The Christmas period is all about the cosiness factor, and there is nothing better than getting all snuggled up in a pair of festive pjs. Once work and uni is finished, a pj day is the answer to getting rid of all those other stresses. Pj days are made for this time of the year, and a new pair of jammies is, of course, needed.



So for today's wishlist I thought I'd share a few of the festive jammies that I've been finding, and lusting for.

M & S
Pure Cotton Checked Pyjammas
£15




These are the perfect flannel jammies for Christmas, the cotton will be so soft and warm. Tartan is such a winter print, so these pjs are perfectly suited to cold December Nights.

New Look 
Gold Crushed Velvet Top and Bottoms
£14.99 (top) & £12.99 (bottoms)




I know, totally 90s right? But these look so soft - could you imagine the feeling of the velvet against your skin?

Boohoo 
Ava Nordic Print Long Sleeve Legging Pj Set
£14.99




This pj set looks super kid like - which suits me because I always revert back to being a kid when I'm at home. I'm one for pjs with legs that won't ride up during the night, and these tighter leggings would be ideal.

Debenhams
Cream Snowman Pj Set
£17.50 




It wouldn't be a festive pj wishlist without totally over the top Christmas print, and this pj set is hilarious. The snowman's face really cute, and would be so adorable to go to bed on Christmas eve with these pjs on.

Primark 
Grey Pink Check Long T-shirt and Leggings
£7.00 (top) & £7.00 (leggings)





These pyjammas look like the perfect lounge day pjs. They'd be super comfortable and relaxed, and the pattern is sweet with the faded look.

What pjs will you be wearing this Christmas? I feel like a new pair of pyjammas are an essential addition every Christmas!

Love,
Emily
xxx

~ Latest Post  - Christmas Biscuits Recipe ~ 

I've mentioned it countless times already this month, but baking it one of the best Christmas activities out there. It's taken over my Tuesdays of December, and it's now taking over my Foodie Friday.