The Top 15 Festive Films of all Time

Welcome to my first festive post of the year! I'm honestly so excited by all the christmas adverts on TV and the Christmas lights popping up here there and everywhere! There is nothing I love more this time of year than a festive film night. Cosying (is that even a word!?) up in a pair of christmas PJ's, getting my hot choc game ON and the fire burning, whilst sticking on a movie marathon of my fave films; its honestly so relaxing and fills my heart with Christmas joy!

Today I wanted to share my top Christmas films. I think these should be on everyone's radar this christmas and I'd love to know if you've watched any of them or what your go to Christmas Classics are. This post is kindly sponsored by Panasonic and you can check out the Ultra HD 4K TV Panasonic here it. As someone who has been a user of Panasonic for years I was more than happy to work in collaboration with them their TV's are high definition with sleek designs and beautifully bright colourful displays; I'd definitely recommend them if you are in need of a Christmas Gift or a TV for your own festive film night!

 MY CHRISTMAS MOVIE TOP 15

So here are my top 15 Christmas Films, and a short synopsis of why I personally LOVE them.

1. The Holiday-By far my favorite film on the planet and a Christmas gem-with THE BEST film sound track on the planet. Delve into the Surrey countryside at Christmas, whilst journeying through the perils of love, and ending up at the most important gift of all...family. It may be predictable and a little cliche but who can't fall in love with Jude law as Mr napkin head, and Kate Winslet helping out an elderly gentleman at Christmas.                                                         
2. Love Actually -This is a Christmas Classic, and if you haven't seen it where have you been? This film is both charming and hilarious, following the intertwined lives of a group of people just trying to get life right as it gets closer to christmas. Its a mix of everything touching on love, family, youth romance and some interesting nativity outfits...                                                                        
3. Elf -Isn't Will Ferrell such a legend. He's hilarious, and so is Elf. It tells the tale of a boy brought up by elves, before discovering he doesn't really belong. We then follow his quest to finding his father and the task of fitting into the 'Real World'                                                                                     
4. Nativity-Possibly the most heartwarming family film out there. Is there anything cuter than a group of kids putting on a nativity, striving to be the next best thing in hollywood, helped out by the ever enthusiastic Mr Poppy and a warm hearted but slightly less enthusiastic Mr Maddens.                                                                                                                                           
5. Arthur Christmas-When a child is missed its down to little Arthur christmas to get ALL the presents delivered by christmas. Its magical, light hearted, and depicts perfectly the essence of christmas spirit.
6. Bridget Jones-Possibly the most relatable character out there. I love Bridget Jones all year round but the christmas setting make it the perfect christmas film and I will always have it down as one of my festive faves-I need my Mark Darcy at Christmas.                                                 
7. Miracle on 34th Street-The magic of christmas is brought to life in this film and puts any cynic in their place, as Santa is helped out by a lawyer and a little girl who go out of their way to prove that santa is real!                                                                                                                                     
8. A Disney Movie-What's christmas without the magic of Disney!? I've put 101 Dalmatians in the pics above but I can watch any Disney film with a box of chocolates at christmas...they are the perfect family choice!                                                                                                               
9. The Harry Potter Series- I personally love a pit of HP at christmas, especially the first two films as they are so magical. I feel like everyone needs a piece of Hogwarts; Harry, Ron and Hermione at Christmas.                                                                                                                 
10. A Christmas Carol-There are so many different variants of this film and I think they are all great. Muppets christmas Carol is perfect for younger children, with narratives from the Muppets and catchy tunes to help tell the dickens classic. I personally enjoy the animated version.
    

    
11. The Grinch -A Jim Carey Classic, this is a love it or hate it film that takes the watcher to whoville where little Cindy loo has to work a bit of christmas magic and cheer to warm the heart of the Grinch who’s heart is hardened to christmas after a bad experience as a child.             
12. Home Alone - This is such a classic and never fails to make me laugh. An 8 year old is left home alone thinking his christmas wish has come true, until two burglars force him to come up with some creative ways of preventing the house from burglary!!                                                                                                                                            
13. The Polar Express-I love this film, its another we always watch as a family at christmas and it's just adorable.                                                                                                                                    
14. New Years Eve-Another of those films with a star studded cast. This one again follows couple's lives through new year's eve leading up to the big reveal of the NEW YEAR. Its also easy to watch and one you can stick on with the girls a festive drink and a few nibbles.                       
15. Serendipity -Mum and I stay up late each year and watch this film. Its an easy watch and again maybe cliched but it's just so enjoyable and who doesn't wish for a bit of serendipity in their lives-especially at christmas

Whats your favorite film to watch over christmas- comment below and let me know! 

