A few years back, I decided to give up making New Years Resolutions because no one really ends up sticking to them (unless of course you have amazing self control which unfortunately I do not), so my only resolve was to change my perspective. I chose to reflect rather than project and to dwell on the positives and the achievements we have made. 

I have always started my post with my favourite quote of the year and so the quote for 2014 has to be:

"We didn't realise we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun".

So here are my Reverse Resolutions for 2014.

1. I built a business. Not just a hobby or "something to keep me occupied", an actual business that is well regarded and respected. *sounds fanfare*. I realise I am polishing my own halo but it has taken a long time to build the business to something I can be proud of and well, I am proud.

2. I have helped other small businesses grow too. I have worked with some fabulous companies and can actually say I love working in social media, despite our friends at Facebook and their "friendly" algorhythm changes.

3. I lost half a stone. Post baby weight (and admitedly 3 years late) but with our wedding on the horizon, I was compelled to get into shape, thank goodness for juicing.

4. We got married! After years of being together, a house, a baby and everything in between, we got married. This was a huge thing for me (and him obviously) and it was the best day of the year.

5. I stopped worrying and started enjoying. That meant not taking photographs of every single moment for instagram or creating the perfect blog post image and if I don't write a blog post every day, every week or even for a month if I choose too, I am not going to worry about it.

Because, I am having fun and making memories as I go .....

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Christmas crept up on me this year, don't get me wrong I was obviously insanely organised (as usual) but after our wedding it was suddenly Christmas and we were watching festive TV rather than the usual box sets and sport.

Sport features quite heavily in our social calendar and whilst I wouldn't have necessarily called myself a sport widow, I have been known to be evicted from my lounge when the lads come round to watch the latest UFC. I am not sure if I am more put out to being moved out of the lounge or whether it is more to do with missing out on the men in shorts (those on the TV not in my lounge you understand).

So what does a girl need when she is relegated upstairs while the boys are deciding whether the man in the red shorts is going to tap out or whether the man in the blue shorts is skilled in thai kick boxing (!!), well Betfair kindly sent me this hamper to pamper myself with while the male testosterone levels reach new highs downstairs.

It has everything a girl needs, including a hot chocolate drink that apparently the tween neeeeeeeeeeeds. One of my favourite things about my gorgeous Pamper Parcel though, is the ability to pass it on as a random act of kindness to some one else who may just need a little pick me up.

So next time it is his friends wife's turn to host the UFC male viewing evening, I shall certainly be passing the pampering mantle onto her but in the meantime, I shall look forward to running a bath, lighting a candle and making indulging in a small chocolate drink (just don't tell the tween!).

So we say goodbye to Christmas TV and it is back to normal ..... anyone for UFC?

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It's just a few days away now, but there's still time to spoil your loved ones this Christmas. If you don't want to resort to a boring old pair of socks for Dad or an impersonal bath set for mum, there are a few alternative Christmas gift ideas that you could consider this festive season. Here are some I've given and received over the years that have always been a hit.

A personalised dinner set

A new dining set is always a gift gratefully received, particularly for newlyweds – but you can deliver yours with a twist. Today you can now purchase dinner sets which come complete with names inscribed on plates, cutlery and more. These are perfect for couples, who will appreciate the 'his n hers' theme, or even better for families – consider putting nicknames on each plate to raise a few laughs.

A new bed set

It's one of those essentials that we often neglect, but there's no reason not to pamper ourselves with a new bed set if we're given one for Christmas! Again, the perfect gift for newlyweds, or perhaps even those with a new baby, a new bed set shows that you care about your loved ones' comfort – with so much to choose from online, such as those at bedstar.co.uk, this one will delight all audiences.

A moon estate

This one is perfect for all those weird and wacky friends you have. Did you know it's actually possible to purchase a piece of land on the moon? Thanks to the folks at Moon Estates, your loved one can receive the deeds to areas of land on the moon, and now, more recently, Mars and Venus. The recipient will be given an official deed to the land – it's the visiting their new home that's the hard part!

A lesson in a new activity

Has your loved one expressed an interest in learning to cook, play a musical instrument, or finally booking those driving lessons? Purchasing him or her lessons in their chosen field will give them the push they need to finally achieve their dream. There are countless musicians, for example, who say their career began when their parents bought them a new guitar – the same could happen for your significant other!

A historical collectible

Perhaps your loved one is something of a history buff – so why not get them something they'll really enjoy which is also highly valuable? NYT Store has a huge range of collectibles from vintage books to microphones, coins and even newspapers.

So maybe if you have someone who hasn't written that all important list to Santa, these might be some alternative options for you!

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