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My Travel New Year's Resolutions

As a travel blogger, my new year's resolutions tend to relate to places I want to visit and things I want to try, rather than things I want to change about myself. Personally, I think that's a much nicer way of doing things – and it's a great way to share travel inspiration! Here are three of the top destinations on my radar for 2016...

Britain

Much as I love to travel the world, I think it's really important to get to know your home too – so this year I plan to see a whole lot more of my own great country. Britain has some dazzling scenery and hundreds of truly beautiful towns, so I plan to see much more of the country throughout 2016. I even have my eye on an “end to end” hike from the top of Scotland to Land's End which I'm hoping to put together for summer – so I'll need to stock up on hiking gear and start improving my fitness levels a little over the next few months!

South America

This glorious continent has it all; adventure, spectacular scenery, incredible cuisine, and some of nature's best extremes (from the driest desert to the largest rainforest). It's also increasingly popular, with Chile and Northern Peru both appearing on Wanderlust Magazine's list of where to travel in 2016. This year, I'm planning to head back to my favourite continent on earth in order to see some of the places I missed last time I was there!

Estonia

I love to visit under the radar destinations and places that don't see too many tourists, so there are several places in Europe that I'm really hoping to get to this year and Estonia is top of the list. Lonely Planet are touting it as one of the cheapest places to travel in 2016, which makes this pretty country of fairytale castles and medieval towns extra attractive to me!

Unfortunately for me, these three destinations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my wish-list for the coming year. If you're wondering where to travel in 2016, you really can't go wrong with one of these.

Decorating Your Home For Christmas

It's only a matter of weeks until Christmas and the best bit for me? Decorating the home! This time last year, we had just moved house into the front room in our new place. The remainder was a building site. I did manage to get a tree up but it was a Christmas I'd rather forget. It's not fun entertaining kids on school holidays while holes are being drilled in floors and staircases are being painted. 

So this year, I'm going all out and I've been busy reading up and googling all the on-trend decorating ideas for Christmas 2015.

The biggest trend this December is definitely 'woodland', with many gorgeous pieces in shops and garden centres everywhere. This silver diamante stag from Next is a perfect example.

But for a more rustic look, how cute are these little sparkly hedgehogs from Not On The High Street? I think I'd struggle to put them away after Christmas!

Keeping on the theme of items you could actually leave in the house all year round, metallics are huge this Christmas, as are geometric decorations, both big interior design loves of mine. I adore this copper geometric candle holder lantern - also from NOTHS.

Nostalgia is another look that's all over the shops this year and every Christmas, I always add a couple of pieces of seasonal kitchenware to my collection. I love unwrapping them each December. This year, I've got a christmas tree plate in my BHS virtual shopping basket - practical for when you have guests but also pretty to sit on a table or worktop and you could add a couple of tea lights to it when you don't have guests!

First impressions are so important so make sure you give your front door some TLC. I'm all about fresh wreaths and each year, I pick up one from my local florist.

And this year, I have a porch for the first time so I'm investing in a couple of these storm lanterns along with some big white candles....what a wonderful way to welcome guests...and carol singers!

Finishing with something that encompasses the real Christmas message - a nativity set. How about a traditional wooden nativity set by Traidcraft.

Nativity sets also make a great gift - perfect for kids who have lots of toys already and the best bit, they can even open it early and enjoy it before the big day!

5 Pieces To Add To Your Winter Wardrobe

It's that time of the year again when the weather turns and we dig out the winter woolies for the approaching cold spell. It's the one season of the year when I think you're fully justified adding some new pieces as you will get so much wear from them between now and April.

So that got me thinking about 5 pieces to add to your winter wardrobe - here are my recommendations!

First up, you won't be surprised to hear if you read my blog, is a new coat. Many an outfit will be raised from the mediocre to the fabulous if you add an amazing coat. Khaki green is a total classic and with the right accessories and colours underneath, it can suit almost all skin tones and hair colours. I can vouch for this Georgia parka coat as I have one in my wardrobe. It is light in weight but heavy in warmth and you will wear it year after year.

Every winter, I add a pair of ankle boots to my wardrobe and ensure I remove an older pair at the same time as there's always a pair that's had its day. This season, I'm once again adding a pair of Seven Boot Lane boots to the collection. Beautifully made of the highest quality leather, there are some fabulous designs this season. I'm currently coveting this pair - I have them in grey already and they are the comfiest boots I own.