Motivational Monday: Your Guide To Self Love

W O R L D   K I N D N E S S   D A Y 

Hello Lovelies,

I hope you have had a good start to the week. 

As today is world kindness day, I really wanted to talk about being kind to yourself. 

Sometimes life gets busy, and we forget the most important thing; being kind to ourselves. Its very easy to get swept along in the stress of life and to take that stress out on yourself, whether thats with negative thoughts or behaviors.

Today I thought I would put together a Self Love Guide for anyone to refer back to when life gets a little tough, and you need a reminder of whats truly important-being kind to yourself.

1)Take Care of your body

Eat well, Sleep well, Exercise when you can. Pamper yourself; take a shower, do a face mask, curl your hair <3

2) Build Positive Thoughts and affirmations

Its true what they say...practice makes perfect, so get practicing and son positive thoughts will pop into your head without you even trying. 

3) Expel any negative thoughts and replace them with positives

its so easy to begin thinking negatively when your stressed or down. They key is to replace these negative thoughts with its counterpart positive-

"IM GOING TO FAIL" Straight away switch it up with "I WILL BE A SUCCESS" 

4) Find an amazing quote book and read one evryday

Personally I find a positive quote book is the key to picking me up when I'm down. Taking the time to read some motivational quotes is the best pic me up and makes you evaluate, what you need to change to make sure you are at your happiest.

5) Don't Compare yourself to others

I honestly believe that no good can come from comparing yourself to someone else. No bodies lives or way of thinking for that matter are the same. So why compare yourself to someone else. You are individual and thats amazing-go be you everyone else it taken. Also how boring would life be if we were all clones of each other.. err no thank you!

6) Remove toxic people from your life

This one is so tricky, but really important when we are talking being kind to yourself. Toxic people arent worth your time or energy and boy do they take up A LOT of it. 

7) Live in the moment 

The way children bumble along in the moment is so refreshing and something that those of us trying to adult should really take note of. Stop worrying about what happened yesterday, or whats going to happen next week and start living for today! 

The Pearl-fect Gift For Her

A Sugarpuss London Review

Today I was feeling really rubbish, I wont lie. I've had flu this week and its taken its toll on my mood and my body confidence. What I do when I feel like this is have a shower, put on some make up, I would normally put on my fave clothes

-today, I just wasn't well enough for clothes, pjs all the way-

but I did manage my favorite jewelry which honestly always manages to make me feel put together and special. Putting my best clothes on doesn't always mean comfort, but jewelry doesn't expense comfort and can make you feel a million $.

I'm such a sentimental person and I love my jewelry to be special and unique to me- is anyone else like this?

I often opt for unique classic pieces that have a link to me, whether its my star sign Anna Saccone Necklace, or my Pandora Bracelet (this also has my star sign on it, and a fair few quote charms-you know how I love a quote) and I love that the variety of charms on your bracelet makes them completely unique to you.

A piece I am currently loving to wear is my Sugarpuss London Pearl Bracelet.

As a girl who loves fashion, I dont think an outfit is complete without accessories. This bracelet puts a huge smile on my face, has made me feel like a princess even when today I feel awful, and its the perfect gift to give anyone whether for Christmas or just because you know they need a pick me up.

I love this piece its handmade, unique and honestly beautiful (the pictures speak for themselves). Pearls are classic, and go with everything. They can make a simple dress look stunning on a night out with friends, or add charm to an everyday leggings and jumper look.

I also LOVE the birthstone element of this piece. As I said I like my jewelry to be meaningful, and as a December baby Turquoise was added to my bracelet to represent me.

I think this is why I love this brand so much. Being handmade and bespoke, these pieces can really be tailored to you and your own personal style. Im definitely a girl who loves to wear classic jewelry but still remain individual, and this fits that niche perfectly.

The company sent this to me very quickly, and I was sent a picture of the bracelet once it had been made. I cant fault their customer service, and will be using them again for gifts for friends and family.

