Pampas and Pearls

Merry Christmas everyone, we just want to thank you all for supporting us throughout blogmas and throughout our first year on Pampas and Pearls.  2023 has been a year of many changes in my life from deciding to definitely move away from teaching and try something new to welcoming a niece into the world.  I hope you are ready for a very Merry Christmas, I have just popped the turkey in the oven!  We will be back on 1st January 2024!  Can you believe we're going to be in 2024 already....anyway Merry Christmas my loves see you all in the new year. Kisses  Katie and Imaan xxxx

"I don't want a lot for Christmas. There's just one thing I need. I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree." - All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey T'was the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring except for the mouse....well that isn't necessarily how it goes but it's more realistic. If you're reading this on Christmas Eve, you might be feeling overwhelmed by all the last minute preparations you still need to do before the big day. Don't worry, you're not alone!  Instead of tearing your hair out and rushing around like a headless chicken take a deep breath make yourself a cup of tea and plan out your day. Here's a quick Christmas Eve checklist to help you get everything done in time: Finish wrapping any remaining gifts . Make sure you have all the necessary wrapping paper, tape, and ribbon. Prepare any food or drinks you'll be serving tomorrow . This might includ

"Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." - Doris Walker in Miracle on 34th Street Losing a loved one is never easy, but it can be especially difficult during the holiday season. Christmas is a time for family and togetherness, but when you're grieving it can feel like the world is moving on without you. It's okay to feel sad during this time, and it's important to take care of yourself and your mental health. One of the most difficult aspects of bereavement at Christmas is the constant reminders of your loved one's absence. The empty seat at the dinner table, the unopened present under the tree, the memories of past holidays spent together. It's natural to feel overwhelmed by these reminders, but it's important to remember that it's okay to grieve. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, whether that means crying, talking about your loved one, or simply taking some time to yourself. It's also important to seek support du

"The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things." - Thomas S. Monson Day 22 is here!  Christmas is days away and it is easy to forget what it all means in the hustle and bustle of preparing for the big day, today is just a little reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. Many people associate Christmas with gift-giving, festive decorations, and delicious food. However, Christmas is much more than that. For many the core of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Christmas is a time to reflect on the love, grace, and mercy that God bestowed upon humanity by sending His son to live among us. Jesus' life and teachings serve as an inspiration for many during the holiday season to practice kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others. In addition to its religio

"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Do you remember when you were at school and you'd put on a Christmas Carol service for the parents, well this post is to remind you of that. Christmas is a time of joy, love, and celebration, and one of the best ways to get into the festive spirit is by singing Christmas carols. In primary schools, singing Christmas carols is a cherished tradition that brings together students, teachers, and parents. Here are some popular primary school Christmas carols that are sure to bring a smile to your face: Jingle Bells: This classic Christmas song is a favorite of children all around the world. With its catchy tune and fun lyrics, it's the perfect song to sing while making Christmas crafts or decorating the classroom. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: This beloved Christmas carol tells the story of Rudolph, the reindeer with the shiny red nose, who saves Christmas by guiding Sa

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other." - Burton Hillis We are nearing the end of the blogmas season and with Christmas just around the corner, it's easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the last-minute preparations that need to be done. Here's a helpful checklist to ensure that you've got everything covered before the big day: Gifts: Make sure that you have all of the gifts you need for your loved ones, and if not, hit the stores or order online as soon as possible. Don't forget to wrap them! Decorations: Whether you celebrate Christmas in a big way or just put up a tree, make sure that you have all of the decorations you need and that they are in good condition. Food and Drinks: Plan your Christmas menu and buy all of the ingredients you'll need. Make sure to stock up on drinks, too. Clean and Tidy: Ensure that your home is clean and tidy for guests. This includes decluttering, dustin

