It's midnight and I'm laid in bed doing my usual routine of scrolling through Social Media until I can't keep my eyes open whilst trying to put the world to rights in my head and it just so happens that I come across this.
Most of the time I just ignore these kind of things that come up on Facebook and this is the first and last time I will admit Facebook inspired a blogpost but this one actually made me stop and think for a minute. Imagine if you were given that decision; having the opportunity to go back and change your past or $10 million cash? The quick and easy choice would obviously be take the money and run. Who cares about the past!? it's all about the future! YOLO! Then I actually thought properly about it. The reason we are where we are today is because of the decisions we made in the past both good and bad, imagine having that opportunity to fix those regrets, mistakes, decisions to see if they really did impact your life. They say that the littlest things can make a person's day so what about the bigger things making someone's life? Yes, a lot of issues and worries in my (and several other people's) life concern money but there are so many situations I wish I reacted differently to, things that I worry about in this very moment and to be honest, being able to fix that, to me, is worth alot more than $10 million.
It does make me wonder is money really does make us happy or if it's our mindsets and the way we live our lives that makes it all worth while.
Money runs out, but our lives last a hell of a lot longer, think wisely.
Which pill would you take?
{yes this is an insight to the daily debates that occur in Katie Pook's brain when she should be asleep!!}
Favourite Candle Scent? I've always wanted to have a candle in my room but I get so paranoid that i will completely forget that they are burning and I'll leave them and I'll come back and my room is no more so for that reason I don't currently own one. But my favourite smells this season are anything that isn't over-powering like vanilla, apple and cinnamon or any winter berries. Because of this, I've decided to invest in a Glade Plug-In. Don't ask me why I never thought of this before because it's completely safe and idiot proof so I won't set my home on fire. I am yet to find one I like and let's hope it doesn't give me a headache or burn the inside of my nose when I sniff it, that's always a bonus! Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate? I am a heavy tea drink alllll year around (PG Tips Enthusiast, milky, no sugar!) but when it comes to this time of year nothing beats a Hot Chocolate from Costa in one of thier Christmas takeaway cups. What other way is there to put a smile on my face on a miserable day than to see a Robin, A Snowman or Santa keeping my favourite drink warm? I also have a tendency to collect them ... What's the best Fall memory you have? I don't think I have a particular memory but the whole feeling of when it gets to October and you know as soon as Halloween is out the way, it's Bonfire Night then a week later the Christmas Lights switch on in my city and it's tradition that everyone gathers together and goes. (eventhough i was gutted to miss it this year!) September to December honestly goes so fast too right? I remember when I was at school it only felt like yesterday that I was starting a new year and then bam there I was making paper snowflakes and practising for the Nativity! What is your favourite book you are reading (have read) this Fall? I must admit since I left school I am not a big reader, it did put me off a little but I do love a feel good, light-hearted winter warmer to get me going and the other day my mum was given a few books that she brought home and this one in particular caught my eye. It's called A Snowflake In My Hand, written by Samantha Mooney. It's a pretty old book I think it was first published in the 80's but as it says on the front it's "a book for cat lovers and lovers of life itself" it's timeless. If you know me I am cat obsessed (i have two of my own; Phil and Lily) and even though it's not good to judge a book by it's cover I couldn't resist how cute the cat was! In a nutshell it's about a woman called Samantha telling us her stories and memories of working in a Animal Medical Centre, you meet all sorts of characters (mainly animals) but honestly it's so adorable and an easy relatable read. I haven't finished it yet but I just know I'll be sat in the corner happy crying by the end. What make-up look do you prefer; Dark Lips or Winged Eyeliner? So, most days I attempt to do winged eyeliner and I do love it but I'm more known for my lips, if you look on my Instagram or Twitter, I'm always wearing a lip shade and even in work my manager looks at me strange if I haven't got any on but for some reason I have never owned a dark lip. Sure, I had a burgundy red lipstick but that's how dark it goes and I guess it's because I've never found one that I like or that is pigmanted enough to look good. I know Mac does beautiful colours but honestly, I'm intimidated to go into a store and I'm hesitant buying make-up products online so I've just never bought one. Maybe one day I will pluck up the courage to buy a Mac lip because I'm obsessed with Make-up Tutorials and girls on Instagram rocking the darker shades. But anyway, I choose winged eyeliner ... haha! Best Fragrance for Fall?
