Okay, let’s get the sad bit out of the way first, can we just take a moment to discuss how quickly Christmas arrived and went? It took me a while to find my festive spirit, and I think I finally found when Luke took me on a festive date day to London in mid December. But no sooner had I found said spirit Christmas arrived and then it left. For me the build up and Christmas Eve are always far better and if you will magical than Christmas itself. Which isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy or even love Christmas Day because I absolutely do, and Christmas presents are just a great big bonus. It’s just that magical excited feeling happens for me in the build up.

The season however was pretty busy as I made my way through 30 Christmas movies and lost count of how many hallmark channel movies I watched, actually some of them were really good, others not so much. But Hallmark Christmas seems to be my new thing! I also spent an entire December listening to Christmas tunes – because who doesn’t right?

As well as watching a million movies and listening to Christmas tunes I also had an amazing Christmas date day in London, went to Holkham Christmas market in Norfolk and managed to fit in a few ice skating sessions.

But now here we are, Monday the 1st of January 2024 (which now means there is less than 365 days until Christmas, but who’s counting right?)

I have spent many firsts of many new years with a list of “resolutions” of things that I’m going to do, that I’m not going to do, things that I’m going to change, things that go I want to achieve and accomplish. This year however I’ve decided to not do that list, because truly I never ever stick to it anyways. Instead I am going into the new year with a promise to myself, a promise that I will –

Try my hardest at whatever I do

Try to not be so hard on myself

Try to embrace every new day and not take anything or anyone for granted

Try to find that buried self confidence that I always seem to lack

Try to always look on the bright side

Enjoy life

Travel

Live

Love

Be me, be myself, I’m not perfect but who is? And just throw myself into this brand new year

I really don’t want to hear anyone’s issues & I won’t be sharing mine. I only have room for genuine love & I’m forever choosing who chooses me.

Happy new year – let’s make it a good one

The post This is a New Year appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

I seem to have headed into December with a pretty full on diary – a weekend away just gone, and a date day in London with Luke this Saturday. And let’s not forget to add in wrapping a lot of presents, Hunters 4th birthday and making treats for the holiday season. Oh and let’s throw in some full time work for good measure and around 31 Christmas movies that I just HAVE to watch before December 25th! Still loving the busy life. –

The first week of December has flown by, and regardless of the lack of festive spirit (in the first few days) I have been extremely busy with online shopping and buying SO many presents for all my family. Christmas really is a big deal for me, and I love celebrating it and spoiling everyone, it just makes my heart so happy. And of course as previously mentioned in my last blog post I actually get to spend the entire Christmas holidays with my husband – for the first time in the 10 years that we have been together! So it’s like an even bigger deal for me this year!

Just 2 weeks left at work, then all the Christmas traditions that I’ve been doing since I was a little girl can start.

On an even more personal note – I really don’t share anything on my blog about the personal life of family, however I will do today. In May of this year my husband Luke’s sister Mel was given the devastating news that she had stage 4 bowel cancer. Honestly I can’t even comprehend how she must have felt getting that news, she’s only in her 30’s, she has a 7 year daughter, she’s a teacher, and really has her whole life ahead of her.

If I’m being honest, I don’t think I have fully got it into my head, because surely something like that couldn’t possibly happen to a family member of mine. Mel was one of my bridesmaids, who stood next to me as I prepared to marry her brother just last January, it’s unreal how things can change and how you truly never really know what’s around the corner.

I think there’s a huge element that has scared me on a personal level the biggest being the fact that she had no symptoms prior to her diagnosis.

Mel is an incredibly strong willed lady and she has responded very well to treatment, however in the UK chemotherapy is the only option available to her and that means she will be on it for the rest of her life, or until her body builds up a resistance to it. Not taking this news lightly, after a lot of research Mel has found treatment available in Germany, but as you can imagine that comes at a price. So the family are rallying around organising fund raising events, and auctions. I wanted to share her story here, and if anyone wants to donate then please do. Or if you want to follow her journey then please also do on either Facebook or instagram. https://gofund.me/b3c1c73b

The post A Very Merry Month appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

It’s been a while since I’ve had time to sit down and write up any kind of content. I don’t even know where the last two months have gone! It’s honestly been so crazy recently and it’s showing no sign of slowing down any time soon. Which of course I love, because being busy and having a packed diary makes my heart full and very happy and seeing as we are now into the holly jolly season, well there’s plenty to smile about. Although I have to admit I am finding it a little more difficult to find my Christmas spirit this year, which is so weird, as usually I am flying high with Christmas joy. Hopefully I’ll find it within the next week, or Christmas will be over and I would have missed the festive cheer build up.

