Christmas Jumper Day 2015 // Womens.

I love a Christmas jumper. I love anything cheesy about Christmas really. I would buy all the jumpers if I could wear them to work in December, alas there's only one day where I can bare my festive knitwear. This year I'm going to be fundraising for my companies' charity of the year, British Heart Foundation. And on Friday 4th December, we'll be taking part in a festive themed day to help raise end of year funds. Text Santa also supports a variety of amazing charities; Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save The Children and host a fabulous, festive jumper and fundraising extravaganza on 18th December. Whatever the reason, it's a great way to raise some festive funds and get all cheery. Here's a few of my favourite Christmas jumpers for women if you're on the hunt for yourself or planning to treat someone, there's something for all the budgets!

Do You Want To Build A Snowman? Jumper// Etsy// £17.95

Christmas Tree Flashing Lights Jumper// F&F At Tesco// £20

Unicorn Jumper// George At Asda// £15

Knitted 3D Gift Jumper// H&M// £12.99

You Go Glen Coco Jumper// Etsy// £12.22

Let It Snow Jumper// Tokyo Laundry// £13.99

Candycane Knitted Sweatshirt// Topshop// £35

Advent Calendar Jumper// Primark// £14

Gingerbread Jumper// Peacocks// £16

Oh and if you're on the hunt for menswear, check out my handy little post here!

Love Sophie Xx

Christmas Jumper Day 2015 // Mens.

The love of Christmas jumpers has grown massively in the last few years, with more and more festive fundraising ideas using them to promote brilliant charities! This year I'm going to be fundraising for my companies' charity of the year, British Heart Foundation. And on Friday 4th December, we'll be taking part in a festive themed day to help raise end of year funds. Text Santa also supports a variety of amazing charities; Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save The Children and host a fabulous, festive jumper and fundraising extravaganza on 18th December. Whatever the reason, it's a great way to raise some festive funds and get all cheery. Here's a few of my favourite Christmas jumpers for men if you're on the hunt for yourself or planning to treat someone, there's something for all the budgets!

Straight Outta Lapland Jumper// Boohoo// £18

Buddy The Elf Quote Jumper// Etsy// £16.26

Tangled Bear Novelty Jumper// Amazon// £19.99

Christmas Nutcracker Jumper// M&S// £25

Snow Effect Jumper// ASOS// £40

Blinking Light-Up Jumper// Tu at Sainsbury's// £20 £15!

Light Up Fire Place Jumper// Firebox// £49.99

Musical Bauble Jumper// Primark// £12

Polar Bear Body Jumper// ASOS// £30

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday// June

I may be all a bit out of sync. I knew that June would be a bit of a topsy turvy month; It's Grandpa's anniversary and my main holiday for the year all in one month! Talk about mixed emotions! It's nice to look back and think about it all together. There's so much to be thankful for in the last month, I'm sure to miss loads out...

• One year until we get married passed. Of course I'm thankful for this awesome milestone!
• The two books I read pictured above. 'The Versions of Us' is a great concept, how one choice can impact the course of a whole lifetime. I loved that about this read and am sending it on to Chelsea this week so I'm sure she'll give you a proper review of it! The other book; 'Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend.' Was leant to me by Leona and I read it in an entire day. She knew I'd love it as we discussed 'Curious Incident of a Dog in the Nighttime' and 'Room' (both two great reads.) It was just one of the best books I've read in ages and I'd thoroughly recommend it.
• Speaking of which, I'm pretty thankful for catching up with my gal Leona- wedding planning and conspiracy theory Game of Thrones chats over Wagamamas is a pretty sure way to my heart.
• Working in the prettiest of places. Just look how nice that harbour is above. You're all a bit jealous aren't you? Does it make you feel better that I spend 98% of my day inside?
• The kind words of you all when I was going through my Grandpa funk. It's this little corner of the world that really helps me get through it. I'm feeling better. Thank you.
• Batman making friends. Since we re-potted our parrot plant, Batman's taken to snuggling down next to his friend Piggy in an evening and it really makes me smile.
• Eva & Davis fragrance is my new favourite scent ever. It's pretty hard to find their website though so I'm not entirely sure how to stock up!?
• A dinosaur sticker on the platform floor. Because who doesn't want to see a dinosaur on the floor the morning after watching Jurassic World and dreaming of t-rex's? 
• Toasting marshmallows and putting the world to rights with one of my favourite ladies in the entire land. I always feel so much more centred and positive after time with her and recently we enjoyed the most delicious tapas followed by a sugar coma inducing dessert! 
• A charity golfing event that I helped to organise raised over £1500 for Cornwall Hospice Care. I'm really thankful to everyone who helped support the event!
• Quality time talking about the future and laughing at the past with Harps. Almost eleven months to go!

