Being Organised For Occasions

I am the first to admit that I am crazily organised and abit OCD. If I am not organised, got peoples birthday gifts in advance or Christmas then it panics me a lot. I am totally opposite to my mother who literally writes out a birthday card the night before or on the same day which that would totally worry me. Most of my family birthdays are over but I have got Bethany birthday in October, Ava and Bella Birthdays are both in December then we have Christmas. I have got a gift bag full of pressies for Beth and then her main pressie is for me and her to go to see a show in London, which she knows about as I wanted to make sure I booked the show she would love to see. Luckily we have the same taste so I am waiting to book that nearer the time as it depends on dates/times as Tommy would have to look after the girls. So its just her birthday card and maybe a little few bits more that I have got to get her but I'm 70% done.

On 6th December it is Ava's 4th Birthday and then on the 19th December it is Bella 1st Birthday so this excites me ALOT. Obviously with Christmas being only a week after Bella birthday so I will probably just split the pressies in half. Depending on where they are living at that time aswel as if they was living just as a family of 4 then I will be able to buy items for their bedrooms ect. I really cannot wait for Bella's first birthday and Ava's 4th birthday of course. I really hope they are living as a 4 of them by that time so they can have a amazing joint birthday party.

Last week I was shopping in Camberley and got two items for Ava in The Entertainer but when I come home I thought that I will put those two items in a big bag for life kinda bag and just start collecting items whenever I am out and see something. Last year I done a Peppa Pig gift themed for Ava's birthday and for Christmas I done Ava an Frozen gift themed which I actually enjoyed doing because I made a DIY Frozen Hamper full of lots of goodies and she loves it. So this year for her Birthday I am doing a Doc McStuffins gift themed and have collected 6 items so far which have been put into a bag and stored in the spare room so whenever I buy something I can just put into the bag. Also for Bella I have got another bag for her and so far have only got one item which is an really lovely book but I need to start getting bits for her. I know I want to get something from Cath Kidston for both of the girls as I done it last year so I want to start making it an tradition and I have already picked out bits I think the girls will love from good old Cath. Luckily Beth is going to tell me things she knows the girls will want and love and is going to tell me so that I know at least I will get them stuff they both love. Me and Beth have similar taste for the girls actually so I know whatever clothes I buy they will wear. I've got my eye on some clothes from H&M, some Doc McStuffins items from Smyths Toys, Cath Kidston and Also TK MAXX do some good items but you have to get it when it there otherwise If you wait and go back days later, there is like 99% chance the item has gone but that is what I like about TK MAXX, its more limited addition in a way that not many are sold if that makes sense. 

For me if I am not organised then it is a massive worry and with all my illnesses, I don't need anymore worry. I have a box that I keep under my bed which I have Christmas supplies like cards, wrapping paper, tags ect and I always buy that in the January sales as I cannot stand shopping anytime in December. Also in my wardrobe I have a storage box which is basically full of tissue paper, gift wrap, spare cards, random gifts, gift bags and it's so handy. I like to have things like that because there will always be a birthday my Mother has forgotten about and needs a card or gift bag asap.

So now my to buy list for this month is a Card for Bethany so I may Funky Pigeon it or shop around for one as I saw some lovely ones in Marks and Spencers the other day. Also cards for the girls, which I will get Funky Pigeon personalised ones but also a Doc McStuffins one for Ava to go with her Doc Mcstuffins gift theme hahah. Is anyone else super organised like me or do you leave it to the last minute?

Love Katie xx

Merry Christmas Eve//Update

Merry Christmas Eve everyone 

We apologise for not blogging recently. A few things has happened. Bella Mai Price was born on 19th December 2014 at 4.15am weighing 7lbs 2oz and also I've (katie) had my operation date forward so on Monday I had my operation so am in recovery. 