Since my last post back in October, I have been lucky enough to fit in a trip to Iceland, and I honestly cannot wait to share my travels with you all. But for now that sits in line patiently behind my must write up Bora Bora travel diary and also Florida, so it’s safe to say, I’m pretty busy right now. November was also busy with celebrating a birthday and spending time in Norfolk with friends.

The festivities are well under way in the Kendal house, the tree is up the decor is out and yes I can safely say – it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (even if I’m not fully feeling it at the minute) This year is actually going to be a super special Christmas for me as for the first time in 10 years Luke & I will be spending the whole of Christmas Day together. I know that sounds crazy but we’ve never done it before. Luke goes to his parents on Christmas Eve and I go off to mine, we then see each other later on in the day. But this year (and honestly I am so excited about it) Luke and I will be together for the entire day as he spends Christmas with me and my family, at my family home. We will then dedicate Boxing Day to spending it with his family at his family home. So it’s going to be a busy but so worth it and absolutely amazing Christmas time.

The post The December Feel’s appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Picture me singing that as I was getting ready for work this morning. Am I a little excited? You could say that.

I make no secret of quite how much I love Christmas and even more so Christmas Eve! It’s actually my most favourite day of the year. I find that Christmas Eve is filled with excitement and anticipation, and let’s be honest there’s something just so enchanting and magical about Christmas Eve, and I’m definitely here for it.

This is the first Christmas Eve I have had to work in about 9 years! But seeing as I work from my mums office at her house (and my mum is my line manager) and given the fact that we do finish at 12pm, I really don’t mind! I then have 10 lovely long chilled out days off with family and of course Luke and Hunter (my boys)

It’s of course been another turbulent year, as we entered 2021 in a lockdown and are finishing 2021 in an uncertain position. It’s been an uncertain year for me when I found myself without a job back in January, really struggled to find to job then finally got thrown a lifeline and found a job.

Luke and I have had to plan parts of our (hopefully fingers crossed January 2022 wedding) in partial lockdowns, which wasn’t ideal.

It’s not all be rain though and I have also had some amazing times this year, including my hen do and my recent trip to Disneyland Paris.

I also decided to reverting back to my roots and going back to brunette. And yes whilst I did do that just 2 weeks before my hen do, it did eventually all work out, despite the fact that I had to rock orange hair for a week. I am now back to brunette, and loving it.

I have to say, I am looking forward to putting on the “out of office” and chilling for a while. I think I’ll avoid the news this festive season, what will be will be, I’ll worry about it after Christmas.

So Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and here is to a healthy & happy 2022.

@thelifestylelisa

The post Merry Christmas Eve appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

YES FINALLY It’s December, it’s cold, it’s nearly Christmas, my tree is up, I’m heading away on a mini trip in 4 days, the Christmas tunes are playing loud, and it’s time to officially watch all those Christmas films! And yes I am wearing my Christmas jumper today.

Does it show that I’m a little excited for the 2021 festivities?

I love Christmas and love a good Christmas movie, nothing gets you in the mood more than watching a Christmas Carol, or the Polar Express and Love actually to name but a few. My only rule is, they can’t be watched until the 1st of December, watching them before is a big no no! And watching them after the 25th December is also a huge no no (I mean who even does that!)

I have a list of Christmas movies that I simply love, watch every year and never get bored of. Not wanting to keep my favourites to myself, I’m sharing them all with you.

So here it is, Lisa’s ultimate Christmas movie list.

December 1st – Home alone

December 2nd – Home alone 2

December 3rd – Christmas with the Kranks

December 4th – Christmas with the Coopers

December 5th – Die Hard

December 6th – The Family Stone

December 7th – Daddy’s home 2

December 8th – National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

December 9th – The Grinch

December 10th – The Holiday

December 11th – Muppets Christmas Carol

December 12th – Jingle all the way

December 13th – Last Christmas

December 14th – Four Christmas’s

December 15th – The Santa Claus

December 16th – Elf!

December 17th – Nativity

December 18th – Scrooged

December 19th – Love Actually

December 20th – A Christmas Carol (Disney version)

December 21st – The polar express

December 22nd – Miracle on 34th street

December 23rd – Santa Claus the movie

****BONUS **** Krampus & A nightmare before Christmas (great film, but also watch this at Halloween)

Any I’ve missed? Leave me a comment and let me know, there’s always room for more Christmas movies!