What are you all thankful for at the moment? Sunshine I'm sure! Thanks Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful with your beautiful soul (and face!)

Love Sophie XX

Lately I've Been...

Good evening you crazy cats, how in the world are you all? It's been beautiful spring weather hasn't it? It's strange though how a shorter week can feel like an even longer one. Probably from having too much of a nice time, resulting in a pretty sleepy Sunday. Doesn't Easter mark the beginning of the best parts of the year? I feel so homely and productive despite still adapting to my new routine! So what have I been up to I hear you cry? Well quite a bit I'll have you know...

• Finishing one Hornby and starting another. Actually there's been another Hornby in-between these two- super book reader. Batman loves the smell of fresh books almost as much as I do!
• Waking up late and giving my face a break from make up.
• Eating picnmix. Seriously do I ever post something that doesn't include food?
• Re-potting my forget-me-not and getting some bulbs planted ready for summer! I spent a lot of time in the garden over the last few days off (and most of Easter weekend). Such a therapeutic way to spend a sunny day.
• Drinking FAR too much caffeine, something I'm VERY aware of but not quite ready to curb just yet...
• Being spoilt with such majestic views whilst having my lunch at work. My Instagram has been full of nose-rubbing shots all week.
• Getting sweaty and jolly raising money for charity. Last weekend I had the pleasure of donning the master of all mascot suits in aid of Tanya's Courage Trust; a very local charity founded by the family of a wonderful girl named Tanya after she sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 17. This fabulous organisation helps support young people with cancer and I was all too excited to get dressed up as Mickey mouse and help bucket collect in the town centre! Plus I got to bust out some of my best moves in a crowd FULL of people and everyone just cheered me on because they didn't know that in-fact a 23 year old girl was showcasing her best dancing. I broke it on down. *read that in an 80's voice will you?*

Are you all insanely jealous of my Mickey antics? I knew it...

Love Sophie XX

People and Gardens Fashion Show At The Eden Project With Santander UK.

It's a week. A week since it all happened and every night since I've sat and started to write. Every night since, I've choked up when I've tried to form the words eloquently and ended up rambling on as usual. This time I wanted to tell you, and more-so show you, just what last weekend meant to a group of extraordinary people.

You all have heard me talk about nothing but People and Gardens for a little while now (go on, catch up here if you've missed it) and you're all totally aware that for the last few months I've been organising (alongside some lovely ladies) a fashion show and craft fayre to raise money for them.

Something that I don't know if I mentioned before is that I work for Santander UK.  I've always been nervous to talk about 'work stuff' online but I really can't contain my pride at working for a company that not only supports local charities and community interests but encourages their employees to get involved by matching how much an event, arranged by an employee, raises. How amazing is that?

This is how the day started...

Months and months of preparation had come to the actual day, we were all feeling pretty nervous. We knew we had an an amazing show planned with wonderful (and local!) designers and we knew that the ladies and gents at P&G would love it. But could we pull it off? Out of the four of us, Helen from P&G, Jess from Eden and towards the end I roped in my mum, not one of us had ever organised a fashion show of any kind. As more and more people started to flood through the doors, I ended up talking with a microphone to manoeuvre people!

Jess & Stacie before the show.

Before I start thanking people and reveal just how much we raised (Eeekk!), I just want to go back to why I've been choking up when I've tried to write this. Really I can only talk from my life with Bimble, and of course he's one of the reasons that I'm a bit teary. I'd been incredibly stressed all day, was feeling nervous about the success of the show and worried that it wouldn't raise as much as I'd hoped. 

