* Gemma's Thoughts and Loves *

Mini Collective haul feat. Primark, Tx maxx, Lush and a vintage find.

2013-03-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hello ♥

Today i wanted to show you a few of my March purchases i have recently picked up. I have been trying so hard to keep my spending to a minimum and even tried to give up spending for lent. As you can see from this post, I failed!

First up are my two new gorgeous purchases from TX Maxx. I love then both so much. Below is a mustard Bessie Wallet which cost £9.99. At the moment i am using a six year old leather Ripcurl wallet which unfortunately has now seen its last day. This Bessie wallet features three rows of credit card holders and a zipped coin pouch on the side. I also love how it is big enough to pass as a clutch bag. this is definitely one of my favourite finds.

This handbag was also brought in Tx Maxx. It was a little bit more money than i wanted to spend on a handbag at £29.99 but i couldn't put it back on the shelf so had to buy it. The only other bag i own is a brown cross body satchel so i really needed to buy a larger 'smart' bag. What attracted to me most about this bag was the snake skin pattern and ox blood colour. I have always loved snake skin and i think its coming back into fashion so i will be using this bag a lot. The brand is DSUK which can also be found on Brand alley but these go for £58.

From Lush i picked up two things. A Bubblegum lip scrub for £5.25 and a small piece of soap in Rock star costing £5.64. I have already shown you guys the lip scrub in a previous post and its just the best product have brought this year. The rock star soap was the only one on the lush table i was attracted to. I don't know what is it about me at the moment but I'm just really into Bubblegum scents. This may sound bad but i have left the soap in the packet because i am currently using it as a room fragrancer. Does anyone else do that? When i do get round to using it i will pop a review on here for you guys.

I also picked up a few things from Primark. I can never go into the city without going into this shop. I did well though as i resisted the urge to fill my basket with all the lovely dresses they have in at the moment. I actually only wanted to pick up some new T-shirts for my new boys but ended up buying three little things for myself. I brought a three pack of cute panda shoe liners (one missing in the pic as it is in the wash), Red flats that were in the sale for £4 and a ox blood maxi skirt also in the sale for £5.

The other day i finally received my vintage buy from Ebay. I won the bid for £10 + p&p and so so happy with this dress! I think its from the late 70s/ early 80s and is a beautiful light blue skater style dress. The pastel blues and whites are perfect colours for spring. I plan to do a post of me wearing this dress soon, but it probably wont be till the weather warms up a little.

That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed this post.

Gem xx

Ways to Follow Gemma's Thoughts and Loves

2013-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hello

This is going to be a very brief post just to give some ideas on how to follow 'Gemma's Thoughts and Loves', which I felt was needed with all the google reader drama going on through twitter at the moment. Also, I thought it might be handy to write a post with links to every single place you can read my blog through and also to say a big hello to any new followers.

If you are a new follower/ reader, Hello and welcome. I love all my readers and appreciate each and everyone of you. Without you guys i would have given up on the blogging world a long time ago. My blog is a little space of happiness, fashion, beauty and a little taste of my family life thrown in at the weekends. I do try to post everyday but sometimes real life will get in the way.

(image: we heart it)

Ways to Follow and places you can find me!

Twitter:

My Twitter handle is @gemma_stevens if you wish to come chat to me. I am currently really enjoying the #fbloggers and #bbloggers chats and have met some great peeps through there. Twitter has taken over my life and find i check it at least four times a day.

Blog Lovin:

Blog Lovin is the new GFC according to most bloggers. Twitter has recently gone mental with bloggers trying to get everyone moved over to this site. I agree that Blog Lovin is a better way to follow and read blogs. Its so much simpler to use so please seriously consider following me this way. I will love you for ever.

Facebook:

Admittedly i don't really use Facebook as often as i should do. Twitter has taken over my life but i still share any new posts through there. So if you want to know when a new post is up, Facebook is a great option.

Hello Cotton:

Hello cotton is a bit like blog lovin but instead you are able to search for specific topics of interest. I am a regular on this site as it is a great way to discover new blogs. I am under my old blog name 'Gemma's Beautiful finds' on there as i haven't figured out how to change it yet. However it still links back to my main blog.

Tumblr

I use tumblr on a regular basis. I never write anything on there as its just a photo dump for me. I share new outfit posts and love reblogging all the amazing pictures i find. I follow back anyone who follows me on tumblr. I just love this site.

So that's everywhere that you can find Me! I am hoping to start up a little shop soon on this blog too which is exciting. I also have a notebook full of new post ideas coming up. Thats new things to look forward to.

