We are so excited to announce the launch of a brand new app: Template! From Zoella and A Color Story, the creators of Filmm, comes a new way to design your stories and IG feed!
Created as a partnership between Zoe and Elsie & Emma of A Beautiful Mess, Template is a new way to style and design your Instagram feed and spice up your Stories. It comes loaded with a huge library of designs for laying out photos and videos as stories, feed and a brand new option of galleries, allowing you to create seamless, swipeable templates.
With over 500 layouts to choose from, the app comes with:
• 100+ seamless, swipeable gallery Templates
• 200+ feed Templates
• 200+ Story Templates
• 70 fonts, batched by style
• Custom brushes
• Customisable illustrations
Get unlimited access to all 500+ Template designs, fonts, and more features to come with Template+!
We’ve been busy beta testing the app along with a few friends of ours. Below is just a small demonstration of the brand new ‘gallery feature’, click through to their instagrams to see them in action!
We've all heard of a bucket list - the collection of goals and dreams you'd like to accomplish within your lifetime - but there's something to be said for reflecting on the milestones and achievements you've already ticked off.
The process of going through a reverse bucket list can be incredibly valuable; giving you an opportunity to prove you’ve done more than you think and to reflect on your personal accomplishments, however small.
Instead of comparing ourselves and focusing on the things we’re still working on, it encourages us to take stock of how far we’ve already come. In the same way, as the traditional bucket list inspires us to move forward, the reverse buck list reminds us of the importance of looking back with pride and gratitude.
From professional life, hobbies, education, travel, family, health and fitness, you can include anything that brings you happiness on your list. Even the most mundane moments have a way of serving us when we look back on them.
To get your creative juices flowing, we’ve jotted down some examples of the types of accomplishments you can add to your list.
Here’s to celebrating you and all your life wins thus far. You go Glen Coco!
With Christmas comes traditions, things we do every single year no matter how small or silly they are, and today we’re sharing our own.
“I’ve always been a family-first girl, my family isn’t very big at all but because we’re all a bit spread out between the UK and France, Christmas is the only time of year that we’re all together and I never take those moments for granted. Especially in my late teens/early 20s most of my friends always used to go “out-out” on Christmas eve but still to this day it never tempts me at all.
My grandparents arrive at my parent’s house on Christmas Eve every single year so for me that marks the start of my time with them. Plus, who wants to spend Christmas Day with a hangover anyway eh!? Food comas only for me thanks – MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
— Maddie —
“My Christmas Eve usually ends up looking like an episode of the vicar of Dibley, my parents live in a small village and we’re usually visiting there over Christmas, so on the evening of the 24th, we’ll be heading down to the church to watch the local live-action nativity, where small children in costume volunteer themselves for acting roles (usually resulting in 8 Marys, 6 donkeys and 3 stars), and the whole congregation then wander down the road to a local farm to drink mulled wine amongst actual cows. It’s bloody brilliant.
After that, it’s back home for more mulled wine and usually helping my mum make a start on her epic feast for the next day. Merry Christmas!”
— Carrie —
“All of my siblings and our sig-others head back to my parents for Christmas and the energy on Christmas Eve is always electric! We’ve more recently started heading to the cinema to see a festive film around late afternoon, last year we watched Mary Poppins and this year it’s Star Wars (not that festive I know!)
Without a doubt, we’ll be chowing down on ham and dauphinoise potatoes, ham cooked in orange juice although we did try the infamous ‘Nigella coke recipe’ one year! At around 9pm we’ll settle down to watch Miracle on 34th Street, we can quote pretty much every scene, we always shout WE BELIEVE when the support for old Cringle ramps up, predictably we all cry at the end. After that, it’s time to head to bed ‘uncharacteristically early’ and wake up on the big day to an ice-cold mimosa!”
— Danielle —
“Gone are the days when I’d hit the town on Christmas Eve. There was that one fateful Christmas Day I couldn’t even bring myself to eat one single prawn from my festive starter and therein lies the reason I prefer to drink a cup o’ hot cocoa on the 24th December nowadays.
