Kalenco

Christmas Tag 2014

Every year, it's always towards the end of the year when I finally realise how fast the year has gone. It feels like only yesterday when I put my Christmas tree up and began my Christmas shopping but now it's literally a less than a week until Christmas! Not only is Christmas nearing, that means the New Year is nearing too, 2015! As a grand finish to all the Christmas blog posts, today I've decided to do a relaxing Christmas tag to relax and ponder about all the things Christmas related.

1. Whats Your Favorite Holiday Movie?
This is probably the hardest question because as it nears Christmas time, pretty much the only movies I watch are Christmas related. I would have to go with Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually and The Holiday.

2. What Are Your Favorite Christmas Colours?
Red, gold and silver.

3. Christmas Traditions?
I tend to spend the day in pyjamas as I lounge up while opening presents and watch Christmas movies. Then dress up all fancy at night for a festive dinner.
It's basically a day of laughs with my closest family and friends.

4. If You Could Only Buy One Person a Present This Year Who Would It Be?
That would have to be my mum. During Christmas time, I try to give back to her as much as possible for everything that she has ever done for me.

5. What Do You Like To Do On Your Christmas Break?
Christmas shopping. I just love roaming shopping centres, all the Christmas decoration and fairy lights. Choosing gifts for loved ones are one of my highlights of Christmas, it makes me really excited and grateful.

6. Any Christmas Wishes?
I really hope everyone stays safe during the Christmas break and return to school or work with joyful memories. I also hope that the upcoming year will bring lots of fun adventures.

7. Favourite Christmas Smell?
Gingerbread. Gingerbread men. Gingerbread candles. Just gingerbread.

8. What is your favourite Christmas song?
No matter how many times I listen to Michael Buble's Christmas album I still find myself playing it on repeat during the Christmas season. It just never gets old! My last blog post was my Christmas playlist, so check it out if you're interested in more festive music.

9. Favourite holiday food/sweet?
All baked goods and pumpkin spiced lattes.

10, What makes the Christmas holidays special for you?
Being able to spend time with family and friends. Personally, I love the idea of how so many people gather celebrate one occasion. But nonetheless, I think of Christmas as a time of appreciating, reflecting and giving back to people around you and to those not as fortunate.

Want a quick easy Christmas post without having to plan or prepare? Do this Christmas tag and leave it in the comments below!

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, by Unknown

lifestyle

Christmas Playlist

Guys, there's only 2 weeks left until Christmas time! Time seriously does go by fast. Along with Christmas decoration, tree, mugs and parties, for me, music is one of the most vital elements for Christmas. Every year around mid November I find myself bringing out the festive music to get in the spirit. Singing Christmas carols always bring back memories of singing carols at church during the younger years and always put a smile on my face.

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, by Unknown

lifestyle

Christmas Gifts for Her

I can finally say that Christmas is nearly here! Christmas holidays are always my favourite time of the year, not only does everyone become super festive, but it's also a time of spending time with family and friends and giving back to them for all the support throughout the year. This probably leads to one of the most fun but stressful part of Christmas - buying gifts. Don't get me wrong, I love buying gifts, but sometimes it's a real mess if you have no idea what to get someone. This year, I've planned out my Christmas presents way beforehand, so I am sharing some gift ideas that I'm suggesting you to purchase for your mum, best friend or girlfriend.

01. Birds of a Feather Notebooks

Despite new technology advances, nothing can beat the good old notebook. Along with the amazing cover, these notebooks are perfect for writing blog post ideas or just keeping you organised in general.

02. Liz Earle Christmas Star Treat with Signature Lip Colour

This is for that beauty guru friend of yours. Festive packaging and gorgeous lip colour - this will be an amazing stocking filler.

03. Daily Greatness Training Journal: 12 Weeks to a Rocking Fit Body & Mind
Soon after Christmas, comes the New Year which is when most people set New Year's resolutions in order to help them become a more organised and healthy person. This journal will definitely help get them started on their healthy living journey. Motivation, planning and organising are all encompassed within this journal and will help them keep track of their progress and motivate them to continue.

04. Macaron Box
This is the perfect stocking stuffer - cute and practical.

05. Zoella Beauty Guinea Pig Bag
Zoella - my queen. This is probably the cutest makeup bag I've seen, I mean polka dots and guinea pigs.