I hope this has been a useful one for you, and please consider following me through bloglovin if you already follow me on GFC. I really hope they don't shut it down. Fingers crossed!

I hope you are having amazing weekends and are looking forward to spring/ summer!

Gem x

My Amazon Wish List Part 8: Vintage Fashion Edition

2013-03-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Vintage Wapiti Printed Dress £21.99 / Mint Green pleated dress £19.99 /
Karl Lagerfeld Tee / Sodamix Vintage Dress £7.99 /
Fox Messenger Bag £4.80 / ALDO Cutri Hand Bag £50

My Giveaway is ending soon to win an Amazon gift card , please check it out.

Gem xx

A day in the city: An out fit post

2013-03-12T06:18:00.002-07:00

Dress: Primark

Scarf: H&M

Bag: Ebay

Shoes: Office

Jacket: H&M

Mint Nails: Topshop

Hello

Today i am wearing an outfit that i wouldn't normally wear. I have a few body issues so I tend to stay well clear of horizontal stripes. However, i absolutely love this dress and strangely feel it's quite flattering for my figure. I brought it last year from Primark for my honeymoon in Ibiza and never wore it, so today decided to wear it for the first time. As its so cold today and not really maxi dress weather, i had to team it with my cropped denim jacket from H&m. For a pop of colour i styled the dress with a neon pattern scarf from H&m and cross body bag from Ebay.

If you are interested in my mint nails, the varnish is from Topshop costing £5. Pastel nails have to be favourite shade to wear during spring time.

Gem xx

My Mother's Day: A lifestyle post

2013-03-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Hello ♥

Yesterday was Mother's day as you all will know. I had a really lovely day, which was all planned at short notice but very successful in my opinion. I was treated to some beautiful daffodils from my sons (above) and my hubby brought me the nicest Thornton's chocolates. How cute is the box!

Being the most forgetful couple ever, we completely forgot to send off our mother's day cards to my mother in law. We felt awful so decided at last minute to travel to the Isle of Wight to surprise her.

We took the very early morning ferry from Southampton with tired eyes and dreams of being back in our warm beds but it was going to be a fabulous day so that got us through. On our arrival, we hid from the house ready to shout surprise only to find our mum had gone to church. We were slightly too early. All was OK though, my husband's sister was home to greet us and help us prepare her gifts on the dining room table. When she did get home, her face was a picture. She was so happy to see us and to the give the boys lots of cuddles. I wish i took more pictures from this time to show you guys but it completely slipped my mind. After lots of chats, cakes, and a cuppa we decided to visit the local Owl and Monkey sanctuary as the boys have been bugging us to go for a while now. As always, it always turns into children's day rather than Mother's day. However, i am a huge monkey lover so was secretly excited about going there.

The Owl and Monkey haven were offering free entry for Mums on Mother's day which was a lovely bonus. Especially when there were six of us all together and visiting these places isn't cheap. The sanctuary was lovely though, smaller than i expected but we had a nice time. Below our a few of my snaps from the day so you can kind of get the idea of what we saw and got up to.

Sporting my new boots from Boo hoo.

We only stayed at the Monkey haven for an hour as it was so cold. I can't believe this wintry weather we have having at the moment. I guess the whole of Britain is wishing for summer to hurry up right now. We decided for our afternoon entertainment to pop to Morrison's for cakes, sandwiches and scones to create a nice high tea followed by a film. Again, i forgot to take photos of this, so sorry about that.

Overall, my mother in law and I had a lovely Mother's day. So many memories were made and cakes consumed. How did you spend your Mother's days?

Gem xx

P.s I am currently holding a giveaway. Please check it out. x

March 2013 Glossybox review

2013-03-09T03:30:00.000-08:00

Hello ☆

This morning i received my Glossybox and this months is a good one. I skipped reviewing the February box due to problems with the courier, resulting in the box not being delivered till the end of February. I felt this was too late to review, knowing that you all probably have seen what is in that box. To be honest, the contents weren't that exciting to write about.

The title of this months box is 'Get Chic with Glossybox'. The products included are based on getting that glossy, city chic look from the office to the club. The usual product leaflet is accompanied by a little paper travelling book which features tips of where to visit in many cities and also some cute stickers which i am planning to place on my travel memory box. Quite a handy little bonus in my opinion.

In my box i received five products, all of which i know i will definitely use! I am so glad i didn't cancel my subscription after last months disaster.

Tresemme Extra Hold Hairspray. For me, receiving this travel size can of hairspray couldn't come at a better time. I literally ran out of mine yesterday. Also, i am really happy with the size of this product, it is a perfect size for my handbag. Tresemme is a great brand and i have never had any dramas with their products. I am very happy with this one.

