The Perfect Valentine's Night In With Moonpig*

AD - This is post is in collaboration with Moonpig & all products are gifted
I'm someone who always likes to have something to look forward to. Once Christmas is out of the way and I've had my week or so of mourning, seriously it's the best time of year, let me grieve, we have both mine and George's birthdays in January which is always a fun way to start the year so after that it's all about Valentine's Day for me. This year is our 9th Valentine's Day together! I know to some people it's just another day and I agree that you should show your partner you love them every day if you can but it's nice to have an excuse to really spoil them isn't it? That being said, we don't go mad about it. A cute card, a few presents and a homemade meal are about all we stretch to nowadays but I like it that way and if you're planning a cosy night in too, well Moonpig have got you covered.

I'm a long time fan of Moonpig and I turn to them at various points throughout the year. Not only are they great for personalised cards, presents, flowers and more but they're always on hand if you've left someone's birthday until the last minute and need speedy delivery! As I've shopped with Moonpig so much in the past, I was thrilled when I was asked if I'd like to share some of their Valentine's gifts this year. They kindly sent over a selection of gifts ideal for a romantic night in and I also chose a few bits for George I to enjoy so let's get started. 

First of all, it's not Valentine's day without chocolates is it? George and I don't get each other loads for Valentine's as whilst we like to celebrate it, it is only one day and I don't think it's a time you need to spend loads of money, but you can guarantee chocolate will be bought. Moonpig have a great selection when it comes to foodie gifts from sweet jars (ideal for sweet fiends like me), to personalised Cadbury bars, Lindt and Guylian chocolate boxes, prosecco and truffles hampers and even cocktail hampers. There is so much choice and a lot of it is currently on offer too so you've still got time to grab a bargain. I personally love their fizz & chocolates gifts which include a mini bottle of prosecco or wine and a generous bag of divine chocolate truffles for around £15. 

If you don't want to head straight to sticking a film on after your romantic meal in, which tends to be what we do, why not try out one of Moonpig's many games? One suggestion is Perfect Partners which is a steal at £12 given how expensive board games tend to be now. How well do you know your nearest and dearest? Well Perfect Partners puts you both to the test in this game of love, friendship and blushes. There are loads of other novelty gifts available too though including activity books, scratch off bucket lists and even date night cards and ideas. I love the Date Night Money Jar and Dice which allows for you to save up for your special evenings together and gives you loads of ideas on where to go or what to do. Going to the same sorts of places each month can get a little boring so this has all the inspiration you could possibly need.

Finally, let's talk about pampering ourselves and our partners. Yes, both men and women are privy to luxurious beauty & skincare products so why not treat them to something they can really indulge with? For women, Moonpig have a variety of bath bombs, candles and lotions and for men, you'll find Scottish Fine Soaps gift sets, hair kits and even beard oils. A present that caught my eye though is the You Melt My Heart Gift Set which includes a huge bath fizzer, lip balm and cooling eye pads. Everything you could want or need for a Valentine's pamper.

There really is so much choice when it comes to shopping for Valentine's with Moonpig and they can cater to pretty much every part of your romantic night in. We can't forget cards though. To me, cards are more important than presents as you can really tell someone how you feel and they can be kept forever. George and I still have a stash of cards from our first few years together and it's a lovely keepsake. You can choose whether to personalise with photos or text and you'll find anything from cute cards to funny, rude to sentimental. They have it all and for really affordable prices too.

I hope if you're still in need of some Valentine's inspiration that this has been helpful! I often find with events like this it can be hard to know how much to spend and what to get that hasn't been done before but Moonpig really have pulled it out of the bag this year so you're sure to find something your partner, friend or anyone else you fancy treating, will love. Whether you have a weekend away planned, a romantic meal or a relaxing night in, Moonpig just want to show that 'Heartfelt can happen anywhere'.

Have you got anything planned for Valentine's Day?

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My February To-Do List

THANK GOD JANUARY IS OVER! I know January always drags after all the excitement of Christmas but that was a joke, it felt never ending. January ended up being a pretty good month so whilst it dragged, there are some moments I'm sad are over. We had an amazing time in London seeing Les Miserables and visiting the Harry Potter tour (I will finally get my review up soon) and we had a lovely weekend celebrating George's birthday too including the most delicious meal at Miller and Carter. After having some exciting things in January, February feels a bit dull so I wasn't actually sure whether to make these to-do lists a regular thing or just share when I feel I've got a bit more on but each month doesn't have to be jam packed does it? It's nice to share the normal things too so here's what I've got planned for the next few weeks.