06. Magical Thinking Geo Terrarium
This geo terrarium will spice up a study desk and bring a bit of life and colour when studying for an upcoming exam.

07. Travel Essentials Notebook
Traveling is the perfect time for recording down thoughts and current emotions, because it isn't all year round where you can go travelling.

What are you gifting this year? Leave them in the comments below!

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, by Unknown

food

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookies

Hello there! Today I'm sharing with you guys, one of my favourite recipes for a simple and healthy cookie. It's quick, easy and healthy - I mean what more could you want. I've found myself snacking on these as a pre and post workout snack and it gives me lots of energy to keep me going as unlike cookies sold in grocery stores, it's beneficial for the body and isn't full of unnecessary sugars and fats.

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

One tablespoon of cacao powder
1 ¼ cup of oats
⅔ cup of peanut butter
2 tablespoons of milk (I used almond milk)
1 egg
Teaspoon of salt
3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup
Teaspoon of vanilla essence
½ cup of raisins or dark chocolate chips

01. Preheat oven to 180 degree Celsius and aline a baking tray with parchment paper.

02. Place oats in a food processor or blender until it turns into a flour consistency.

03. Begin to mix together the dry ingredients - oats, cacao powder and salt.

04. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients - peanut butter, milk, honey, vanilla essence and egg (whisked).

05. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix them both together.

06. After they are well mixed together, pour in the raisins and mix again.

07. Scoop one tablespoon of mixture into your hand and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the baking tray and squash it down with a fork. Repeat with all the mixture.

08. Place it into the oven for 8 minutes. Then take it out to cool for 15.

Enjoy!

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, by Unknown

food

Sugar Free Homemade Granola Recipe

Hey there! I know, I haven't been particularly frequent with my blog posts, but I guess that I've just been in the kind of mood where you just want to sit and do nothing. But don't worry, I've jotted down all blog ideas that have come to mind!

Here is my simple recipe for an easy homemade granola breakfast (although I've found myself eating this as a snack as well) that can be made beforehand. It's delicious, filling and is much healthier than all those processed cereals found in the supermarkets.

Ingredients:

1 cup of rolled oats
Teaspoon of vanilla essence
¼ cup of raisins
3 tablespoons of olive oil/coconut oil
½ cup of honey
Teaspoon of salt
¼ cup of crushed almonds

01. Preheat the oven to 180 Celsius.

02. Grab a mixing bowl, and mix all the ingredients together.

03. Align a baking tray with baking paper and spread the mixture evenly.

04. Place the tray in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
05. Toss the granola around every 5 minutes.

06. Leave it to cool for 10-15 minutes or until it hardens.

2 comments

, by Unknown

food

Veggie Pita Pocket - Simple and Healthy Lunch Recipe

Hello there! First of all, I've been feeling terrible for not being able to post more because exams are coming up, and I've just been completely stressing out. However, I do have lots of posts planned out and I will get started on them immediately after exams. So today, I have a very simple, delicious and healthy veggie pita pocket. I've been finding myself making these a lot lately as it is perfect to bring to work or school for lunch.

Servings: Serves 1

Ingredients:

Any vegetables of your choice.
Olive oil
Soy Sauce or salt
Egg
Pita pocket (I used wholemeal)

What to do:

01. Dice up all your vegetables. I used cucumber, carrot, tomato and cabbage. You can literally throw together any vegetables that you have left in your fridge. Tomato's are good choice because they add a sweet sour taste to the vegetables.

02. Heat up your pan and pour in some olive oil or any other oil of your choice.

03. Pour your vegetables in the order of how long they take to cook.

04. Add soy sauce or salt in to taste.

05. Remove from pan and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

06. If you wish, you may add in some boiled or fried egg.

07. Spoon the 'stir fry' in to the pita pocket and enjoy!

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, by Unknown

beauty

Current Favourite Drugstore Lipstick: Loreal Paris Colour Riche

For a long time, I've been searching for a drugstore lipstick that flattering and simply adds that pop to your outfit. I've discovered the Loreal Paris Colour Riche Made For Me Intense in 297 Red Passion. After sampling all the colours of the Colour Riche collection at my local drugstore, I found that I loved this colour the most. It's bright, sophisticated and is extremely flattering. An extra bonus would be the scent of the product. The best I could describe it, is like the smell of a fruity lolly. Also, the consistency is perfect. Not to thick or sticky and feels moisturising on the lips.