Not only did I receive the bracelet in a gorgeous box tied up in ribbon-anyone else a sucker for packaging? But it came with a card and envelope enclosing exactly what the bracelet was made of. I think this is the perfect touch for a gift, and made the piece feel particularly special and high end. The website is clear and has a materials section on it so you can completely understand the stones and pearls on your piece.

If anyone is looking for a gift for a Girlfriend, Mum, Grandma or Sister this Christmas I highly recommend checking out the variety of beautiful jewelry ranges available. They cater for all budgets with freshwater pearl studs from £12 to gold bracelets worth over £1000, everyone is catered for and all will make you stand out from the crowd.

Let me know what you think of the Brand, if you have tried anything, or will be having a look as a gift for yourself or a friend!

I cant recommend Sugarpuss London enough, and I am so grateful for them making me this bracelet. I am so glad to have got to know this company and will be using them in future to send special gifts to my friends and family.  

Check out my DISNEY PANDORA UK LAUNCH post for more jewelry gift ideas

*Disclosure
All views in this review are my own and I have not been sponsored to talk about this product.

Blogger Update-Topshop, Hello World...AND an Interview at ITN.

Hi Lovelies!
Happy Sunday.

The past two weeks have been CRAZY, so here's my update on what's been going on. I have combined two weeks into one as everything's been so busy I had no time to stop and reflect last weekend!

ITN-

Possibly the craziest thing was that I was invited up to London for an Interview with ITN. I was chosen as one of about 30 from 1400 applicants to be interviewed and learn more about the company. This was a huge boost for me as someone hoping to break into the media field, and something I enjoyed hugely-despite being beyond anxious...I was a wreck!

HELLO WORLD-

One of the best experiences was meeting Tom Daley, Jim Chapman, and Oli White. I'm a huge fan of YOUTUBE and have been following their channels from 2012. To be able to met them and chat to them was massively exciting and something I will hold on to forever. After this we went to Pizza Express where I tried their NEW VEGAN PIZZA-which was delicious!!
With this came another big step for me:

BIRMINGHAM! Last Sunday I drove the 3 hour trip to Birmingham and back again! I wont lie I was terrified. I've never driven long distances before and this was a 3 hour trip there and another 3 hours back on motorways! I am so proud of pushing myself to do this and although it may sound silly, this was a BIG achievement for me!

TOP READ AND TOP COMMENTS GROWING UP GUIDE-

Thank you to anyone who went over and read or commented on  VEGAN MEALS YOU CAN MAKE THE NIGHT BEFORE. This was the first month of the GROWING UP GUIDE and to be top read and Top commented contributer is honestly a dream come true. I was sent a gorgeous notebook from ohh deer, from my editor, which was so up my street being pink and printed in grlpwr font.

TOPSHOP-

I began working at Topshop this week. After having to leave university due to illness and trying to rebuild my strength, I began working at TOPSHOP. This has honestly been a dream of mine since I was about 14 and to be finally working there with a lovely team, is actually a dream come true. I can't wait to learn more about fashion and retail...Get Ready for A LOT of Topshop Hauls and Styling!!

Bonfire Night AND Charlottes Birthday-

One thing we ALWAYS do this time of year is go to my granddads model train club for fish and chips and fireworks. This year I had to drive the 45 minute trip after work and almost missed them! I did get to see a fair few on the drive down though! I managed to see the last 15 minutes of the show and they had kept my chips warm so all was good in the hood ;) We then went back to my grandparents, and played articulate, sang happy birthday and ate ALL the cake (The dairy free Carl the Caterpillar is insane!) Dan my brother even came down from up North to Celebrate and it was just the best family evening. 

On a side note my sister got the URBAN DECAY NAKED HEAT PALETTE from her friends and I couldnt be more jealous...I am coveting that palette so badly! 

Halloween

This week was also Halloween, for me this entailed eating junk food, and watching the final episode of stranger things-I hadn't seen any of the others but my sister made me watch it! 

Posts I've Published:

OCTOBER FAVORITES

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: YOUR GUIDE TO SELF LOVE

EAT JUNK:STAY LEAN-WHEN UNEDUCATED YOUTUBERS SPREAD THE WRONG MESSAGE

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: MY LETTER TO A WORRIED MIND

What have you been up to this week? Comment below I love finding out what everyone's doing :) 

October Favorites

Hello Lovelies,

Today I wanted to share the beauty items I have been loving in October, just to sum up what I've been enjoying using in case anyone fancies trying any of them this November-anyone else sat wondering where this last year has gone and how it can possibly already be November!?

