The Christmas Party - Vlogmas 2024 - Ep 8

[@Janeknitsoninsta]

When you said “shall I try a hair band?” I could literally hear everyone shouting “YES” at the screen lol. You looked great btw and glad you had a fun time. 💃

[@the_busy_beaver_brooke]

I did lol

[@stephanienorwicz1366]

You looked amazing in your dress and hair! And wait - was that the girl with anxiety singing in front of everyone at the party...you go girl!!! I am having my 62nd birthday today and have struggled with anxiety my whole life but didn't recogonize the need to do something about it until much later in life so the fact that you are working on it now is huge! Thank you for sharing your story and letting people know this is a real struggle and they are not alone. 💞

[@annastephenson351]

Ah, my lovely friend, I'm not sure you know how much sharing your vulnerability is helping others, but just reading these comments from other people makes me so proud to call you my friend. The vlogsmas 2024 Laura has grown and learnt so much about who she is since vlogmas 2022 Laura, but still including those wobbles, those moments of vulnerable anxiety shows us all that we are all only human and that it's ok to have those moments then be brave enough sing your heart out to Sabrina Carpenter infront of her husbands colleagues! Keep doing what you're doing, because honesty, you're awesome ❤

[@wooling.around]

What always helps me when I’m anxious about what to wear or how i look is to try and remember what everyone who is saw yesterday was wearing or how their hair/makeup looked. 9/10 times I can’t remember anything and the 1/10 times I can it’s always something positive about someone’s outfit. This helps me tons when I’m anxious about being under/overdressed or wearing something “weird” 😊

[@katyarncrafts]

Oh Laura I wanted to give you a hug so bad! But you didn’t even needed a hug. You pulled yourself out of the spiral like a super pro! Lady, you can be so proud of yourself! ❤ Btw: the final flick, the headband, the earrings and the red lipstick was everything! 🤩 And the karaoke beast was back! 🤗

[@heatherrohrs728]

Laura! We don't even know each other and im so proud of you! I teared up a little even. As mom's i think we try so hard to make everything perfect for everyone else that when we try to do something for ourselves and it doesn't go right it just knocks us down. Yor recovery was amazing and you looked beautiful! Merry Christmas!

[@alydamarincovich5704]

honestly keeping busy on high anxiety days is so real, like I always get really anxious whenever one of my loved ones is flying long haul and so the last time my boyfriend came to visit me (he's in Ireland and I'm in America) my best friend and I went to ikea so I didn't have time to obsess and worry, like I kept my mind and my body busy and it helped so much!

[@Aquietlyfrugallife]

Sparkly Laura is a celebration of the hard work of the past year. May you remember that as the forefront memory of this Christmas party. Cheers to you my darling! You're a blessing. Never forget that.

[@mollyskattberg]

Oh my goodness the feeling of preparing all day to not be anxious and trying sooooo damn hard only to feel all the pressure pile up at the end of the day and have all the feelings come bubbling up. SO RELATABLE. It's the worst ever cause I work so hard to take care of my mental health and handle my anxiety in a healthy way. I try all day to really take care of myself it still doesn't work. I guess the brain just isn't that simple. Just another reminder that you're not alone and you are doing a lot of people a favor in showing these moments to remind them too of the fact that others have funky brains too!

[@yashimi]

I know this was a deeply personal moment for you and you allowed us in and I wish I could give you a big hug. I had tears watching you pick yourself up and go do The Thing. I know it's tough and as women I feel like we have so much to juggle sometimes we just need a quick cry and then a little pep talk. It's very nice to not feel alone in that way so I appreciate how honest you are, especially at Christmas when the amount of work just takes me out.

[@vickifenlon2235]

That crumpet looks like half an English Muffin…glad you've worked through your recovery and are now ready to go to the party.

[@rachelcole9628]

Laura, you are such a strong person! I’m so glad you allowed yourself to be vulnerable to share your struggles on camera. I connected so strongly with this vlog. I do not struggle with anxiety but I am a musician and I constantly put this high standard on myself that is unrealistic. I have loved watching your growth this past year and I’m so proud of you.

[@stitchedscorpio]

wow Laura, i’m crying after watching you work through the spiral over your hair, I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so seen. anxiety has had me by the throat for my entire life. I didn’t get an anxiety diagnosis until 18 and ADHD at 22. I’m still learning and unlearning everyday but your channel has been a safe space for the past two years. thank you for sharing 🥹♥️

[@knitwithjo]

Sending big hugs your way! I've been there before, sat in front of my mirror overwhelmed with anxiety, blaming my hair... you're not alone - and thanks for reminding me I'm not alone either. I'm so proud of you for all you've learned in the past few years and put into practice to help when these feelings arise. And you looked fabulous with the headband and red lip!