Let the festivities begin

@thelifestylelisa

The post My December film guide appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

There’s magic in the air tonight, it’s finally Christmas Eve! After all that waiting there is just ONE day to go until the big day is here.

This December hasn’t been the most festive that I’ve ever felt, but I did find my Christmas spirit – eventually! I’ve now finished work until January, the presents are wrapped and are nestled safely under the tree and I now have time to spend with family, and honestly, I can’t wait.

The year has been busy, and crazy and so much has been packed in, so I’m going to use this time over Christmas to be recharge my batteries before heading into a brand new year.

I am looking forward to 2020, 365 days of a brand new year, a time for change, a time to push myself even more, and a time for many new adventures.

So that’s me done for another year, I’m off to enjoy family time this Christmas Eve, and head off to church later for our annual family trip then it’s off to the pub for a few festive drinks before heading home for an early(ish) night, I mean I think I’ve been a good girl all year, so maybe I’ll get a visit from Santa Claus ??

I’ll be back in 2020 for lots of new posts, and to will to celebrate lifestylelisa turning 3!!

Thank you to everyone who has or who does take the time to read my posts, without you it would all be pretty pointless and deflating – So thank you.

Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year

Lifestylelisa

The post Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Last year was possibly the most perfect Christmas and I savored every last bit of it from the start of December to the end of December and that’s because somehow I just knew everything was going to change.

And it has to a certain extent, being in my new house for the festive season kind of makes me makes me miss all those past Christmas’s at home surrounded by familiar things and rooms that look festive, warm and inviting.

Yes, it’s a very dramatic way to feel, but if you follow me and have read previous posts you will know that I am a home girl, I always have been and always will be. My parents house is always so beautiful and festive, where as the home I share with Luke just has a Christmas tree in the bay window of our lounge, albeit a very beautiful and tastefully decorated Christmas tree, but it has just felt different.

This is possibly a good time to point out that I do have quite possibly one of the most kindest and caring boyfriends on the planet, who would get a nativity scene and Santa’s grotto in our front garden if it would make me happy, and put me in that festive mood. He is forever asking me what we can to make it look more Christmassy and festive, there really just isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to make me happy.

 Completely fed up with feeling like Miss Grinch I started thinking “why” am I not feeling holly jolly this year? I LOVE Christmas, I love everything about it, buying presents, giving presents, of course receiving presents, eating food, being with family, and playing silly games, not forgetting attending church on Christmas eve, and none of that has changed for this year!

So that meant I needed to STOP being Miss Grinch and FIND my Christmas spirit – it was in there somewhere!

Last Saturday was when it all started falling into place, Luke and I along with my sister went to see Nativity the Musical! In London. It would be Luke and mines 3rd time watching the show and my sisters second. HOW could you not start to feel festive after watching such a brilliant festive show? It’s a show that makes me smile, laugh and even cry!

The festivities though didn’t stop there, as when we arrived back home Luke had ordered the most gorgeous wreath for our front door, complete with berries. At £60 Luke thought it was a great investment – and it would have been too, if the whole thing hadn’t turned out to be real and definitely non reusable! Still it looks beautiful and I do LOVE it!

With everything starting to come together there was just one thing left to do, my elf on the shelf. Silly as it is, my mum and I along with Luke had such a laugh doing the adult version the child’s game last year, and I was so sad that we couldn’t do it this year. But I had ONE final elf of the shelf that I wanted to do.

Yes December did in places fall unfortunately flat for me this year for one reason or another, but then I am fortunate enough to work with my sister who is a sparkly ray of sunshine and brightens up my day with Christmas earrings and excitement for Christmas.

NOW I’m ready, I ready to let Christmas begin, it’s one of my favourite times of the year after all, so really NO MOOD HOOVERS ALLOWED.

Have a great Monday everyone

Lifestylelisa.com

The post Christmas appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Long, lazy, chilled weekends, I mean really, don’t you just love them?

I know I do, and have just returned from my long weekend pre Christmas break on the quiet Norfolk broads with Luke. I had been looking forward to it for a while and couldn’t wait to just “get away!” Away from social media away from doing menial house chores, and to just get away before life gets super busy for Christmas!

It was just Luke and I for the weekend, we packed up the car and headed off last Friday night to Horning in Norfolk. Staying at Luke’s parents boathouse for 4 nights and 3 days.

It’s a lovely house and sits nicely on the broads overlooking the Marina, with such a beautiful view, and it’s so peaceful there too.

We arrived quite late in the evening, but still in time for a hot chocolate and a Christmas movie – because there is always time for that!!

