December 15, 2018 Ally Aldridge Movies, What have I been watching?

What am I watching THIS CHRISTMAS!

Everyone has a favourite Christmas movie don’t they? But, when I first thought about it I drew a blank.

What is my favourite?

All I could think of was Home Alone. Is it really my favourite? Yes and No. I asked my husband and he just likes watching movies, usually Marvel ones and not necessarily Christmas specific films.

So, I gave it some thought…

My Christmas movie list in date order:

The Snowman (1982)

The first Christmas movie I ever loved has got to be The Snowman. A lovely tale of a little boy’s snowman coming to life and taking him on an adventure.

https://youtu.be/5A3THighARU

Home Alone (1990)

I find Home Alone a little cheesy today and the humour is very slapstick, however, it brings back memories of watching it as a kid and remember how much I loved it. It also seems to be on every year so it has become a Christmas classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDaVHmw7r4

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This animated Christmas movie is a different tale from the rest with Jack trying to take on Christmas and stars Sally (a redhead) ragdoll that is in love with Jack.

https://youtu.be/wr6N_hZyBCk

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This is new on the list and the love for this film has blossomed through my son’s love of the Dr Seuss books. The Grinch is one of his favourites for the line “Pooh Pooh to the Whos” which sadly isn’t in the movie. But, he still love the film adptation and now so do I.

https://youtu.be/YQV5Pr7pWtM

I haven’t yet been to see the new Grinch movie but looking forward to watching that tool.

The Holiday (2006)

Talking about Christmas films that bring back lots of good nostalgia, I do love the holiday. It is an amazing feel good romance about two women who swap houses for the Christmas holiday. Although, I still wonder why anyone would leave that gorgeous home in America to live in a tiny English cottage?

https://youtu.be/BDi5zH18vxU

Frozen (2013)

Whilst we are on the topic of animation, I think most familys will be watching this popular disney movie that is set in a snowy Scandinavian lanscape. A loving tale about the love of two sisters, one of which has a dangerous power.

https://youtu.be/TbQm5doF_Uc

New films I’m looking forward to watching this year…

Absolutley Fabulous: The Movie (2016)

I have loved Edina and Patsy since they first hit our TVs in the 90s and still find the episodes funny now. I’ve not seen the movie and hoping to catch it this year. Apparently Patsy kills Kate Moss at a party and the two BFFs are on the run. I am going to piss myself laughing when she falls out the cab. I always do. I love it.

https://youtu.be/Dj3ZWhlmexw

Angela’s Christmas (2018)

This film features a little redhead girl (I love how cartoonists love using their red pen for the main character) so I have to check it out. It looks really good and is about a little girl that steals baby Jesus from a churches nativity scene. And, that’s all I know…

https://youtu.be/4Hz1xZ7Mb80

I’ve already watched Arthur Christmas, Nativity!, The Princess Switch and The Christmas Chronicles.

This year I have loved watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and now there is a holiday special called Chapter 11: A Midwinters Tale. I can’t wait to watch it!

As I have Netflix, I will also give the following codes a try:

1474017 – Christmas Children & Family Films
1394527 – Romantic Christmas Films
1394522 – Family-friendly Christmas Films
1475066 – Feel-good Christmas Children & Family Films
1475071 – Goofy Christmas Children & Family Films

1527064 – British Christmas Children & Family Films

Age related:

1477201 – Christmas Children & Family Films for ages 5 to 7
1477204 – Christmas Children & Family Films for ages 8 to 10
1477206 – Christmas Children & Family Films for ages 11 to 12
1476024 – Christmas Children & Family Films from the 1990s

More codes here.

What will you be watching over the holidays? Do you have a favourite Christmas movie? Let me know in the comments.

December 11, 2018 Ally Aldridge Books

The Best Children’s Books for Christmas

One of the best things about having kids is the children’s books. I am a huge fan! What started out as one shelf in our front room for children’s books quickly turned into three shelves and a bookcase upstairs!