Honestly, I tend to wear what I feel like at the time, it has nothing to do with the weather but I do find because of Christmas parties etc. There is an overpowering use of Chanel No.5 esque scents polluting the air rather than fruity fragrances. I was given the "Strictly Fabulous" perfume from Avon and this resembles the "elegance" or words to that effect of Chanel perfumes which I must admit I have been wearing but otherwise I use Beyonce Heat Mrs Carter World Tour Limited edition but I'm devastated it's been discontinued so I'm looking for a new perfume more suited to me. The struggle. Favourite Thanksgiving Food? In the UK we do not celebrate Thanksgiving but I think by the sounds of it, I would very much enjoy the celebration. Turkey is one of the few meats I actually like, I'm not a meat lover, I love Stuffing. I also hear they have mashed potato instead of roast potatoes? That's music to my ears (or food to my stomach) because it sounds incredible. The only downside is I don't like gravy .. Go ahead, judge me. But this is the closest I'm getting to a Turkey dinner at the moment! What is Autumn weather like where you live? Well if today is anything to go by, extremely indecisive! I was woken up at 6am to gailforce winds and rain slamming against my window then by 9am there was a blue sky and sunshine BUT it was still raining. English weather in a nutshell right there. I can't completely complain sometimes we get that dry crisp coldness where you can wrap up warm and you're happy about it but realistically 90% of time, don't count on you umbrella surviving the down pour! Most Worn Sweater? This year, the jumper I've been living in is a Nanny State plain grey mens jumper with denim blue panels on the elbows and shoulders. It's not even mine, but I wear it to death it's so comfortable so sorry friend of my brother's, you left it in my sights and now you have lost it forever, mwuhaha!
However when it gets to the end of November, it's inevitable my green Mickey and Minnie Mouse jumper will take over my body. Oversized knitted jumpers are the one, guys.
Must-Have Nail Polish This Fall? I'm really sad because last year I ran out of my favourite Barry M burgundy shade and I haven't had a chance to invest in the new one yet but that is my number 1 polish, however, I got this nail polish from Boots and the colour is absolutely beautiful! It's from the Colour Carnival collection by Seventeen in Purple Shimmer and it's such good quality. I think I paid £1.99 for it and you literally only need 1 coat to cover your nails and you're good to go! For laziness, Primark also have a selection of Autumn/Winter/Christmassy false nails for £1 so these will also be making an appearance real soon. Football Games or Jumping in Leaf Piles? Well, this is a very Americanised question isn't it?! Football games in the UK are not enjoyable to watch you don't have a Pep Rally or anything high school esque, it's literally kicking a ball around and people get very worked up and stressed over it. As for jumping in a pile of leaves, if you did that in England there is a 99% chance a muddy puddle will be underneath, again not fun! So I can't say either will give me much enjoyment haha! Joys of Britain. Skinny Jeans or Leggings? I have an arguement for both. Skinny jeans are great when it's a crisp dry winter's day with cute knee-high boots and a duffle coat. However, leggings are perfect any other time, because there's nothing worse than when it's pouring down with rain and you're wearing jeans and they stick to your legs and makes you colder, or if you fall in snow and the dye seeps through to your bum (trust me it happens!) and then you struggle to get them off, just no! At least with leggings you can peel them off and that's it. Plus comfiness and laziness is priority. Combat Boots or Uggs? This makes me laugh because my mum hates Uggs, she says they are the abbreviation of "ugly" but you can't deny the comfiness they bring! However, combat boots are my favourite things because you know your feet are going to stay dry and warm and you can wear them with anything so it has to be Combat boots for my (and my mum's) sanity. Is Pumpkin Spice worth the hype? Straight answer; I wouldn't know. I don't like coffee so I steer clear of it even with the temptation of looking like a typical white girl with my Starbucks, but to give it credit, it does add to the stereotypical, commercialised Autumn/Winter feel and I can't complain with that. Favourite Fall TV show? Every year there are 3 shows that come on at the same