NOVEMBER 2021
LITTLESTUFF O u r fa vou r i t e ‘O o h! ’ s t u ff t hi s m o n t h
Build a cosy corner kit and give the gift of time. Love November Our seasonal best buys
The best and easiest family fruit cake comfort bake recipe.
Advent Calendars for Teenagers we’ve got ALL the good ones.
CONTENTS 06
LOVE NOVEMBER Our personal favourite finds this month
08
JOY OF AUDIOBOOKS Our top reads for the ‘99p for 3mths’ Audible special offer.
12
GIFT A COSY CORNER A little thought creates the perfect gift of time.
16
SEASON’S RECIPE Because it’s never the wrong day to bake this cake
18
ADVENTS FOR TEENS We’ve searched out the best - guaranteed to be a hit
Almost the end of November already! I know, it’s crazy - from that almost-delicious enforced pause that was 2020, life seems to be hurtling along at a wild speed at the moment. And yet - certain lessons I learned over the last 18mths or so have stayed with me. I shop more locally - having relied on our local community network during the pandemic, I haven’t totally returned to supermarket living, having learned to love milk from a local farm, and bread from a local baker. I can’t and won’t switch entirely, but if we all do a little, it helps every community thrive. Switching off I’ve also found that I’ve suffered from Overwhelm for the first time. The world’s problems feel so BIG. So I’ve learned to do what I would counsel my teenagers to do. I have stopped rolling though the doomscroll of endless bad news. I have downed tools and headed out for quick walks in fresh air to chat aimlessly with loved ones. I have trained my TikTok algorithm to show me funny animals, uplifting stories of human kindness and not much else. I’m choosing to put my energies into smaller, local projects where I really can make a difference. And I’m saying yes to exciting new projects, and goodbye to old tired ones. Oh, and I’m planting kisses and hugs on unsuspecting teenagers, and demanding affection from the world’s most independent cat.
You simply can’t beat a cosy corner at this time of year - this month we’ve been looking at how you can gift someone their own special me-time corner of peace.
LOVE NOVEMBER!
www.littlestuff.co.uk
HERE’S OUR FAVOURITES FROM THIS MONTH’S WEB WANDERINGS...
(Just go ahead and click the images to shop)
A thick, plush, velvet, stripy hot water bottle. Of COURSE we all need one. Now. Boden. £38
The timeless classic Anglepoise 90 - in a smaller USBpowered LED desk lamp form. Perfect. John Lewis, £87
Soft, knee-high, gorgeous gorgeous black winter boots from Boden. Stretchy calves, so they fit EVERYONE. Block heel is perfectly practical. I love. Boden £110
The Kate Spade New York notebook. It’s a classic. I bought this for my achingly-stylish daughter in law last year, and she was thrilled. Most intials still available, but be quick. John Lewis, £20
If you have a real fire, or often light candles, then you know the matchbox dilemma. SO ugly. I present you with the match pot. SO PRETTY! Etsy £8
Gorgeous gift set of four scented candles in adorable tins. Want. Amazon £14 Sorry, but if you’re not buying FatFace pyjamas, then you’re doing pyjamas wrong. Trust me on this. Fatface, £34 (trust me) I love this pair of handthrown pottery mugs - and that red and grey glaze is so oddly comforting, isn’t it? Etsy £17 for the pair
The Stelton EM77 Vacuum Jug won a design award in 1977. And they’ve never been out of production since. Supremely practical, but also... they just look like amazingly cool birds, don’t they? Amazon, £44 Last year’s runaway teen gift success they lived in them all winter, and have just rediscovered them. An oversized hoodie - Just do it. Also, there are lots available - these are good ones. Amazon £39
Delightful little Rose Gold And Solid Silver Robin Necklace. Perfect little winter gift Etsy £38
Will - Will Smith
Will Smith: actor, producer and musician, two-time Academy Award nominee, Grammy Award and NAACP award winner. Raw, comedic, inspirational - GQ If you read one book this year, make it this one - Jay Shetty
Dune - Frank Herbert
An adaptation fo the full novel, with a full cast reading. Terrific intro to the book for fans of the 2021 film, this is a superbly read, expertly-produced audiobook that draws the listener headlong into the world of Arrakis and the adventures of Dune.
Windswept & Interesting Billy Connolly
The funny, frank and full autobiography of the nation’s favourite comedian.
(also - Harry Potter audiobooks are over £30 each. Audible at full price is £8 per month, with a free book each month. If you take up the 99p for three months offer, then you’ll get the entire set for £33 instead of over £200...)
www.littlestuff.co.uk
Give the gift of cosy – make your own ‘cosy corner kit’.
www.littlestuff.co.uk
We all know that one person who’s impossible to buy a gift for; you want to treat them, to spoil them... but what do they really want or need? Often, it’s as simple as a little time off – so we took on a challenge from Tesco and put together a simple cosy corner kit to allow anyone to make a corner of their house a peaceful comfortable retreat. This is a paid collaboration with Tesco, who have compensated me for sharing with you the new range. All product choices, opinions, reviews and photography are my own. Contains affiliate links – which frankly just help my coffee habit.