"Christmas is a time when you get homesick — even when you’re home." - Carol Nelson While Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, not all holiday dishes are created equal. In fact, there are some Christmas dinner foods that are best avoided. Here are the top 5 worst Christmas dinner foods that are sure to disappoint your taste buds. Parsnips - I really don't like these and really do not believe they should be anywhere near a kitchen, never mind a Christmas dinner.  Brussels Sprouts - While some people love this nutritious vegetable (me included), others find it bitter and unpleasant. If you're not a fan of Brussels sprouts, there are plenty of other vegetables you can serve instead. Cranberry Sauce - While fresh cranberry sauce is a delicious holiday condiment, canned cranberry sauce is often overly processed and lacks flavour. Hard Vegetables - Some people like them a little al-dente but honestly I couldn't find it more repulsive. We steam them in our house

"If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel Christmas all the time." - Faith Hill I absolutely love Christmas time! The lights, the colours, the vibes, the celebrations with family and friends.  Although I’m not a fan of winter, Christmas helps me see winter in a more positive light. Wrapping up warm, hot drinks and spending quality time with the people I love most! To make Christmas time feel special here are some MUSTS (not to be so aggressive haha): 1). Christmas Tree up by Dec 1st. Christmas is such a short time and it’s wonderful to make the most of it. To do that it’s important to get the decorations all ready when December hits. This way Christmas feels longer and feels less like it’s gone in the blink of an eye. 2). Buying presents in October/November. What can I say? It’s good to be organised and finish Christmas planning by this time so that you can actually enjoy Christmas rather than being stressed out. 3). Watching Christmas films. Yes, Christmas

"Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends." - Margaret Thatcher The festive season is upon us, bringing with it joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness. One of the most beloved traditions of this time of year is singing Christmas carols. These songs have been a part of our cultural heritage for centuries, and continue to evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness.  Here are five of the most popular Christmas carols you're likely to hear this season or even sing. "Silent Night" Perhaps the most recognisable Christmas carol of all time, "Silent Night" was composed in Austria in 1818. The song's simple lyrics and haunting melody have made it a favourite of carollers around the world. Its message of peace and tranquillity is especially poignant during the holiday season. "Jingle Bells" Originally written as a Thanksgiving song, "Jingle Bells" has become synonymous wit

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup." - Elf (2003) While we wouldn't stop you covering your Christmas dinner in syrup I wouldn't recommend it. Christmas is just around the corner and it's time to start planning the perfect Christmas dinner. With so many delicious Christmas dishes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to serve and what to eat. Here are the top 5 best Christmas dinner foods that are guaranteed to make your guests' taste buds sing, plus we love them too: Roast Turkey - A classic Christmas dinner main dish that is sure to impress your guests. Roast turkey is the perfect centrepiece for any holiday meal. Roast Potatoes - No Christmas dinner is complete without crispy but fluffy roasties, we coat our in duck fat. This classic side dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Stuffing - Whether you prefer traditional bread stuffing or something a little more unique, like cornbread stuffing or sa

"The true spirit of Christmas is love." - Anonymous  Day 15 is here and we are looking at all things Christmas Tradition. These are traditions I know of and have researched, please add in your own traditions or ones you know of!  This time of year is full of joy, love, and celebration. From decorating the tree to baking cookies and spending time with loved ones, there are so many things to look forward to. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular Christmas traditions and how they came to be. One of the most iconic Christmas traditions is decorating the Christmas tree. But did you know that the tradition actually started in Germany in the 16th century? I didn't initially... The first decorated trees were adorned with fruits, nuts, and other small gifts. Today, we use ornaments, lights, and garlands to add some sparkle and cheer to our homes. I do know some people who still add dried fruits to their tree even today.  Another popular Christmas tradition is

When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance. – Anonymus Christmas is a time to support small businesses and give gifts with purpose. Small businesses are the backbone of any economy, providing innovation, diversity, and employment opportunities. It is important to support them in any way possible, especially around Christmas.  Here are some ways in which you can support small businesses: Consider shopping locally.  Local businesses not only provide unique products and services, but they also contribute to the local economy. By shopping locally, you are supporting your community and helping to keep small businesses afloat. Whether it's a small boutique or a locally owned restaurant, every purchase you make at a small business helps to sustain it. Spread the word about small businesses.   Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and by sharing your positive experiences with others, you can help to increase the visibility of small businesses. Consider writ

