{that was} Christmas

Christmas... I do love Christmas but I often get annoyed at it all. Yes it's a time for family, a time for giving but oh in this world that we live Christmas now means {to some} a time to drink as much as you can in such little time, a time to boast how many gifts they've gotten or lavished on their children... I feel quite saddened by it all and that is why next year I want to set new traditions.

This year has been a whirlwind. When you work full-time and also run a small business {with busy Christmas orders} and you have to buy all the family gifts and do all the food shopping {with a toddler in tow}, let's not mention the cleaning etc.. it really is tough going. I worked right up until Christmas Eve, I don't need to tell you how Christmas morning panned out with three kids {albeit two bigger ones, who were just as excited!}... Christmas afternoon we had a house full of 10.. and that's before the prep of the huge Christmas dinner for 5 {we love Christmas dinner and have all the trimmings!). By the time Christmas night arrived, I was flaked out sleeping on the sofa! {I'll just add that everyone else got a nap after dinner, except the one, ME, who'd slaved over dinner with no help at all} I've not watched any festive TV, not enjoyed a little Christmas tipple and not even touched my Christmas chocolates.. I've been far far too tired once all the daily routine stuff has been done {and I'm now back at work}.

I think the run up to Christmas was far too hectic {for one person, you reading this Mr?}, and when I did get a few days off, yes they were busy, so when night time came I just wanted to sleep... It's made it all seem quite rushed and my head spins remembering it all. That's not how I want to enjoy or remember Christmas!

Do you have Christmas traditions? I'd love to hear how you incorporate a busy family into getting some chill out time too? Do you compromise on what you'd really like to do at Christmas to make others happy?

Ax

{my} Birthday!

What a great weekend we had! It was one of those rare weekends when the Mr and I were both off work. We started Saturday with breakfast at Dobbies {yum!}, then we headed to Goulding's Winter Wonderland so the littlest could experience Santa! It was such fun, she had a great time.. she did barely look at Santa {as she's overly shy} but it was exciting! In the afternoon we headed to my parent's house and I was spoiled with a Birthday {eve eve} lunch and presents {as I'll not see my parents on my Birthday as I'm working}.. I even got a Princess Carriage Birthday Cake!

Sunday I got my much needed long lie {till 10.30am}, then I made the cutest snowman tutu just in time for ballet class... it's cute right?

I use the no-sew tutu technique and there is so many designs you could do, give me a shout if you'd like a tutorial {but check out on Pintrest, there's tonnes!}

Birthday treats! by anneeapple featuring skagen watches

Now to.. my B I R T H D A Y! This morning before I left for work I was spoiled {again} with some gorgeous gifts! I love them all and I've also got Birthday money to treat myself. The Mr is organising dinner later... can't wait to chill out!

Hope you're having a fun day!

A x

feels like nothing else

Feels like nothing else by anneeapple featuring UGG Australia

It's Scotland, oh yes it is cold and right now my boiler has a fault... so as I am sitting here waiting on the emergency repair dude I'm heating myself up virtually with some super warm clothes and boots!

I'll start with the boots... UGG Australia Adirondack Tweed BLACK boots only £180. I am a serious fan of UGG, they may be pricey but they last for years! I love these leather ones and they have TWEED... yes TWEED!!

I'm on the hunt for a new jacket and I have been for some time and I love the classic shape of this Superdry Everest bomber jacket £125.

Thermals are a MUST when you live in Scotland! Mossimo Thermal teeshirt at £11, bargain!

Jeans, I love the boyfriend style cause then I can layer them up with thermals underneath or wooly tights to keep cosy! Liberty boyfriend jeans from Whistles £85

I love accessories and they really do make an outfit! This Fat Face cable beanie is only £16, love the pom pom. I don't have a tartan scarf but it's on my wish list for my birthday and I'm hoping someone makes my day, I love this one from Ralph Lauren, just £35!!

Bags.. Oh I am an official bag lady! I've never had one this expensive but it's ON SALE!  Marc Jacobs leather bag £266. I do love this outfit but I think it needs a pop of colour and if anyone knows me, I do like a pop of colour and how adorable are these Banana Republic leather gloves at £37... I may love the fact that they are from Banana Republic and they are yellow.. cute right? 

What do you think?  I'd suit it all right?  And it all totals to £755!

Ax

the versatile blogger award {for me!}

I've been awarded the versatile blogger award from the most lovely Sarah Elizabeth from s.o.t.i... I'm so very chuffed, thank you! I found this lovely blog when I was taking part in the #BEDN challenge.

So... the award, here's the rules:

Versatile Blogger Award Rules

Display the award certificate on your blog.
Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Post 7 interesting facts about yourself and/or your blog.
Nominate 15 bloggers of your own choice to pass the award on to, and tag them to let them know!

{simples}

and now to my 7 interesting facts...
{oh no, I'm staring blankly at the screen}

1. my name 'anneeapple' was derived when my Son was in primary one {he's 22 now}. He was learning to read with Letterland {and I'm Annee, so...} and I'm also a huge Beatles fan {and apple being their record label}. It's stuck ever since then and I love it!

2. I don't really like {to eat} apples!

3. I am intolerant to milk/milk products {was a severe allergy a few years ago} but I'm bad and still eat them and I do suffer, but I love cheese {and chocolate}!

4. every single time I move my jaw it clicks.

5. I have far too many bags and I'm still adding more to my bag wish list {which is in my head for now but I can see it being moved to a proper list}.

6. I love Paris.

7. I'm a photographer AEM Photography but I've not had time to freelance since my littlest was born.

Tada! So there you have my 7 {un}interesting facts and I now pass this award on to... {drum roll}

1. Sarah at Glasgow Mummy
2. Bex at The Olive Dragonfly
3. Roz at The Olive Dragonfly
4. Claire at Claireabellemakes
5. Kimberley at Creative Chaos
6. Lyndsay at Fizzy Peaches
7. Anna at Miss Beatrix
8. Amanda at She's Eclectic
9. Magdalena at The Craft Revival
10. Laura at The Mrs Makes
11. Karen at Will Give It A Go
12. Alison at Hungry Squirrels
13. Suki at The Owl Club
14. Hannah at Dainty and Ivory
15. Mandy at Mandipidy

Now I can't wait to read your posts.

A x