It’s snuggle season – and if the cushion in the Cosy corner kit says it, then you must obey.
Come on now – who doesn’t want to come sit a while in the corner here? It’s so simple to do, not at all expensive – and yet sends such a strong signal that it’s okay to rest, to stop, to simply take a minute. I’m working on the principle that everyone has a seat in their home (if you don’t, you might need to leave now, and concentrate on your basics first). In
This winter’s cosy corner kit from Tesco. Yes really.
every house I know, there is ‘the unused seat’. The end of the sofa too near the TV, or the one close to the draught – the one that always surprises you with how comfy it is, because no one ever sits there? That’s the one we’re going for – let’s make it useful again. Because it might be in the dark days of winter that by gifting someone a throughtful ‘cosy corner kit’ what you are actually gifting them is permission and encouragement to sit down. To take a break; you’re giving the precious gift of time. And the ingredients in the Cosy Corner Kit gift pack? So so simple – and infinitely flexible. I went for: • soft rug • soft cushions • fluffy throw cushion • candle The idea being it’s an entire cosy corner kit – the recipient lays them out, and then can’t resist clambering in amongst them. And every time they do so, they feel looked-after, appreciated and it’s just a bit of a hug for them. First up on our cosy corner kit list is that gorgeously rich soft rug. It’s the Tesco Tartan Sherpa Throw, and it’s your big spend at £20. It’s a soft rich red tartan velour on one side,
You always know you got the cosy corner right when someone spontaneously drifts in and settles down. With YOUR book… and proceeds to mock it, obviously, whilst not actually leaving the cosy corner she just appropriated.
and the other is a textured sherpa fleece. it’s not heavy, but it’s softa nd warm and just the thing for a cosy corner sit down with a mug of tea. Next is the splash of silly – that fluffy ‘Snuggle Season’ throw cushion. It’s a bit of fun, but it’s soft, pretty, and who can resist it at £8? And actually, stack it with some other pillows and it loks stylishly enticing. You’ve got to have some fun in your cosy corner kit.
The additional cushions were selected from the Tesco Velour Cushions range – all £6, and six co-ordinating colours to select from. Cushions are an easy addition to any corner for added support, comfort and a refresh of a tired look for a new season. Pile a few cushions and you have the instant welcoming cosy factor. Last we added that all-important candle. Everyone loves a scented candle, and the Tesco range are exceptionally good value at £5 for the largest 538g size. We picked the Spiced Berries & Apple as a deliciously warm wintery scent, and it is a top choice. We actually have this burning all evening, and it never
seems to go down – it has a promised 85hrs burn time, and the scent is gentle and warming, not an overpowering one like so many candles. We spent £45 in all – but get creative and build something according to your budget. Go with something soft, warm and scented: even just one cushion and a candle would be enough to build that cosy corner feel.
• • • •
FIND THE COSY CORNER RETREAT ITEMS AT TESCO… Tartan Sherpa Throw, £20 Snuggle Season throw cushion, £8 Velour Cushions – charcoal and silver £6 each Spiced Berries & Apple 538g candle, £5
The Autumn/Winter 2021 products featured are all available in stores, subject to availability. Everything on the list is also available for online ordering and delivery with your grocery shopping, subject to availability.
Our Top Advent Calendars for Teenagers 2021 Teenagers. Occasionally a tricky beast to please. Obviously they want an advent calendar just like everyone else in the house (we all know that teens are 50% 30yr olds, 50% 6yr olds, right?). So we’ve been looking for Advent Calendars for Teenagers – they’re too old for the more traditional ‘open the door to find the cute picture or chocolate’ option (although the 50% 6yr old part secretly yearns for such things…sshhh). And of course they’re too young for the more adult offerings out there. However, we think we have come up with a great list of top Advent Calendars for Teenagers that will get more that just a grunt of joy from your teen this December. Help to make them feel appreciated and just as much a part of the seasons little traditions as everyone else this year. Although... perhaps a good idea to keep a few spare chocolates aside just in case, eh? (And when you’re done sorting the teens, be sure to click to go and see our similarly hand-selected best Advent Calendars for Grown Ups. Because YES, you deserve one too, dammit. And why shouldn’t yours contain gin, wine, posh chocolates or expensive beauty treats? It’s December, you’ll be earning it.)