Nails Inc in Bruton Street - A classic dusty pink shade is which is a perfect sophisticated colour. Full size polishes cost £11 and so i rarely buy these but the are very good quality polishes. Will be sporting this shade for mother's day i think.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - I have read quite a few fabulous reviews about this product and have been meaning to try it for a while now. This medicated 8 hour cream can be used on lips and body, which will come in handy while the weather is still freezing cold. The ml size is pretty generous as far as samples go and I think it is the perfect handbag size.

Jelly Pong Lip Blush - The only full sized product in the box which is worth more than the entire box including p&p at £12. This is an amazing chunky crayon lip stain which is fairly similar to the ones from Revlon and Clinique. I feel the colour is a little too bright for me but will still try it out.

Juicy Couture, Couture La La. I always love to receive new perfume samples to test out. I find i tend to stick to the same ones though. Personally i am not a fan of Juicy Couture but this perfume is quite nice. The scent is a perfect light floral but slightly fruity scent and will be great for the summer months.

Overall, a great box this month. If you would like to subscribe to glossy or buy this month's box, Here is the link: Glossybox.co.uk

Gem x

P.s I am currently holding a small giveaway where you could win a £20 Amazon gift card. Check it out here: My 100 followers give-away.

A little bit of beauty on a Friday: Topshop Highlighter review

2013-03-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

Hello ☆

Happy Friday! I find it is definitely the best day of the week as you cant beat that feeling of knowing that the weekend is here. During the week i rushed into the city to pick up some art supplies for my two boys. However, being a shopaholic, i couldn't resist popping into Topshop for a quick peek at their new spring/ summer range. So many lovely outfits to swoon over! I need to win the lottery as soon as possible. Anyway, i didn't buy any clothes but instead picked up a couple of their makeup products. I brought a couple of their pastel nail polishes for £5 each, which i will review later on but today i want to talk about their highlighter which i picked up for £10. This product has been on the top of my wish list since before Christmas but i never got around to buying it for whatever reason. Knowing me it was probably the £10 price tag (yes, I'm tight).

The Topshop highlighter comes in a black sturdy box with cute kitsch stars, just like all their beauty products, which i totally love! The product itself is encased in a white, round compact which features a tight clasp which prevents any nasty spillage in your handbag. The only negative thing i can say is that the compact doesn't come with a mirror which can be a little inconvenient.

The highlighter comes in shades Crescent Moon and Sunbeam. The only one they had in stock at the time was sunbeam, so i settled with that. I wasn't upset by this, i actually love the shade but i think it will be better for summer when i have a little more tan on my face. Sunbeam is a beautiful gold highlighter with yellow undertones. It contains a small amount of glitter which leaves a glowy shimmer on your face. The product comes in the form of a powder product, but it does not feel powdery or chalky at all. It feels quite smooth and soft, and applies smoothly and easily on the skin. Only a little powder is needed for that glowy look so I foresee this product lasting me a very long time which justifies me paying the £10 for it. Also I found it to be easily applied with both a brush as well as with fingers, making it easy if I want to touch up during the day and do not have a brush on hand to do the job.

Over all, I absolutely love this product and the golden shimmer it leaves on my face. I wore it to a little gathering the other day and so many people complimented me on how healthy it made me look. I definitely recommend giving this one a try. Have you tried this product or do you use any other highlighters that you think i should try?

Hope you have a great weekend.
Gem xx

My Amazon wish list: Mother's Day edition

2013-03-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Emma Bridgewater Mothers Day Mug £32
/ Silver Oval Pink Mother-of-Pearl Drop Earrings £14.82 /
Keep Calm Travel Mug £6.90 /
Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft: 50 Craft Projects and Home Styling Advice £15 /
Yankee Candle - Strawberry Buttercream - Large Jar £17.49 /
Red Handbag £18 / Burt's Bees Essential Body Kit £8.60 /
Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely Eau de Parfum Spray for Women 100 ml £18.60 /

E-tail web stores| My In Love With Fashion Wish List.

2013-03-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hello!

As you can probably tell, I have recently signed up to the wonderful E-tail blogger network. The main reason for this was the amazing competitions they hold on a regular basis. I love creating these blog posts and really wanted to have a go at one. Their most recent competition is for In Love With Fashion where they want bloggers to select their favourite pieces and put them all together in a wish list. You can enter here if you would like a go yourselves.

Admittedly i had never heard of this lovely shop before this competition but i am really loving their collections. I found it quite hard to pick my favourite items as i literally loved everything.