"We cannot direct the wind. But we can adjust the sails" - Dolly Parton  Self-care is an essential practice that everyone should incorporate into their daily routine. It’s an act of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Often, we forget to take care of ourselves amidst our busy schedules and responsibilities and this is especially true during the festive period. This is where self-care gifts come into play. Here are some self-care gift ideas that you can give to yourself or your loved ones. Bath Bombs and Bubble Baths There’s nothing like a relaxing bath to unwind after a long day. Bath bombs and bubble baths are an excellent gift for someone who needs to take a break and indulge in some self-care. Not only do they smell amazing, but they also help soothe muscles and reduce stress. Lush do some amazing bath bombs! Essential Oil Diffuser Aromatherapy is an excellent way to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which I am sure will be high at Christmas ti

"I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included."- Bernard Manning It’s that time of year again! As the festive season is here, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Whether you’re looking for gifts for family, friends, or co-workers, there are a few essentials you’ll want to keep in mind to make your shopping experience as stress-free as possible. First and foremost, make a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for. Make sure you check it twice ;) This will help you stay organised and ensure that you don’t forget anyone. Once you have your list, start brainstorming gift ideas for each person. Think about their interests, hobbies, and preferences to come up with thoughtful and personalised gifts, maybe look at their social media to see what they are into or post about. Another essential for Christmas shopping is budgeting. There has been a post on this before but mention it again shows you just how importa

"It's that special time of year With the streets lit through the night The radio is playin' all Christmas songs People feel merry and bright But I can't wake up in the morning 'cause Something doesn't feel right Even though the holidays are coming I still feel the weight of my life" -Niki Demar Feeling down around Christmas? Same. It doesn’t help that it’s cold and gets dark faster. For me Christmas doesn’t feel like it did when I was a child. It’s gotten quieter, I’ve gotten quieter. Just the other day I was thinking about how this season overwhelms me, it’s busy with gift shopping, Christmas meals and events. There’s no weekend that’s free. And I’m someone that thrives off of alone quiet time.  However, I remind myself that this busy time only lasts until the new year begins. It’s just a month of non stop activities but it eventually comes to an end. I mentioned that just the other day I was overwhelmed but in order to not be overwhelmed I shifted my min

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." Clement Clarke Moore Day 10 of our Blogmas and we're still going strong, here are my top 10 Christmas films that make me feel all festive and happy. 10...The Christmas Prince, now this is all three of the films. I love them and while they might not be to everyone's taste, they are definitely feel-good films. 9...Elf, now I love this film and watch it repeatedly during the festive season. It is great for all ages from 3 to 90. Whether you add syrup to your spaghetti or answer the phone asking the callers favourite colour it is a good giggle that ends in heartfelt Christmas spirit is really something we need after this year. But please do not try spaghetti and syrup. 8...A Christmas Carol, this Victorian novel film adaptation is the heart of our family Christmas. A classic to watch on a cold evening, the change of heart in a Mr Scrooge is surely a Christmas mira

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." - A Christmas Carol Christmas is a magical time and one that I find so special, from the changing of the leaves from Autumn to Winter and the change to the frosty mornings. I absolutely love the Winter and Christmas season. It is a beautiful time of year that brings joy and happiness to many people. Christmas has the lights and the sparkle while Winter has the snow and the white skies. The image of these two things just fill me with joy and honestly put the biggest smile on my face. But Christmas is beautiful for things beyond just the visual. Christmas is special as it brings a spirit like no other. There are several reasons why this festive time is so special and beautiful. Here are four reasons why Christmas is so beautiful: The Spirit of Giving: Christmas is a time for giving and sharing with others. It's an opportunity to show kindness and generosity to those around us. People often go out of th

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas." - Peg Bracken The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. With so much to do and so many people to see, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. However, taking a moment to practice gratitude can help shift our focus and bring more joy into our lives. Gratitude is all about being thankful for what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack and what we don’t have. It's a powerful tool that has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being. During the Christmas period, practicing gratitude can help us appreciate the little things, like spending time with loved ones, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying the beauty of the season. One way to practice gratitude during the festive season is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few moments to write down three