I find it really hard to persuade Father Christmas not to buy more books becuase he loves them as much as I do! Today, I am going to share the books that I enjoy sharing with my son, the most, at Christmas time.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margarey Williams

Be warned that this famous beloved tale isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. At the end the boy has to get rid of his rabbit but because he loved it so much, it becomes real.

The Snowman And The Snowdog (pop up & light up book)

This beloved tale about a boys Snowman coming to life and taking him on adventure is available in lots of formats but the pop up and light up book is a real treasure. There is something facinating about pages that jump off the page but at the end of this book, the stars twinkle due to a built in sensor and built in tiny lights

The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg

All the Jolly Postman books are amazing. Children love the little envolpes (from and to fairy tale characters) and finding out what is inside. The letters sometimes contain a gift like a puzzle or a comic. This book makes a lovely gift (thank you aunty Heather) and the snowy variation of this book is great to share over the winter months.

Stickman by Julia Donaldson

I don’t own this book, we borrowed it from the library. Borrowing books is a great way to discover new books for free. Stickman is about a stick that gets seperated from his family. He ends up on a dangerous adventure as he tries to get home to his family. On his adventure he helps Santa who in return helps him get home.

Another, wintery tale by Julia Donaldson is The Gruffalo’s Child. The sequel to the popular Gruffalo. The brave Gruffalo Child sneaks out of the cave on a dark snowy night to find the Big Bad Mouse. Once again, the quick witted mouse out smarts this little Gruffalo.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss

My son absolutley loved the Grinch. This descpicable character feelings towards Christmas is quoted as “hate, hate, double hate, loathe entirely”. His hate for Christmas is very entertaining and when he says “Poo poo to the whos” my son laughs and makes me read that line over and over again. Don’t worry, in the end, the Grinch learns that there is more to Christmas than giving gifts.

My Rhyme Time Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

This is an all year favourite for bedtime but when I was asking my son to help me pick the books for this post, he inisited on this one as he like the twinkle star nursery rhyme and at Christmas time we change the words to “Twinke twinkle Christmas star”. The book is filled with traditional nursery rhymes and illustrated beautifully by Miles Kelly.

The Christmas Show by Rebecca Patterson

This book was a gift from my son’s nursery. He isn’t the easiest kid to keep in line so I am not sure if this book was chosen especially for him in mind or just a lucky chance that he got it. It is all about the children preparing for the nativity play, the main little boy doesn’t really pay attention and on the big day he gets it all wrong but his performance is still loved by his family and he is told to ignore the mean words of the head angel.

Thank you for reading

Are any of the above your favourites? Can you recommend any more that I should add to my collection?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy:

My top 5 Pop Up Books

Happy Roald Dahl Month – My Childhood Memories of his books

Learning through art with Arty Mouse

If you love the Gruffalo, you may enjoy my review of Good Bubble, The Gruffalo skincare range.

December 5, 2018 Ally Aldridge Beauty, Skin Organics Box, Uncategorized

Why subscribe to Skin Organics beauty box

I’ve had a total of six Skin Organic beauty subscription boxes! At the end of this article, I will include links to reviews and first impressions of those boxes.

When I started taking more interest in the ingredients used in my heart products, I was horrified. There I was thinking I was treating myself only to discover all the harmful chemicals I was putting on my skin.

Switching to organic skincare wasn’t easy and I had to do it gradually. I began by switching the product I use most first – my cleanser. I wish I had known about the Skin Organics box back then as it is a great affordable way to discover new organic products and brands.

What ingredients to avoid?

There are many harmful ingredients in highsteet/designer makeup and skincare products. Once you are aware what these ingredients can do to your body it is shocking that they are even allowed.

Here are some examples to give you a taste of what you might be putting into your body through your skin everyday.

Parabens: can cause breast cancer, skin cancer, decrease sperm count. Some types will disrupt the endocrine system, cause reporductive and development disorders.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): can cause skin irratiations, canker sores, disrupt natural oil balance, eye damage and cystic acne.

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA): can cause skin depigmentation, liver damage, stomache cancer, interferes with the repoducitve system and thyroid hormone leveles.

