A home shoot with Jo Bradley

When Jade from the Voice contacted me to see if I would be interested in taking part in a newborn home shoot with Jo Bradley I jumped at the chance. Jo specialises in newborn photography, she has won awards for her work with the Guild of Professional Photographers and trained with one of the leading newborn photographers in the UK So I knew I was going to witness something incredible.

A Pre & Post Natal Essential

When Velinda got in touch with me to see if I would like to review one of their multifunction pregnancy pillows I jumped at the opportunity, it was only two weeks before my scheduled cesarean but I had been more uncomfortable than ever before, so I hoped this little gem would help me get my last bit of valuable sleep before baby made her arrival.

5 things I wish I knew before the first month of motherhood!

So you've done the classes, you've read the books and you are ready for what the first month of motherhood is going to throw at you? Excellent! That's what I thought too but here are a few things I wish I was slightly more prepared for...

An Explanation ...

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you might have noticed that I have been a bit quiet the last week or so. I am very happy to announce that my beautiful daughter Lylie Joan was born at 14.22 on the 3rd November, she is beyond gorgeous. As Lylie was breech I went into hospital for an elective c-section, I planned to write a post all about my birthing experience however last week things all went a little dramatic. I have been in two minds about writing this post however I was planning on sharing my birth experience and I don't feel like I should let whats happened stop me from doing that. I will just say that what happened to me is extremely rare and I am not sharing this to scare anyone who is due to give birth. 

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

I have always struggled with sleeping, not only waking up numerous times throughout the night but also with the dropping off part. I seem to be shattered all day long but as soon as it is time to wind down and start snoozing I am wide awake. Obviously this is heightened during stressful life periods but even when I am care free I will be laying awake until the early hours thinking about ridiculous scenarios. Not totally ideal.

10 things I have loved about being pregnant

Ok, so I had a little moan about horrible pregnancy symptoms but it really isn't all doom and gloom. I have absolutely loved some parts of being pregnant, here are my favourites:

TIGI Bed Head: Oh Bee Hive Matte Dry Shampoo Review

One great thing about being pregnant is that my hair is probably in the best condition it has been in since before my teenage years when I ruined it with straighteners (even though my hair was already straight, what was I thinking?) However my hair is always going to need that little bit of extra help when it comes to creating volume and that is where Oh Bee Hive comes in to help. 

Street Style Event Mayflower

Two blogging events in Essex in one month? I know right, couldn't believe my luck! 

I am getting bumpier and bumpier as the seconds pass so I have been increasingly unwilling to travel into London for events, and unfortunately that means I've missed out on some fabulous experiences. So when Megan from Citypress contacted me to see if I would be interested in attending the Street Style Event at Mayflower I couldn't wait. Myself and my 'entourage' (mum and my cousin Rosie) arrived at Mayflower just after eleven and couldn't miss the Street Style Bus, they had made everything look fabulous. Cakey McCakeFace was on hand to provide refreshments in the form of the yummiest cupcakes. As you can imagine Rosie made a beeline for these tasty treats and was spoilt with a cotton candy cupcake, I may have even sneaked myself a bite. 

Bourgee Chelmsford Launch Review

Lobster, Steak & Serious Style

Last Thursday I was one of the lucky ones invited to the launch of the new Bourgee Steak and lobster restaurant in Chelmsford. After the success of Bourgee Southend-on-Sea, Chelmsford was the perfect choice of location to open their flagship site within the city's newly created 'restaurant quarter'. For Bourgee this is only the beginning with new sites already secured in Bury St Edmonds and Norwich the future is looking very bright indeed for Bourgee. 

Baby Shower Fun

Once I announced my pregnancy my friends were pretty adamant I should be having a baby shower. Honestly I wasn't too sure, I get very anxious about being the center of attention and lose sleep after being in groups worrying that I have said the wrong thing or manipulated the conversation. I am also awful at receiving presents, I enjoy watching people receive presents 1000 times more. But it has been a pretty crappy year (apart from baby girl gloriousness) and my husband convinced me that I should celebrate our daughter's impending arrival, so I agreed to have 30ish people enter our home for a showering of baby love.