Just as it started...

As I took his hand and we walked onto the catwalk, I watched him (worst model ever I know!) I couldn't help it, seeing his face light up at the 12 strong photographers and videographers at the end of the catwalk, made my heart just burst. Actually burst with happiness. Holding my hand tight, he strutted his stuff with a beaming smile, confidence oozing. (I definitely cried when we got offstage!)  It leads me on to my main reason for being so proud of last weekend; it wasn't just Bimble that gained something that night. I truly believe that every single person that stepped onto that stage from P&G gained the best gift they've had in a while. Confidence. To any of us, getting glammed up and people appreciating how great you look is just awesome, but imagine that on a much bigger scale. Huger scale in fact. On that note, take a look for yourselves...

Image sourced via Facebook David Presswell

Image sourced via Facebook Kristian Vanviere

Image sourced via Facebook David Presswell

Image sourced via Facebook David Presswell

Image sourced via Facebook Karen Nolan. 

Image sourced Via Facebook David Presswell (Bimble showing his
embarrassed by me face)

Beautiful isn't it?

Very quickly my face went from all the above to this >>(embracing the inner Spice Girl that I am, singing "When Two Become One"- Bimble must have been rubbing off on me.)

There really are so many people that helped us pull this off- I'll be damned if I remember them all. I'm so very sorry if I miss you out, please know that I'm eternally grateful for the hard work that everyone put in.

St Austell College arrived to do hair and makeup for us, they stayed and did an amazing hair presentation which was WILD but I can't seem to find a photo yet, there'll be plenty more added over the next couple of weeks!

Our fashion show was split into two parts; established Cornwall and Devon designers and Plymouth College of Art's second year fashion students showcasing their garments themed around Cornish heritage- a brilliant line up wouldn't you agree? Our interval also included a breathtaking performance from Cornwall Rock Choir! If you're looking for quality fashion that showcases some of the best talent in design that the south west has to offer, take a look at any of the designers below! 

Blossom Clothing Cornwall has the most beautiful knitwear and scarves!

Tamsin Poley Design is a fashion graduate with brilliant style.

Wednesday March has the most amazing retro dresses

Stacie Clark Knitwear is not only my best friend but also an innovative knitwear designer.

Denise Stracey has the most beautiful way of presenting clothes and accessories.

Earth Kind Originals made me fall in utter love with all of their earth friendly, sheek clothes.

Corinne Carr Designer Knitwear put together her looks like no other. Everything looked amazing.

Via Facebook Stacie Clark Designs

The evening was a total success, that when I woke from my coma the next morning, I was greeted with such wonderful messages from so many of you that the support for P&G has continually thrived throughout the last week. Including a very generous, charitable and snugly offer from Stacie Clark Knitwear for all of the proceeds from the sale of her delightful snoods going to People and Gardens! Perfect with Christmas coming up and as someone who wore one just last week (see below) I can highly recommend their quality and cosiness! 

I honestly could carry on telling you all about the evening with such depth that we'd be here all day! As I said, there will most certainly be a catch up post when we've received more images and the wonderful documentary by Tribe Magazine. Until then I leave you with two things;

1) In total that night, we raised £2541.69 and when this is matched by Santander, will be an outstanding total of £5083.38! I couldn't be prouder of the hard work and amazing support from everyone involved, it leaves me welling up all over again.

2) This smile on Bimble's face. Worth every moment.

Image sourced via Facebook David Presswell

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: A Little Wish.

Two days to go until my final charity event of the year! I promise that this is the last time I'll mention it (until I tell you all about it on Sunday of course!) Currently too busy to reflect on what I'm thankful for (there's currently a running list in my head of people that I'm thankful to!) there is one little wish that I have for you all.

Please share and promote our charity event as much as your little hearts will allow you to for the next couple of days, you all know how much the work the People and Gardens do means to me and my little family- it would mean the world to raise as much money as we can for them.

Thank you Lisette for inspiring me to be more thankful. And thank you to every single one of you that's shared/ mentioned to friends and family/ may even be coming on Saturday night!

Now how to get down that catwalk without falling on my face?...