[@MarySmith-hu3sk]

I ❤ you Laura!! You’re so brave to share yourself with all of us. Thank you for being so vulnerable and real. You helped a lot of us. You are amazing. I have 2 words - THE DRESS!! You looked/are just beautiful. The headband sealed the deal. 💕

[@joannachessell1833]

Oh Laura, my heart dropped for you when I saw your face while you were struggling to decide what to do with your hair, and your anxiety took over. People stopped asking me to go out and socialise a very long time ago because I would get so stressed, I’d cancel last minute or be an absolute nightmare. It’s so hard sometimes isn’t it? You’re bravery with carrying on and not giving into it is inspiring. You looked an absolute picture by the way ❤

[@debbiet0719]

Oh Laura, I can relate to your anxiety so much. I cried with you because I completely understand your feelings. You looked absolutely amazing!

[@aimeeo4948]

Laura thank you for being so vulnerable! For the first time my husband is working at a place that is having a proper big holiday party and I have been so anxious about it! Seeing you go through all the feels allowed me to do the same and to know that if you can do it then I can do it too! Thank you! ❤

[@RachelBearn]

Oh Laura my love, I wish this had been live. Would have jumped in the car and come and given you a huge hug! I know this feeling so well. You are so brave for sharing it. It’ll help so many of us to know we aren’t alone facing things like this. You look absolutely gorgeous and I hope you had a wonderful time at the party ❤️

[@_laurapenrose_]

Thank you dear!!! It was hard to watch it back this morning but I’m glad I shared it, it makes me feel less alone too!!! Xxx

[@laurienowland8584]

Laura, I think we can all relate to your feelings right before the party. Thanks for being real with us. I hope you had a wonderful time! You looked fantastic!

[@meepiecrafts7799]

Thank you Laura for showing everyone how anxity holds your thoughts. I felt very seen

[@hollecreates]

Thank you for sharing your anxiety spiral with us. It’s very easy to just edit that out but thank you for letting us be with you. The headband and red lip is an iconic combo.

[@lorishockley3891]

You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever “met”. Make up, no make up, straight hair, curly hair, dressy clothes, grubby clothes - I’m always in awe because your beauty is both within and without!

[@aptps5594]

I’ve been in that state of anxiety so many times. You have the tools to get through, and the courage to share it. Sending you many hugs, it’s a hard thing to live with, but you are doing it beautifully ❤

[@stxschoolhouse]

I truly appreciate this very honest video. I feel the same. Sometime this one thing will just grab on and not let go and there’s nothing you can do except deep breath and let the moments pass. I feel this so so much. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability❤

[@josiejocreates]

I can relate to anxiety spirals over things that you don’t want to be spiraling about ❤️ sending prayers and love and well wishes 💕

[@lyndabethell3471]

The crumpets! One of my fave breakfasts in winter. I have mine crispy with lashings of butter and honey. I eat my croissants the same way. Delicious. You looked lovely for the party. ❤

[@mrsshep18]

Laura, girl you are gorgeous inside and out, with or without your makeup or hair done! I love watching your videos, because you aren't trying to be someone or something you are not. You are just you, and I think you are beautiful and amazing! I'm so happy you had a beautiful night, you looked stunning. You are so strong, and resilient, you truly are an inspiration!

[@Liz.Green789]

Good for you. Your headband was just right. I hope you had a great time. Cheering you on in all things. See you Thursday. You deserve the break.

[@KnitsByNayla]

Proud of you for working through your struggles and so appreciate your vulnerability as always! If you can, so can we. ❤ Also the final look was absolutely lovely!! I love the headband and the red lip and the flips were so cute!

[@HJKFantasie]

Thank you for sharing your spiral moment with us. I know that was a lot to share, but it's something so many of us can relate to. I have been in those moments myself many times before and we are not alone! And it's okay!

[@claireturley2012]

I just wanted to reach into the screen and give you a hug. Thank you for your honesty and you looked beautiful. ❤

[@bernbee1679]

Well done Laura, great job working through 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Crumpets with loads of butter and either honey or the dreaded Vegemite for me and it has to be crispy not soft😊 and a crumpet is nothing like an English muffin for those thinking it looks like muffin 😀. I hope you had a fabulous time at the party 🥳🎊🎉. Ps I loved ALL the hairstyles 😉

[@ellenhenrie4826]

Another member of the anxiety herd over here (and serious introvert). I appreciate you being so open about your feelings. In my life now, I don't have much cause to get glammed up - thanks for the vicarious ups and downs of the process! The headband and red lip - def yes!

[@lisaporch8922]

Awwww good job working through all of that 😊😊❤. In the end you were doing karaoke what in the world lol. Bravo!!!! The red lips sealed the deal!!!!

[@IledeMontagne]

I'm so proud of you Laura! Even though you doubted yourself and was so scared to go the party, you went anyway and had fun! I hope you had a restful Wednesday and are feeling more confident now that you've done the hard thing ❤

[@hillaryc7661]

❤❤❤ Thank you for sharing how you are feeling.