Me and Bethany will be taking a break from the blog but only til 2015 which isn't far away. Look forward to the welcome to Bella post with pictures ect. We are still updating and on our Twitter and Instagram so please follow us on there :) 

TWITTER - @essextowindsor 

INSTAGRAM - essextowindsor 

Lots of new ideas and plans for our blog in the new year. Can't wait to start blogging again. Merry Christmas to everyone and thank you everyone who has read our blog, followed us on Twitter and Instagram. We only been doing this for a few months but the response has overwhelmed us and are looking forward to 2015 to continue writing our blog which we love. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year  

Lots of love Katie & Beth 

Xx

A Cath Kidston Christmas Tradition

So a few years ago me and my Mother started a Cath Kidston Christmas Mug thing where every Christmas we would buy each other an Cath Kidston Christmas mug which we have done for the past 3 years. Cath Kidston always do a few different designs of Christmas mug every November/December and its this little thing me and my Mother do each December either as presents or just buy before Christmas. 

This year my Mother went to Windsor town and came back with this bag ekkkkkk. Cath Kidston Christmas bags and gift wrapping are soooo beautiful in fact I always keep the bag and wrapping ha. 

So my Mother got me the white star one and my mother got herself the red star one how amazing are they!!! Here is the link to the Christmas mugs on Cath Kidston have a look and grab one now because they are reduce to £5. I am abit obsessed with Cath Kidston in general but the mugs are something I collect. I own about 10 different ones now and shall continue to buy them. I just think for the value they are amazing, they last well and still look the exact same after many and many of washes. Also Im rather fussy with mug sizes (please say I am not the only one haha) but these ones are a perfect size. 

Do you have any other weird and wondering Christmas traditions? I may buy some in the sale and also they do make an wonderful gift because they wrap them up for free so could easily be used for a quick late last minute present :) My cupboard is getting too full with these mugs now but that won't stop me buying them. I can't wait to have my own place in the future so I can have an whole kitchen full of Cath Kidston items haha. 

Love Katie 

xx 

Sorry for my little break...

Hi everyone :) 

I have recently had to take a little break from blogging.. I've had so much going on. From adapting back to Essex life, Ava's birthday, Christmas and preparing for Bella's birth. 

Now as things start to settle down, Ava's 3rd birthday has come and gone I have things sorted for Christmas and I'm pretty much settled back I can carry on with my weekly blog updates, maybe starting properly back New Years, but doing the bits I can at the moment. 

While I've been away Ava has turned 3!! She had a fabulous birthday and got spoilt rotten, it was safe to say she enjoyed her day.. We took her for a meal and bowling she got loads of present not just from us but from friends and family, I would like to say thank you to everyone Ava loves everything she got.  She is now a big girl of 3 and won't let us forget it reminding us everyday telling us when she see's little babies or little girls/boys. 

As mentioned earlier I have been preparing for Bellas birth.. You guessed it I still haven't had her! I am currently over due at 40+5 .. I have a content little baby in my belly:) I will tomorrow have some news. Fingers crossed. When I find out my date of induction we will then know when our little princess is going to make an appearance! :) 

Due to the fact I could be in hospital over Christmas I've had to make sure Christmas is sorted! Cards are done presents are all bought and wrapped and tagged for everyone! It's been a busy few weeks on that front but I have done it! And I'm relieved! Though I have enjoyed the Christmas rush feeling very Christmassy and festive. 

This is all to tell for now, hope you all enjoyed the little catch up! Once again I apologize for my lack of activity! I will try and update you all on news tomorrow! And now carrying on blogging! 

Lots Of Love 

Beth...xxx

The Christmas Tag

My dog loves a Christmas hat... not 

Hello everyone. I thought I would do the Christmas Tag that has been going around the blogging world for ages but I have only just got round to doing. I'm not a BIG Christmas fan for personal reasons and with life events lately I has made me hate Christmas even more. Next year I hope to spent it with my Nieces hopefully but this year I am actually alone which I weirdly don't mind. I have only hated Christmas since 2010 but Im sure next year I will get the spirit back. Here is my Christmas tag...

1 - What is your favorite Christmas Movie/s? 

I have three.. The Elf, Grinch and Edward Scissorhands. I could watch them all year round haha.  