Love Sophie Xx

This Time Last Year I Started a Blog...

Bit of a creepy photo of me a little too excited about the giant
sweet I bought from the market! 

My my, how time flies. I am quite possibly the worst person for repeating myself but HOW THE HELL IS IT ALMOST DECEMBER?! Today was the first day that I cracked out my festive jumper for the winter (a cat in a santa hat with a sequin tummy-obviously)! Jingling my way around the house, it dawned on me that I'd just bought this jumper when I started this little corner of the internet and had a look back. 

You'll never guess what!? It's a year today since I started writing here! What a festive and cat-filled coincidence! 

I hadn't planned to post today to be honest but how could I not!? And what should you say after writing something for a year?! 

I never had started this with the intention of anyone really caring about it; more so somewhere to document for the future. I hoped (and still do!) that it'll be fun to look back on years to come.
I've made some pretty splendid friends through this little hobby (including the 165 of you that are following me at time of posting-thanks so much!) and I wanted to share with you all a couple of my favourite posts, and hey, if you've only recently become my friend, it's a pretty good time to get to know me a little better! 

• 'An insight to Bimble, down syndrome and our little family.'
• 'Thankful Thursday- One that means something.'
• 'Batman Diaries #1'
• 'Sophie & Leona take some photos.'
• 'List of fears including Leona's favourite story of being sick on a physiotherapist.'
• 'On the first anniversary of being engaged.'

I also wanted to take this opportunity (as I will be doing so for the rest of the week) to plug the wonderful charity fashion show that I've helped organise, this Saturday evening!

Here's the post that will tell you all about this amazing charity and the exciting plans we have to raise money for them; please have a look.

Cheers for the last year guys and gals!

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: Opportunities

Is it just me or is it fecking freezing suddenly? I spent my day off primarily wrapped in a giant wooly scarf- yet the sun did shine, right before I was drenched in downpour, and had to grab the chance to take this rather chinny and blurry selfie. (Is it bad that I cringe when I use the word selfie? Is self portrait still acceptable?) Autumn is officially here and this Thursday I'm sure that the bags under my eyes are looking even more prominent than they do in the photo above, taken two days earlier. Hey ho, I'm extra busy this week- and even more so next week, so if I disappear I haven't been kidnapped by gremlins, I'm just hiding under a blanket, willing the week to finish! You may already know the reasons behind this; firstly, please take a quick minute to look at my post which will unveil to you all my busy preparation for the final charity event of the year- the opportunity of this, PLUS the fact that between you and me, I'm applying for a promotion next week and really want to get it, means that it's busy town in Sophie Land.

This is what I'm thankful for this week, the chance to involve myself in my community and my work and hopefully make some sort of difference? Why be one of those people that whinges about where they live? How improvements could be made etc...Go for it the Sophie way, pull your finger out, get involved and make some changes!

I'm also incredibly thankful to all of you who have shown me such inspiring belief and support. Everywhere I turn, one of you is offering your help, sharing my surveys and events, even just a little pat on the back really does go such a long way. So thank you to all of you for continuing to encourage me, help me and generally keep me sane. What better things to be thankful for?

Lisette, you inspired my thankful Thursday posts and they keep me focused on the good in life, thank you for that. Leona, you are one of the best friends a shark could ask for (even if we have had to grow up on social media!)

Love Sophie Xx

People and Gardens: The Charity That Inspired It All.

Bimble just posing with some pumpkins.

Happy Tuesday to you all! This post is possibly the most important and special post I've written for a while. I find that whenever I write a post about Bimble I notice that I take 20,00000 times longer to write it, almost worrying that I could never express his wonderful spirit in the right way however I think that this picture sums it up rather nicely. 

It's time to finally introduce the inspiration for all of my fundraising in full. People and Gardens is the charity that Bimble-(If you're new or don't know who Bimble is, have a quick catch up here!) has been a part of for over a decade! The organisation holds a very special place in my heart; founded by Ken and Lorraine Radford in 1997 People and Gardens was the brainchild to encourage those with learning disabilities or emotional impairments to be able to develop as individuals, encouraging them to learn to work and develop their social skills and giving them the choice of having equality in the workplace.