Grey dress with black bow detail £32 / Blue and white skater dress £38 /

Multi colour maxi dress £44 / "In vogue we trust" tee £18 /

Coral lace skirt £30 /

All of these items are stunning and I really wish i could afford all of them. My favourite though is the multi colour maxi dress as the colour's are so bright and on trend for spring. I also should add that the little pictures i have added around my wish list are actually temporary tattoos made by Ink wear that you can buy from In love with fashion. The butterflies cost £1.49 each, the magpie on the top left hand corner costs £1.99, the cherry blossoms are £1.49, and finally the gorgeous little hummingbird ( which i own myself) costs £2.49.

Well thats my wish list and i really hope you liked it. If you want a chance to win the £200 prize yourselves then here is the link again for you to check out.

Gemma xx

A splash of Colour on a Monday.

2013-03-04T05:43:00.001-08:00

Hello

Monday's are normally the day i post an outfit of the day, but unfortunately i have fallen ill and do not feel happy about putting my face on my blog today. So, i have decided to post a quick polyvore mood board showing a few accessories i have been lusting over lately.

I find Mondays are definitely the best day of the week to wear colour as its traditionally known as a miserable day. Wearing colour will cheer you up and that will reflect onto people around you. I'm not telling you to go head to toe in colour but by wearing a few colour pop accessories like the ones above will certainly help your mood.

Sorry again for the short post and i hope you are having a lovely day.

Gem xx

Saturday on the farm: A lifestyle post.

2013-03-02T09:48:00.001-08:00

Hello

Today we visited a little farm near our home in Hampshire and thought I would share some of our family photos from our freezing but lovely day out with you guys.

Today we had a lovely day out at Millers ark farm which is just on the outskirts of Basingstoke. Although the weather is still absolutely freezing we really wanted to get out for some Saturday fresh air. We have visited Millers ark before during the last spring lambing season and we really enjoyed cuddling the new babies. As it's lambing season again we were really excited to return again this year.

As you can see from our family pictures, the farm allows a lot of interaction with the animals. Every pen had a staff member ushering you in to stroke, hold and brush the animals. This has to be our favourite part as most farms don't allow you to do this. This constant interaction makes the animals extremely friendly and tame, preventing those tears when animals have a little nip.

After all the excitement and a thorougher hand scrub, we visited the lovely heated barn they had for a sausage bap and cake. The food was so welcome as our hands were slightly frozen by this point but overall we had a really lovely day. Definitely recommend a visit if you are ever around the area.

What I wore today

Dress: New look

Cardigan: Primark

Boots: Primark

Coat: F&F

Belt: Primark

Hope you liked our pictures. We had a lot of fun cuddling some baby animals. How have you been spending your weekend?

Gem xx

Amazon Wish List Thursdays: Part Six

2013-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hello ☆

(image: we heart it)

This has to be one of my favourite wish lists i have made so far. The top layer is very monochrome and the bottom layer contains some very bold/ colourful products. Mainly fashion this time but still added two handy books that i really would like to purchase. ♥

1.'No Photos Please' Sweat shirt £10.95 / 2. Monocrome Bodycon Dress £16.00 / 3. Cream And Black Marcella Skater Dress £26.99 / 4. Disaster Designs - Bon Voyage - Travel Wallet £26.80 / 5. Glitteratti Women's Bethania Platforms Heels £16.00 / 6. F*ck! I'm in My Twenties £5.24 / 7.Yellow clutch handbag £16.50 /

1. Although slightly cheesy, i really like this jumper. Its a perfect, ironic piece for fashion bloggers who spend most of their days taking pictures of themselves. The jumper comes in black, cream, light grey and peach but i think my favourite is the light grey shade. Also the price is very pleasing at £10.95.

2. I seem to be going through a monochrome phrase at the moment and have been on the hut for the perfect evening/ party dress. I fell in love with this number as soon as i spotted it on a fellow blogger. The black pattern gives a slimming, flattering look to the wearer and is a bargain at £16.00.

3. My collection of skater dress is really starting to take over my wardrobe and i really should start buying some different styles. However i cant resist buying them and I'm really considering purchasing this Aztec number. I love the cut out neckline and feel in will be a great addition to my summer wardrobe.

4. I love this little travel wallet. It is something that will come in handy for me on our summer holidays. The wallet features the lovely shabby chic floral Bon Voyage design, including cute images of maps, postcards, stamps and other travel motifs, it even has a mini paper plane sealed in plastic on the front! The front also features a handy checklist great for double checking on departure, and inside there are ample pockets and slots for storing reservations, documents, tickets, currency and of course the all-important passport! On top of all that there is a cute little zipped pouch for storing "Loose change and little things" as well as a pocket for a pen! It is slightly pricey at £26.80 but with my organisation skills, i feel it will be worth the price in the end.

