Christmas is almost upon us!

How is everyone getting on with their Christmas shopping? Don't forget to visit a previous post of mine to see how you can save money on your online shopping! http://throughthesebrowneyes1.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/how-to-save-money-on-your-christmas.html

I've been so busy recently trying to get everything sorted, finishing off uni work as well as lots of lovely photoshoots! - Please take a look at my photography page and share it if you know anyone who may be interested! www.facebook.com/georginabalmerphotography

How to save money on your Christmas shopping! (The easy way!)

I honestly don't know where this year has gone to, but what I do know is it's almost the time of the year where millions of presents across the country are being given and received! As the John Lewis & Coca-Cola adverts have been aired, I feel as though I am allowed to mention it... Christmas is under 50 days away!! And I'm so excited! However, I do know that a big worry at this time of year is always money... my reason for writing this post.

At this time of year, the shops start to get manic with people suddenly thinking 'I need to start my christmas shopping,' especially at the weekends.. So many people I know resort to internet shopping for this reason. Did you know that internet shopping can actually mean you receive money for free?!

It's all down to this website: Top CashBack

Quite a people I know are wary of these sites but there is nothing to worry about.. you simply follow the link to sign up, and before you go to the website you are intending on shopping on, you just write the name of it into the search box. There's only a few websites I know that haven't been registered on there, but you'd rather spend an extra 10 seconds typing in a website name to save you money, wouldn't you?!

Here's how to save money in a couple steps:

• Once you've typed the website name into Top CashBack, press search. You will then be shown the website if it is registered on there.
  
  
  
• If the website is there, then yay! Click 'Cashback' and you will be told what % of your own money you will receive back. 
  
• Click 'Get Cashback Now' and you will be transferred to the site you want, the only difference is that Top CashBack will record how much you have spent and automatically work out the amount you'll get back.
  
• Each site takes a different amount of time to register the money, but for the time being the amount will be in the 'pending' section of your account.
• Once it is confirmed, the retailer will get in contact with this website telling them to pay you! It is all automatically done for you so there's nothing you have to worry about or sort out.
• When the money has been made payable, you can 'pay out' using a number of different methods: Straight into your bank account (which I use), Paypal, or you can get a bit of a bonus if you transfer it into a Love2Shop voucher, Amazon gift certificate and a few others!

And that's it!
Whether you save 40p or £40, every little bit certainly does help! Especially if it means you can save more money than actually going into the shop on the high-street.  Before I signed up to this site I was a bit wary, but after a couple years and hundreds of pounds worth of savings, I haven't looked back! - I've even saved over £40 changing energy providers just going through this website first. So, from buying train tickets, to a domain name for a website, to clothing, see what you can save on!

I hope lots of you manage to save money on things you were going to buy online anyway! Don't forget to let me know how you're getting on.

Happy shopping & saving!

Instagram - Photoaday December ♥

If you follow me on Instagram, during December you may have seen that I decided to partake in  #PhotoadayDecember
Quite often, I give up after a couple of days, but I actually managed to do this one and have started on a January one too! So here is my final version of every day throughout December (minus day 18 and 19, but shhh!)

1.Advent calendar - mine & Liam's, 2.Socks, 3.Handwriting - my sketchbook for uni 4.Ornaments - Tottenham moneybox 5.Hot Drink - Hot Chocolate at uni 6.Something Green - Liam's gorgeous smelling Joop aftershave 7.Candle - Candles I saw whilst with Rachel & Charlotte at Manchester Markets 8.Something Cosy - fluffy slippers...

 

 ...9.Movies - Elf, 10.Tree - our mini tree at uni, 11.Something Homemade - again, sketchbook for deadline at uni, 12.Gifts you've bought - For Rachel & Charlotte,

13.Someone you love - my boyfriend Liam (even if he was dressed up as a pig in blanket!!) 14.Cold - Frozen car windscreen, 15.Hot - the log fire at home which I love love love in the winter months! 16.Family Pet - Misty, our new pup, 17.Snuggly Jumper - New Look, 18.Weather (didn't do) 19.Nibbles (didn't do) 20.Lights - my heart light in my bedroom, 21.Outside your window - love the view overlooking the pool, 22.Stockings - a stocking Liam had made for last Christmas, 23.Tradition - Mum making table decorations for xmas day, few drinks & swapping presents with the neighbour, 24.Pyjamas - snuggly whilst wrapping presents, 25.Presents - on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day...

 

 ...26.Family - my brother, Misty & I on Christmas Day, 27.Relaxation - family relaxing after lunch all full and sleepy, 28.Scarf - new heart scarf for Christmas, 29.Photo of yourself - photo of me before end of year uni party, 30.Something that's made you smile this year - my lovely boyfriend Liam for always being there, the new puppy and of course Christmas this year! 31.12 o'clock - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I'm thinking about doing a round up of each month like this...what does everyone think?! If you'd like to take part, or are doing a photoaday task then leave me your links or instagram name to find :)

Boxing Day...Another special day!