There’s something really tragic about a proper foodie not being able to stomach any of the festive grub on Christmas Day. Now, I stay in, I climb into my new festive PJs, as is tradition, and then await the 11pm phone call from my dad to pick me up for midnight mass. I’m not overly into it but I know it means a lot to him to have me there so I go, I choke on the dust of a thousand incense sticks, sing hymns at a pitch only a cat can comfortably reach and THEN… it’s Christmas!”
— Lareese —
“A Christmas Eve tradition we have as a family is matching PJs, so the girls venture out and find a really cute pyjama set for the three of us (me, Poppy, and Alfie’s mum Amanda). This year Poppy found the PJ’s from Marks and Spencer, they’re a gorgeous pink with red stars.
The boys will go out and source their matching PJs, and we’ll all come together on Christmas Eve. This year it’s at my house and we’ll all have nibbles and drinks with a Christmas film on the TV. We’ll all go and put on our pyjamas and take pics, and usually, we’ll open one present from our stockings to get us in ready for the festive period.“
— Zoë —
“Christmas Eve for me is the pre-game; it’s all about the food and watching festive films and cooking shows, doing a puzzle and making some really yummy food. This year I’m baking a yule log which I’m excited for, and I’ll probably end up on the sofa in-between icing to watch a classic Christmas film with a hot chocolate.
It’s all about relaxing, bathing in the excitement, and spending quality time with family, and of course, peeling at least 20 potatoes for dinner tomorrow – a Merry Christmas indeed!”
— Lauren —
“Christmas Eve is all about family for me. I’ve never been tempted to go out partying on Christmas Eve, as I have always wanted to save myself for the big day ahead. Every year I spend the evening at my dads with all of his family, having a pre-Christmas feast with lots of good food, especially seafood (which has also become a Christmas Eve tradition)! After we’ve eaten, we make sure to leave a mince pie and a carrot for Santa and his reindeers, while the children hang their stockings.
Also, it’s not Christmas Eve in my household without reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” altogether, which we all know off by heart! Christmas Eve is one of my favourite days in the festive period, everyone’s spirits are so high and the excitement for the next day is contagious.”
By this point, you've probably got all your big gift ideas covered but if you're losing steam on the last-minute stocking filler ideas, we've got our eye on a few gooduns.
Check out our Weekly Wants – dedicated entirely to stuffing that abnormally large festive sock with glee. Think pint-sized presents, cult beauty buys and traditional treats. Fill. Your. Festive. Boots!
If the Radio Times magazine is anything to go by, it's shaping up to be quite the year for Christmas TV. Highlighters at the ready, it's time to organise your holiday viewing.
This year’s line-up has lots of TV specials including the epic return of Gavin and Stacey in an hour-long special airing on BBC One. We can’t wait to see what’s occurring some 10 years later after the gang last appeared on our screens.
There’s also 75 joyous minutes of The Great Festive Bake Off and all the classic films to enjoy. Crimbo is looking strong, fellas. Click your way through the below gallery for the Christmas TV picks we’re excited to watch on the telly box this year!
Lareese
“I’d watch Christmas TV and films all year round if I could so the Radio Times schedule is making me very happy. Christmas morning is all about The Snowman! It’s iconic. I always look forward to Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show, too. His relatable sketches never fail to give the whole family a belly laugh and this year I hear Sharon O is making an appearance. I LOVE her. I’m also catching up on the Gavin and Stacey box set so I can tune into the Christmas special.”
Danielle
“I’m a real keeno for grabbing a big boy Radio Times at the shops and oggling all the festive TV. I don’t actually get a chance to watch most of it but I get stuck in where I can! I like to catch up on the specials on Boxing Day as the telly doesn’t really get switched on on Christmas Day. This year I’m looking forward to The Great Festive Bake Off but also Gavin and Stace OBVS!”
Carrie
“I love a Mary Berry festive special, her cooking up a festive feast in her lovely kitchen is so christmassy and wonderful and I’m sure this year’s will be just the same!”