5. I don't know if i would actually wear these 'ruby red slippers' due to the heel but i have still fallen in love with them. I have been a massive Wizard of oz / Wicked fan since i can remember and have always wanted a pair even if i would just place them on a self on display. They are currently reduced from £40 to £16 which is a bargain!

6. F*ck! I'm in my twenties is a book written by Emma Koeing. I have heard some amazing recommendations from my friends. Most saying it is one of the funniest books they have read. The book description is as follows: 'Everyone has that moment, the realisation that adulthood has arrived, like a runaway train, and there's no getting out of its way. From the hit tumbler blog of the same name, F*ck! I'm in my Twenties perfectly captures the new generation currently testing the waters of adulthood. Quick-witted and self-deprecating, the author pens irreverent missives, DIY diagrams, illustrations and tongue-in-cheek checklists that chronicle her experience as a twenty-something living in the big city. Including the best of her beloved blog, plus over 50% new material, this is a perfect impulse buy for anyone who has a love-hate relationship with their twenties'. Definitely very curious to read this.

7. At the moment i do not own a clutch bag. My hand bag collection mainly consists of Satchels, over sized bags, and rucksacks. I think it is about time i added a clutch to my collection. I really want a yellow neon one just because i love how it adds colour and a bold statement to an outfit. This one is perfect at £16.50.

Hope you enjoyed this weeks wish list. Which ones are your favourite products?

Gem xx

Double denim and hearts: an out fit post

2013-02-28T05:39:00.000-08:00

Shirt: Primark

Jeans: Primark

Boots: Primark

Collar pin: Ever Ours

Hello ♥

How lovely is this denim shirt?! It was the first thing i noticed in Primark on a recent shopping trip. I felt it kind of matched the recent LFW Burberry show with the love heart print. I just love it. Primark are really upping their game with the new spring/ summer collection. I teamed the shirt with my dark blue jeggings but I was a little apprehensive about wearing double denim. However, i think the overall outfit looks OK. The collar necklace came from Ever Ours, a new Internet store i am absolutely loving at the moment. It was a bargain at £2 and i have been wearing it with everything!

Hope you are all having a lovely Thursday?!

Gem x

What to wear wednesdays

2013-02-27T06:18:00.001-08:00

Hello ☼

This post is probably extremely early with it still being February but i like to plan my wardrobe early and also with tickets nearly sold out, i'm guessing everyone is just as excited as i am for the summer festival season. Lets pray the rain will hold off this year, the Isle of Wight festival was a nightmare!! I want to list a couple of the main British festivals and help you to decide what to wear to each one.

Dance and Electronic

Rucksack £28 Topshop / Wellies £9.99 The Hut /

Sunglasses £22 The Iconic / Dress £12.99 New Look /

Head band £23 Roses and Lemons at Etsy /

Bracelets £18 River Island /

Metal Festivals

Pop Festivals

Rock Festival

What festivals will you be attending this year?

Gem x

My shop of the week: Mr Shoes

2013-02-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hello ★

This week i am absolutely loving Mr-Shoes. Mainly because they are offering buy one get one half price on all their amazing shoes at the moment. I just can't resist a bargain and pretty shoes.

Even though winter is still refusing to leave and with the bitter temperatures and snow this weekend, I still find myself dreaming of cute dresses, sunglasses and a day at the beach with a good book and cocktails. I have already started updating my wardrobe from winter to spring / summer and I'm now on the hunt for the perfect shoes. My wish list below included cute flats, sandals and heels which will look amazing with my summer wardrobe.

1. Crochet Toms £44.99 / 2. Sling back wedges £14.99 /

3. Crochet bow ballet pumps £14.99 / 4. Vintage floral ballet pumps £9.99 /

1. Irregular Choice court shoes £59.99/ 2. Nova studded boots £24.99 /
3. Asha T-bar Platforms £39.99 / 4. Toffee apple jelly wedges £44.99 /
5. Orla Gladiator sandals £24.99 / 6. Raven Platform Mint Wedges £29.99 /

Hope you all have had a lovely weekend?

Gem xx

My Amazon Wish List Part five

2013-02-21T11:46:00.002-08:00

Hello ♥

Another random wish list today containing products i have been lusting over this week including this cute puppy above. I don't think i can buy him on amazon but i would love another Lab. So cute!

