I have a very quick surprise post today to make up for yesterday's absence (sorry about that!).

Lately I've been loving Pinterest for some DIY festive decor, so it only seemed logical to start a project using two of my favorite things: jars and candles. I decorated three different jars in three different ways, but all following the same rustic-nature theme. I really like them because they look home made and they create fun shadows.


The first one I made might be my favorite because of the way the light pours out of the jar. It was really easy to accomplish, all I did was glue some greenery to the jar and popped a candle inside.


The second jar was the easiest to make. I just wrapped some twine around it with no real aim or direction, crossing and switching directions every so often, but I think it came out nice. It looks really rustic, which is exactly what I was going for, but if you like a neater look all of these DIY can be personalized.


The last one is the most fun, because it's colorful and it lets you be creative. All I did was fill up a jar with some water and greenery and put in a candle. I played around with the colors and textures, adding bright greens and reds and subtle yellows and browns, to create dimension and, again, a more rustic and natural feel.

1. Polaroid Camera: These cameras are getting more and more popular and they're a great idea. They make the perfect gift for friends because it's a fun way to create and capture memories together. Plus they're super cute, come in tons of different colors, and the pictures make great room decorations!

2. Penny Board: This little skateboard is also really popular and really cute. It can be a fun gift for anybody (even guys) and it can encourage your friends to go outside and explore. It's super fun and it's most likely a gift they're going to use often.

3.Onesie: This is such a great present in my opinion. Who wouldn't want a warm cuddly pj for Christmas? Onesies are so comfortable and cute. They're available in so many different colors and shapes and it can be super fun just to pick them out. They're a great group present too; you could get each of your friends a onesie to add something new to your next slumber party!

4. Makeup: Has your best friend be lusting over a new makeup palette at Sephora? Is she ready to bite the bullet and buy that new lipstick she's been eyeing up? Why not be her knight in shiny armor and get it for her. High end makeup is a really nice gift because it's something people don't usually buy for themselves and, as a plus side, the packaging always looks really fancy and nice.

5. DVD Set: Be it Christmas classics, Disney favorites, or even the newest tv show she's been loving, DVD sets are a great present for anyone. They're pretty cheap and easy to find, and are lovely to receive. Plus, if it's something you like, you can binge watch the whole set together the next time you hang out!

6. Makeup Bag: Every girl needs a makeup bag. It's a really simple gift, but there's a lot of really cute options out there! You can be sure she's gonna make a great use out of it because, let's face, you can never have too many makeup bags.

7.Lush Gift Set: Most girls like having 'pamper time' and Lush is the perfect place to get the best bath products. Every year they sell many different gift sets, each better than the first. Helping your girlfriend have a bit of 'me time' is always a good idea!

8.Tickets: Wether they be concert tickets or even plane tickets, creating memories with your friends is one of the best presents you can give. Yes, they can be a bit expensive sometimes, but it's usually worth it and your friends will be forever grateful for the experience. Plus, it's also a gift to yourself!

9. Merch: Maybe you can't afford concert tickets or stuff like that, but it doesn't mean you can't get your best friend closer to their favorite celebrity. Most artists, musicians, and youtubers have plenty of merch for sale and it can make a good Christmas present. It shows your friends that you know what they like and it's something they probably wouldn't buy themselves.

10. Inspirational Book: Maybe your friend has had a rough year, and they need a little pick me up before 2015 starts. There's a lot of good inspirational books out there, and they can make a really good present. Helping your friend on an emotional level can be the best present they get this year.

Merry Christmas everyone! ...Well, okay, not yet, which is sad but also good, right? Because let's face it, are you really done with your Christmas shopping? Have you sent out all your Christmas cards? Are you done decorating the house? Probably not. Well, lucky you, I've recently been having a nice look around Pinterest and I've decided to recreate and share some fun festive DIY.

Keep in mind that I'm not very good at DIYs and I did these only with the things I had in my house (which weren't always ideal) and with no instructions, so I know they're not perfect. I wanted to show them anyway because I think they're super cute and I'm sure you can make them really well!

Okay, so first up is a little sled that can be used as a tree ornament.


You're going to need:

• glue
• scissors
• paint/markers
• popsicle sticks (ideal) or some other type of wood pieces
• string
• toothpicks

• 3 Wine corks
• Knife 
• Toothpicks 
• Ribbon
• Marker 

Take one of the wine corks and cut off two vertical strips (from two different sides). Then cut those strips in half. These will be the legs.

I've always envied those people that seem to have everything figured out. That make plans for the future because they know what they want out of their lives. I've never been like that. Every decision I make is hesitant and I never know if it's taking me in the right direction. It's probably because I don't know what the "right direction" is. What do I want to do? What am I passionate about? What am I good at? What was I put on this Earth to do? These are all questions I've never been able to answer, mostly because I don't know myself well enough. For the last year or so, I've really been trying to understand myself more and I thought I would share 5 tips on how to get to know yourself.

1. Take time for yourself:
This is probably the most important tip. In order to get to know yourself, you have to spend time alone. When you're with other people it's easy to 'follow' them. Stay on trend, watch/wear/listen to things because they're "cool" or because your friends like them. When we're with other people we feel as though we have to live up to specific 'social expectations'. This limits us and forces us to stay in a sort of 'social category' in which we might not even belong. So get away from the social expectation and see what it is you're actually drawn to, without the worry of other people being judgmental.

2. Explore
Whether it be traveling the world, reading new books or just browsing the web, exploring can open your eyes and let you discover so many new things. You haven't figured out your dream job yet? Well maybe it's because you don't even know it exists! Explore and learn new things, create new interests from the knowledge you acquire and add things to your bucket list. Finding out what other people (both from around the world and around your corner) like to do can give you inspiration to start new projects and discover new passions.

3. Say yes more
Okay, so you've spent the last couple of days surfing the net and you've found so many new cool things, but they're different and you're scared to try them. Maybe you should just stay in your little bubble where it's safe and comfortable. You're right. No. Say yes to more things. Don't be afraid to try something new and step out your comfort zone. You might discover that the world has amazing things to offer. If you don't try something you're never going to know if you like it or not.

4. Learn to say no
Yes, this is a bit contradictory, but it's important. Say yes to new experiences that interest you but learn to say no to experiences that make you uncomfortable. Just because your friend likes something and they want to do it, doesn't mean you have to. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and not waste your energy on things you don't care about. If you spend all your time doing things you don't want to, you'll have no time left for the good experiences.

5. Deal with your emotions
I'm guilty of this; I bury my emotions and try to forget about them until, a couple of months later, they come back like a hurricane and I get lost in this tornado of chaos. Don't do this. It's unhealthy and stupid. Learn to accept your emotions and learn how to deal with them (both the good and the bad). Try writing to yourself, and write what you feel and why (if you don't know why that's fine too) and just let it all out at that moment. When you're dealing with new, stressful emotions and you're at your weakest it can be easy to get in touch with yourself. All your barriers are down and your true self is shining.

The best month of the year is finally upon us; hot drinks, fluffy clothes, sparkly makeup looks, and everything Christmas. But before we get too excited, lets give one last bit of attention to December's ugly sister. I don't like November, it's always gloomy and unexciting, however I did discover a lot of nice things this time, and I wanted to share them.

My fluffy socks. Seen here paired with christmas pjs, a jumper, and some tea.

(x)

(x)