The Most Magical Place in the World

This time last year a very special bag, was secretly packed and hidden under my bed.

This time last year, Mum, Mr & I were whispering and almost jumping with excitement.

This time last year, it was the night before we were to embark on a surprise trip to the most magical place in the world.

Even Mr was excited... and that rarely happens.

This time last year Lobster was tucked up in bed, completely unaware that when she woke the next morning, she would not be going to school.

She... We...  would be going to Disney Land Paris.

The place where anything seems possible

 Where everyone is bound together by the true innocence of childhood

Where words were created to sum up the wonder of friendship and love. 

"Here together. Friends forever. Some things were just meant to be, and that's you and me." - Winnie the Pooh

Where dreams you never knew existed come true

DisneyLand really is the Most Magical Place in the World. 

25 Days of Yankee - Day 2 Christmas for an Angel

Christmas for many this year will be a time of joy, celebration, excitement & fun. Christmas will be filled with the wonder of children, the magic of reindeer and Santa and maybe even snow.

For many, me included, Christmas will be spent with those held dear to us, those we love, those we cannot imagine life without.

For some however, Christmas day will be tainted with loss. Some will not be able to hold their loved one dear and whisper 'Happy Christmas!' in their ear. For some, Christmas this year will be a reminder of all that is lost, of all that they long for.

This Christmas, with a little help from Yankee Candle, we will take a few moments to remember a very special Angel Baby who came, graced the world with her smiles and big brown eyes, and left too soon. On Christmas night, once the food is all eaten, presents all played with and songs are all sung, when the post excitement silence kicks in, I know my dear friend will need the comfort and love of her family and friends. I'll be lighting a candle and placing it in this very special Angel Glass Tea Light Holder to remember her beautiful Matilda Mae, and all the other angel babies who were taken before their time.

The tea light holder itself is from the Angel Glass collection designed exclusively for Yankee Candle and comes in 2 colour ways - clear & red. Featuring a beautiful glass Angel, it is the perfect festive accessory, and a truly lovely symbol. At a price of only £12.99 I think one of these would also make a wonderful gift for any candle lover.  

Thinking of you lovely lady. xx

25 Days of Yankee - Day 1

I have been so excited to open the first door in my Yankee Candle Advent Calendar. 

Every time I have walked past it, the wonderful smells of Christmas have filled

Behind Door number one was a Yankee Candle Tealight in what I think to be Christmas Cookie scent (Ii can't be sure, as there are no labels anywhere!).

It has been burning, filling our lounge with a subtle sweet and homely aroma in prise of place on the mantle piece.

We haven't got our tree & Christmas decorations up yet, but as we sat as a family watching Sunday night television, having this burning definitely filled the room with a hint of festive cheer!



Here's a sneak peek of what's to come on my #25DaysofYankee! Stay Tuned!

The Search for the Perfect Dress... Mission Accomplished!

So today, on a mission to find the perfect dress, My Mum, Lobster and I got in the car and set off for Bluewater to shop 'til we dropped!

However, in true Holt style we missed the turning and so carried on through the tunnel to Lakeside. This is Libby after finally realising we were in Essex! OMG! 

First Stop was  New Look - quite possibly my favourite clothes shop in the world! I can always trust that I will find something that will fit me perfectly and feel comfortable.

I had been browsing their website all week and this was one I had my eye on, and was fairly confident it would suit me & fit well. And be perfect for the occasion. It seemed just the right amount of formal, with a hint of glitz. I love the colour too, navy is definitely my comfort colour.

 Sadly I was disappointed. It felt too short for me, and gathered in all the wrong places. There;s no question that the dress is beautifully made and would be perfect for the event.  Just not for me and my big bum & hips!

I had also spotted this gorgeous red sparkly number, but was certain it was too glitzy... After all I was looking for something 'formal' & 'not to glam'. But with Mother in my ear repeatedly saying 'But it's a Christmas Party! You're supposed to look glitzy at Christmas!' I tried it on with a number of other sparkly and not so sparkly dresses.

When I tried it on, I loved it! Loved Loved  Loved it! It was greeted by 'Oohs' & 'Aahs' from Mum & Lobster, My only concern was the back, as the sparkle stops and is replaced by a slinky off red fabric which clinged to every lump & bump. Needless to say knickers would be a no go, and that's something I struggle with. Especially with it being as short as it is. Nevertheless, it was on the short list...

I tried this one next. I love the gorgeous detailing at the top, and the mesh panelling was something I'd seen so many people wear and look gorgeous that I wanted to see what it was like on me. 

I can't lie, it was lovely. The shape was so flattering and really suited my figure. The mesh panelling just wouldn't have been suitable for a work occasion. 

So after a few immediate disregarded numbers, this was the last one on the hook to try. I was pretty sure it wasn't going to suit me, let alone be suitable. It had been thrust into my hands with a begging & pleading Lobster 'Oh Pleeeeeease try it Ami, Just try it'.  

 And so I did. I am so glad I did. 

It's shorter than I would usually go for, but the fact that the arms are covered meant I didn't feel over exposed. 

The lining material was soft and silky and comfortable. The shape flattering. The sparkles.. Sparkly.

If you haven't worked out already... This was my perfect dress. 

I won't ruin the full surprise just yet, I'll save the photos of me in the full outfit until the night! 

After all that hard work we paid Sainsy's Pie & Mash a visit.. I savoured every mouthful of it... Now to try and slim down, just a little bit, just so I am totally happy on the night! 

Are you going to a Christmas party this year? What will you wear?