2 - Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

Always on Christmas Morning. The past few Christmas have been abit different as last year I was at my Dads and this year will be alone but always in the Morning. I do like the idea of a Christmas Eve Box though (pj's, socks, film ect) which next year I shall do for my Nieces. 

3 - Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?

When it was just me, mum and My Brother we was lucky enough to have an Uncle who treated us like his own kids. We couldn't afford much as mum was bringing us up alone ect but this one Christmas we went to my Uncles who back then lived in this amazing big house with a swimming pool and we went there for over a week and he got me this amazing coat and my brother a football table. My uncle dressed as Santa, myself and cousins use to put on mini Christmas shows and generally is the first thing pops up in my mind when I think of Christmas. 

4 - Favorite festive food? 

I'm not a huge fan on festive food but I do love pigs in blankets! 

5 - Favorite Christmas gift?

A kitchen... fake one obviously. When I was about 5 I think! I got a kitchen and my Brother got a tool station. It was the best haha. 

6 - Favorite Christmas scent?

Deffo Cinnamon type smells. Warm spice anything like that.

7 -  Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? 

Not really. One year I spent it with my Ex and his family and their tradition was everyone prepares the food about 4 ish and then the males go out for the night to the pub and the females have a pamper night in and everyone back by 12 to have a drink together before bed which I quite liked that tradition. 

8 - What tops your tree?

For years and years it has always been an angel but past few years it has been an star. 

9 - As a kid what was the one crazy, wild and extravagant gift you always asked for but never received? 

I've never been one of those kids who asked for anything as I was just grateful for anything to be honest but I remember circling stuff from the Argos catalogue haha. 

10 - What's the best part about Christmas for you? 

Defiantly seeing all the family but from now on it will be about seeing my two little Nieces and making sure they have the best Christmas every year. 

Love Katie 

xx 

Blogmas Day Fifteen & Sixteen

Day 15... 
I got up super early for a change. Redone one of the Christmas Tree's as we got new and better lights and some new decorations and then I was in an cleaning up mood til about 1 pm then I majorly crashed into a zombie tired mode haha. Nothing much happened! 

Day 16...
Today I had my Pre Op which I thought was going to take ages seeing as my previous ones have taken hours but surprisingly took 30 mins. I got given the forms to be filled out but was called in literally 2 mins into sitting down to do the forms to have swabs, height and weight taken. Then I tried to sit back down to fill out rest of the forms then a nurse called me in to go through the form, the do's and don'ts, information about before, during and after the operation and blood pressure ect. Which didn't take long at all seeing as I've had plenty of pre ops before. Myself, Mother and Nan came with me to the hospital and seeing as we expected to be there for hours we decided to head to the new Costa that has recently for coffee and lunch. 

This is the first time I have been to Costa since given up milk so I was excited to try their black Americano. I've usually a Skinny or Gingerbread latte girl so it was very hard to not ask for that haha. It was actually really nice but not the same as an latte obviously. I had an ham and cheese toastie as I was starving as that was lovely to. This Costa is about 5/10 minute walk from mine and this was the first time I've been there and its safe to say I am returning back... tomorrow with my Mother and her friend haha. That was all the excitement done for the day. Came back home wrapped my mother's pressies for her as she isn't good in the wrapping department haha and coloured her hair and that's all. 

Beth/Bella update: nothing has happened. Bella is still too comfy. Im sure Beth has midwife on Thursday so I shall let you all know then :) 

Love Katie xx 

Blogmas Day Fourteen

 

Day 14!!! This December is going so quickly!! 

So last night I went to see the Christmas Ice Skating Show at Slough Ice Rink as my Cousins Girlfriend was in the show and it was amazing!! Randomly I have a secret love for skating haha!! I've been to see Dancing On Ice before and with use to going Ice Skate lessons throughout my childhood so this show was so good and entertaining. My Cousin Girlfriend was amazing, she done a few group routine and also on her own. It's actually made me want to get back into ice skating maybe like once a month just for fun. The show finished quite late and we did plan to eat after but the only place that was open and near was MC Donald's. Which I already had that morning but we all was soooo hungry. Didn't get home till late but soon as I got in I went straight to sleep and didn't wake up til 11 am!!! how bad. I woken up with a sore head, throat and nose so I was feeling crap all day and all I did was sit in bed and catch up on X Factor, Strictly and watched loads of YouTube so again not an exciting day. 