There are more but that is not the purpose of this post. I just want to illustrate why you might want to rethink ‘treating’ yourself and start looking into products created using natural and organic ingredients.

Why get a Skin Organics subscription?

Skin Organics Clean Beauty is a subscription box with a selection of non-toxic, cruelty-free, organic and natural products. These may be skincare, body care or beauty products. Their aim is to help you discover clean, green and cruelty-free products and brands. They dispatch on 20th of the month.

Your box will contain five products. All of these will be free from nasty harmful ingredients like Parabens, SLS, pthalates, petrochemicals, suylphastes, silicones and GM ingredients. And, the brands with be ethical and cruelty free.

Cost: £19.00 (+£3.95 P&P) subscription, UK

Click here to subscribe.

If you don’t want to subscribe you can buy a one off box (or send one as a gift), you can also buy gift vouchers and buy seasonal boxes (for example, this Chrsitmas they have a Christmas Gift box with 5 festive products or a Mini Christmas box with 2-3 festive products).

Here are the highlights:

Here are links to my first impressions and reviews of the Skin Organics box when I was a subscriber. I’ve also tried really hard to choose a favourite product each month.

My last Skin Organics box – August (review published 27 September 2018)

I am not a fan of scrubs but I loved Revive Body Polish by Butter Bar Soapery. I am going to buy it as a gift for people at Christmas (and for myself). And, I’ve shocked myself by loving BAO Skincare‘s Apricot Rose Face Polish. Both of these are products I never would have bought myself but I now look forward to using as a treat.

Review: Skin Organic Box – July (review published 1 September 2018)

I have loved most of the items in this box. I must confess I’ve not really used the Lola’s Apothecary Body & Massage oils but everything else is well used. It’s trick to pick just the one but I am going to go with the Green People‘s Damask Rose moisturiser and face oil.

Review: The Pip Box – June (review published 27 July 2018)

From this box, I have still not used the Lucidlure Allava Hair Mask although due to my hormones changing, my hair is currenlty falling out so I have been thinking about using this – just need some me time. The Bespoke Aroma Peppermint and Lomongrass Pulse Point Oil was a life saver when I got a cold whilst pregnant. I also loved their facial mist in the hot weather.

Review: The Skin Organics – May (review published 5 July 2018)

This has to be one of my favourite edits as I am really struggling to choose a favourie. I’m going to tell you my three favourites! A.S Apothecary‘s Wild Beauty Balm is so good that I am wondering how I will afford it on materntiy leave – it makes my skin so happy. I also love Roques O’Neil Himalayan Detox Bath Salts. These were my go to after labour for a soothing bath and now I can’t get enough of them. Sadly, I did not like the dark chocolate – yuck, not for me!

Review: The Skin Organics – April (review published 7 June 2018)

I absolutley loved the Mono Facial Steam but sadly it was a limited edition and can’t be bought.

Review: The Skin Organics box – March (review published 26 April 2018)

I really love NKnaturals‘ London’s Delicate – Healing Cleansing Balm. It has been so delecate I have used it to on my eyes to remove make up. Although it is delicate it has still removed waterproof makeup. I must re-buy this!

My first impressions of this box can be found here.

Overall thoughts…

If I could afford to subscribe to only one beauty box, it would be this one. I love the chemical free, cruelty free and ethical products and brands that I recieved. All the products were of good quality and didn’t cause me any irritation. My only wish is that they’d sometimes include a makeup item.

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy:

December 3, 2018 Ally Aldridge Blogging, Goal setting, Goals, Personal, Writing

Thank you for helping me reach 200+ Followers

This is a really quick post as I can’t believe my blog now has over 200+ followers! Wow!

Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without all you amazing people who click ‘follow’. It means so much to me. That’s why I follow back most people who follow me.

When I first started blogging, I was scared to click post. I had this fear people would judge my writing and laugh at my amature content. I was intimidated by the thought of coming up with subjects to write and thought I would run out of ideas or be boring.

At the time, I had no idea how much I would enjoy blogging. I have suprised myself with how I always have a generous stream of ideas for blog posts. The most challenging this has been finding the time to write and take pictures for posts. I’ve learnt to schedule my posts to space them out and this also keeps me organised.

