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.

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!

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 ~

There's nothing better than snuggling down with a good book, a hot cuppa and losing yourself to the world. And at Christmas with all the other madness going on, sometimes all you need is to take a moment away from it all with a good book.



Everyone has that friend who loves their books / borderline obsessive. You'll usually find them nose deep in a new book every time you see them, head over heels in love with another character or in a mess on the floor after finishing their book. So I've compiled a list of some great presents that will send every book lover's heart a flutter. And what's great is that these presents don't even break the bank, meaning you can get something small or get a few things to put together into the ultimate book lover hamper.

Everyone has a family member or a friend who is very into music... For me it's my dad - his record collection has grown over the years to warrant its own room in the house, and every birthday and Christmas his wishlist is filled with records, music books or tour dvds. So it's fair to say I've built up quite the catalogue of gift to give music lovers, as well as my dad at my side to give his opinion on what's hot this year... either that or he's giving me hints for his own Christmas.

Here's 10 things that you can give to a music lover to make their Christmas day this year. I've covered a range of prices, and given some 'suggested' links too...