Tomorrow I have a Pre Op most of the day and have so much to do this week mostly housework and boring stuff like that so some BLOGMAS days will be joined together in one post otherwise there would be loads of small boring posts lol.


Bella/Beth Update.... nothing has happened. Bella still wants to stay where she is haha. I shall obviously keep you all updated.


Love Katie xx 

Blogmas Day Twelve/Thirteen

Yesterday the 12th December was a boring day. Due to a migraine which last most of the day meant I didn't even go on the laptop or do much. For me my migraines make me sleep and sick so being in bed making sure I drank lots of water helped alot. 

Today the 13th of December, I got up early and went into town as I had to take some things back to primark and had to go to the bank. Nothing exciting!! I finally got all my Christmas cards which weirdly was all half price in Card factory which is cheap anyways but it only came to a few pound for all of my family card which is amazing. I had a dress and pj bottoms from Primark that didn't fit and I wanted to get another size but they didn't even have any left :( so instead I got two dresses and slippers in exchanged. Why isit whenever you have money or have to get something in exchanged you can't bloody find anything!!! The two dresses were reduced one was £5 and other was £3 and I am a massive dress wearing with tights in the winter. I live in them. And slippers... they are tartan and I am kind of obsessed with tartan. Didn't get anything else as Im really skint due to lots of pressie buying! I had an McDonald breakfast (Naughty ) and also for the past days I have give up milk and having black coffee instead of white coffee and tea so far so good. Milk never has agreed with me but I finally have given it up completely. I will have an Latte occasionally because they are my fave but only once a month I think.  

Tonight Im going to an Ice Skating show as my Cousins girlfriend is in it so can't wait to see it. A little fact, my cousin is an professional ice hockey player and myself, brother and 2 other cousins use to go Ice skating lessons every Tuesday for years so I love ice skating. I haven't been myself in years so no idea how I would do on the ice now haha. I've been to see Dancing on Ice being which I loved so can't wait for tonight. Im going with the females from the family which will be nice. I'm currently sitting in bed on my laptop watching Chelsea FC with wet hair and got to be ready by 5 pm ish so I should be getting ready haha!! 


What are all of your plans for this weekend? Hope you all have a fabulous weekend. Just an update on Beth/Bella... Bella was due yesterday (12th December) but no sign on her yet. She is deffo laid back like her daddy haha. Will obviously keep the blog updated when Bella decides to enter the world:) I can't wait!!


Love Katie 
xx  

Blogmas Day Five - Eleven

So sorry that Blogmas has been put on hold since day four. It has been a very hectic few days... 


DAY FIVE - 
Morning and afternoon was an relaxing day, had a bath and packed my bags for Essex for the weekend. At 4 pm My Brother picked me up from home as he still works around here but lives in Essex. It was lovely seeing my Brother and have a fun journey to Essex by having car sing off with Christmas songs haha. Luckily we didn't hit any traffic. Seeing my Niece was the best thing ever, she ran over and give me the biggest hug ever. Once she went to bed we had maccys and got the front room ready as it was Ava's 3rd birthday the next day.

DAY SIX - 
Ava's 3rd Birthday. This was the best day in December by far. Seeing Ava's face as she opened her pressies was amazing. Myself and Most of Beth's family went for a Mexican meal in the afternoon then we went Bowling which was sooo much fun. Ava had the best day ever. 

DAY SEVEN - 
Had an chilled morning and in the afternoon we all sat down to watch West Ham on tv as Beth and her family are massive WHU fans. In the Evening we all went to Barking to visit Beth's cousin who has just had a beautiful baby boy Called Lenny. He is only 5lbs 2oz soo tiny. That was a good chilled evening then we went home and eat pizza and had a laugh. 

DAY EIGHT -
Today was the day I was meant to go back home but my Brother didn't have any work so I stayed an extra day. We had an false alarm thinking Beth Waters broke. We spent the day watching Christmas Films with Tommy, Beth, Ava and Ronnie (Beth's Nephew) and then we all help putting their Christmas tree up. 