Darcey
“I’m not a massive TV watcher over the festive period, but I am really looking forward to watching the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special (I think so is most of the UK!). I also will most definitely be watching The Big Fat Quiz of the Year, it’s a yearly tradition now!”
Lauren
“I started highlighting the Radio Times the DAY it came out so have a few picks already – obviously, can’t wait for Gavin and Stacey like everyone else, but I’m so excited for Paddington 2 and also the Doctor Who special in the New Year. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year is also a must, love a quiz AND comedians – perfect way to spend the evening!”
Zoë
“I think it’s no surprise that I am the most excited, if not more excited about this than actual Christmas Day itself, The Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special which I’m sure everyone else has also picked! I love Gavin and Stacey and have been obsessed with that program for years, it’s a Christmas miracle. So, for me that will be the highlight of Christmas. Another thing I’m excited for is my brother Joseph Sugg, dancing in the Christmas Strictly Come Dancing special, so I shall also be watching that. AND the Call the Midwife special, I think these three programs are actually all back to back. I love those midwives, it’s such a feel-good program, the Christmas specials are always so magical, and they’re sure to bring a tear to your eye!”
Before we get into the New Year shindigs, let's take a minute to reflect on the personal stardom, memories and era-defining inventions that have shaped an entire decade.
As 2019 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of everything, from the TV series we formed unhealthy attachments to, and the moments when humanity stepped up and did us all proud, join Team Zoella and a few of our favourite Tuesday Takeover faces in bidding this year and the nine that went before it a very fond farewell. The last 10 years have been a real whirlwind of politics, Royal weddings and dresses that divided a nation. Was it black and blue or white and gold, though? Ah, internet – where would we be without you!
“I think the last decade has probably been the most challenging, rewarding and craziest decade of my entire life. It’s been my entire career, Zoella, everything has happened in this decade and it’s been the most fun and the craziest thing to try and navigate. I met Alfie In those 10 years, I met Mark in those 10 years, I built a team, I’ve got a great support network around me, I’ve done things I never would’ve dreamed of doing! I baked in a tent with Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood and met so many amazing people, and had the opportunity to be able to talk about things I love and inspire people along the way which has been so amazing.
I never ever would have imagined the last 10 years would have been what they have been, but I wouldn’t change anything, I’ve loved the journey I’ve been on through my 20’s and the next decade will be my 30’s which again I’m actually really excited about. I think they’ll be so different. I’ve definitely changed over the last 10 years as a person, I’ve grown into myself a lot more, I’ve found a lot of strength and grown personally in terms of my mental health and I think it will only get more enforced as I go into my 30’s. I’m really excited about the next decade and 2020, and all the travelling and the family, and all the amazing people I’ll get to meet along the way.”
Zoë Sugg
Zoë Sugg
What has your biggest achievement been?
Creating Zoella
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I think a combination of super speedy internet, a vlogging camera, social media, and YouTube (even though this was 2005) because that’s what has allowed me to do my job!
Favourite movie or television program?
It has to be Nighty Night and of course Call the Midwife!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Probably action for climate change and the rise and celebration of Pride.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Health, happiness and family
Alexandra Fullerton
What has your biggest achievement been?
My biggest career achievement was reaching my goal of running a fashion department on a magazine, which I did when I was fashion director at Stylist for 7 years… but even bigger than that was when I realised that ticking off a career goal wasn’t actually making me happy and I made the jump into freelance life. In the 2 1/2 years I’ve been self-employed I’m very proud to be earning a decent salary and successfully running my own business.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I’m constantly amazed at how an app… Instagram… has completely changed the landscape of our lives. From usurping fashion magazines as the primary place to find out about trends or get shopping ideas (which means magazines are closing or going digital) to the way it’s allowed people… often women… to make an income by working their own hours and their own rules. My career would be in a very different place without it.
Favourite movie or television program?