time every year and if you're British you know Christmas is coming. First of all, The X Factor. The auditions start at the end of the summer and the Live final is 2 weeks before Christmas. It is your official countdown. Alongside that is Strictly Come Dancing, a bunch of local Celebrities learn to dance Ballroom and Latin with professionals and perform every week to compete for the Glitter ball trophy. Every year both fight for ratings but I must admit, Strictly has it over X Factor because I think TXF is getting a bit tired and repetitive, and I'm a sucker for sparkles and sequins! Last but not least, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, the perfect show to watch celebrities suffer in a jungle! It's great TV especially when they have to eat a Kangaroo's private part. What Song Really Gets You In The Fall Spirit? Final Question! The song that gives me that warm, snuggly, Christmassy feeling is The Christmas Song. This sounds completely cliche and obvious but the first line just makes me imagine that I'm in my living room with a blanket, drinking hot chocolate just being all cosy. "Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire" I challenge anyone to not get that warm tingle in your stomach everytime you hear that line. It's just perfect.
So, now the random spout of sunny weather in October is over it's now blowing Gail's (not Platt) and raining at every moment. That mixed together makes a sad, wet and windswept Katie. But just because the weather is terrible and it makes you look terrible doesn't mean what you wear has to be! For a change, I actually made an effort today for a little shopping trip instead of leggings and hoodies so I thought I'd share. Plus I LOVE this outfit. (Ignore the horrendous iPhone quality photos but I don't currently have a camera!!)
What a cosy little ensemble to fight off the cold and dreariness of Winter!
I absolutely adore this leather jacket I got last Christmas, it actually keeps me warm and has detachable fur so you can wear it all year around! It was £49.99fromNew Look but at the time it was an Online Exclusive but I know this year they do jackets VERY similar to this. (Click here) I also want the brown version!
I've always wanted a jumper dress but the turtle neck style usually panicks me, I don't like things tight around my neck but I fell in love with this when I saw it and it was pretty much what I had been describing for a while now and for £10fromPrimark can I really complain? I had to get a size bigger because they were out of 10's but I'm actually glad I did because it isn't tight fitted and its more cosy and free, although the long sleeves are a bit too long.
I have been livinnnnn in these boots! They are so comfy and have a flat heel so they don't even ache after a while. They are knee high and have a quilted design with a smooth panel at the back so it isn't harsh to your legs. These were a bargain of £25 from Very (click here) and I think it's perfect because Boots and jumper dresses are such staple items that everyone should own in their wardrobe!
Thought I'd show you my make-up game too [insert sassy girl emoji]
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hour Foundation with comfort serum.
MUA Cover and Conceal wand.
Collection 2000 Finishing Powder.
MUA Liquid Eyeliner
MUA Extreme Curl Mascara
Avon Dark Red Lipstick (idk the collection or colour)
I am not going to lie I've had this post prepared for at least a month ... it's now November 3rd, my dad's birthday and also all the music channels have turned Christmassy and Christmas 24 movie channel has started so I am going to join in the spirit for early celebration and hopefully these songs can cheer all you Scrooges up, ey?
All I Want For Christmas Is You.
I don't know about you but as soon as I hear those first jingles for the first time every year, I finally think CHRISTMAS. Even if after the first few 100 listens on the radio, music channels etc I wish it was January already. I remember when I was in Secondary School every tutor foght over who gets to sing this song in assembly.You just can't have a Christmas without singing it drunk or even sober at least once at the top of your voice.
Snow In California.
Ariana Grande released a Christmas EP in 2013 and usually I think newer Christmas songs are horrendous because you just can't beat the classics but I actually preferred this original to the covers she did of Santa Baby and Last Christmas. It's a slow ballad and every time I listen to it it makes me feel so christmassy and lovey dovey.
