How about sending a glittering interactive hologram message into the London night sky and in the process help Macmillan Cancer Support continue their precious work?
Sprinkling some magic over the capital’s skyline, Light Sky sees the glamorous Amanda Holden team up with npower to help raise funds for the cancer charity. She kicked off the Christmas campaign by sending the first message, one of love, into the sky at the Southbank Observation Point.
If you are in the area, pop in and talk to one of the friendly guys over there – you can donate, send your own message and watch the beautiful spectacle illuminate the sky. If you are not in the capital, you can still spread love, support and hope by going to npower.com/lightsky.
Sent in person or online, the message will be projected among London’s landmarks and you will get a video of it via email, to share and treasure.
I was very lucky to be part of the launch during a cold, but cheerful, evening and Amanda, who looked amazing in red, said she felt “privileged to be a part of this campaign; Macmillan Cancer Support is a great charity which provides crucial support for people affected by cancer” and urged people to take part.
As one of the first to do so, I (made my donations and) shared two messages; one to my beloved grandfather, who passed away last month in Brazil, and it shone up in the sky the way I am sure he is shining now.
As I had no time to say my goodbyes and hadn’t seen him in a while, I wanted him to know he will forever be with me.
The second message was to my aunt, to echo as her optimism, strength and hope through very recent tough times with surgeries and waiting for biopsies results.
As she is also in Brazil, I want to reinforce that she is supported, loved and I am adding to the hope everything will be alright.
MacMillan Cancer Support does amazing work with people affected by cancer, be it practical, emotional and personal support. They are there during treatment, to help with work and money worries, and listen when people need to talk about their feelings.
MacMillan does not receive any government funding, so every donation counts towards keeping their fantastic work going.
One in two people are likely to get cancer in their lifetime and, not wanting to play the scare card and more putting things into perspective, the support of a charity like Macmillan would probably keep someone like me, who has been living alone in a foreign country for many years, stronger and more hopeful to fight through such a difficult time, should that happen.
And npower, which is putting on the stunning light show, is a long-standing partner of Macmillan, helping people affected by cancer to keep warm without worrying about the costs.
Take part sending as many messages as you can; the suggested donation is £4 per message. Not only will they light up the sky and the heart of your loved ones, but will also be helping those affected by cancer. How amazing is that?
Head off to the Southbank Observation Point in London (58-72 Upper Ground, Gabriel’s Wharf, SE1 9LT) between 5pm-10pm or get online at npower.com/lightsky.
Now, why not, this Christmas, give the gift of good skin?
Perfect for this time of the year and multitasking, this kit will cater for many skin concerns. You can also layer the masks – when I say this is a super muilti-tasking kit, I mean business!
Primark always delivers on the Christmas jumper (and great price tag) front. Although there are many great ones (even a little santa/elf dress), I have to go for this little black jumper. With a Christmas tree. WHICH LIGHTS UP. £16.
Topshop keeps it stylish with this pretty metallic star jumper which won’t look out of place after Christmas. £55.
I love a naughty jumper and Missguided always have one. This is £18.
A few cute ones over at ASOS, including pretty pastel plus size ones. My pick goes to the mistletoe (£18 on sale).
If you are looking for classy Xmas jumpers, head to next; I picked this Christmas pudding (£26) one, which is just too adorable!
Talking about classy ones, how about this polar bear (£25) number from River Island in non-christmassy black grey and pink? So cute!
Love? I’ll have my share in wine, thank you very much. Matalan (£15) said it!
This Peacocks number is telling us exactly what we want to hear: calories don’t count at Christmas (£22). It is a long line jumper so can double up as a dress.
I could not resist adding this pretty nerdy fox one from Whispering Smith & Bravesoul at Amazon (£18.50-20).
Also too cute too pass is this loved up reindeer jumper from New Look (14.99). Everyone: aaaaaw <3.
Finally, George at Asda has come up with this sparkly fairy festive jumper (£12). So popular that is only available is larger sizes now, but I would probably buy and wear oversized!
Who remembers last year’s furore about the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar? At a very affordable £35, when you spend £35 on non-food items, the 2015 calendar delivered great value.
And the “Christmas tree of love” (ok, I made it up) shape? How amazing will that look in your home in the run up to Christmas?
Now, the deal is the same. You get over £250 worth of beauty products, covering skincare, makeup, hair, body and nails for £35 when you spend £35 in non-food items.
What my favourites are, you ask? Well… I have to say it is hard to pick… My top three are (drumroll)..
Eyeko Skinny liner – a fabulous pen eyeliner that changed my life and ignited my love of pen eyeliner. It’s super black, precise and durable. Enough said.
Alpha H Liquid Gold – a resurfacing “all-in-one” product dubbed the overnight facial is a quick fix for skin. I love Alpha H, so was very happy to see this in the calendar. The miracle product for the party season (I may have put it back on the calendar on day 1, maybe).
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse – a multi-use oil for face, body and hair, it is a blend of six precious oils. Delicious! And fab for winter skin.
I can’t leave out the M&S Autograph nail polish in Cranberry, which is super festive and fabulous, exclusive for the calendar.
Only recently the air started smelling like Christmas. This is a weird time of the year for me. I love Christmas, but I grew up having tropical Christmas: super hot with thunderstorms. And I miss my family.
Shake your tinsel, Missguided, £22
Happy Pug-Mas, ASOS, £20
Robin, Primark, £12
Elfie Selfie, H&M, £14.99
Gingerbread man, Primark, £14
Elf, Matalan, £20
Certainly I am not the only one that wished I had a lovely place to get changed after work to head off to a party. This festive season, Topshop gives you just that.
So Many Lovely Things 