Sharing the love with Zazzle #loveisAtoZ

Whether you dread it or crave it there is no avoiding that V word, Valentine's day is well and truly on it's way. I've never massively bought into it myself, I think it's kind of sad that this one day splits the nation in two. If you are lucky enough to have someone special in your life you shouldn't need just one day to show your appreciation, but we all know that the days whizz by so quickly sometimes it is easy to forget to show you care. Valentine's day is a reminder to be thankful and a chance to put a smile on the face of someone who brightens your day.

When Zazzle emailed me to see if I would be interested in collaborating with them on a Valentine's post with a difference I jumped at the chance. The lovely folk over at Zazzle want to celebrate the other types of love this Valentine's, although romantic love is grand what about the love that gets taken for granted?

Spending the night with Russell Brand

Last night I attended my first ever stand up comedy show and in my very own home county of Essex.

This wasn't just a normal stand up performance however this was to raise money for a little boy called Jackson. Jackson Garwood was diagnosed with Infantile Krabbes Disease which unfortunately is terminal. The Garwood family are doing all they can to keep Jackson smiling for as long as possible. Darren, Jackson's dad, bumped into none other than Russell Brand at West Ham football ground and asked if he would mind signing a few books to be auctioned and help raise funds, Russell went one better though and said he would do a show.... What a guy! 

The Libertines @ The 02

My history with The Libertines, or more accurately Pete Doherty is extensive. In fact it is probably the only constant throughout my adolescence. I first fell in love at the end of 2003 at the tender age of sixteen when they released their second album, I can't remember how I found them but on first listen I was hooked. 

I've lost count at how many times I have seen Pete live, I was even lucky enough to be in the front row for a small gig at Shepherds Bush Empire once where he touched my hand (I did eventually have to wash it) I waited for hours out the back to try and get a photo but he never came ... I'm hopeful for one day! 

The House of RUSH Bloggers Event

On Thursday evening myself and some other lovely blogging friends headed into the heart of Piccadilly to attend The house of Rush blogger event. 

Upon entering The House of Rush you can immediately tell this is a salon with a difference, there is a large retail area at the front with a huge assortment of Redken products. Redken is owned by L'Oreal and is totally a luxury brand, you will not be picking up these products in Asda. The quality of the products speak for themselves, but more on this another time. 

A Unique Mother's Day Gift

Coming up with an innovate idea for Mother's Day can be tough, you've done the usual Flowers, Chocolates or Beauty Hamper right? What about a beauty book for 'real' people, surely perfect for every beauty obsessed mum!! 

Valentines Gift Idea - Brownie Heaven

As I lay on in bed hungover on Sunday afternoon lacking the energy to do anything but scroll aimlessly through my social media feeds something caught my eye...

...Salted Pretzel Scotch Caramel Egg Brownie. 

Saturday Night - Red Dog Saloon & The Maccabees

Me and my husband bloody love a gig, it's not often we go 'out out' together but when our favourites bands are playing we really let our hair down. On Saturday The Maccabees played at Brixton Academy (which due to the slanted floor is in my opinion one of the best music venues in London) 

Obviously first it is important to line your stomach...  

Red Dog Saloon is a BBQ restaurant, there are three in London Hoxton, Clapham & Soho, this is American dining at its best. You don't want to visit here if you are on a clean eating diet because there is very little clean about it.  If you haven't heard much about the menu you may have heard about their legendary hot wing challenge. We was lucky enough to witness this live when the guy on the next table decided to take it on, he quickly regretted his decision after only managing to eat one and then having to down a pint of milk - I wouldn't recommend it. 

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop Review

This is probably a bit of a pointless post to write as I am sure that I am the very last person in the blogging community to pick this up and therefore far too late for you to be that interested in this review, you've already read 800 right? Oh well. 

 

I was desperate to get my hands on it when I first heard about how good the Champagne Pop highlighter was meant to be, however getting it sent over from the States put me off a lot. I had heard about people receiving them smashed and damaged so I didn't want to risk it. As soon as it was available via Beauty Cult I snapped it up. 

Working with brands - new bloggers beware

Working with brands is one of the most exciting things about blogging. It means that the effort you are putting in is being recognised and that is such an amazing feeling. For me personally working with brands is more about the content and less about the gifts (obviously everyone loves gifts but it's a small part) If you are receiving sneak peaks into new launches and discount codes this is so much more important for gaining a following.

There is however a sinister side to working with brands, especially for new bloggers who can easily get caught up in the excitement of it. I have been writing this blog for just over six months now and have already encountered a fair chunk of the dark side.

My Favourite Thing To Do

Walking my dog in a big open field is my absolute favourite past time. On first glances I might not strike you as a 'dog person' I am from Essex after all and more than partial to a diamonite or six, however since Ralph came into our lives nearly three years ago something switched ... my wardrobe.