Lacking Motivation...

Recently, I have found that I have seriously lacked motivation for almost everything. A month or so ago, I had big plans for me career wise, I had financial ambitions and I had tons and tons of ideas for my blog. But over the last couple of weeks or so, I've found myself slipping back into my old ways of being lazy and I seem to have lost my 'get up and go'. This annoys me so much because I still want everything that I did before, I just cant seem to find the motivation to get all these things done.

I don't really want to talk about my work life on here as I need to remain professional, but I thought I would just discuss how this is affecting my blog at the present. I had recently been trying to post daily as I saw a huge improvement to my blog traffic, however although I have lots and lots of ideas for blog posts, and most of the photos have been taken and edited, I am really struggling to sit down and actually write up a post. Whether it be my monthly favourites, a new series I want to post or just a simple product review, I am seriously struggling to do so.

I know that everyone has times where we struggle to get things done but for me this is starting to have an emotional impact on me as its getting me down because I love my blog and I want it to be the best I can make it. But at the moment I feel I'm being my own worst enemy as the only person holding me back right now is me.

I'm not too sure where this post is going but I just needed to sit and write exactly how I'm feeling at the moment. I cant quite explain why because I don't know, but I'm hoping to pick myself up again soon and start to get back into blogging and get my motivation for my other goals in life back again.

Sorry if this has been a bit random and a bit all over the shop but hopefully some of you reading (if anyone actually does) will understand how I'm feeling right now.

Thanks for anyone that reads my little corner of the web, it honestly means the world to me xx

A Month In Instagram #6

These months are going waaaay too fast for my liking, we'll be getting ready for crimbo soon! Any way this is just a selection of my snaps from Instagram, which is my fave social network by the way. If you fancy checking out my account head over to gemmaford.

I'm always looking for new accounts to follow so leave any links to your Instagram below.

Whats In My Handbag?

I love reading posts like this, they're a proper nosy look into what people use and carry around with them on a day to day basis. I recently bought a new bag so I thought this would be the perfect time to show you exactly what I carry around with me in my bag.

 

Tesco Handbag

 I recently bought this new bag after months of searching for one. I had in my mind what I wanted-spacious, comfortable to hold and a neutral shade. This beauty was in Tesco for just £16! The strap is long enough to carry on your shoulder comfortably and the bag itself is big enough to carry anything you want pretty much. This would also be perfect for a hand luggage bag. Inside there is the main section of the bag and then a zipped pocket on one side (this is where my phone lives) and another loose pocket on the other side.

 

 

Diary

I bought this diary in Tesco also, I fell in love with the print. It has a day-per-page view so is big enough to scribble down all my plans. I couldn't fit this in my bag before so I'm really glad I can finally carry it around with me.

 

 

Twinings Jasmine Green Tea Tea Bags

I don't drink hot drinks (I will always make an exception for hot chocolate!) however I love a cup of jasmine tea every day but, obviously, hardly anywhere I visit has a store of jasmine tea so I find it much easier just to carry these around with me for those occasions.

 

 

Pink Leather Purse

My parents picked this purse up for me from Tunisia a month or so ago. My old purse was in an awful state (full of receipts surprise surprise!) so I was very welcoming to a new purse. Plus I love the colour!

 

 

Soap & Glory Mist You Body Spray

I love this spray and I find it much lighter than perfume so I spray it on me throughout the day. This also means I don't go through hoards and hoards of perfume.

 

 

Katy Perry Killer Queen Perfume

Although I carry around a body spray that I mainly use, I do like to have the option for a perfume with me, especially if I'm going somewhere straight from work and I need a spritz of something a bit heavier. The perfume I use changes on a weekly basis (I'm planning on doing a perfume post soon) but this one by Katy Perry is one of my favourites. I won't embarrass myself or bore you by trying to explain the scent, but just know its lovely and suitable for both daytime and evening wear.

 

 

Allergy Relief Tablets

HAYFEVER *cue angry face with one sniffling nose*. Hayfever hits me every single year but this year it has been an absolute pain. I am also now taking a nasal spray but I keep putting off going to my doctor. Do you have any quick fixes for hayfever? Let me know.

 

 

Make Up Bag

This is the bag I carry around with products I need to either cover up a sudden spot, to moisturise my lips or just to spruce up my look a bit. I have a concealer, a mascara, an eye liner, a lipstick, a lip gloss, two lip balms and a mirror. Again, the contents of this bag changes on a weekly basis to make sure I make the most of all the products I have and just to keep things interesting.

 

 

Sunglasses

Summer has finally arrived so out comes the sunglasses. I picked these up from Primark for a bargain price and they are perfect for wearing on those blinding days.