I woke on Saturday morning feeling super refreshed, I mean honestly is there anything better than waking up on the Norfolk boards after 9 hours of sleep? Well I can tell you that there isn’t! I woke up up feeling energised and refreshed … and hungry!

We had no particular plans for the duration of our stay, except going to Norwich which we planned to do on the Monday to get some Christmas presents! So that left Saturday and Sunday FREE!!

Saturday was a clear, crisp and very cold day, and looked perfect weather to put on the walking gear and head out into the fresh Norfolk air. Whilst I do enjoy walking and hiking, I didn’t exactly want to be out for hours and hours (I mean i had a list of more Christmas movies that i wanted to watch!) We picked a nice route that took us around 1 hour and 30 minutes, which for me was enough. The route took us through fields and among the most gorgeous countryside, it was just nice to get out into the fresh air.

Of course the house was nice and warm when we got back, and it was lunch time, and seeing as i had bought enough food to feed a small army, we definitely did not go hungry. Food and snacks at the ready it was time for Christmas movies!!

Sunday, once again after the best nights sleep, Luke and I got ready and  headed off in search of seals!! YES actual seals! I had wanted to see the seals who come to Horsey beach in Norfolk to breed for AGES! like 5 years AGES! But we had never managed to fit it in, until now that is.

Roughly half of the world’s population of grey seals are found around Britain, their protection is of international conservation importance. It is one of our largest mammals but is still vulnerable to disturbance during the pupping season. Grey seals come ashore at Horsey to breed during the winter months. 

Honestly nothing quite prepares you for the sight that you’re faced with once you get over the dunes and onto the viewing platform which has been especially set up for the seal pup viewing during the winter months of October through to February.

Horsey is probably the best place in Norfolk to see the seals in the winter as there are no limits as to how long you can stay or how far you can walk  (though there are roped off areas which you must stay behind  for the sake of the seals). 

It certainly was an amazing site and I was so pleased I finally got to see them, if you ever find yourself in this part of the UK then I highly recommend a trip to Horsey. We stayed for probably an hour or just under, it was SO cold,  and I got earache from the wind on the beach! But I still had a brilliant time and would love to do it again.

After freezing on the beach seal watching we were both in need of warming up, so we decided a hot drink and a sweet treat were in order! Luke decided to take me back in time for a slice of carrot cake and a scone, he had been recommended to try Poppylands which is a unique 1940s tea room and restaurant.

Poppylands transports you back to the 1940’s era as soon as you enter the building. Carefully decorated, you are greeted by authentic décor and memorabilia including uniforms and pictures. The tables are dressed 1940s style and tea is served in little brown pots with individually knitted tea cosies. In true 1940’s style the background music keeps it well within the era, with artists including Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller (thank goodness for shazam as I wouldn’t have been able to name those songs without it)

The ‘Ration Book’ menu looked great and had quite a lot on offer.  Luke and i went for freshly prepared homemade cake and a scone with a cup of tea. However you could have a full English breakfast with all the trimmings, or beer battered cod and chips, a fish finger sandwich, jacket potatoes as well as traditional favorites such as Bubble & Squeak, Bangers and Mash, and beer battered SPAM fritters! Not my thing, but something my dad would probably enjoy!! Definitely worth a visit, so add poppylands to your list next time you find yourself in Norfolk!

We of course finished off a lovely long weekend with a shopping trip to Norwhich on the Monday, I managed to get a few presents, as did Luke and it was nice to actually go out and do some shopping instead of getting it all online, it made it feel more festive.

I am now back home in Essex, and there is just 9 days left until the big day arrives!! AND my shopping is DONE! Now for the wrapping mission to begin.

Happy Monday everyone! Hope it’s a good one

Lifestylelisa

The post Long Weekends appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

And here in Essex this morning the weather outside is certainly frightful! Non stop rain!!

Oh well, you know I love a Friday come rain or shine, knowing that I have the whole weekend ahead of me, I mean who doesn’t right – look forward to a weekend! And I love this Friday even more so as this is the start of mine and Lukes LONG WEEKEND!

After weeks of looking forward to this day Luke and I SHOULD be looking forward to having four whole chilled out and relaxed days off together. But YES I emphasise the SHOULD as Luke has “MAN FLU!” I mean it’s gone way past that of the common cold and is now full blow category 1 MAN FLU! So quite how this long weekend will turn out is anyone’s guess!

BUT in just 8 hours we will be hitting the road and heading off to the quaint little village of horning on the Norfolk broads to spend the next four days on a little quiet pre Christmas getaway.