Nursery Decor

Moving house while being pregnant possibly wasn't one of the wisest choices that I have made in my life, but as I am learning more and more as I get older there is no such thing as a perfect time. Sometimes in life you just have to take the plunge. Our first home was a lovely little two bed which suited us for five years and we can look back at fondly with memories of pre drinks and hung over breakfasts, but as our family has grown, from two to three and soon to be four space was something we started to crave. We moved in June and one of the first rooms that we knew we wanted to get finished was of course the nursery.

Let's talk about name claiming...

Name claiming is one of the most annoying things I have come across during the last 33 weeks of pregnancy. If you haven't come across this yet (wait until you are expecting you soon will) this is basically the opposite to people who have top secret baby names, like me. These are people who haven't even started trying to conceive however have told you 20,000 times already that their baby will be called 'James' and basically if you call your baby 'James' you will be struck off of any future Christmas lists in permanent marker.

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil Review

Many moons ago I was a Clarins beauty therapist. It was actually the first job I had after college, I would travel around the West End providing facials and massages for the ladies who lunch. All in all the job was pretty good, I met some lovely girls and I got to play with all the new launches which was thoroughly enjoyable. 

FriendsFest Chelmsford Review

When FriendsFest first made an appearance September 2015 in London I was beside myself excited and ready to get tickets however after roughly ten minutes it was all sold out. So when I found out it was making a comeback for 2016 I was not going to miss out again! 

Myself and the wonderful Alexandra headed down to Hylands Park in Chelmsford this Wednesday well and truly ready to get our friends on. Slightly more eager than anticipated we was there for opening time which handly meant less queuing in the burning sun, not ideal for a heavy pregnant woman. 

Maternity Must Have's

So if you are pregnant, which you probably are if you are reading this, you will know that people are pretty keen on telling you what you must have to help you during pregnancy. I have been pretty strict with my spending over the last six months. During the first part of my pregnancy I didn't want to jinx anything by buying too much, and now I am so close to the end I don't want to buy too much that I won't use. However there are some things I have purchased which have been bloody good and I'm going to tell you about them now :)

Your baby is as big as a zucchini

As of tomorrow I will be 30 weeks pregnant. The Bump App tells me my baby is now as big as a Zucchini (or courgette if you like) my baby's skin is getting smoother, but her brain is getting wrinklier to make way for essential brain tissue. Amazingly she is now strong enough to grasp a finger, and if she was to be born today chances are she would survive ... although I plan to keep her cooking for a while longer! 

L'Oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask Review

After falling in love with the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay hair masque I just knew as soon as I saw it I had to try the Pure Clay Detox Mask - no doubt about it. 

Natural World Haircare Macadamia Oil Review

The first thing that springs to mind when looking at the Natural World Products is luxury. You would never believe this organic haircare range is so affordable. Natural World was born in London, Soho in fact, I just love using locally created products. I was kindly asked if I would review the Macadamia Oil range recently and I jumped at the chance. You hear a lot about Argan Oil and Coconut Oil but Macadamia Oil instantly had me intrigued. 

Bedroom Tour - Go on have a nose...

If you are kind enough to follow me on Twitter or Instagram you would probably have heard me going on about my house move recently. It hasn't been the easiest thing this year moving house and being all bumpy and pregnant and stuffs however my new house is starting to come together, one room at a time. 

I've posted a couple of snaps on my Instagram and received lots of love on my new furniture so I thought I would let you all know what I have picked up so far. The room is definitely a work in progress and is in no way finished, however I do hope you like what I've done so far. 

Pawsomebox Review and a very happy Ralphie

Subscription boxes are so popular right now, there seems to be one for everything from tea to beauty products. So when Pawsomebox got in touch with me to see if Ralph would like to try a doggy subscription box he was very excited!

Maternity OOTD #AsSeenOnMe

As I have previously mentioned it is so tricky to find 'nice' maternity clobber. With the current heat wave situation (not complaining) I really wanted something loose and floaty but that wouldn't make me look like I was wearing a bin bag. Obviously my first stop shop is always ASOS so when I saw this little double layered number I had to snap it up. 

10 Pregnancy Symptoms You May Not Expect

While you was trying to conceive you probably had this vision of the 'pregnant you' basically normal you but with a perfectly compact round little bump on front. You hear things about the pregnancy glow (sweat from being sick) and your hair getting thicker (all your hair though not just on your head) So I thought I would share some of the not so openly discussed pregnancy symptoms that I am currently enjoying ... YOU ARE WELCOME!