1. Fulton Lulu Guinness Birdcage Umbrella £31.99 / 2. Hoss Intropia Dress £199.95 / 3.General Mills Lucky Charms £14.97 / 4. Reflex Yellow Strap Watch £5.19 / 5. Mad About Macarons! Recipe book £6.89 / 6. Keith Kimberlin Cat Watch / 7. Brown Skull Scarf Handbag £19.95 / 8. Hi top wedges £34.99 / 9. Enrapture Encode Totem Hair Styler £37.80

Hope you enjoyed my wish list. Please check out my Giveaway to win a £20 Amazon Gift card.

Gem xx

Mr Selfridge: Get the Look

2013-02-20T06:37:00.001-08:00

Hello ★

Something a little bit different from my normal Wednesday post today. Recently I have been really addicted to the new T.V series, Mr. Selfridge. I love all types of period dramas and secretly wish i could live in those eras with a stately home, fine jewels, corsets and Mr. Darcy galloping towards me on a white stallion. It that just me?

The t.v series is set in 1910 and tells the story of a man, Harry Gordon Selfridge, with a mission to open a department store on Oxford street that changes the way people shop. He wanted women to experience the same trills as sex when shopping and also to gain a sense of empowerment.

I love the costume design in the show but not too sure about the bird nest hairstyles featured on the two main shop assistants Doris and Kitty. My favourite outfits of the show have to be the dresses and elaborate hats worn by the wealthy ladies of Selfridges.

Around the time Selfridges opened, female independence was beginning to spread including the beginning of the suffragettes. The costumes designed by James Keast, who also worked on Titanic back in 1997, maintained the authenticity of the era with wonderful large brimmed hats, lavish furs, jewels and feathers. Make up was a rarity though.

Get the look: Lady Mae

(images: Itv)

Feather cape £65 Biba at House of Fraser / Dress £18 House of Fraser / Biba mini lace pillbox £80 House of Fraser / Necklace Aliexpress/ Handbag £35 A-wear /

Have you been watching Mr. Selfridge? What to you think of it?

Gem xx

What I'm wearing today! Tuesday polka dots.

2013-02-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

Dress: Topshop

Shoes: Winsors

Necklace: Primark

Ear Cuff: Primark

Hello ☼

Well today i have decided to post another outfit of the day. I hope you like it! This morning we woke up with the plan to laze about in our PJs due to everyone being poorly, yet again! I have been running around playing nurse for so long now. Thank goodness its half term. With it being sunny, i really didn't want to waste the day again. So, i made everyone dress up for a day of productivity. We have been out for a play in the park, scrubbed the house, and fixed up the garden a little ready for spring.

My outfit:

I brought this dress last year from Topshop after seeing Kelly brook in a magazine wearing the brown version. I loved the vintage, glamorous look to it and is perfect to dress down for day time and to dress up for night time. Also last year i went went through a polka dot phrase but still have much love for this dress. Its one of the things i love about Topshop, certain pieces are just timeless and last years.

Hope you are all having a lovely Tuesday.
Gem x

Outfit of the day: Aztec velvet

2013-02-18T07:21:00.002-08:00

Dress: Topshop

Blazer: Primark

Necklace and Bracelet: River Island

Ballet pumps: New Look

Hello ★,
Wow, last weekend went fast and I can't believe it's Monday already! I hope you all had a lovely weekend whether that has been relaxing, shopping or enjoying London Fashion Week where i wish i was right now! Maybe next year. Unfortunately we could not get out and enjoy the sunshine due to my youngest being very poorly with a bug, so our weekend was spent on the sofa watching Disney DVDs which was actually very enjoyable. Today I ventured outside as it was so beautiful and sunny to take some photos. A little too sunny, hence the squint in my eyes but still my husband is improving in his photography. Recently, I have won a bid on Ebay for a posh new camera for him to use, so that will hopefully improve the quality of the photos i post on here.
My outfit: The burgundy blazer i am wearing is from Primark. I brought it just recently so will still be in store if you would like one for yourself. I can't remember the price but I think it is around £15 to £18. My favourite feature of this blazer is the ability to roll the sleeves up or down, depending on your preferences. I have found most blazers to have the sleeves sewn in at elbow length which i find really frustrating. The beautiful Velvet Aztec print dress was an amazing find in the Topshop sale. It has to be my favourite dress in my wardrobe at the moment. The length is perfect enough not to worry about my cheeks showing and it also features 3/4 length sleeves which is great for when i have arm confidence issues, if you know what i mean?
Hope Today hasn't been to painful for you. Monday is always a struggle to get through. Thank you very much for visiting me.
Gem x

P.s Have you seen my giveaway to win a £20 Amazon gift card? Its just my little way of saying thank you to all my followers.