 

So there we have it. Do you have any posts like these? Please leave links to them below.



May Non Beauty Favourites

Summer Dresses
As the weather has been getting a bit better (huge emphasis on the word 'bit') I have dug out all of my summer clothes and made a transition into my wardrobe. Obviously my favourite piece of clothing(s) to be retrieved for the summer has got to be my summer dresses. I have to admit, I am a slight hoarder when it comes to dresses, obsessed may be the word?! Anyway I have been loving throwing one on to go and meet friends or just to run about town getting jobs done. The only thing is now I'm going to have give fake tanning another go *scared face*.

Prison Break
How have I not seen this programme before?! I love it! A friend recommended it to me, and I haven't stopped watching it since! The idea behind the series is the main character (Wentworth Miller ;)) is trying to help his brother escape from Death Row by being given a prison sentence and hatching an escape plan. The twist is, is that he effectively helped design the prison so therefore has a huge advantage (he has the blue prints of the prison TATTOOED on his body). Each episode has been amazing and the series is incredibly addictive. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Yes, there are some gory and gruesome parts but just have a pillow handy and you'll be fine.

YouTube
Man, I have been loving YouTube this month. It has become not just a habit but a routine to climb into bed about an hour before I want to sleep and catch up on all my fave YouTube channels. I watch mainly beauty videos but also love vlogs and health/fitness videos too. I am planning on doing a Top 5 YouTube Channels' post soon so keep an eye out for that to see exactly who I love watching!

Diet Coke
So this is very naughty of me! I used to drink 2 litres of Coca Cola everyday however I gave up about 3 years ago when I realised the damage I could be doing to my body, plus I knew that was preventing me from losing weight. However this last month or so I've been partial to the odd Diet Coke when I've been out for a meal or sat in the garden enjoying the sun. Naughty I know, but I have also been drinking copious amounts of water to make up for my treat.

Music
Another random selection of songs but these songs seem to be going perfectly with the nice weather, I have had Sigma on constant repeat in my car when driving around with my shades on and the windows down.
Rascal Flatts-Life Is A Highway
Sigma-Nobody To Love
Boyce Avenue-Speed Limit
Rita Ora-I Will Never Let You Down

So there we have it, my non-beauty faves! I like doing these posts, every now and then its nice to do a non-beauty-related post. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy creating them.

Does anyone else do these types of posts? I would love to read them so feel free to leave any links below!

Healthy Living Diaries #2 - Planning Ahead

So in a bid to stay motivated with my weight loss journey/getting healthy, I am running a series in which I share my tips, experience, routines, ideas, pretty much everything to do with the above. This week I thought I would talk about planning ahead as this is quite often the key component for maintaining a successful weight loss/diet journey.

I work different shifts in my job and no two weeks are the same for me so planning ahead is extremely important in order for me to stay focused. As part of my new diet I have actually written down my meal plans in order for me to put thought into what I'm eating and to make my plan easily accessible. Plus I find actually putting pen to paper and writing a plan very satisfying. Strange, I know.

I have divided the plan so that the columns are each day, and then the rows are the different foods I will eat. I have made some of the snacks optional, especially on a day when I'm eating a heavier meal. I have also drawn up a list of all the meal and snack ideas that I can pick from.

In each plan, I have tried to make the foods I eat that week fairly consistent, purely to keep within my weekly finance budget. Also, there is no point buying fresh salad goods for just one meal, if I make a job lot I can then have salad over several days. By creating these plans I have also been able to think about the types of foods I will be eating i.e. if I am having toast for breakfast then I will try not to have bread for the rest of the day.

I would be being a bit silly by saying that I intend to stick to these plans completely as other things pop up such as meals out etc. but I have been trying my best and so far it seems to be working! Also, when I do go out for a meal I try to pick foods I know are better for my diet such as swapping chips for a jacket potato or ordering lean cuts of meat rather than a burger or sausages etc.  I have really enjoyed creating these plans and sticking to them has been easier than I thought, and it has helped me stick to my weekly budget as I'm not buying foods that I don't need.

Has anyone else created meal plans? I would love to see any other similar posts/blogs! Send your links.

April Non Beauty Favourites

Denim Jacket
In the middle of April, around the Bank Holiday's, we actually had some semi decent weather, so, of course, out comes my summer wardrobe! I think a denim jacket is a staple item for a summer wardrobe, you can literally wear it with everything (maybe not jeans though if you're not a fan of the double denim look #dodge). I've been loving teaming my Primark denim jacket with dresses, leggings and skirts, it makes any outfit ready for summer.