Maternity Styling

Maternity Clothes as it turns out not so much fun...

I always imagined the perfect little bump, I would basically wear my normal clothes and I would still look great right? Wrong! I am now 24 weeks pregnant and I am finding it increasingly difficult to find outfits which both feel comfortable and also don't make me feel like a hungry hungry hippo. 

Elvive Extraordinary Clay Pre-Shampoo Masque Review

I first heard about this product thanks to Fleur De Force's GRWM video set in Vegas. As soon as she started explaining the benefits of the masque I thought this is what I need.

I have worked hard over the last two years to get my hair into a decent condition after having some awfully damaging hair extensions. One of the things that can really help is not washing your hair every day however I am someone who suffers with greasy roots which is in no way attractive.

Pregnancy Update - 22 Weeks

So I thought I would have a little chat on here and give anyone who is interested a little pregnancy update. A couple of weeks ago I told you all that we had been to the hospital for our second scan and revealed that we are having a little girl - which is very exciting. 

Since then it seems like my belly has popped a bit, I am so pleased to finally look pregnant especially after a guy I work with said to me "you just look like you've had too much KFC" wow Thanks mate! I've had a couple of strangers ask me when i'm due and even had some people compliment me on my 'maternity style' which was the nicest thing when you are feeling frumpy and not your best. 

Gender Reveal - Pink or Blue??

It has been a tough wifi-less time for me just lately. Last weekend hubby and I moved into a new home, it has been a very long time coming, so far we are really enjoying it there however anyone who has moved house will know the pain of going without internet. It is crazy really just how much we rely on it - I'm so far behind on my YouTube sub box it hurts! 

Yesterday I went for my 20 week scan. This is the one I have been feeling very anxious about, you are in there for around an hour so the sonographers are able to get all of the measurements needed from baby. There is so much to worry about. I am delighted to say everything is progressing well and the midwife said baby is growing beautifully, we are both feeling very blessed! 

The Hair Experts Root Touch-Up Review

If you have been following my blog for a while you are probably pretty aware that I have been lacking in time just lately, amongst unimaginable dramas filling my head with stress I am right in the middle of a house move (this Friday - yay!) and I am five months pregnant so anything that will save me a bit of time and/or agro right now is completely up my street. 

Go to Rome with Jones Bootmaker

The sun has got its hat on hip hip hip hoorah! 

I am definitely someone who suffers with S.A.D, and honestly I think most of the population of Britain are the same. All we Brit's need are a couple of bright sunny days and the general public transforms into a smiley happy ball of positivity. 

Fighting Hay Fever During Pregnancy

My name is Gemma and I am a hay fever sufferer... 

Ok that's slightly dramatic but the effect of hay fever is definitely more than a little annoying. I started stuffing badly with hay fever at around 17 years old, I have spent many a summer day attractively sniffing and more than one summer night laying in bed with a cold flannel over my face. 

Saturated Colour Blogger Event

On Saturday myself and a group of very lucky bloggers were invited down to Saturated Colour's beautiful head offices in Stock. 

Baby, Baby, Baby ooooooh!

You may or may not have noticed that I have been a little quiet on here lately, finally I can share with you why... 

Jewellerybox.co.uk

When Gemma (strong name) from Jewellerybox.co.uk got in touch with me to see if I would like to review some of their pieces I was thrilled. I had heard of Jewellerybox.co.uk and their gorgeous instagrammable packaging and couldn't wait to own some of the collection myself. 

Morphy Richards Atomist Review - Are you an iron (wo)man?

When I received an email asking if I was the next Iron (Wo)Man I thought definitely not, I had visions of marathons and triathlons neither are something I would be capable of especially at the moment. So when I realised I was actually being asked to review the new Morphy Richards Atomist I was beyond thrilled. Come on fashion bunnies let get that clobber crinkle free!

LYDC Clothing Launch

My favourite brand LYDC now do a clothing range, and you can pick it up on LIPSY. 

I have never been more excited! 

Love Layyanah

I've spoken here before about my love of finding new brands via Instagram that you otherwise wouldn't have stumbled across. I am so pleased I found Love Layyanah the site specialised in minimal or stackable jewellery which just calls out to me!  