I loved watching RuPaul’s Drag Race UK but I’d rather choose a book if I can, please?! Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas should be required reading for everyone that wears clothes. It explains what is wrong with fast fashion, what is being done about it and looks to the future of the apparel industry. It’s so engaging and even though it’s a heavy subject it’s not a dry or boring read. It’s truly fascinating and will change the way that you think about clothes shopping forever.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Whatever the political stance you hold and whatever they were doing it for, seeing people come together to march was awe-inspiring and seemed to come from a different era, we’re so unused to marches! But it gave a very strong message of unity.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
It’s been said that the fashion industry is the 2nd most polluting in the world and while it’s very hard to prove this statistic, fast fashion IS a hugely unsustainable concept. Over the past few years this has been really highlighted and brands are starting to make baby steps towards change. I hope that from the very highest level designers and CEOs of luxury houses… through to graduates… high street stores and online fast fashion retailers will all take accountability for their impact. Considering the way they source fabrics and raw materials, who is making the clothes and how they are being treated and paid and what chemicals and raw materials go into the entire process. Resale sites, clothes swaps and second-hand are all on the rise. I hope that this is the decade we will all “buy less, choose quality and make it last” as Vivienne Westwood so brilliantly put it.
From moving to London at 19, not speaking much English, to appearing on English national TV Learning another language has truly changed my life and given me so much more opportunities. I am still learning, but I am proud to have build up a career for myself in tech (my previous job as a Consultant at IBM) and now for myself, as a self taught baker and cook
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Clearly, “the internet”. It allows me to communicate with my family and friends all over the world instantly. Also, I can’t believe we have access to that much knowledge online. I clearly learnt how to become a better baker, online, through blogs, Pinterest or YouTube. And of course, my business currently runs solemnly on social media, and I am so grateful for it! Without it, I’ll probably be at a difference place right now
Favourite movie or television program?
This is a tough one – We consume So much content now, tricky to chose only one to adore! I think I am going to chose my favourite animation movie of all time, “My neighbour Totoro” for its beautiful story and the memories I have watching this movie for the first time.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I believe the Climate change movement is Clearly bringing people together right now. It is incredible to see such unity. It affects EVERY single person on the planet. Wether it is simply being better with your consumption in stoping to use certain products, or being cautious of your food waste, I think everyone is currently protesting again the way we used to live.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that we would have saved the planet for another 10 years , I hope that the economic and political world is at a better place, I hope that my children are able to have the same dreams as me, I hope that our society learns to be kinder (especially on social media), I hope that we have learnt to focus more on the basics of life.
Oh my god, this is such a tricky one! I think probably maintaining and nurturing my little blog baby which has now grown into my career. If I hadn’t kept that up I wouldn’t have started The Insecure Girls’ Club which has been another project I’ve been so proud of. It’s so weird thinking that ten years ago I was sat in my sixth form common room tapping away at What Olivia Did and I’m still doing the same thing!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
It sounds pretty obvious, but probably Instagram. It’s helped forge such an impactful community of amazing women- who I think have hugely changed the conversation about what it means to own your own business as a female and be self employed which is incredible. I’ve also met some of the most brilliant people, who not only support me and my business, but all bring such inspiration and light into my life- for all it’s worth, that app has a lot of good things to answer for!
Favourite movie or television program?
Movie wise I’d say 500 Days of Summer (although I think that was 2009- does that count?!)- it’s my favourite and so sentimental to me too. Although I LOVE the Marvelous Mrs Maisel to no end and although it’s only a couple of years old I may never stop talking about it.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I see it all the time on social media- which is definitely something that has happened time and time again over the last decade. With campaigns like Extinction Rebellion, young people are able to forge campaigns and connections to make really viable and important change which is so incredible. I’d also be inclined to say everyone voting Amber and Greg to win Love Island this year too (although I’m still disappointed in Greg)… It was a hugely impactful day for our society which I think deserves a mention…
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Perhaps I’ve done myself a disservice answering these questions the day after one of the biggest general election votes in our lifetime, I might have to keep thinking on this one!