Great jeans are a must all year round and at this time of year, you can be a bit braver with your colours and go for a sparkly grey or an aubergine. That means they can be worn with all the best winter colours - grey, navy, black & camel. 

If you don't have a cape in your AW15 wardrobe, then you're missing a trick. I've featured this one on the blog before. It has a great colour selection in it, is well priced and most importantly, it doesn't slip off your shoulders. All for less than £20!

To finish it all off - it's got to be a gorgeous butter soft leather cross body bag. Every season should have one and my one this season is from Yoshi in the most stunning leather I've ever come across. This colour is a gorgeous neutral shade - perfect with the purples, browns and blacks of the season. 

Roll on winter - I'm ready for you!

Ax

Countdown to Black Friday & £250 Giveaway

Black Friday is nearly upon us! Each year the crowds get bigger and the queues get longer, but you can still avail of the great sales without even leaving your front door.

To help you beat the rush, we will be offering a discount a day at www.targetdry.com in the lead up to the Black Friday weekend. Check back each day to see what savings you could get off one of our stylish waterproof and breathable coats.

Seeing as Christmas is only round the corner, at Target Dry HQ we are brimming with the spirit of Christmas, so we would like to gift one lucky fan a £250 voucher to spend at www.targetdry.com. Starting today and closing at 11.59pm on the 26^th November, all you need to do to enter is click here.

Whether you decide to refresh your winter wardrobe or choose some special gifts for family and friends, £250 can go a long way. Think of it as a gift from us to you.

*Terms & Conditions include;

• The competition will run from the 20^th November, closing at 11.59pm on the 26^th November
• To enter, you must fill out your details on this form
• You must fill out all fields for your entry to be valid.
• Each entry is limited to a single form completion
• The winner will be notified on the following day
• Our decision is final.
• We reserve the right to cancel the promotion, refuse entries and amend the terms and conditions.

10 Things To Do When It’s Raining

Pop on your coat & visit a museum or art exhibition

Rainy days don’t always mean that you have to stay cooped up inside. Grab a waterproof coat and a good pair of boots or wellies and check out your nearest art exhibition. You will feel better for getting a bit of fresh air and enjoying some cultural inspiration. Even a trip to a museum will ensure that your day isn’t wasted and you never know, you might pick up an interesting fact or two.

Read a book on the porch & listen to the rain 

If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony or a porch, provided the rain isn’t coming down in every direction, then why not sit outside and enjoy the sound of the rain against the roof. Pour yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate, grab a good book and relax and de-stress.

Pick up a new hobby

Whether it’s arts and crafts, playing the guitar or taking up baking, there’s always something new to be learnt. When the weather’s against you and you just can’t face heading outside, occupy your time with a passion that you’ve always wanted to pursue. Make sure it’s achievable and something that will maintain your interest. 

Go out in the rain and play like a kid

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of grabbing your waterproof coat and welly boots and heading outside to play in the rain and splash in the puddles. Dance in the rain like no-one’s watching.

Make a scrapbook of your favourite memories

Scrapbooking; the quintessential 80s & 90s teenage activity definitely isn’t as popular now as it was back then. Social media provides a quick and easy way of documenting your memories, but there’s still nothing quite like digging out family albums or scrapbooks of old photos, cinema tickets, leaflets and pressed flowers. Get an old sketchpad, pritt stick and a few treasured possessions and create a book of memories.

Catch up on the latest blogs and youtubers

Draw inspiration from your favourite blogs and youtube accounts, whether it be style, beauty, interiors or lifestyle. Relax, unwind and enjoy a bit of frivolous reading and viewing.

Refresh your room

Updating your home doesn’t always demand a lot of time and money. A quick refresh can make a room look new to you and to your guests. Move around ornaments or lamps to create new focal points or purchase a wall vinyl to add a quirky element.

Have an indoor film festival

Put some popcorn in the microwave, pop on a DVD and enjoy a golden oldie or a new rom-com.

Get some exercise

Get your waterproof jacket and over-trousers on and head outdoors for a bike ride. A light rain shower never hurt anyone and as long as you’re covered up, you can still get a bit of exercise and a breath of fresh air.

Pick up the phone or grab a coffee with a friend

When it’s dark and miserable outside, you can always brighten up your mood with a quick phone call to a friend or a loved one. Even better, why not meet at your local coffee shop and catch up on life, love and other pursuits.