Fairytale Of New York.
One of my all time favourite songs. The epitome of what Christmas Day is really like after a few too many; A few I love you's before heavily insulting eachother, it's genius! If you have never heard this song you must have been living under a rock your whole life. Unlike All I Want For Christmas, you can never get sick of this song. Another classic Christmas wouldn't be the same without.
It's Beginning To Look Alot Like All I Want For Christmas Is You.
In 2014, after exiting The X Factor, Only The Young released this refreshing mash-up cover of two classics and I just had it on repeat all December. Mikey's Michael Buble sounding voice, the ballad to upbeat transition and the reggaesque part of All I Want For Christmas the whole video just made me smile and feel all christmassy and want to go to Winter Wonderland! (yes this is slightly biased, judge me)
Last Christmas.
Okay so how many versions of this have been released?! But nothing compares to George Michael's original love heartbreak song about a girl eventhough he was gay and nobody knew. Anyway, everyone loves a good love song right and combined with Christmas, what's not to love? Again nothing beats a classic.
My Only Wish.
Okay so this song by Britney Spears is extremely underrated. Eventhough it has been out for at least 10 years, I only discovered it a few years ago but it has every attribute a christmas song needs to be successful yet not everyone has heard it. It's cheese-tastic and I love it! And I think Britney is Queen anyway. One of my personal favourites, and it's not over-played which makes me love it more.
Jingle Bell Rock.
I just had to pop this song into the mix purely as an excuse to mention Mean Girls. I'm judging you heavily if you don't know the dance routine to Jingle Bell Rock and didn't secretly want to be a part of The Plastics.
12 Days Of Sickmas.
This song cracks me up so much. I remember when I first watched this on Sonny With A Chance (Demi Lovato before she was huge) and it's been an essential on my playlist ever since. 2 Christmases ago I was so unwell this was all I was singing and listening to to cheer me up, because being ill this time of year is 'not cool'! Obviously a play on the original 12 Days of Christmas, Sicky Vicky is incredible and possibly more memorable... What's after 5 GOLD RINGS?
Do They Know It's Christmas?
Oh come on guys, eventhough there have been about 50 videos of this we all have to admit we love seeing artists from every era and genre come together for a charity song, Bob Geldof is a genius for getting everyone in one room. Now I'm don't know which version I prefer, probably the original but my favourite thing is Bono from U2 having the same line in all versions. It just brings that extra happiness to me, eventhough it's a serious subject they're talking about. Although the second one with the little girl from the original video was inspiring and proves all this charitable work we do does actually make a difference. Here's the original but I'm sure you've seen all 3 (well 4 if you have ever stumbled across the one with Kylie in)
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
I have to admit when I was little this song intimidated me because the words just made me nervous. Was Santa really watching me? Am I on the Naughty List? Paranoia in a little girl isn't fun. But I have got presents every year so I must do something right yeah? Although there has been a million versions of this also, when singing this song you can guarentee we all attempt to sing in a very high key like a baby Michael Jackson right? Absolute Classic. (Although Michael Buble's version of this gives me feelings in all places, what a man.)
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy
Bing Crosby and David Bowie I mean what a pairing. This song just reminds me of Christmas Day because every year when my family have our dinner it always plays it the background regardless without even planning it so I just had to add it on my list. It's one of those duets you just can't sing with a member of your family without laughing (pa-ram-pam-pam-pam) but it's such a clever mash-up! So timeless and enjoyable as background music.
Merry Christmas Everybody.
Last but not least, Slade. We all know Christmas hasn't officially started until you hear Noddy Holder scream IT'S CHRISTMASSSSS!So what a better way to finish off my list of favourite Christmas songs. I don't have much to say about this song because everyone should know it and if you don't i'm very much judging you.
So there we are, 12 Christmas songs to get you in the mood for the Holidays. Of course there are thousands and I could be here for weeks listing them off but these are ones that bring memories to me.
What are your favourite Christmas songs?
I do not own this music & no copyright infringement intended all videos are from YouTube.