Watering Lane Nursery is located close to Pentwen near St Austell and if you're in the area, you really should pop down. You'll be greeted by lots of friendly faces, For years I've been going here on and off, supporting Bimble and the brilliant work that the team do. Giving these individuals a sense of accomplishment and the feel good factor of a hard days graft builds confidence and pride, what better way to shape the world don't you think?

The work at People and Gardens is varied; supplying plants and veg to the local Eden Project, deliverable, fresh veg bags for local residents, as well as supplying The Cornish Ketchup Company, to name a few, the entrepreneurial attitude of this charity has always been an inspiration to me. Not only that but it's been a 'life constant' for Bimble. When he left specialist schools and activity centres, there aren't many places that cater for those with special requirements in such a unique way. Bimble's life revolves around his 'work', he has structure and routine, needed most at the loss of both of his parents, People and Gardens was the one constant. On a personal level, I am forever grateful to them. Being able to help provide a new packing shed last year resulted in Ken and I bonding at a swanky London lunch where it brought a tear to my eye celebrating his hard work (it still does!). It was that moment, beaming with pride, introducing him to as many as I could, that I made a resolution to do more in my community, donate my time to such worthwhile charities and organisations in Cornwall and all in all, I've had an amazing year doing it.

Which brings me to the reason for all this unveilment! I'm super proud to be announcing the most special (and final!) charity event that I've had the pleasure of being apart of this year. People and Gardens Fashion Show and Shopping Event 22nd November 2014 in the gallery @Eden Project!

A night of Cornish and Devon fashion designers in all ages and sizes, Cornish craft stalls with a selection of goodies ranging from Christmas goodies to needlecraft goods, a performance from Cornwall's Rock Choir, Pasties and Prosecco and much much more! Seriously it's like my perfect evening all rolled into one, with a distinct theme of local craftsmanship and Cornish heritage, what's not to love? Tickets are available at £10 including a free drink via Santander St Austell or please contact peopleandgardens@hotmail.co.uk   to purchase. Doors open at 7pm.

With my heart smiling at the thought of seeing Bimble strut his stuff down that catwalk and my eyes widening at the thought of myself stumbling down as well, I invite you all to spend a fabulous evening with me and the people that I adore. I hope to see as many of you as I can there.

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday

I am so goddamn busy this week! I feel like I haven't caught up with any of you properly in ages! I miss you all! How is everyone this week? I have its of exciting things to share and have set aside a large mug suitable for copious amounts of tea and this Sunday afternoon for a good ol catch up and tell you all about my exciting plans! 


1) Darker Mornings- They're not at the stage where they'e too dark yet and I feel like I'm walking to work in the middle of the night, however I am really loving not waking up at 5am anymore because the sun is peeking through my curtains.

2) A Hair Cut- Usually I am the worst when it comes to my hair. It's been about eight years since I've been to a hairdresser, I'd just rather cut it myself then really bother *hairdressers gasping as they read* going somewhere. Besides it's not like I have a 'hairstyle'. Anyway, it really needed a good trim and I finally took the scissors to it. I always cut it too short and yes I have this time too but I feel much better for it and it's nice having lovely soft ends, like spaniel ears :-).

3) Being Humbled.- I was incredibly fortunate to present a cheque to a charity that I did some fundraising for earlier this year. CHICKS has been mentioned in my blog before (I dressed up as a giant bear and bucket collected) and finally having the piviliage to visit them and meet some truly wonderful children that were there, I immediately wanted to stay forever and 'create memories; with the team. Such wonderful children, normal to you and me, brought together by a selection of life altering circumstances is incredibly moving and I can't wait to support them more i the future. In fact we have some very special festive plans so keep your eyes peeled! 

4) Batman- Watching him sprawl across the carpet, watching the tv makes me laugh every day. 

Thank you Lisette, you inspire me to be more thankful for the happiness in my life, what a wonderful quality. Liona, you inspire me to be more sarcastic, funnier and sassier. I adore you. What's been making you all thankful this week? 

Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday- A Big One...