10 years ago I was 18, severely socially anxious with very low self esteem, and going to University for the first time. From that point onwards, I have gradually become so much more confident in myself. So my biggest achievement is my growth in confidence, and that is from pushing myself in different ways: making friends, putting my all into work, and doing things that completely terrify me (like being on the Bake Off!). Just the other month, I did a baking demo in front of 250 people. And I barely shaked or felt I couldn’t breathe. That was an incredible feeling for me.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Most likely the internet. It means we can be in contact with so many people, and it is so much easier to learn about things from around the world! Plus without the internet we wouldn’t have social media – which is where I can interact with so many people.
Favourite movie or television program?
My favourite film is called Mary and Max, it’s a claymation stop motion film. It’s about a man with Autism, who becomes pen pals with a young girl with her own mental health issues. It’s funny, dark, depressing, and heartwarming, all at the same time. Be warned though, if you watch it, you will cry!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I love it when people from different walks of life come together, and that’s partly why Mary and Max which I mentioned earlier, is such a great film in my eyes. The Bake Off is a great example too, of how we come together and help each other, despite how different we all are and the fact that we are in an actual competition! Or small things like seeing someone give someone else bus money to help them out. Or giving a homeless person some socks. It’s small microcosyms of unity and kindness like that, that give me a little more faith in the world. We need to see how even though some people are very different to us, not to react in a hostile way, but to accept and understand.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope for less poverty in the world, and greater acceptance. For me personally, I hope to keep being able to create and do what I love. I’m close to being the happiest I’ve ever been right now, so I hope to just get happier.
I would definitely say that supporting myself as a freelancer for the past five years has been the making of me! It’s really forced me to know my worth and advocate for myself (especially when chasing payments).
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Monzo! There’s been so much conversation and honesty about finances over the past few years and all the modern banking apps have really helped. I love seeing how much I’m spending on fancy lunches or travel. Direct debits aren’t scary anymore and I feel like I’m in control.
Favourite movie or television program?
RuPaul’s Drag Race! I was sooo late to the party but it’s seriously changed my life and provided so much entertainment. Now I’ve added attending drag shows to my list of hobbies.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I’ve loved seeing independent media companies like Gal Dem and Black Girl Fest flourish.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Personally, I’d love to take control of my personal life and manage the perfectionism that’s holding me back. As a country, I hope we accept our history, move forward with the appropriate action and don’t become further divided.
This is such an interesting question as I have achieved many things that society would deem my biggest ‘achievements’ and whilst I am grateful that I have achieved those things the BIGGEST for me has been reconnecting to my intuition, my soul, and allowing it to lead. The best moments of my life would never have happened had I not had the courage to live soul first.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Without a doubt it has to be the smart phone. It blows my mind that I got my first iPhone back in 2011. Before that I was printing off directions from Google maps with step by step instructions and taxi apps didn’t exist. It’s scary how much has changed because of one device in such a short space of time – and how integrated smart phones have become in our lives, cross generationally!
Favourite movie or television program?
Haha this is the decade I stopped watching TV but movies I would say Interstellar (that film is DEEP and ahead of its time) Lion (definitely the film I have ever cried most at publicly in all of my life – and I didn’t have a single tissue on me so I was literally drowning in snot) and Padmavaat which is single handedly the most beautiful piece of cinema I have ever seen with a script so stunning it is basically poetry in motion and a phenomenal cast. Deepika Padukone forever has my heart for her role in that film.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
My time spent in refugee camps in over the last few years has without a doubt been one of the strongest examples not only of unity but of the best parts of humanity that there is. To see people who have had their lives completely turned upside down with nothing to their name, inviting ME into their tents and insist on feeding ME with their limited supply of food (despite how much I refused), continues to be my daily inspiration to never give up on making this world a better place.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
Honestly my hope is that more of us commit to being more conscious as humans. To aim for getting to know ourselves, our potential and our power first and foremost.
And to also get real about the life we are living and recognise we are so much more than the system we are a part of! To see a whole WAVE of us tear down the archaic man made notions of race, class, gender etc and to work towards real freedom for all. To remember that we are all merely visitors to this planet for a short space of time and to see global united efforts of SERIOUSLY taking care of and respecting our home .