I don't know about anyone else, but in the past, Boxing Day used to be a day for just slobbing about, playing with new toys I'd got for Christmas, and trying to fit in any more food in the left over spaces that I could from the day before!

However, since being with Liam, Boxing Day has changed somewhat. I feel kinda bad as I haven't really been with my family on Boxing Day but as I spent Christmas Day at home this time, I didn't think they'd mind too much!

This year was a little different as Liam actually had to work for a couple of hours on Boxing Day morning in ASDA...However, as it was only for 3 hours, I thought I may as well have a look round the sales! And I did actually pick up quite a few things! 

My first stop just so happened to be ASDA, and as I went through Liam's till, I could tell he was like morreeeee clothes?! but he did say the eeyore jumper was cute..bonus!

I picked up this cosy jumper / cardigan for half price in the sale £18 reduced to £9. It gets so cold in the house in Manchester so this will be great!

Then I got this cute jumper reduced to only £3! (Sadly the fleece eeyore bottoms were only in a size 16-18 dammit!-Loved them!)

I also made a trip into Boots and River Island. I can't actually show anyone what I got from Boots as I made some fab purchases, some I know will be put towards birthday and / or christmas presents for people I am sure will be reading this!! ;)

In River Island I bought these two items - a gorgeous skater dress I'd seen full price a while back but couldn't justify the money as I am trying to save! However, at £15 I couldn't resist and may just dress it up and wear it for a wedding I have coming up! 
I also got this gorgeous skirt. I've seen loads of these around but not actually bought one myself. I love the colour and fit, and with a belt too it was such a bargain at just £10!! (I sound like a sales person right now!!-Either that or trying to convince myself I did well!)

I tried to make a trip into New Look to spend a voucher I'd been sent to review a couple of items, but seriously, it was awful in there so went back another day to purchase a few bits (post coming soon!)

After I'd spent enough in town, Liam and I went back to his Mum & Dad's house for Boxing Day dinner which consists of turkey, pork, mash or deep fried chips, and beans (with beetroot on the side) and it is lush!! I've had it now for the past 3 years and it has been amazing every year!

Like I said, this year was a little different, as after that we all went to Aston Villa to watch Spurs play!! I was very spoilt by his family this Christmas as they also treated me to a ticket to that andddd to the panto the next day! Although it was pouring with rain, we had great seats and Tottenham won 4-0 so that was a brilliant end to the day!

Me & Kel

Me & Liam

As you can see we were pretty close - if only I had my SLR camera!

The heart symbol that Gareth Bale does whenever he scores! 

After that, we went back to Liam's to watch the last of the Christmas TV. In the past, Liam's mum always found things on Boxing Day that she had forgotten to give people, so now they make it official by doing 'Boxing Day Presents.' They are only like 1 or 2 pound presents but it just makes it a little more special! These were my little bits from Liam, his sister, her boyfriend and Liam's parents...

As you can see I had a brilliant Christmas and Boxing Day and can't believe it's already over for another year!!

 

What did I get for Christmas? ♥

I love reading everyone's posts of what they got for Christmas (maybe because I'm nosy, but I'm sure other people are too!) - so here goes for mine! I was very spoilt this year so thank you everyone!! 

From my blogger girlies Rachel and Charlotte I got these lovely presents...They know me so well, bubbles, hearts, sparkles and One Direction!

From Liam I got the following, plus a jumper from one of my previous wishlist blogposts even though he said he wouldn't be getting me any clothes..sneaky sneaky! He even got me a poster of Zayn and One Direction's album (who I am seeing in March this year woohoo!!) I love how he always surprises me with presents and always manages a personal present...it might not mean anything to anyone else, but in 3 years we haven't been on a proper Costa Coffee 'date'...even though we've been saying for aaages we would! So he was lovely and got me a giftcard so that we have to go! Cutie! ♥

So...this was the selection of presents I was very kindly given, minus money from my Gran & Nan and a big photography bag from my parents to lug all my kit around! 

My One Direction goodies!

The cute Gingerbread man from Liam's sister that I don't want to eat!

All my jewellery - mostly heart bits - everyone knows exactly what I like!!

One of my favourite presents (I think I'd call it that), was an item I won in a competition in a blog giveaway!! My very own pair of GHDs! And they are amazing and came just in time for Christmas so I was very happy! Thanks to Corrie over at dizzybrunette3.com

As you can see, I was very spoilt and has been the perfect end to 2012! Send me your links of your christmas goodies so I can have a nosy ;)

                                                                      Gina xoxo

So much to catch up on!! ♥

Hi everyone and happy 2013! It feels so weird saying 2013! 

Firstly, I'll start by saying thanks for the continued support during 2012 and into 2013. I really appreciate it and only hope my blog continues to grow over the duration of this year!

Right...where to start?! As I have enjoyed reading everyone Christmas posts..here is mine!