"The best Christmas of all is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up with one another." - Anonymous Day 7 of Blogmas as we are already taking about taking a break! But it is essential that you make time for breaks and rest. The festive season can be a hectic time, with parties, shopping, planning and family gatherings filling up our schedules. It's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out during this time, but taking a break can be the key to enjoying the season to the fullest. One of the main benefits of taking a break during the festive season is that it allows you to recharge your batteries. With so many obligations and activities, it's easy to become exhausted and burnt out. Taking a break, whether it's a few hours to relax at home or a weekend getaway, can give you the energy you need to tackle the rest of the season. Another benefit of taking a break is that it can help you prioritise what's important. When you're constantly on the go, it

"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Hosting a Christmas party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a lot of work and overthinking. To make sure your party is a success, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Plan, plan and plan some more... First, make sure you plan ahead. Deciding on an appropriate date, time, and location for your party is your first step. Send out invitations well in advance so your guests have plenty of time to make plans, this could be a text, social media message or even an good traditional postal invitation. Decking the Halls... Next, think about the decorations. Christmas is a time for festive colours and decorations, so make sure your party space reflects that. You can go all out with a tree, lights, and garlands, or keep it simple with a few tasteful touches. If you can go all out...winter wonderland, why not? Build a Festive feast... Food is also an important part

"Christmas is the day that holds all time together." - Alexander Smith The festive season is a time of joy and giving. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift. One way to ease the burden is by practicing mindful gift-giving. Mindful gift-giving involves being intentional and thoughtful about the gifts you give but also thinking about the person you are giving the gifts to. This means taking the time to consider the recipient's needs and desires, as well as the impact your gift will have on the environment and the community. One way to practice mindful gift-giving is by opting for experiences instead of material possessions. Consider gifting a cooking class, a concert ticket, or a spa day instead of the latest gadget or piece of clothing. This not only reduces waste but also creates lasting memories and could be something you and that person do together. Another way to be mindful when giving gifts is by su

"There's something about a Christmas sweater that will always make me laugh."   - Kristen Wiig Have you ever heard people say “ugly Christmas jumper”? I know whenever I hear it I think to myself ‘How are Christmas jumpers ugly? They’re a baggy cuteness that keep you warm. They also make everyone around you smile and laugh. My absolute favourite Christmas jumper is my baggy cardigan, it’s so thick and warm. I LOVE when Christmas comes around because it means it’s time to bring that cardigan out.  I guess in a way my cardigan may not be accepted as the perfect Christmas jumper. It's a cardigan after all and not a jumper. One thing I can say is that it is perfect for me!  What makes the perfect Christmas jumper anyway? There are so many types of Christmas jumpers; the"ugly" ones, the ones with minimal patterns that look cosy, the ones with funny phrases or pictures. All are good fun! What is the perfect Christmas jumper to you?  I feel as though the perfect Chr

"Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see"- The Polar Express Christmas is one of my favourite times of year and typically I start playing Christmas songs in November but here we are 3rd December with my extra special Christmas go-to's for 2023. Number 10...Jingle Bell Rock, now there are many variations of this song, much like many Christmas songs but my preferred edition is by Bobby Helms, reminds me of Home Alone. Number 9... Brenda Lee's Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, again another Christmas staple every year by many different artists but this one reminds me of my childhood. Number 8...Do they know it's Christmas, Band Aid. Now this has to be the original, nothing wrong with the later ones but the original one is what you belt out in the car on a winters night with the heat blasting in your face. Number 7...White Christmas by Bing Crosby. This style of Christmas song really reminds me of the

"Family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation" - The Late Queen Elizabeth II Day 2 of Christmas Blogmas, while this may have been more use in November or even October I know a lot of people get fully into Christmas mode in December so here we are! This year everyone is tightening their belts and while the cost of things do seem to be settling that does not mean we will be having a lavish Christmas. In light of these rising costs, I have composted a basic plan for Christmas that can be alter year on year and adapted for everyone’s needs. I typically start thinking about Christmas at the beginning of September but this year it was late November and I follow this basic plan of Budget, person, gift, card. These four simple steps to make the Christmas shop so much easier. 1. Budget- Now this can be an over all budget, individual budget or just present budget. I use this as a rough guide as to how much I want to spe