I love reading these posts as I find them so useful, I hope you enjoy!

1. Illamasqua Eyeshadow Palette-Demise

2. Sleek Highlight Palette-Solstice

3.Tanya Burr Selfie Lash

4. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

5.Miss Sporty 24 hour Eye Liner 

6.Body Shop Matte Clay Skin Clarifying Foundation-Railay Beach

7.Jo Malone Grapefruit Moisturiser 

8. Primark Blush-Desire

9.Body Shop Vitamin C Glow boosting Moisturiser

10. Isobella Scott Contour Brush 

11. Primark Matte Liquid Lipstick-Cookie

Let me know if you have tried any of these products, or if not which you would like to try! 

Motivational Monday: A Guide to Not Giving Up

Hello Lovelies and welcome to this weeks Motivational Monday post.

This week I wanted to share my GUIDE on NOT GIVING UP when things get tough. 

We all face challenges at some point or other, and a scenario that will leave us with the decision...

Do I carry on or leave?

It's so important when you are feeling despondent to have steps in place to keep you going, so I have put together a guide you can refer back to if ever you are in need of some motivation to keep going, because trust me-YOU GOT THIS. 

1) Remember why you started. 

My number one and most important piece of advise-When you have been working at something for a while, and you aren't achieving as quickly as you might like to its easy to want to give up. DONT. Remember every small achievement you make is one step closer to your end goal. So remember that passion and drive you had at the beginning, feel that excitement again and crack on! 

2) Write out your goals-BIG and small 

Work towards small goals which will add up to a BIG achievement (I wrote a post on this recently which you can read to find out more-  IF YOU CAN DREAM IT YOU CAN DO IT)

3) Remember no mental state lasts forever

However you are feeling now, it will pass, you will move on and be able to reflect. When you achieve that end goal you will look back and be so glad you decided to continue and didn't give in to negative thinking. 

4) Look to others for inspiration

J.K.Rowling is a HUGE inspiration to me. She has done so incredibly well for herself out of nothing. I find this so encouraging as it just goes to show how when you dedicate yourself to your passion it can really pay off.

BUT

5) Don't compare yourself to others.

Its certainly important to have people who inspire you, but at the same time you should never compare what you are doing to someone else. You never know whats going on in their life and the grass will always look greener on the other side. So try to be content with what you are doing and where you are going.

I hope this post is an encouragement to anyone who feels like giving up on their dream. Its tough, but you can do it! I have faith in you <3

Eat Junk:Stay Lean-When Uneducated YouTubers Spread The WRONG Message

So I was recently in the depths of you tube, as sadly I often am, and came across this video named 'Eat Junk Stay Lean'.

Sorry WHAT?

Motivational Monday: My letter to a worried mind

This Motivational Monday is dedicated to my mum, who worries endlessly about everything.

She is the most kind, most genuine person you will ever meet, and with this comes the burden of a heart filled with worry.

But what if it didn't have to be that way?

As J.K.Rowling so eloquently puts it

'What's comin will come, and we'll meet it when it does.'-Hagrid.

Credit to hypable for this image

My Week In Pictures

So today I thought I would try something new on my blog. I want to look back on my blog and remember what was going on in my life at the time of writing so on a sunday evening im going to upload some of the weeks best bits in pictures! I hope you enjoy this little sneak peak at my week! 

Love <3

• This week I went to Brighton with two of my best friends.
• Liam left the bake off-say WHAAA!?
• I composed a new song on piano you can watch a sneak peak here 
• I created a recipe Instagram for my dairy free bakes-
• I started my job at Topshop

The Blogger Tag: Your Questions Answered by Isobelle Jane

Hello lovelies! 

Today I have answered 25 questions about myself in the Blogger Tag. I really enjoyed writing the Vogue 73 questions tag and reading all your comments, so I thought I would do another. 

I' a super nosy person and love reading these, so I hope you enjoy! Please let me know if you decide to answer these questions as I'd love to give your post a read!  

1. How Tall Are You?

5ft 7

2. Do You Have A Hidden Talent? If So, What?

I'm self taught at piano?

3. What’s Your Biggest Blog-Related Pet Peeve?

When I cant get my images to align on blogger.

4. What’s Your Biggest Non-Blog Related Pet Peeve?

CHAMMING (people eating loudly!)