80 Completely Random Facts About Me!!

2013-02-16T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hello ♥

Something which i have been loving lately are all these 'Random Facts' posts on my favourite blogs. I have been putting posting mine off for a while, followed by me saying "I'll do it tomorrow". I think it's about time i just sat down and got it done. These posts are great because they teach you about the person behind the blogger and let's face it, we are all a little bit nosey. I have had to narrow it down to 80 facts as i struggled to get to 100. So here goes:

1. I haven't been back to my home town in five years

2. I'm a push over

3. I mumble when i talk

4. I haven't spoke to my mum in three years

5. My I phone is permanently in my hand

6. I suffer from social anxiety

7. I haven't been to the hairdressers in 2 years

8. I only own one pair of heels

9. I don't like talking on the phone

10. I have a sister that is three years old ♥

11. I want to go on a photography course

12. I served in the RAF for eight years

13. If I had a time machine i would live in the 1920's

14. I have a Chocolate Labrador puppy

15. I don't have a middle name

16. My husband has no room for his clothes in our bedroom

17. I have 10 tattoos. Below are four of them.

18. I really want an Alice in wonderland tattoo arm sleeve.

19. I regularly dream about Johnny Depp

20. I spend an hour a day watching You Tube videos

21. I haven't been clubbing in two years

22. I suffer from Paranoia and think everyone hates me

23. I have two boys

24. I used to have my eyebrow pierced until it got caught in my hair brush

25. I used to have bright pink hair in college

26. I want to own a farm one day

27. I can't swim

28. I am deaf in one ear

29. I go to church every Sunday

30. I feel i am too old for blogging

31. I prefer my own company

32. I have a phobia of wasps

33. I freak out when someone touches my neck

34. I want red hair but worried it wouldn't suit me

35. I have been married for a year and a half

36. I don't see the big deal about Nando's

37. Gregg's is my favourite takeaway (classy)

38. I am addicted to Les Miserables

39. My favourite west end singer is Ramin Karimloo (see below)

40. The first thing i do when i wake up is to check all my social networks

41. I love to walk miles

42. I was accepted onto a fashion design course but turned it down

43. My dream is to live in America

44. I think i have Dyslexia but I'm too embarrassed to get tested

45. I love Disney films

46. My favourite cartoon is Adventure time

47. I'm 5'11

48. I love 90's rock music

49. I would never let any one of my family members ride a motor bike

50. I lost a good friend in a motorbike crash

51. I have a gap in my bottom teeth

52. I hate my face

53. I don't drink tea and coffee

54. I am addicted to energy drinks

55. I love the pound shop

56. I love computer games

57. I am a shopaholic

58. I have been to India

59. I am scared of heights

60. I can't seem to lose weight

61. I smoke but give up at least once a month

62. My favourite colour is red

63. I love VW beetles

64. I tend to leave half filled glasses of water lying around

65. I love chicken tikka

66. I have a cat named Marble

67. I love to collect vintage objects

68. I am addicted to car boot sales

69. I hate running

70. I collect magnets

71. I love reality TV

72. I tend to day dream

73. I have never ridden a horse

74. I am scared of the dark

75. I own ten mascaras

76. I sometimes forget how to spell the simplest of words

77. I cant stand ignorance

78. I swear too much

79. I don't eat breakfast

80. I used to really hate my name

I hope you enjoyed this post and please leave a link below if you have also done this post.

Gem x

100 followers Giveaway!

2013-02-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hello ♥

I finally hit 100 followers a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. Thank you all so much!! I wasn't going to do a giveaway until i hit 200 followers but i just couldn't resist doing one now. All day i have been searching for an amazing prize to giveaway but just couldn't decide. So, I'm going to give you a chance to win a £20 Amazon gift card so you can treat yourself to what ever you like. I will either email or send the voucher through the post, depending on the winners preference and yes, i will open the give-away to international followers! Entries through rafflecopter below and please be honest. Any false entries will be deleted. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My shop of the week.

2013-02-16T06:20:00.000-08:00

1. Knit sleeve Khaki jacket £55 / 2. Mint green lace dress £59 / 3. Mini cross ring £4 / 4. Mini bow drop earrings £5 / 5. High waisted embroidered shorts £32 / 6. Baby bow jumper £39 / 7. Lilac watch £16.50 / 8. Nude bow wedge £45 / 9. Tapestry print skater skirt £35 / All Miss Selfridge.

A Beauty Review: Vo5 Shampoo and conditioner

2013-02-15T14:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday!

