As many of you know that I restarted my YouTube channel after a few years hiatus.

When I decided to restart this channel I said that I would not stick to a schedule and only post videos that I wanted to rather than what I had to.

A lot of work goes into posting videos from content creating, editing and visuals and I just felt like it was getting on top of me with all my other commitments. Whiteout evening knowing I was doing it I was putting pressure on myself meaning that I was posting videos just for the sake of it. The thing is, I loved filming my videos but with work and studying and a national lockdown I really didn’t have a lot of interesting content.

So rather than try and keep to a strict schedule I have decided it’s time for a change. I don’t want to just do one type of video. There is so many aspects to my life and I want to share them all. So I have decided (again) not to stick to a schedule and not to worry about my content.

The videos I have planned are a little bit of a mis match but they are videos that I enjoy filming and represent me the best.

I always wanted my channel to be an extension of my personality and invite people into a space to get to know me in my everyday life.

So fingers crossed you all love the content coming your way and will enjoy the direction I am going with.

S

So while the world we stuck in doors last year we welcomed a new member to our family in the form of a furry four legged friend.

We welcomed Stuey to our household who has obviously won all our hearts!

He is Shorkie which is a mix of a shitzu and a Yorkshire terrier and he has heaps of personality! He has the puppy dog eyes down to an art but don’t let that fool you he is a little nightmare!

We have had biting, chewing and numerous escape acts but he still makes us smile!

He is a lovable rebel and of course has a perfect wardrobe to match. He has been kitted out with coats jumpers and a few bandanas.

He also is quite the Instagram star with his own Instagram so if you want to check him out head on over to @ourlittlestuey on Instagram!

S

So it’s safe to say that the last year has been one to remember.

The year the world stopped.

It was strange blogging through last year as it was so hard to be inspired when all I was doing was looking at the same 4 walls. I struggled so much with mental health this last year and this hit me hard as I was just starting to get a grip on my anxiety. Throw into the mix the pressure of working and studying full time I found myself being pulled in so many directions.

Taking a break was a much needed and gave me a little breather to regroup and re think what what direction I want to go in.

With 2021 hopefully being the year where things get back to normal I set my self some goals that I wanted to achieve with this blog.

Firstly I wanted to really focus on some new content orientated around what I have been loving. I love recommending new products or places to go so I really wanted to focus on my favourites.

I also aim to discuss some real life issues that have impacted me and the people around me. It’s so easy to only put out content that paints you and your life in a certain light rather than the truth of the struggles you are facing. This is a space I want everyone to feel comfortable and if one of my posts just helps one person feel like they are not alone in their struggles I have done my job right

I also want to really focus on my photography, I love taking pictures and documenting my adventures and the world around me. With being stuck inside for a year it’s been hard to get out with my camera but I am really want to make an effort.

Finally I want my blog to work alongside my YouTube channel. I am still new with the whole YouTube thing but really want to make an effort this year. I really love filming and I have a lot of ideas of new content. I want my channel to be similar to my blog a space that represents me and all my interests.

I am so excited to see where this year takes me I am really wanting to focus on the things I am proud of and enjoy!

I hope you guys are as excited as I am about what’s to come!

If there is any content that you would love to see please let me know!

S

Long time no see!

Sorry I have been a bit quite on the blog front but I decided on having a little break to bring in the new year.

There was a few reasons I decided to take a break until the spring the big one being that we have still been on lockdown in the UK.

I know I am not the only one who has found this third lockdown the most difficult so I decided to try and take a break for a while and focus on just a few of my projects at a time.

Add into the mix me working full time, studying full time and general life stuff it’s been a busy few months!

But what better time to jump back on the horse than Spring! I love the feeling of a fresh start and feel like I think clearer after the hustle and bustle of Christmas is finished with (plus the sunshine helps!).

Got some exciting adventures up my sleeve for this year as well as some great content and I completely new revamp will be coming to my YouTube as well!

Oh how I have missed this blog and my lovely readers!

S

It's safe to say that this year hasn't entirely gone to plan and with the Christmas around the corner I think it's time to think a bit differently. 

Normally this time of year I fill my weekends travelling, seeing family and Christmas markets but with a lot of these events being cancelled I decided to go in a different direction. 

First thing was trying to think of ways to get out of the house, It's so easy to get stuck inside so I wanted to fully embrace the season. So I looked up local walking routes but also little trips to nearby villages so that we could experience some new places and get in the Christmas spirit. 

I also looked into some Christmas crafts and this called for a trip to the local craft store. We decided to do wreaths this year as well as some some Christmas baking and of course the obligatory gingerbread house decorating. 

One thing that we do every year is a Christmas movie night with a hot chocolate station and cosy PJ's, this really gets me into the Christmas spirit. 

I think this year it's safe to say that we need to think a little more outside the box in order to fully embrace the season. Even though this year will be little on the unusual side I think it's still important to make it one to remember. 

S

It's always difficult to buy Christmas presents so here is some of the gift ideas that I will fit to people of all ages. 

With teenagers it always difficult to find something that they want but one thing that is always a hit is stationary. I don't know about you but as a 26 year old I still find joy in a new notebook and pens making this such a great gift idea for all ages. 

Another thing that I think is a versatile gift is art or more specifically prints. It's no secret that I am a lover of prints but there is literally something for everyone from simple designs to film posters to abstract art it makes a perfect meaningful gift.

Another great idea for all ages would be tech, there is so much choice from smart speakers, smart lighting and even kindles/ tablets. It's a great gift idea and can be perfect for your mother to your younger siblings and with so many offers on around the christmas period you can pick up some great deals. 