Celebrate Bear's 1st Birthday

The biggest thing happening this month is that Bear is turning 1 next week! I'm not sure I'm emotionally prepared. I just can't get my head around how fast the last 12 months have gone after genuinely longing for a dog of our own for years. I absolutely adore him and he's grown into the most amazing dog but my heart does pine for those cuddles we had when he was just 3 weeks old. He was basically the size of my hand and now he's Mr independent. I just can't wait to spoil him though. He's already got so many toys but of course he's getting more, we've got lots of new treats and I've even bought doggy cupcakes which I'm sure he's going to love. We're also going to have a day at the beach which I can't wait for. I know some people might think all of that sounds over the top but I genuinely don't care, he is my world and I've waited such a long time for things like this.

Take Blog Photos

It's been a long, long time since I sat down in my office and got a bulk of blog photos taken. In fact, I can't even remember when I last did that so I'm now in serious need of more. My Instagram has become more of a personal one now rather than strictly blogging so flatlays aren't all I post anymore, I share lots more 'real life' now and I do prefer it that way. That being said I do want to get back to posting more beauty content and I have quite a few products I've been wanting to share for a while so I need a few hours soon, hidden away in the office to get as many taken as I can. I love having loads ready to post rather than having to scramble something quickly when I've not posted for a while and I feel like it's always obvious when you're posting for the sake of it.

Read 8 Books

To hit my reading goal of 100 books this year I ideally need to be reading at least 8 books a month. In January I managed 7 so I'm just about on track though I did feel at times it was a slog. I think last year because I aimed quite low (for me) I didn't really feel any pressure whereas because I'm aiming high this year I have an idea of what I need to read each week to get there. I've thought a few times that maybe last year was just a fluke and it it was then it was, whilst I would love to read as many books again in 2020, I'm not going to force it. Reading's supposed to be enjoyable and some months are always going to be slower than others so whilst I would like to power through quite a few this month, if I don't manage it then I'm not going to be hard on myself.

Continue With Easter Baking

I know we have plenty of time until Easter but I have so many ideas for baking! I've already shared a recipe for Mini Egg cookie slices which seriously I can't stop thinking about, I'm so excited to make them again and this week I want to make some creme egg brownies. I feel like I've got the perfect basic brownie recipe now so I'm hoping they'll turn out well. I can taste them already.

Clear Out My Wardrobe

My wardrobe is full and I mean jam packed with clothes I haven't worn in years. I've been meaning to have a sort out for months and I've just not got round to it but this month I'm determined to get it done. There's stuff that doesn't fit anymore, stuff that no longer suits me, stuff I've actually never even worn so it's all going to a charity shop and I'm finally getting my wardrobe in order. It's one of those tasks that I know as soon as I start it, I'll wish I hadn't but it needs doing.

Have you got much planned for February?

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People Like Us By Louise Fein Book Review*

I said in my 2020 blogging goals that I wanted to share more book reviews this year after drifting away from them last year, despite reading so many books. I've already shared my thoughts on Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty but today I'm reviewing a book that couldn't be any more different, People Like Us by Louise Fein.

'I nearly drowned and Walter rescued me. That changes everything.

Leipzig, 1930's Germany. Hetty Heinrich is a perfect German child. Her father is an SS officer, her brother in the Luftwaffe, herself a member of the BDM. She believes resolutely in her country, and the man who runs it. Until Walter changes everything. Blond-haired, blue-eyed, perfect in every way Walter. The boy who saved her life. A jew. Antisemitism is growing by the day, and neighbours, friends and family members are turning on one another. As Hetty falls deeper in love with a man who is against all she has been taught, she begins to fight against her country, her family and herself. Hetty will have to risk everything to save Walter, even if it means sacrificing herself...'

My review

After being utterly captivated by The Tattooist Of Auschwitz at the start of 2019, I was thrilled when I was asked if I'd like to receive a copy of Louise Fein's newest novel, People Like Us. People Like Us is an immersive, heartbreaking tale set in the 1930's during Nazi Germany and it's actually inspired by the authors family history and the alarming parallels Louise has found between those times and present day. With any book centered around this time, I think it's important to be respectful and careful in how you approach the subject but Louise has written this in such a beautiful and passionate way. Clearly meticulous research has gone into this and like with any book I've read so far around WWII, Nazi Germany and Auschwitz, I felt like I was learning more and more as I went along.

The story is told the through the eyes of teenager Hetty, a bold young woman with dreams and aspirations of her own, but who at the start has been drawn into this world where hatred of Jews is normal and adoration of Hitler is expected. As she gets a little older though and grows closer and closer to her friend Walter, who happens to be jewish, she has to decide between what is 'right' in the eyes of her country or what she feels. I thought Louise portrayed Hetty's struggle brilliantly. She's a young girl falling in love but how do you begin to dissociate yourself with all that you know? I really felt for her and many times wondered how she could possible get her happy ending, and whether she does or not, I won't spoil, but I could sense her turmoil. I also couldn't help but feel devastated for Walter and his family and all that they were going through. It's inconceivable to me how people were ever treated this way but we all know they were and I think Louise told the story in the most sensitive way she could.