DAY NINE -
This is the day I traveled back home :(  I honestly had the best few days ever. Seeing my Niece made me the happiest person ever. Im so glad I got to be with her during her Birthday. Sad times going home :( 

DAY TEN - 
With ignoring my bad back all weekend, I really was in pain so much today. In the morning myself, Mother and Nan went into Reading shopping Center for abit of shopping and lunch. Got a few Christmas pressies. Also got a call from the hospital telling me my operation on 24th December has been cancelled GRRRR. Re booked for 7th January which doesn't make any difference but got all prepared for the op on Xmas eve so was abit annoyed. 

DAY ELEVEN - 
Today is the first day in a few days where I feel back to reality. I have ran out of my usual painkillers and although I do have a back up painkiller its just not the same. I've finally put my laptop on to sort out my blog and pictures ect. I got fairy lights for my bed and a throw from Primark so my bedroom is finally looking and feeling more christmassy. 


I had the best few days and now feel abit down. I hate plans being ruined as it is one of my biggest pet hates. I should be getting on with wrapping up Christmas pressies but I have lost all motivation today. I shall do a blog post soon on the pictures from this weekend as there is quite alot. Hope all of your December is going amazing. 


Love Katie 
xx 

Blogmas Day Four

Day 4 of December... 

The day I had loads of plans and ended up in bed with an migraine!!! This always happens when I make plans and always end up getting ill or something happens. So not much has happened at all today. It's my dog Buster 10 years today that we have had him which is emotional as Me, my mother and Tommy got him when we lived in an flat just us three so he is our little baby and means alot to us. I did plan on making Doggie cupcakes but I didn't get round to it. We got him from a dog rescue center in Berkshire which they found him abandoned on a beach in Swansea which upsets me still, how can anyone abandoned a dog?!! They named him Todd but we instantly renamed him "Buster" but his nickname is bums lol!! Tommy and him are best friends and always have been. He was very nervous and scared of ALL men for first few years of getting him but he only loved Tommy so they have this incredible bond. When we moved into a house, my mother & her husband got a little jack Russel and at first we was worried as Buster wasn't around much dogs so we didn't know how they would react but luckily Buster took to Bobby so well and now they wouldn't be apart. I would be lost without Buster, he is the most loyal, funny and amazing dog. 

Buster throughout the years.. 

Sorry blogmas four isn't very exciting but a migraine happened so not much could be done. Tomorrow and the weekend should be excited as it is Ava's 3rd Birthday also me and Beth has spoken about doing some BLOGMAS post together which will be good as it's always good to have her point of view/day on here as her life is much more interesting haha!!! Happy Thursday :) 

Love Katie 

xx 

Blogmas Day Three

Day 3 of December..

last night I had terrible insomnia and I was having small naps for like 20/30 mins at a time and at 6.30 am I finally decided to just get up for the day. Weirdly had a massive burst on energy and started cleaning my room to declutting my wardrobes/draws, wiping the floor/furniture, sorted storage out, hoovering downstairs and then we had a spare fake Christmas tree which is black and I decided to put it up although we have only a handful of ball balls but never the least I put in up near the dinning area. It looks abit bare but am going to the shop tomorrow or next week to get some lights and more decorations. We decided to chuck away both of our fake crap trees when Xmas is over and start buying Real Christmas trees!! For this black tree we are going for a white/cream and red theme. 

Please excuse the lack of effort on decoration but it will look amazing next week for sure.

To make good use of lighting and background today, I done a mini photo shoot with the Dogs seeing as I found two red bows to put on their collars haha. With the help of treats I managed to take a few beautiful pictures of our baby boys... Be prepared for cuteness lol  

I know I would say this because they are my dogs but aint they the most beautiful dogs ever!! Buster is a Black Lab crossed collie whose birthday is tomorrow and is turning 12 years old and then there is Bobby who is a Tanned and White Jack Russel Terrier who is 5 years old. I love getting them into the Christmas spirit and stupidly they will always sit there letting me put on Xmas hat's and bows ect lol. 