[@thejunkdrawerhobbyist]

OKAY KARAOKE QUEEN!!! 👏 proud of you. anxiety sucks and we are all there with you on that one. this episode was so real and i felt that with you. thanks for keeping all the real bits in the episode, it helps more than you know.

[@ClickityStitchWitch]

Thank you for always being so human and genuinely real. It's refreshing and so relatable. ❤ Hope you had a magnificent time at the party. You look absolutely stunning 😘

[@Corinnethepooh]

Thanks for being so vulnerable to show this. I appreciate it. I too have these moments. So crazy what the brain can do. You know it’s not being logical, but then again it happens anyway! Hope you had a fun party!

[@SüßerRoterPunkt]

Oh Laura, I felt your struggle! ❤ Being an AuDHDer myself what really helped me was to unterstand the importance of crying/sweating in these situations as it is a chemical reaction of our body to get rid of all the stress hormones which our body accumulates over these kind of days. Wearing a bracelet with "I cry a lot" on it helped embrace crying even more. 😄 Admitting and more importantly allowing myself that I will most likely have a meltdown right before we have to leave the house also often helps to reduce the pressure beforehand. The reasons for the meltdowns may seem irrelevant to others but little things like hair or makeup or whatever can mean everything to me that specific moment.

[@_laurapenrose_]

I need one of those bracelets 🤣 or a T-shirt 🤣

[@thewoollycloset]

You did so well!!❤ be proud my girl, you did it. Gorgeous!

[@JaneBrazier]

Gosh I watched that and just wanted to reach out and give you a big hug!! 🥰 Hope you had a super time.

[@jennifermugridge3152]

YES to everyone’s comments…I’m so glad you’re here Laura, sharing it all, and normalizing these feelings. So proud of you for working through the emotions, it’s such hard work (and the karaoke?!? Amazing 🤩 👏🏼) Sending hugs ❤

[@victorialmarks]

Long time watcher here kudos for being vulnerable here and also, wow just look how far you have come. You looked fab and love the hair do you've inspired me to try something new. X

[@Bookupied]

Thank you for sharing such real moments ❤️ i’ve felt like breaking down almost everyday for two weeks now but just can’t let myself do it, which i know will only make things worse but i’m too afraid of not ”staying strong” 💩

[@_laurapenrose_]

There is strength in listening to our needs and ‘giving in’ to them is not ‘giving up’. Big hugs to you and I hope this phase passes for you soon and you have some support to help you through! Xxxx

[@Bookupied]

@@_laurapenrose_ ❤

[@splibragirl]

My MIL is Welsh and we eat "crumpets" as she says as well (in US English muffins) with rarebit (a yummy beer cheese sauce) day after Thanksgiving with a little turkey on top of the crumpet covered in the cheese! Yum. I totally agree with needing them to be super toasty as well. Also, you are managing beautifully while talking through the anxiety. I feel it so strongly. I try not to make a final decision with my hair until I've put on my outfit so I can see what it will look like with the clothes which always makes it look different. You got this!!

[@knittingwithlizandaustin]

I struggle with anxiety in a very similar way and have come a long way with the help of therapy, like you have. You look stunning!! I love the little hair curl. So cute! ❤️

[@michelleg3452]

The party looked so fun! You are allowed to have anxious thoughts and feelings. They are all valid feelings! Thank you for sharing💗

[@chris112233ish]

Headband…a big yes. You are gorgeous & your personality only improves your looks. And most of us can relate to all of it.

[@LaurenMae13]

Laura ❤❤ When I say my heart JUMPED when I saw you doing karaoke at the end - wow. Your ability to fight through the hard times and tell your brain who’s boss is inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us all xo

[@heidibirkby]

I really felt it when you said that you could feel yourself coming back after your spiral, such a familiar feeling. You looked beautiful and it was so amazing to see you singing at karaoke! ❤️

[@mlea79]

I just wanted to say I remember this moment last year and please take the time to realise how far you’ve come ❤ massively change xx

[@christinemccoy5237]

It appears there is an editing error .... I could not hear you sing Karaoke and have a feeling you knocked it out of the park!!!! You looked stunning. Hope you had a blast!

[@_laurapenrose_]

Can neither confirm nor deny quality of karaoke performance, I’m too scared to listen back to it 🤣🤣🤣

[@lindseywhite3371]

You looked fab-u-lous! I'm glad you felt good in the end, and you were able to go and have fun. I do this every time I have to go anywhere, and I agree, that's why anxiety sucks so much, it's completely illogical! If I find the secret to dealing with it I'll be sure to let you know xx

[@carolehines6738]

You look smashing, Laura! Have a grand time!