I have been using these wonderful hair care products for the past month now and wanted to share my love for them with you. This is the second product from the new Vo5 range i have reviewed (click here for previous post) where i gave you my opinion on the heat protection serum which is still a part of my everyday haircare routine. As I loved this product I decided to give their shampoo and conditioners a go.

What the website states:

With extracts of Satin Silk and a subtle fruity fragrance with hints of jasmine and orange flower, this fabulous duo will unlock shine for a sleek and glossy transformation. Your hair will have no choice but to behave!

Unlike most product descriptions, Vo5 actually speak the truth. I have incredibly damaged, frizzy hair which is screaming out for some sort of treatment. The shampoo and conditioner has definitely changed my hair for the better. Here's why:

As my hair is thick and long, it takes me a long time of painful untangling of all the knots washing has caused. The Vo5 conditioner has eased this for me. My hair is smooth enough to run a brush straight through it, which is just shows how amazing this product is. I have also found that after a blow dry, my hair is left smooth and a lot easier to style. I am a busy mum of two attention seeking but lovely boys so dropping down the time it takes to dry and style my hair is extremely helpful to me. My hair is now glossy and leaves that salon finish I love. My husband approves of the smell too and i admit it is gorgeous.

You can buy these 500ml shampoos and conditioners from most stores but i brought mine from Boots for £3.99 each.

Gem x

My Amazon wish list part four : Valentines edition.

2013-02-14T03:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

I hope you all have a lovely day today whether you are coupled up or single and heading out with the girls. My husband and i don't really celebrate valentine's day. We love to keep things simple, no presents just popcorn and a movie. Its about your love for each other, not the amount of money you spend. That's just our opinion anyway.

Today's Amazon wish list has a love theme...

1. 2 Half Heart Pendant / 2. Red Block Skater Dress £9.99 / 3. Playful Promises Push Up Bra £30 / 4. Pink Rose Patterned Make Up Case £17.99 / 5. Millie Mackintosh for Nouveau Lashes Soho £8.99 6. Jewellery box "Love" red. £42 7. Benefit No Competition Lipstick 3g £14.00 8. Cath Kidston Provence Crush Mug, Fine China, Blue £5.00 / All from Amazon.

Hope you all have a lovely day today.

Gem x

What to wear to:

2013-02-13T04:55:00.000-08:00

The races.

The Racing season is nearly upon us and as women we are expected to show up dressed to impress. The sport is quickley becoming more of a fashion show with women competiting in the 'who is wearing the best hat' game. In the past few years, new etiquette rules have been put in place to keep the dress code formal. These include skirt length and the banning of strapless dresses and fascinators in some areas.

Today i thought i would give you some hints and tips on what to wear to the race track:

Before you go, check what the dress code is for the day. Some race days can be quite casual but Ladies day is usually formal dress with a hat.
Dress smart but comfortable. The outfit is going to be on you for a long day, so look for a simple shift dress or summer dress that you can layer and accessorise. For me, a flowery day dress is better than an evening cocktail dress.
Accessories can take a plain dress and make it look fantastic – if you go for a large print then bring the size of your accessories down.
Try not to reveal to much of yourself. Choose between cleavage or legs not both.
Wear or bring a pretty cardigan or jacket to go with your dress. Remember it can get very cold, start raining or just become very windy out of nowhere. Try not to create your outfit for a hot summers day, this is England and layering is the name of the game.
Shoes can make or break an outfit, but go for comfort as well as looks because you’re going to be in them all day sometimes on grass, disappearing into the soil is not an elegant look. With a shift dress, low pretty pumps can look great as can wedge sandals.
Trousers are an option especially really trendy ones that are shorter in the leg (then they don’t get grass stained and wet) but remember if you have short legs, wear them with high wedges.
Bringing a small umbrella in your handbag that tones with your outfit is always a good idea.
A bag that can lodge under your arm or cross over your body always helps when you’re trying to drink your champagne and fill in your betting slip.

Four of my top outfit ideas:

Dress £35 Lady V/ Hat £13 Candie's/ Sunglasses £7 ASOS/ Bag £35 ASOS/

Collar £20 Oliver Bonas / Coat £75 Topshop / hat / Dress £50 Oasis / Bag £39 Dorothy Perkins /

Part of the gang...

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. by natza featuring a cropped jacket

True Decadence black blazer / ASOS flat shoes, £25 / Oasis cross body handbag / Volcom hat, £19 / Dress £44 Topshop /

Hope you enjoyed this post and it has helped you a little in deciding what to wear to the track. Which outfit is your favourite?

Gem x