Not much else has happened today apart from the burst of energy this morning which meant by lunch time I totally crashed and slept for 2 hours and haven't really felt awake since. My Brother popped in after work and before he went to travel back to Essex which was lovely seeing him. Tonight Im going to sit in bed, watch Chelsea who are playing spurs tonight also watch Im a Celeb because I LOVE that show and drink lots of coffee to keep me going lol. Tomorrow Me & My mother plan to walk to Costa which has not long ago opened not far from us and then have a walk to the local shops so nothing exciting but glad to get out for some fresh air. So I hope I sleep at least 4 hours sleep tonight otherwise I will be walking like an Zombie!!! Hope your December month is going well so far :)

Love Katie 

xx 

Blogmas Day Two

2nd day of December.. 

Yesterday my Mother put up the Christmas tree which is a crap skinny white tree so its safe to say she get 0 out of 10 for effort!! Because Im not feeling Christmas this year, I don't care about the tree!! If Ava was living here I would of went all out and got a real tree, hundreds of lights and decorations because kids make Christmas million times better. 

This is my Advent Calender this year haha. Last year in September I gave up Fizzy drinks, Crisps and chocolate so I had a Yankee Candle advent calender which was amazing but I didn't get much use out of the tea lights you get in there and mostly my Mother used them so this year I knew I wasn't going to get this years version but I left it too late to buy the Benefit make up one or the body shop one Damn!!! So I got this in the poundshop which came with a few chalk and its actually quite cute and is a nice decoration to my room. Im still trying to find a small Christmas tree for my room but they are sold out everywhere GRRR. 

And here are my dogs advent calenders hahaha!! I get them these every year and now after they go for their morning wee and water after they both wait in the lounge for me to open these haha!!! Im now on the hunt for some doggy xmas clothing because that is what Christmas and cute dogs are about!!!! DRESSING UP!!!! lol 


Not much has happened today. Last night I wrapped a few of Ava's Christmas pressies up and I thought I would have a quick hour cat nap because I was feeling pain from back but it ended up to be an 5 hours sleep!! Today, I've woken up in pain so nothing much has happened. Bethany had a scan today to check if Bella is okay and Bella was fine :) She now weighs 6lbs 15oz so now it is just a waiting game. I'm off to Beth's this weekend in Essex as it is Ava's 3rd birthday so Im hoping Bella makes a early appearance then haha!!! I spoken to Beth last night and she said she will be taking over Blogmas some days which will be good as I find Beth is the most creative person with her words and I'm more of the technical side of the blog lol. Also some blogmas will be done via our iphones and some by my laptop.You will tell by the content tbh but we will try our best to make sure each post are least interesting to read!! 


Love Katie 
xx 

Blogmas Day One

Ahhhh how isit 1st December already? I know everyone says it's every single year but this year has flown by!! This month I'm going to do BLOGMAS ( well atempt to ), some might be in the morning telling you what I'm up to like today, or some Christmas themed post or random. Here's my first one... 

This is the first year I haven't got a chocolate advent calendar! Last year I had the Yankee candle one but I didn't repurchase this one this year as I didn't get much use of the little candles from it so I decided not to get any this year. I went into the poundshop and got a small blackboard with a countdown to Christmas which is hanging up in my room so that will do also I have got my two dogs a doggy advent calendar haha!!! Today I'm off to Windsor town with my Mother, mostly tagging along with her as she has some stuff to do there but I'm definitely heading to Costa for a latte before I even start shopping!! I'm suffering with bad insomnia lately which has resulted in me have 40 mins sleep last night so it's fair to say I will be a zombie later on in the day!!! 

Now I'm off to have a bath with Epsom salt in which is amazing stuff. Then to get ready for the day. Hopefully ( if my back allows me to get into the loft) our Christmas tree will be up today. We are usually really early but this year I have been so unorganised. I'm hoping to get a small Christmas tree for my bedroom to make me get into the festive spirit!! 

Happy December and hope all of your December is amazing :) 

Love Katie