My Christmas OOTD:
 

Jumper: H&M, top also shown in last photo: Primark, Shorts: Jane Norman

Christmas this year was one of the best. For the first time, Liam spent the majority of Christmas Day at my house. I went to pick him up about 11am (so he could have a drink at the pub with his family!) and then back to my house for Christmas lunch! My mum really spoilt us all and had the lovely job of cooking for 12..my dad, me, my brother, Liam, two of my cousins and their parents, my nan and gran, my auntie's mum and then my uncle came round in the evening for food round two! So, we had a fab morning and lunch consisting of drink, lots of nibbles and then loads of food and giggles as you can probably tell from the pics!

1.My brother, cousin & Liam all looking like 3 boring men! 2, 3 & 4, family around the table laughing and joking about x

1. Mum's beautiful arrangements, 2. my cousin making his mum and gran laugh, 3 & 4, my mum and auntie setting fire to the christmas pud!

Once we had our lovely meal, we all sat down to sleep off the food, played a few party games and watched some films that were on the TV such as Shrek and I don't know how many James Bond films....I only realised afterwards that it was on the Bond channel...oops! The boys were typical boys and had great fun playing with Dad's remote control helicopter!

1.Me at lunchtime 2, 3 & 4, boys will be boys!

Panorama shot of everyone napping and relaxing

 After we had all had a little nap, we decided it was time for all the family to meet a special little someone!....our new member of the family, Misty!

1. Misty meeting all the family-xmas day, 2.  My brother, me and Misty with her christmas collar on 3. Me & Misty the first night I was back from uni (how tiny was she?!) 4. Misty on christmas day :)

I still cannot quite believe how much she is growing! If you want to see any more pics then they are continually updated on my instagram - @ginab1989

I hope everyone had as good a Christmas as I did and thanks for my lovely presents (which will be on a later post!)

Gina xoxo

Weekly Ins and Outs..

This week has been quite busy but mainly consisting of sorting out work for my uni deadline which is why the blog has been a little quiet the past couple of weeks! - Sorry!

Ins:

Work has been handed in for my first project, finally! But now got lots to do over christmas..boo! 

I went to the Christmas Markets in Manchester with two of my blogger friends Rachel and Charlotte last week - a post will be up soon about it! 

For those of you who follow me on instagram, yesterday my 'photo a day december challenge' title was family pet...I can finally announce we have a new addition to our family! She was collected on Tuesday and she is a little sweetie!! As it's for Dad's birthday and christmas present I've been told I'm not allowed to put any more other than this one..

Believe me, I will be uploading quite a few more as soon as it's been Christmas Day!! She is the most adorable thing ever and loves her cuddles :)



Outs:

I still don't feel too christmassy!! Maybe it's because I've not broken up from uni yet but hopefully I will soon! Can't wait to go home for Christmas - everyone else has finished so gone home and I'm the only one left in the house :(

Hope you all have a good evening - think I'm going to curl up on the sofa and catch up on Homeland and Made in Chelsea tonight to keep me occupied! 

Don't forget my giveaway is still open - just click here to enter!

Gina xoxo

Christmas Wishlist ♥

As we're nearing Christmas and finally into the month of December, I can talk about my wishlist!
Lots of people keep asking what I want and I have no idea so have been trying to get my thinking cap on and get some ideas going so here goes..

Reindeer Socks - Bank, £4.00

http://www.bankfashion.co.uk/product/bank-reindeer-socks/36080/ 

Crafted Bird Striped Jumper - Republic, £30.00

http://www.republic.co.uk/brands/womens/crafted/knitwear/crafted-bird-striped-jumper-66121/

AX Paris Heart Print Jumper - Republic, £25.00

http://www.republic.co.uk/brands/womens/ax-paris/ax-paris-heart-print-ju2mper-6634/

Grey Spotty Heart Print Long Sleeve Top - New Look, £19.99

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/06369?article=06369-A

 Anyone starting to see a theme yet?! Yes, I am obsessed with hearts!!


Fishnet Oversize Knitted Jumper in Beige - FD Avenue, £14.99

http://www.fdavenue.com/products/Fishnet-Oversize-Knitted-Jumper-In-Beige-.html

What's better is there's 50% off this website until Monday!! 

  And I can't go without this christmas jumper, not too OTT but I love it!

Jumper - H&M, £19.99

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/knitwear/grey-spotty-heart-print-long-sleeve-top_267828409

White Heart Print Onesie - New Look, £22.99

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/nightwear/white-heart-print-onesie_261386413

Unfortunately, I have been told I will not be getting any clothes for christmas (sob, sob) so those links are ideas for all of you to pop on wishlists!

Dvds: Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street, The Vow

Only just realised after posting, all the DVDs I want have Channing Tatum in them..after all, who wouldn't want to wake up to him on Christmas Day?!

If anyone likes any of these ideas or knows they're buying online..follow this link to earn cashback on lots of things bought online!

And don't forget about my giveaway that has been extended right up until Christmas Day!

Have a lovely evening..mine will be spent doing uni work for my deadline next Friday! Roll on the Christmas holidays!

Gina xoxo