What should I wear to a wedding?

Wedding season is getting closer and if like me you are in the market for the perfect outfit there are a few tips you may want to take note of...

Sleek Haul

After watching the gorgeous Sophdoesnails Kylie Lip Kit Dupes video on youtube I decided I needed to head to Superdrug and have a little splurge with Sleek. Sleek is a very affordable high street brand and I have always been extremely impressed by the quality of the products. 

Spring is in the Air

Ok it is still fecking freezing, but the last couple of days Mr Sun has definitely had his hat on. As soon as the days are a little brighter I start thinking about my summer wardrobe (doesn't everyone?) 

Generally I am a monochrome kinda gal, bright colours are completely out of my comfort zone that is until it comes to shoes. 

There is nothing I like more than a black jean, white tee shirt and fancy shoe OOTD. This spring Jones have stepped up to plate and got me wishlisting. Not only do they have a huge selection of Ladies Sandals Jones' currently have some ballet pumps to die for.

Chin up, Beautiful.

When Rachel from GoCustomized.co.uk got in touch with me to see if I would be interested in creating a Personalised iphone case I thought choosing a design would be easy... after 8 hours and 16 designs I'd changed my mind. 

The Best Thing About Blogging

Is something that you probably didn't expect when you chose your URL! 

A Casual OOTD

It's been a while since I've done a little OOTD post, they are my favourite to read so I thought I would share a casual outfit I have been loving lately. 

The Lee Stafford Bloggers Event

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a very exciting blogger event, made even more special as it was in my home county of Essex.

The Lee Stafford Hair & Beauty Salon and Spa opened in 2012 training the younger generation to provide exceptional hair and beauty services. It is an outstanding training facility that Lee felt the industry was desperate need of. 

ASOS A-LIST

One of the many things I love about ASOS is that you can shop so many unique brands that you otherwise would never have found. This gorgeous dip dye knit is by a brand called Stitch & Pieces, the ladders remind me of Kanye West's Yeezy range... but I promise that is definitely not why I purchased it. I also ordered my Converse on ASOS, and with excellent delivery and returns services you can understand why it is everyones absolute go to online clothing store! 

Ciate Liquid Velvet Review

I am a huge fan of the matt look liquid lipsticks, the only problem I find is that they are so drying on your lips they can be quite uncomfortable to wear. While browsing the Ciate London site I stumbled across the new Liquid Velvet range. With the promise of being both long-wearing and moisturizing I quickly added one to my basket.  

PIXI Brow Brightener Review

When I heard that PIXI had released a brow brightener I was intrigued. My brows aren't something I have really spent that much time thinking about, but when 'brows on fleek' became a thing I thought I should take a closer look at mine. I went along with my friend Alice for a HD Brow session however the technician told me she thought I would be much better off keeping mine natural, and I had to agree. 

Threads Beauty Review

When the lovely people over at Threads Beauty got in touch with me to see if I wanted to try out some of their false eyelashes I nearly snatched their hands off. I am a massive fan of the effect falsies provide although I am not the best at applying them. 

Make Up of the Month - February

 

This months make up is not dis similar to last's. I just can't seem to shake that Autumn vibe and I think the horrible weather in the UK has something to do with it! 

Saira Shoes Bloggers Event

On Thursday evening myself and my lovely friend Jodie attended the Saira Shoes event in the stunning location of Ninety Eight Bar Shoreditch. 

Tips for Thicker Healthier Hair.

Most people have that one thing that they wish they could change about their appearance, right? 

Well for me it's my hair! 

My mum is a hairdresser and always knew what was best for my hair (of course she did but I didn't agree at the time) when I moved out of her house I decided she was no longer in control of my hair and went on a mission to get it exactly how I wanted it. The problem is sometimes you just have to work with what you've got rather than completely changing it, this is a lesson I learned the hard way!

The picture above is my hair at its worst and then a recent snap where my hair is visibly in much better condition. 

Here are some tips that have helped my hair get back on track: 

Let's chat about Instagram

Oh Instragram you are a conundrum.

I have spent the last three months obsessing over instagram, I have probably read every post ever written on instragram tips and I've even completely renovated my account. My followers are very very very (one more very) slowly rising and although this isn't the be all and end all as a blogger, which you probably are, you want to have your hard work recognised, right?