Whilst not every character was as likeable as Hetty and Walter, each person felt a vital part of the book. Everyone was relevant, had their own story and added to Hetty's dilemma over her future. It did of course show though just how different opinions can be and how easy it is for people to get swept up in hatred rather than taking a stand and sticking up for those who aren't able to do it themselves, something that made me understand why Louise felt there were similarities between then and now.

I really don't want to give too much away about People Like Us as I think it's a book everyone should read for themselves but I will say it's heart-wrenching, powerful and a story that shows kindness can still be found even in the worst times. I felt so invested in Hetty and Walter's relationship and despite being aware a happy ending for everyone was unlikely, I was rooting for them right from the beginning. Speaking of the ending, I found it incredibly bittersweet and I might have shed a tear or two so be prepared. It's not always an easy read but it's an important one and I don't think stories like this should ever stop being told.

If you want to read People Like Us by Louise Fein too, it's out May 2020.

Do you think you'll be reading People Like Us this year?

*PR Sample

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My 2020 Blogging Goals

Just a few weeks after I shared my personal goals for 2020 and at the very start of February (I know, I've left it late) it's finally time to talk about the blogging goals I'm setting myself this year! To be honest, they're very similar to what I set myself last year because if you saw my end of year look at my 2019 blogging goals, you'll know they didn't go particularly great. I did my best but blogging wasn't as much of a priority last year so I just didn't even really think about my goals until it was too late! I've started 2020 raring to go with my blog so I'm hoping if I can keep this up throughout the year, I might achieve what I've been hoping to for a while now.

Finally Reach 5000 Twitter Followers

To be honest I don't have the highest hopes ever for this because I'm just not as active on Twitter as I used to be but I would like to finally reach 5000. I find with twitter I go through peaks where I gain followers quite steadily but then it comes to a slow and doesn't really pick up again for weeks so I expect more of the same for 2020 really. I plan to take part in lots more comment threads as they seem to be picking up again a bit more now and I hope twitter chats become more of a thing again as I used to love getting involved in those and that was always a great way to meet other bloggers. If you have any other tips, let me know!

Up My Instagram Game

To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what I mean by this so I probably need to give it some real thought and really work out what I want to do with my Instagram this year, I just know I need a change. My style for photos has stayed the same for a while now and whilst I don't post many flatlay or beauty focused photos anymore, when I do I don't just want it to be the same as two years ago if that makes sense. I want to experiment with new backgrounds, new props and try and get creative with captions. I just overthink and get embarrassed if I ramble on too much, anyone else feel the same? My following has been stagnant for a while now so I'm not setting myself an official goal with that as it's just so unpredictable. I definitely want to keep up with my insta stories though as I really enjoying experimenting with different filters, templates etc and I just generally enjoy posting more on there than my actual feed.

Earn A Regular Income

This feels like a bit of a weird one to share because no one really talks about money when it comes to blogging. Everyone sort of alludes to it at times and we all say that we should be more open about it but then never really do it. I don't really want to share what my income goal is each month but I do want to start being more consistent with what I earn through blogging and it feeling like more of a regular income rather than just phases of doing really well and then a month of nothing. I'm sure I'm not alone in that struggle but when you're having a quieter month it does affect you, or so I find anyway, it makes me feel like I'm not quite good enough so I just want to really push myself this year and hopefully have my best year since being self-employed.

Get Organised & Find A Routine

I used to pride myself on being really organised and in some areas I still am but I've let myself get into such a bad routine with blogging over the last few months. Towards the end of 2019 I ended up leaving my blog posts until the last minute and whilst that probably works for some people, it just stresses me out. I had a good few weeks at the start of 2019 where I got lots of content written up, ready to go but I've quickly slid back into that 'oh I'll just write tomorrow's post in the morning, I've got time' no, I need to stop with that. I generally need to just get back into some sort of 9-5 with it too rather than doing the majority in the evenings as then I really struggle to switch off.

Share More Book Reviews

I finally shared a new book review a few weeks ago and that was Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. When I really started to pick up the pace with reading again in 2018 I shared loads of book reviews but then last year I felt like I was repeating myself all the time so I kind of stopped all together and just did my book roundup posts instead. I'm planning on doing the same in 2020 so I can share each book I've read but I do want to get back into writing reviews of the ones that have really impressed me. I know book reviews aren't everyone's favourites but I just want to write about what makes me happy so when I feel a book is worth shouting about, I will.

So, hopefully this years blogging goals go a bit better than last year but we'll see. I'm not putting too much pressure on myself but I do want to push myself so I'm hoping everything will be achievable.

Have you set yourself any blogging goals?

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