This year is the first year I have been consistent throughout. I used to post immediatley and I’d end up with a batch together. Learning to schedule is one of the most useful tools I have discovered.

Blogging has been a big commitment and I once my daughter was born I had to reduce my schedule a little. But, I couldn’t stop bloggin now. I love it!

There will defiitley be more blogging next year. I am seriously considering paying for my blog as I use it every week and love interacting with others that share my interests.

To some people 200 might not seem a lot but for me it is. I am really proud of myself and I’m daring to set myself a goal to double my followers by the end of next year. Can you imagine that!

I hope you are loving your blogging journey too.

Please comment and let me know how long you have been blogging and what you blog about. Do you pay for your blog – do you recommend it?

December 1, 2018 Ally Aldridge Goals, Writing

NaNo Progress Diary (the end)

Thursday, 29th November 2018

10:30pm

I am super tired and it would be so easy to quit right now. I’m feeling pretty defeated with about 8k to go and only today and tomorrow to achieve my goal of 25k.

But, I am no quitter! If I don’t make it, I’d rather know I tried my absolute hardest and achieved my best than to cop out.

So, I managed to get about 500 words done in the day and then tonight, I added some more, making today’s contribution 1,520 words, taking the grand total to 19,645 words.

I’m not feeling confident that I’ll reach 25k but 20k looks doable and that would still be a great achievement.

Friday, 30th November 2018

11:50pm 5457

Today, has started with a goal of 5,452 words to achieve my NaNo goal of 25k this month. It feels impossible with my daily average not peaking 1k and my best ever not even being half of today’s goal. I shall do my best to have a word marathon today and finish with as many words as I can.

Our boiler has gone, so I’ve cancelled my plans and had to stay in for the enginereer. This has given me the perfect excuse to spend all day in front of my laptop, whenever Aria naps. As a result, I got 700 words written.

Then, when I collected Noah from school, we got home and did his homework together. After, he asked if he could go on his Kindle and I could go on my laptop. Well, I wasn’t going to argue with that and managed to add another 700 words to the total.

Tonight, I bathed both the little ones in the hope they would fall into a deep sleep so I could get on with my writing – it worked! But, when I got downstairs my husband’s best friend was round and chatty. I chatted with him until I plucked up the courage to be anti social and dedicated to my art and sat at my laptop – luckily he is lovely and a great supporter of my writing.

Finally, I get writting and I’m thiniking 4k to go is not going to happen. Twenty minutes in and my husband’s best friend asks what I am writing and I quickly explain NaNoWriMo and when I check my word count, I have only 3k to go! If I can keep that up, maybe I can do it.

I find myself word count watching and the closer I get, the more i am checking. The more I am checking, the more pressure I am feeling. The more pressure I feel, the harder it is to write. Then, Dabble Writer bursts into fireworks to celebrate me reaching 25k. I did it! I can’t quite believe it but I have.

Today, I have written 5,457 words (my highest daily word count ever) making my grand total 25,005 words. I have now achieved the 25k NaNo Badge!

Reflecting on NaNo

I am so proud of myself for my achievement. I know I didn’t do the full 50k but I did achieve my goal of 25k and got a new NaNo Badge. Plus, I now have a new daily word count best that is going to be a hard one to beat.

My husband’s best friend was cheering me on which was a great help. Afterwards he asked, “What goal will you set next?” I’m not ready to answer that yet as I’m exhausted and relieved it is over. But, I am going to set some soon, as it does help.

My motto for this NaNoWriMo is “You’ve got to be in it to win it!” If I hadn’t tried, I would never have made it. There were plenty of occasions I felt like giving up and wondered why I was even bothering when my chances looked so bleak. But, I proved myself wrong and it feels great!

Did you do NaNoWriMo? How did you get on? If you like this post, then you may enjoy reading about my NaNoWriMo Project or read my NaNoWriMo diary entries for Week One, Week Two, Week Three or Week Four.

Month: December 2018