I also hope to finally meet Beyoncé, 8 yr old me has been PATIENTLY waiting. Its time B! We got work to do!
Most importantly though I hope we learn to prioritise joy. Oh and rest. In a (capitalist) world that demands more and more of us, learning to REST is the real revolution!
My biggest achievement of the decade has to be healing myself of chronic PTSD, anxiety and depression through meditation and then turning my career around to become a meditation teacher, so i could help so many others with mental health challenges do the same – It’s been incredibly rewarding!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
I feel like this one is cliché, but I’ve got to say social media – it’s changed my life and I feel grateful to have access to a platform from which i can spread positivity and share my thoughts and ideas with the world.
Favourite movie or television program?
OH MY GOSH – This is hard..so hard, but it’s got to be Rick and Morty. I really love that crazy show- it’s wild, weird and so deep it hurts my head in the best way possible.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
Lately I really feel the body confidence movement throughout social media has been amazing to see. I grew up in the 90’s where thigh gaps where all the rage and only one body type was really celebrated. I love that we’re moving to a world where everyone is seen as beautiful – I believe beauty is unique, it’s all shapes, sizes and skin colours. I love that I’m alive as this shift takes place and women and men wake up to the truth that they are enough just as they are.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that meditation becomes as common as brushing your teeth in the morning! As the Dalai Lama says “If every 8 year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation.” – I am actively working towards furthering that mission every day.]
Over the last 10 years, I think my biggest achievement has been my personal growth in relation to how I feel about myself and my body. My self-esteem and confidence is at a place where I could have ever imagined or dreamed of, and I continue to try and work on myself day by day. I also used to hide a lot of myself in regards to my personality, so being able to break out of my shell and be a lot more sociable is something that I am incredibly proud of!
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
Phone apps have had the most impact on me I think. Knowing that I have a mini-laptop in my hand at all times is kinda freaky, but it allows all aspects of my life to tie together seamlessly, which I think is pretty cool! I can organise my day, attend meetings, chat with friends, create shopping lists, go shopping and work all at the same time. Productivity has never been higher.
Favourite movie or television program?
With the exception of the UTTER FAILURE that was season 8, I absolutely love Game of Thrones. I’m a huge fan of the recent Watchmen series too; absolutely incredible writing and fabulous Cinematography! I’m a huge comic book fan, so comic-to-movie adaptions always win my heart. Marvel has had a great decade in movies too!
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
I think the Black Lives Matter movement (created after the acquittal of killer George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin) is one of the most beautiful ways I’ve seen people get together to rally against injustice. Not only black people but allies were also getting involved in a bit to raise awareness of institutional and systemic racism within the United States and beyond. I think it’s a beautiful and very much needed movement.
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I hope that in the next ten years, we have a UK government that works towards helping those who are most in need. I hope influencers go back to writing long-form blog posts as I miss it! I hope that body positivity is taught in primary and secondary schools and I hope that we continue to have amazing people with platforms who are helping to bring about positive changes for society.
Oooh that’s a tough one, I think becoming the first ever plus size fashion column in 2015 was pretty cool it was an achievement not just for me but for all the plus size babes out there who don’t see themselves represented in the media. In fact every one of my achievements have been about the community I have built online and not just about me, which makes them extra special to me.
What invention do you think has had the most impact on you?
The headspace app for sure, it has saved me many times when my anxiety has been at its worst. Its worth the £9.99 price tag per month not just for when I’m in a crisis but as a habit for everyday of my life.
Favourite movie or television program?
Bridesmaids has to be up there as one of my favourite films of this decade, it makes me cry with laughter and is such a feel good film to put on when you are having a bad week. Grey’s Anatomy also is up there for, when I’m need of a good cry it is my go to.
What is the best example of unity or people coming together that you have seen?
When the terrible fire happened at Grenfell in 2017 my husband Dan and I went after work to help with collecting items to the displaced residents. I saw people from all backgrounds show up from across London to give their time/money/items to help. It was such a terrible thing but I saw then more than ever that good people do care and will always come together in the worst of times for others
What do you hope to happen in the next 10 years?