5. What’s Your Favourite Song?

I'm still obsessed with dusk till dawn...I LOVE it.

6. What’s Your Favourite Social Media Website?

I'm definitely a Twitter gal, although there will always be a place in my heart for Instagram too 

You can follow me on either-leave me a comment and ill be sure to check out yours  :)  

Twitter: @emilyisobeljane

Instagram: @emilyisobellejane

7. What’s Your Favourite Way To Spend Your Free Time?

I love going to coffee shops, doing a Lucy-Wyndham Read workout, and watching youtube

8. What’s Your Favourite Junk Food?

Ice cream all day every day please? It does need to be vegan though, serious milk allergy going on here! 

9. Do You Have A Pet Or Pets? If So, What Kind And What Are Their Names?

Nope :( I wish I did, I'd love a dog. 

10. What’s Your Favourite Fiction And Non Fiction Books?

Fiction-One Day

Non Fiction-One of my large collection of recipe books? I love Deliciously Ella and Madeline Shaw. 

11. What Your Favourite Beauty Product Or Tool?

My all time favourite is the YSL Touche Eclat highlighter, it brightens my face like nothing else and makes me feel put together and all glowy when I wear it.

I do also have a lot of love for my sleek highlight palette thats another incredible product.

12. When Were You Last Embarrassed? What Happened?

Everyday of my entire life. I always manage to embarrass myself somehow. I'm super clumsy and drop things ALL the time. 

Yesterday I was writing in a Coffee Shop dropped my laptop, swore, and then realised everyone was staring at me... COOL. 

13. If You Could Only Drink One Beverage (Besides Water) For The Rest Of Your Life, What Would It Be?

Coffee-Best drink ever and so many variations available I'd never get bored.

14. What’s Your Favourite Movie?

The Holiday

15. What Was Your Favourite Lesson In School And Why?

English or Graphics, I loved Science too though! 

16. If You Could Live Anywhere In The World, Where Would You Live?

London, but if I was to move country New Zealand

17. PC Or Mac?

I'm a PC girl, although I would love to try a MAC just for my creative side

18. Last Romantic Gesture From A Crush, Date, Boy/Girlfriend, Spouse? (Or Kind Gesture From A Friend

My friends are so kind always. I cant think of one gesture in particular. Just always being there for me and being so supportive. 

19. Favourite Celebrity?

At the moment I have a serious obsession with Kendall Jenner, I love her style and her work ethic and I'd just love to be her for a day...please!?

20. What Blogger Do You Secretly Want To Be Best Friends With?

I'd love to be friends with Corrie from The Dizzy Brunette, or Zoella. They both seem like such lovely people.

21. Who Is Your Biggest Inspiration?

Anna Wintor, and J K Rowling are two hugely successful women who inspire me to write and achieve. 

22. What Is Your Favourite Blog To Read?

I have so so many! 

23. What Is Your Favourite High Street Shop?

Topshop 

24. Are You In Education Or Do You Work?

Work, I've just started at Topshop. 

25. One Thing You Are Proud Of.

My ability to teach myself-I have self taught myself piano and I love playing Einaudi, I've also taught myself guitar, and Biology A level. 

I Tag anyone reading this to do this tag. 

Comment below, your answer to one of these questions, I'd love to learn more about you. 

Autumnal Apple, Pear and Ginger Crumble Recipe (Vegan)

Suffering with a severe milk allergy and slow stomach emptying, I know how difficult it can be to find recipes that cater for dietary needs. I came up with this dairy free recipe that can also be made gluten free with the use of gluten free flour, rather than standard.
I hope you enjoy trying this recipe!
Share your results with me on any of the platforms below...I cant wait to see your pictures!

Method:
Pre heat the oven to 180c

Peel the apples and pears (approx 600g)
Chop into bite sized chunks
Add the fruit to a medium sized saucepan, with 3 tbsp water and simmer over a medium heat until mushy.
Using a small grate on a grater, grate the ginger into the fruit mix and stir together.

For the topping:
Add the flour, sugar, linseed, coconut jam and margarine to a mixing bowl and crumble through your fingers until a breadcrumb consistency is achieved.

Place the fruit into a baking dish and crumble the flour mix on top, bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden.

*

What's your favorite autumnal pudding? 

Check out my Recipe Instagram-voguevegetarian