It really is such a pretty part of the world, and where we stay at Luke’s parents boathouse it’s so peaceful, I actually get the best nights sleep!!

My suitcase is packed with appropriate outfits for the mini getaway. A few pairs of jeans, and tops, a skirt, walking trousers, walking boots and wellies are among the “essential items” coming along with me.

Our main focus this trip is to do some Christmas shopping in Norwich on Monday (avoiding the weekend madness altogether) which should “man flu” permitting give us 2 days to explore Norfolk, find a few little tea rooms, and get out in the fresh air doing a bit of walking (weather of course also permitting)

I am hoping to find the Christmas spirit this weekend which so far I am very much lacking which just isn’t like me at all! Last December I was full of Christmas joy and was counting down impatiently waiting for the big day to arrive, and I am SO sad that I don’t feel that way this year. In an effort to try and feel more Christmassy I am wearing a Christmas jumper today!! I love a Christmas jumper anyway, so I went with my cute little deer jumper, it hasn’t made me feel all that festive, but at least it looks good.

Well I don’t want to be Mr Scrooge today, so enjoy your Friday!

Oh and if you have any tips to get me feeling super festive then PLEASE leave me a comment.

Lifestylelisa

The post That Friday Post appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

This year I’m not feeling as festive as last year, something seems to be missing ? whether that’s because I’m not at home, or I’m super behind with shopping, but at the moment I’m definitely not as excited as other years…… I need to find that Christmas spirit FAST!

So I thought today would be a perfect time to do a little Christmas blog post!

Now I don’t know about anyone else but as soon as December arrives I can’t wait to put on one Christmas film after another! I have this golden rule that it has to be December before any festive film is watched, that includes love actually, even though that technically could also be a chick flick, but to me its a Christmas film.

This December I will be making my way through the best festive films, the Ones that I watch every December and the ones that over time have become my favourite’s!

I love those cosy evenings spent watching 1 or 2 Christmas movies whilst wrapping what will sure to be a never ending pile of presents, with a mug of hot chocolate complete with marshmallows.

When you wait a whole year just to watch Christmas movies you really don’t want to miss any out!!

So here is my list of favourite Christmas films. It was a hard choice and I could have gone on forever, but the films listed below, are the ones I religiously watch every single December.

Santa Claus the movie – I think this movie is SO underrated and doesn’t get nearly enough recognition!! It could quite possibly also be my most FAVOURITE Christmas movie EVER! It’s so magical, and I love the whole story line behind it. I remember watching it over and over as little girl and it has to this day remained one of my best festive films.

Love actually – Funny, sad, romantic and festive! This film has everything in it, including a brilliant cast! The storyline is very clever and I love how every piece of the story links together in the end. This is definitely one I watch without Luke, with a mug of hot chocolate sat in my PJ’s!

Nativity – This film was released back in 2009, but I didn’t actually watch it until 2013! Which is shocking because this is now one of my favourites! My sister absolutely loved this film but it never seemed to appeal to me. She eventually persuaded me to watch it and the end result was I really enjoyed it! So much so I watch it probably twice every December and I have ALSO seen the stage show in London (twice, soon to be THREE times)

Elf – Released back in 2003, I watched it for the first time last December 2018!! I’m not a massive Will Ferrell fan which is why this film didn’t appeal to me. However everyone I know seems to love it, and I’ve even heard some people comment that it’s not Christmas until you’ve watched elf!! Feeling like I was missing something Luke and I watched it on tv last year, and the end was result was I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! So much so it’s now in my TOP Christmas movie list.

Muppets Christmas carol – The question is, who doesn’t love this film? I mean how can you not love this film? This has been a favourite of mine since I was little, I love watching it even now and singing along to all the songs. Its heartwarmingly cute, and in my opinion is a classic.

Scrooged – Taking it back to 80’s here with what I think is one of the most underrated Christmas movies of them all. Scrooged is both very funny, and heartwarming at the same time. It has a very poignant message about the true meaning of Christmas.

The Holiday – I just love a Christmas rom-com and this film fits perfectly. It’s light hearted, funny, easy to watch and has the perfect mix of romance and Christmas.

Four Christmas’s – A very underrated movie in my opinion, this one has myself and Luke in absolute hysterics every single year. It’s cheesy in places and a little predictable in others, but it really does make for a fab Christmas movie.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation – Luke introduced me to this movie last year, it offers plenty of laugh out loud moments, it has very very cheesy slap stick moments in it, but to be honest I think that’s what actually makes the movie!

Miracle on 34th Street –

The post Christmas Movie List appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.