You may remember a post I wrote for another thankful Thursday a few months back. It was about a visit to Little Harbour, a children's hospice local to me. Please if you didn't have a read then, check it out now quickly. I talked about the amazing, inspirational and heart warming place that it is; I also blubbed almost constantly whilst writing it. The aim of the game was to do some sort of fundraising for them, and after the visit it was set in stone. I am so very lucky to work for a company that encourages charitable work; so much so that they will match whatever I raise for a charity. Seems like a no brainer to getting involved right? So as you've seen me over the last few months, dressing as a bear and bucket collecting for CHICKS, helping out at a local fete for The Lowan Ward and hosting a poker tournament for Bosom Buddies UK. This time, my whole branch was getting involved! So many friends, family members and local bakeries helped us produce the most amazing cake stall and we all headed down to Porthpean Education Centre for a super duper family fun day! Thank you to every single person that supported us, baked their little hearts out and came along for the fun. Here's some of my favourite photos of the day! 

We also had pin the tail on the donkey...but it was rubbish and only two people played all day..

I made some snazzy peanut butter brownies, courtesy of Lisette.

Our official branch mascot- Lola.

Look at all the lovely cakes!

The fanciest cakes made! Froggies! 

Some delicious black forest cupcakes.

SNOW CONES!

Sasha and I. Another branches mascot and my good pal :-)

Sasha getting fondled at the dog show.

I escaped to go on the bouncy castle JUST as my mum arrived and caught me in the act. Sorry to everyone that saw my panties.

Aaah end of the day and almost sold out.

Thank you Lisette and Leona for inspiring me to be more thankful.
Really couldn't be more thankful.
Love Sophie Xx

Thankful Thursday: Fancy Drinks, Firewalks & Friends: The Perfect Weekend.

Good Afternoon guys! How the devil are you all this week? I've gotta say I'm feeling the drag of the week round about now, probably something to do with having the most super weekend that I've had in a while, combined with another very busy weekend coming up! Sandwiched in-between seems to be this annoying week of working and little playing but lots to do! Right now I should be making bunting which means I need to zoom through thanks and crack-a-lack on!

1) To the ladies I spent Saturday night with.- I am so thankful that I have you all in my life. I had such a lovely dinner at Noodle Kitchen and Cocktail Bar-Newquay- Seriously, the food was delicious. AND I learnt to use chopsticks! Finally!

2) Dancing the night away.- It's been far too long since this last happened, and after a few of the above, cheeky cocktails I have no shame in admitting to starting and participating in a break dancing circle in Newquay's busiest bar. I nailed it btw.

3) Bosom Buddies UK- This amazing (and local) charity educates young women in schools about regularly checking their breasts for signs of cancer. It also provides a massive support network for women that are battling the illness. A few weeks ago I held a charity poker night and raised over £200 for them, which will be matched by my employer! And on Sunday a good friend of mine (and 44 others) gathered at the amazing Perrenporth Beach- The Watering Hole to take part in a firewalk. The Watering hole is situated right on the beach, the only one of it's kind in the UK. Not only that but the beach is dog friendly so there really isn't a more perfect place in Cornwall. The event also included a skydive challenge that was being completed throughout the day, but people were still falling from the sky when we were there. 

4) My Harpona- The awesome part of the charity event on Sunday was that a certain Liona's fiancé's band were also playing at the event and Leona had decided to come too! It wasn't until a few days before that we even realised we were both going to be there! Plus, for once Harps wasn't working so he came too! We had a great time squinting at the bravies walking on 550 degree heat (eh-no thanks) and dog watching. We also realised that Harps and Leona are basically the same person- which is what magnetically attracts me to them both ;-)...So I hereby christen...Harpona! (sounds like a dodgy shark film?) Harpona actually knew each other before I knew either of them (which is so weird to think of!) But basically I stole them from each other and now they're allowed contact once in a blue moon (it's more that Harps is rubbish at being free) By some magical luck, we ended up spending Tuesday together too! 

So there you have it. Pretty perfect ey? Pretty thankful for last weekend. As always thanks to Lisette for not only inspiring me to be more thankful, but CERTAINLY inspiring me to make those yummy brownies! (I'm going to try tomorrow!) And to Leona for all of the above.

Love Sophie xx