Christmas in Cornwall

Spending Christmas in Cornwall has always been a tradition with my family. 
For some reason, it always seems so much more festive down here and as much as I love London, it's always great to have a little escape to the coast from time to time. 

 I felt like an actual kid this morning. Woke up ridiculously early and was rolling around in my bed attempting to get back to sleep so I could go and wake the rest of the house up at a slightly more respectable time, but was just way too excited to see what Santa had put in my stocking. Leaping on my brother and sister and dragging my parents downstairs we were very pleased to see Santa had finished off all his bucks fizz and mince pies and had left us lots of lovely presents.

The sisters and I decided to follow Santa's example and have a rather large glass of bucks fizz for ourselves. I don't know what it is about Christmas, but it really is that one and only day of the year that makes it acceptable to drink champagne before 9am. I certainly wasn't complaining.

Santa had really outdone himself this year. As well as the usual goodies of sugar mice and chocolate, he had filled my stocking with Zadig & Voltaire goodies, obscene amount of OPI nail varnishes, studded leather gloves and even a fur gillet. Santa, you really do have good taste. 

The rest of the family seemed to do pretty well too. Mummy was jingling her bells on the glorious packing to her new Mulberry bag, Daddy was reading every instruction manual possible on all his new kitchen gadgets and Rachael was strumming away on her new guitar. 

Post present opening, we got suited and booted and headed off for a traditional Christmas day walk. 

Christmas puts everyone in just the nicest of spirits. 

What other day of the year could you just talk to every stranger you see and get a warm and friendly greeting in return? Certainly never in London.

Harry and I decided to play a game of chicken on the beach. 
For all of you who don't know the game, it basically involves completing a slightly dangerous or risky task and to see who can persevere for the longest before "chickening out". 

It was high tide so most of the beach was underwater. But we wanted to see who could go the furthest out  before risking a complete drenching from the waves.

You'll all be pleased to hear that I won, fair and square, but it was rather terrifying at some points.

A quick warm up in front of the fire, and it was all hands on deck in the kitchen. 

A couple hours later, and dinner was served. 14 different dishes just for the 6 of us.

Hello leftovers! 

Of course I had to have a bit of everything and it only just managed to fit on my plate.

So after a long day playing a few rather competitive games of Articulate Daddy and I are the absolute dream team, and trying to contemplate if I am ever going to be able to eat again after the ridiculous amounts consumed today, we all retired in front of the fire, awaiting the Downton Christmas Special. 

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas!

Gather Round The Christmas Tree

What I'm Wearing: Cow Vintage Christmas Jumper, H&M Chiffon Shirt, Zara Trousers & Kurt Geiger Vera Boots.

Being in Cornwall for the holidays just makes it feel so Christmassy. Cute little cottages, homemade pub dinners and endless walks along the coast line, with the beautiful sound of the sea splashing against the rocks. Spending Christmas eve in St Ives this year, never thought walking along the beach would feel like Christmas but under the festive glow of lights, it sure does. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

Get Your Christmas Jumper Freak On

It would be an understatement to say it is bitterly cold outside. With about 1000 layers on and looking rather like a yeti I am still freeeeezing - I do not know how the Eskimo's do it! In an attempt to warm up and getting even more into the festive spirit I have compiled a list of my favourite Christmas jumpers available both on an off the high-street. 

First and foremost, ask grandma to knit you one - that is if your grandma fits into the stereotype of the cute little knitting old lady full of wise old tales who repeats herself every now and then. However if your grandma does not fit into this category then there is always option 2 - buy your own! Sadly this wont mean that you have a one of a kind unique Christmas jumper hand knitted out of the kindness of your grandmothers's heart, but if she isn't the greatest of knitter's maybe thats a good thing?

I have always looked in vintage stores for similar grandma specials and I managed to pick up this beauty last year (below) from Birmingham's vintage emporium 'Cow' who had rails and rails of all sorts of festive-wear. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out (click here).

Next best thing to vintage store finds is ebay. Cute and 'vintage-esque' sweaters with embarrassingly sweet motifs on the front, they are just too hard to resist. Ebay seller 'VintageUnit' has hit the nail on the head with these festive numbers coming in over 20 different colour and design combinations there is bound to be one to delight you inner Christmas child. And coming in a mere £20 - what a bargain (click here to get yours)!

For your inner Santa, this designer number from Lot78 is on the top of all fashionistia's wish list, not only perfect for the party season but the Ho! Ho! Ho! intarsia design is a winner especially snuggled in front of the fire. £220 from Net-A-Porter (click here).

Now if you're feeling pretty generous this Christmas, splash out on this sparkly number from Meadham Kirchhoff and you'd look as pretty as the angel on the top of your tree. At £945 from Net-A-Porter (click here) I think it's going on my 'wish and never actually be able to ever afford list'.

For all you Scrooge's out there, who are anti all things cheery and bright, this sweater from Zoe Karssen is the must have sweater. £95 from Net-A-Porter, you can share your 'Bah Humbug' feelings with all those that catch a glimpse of cute pop print slogan (click here).

If you like keeping thing simple amongst the glitter and sparkles, this snowflake sequin jumper from Next is perfect and is subtle enough to keep wearing long after the Christmas festivities. £32 from Next (click here).

If waiting under the mistletoe to be kissed is your plan this Christmas, this cute holly jumper will certain fit the bill. £50 from Topshop in a gorgeous angora blend you will be a walking snuggle magnet (click here). 

If you're just way too cool to wear any form of fairisle or polar bear motif, then this all over crystal jumper is just the thing. Looking like you fill the 'Christmas' jumper criteria over the festive period, but just rocking some serious jumper bling the rest of the year, this is the perfect jumper to carry you from season to season. £50 from Topshop (click here).

For your inner toff and if you love to steal your boyfriends jumpers then this cream fairsile knit from Aubin & Wills is for you. Being a men's jumper naturally makes it oversized and perfect with some cable knit leggings. Already in the pre-Christmas sale for £119 (click here) it is hard to resist (maybe buy it for him and secretly keep it for yourself!? - he doesn't need to know).

Lastly from my newly discovered favourite online store in the whole wide world, Nasty Gal, this gorgeous oversized knit sweater is on the top of my Christmas list. I never often wear red but 'Hey! It's Christmas' and I can't wait to throw this amazing jumper on, on Christmas day and see what Santa has put under the tree for me! £70.54 from Nasty Gal (click here).

Which are going on your Christmas list this year?