CHRISTMAS TIME!

Apologies for the lack of presence on here recently, the build up to Christmas is always a mad one no matter how organised you think you are. This year, my family celebrated with just the four of us as my grandparents took a trip to the states to visit my aunty and her family, and my other aunty decided to sun it up in Tunisia with her new husband.

Christmas eve was spent with many as we headed down to our church at around 5pm for the annual carol service, followed by the pub with all the locals. It's always nice on the eve before Christmas as everyone in the village is always around so it gives us chance to catch up with old friends. This year I thought Christmas day would be rather lonely with just the four of us, but its actually been really nice. As much as I miss my family who are away this year, it's been a very chilled out Christmas day! All our visitors left by 2pm, then lunch was served, shortly followed by presents and quality family time! Here's a few snaps taken over the holiday period, mostly of our beautiful displays done by my mom!

As you can see, I didn't quite make it to dessert! Boxing day is my last day off so I'll be making the most of the free time I have, then the rest of the holidays will be spent working, but for good reasons (money for the NEW YORK TRIP!!!!!)

Happy Holidays!

WANTFEED

Over the past year, I've been religiously watching Hannah Maggs' weekly vlogs with her, her husband Stefan and their baby boy, Grayson aka Squeaky G. Back in May, Stefan set up a digital platform called Wantfeed, which allows you to list items on a feed of which you plan on purchasing. One blogger described it as "a cross between Pinterest and store wish lists." The service also offers an option to add a 'want' widget to your browser, so when you browse the internet and find something to like, you can easily add it to your want feed.

I've recently set up an account and I'm already addicted, particularly because both my birthday and Christmas fall in December. Despite having a very similar concept, Pinterest and Wantfeed are completely different. Since starting uni and being a fashion student, I've come to use Pinterest in a more professional manner, pinning images which relate to my projects or as inspiration. Wantfeed on the other hand, allows me to curate a selection of desirable products, in a more casual and personal way. I almost see Wantfeed as a branch off of Pinterest, with just that little bit extra.

As a first time user, I found Wantfeed so easy to use as it's very simplistic. Despite being simplistic, it provides you with a unique user experience due to the innovative concept. In this current age, and due to the recession, most people come across times where they perhaps can't afford a lot that they want. Wantfeed enables you to store the things you like and put them to one side until payday. This is a lot easier than screenshotting items or saving links!

This service has got a lot of potential to be successful, and I also believe in helping independent/freelance businesses as much as I can. So help share the new social wanting website and meanwhile check out the Michalak family diaries over on their youtube channel!

Check out my Wantfeed @livvyhoughton