[@hstahlbrandt]

You are absolutely amazing!! ❤

[@hirzst]

You look beautiful. The hair, cat eye, and red lips completed the look.❤

[@teresawagoner1469]

As someone who has always been impatient; seeing you deal with anxiety gives me more empathy for my many friends who have ADHD, depression and anxiety. Also the hair part is seriously a thing! I have very curly hair and know that the middle part does not work unless you straighten your hair ( which I can't be bothered ever to do). I tried when it was really popular the last few years and was like "oh no" 😂

[@heleneryde]

20:03 Sweet sweet Laura❤️ I know how you feel❤️ you are gorgeous!!!! My experience is that the hair always ends up in a bun anyway but I always stress about it none the less😅 sending you lots of love ❤️🥰

[@clairedeare1139]

Thank you for sharing your anxiety struggles- the more we normalise dealing with it the better. Well done for how you handled a tricky day. You looked gorgeous by the way 💕

[@Bub5257]

You looked fabulous Laura. ❤

[@camillelong431]

Ahh, today in therapy I was talking about my anxiety with similar situations. Thank you for sharing this, I know how hard it must be to put this out there. I also laughed out loud when you said “guess who forgot to prioritize eating” because that totally happens to me too on days when I have do get ready and go somewhere. ADHD woo! Loved the happy ending 💕 thanks again for the lovely vlogmas!

[@saraw8503]

Thank you for being real.

[@RosieAustin-d5l]

Merry Christmas and Happy New year Laura Penrose I've suffered with anxiety nearly 18 years we love your KZbins and Think your honesty is so brave & courageable we love them have a fun festive time x

[@JenniferRoughOut]

20:03 big big hug! ❤

[@juliestone8302]

Love the red lip 💄 you looked stunning all glammed up. Hope you had a lovely time x

[@scrapperchris6461]

Crumpets are wonderful ! In my area of US they are hard to find… our option is an English muffins! You looked beautiful and I’m so proud of you for doing Karaoke, your voice is beautiful so I’m sure it was a treat for the crowd! Thank you for sharing your struggles… it’s ver encouraging to many!

[@rhipugh4655]

O hunny ❤❤❤❤❤ sending you lots of healing thoughts

[@annettemonty7350]

Sing away!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@suzanneagnesmichaud6093]

I've only been following a couple of Vlogs this season, (just 2) and keeping it real with your feelings has kept me returning 😊 I've been like you, with anxiety, I understand 🥰 P.S. you looked so lovely (and adorable) for the party!❤

[@amandafryar7168]

❤❤❤❤

[@kendrawheeler314]

Amazing work Laura!!! 🎉❤

[@katituulenkari6331]

❤

[@mariemcloughlin5125]

🥰

[@janinef66]

Oh bless your heart Laura. I am exactly the same as you and I feel your pain! I have never been diagnosed but I know I am neurodivergent AND I teach kids with special needs so I see all those traits every day. Ps I also have hair that won’t do what I want it to 😩

[@helenlayley]

I am loving the Hans christian Andersson calendar. The colour mixes are just so pretty and l am trying so so hard not to Google for either the calendar or anyone selling the skeins off! I live 'just over the bridge' from Copenhagen and l quite often teach fairy tales/folk tales in my English classes. It rather feels meant for me . . .

[@jilliankonig2759]

Hope you enjoyed yourself at the Nativity and at the party. I now believe simplest is best - after trying to make my hair do something it doesn't want to do, my feet not wanting to be in heels, an outfit that is uncomfortable. Most of the time, people will remember you fondly if you paid attention to them and made them feel good, not what you were wearing. You don't need the approval of people who would be focused on superficial things. You are worthy of true friends and the warmth of others.

[@mindykannon4650]

Awe, I understand anxiety…..you need to take the F’ it attitude. 8-). You hair is classically beautiful as you are. Your make-up is awesome. I find when I feel vulnerable, it helps to get grrr, force myself to pretend I am tough and force myself to say F’ it! Gets easier everytime as you said - no one will judge your hair or your looks! Have fun! That they will remember! Whoohoooo

[@lorainelockwood9359]

You looked stunning! I need to know what you sang ???? Go Laura! 😘

[@_laurapenrose_]

Thank you! I sang Taste by Sabrina Carpenter! X

[@lorainelockwood9359]

@ must admit had to look it up but great song (and video 😬) xx

[@_laurapenrose_]

Epic video 🤣🤣🤣

[@rhipugh4655]

Have you tried crumpets in the air fryer it is amazing

[@_laurapenrose_]

OMG No I haven’t! Will try that today!!

[@janice234]

We call crumpets "English muffins"

[@_laurapenrose_]

They’re different things!! We have English muffins too and they aren’t bubbly like crumpets, more of a bread texture!

[@janice234]

@@_laurapenrose_ Oh okay! I always learn something new from you Laura! : )

[@BostonMelG]

❤