Another great gift idea if you are in a big group of friends is chipping together for a charm bracelet. Not only is it a thoughtful gift it gives you great future gift ideas as you can get a charm to celebrate big birthdays, special occasions and special memories. 

These are just some ideas that I have found that are big hits but also good for a variety of different people. 

​S

This is probably one of the most stressful time of year so preparation is key.

I try and stay as organised as possible and one way that I manage to do that is by making a list. I try and keep a list of gift ideas, who I have to buy for, what I need to get food wise and what activities we might do that month. It’s so easy to feel like you are pulled in all directions so it is important to keep grounded and have a clear plan.

I like to make sure that I have a great selection of gift wrap and cards for the big day. I tend to gather these throughout the year grabbing a lot of my gift wrap from the sales and places like home sense and the pound shop. It’s important to have a mixture of gift wrap, labels and gift bags just so that you can work out what’s easier for you but also so you can have some fun with finishing of that gift.

I have a pretty full in life as it is so one thing that I love to do is take the time out at the end of the year to enjoy the little things. Preparing for Christmas isn’t just about the things you need to buy and give it’s about getting into the spirit! One thing I love to do is organise Christmas activities for my friends and family whether that is a Christmas movie night with my friends or a trip round the Christmas markets with my husband or even a festive baking competition with my family it’s important to enjoy the little moments and make memories.

S

It’s finally here! The nights have drawn in, the temperature has dropped, the Christmas lights are starting to go up and I am having all the festive feels.

I don’t know what it is but there is something about this time of year that just fills me with joy, and all the cosy feels.

So the candles are burning, the present lists are written and the festive activities are planned. We may be a month off but this year like every year I am determined to be organised and really enjoy the end of the year.

One thing that we can take away from 2020 is that we need to make every moment count and that’s what I plan to do. This is the best time of year to spend time to make memories and spend time with friends and family so enjoy it and let’s start afresh in the New Year!

S

YouTube is very much part of our everyday life, wether it’s a tutorial on how to fix a washing machine, a game walkthrough or a simple vlog and beauty haul there is something for everyone.

I made the decision couple of years ago to start a YouTube channel to see if I could do it. I had a lot more time on my hands and wanted a new challenge and I loved it for a while. I was very quickly overwhelmed with the lack of confidence and felt that nobody would want to watch me so decided to stop it. I never really looked at my channel after that but recently kept thinking it might be worth giving it another go. I rewatched some of my old videos and realised that I did have a following and my videos were being watched and the comments were all positive so I decided it was time.

One thing you don’t see with YouTube’s is just how much work goes into just one video. It takes planning on what you going to say, lighting, back grounds and most importantly content. To make it easier on myself I decided to give vlogging a try I mean it’s easy to just talk to yourself isn’t it? I found I actually enjoyed chatting away and just walking people through my everyday life. Of course there is some sit down videos and I have loads of content planned for the coming weeks.

One thing I must say that takes forever is editing! It’s a tedious task and I have had countless computer errors meaning I have lost hours of edited footage! It’s hard to get it all completely right but I find that the more I edit the quicker I become and I know what I am looking for and yes I did loose footage but I recovered a lot of it and managed to work at getting it uploaded.

I must say it is hard keeping to a schedule when you have so much going on, not only do I blog and need to get my content ready for posts but I am studying for a masters, learning to drive and working full time. It’s a wonder I can fit everything in!

I decided not to pressure myself with a schedule I aimed to publish weekly but have already found that schedule hard to keep at times but that’s ok. I realise that I am trying to juggle so many balls that if I don’t post weekly then I am not letting anyone down this is a hobby not a job.

So all in all it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, I love filming content but trying to juggle the workload as-well has proven difficult but I wouldn’t change it. I love being creative and sharing my life if not just for my viewing.

I will leave the links to all my recent videos below so feel free to check it out you never know might be right up your street.

S

Scentsy is a brand that wasn't really on my radar until the beginning of the year, originating from the USA scentsy sells a variety of products from wax melts and warmers to laundry and body products. 

I was drawn towards the warmer's and waxes and when I saw this autumnal warmer I was sold. I picked up a variety of scents from autumn scents to some fresh scents to melt all year round. 

Well my first impressions are I love these products, though the large warmers are an expense they of course last for such a long time so they offset the cost quickly. What I love about the warmers is the variety, there are warmers for all styles of home but also you can choose between a small and large table top warmer but also a plug in option if you don't have the space. 

So let's talk about the scent's, I love the variety of scents there is literally something for everyone and they are constantly releasing new fragrances. I love that the bars are long lasting and the smell is so strong, we melt our scents in our living room but you can smell it throughout the house. What I also love is that the bars are split so you can mix scents but also only burn what you need. I have had my warmer for a couple of weeks and we light it daily and we have only used 2 cubes of one scent. 

For those Disney lovers out there they have such an amazing variety of products to warmers and wax bars but to little scented plushies and baby products, there is something for everyone !!! 

So overall I am in love! it's such a lovely edition to our home and I have had so many compliments on the look and smell of our warmer. So if you wanting an alternative to a candle then give Scentsy a go! I have linked the seller I bought from below and this particular seller does some amazing bundles and giveaways so make sure you follow on social media also! 

https://Scentsofoccasion.Scentsy.co.uk/ 

Check out my seller and don't forget to follow Scents of Occasion on Facebook and Instagram!!! 

Enjoy 

​S