I would love to see us improve on the very serious climate issues that are happening across the world and to have leaders in place that we respect continue to do the best for the most vulnerable in society.
3 Christmas Cocktails to get the Festive Party Started
Tis the season for a festive tipple! December is a magical time of year where chocolate for breakfast is not only acceptable but actively encouraged, and an afternoon aperitif (or 3!) becomes a daily essential.
Today we’re sharing three seasonal and simple-to-make cocktails that will warm your cockles and leave you feeling merry and bright throughout the most wonderful time of the year.
Santa Sour
A festive take on the classic Amaretto Sour, serve this one with a slice of lemon for an added citrus kick. Enjoy in your sparkliest gladrags before heading out to dance the night away, though we can confirm it tastes just as good lounging at home in front of the Christmas tree.
SERVES 1
PREP:
5 MINS COOK:
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
1tbsp grenadine syrup
Ice
Disaronno, or alternative amaretto liqueur
Lemon
Ginger ale
Pour around a tablespoon of grenadine syrup into a short tumbler, and fill up with ice. Squeeze in a wedge of lemon, before adding a measure of Disaronno and topping up with ginger ale. Pouring in this order creates a lovely sunset fade in colour in the glass, though you can stir this in together if preferred.
Up to Snow Good
A super simple one you can mix up in snow time (see what we did there), the perfect recipe to keep up your sleeve for unexpected guests and spontaneous celebrations.
SERVES 1
PREP:
2 MINS COOK:
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Cranberry Juice
Simple Syrup
Prosecco
In a champagne flute, pour a teaspoon of simple syrup and add in one measure of cranberry juice. Top up with chilled Prosecco. Enjoy!
Very Merry
Finally, a yuletide toddy to keep you warm when *baby* it’s cold outside. It’s super straightforward to mix up a batch on a chilly afternoon or to relax with after a long day of festivities.
SERVES 6
PREP:
5 MINS COOK:
5 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Red Wine or Calvados (for mulled cider)
Mulling Spices (2 sachets)
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Orange Wedges
Cinnamon Sticks
In a large saucepan, pour in a bottle of red wine and combine with 2 sachets of mulling spices, a cup of orange juice, a cup of apple juice and a few orange slices or wedges. For the super simple version, use ready-to-go mulled wine sachets found at most supermarkets, though you can make this yourself by adding to the mix 2 cinnamon sticks, a few pieces of star anise, a teaspoon of whole cloves and a dash of grated nutmeg. Heat gently for 4-5 minutes being careful it doesn’t boil. Remove from the heat and serve by pouring into heat proof mugs with a ladle, avoiding the cloves, and adding a wedge or two of orange into each mug.
It's that time of year again! Time for the spy in elf's clothing to cause all manner of havoc in the home, all in the name of reminding the little ones to stay on their best behaviour during the countdown to the holidays.
The premise of the phenomenon that is The Elf on the Shelf is that one of Santa’s Scout Elves keeps an eye on the children during the run-up to Christmas and reports back to the North Pole.
Every night once the kids are asleep, parents set up a cheeky tableau for their little nippers to discover the following morning and it turns out, the mums and dads really get into it, even more so than the kids.
Twenty-five long days of creative torture for mums and dads across the globe but for us at Zoella HQ they’re a constant source of laughter, and surprise at the festive geniuses across Instagram!
Here’s a gallery of 17 ideas to inspire that little Elf’s next move, or to just give you a good laugh!
Despite how much we absolutely love a cheeseboard there’s always plenty of leftovers on Boxing Day that we think are best suited in a whole new dish!
Say farewell to your basic turkey curry and get your teeth stuck into something a little different this Christmas; the almighty Cheeseboard Mac & Cheese.
That’s right, you heard it, we’ve gone absolutely crackers and combined one of the best things to eat at Christmas with one of the best things to eat year-round. And speaking of crackers make sure you save those too as they’ll make a bloody lovely crispy topping when it goes under the grill.
Delicious dairy in all its forms meld together to create a cheesy taste sensation.