W7 Beauty Blast Advent Calendar 2021 W7 are having a bit of a moment right now – and this advent calendar filled with sample sizes is a perfect introduction to their range. 24 Doors Of High Quality Makeup And Cosmetic Surprises For Christmas. ontains a wide variety of best-selling products. The selection contains the most loved and talked about products that are widely featured across social media. Buy this great value product with the confidence that all items are completely cruelty free. Selling on Amazon now for just £19.95 Eight Innovation Electronic Games Advent Calendar This one is proving SO popular, it’s selling like the proverbial cakes from the oven. I challenge your gaming teen not to be fully captured by this cool advent, all about creating and building your very own classic video games. Fun, retro, cool – and sneaking in a wee bit of education in there too when they’re not looking. The Eight Innovation Electronic Games Advent is just under £20 from Amazon, bargain! Lynx Africa Countdown, Advent Calendar Come on. Lynx Africa. CULT status. Your younger teens will unironically adore it. Your older teens will think it’s hilarious, and there’ll be bonus parent points for you. Body & Skin Care Kit, Moisturising Shower Gel & Fresh Fragrance Deodorant, everything a preening teen could possibly want. The Lynx Africa Countdown, Advent Calendar 2020 is just under £14 on Amazon Bomb Cosmetics Countdown To Christmas Advent Calendar Bath bombs. Because yes, pleasethankyou. This fab calendar is festively-filled with a selection of deluxe sample sized Bath Blasters, Mallows, Creamers and Soaps all lovingly mixed, coloured, poured, shaped and fragranced by hand. The Bomb Cosmetics Countdown To Christmas Advent Calendar is just a smidgen over £16
Marvel Funko Pop Advent Calendar Funko Pop, the coolest advents around, and this one is the coolest of the cool. 24 Marvel characters, plus a surprise for Christmas Day! From Avengers to Guardians, villains to anti-heroes, this calendar has the lot. The 2021 version is currently on Amazon for just under £45
Pukka Herbs Tea Christmas Advent Calendar 2021 Tea. That’s it really. But most teens do actually love a good cuppa, and this fab offering gives a different tea flavour for every day. Oh and they are all 100% organically grown with ethically sourced ingredients. Plus Vegetarian, kosher and non-GM too, more brownie points then! This Pukka Christmas Calender is available to buy from Amazon for just £8.99 Joe & Seph’s Popcorn Advent Calendar 2021. You gotta love some popcorn, I know it’s a firm favourite snack with the teens in our household. And, by the way, it’s way healthier than most snacks you keep in the cupboard! This offering from the fab Joe & Seph contains 24 bags in 12 different flavours. Oh, and they are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians too, win win! Sure to delight your teen, get your Joe & Sephs Popcorn calender from Amazon for just under £33 Fidget Advent Calendar 2021 The 2021 runaway winner: the fidget advent calendar. A new fidget toy every day – it’s astonishing how popular these little things are. The ideal Christmas gift for anyone over the age of 3 and a great Design for Anxiety, Focusing, ADHD, ADD, Autism, OCD, Quitting Bad Habits, etc. Helps Relieve Stress. There are eight different variations to choose from: pick yours quick before they all run out! This fab Fidget Advent Calendar is available from Amazon for under £24
The Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar 2021 HOT CHOCOLATE. Sold. 24 days dedicated to all things hot chocolate. Indulge in 12 delectable flavours, from signature classics to creative, cutting-edge concoctions, with double servings nestled in each drawer. Showcased in a glamourous star themed patterned calendar, it’s a gift that can be treasured for years to come. Get your fab Hot Chocolate Advent Calendar from Whittard for £60 VAINECHAY Christmas Advent Calendar Kids 2021 I really like this one – no plastic here, it’s all metal charms which of course are fun to use over Christmas, but many have year round bag-decorating potential. It says kids in the title, but teens will surely love it. This fab calendar includes 21 different charms, two bracelets and one necklace. All beautifully designed and crafted. The VAINECHAY Christmas Advent Calendar Kids 2021 is just under £19 on Amazon Yankee Candle Christmas Tree Advent Calendar 2021 Because when all else fails them, the scented candles will never let them down. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that EVERY teen loves a scented candle. And if you’re going to do it, do it right with The Yankee Candle Christmas Tree Collection. Fresh evergreens, delicious home baked treats and a wintry wonderland covered in snow. Yankee Candle Advent Calendar this year from Candles Direct for just over £17 Babor Beauty Advent Calendar 2021 For the more discerning beauty-obsessed teens, the talked-about ampoule calendar. 24 expert-curated ampoule assortment designed to maximize skin results over 24 days. Treat your teen’s skin to some time out and pampering with the concentrated active ingredient power of the Ampoule Intensive Treatment. From AllBeauty this fab Babor Advent Calendar has been reduced in price to just over £64