A fabulously festive day with Jet2 Holidays.

[AD.PR] The pandemic has put a stop (or not of you're in no.10) to so many things over the last couple of years. Along with some major stoppages, something I've missed is networking events. Luckily for me a rather exciting email pinged it's way into my inbox last month. It was an invite to a fabulously festive day with Jet2 Holidays.

The thought of going to a blogging event after such a long time initially filled me with doubt, but I knew it'd be brilliant and I couldn't say yes quick enough. Especially with such a great brand!

A festive day with Jet2.

Our festive day with Jet2 was held at Headrow House in Leeds. This meant heading back down the M1 and driving back to the city I've called home for the last six years. I of course got lost along the way and ended up being late to the event, but I was welcomed with open arms.

Upon entering the venue I was greeted by Emma from Jet2 who offered mince pies, tea, coffee and mulled wine. I should have maybe gone for the mulled wine after the stress of getting lost in a one way system around the city centre, but I opted for something a little more sensible.

The event was pretty intimate with only 20 attendees. From this 20 we were split into two groups and then in half again. Our table of five included bloggers who I'd not met before. It was lovely! One of the amazing things about doing what I do is having the opportunity to meet people I wouldn't normally cross path with.

Faux calligraphy with Handmade Paper.

Our first activity was a crash course in faux calligraphy from Phylecia Sutherland, the owner of Handmade Paper. We were very kindly gifted all the tools we'd need to create Christmas baubles and gift tags for our loved ones. I've always admired how easy calligraphy is made to look. There's a real skill behind it and Phylecia has it nailed down to a tee!

She gave us really clear and concise instructions on how to 'fake it, till you make it' with calligraphy. We were given a workbook to begin with which went through how to draw each letter as well as join up a selection of festive words. From here and having a little bit of gusto behind us we then moved onto decorating our baubles. The process of drawing on a spherical shape was so much harder than it looked (and it looked pretty difficult). I found it really challenging, but actually really enjoyable too! I then moved onto creating my gift tags, something I found much easier. Thinking about it, I should really have done it the other way around!

My baubles are now taking pride of place on my tree and gift tags on the relevant presents.

I'm actually really proud of what I managed to create and have actually since carried on creating calligraphy. It's my daughter's birthday party at the weekend and all of her friends party bags have their names written on in calligraphy. They look great! Even if I do say so myself.

Cocktail master class.

The day was split up with a cocktail making masterclass from the bar staff at Headrow House. As I was driving I of course opted to make the non alcoholic mocktail which was rather festively named the Merry Berry. My mocktail was a deliciously sweet mix of cranberry juice and raspberry syrup served over ice with mixed berries and a dusting of snow (icing sugar). I'd made mine a little sweeter than suggested but it was perfect for me! Super refreshing and it of course tasted better because I'd made it myself.

Candle making with Golden Hour Co.

Our second activity of the day was candle making with Christian from Golden Hour Co. It was actually their third birthday on the day of the event so it was lovely to take part in the activities on such a special day.

Christian explained to us the candle making process as well as the meanings behind the different notes. Before the event i thought top, middle and bottom notes referred to different scent strengths. Now I know they're just how different scents are categorised. Top notes for example are usually more citrus or fruity accents that are initially detected once a scent is sprayed.

We had the opportunity to select three different essential oil scents that would make up our candles. I'm a sucker for anything sweet so opted for scents of orange, rosemary and bergamot. The rosemary was a bit of a curve ball for me, but I was so taken back with it that I couldn't not include it in my candle.

I absolutely loved the whole candle making process and am so pleased with my final product. It felt like quite a simplistic process, but I really enjoyed the science behind it all. I felt somewhat like Walter White, just without the blue crystal, you know.

Winter deals with Jet2 Holidays.

If you're looking for some last minute holidays Jet2 have got some amazing winter deals available. There's a wide range available, from winter sun destinations, ski flight and festive Christmas market city breaks. I don't know about you but I can't resist a good Christmas market! I'd love to go beck to Berlin and experience proper German Christmas markets.

Which type of holiday would you be looking for? Winter sun, skiing or Christmas markets? Tell me where you want to go.

Have you tried candle making our calligraphy before?