Lovely Red Leicester, brilliant blue, chalky cheddar, delicious dairy in all its forms meld together to create a cheesy taste sensation. Ease up on some of the stronger fellas and add as much of the lighter options as you possibly can, we even popped in some truffle cheese!
This recipe is pretty similar to your classic mac with a boatload of different cheeses and a crispy cracker topping.
SERVES 8-10
PREP:
15 HRS COOK:
25 HRS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
500g Macaroni
80g Butter
80g Plain Flour
2 pints of Milk
Cheeses (at least 500g)
Crackers for crust
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil and add in your macaroni, don’t forget to salt the water. Cook for 10 minutes or until it’s cooked to your tasting.
Grate all your cheeses or cut into small pieces if the cheese cannot be grated. Make sure to remove the rind or skin from cheeses like brie.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the flour to create a roux.
Gradually mix in the milk adding a little at a time until the sauce becomes thick and smooth.
Stir in your cheeses until the sauce is fully melted.
Remove from the hob and add in the macaroni.
Place the mixture in to an ovenproof dish and crumble you crackers over the top, you can also use breadcrumbs too.
Place under a hot grill until the topping is brown and bubbling.
Serve your mac & cheese with salad for 8-10 people or use it as the pièce de résistance to your classic Boxing Day buffet. You could even pop your chutneys on the table for the ultimate cheeseboard experience.
Will you be trying Cheeseboard Mac & Cheese this Christmas?
Ahh, Christmas you dear old friend, always lulling us into a false sense of security with all your JOY, and then BAM! We’re all arguing over a game of Monopoly and your little sisters run off crying.
Quite frankly there’s nothing better at Christmas than a good old game! Bored of seeing Home Alone for the millionth time? Is no one messaging you back because they’re having far too much festive fun for themselves? Time to whack out the boardgames! Yes you may end up regressing into a childhood tantrum but it’s all a bit of a laugh, isn’t it!
Monopoly
Definitely be that guy who steals from the bank
If you fancy getting rich quick this Christmas a classic game of Monopoly is your go-to. Definitely be that guy who steals from the bank, definitely laugh chaotically when someone lands on one of your hotels and definitely win that beauty contest and collect £10! Big props also go to Monopoly’ little sister game Monopoly Deal, if you don’t know… get to know!
Linkee
Play this one round the dinner table while you’re slurping on port and pretending to like Christmas pudding.
Find out who’s packed full of general knowledge with Linkee. Answer four separate questions that are linked and shout LINKEE to be the first to answer, if you’re wrong you’ll be iced out the round but if you’re right you receive the card and the first person to spell Linkee with their cards wins!
Dobble
Dobble is great for quick-fire rounds and it also makes a really lovely stocking filler. Play this whilst waiting for the canapés after you’ve just come down the stairs on Christmas morning in all your new clothes, after using all your new body washes and scents and you’re feeling like a million bucks!
Tenzi
Sometimes the easiest entertainment comes from a crapload of dice! You can play so many little short sharp games with this, our favourite was each having six dice, rolling one to get your number and then rolling the rest until you get six of the same number, fastest wins.
Cobra Paw
The perfect game to pull you out of your post-turkey slumber
This game gets your heart racing and will end up with everyone poking each other and screaming. The perfect game to pull you out of your post-turkey slumber by introducing some solid competition into your family dynamic.
Bananagrams
A bit like Scrabble but also not that much like Scrabble. Start with your letters and create words that have to intersect (like Scrabble) and every time you run out of letters you shout PEEL (that’s the fun bit) you get to take another letter but so does everyone else. If you’re just not gelling with one of your letters you can discard him (sorry Q) but you have to pick up three more. It’s fast-paced, there are a lot of concentrating silences and the glory of winning is completely unmatched.
What’s your favourite board game to play at Christmas?
Learning another language has truly changed my life and given me so much more opportunities. I am still learning, but I am proud to have build up a career for myself in tech (my previous job as a Consultant at IBM) and now for myself, as a self taught baker and cook 
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