1. Spread The Christmas Cheer

​Christmas is a time for giving and what better way than by singing carols from the roof tops! As a Patron of Breathe AHR I sing regularly at Guys' and St Thomas' Hospitals and the Christmas concerts are my favourite. For some of the patients it is the only time they will hear festive music and so they love to have a little singalong. Yesterday I met a wonderful patient who told me “I had a chemo appointment today and you have made my day” - as far as I am concerned that is a job well done! Music is here for everyone's enjoyment!
If you have the opportunity - sing in your local choir, attend a carol concert and if you cant do that a simple “Merry Christmas” will do.

2. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate!​

There's no better way to kick-start the festive season than by decorating your home. For me, personally decorating the tree is a wonderful highlight and such a special moment.  I also love Christmas garlands and Christmas candles to get you in the mood. Pinterest is a great way to get ideas a styles. Here are some of my decorations for inspiration.

3. Bake Bake Bake

Although I am a terrible cook I do love to bake and there is nothing better than having the smell of cakes, biscuits and other sweet treats from the oven, go around the house. Its a great thing to do with family, friends and of course children. If you can't be bothered to bake from scratch, why not buy a pre-made gingerbread house and just decorate it. It also makes for a wonderful decorative piece around the house.

For all of those readers who feel inspired to have a go, here is a very simple shortbread recipe from my Uncle Dave that I use all the time now:​

 4. Loved Ones

Christmas is the best time to catch up with loved ones as life often gets so incredibly busy throughout the year and these simple pleasures can get lost. Just for a change, how about instead of buying friends and family a gift why not  give each other an experience - with so many wonderful things going on there are plenty to choose from. Here are some of my favourites:​

Christmas Afternoon Tea
Ice skating at Somerset House
West End Show - A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Market

As most of you know I was the first classical singer to sing the National Anthem at Wembley Stadium four times in one year. Since then I have sung at various stadiums around the country however I always had a dream to sing at Twickenham Stadium and last month with the help of Marie Curie that dream came true.

The evening was held to raise funds for a charity close to my heart - Marie Curie, who provide care to people with cancer and the terminally ill.  I was asked to perform on the pitch, which was such an honour, in front of guests including talkSPORT’s Georgie Bingham, Bill Beaumont CBE, John Spencer and Roger Lewis.

If you would like to read more about Marie Curie's Great Rugby Dinner and the incredible job they do. Check out the following link: ​https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/charity-events/corporate-events/rugby-dinner

Please also check out my version of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" and make sure you tweet about it! @coylenatalie

It's match day and with the clock ticking, fans wait nervously to see if the England Rugby team can make our dreams come true and win their match against Australia. A victory will get England through to the quarter final while a loss will bring with it shattered dreams for fans as their team are kicked out of contention for the Webb Ellis Trophy!
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Please share your support by Tweeting / Facebook-ing the link below:

Lets make sure England knows we are supporting them tonight and share my version of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot"

Twitter:

@EnglandRugby
@CoyleNatalie
#CarryThemHome
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England will be playing Australia tonight at 8pm at Twickenham Stadium which you can watch on ITV!!

We were extremely lucky to have the sun come out after a day where I thought the rain would never stop!  It was just as well, as Royal Salute (a whisky founded in 1801 in Aberdeen, Scotland and worth having a sip) had organised for each guest to have a hamper and enjoy a wonderful picnic which included a lot of cheese! (My favourite). 

 

Fashion Tips for Polo Watching
 
Avoid high heals - Unless you are a pro at walking in heals on grass - try to avoid. Try instead to stick to wedges, flats or thick heels.
 
Elegance - Whether you are wearing a skirt, dress or jeans think 'elegance'. Try to avoid neon colours! (Never a good look unless you are a traffic cone!)
 
Be Comfortable - This is key for me, I wore a long skirt from L K Bennett which comes in at the waist but also covers my wobbly bits and the skirt allows me to eat cheese and scones!!!  

My Outfit - L K Bennett Skirt, H&M basic top, Toms sunglasses, Kurt Geiger Shoes

For those of you who don't know what the Duke of Edinburgh's Award entails it consists of the following:

• Volunteering - I worked in the British Red Shop charity shop.

• Skill - Singing

• Physical - Aerobics/ Gym

• Residential - I went to Lourdes to look after disabled people for a week.

And of course the expedition which consists of 5 days of walking and camping.

I went to Andorra and hiked the mountains, camped on snow peaked mountain tops and met some friendly mountain goats who insisted on sharing our food lol. Duke of Edinburgh shaped my life and allowed me to experience life skills I never would have tried otherwise.

The Big Day

I arrived at St James's Palace and was given a private tour of some of the state rooms which were incredibly beautiful and interesting, it was amazing to see Henry VIII's fireplace. I then met the other presenters who were Mr Alan Hinkes, Mountaineer, Phoebe Smith, Editor of Wanderlust, Naga Munchetty, BBC News Reader, Mr Robert Lindsay, Actor, Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, Former MP and Minister of State/Writer and Broadcaster, Felicity Kendall CBE, Actress.

It was now time to give my speech to a rather large room filled with Gold Awardees and their parents about my journey from Duke of Edinburgh's Award to Wembley Stadium and how the Awards had changed my life. After giving my speech I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak to the Gold Awardees about where they travelled to and their achievements. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh then came to speak to the Awardees about their achievement and where they had all been on their expeditions; it would appear all around the world.   Once he had spoken to all of the Awardees the Duke of Edinburgh and myself had a wonderful conversation about my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, singing the national anthem and performing around the UK. He thanked me for giving up my time to join him.

Please see below photos taken at the award ceremony at St. James's Palace

Over the last year I have considered writing a blog however due to various reasons; being dyslexic, being worried about lack of things to say and having the time. I figured after being asked by numerous girls while touring about singing, music, make-up and fashion. I figured I would give it a go!!

So here goes, if you have any questions make sure you contact me on the contact page and I will make sure I answer all your questions.....

Lots of Kisses
Natalie
xxx