#supergorgeousapril
I have never done a photo challenge on Instagram but I really liked the look of this one so I thought I would give it a go. I did all the photos up to day 18, the only reason I stopped was because life got in the way a bit. I loved trying to think of photos to take to fit the title, I might look out for more photo challenges to do, its nice seeing what others have posted for it aswell. See my A Month In Instagram post or follow me on Instagram to have a look at my photos.
 
Greek Yoghurt
As part of my Healthy Living Diaries, I have been trying to make sure I eat breakfast every day. I like cereal but sometimes I don't feel like eating a bowl as it makes me feel quite full, so I have been opting most days for Greek yoghurt teamed with some clear honey. Its very light and doesn't taste too sweet but you can change that depending on the amount of honey you use. Its also a low-calorie option and full of protein which is great if you're looking to watch what you et or lose weight.

I Heart New York
I haven't read a book in yonks, I find I literally don't have the time to sit down with a book however I decided I would try to make the effort to get through a book this month and picked this one. I have heard great reviews about it from other bloggers aswell as a couple of friends. I have really liked this book, I have found it easy to follow and is a nice light read. It follows a 20-something girl's new start in New York after a horrendous breakup, where she meets lots of new people and gets a dream job. If you like light chick-flick reads then I would definitely give this a go.

Made In Chelsea
The return of one of my favourite programmes graced my television screen this month! I love Made In Chelsea for a few reasons. I'm a right nosy parker so being able to nose into others lives is a pretty cool idea for me, plus their lives are completely different to mine or anyone that I know. I get so caught up in the programme that when I catch up with a few friends who are also fans, I find we talk about the programme like we know all the characters personally. Its a highly addictive show but one I would fully recommend!

Music-
She's So Perfect-5 Seconds of Summer
Calling All Hearts-DJ Cassidy feat. Jessie J and Robin Thicke
Transylvania-Mcfly

So that is all of my favourites this month! Have any of you got a non-beauty favourites post? I would love to see!

Healthy Living Diaries #1

I have never, nor will I be, a super slim girl. I am a girl with curves that I am proud of and that I would like to maintain, however I have always battled with parts of my body that I would like to change. I don't think anyone can say they are 100% happy with their body, for me there are parts of it I would like to change and it is only me that I can change. I would also like to add that these are my own personal issues and have not been inflicted upon by anybody other than myself.

I have decided to share with you my quest for living healthily and how I need to change and alter parts of my life in order to be more happy and comfortable with myself. For me this is not just physical changes, thinking positively is a big part of healthy living as it creates motivation and helps keep you on track towards your goals. Also being happy within yourself is important for your own self esteem.

The physical changes I am making to my life are, pretty obviously, my eating habits and my exercise and fitness routine. During the first couple of months of 2014 I managed to lose 1 stone by keeping myself on a healthy diet and doing regular exercise. However since then my diet has not been as great and the pounds are slowly creeping back on. I never used to weigh myself and the only reason I do is to see the weight I am actually losing rather than to compare my weight to the national average or to others-we are all different and therefore are weight and body size/shape is going to be different too.

So, in a bid to improve my healthy eating, I have devised a plan which I am hoping I can stick to. It isn't very complicated and does allow myself to have the occasional treat. I should point out here that my job involves shift work so creating a weekly menu can be quite tricky so I tend to think the day before about my eating plans for the following day. My 5 rules for my new diet (I say rules but I will allow myself to be a bit flexible) are as follows:
-Eat either 3 meals a day with 2 snacks, or eat 6 small meals a day, so effectively eating every few hours so that I don't allow myself to go hungry.
-Try not to eat after 7pm when possible as I find this can make me very bloated and uncomfortable.
-Drink plenty of water every day to help with bloating and water retention.
-Complete 30-45 minute workouts 3 times a week to begin with, and then increase this over time.
-Devise an 'Exercise Chart' to complete a mini exercise routine every day with the amount of reps increasing every day (e.g. Day 1 30 crunches, Day 2 35 crunches...)

As part of my healthy eating, I want to cook a lot of the foods I eat from scratch rather than buying ready meals or pre packaged foods from the supermarket so I know exactly what is going into my foods. I have a selection of recipe books to guide me through this and of course there are all those fabulous eating blogs to hep me!

In terms of exercise, I tend to get quite bored in the gym so I am creating some new playlists to try and keep me going, and I am also going to do some exercise DVDs and go on a few bike rides to mix things up a bit.

I have my own personal goals that I want to achieve however I don't know how much weight I want to lose, its more about me feeling happy and comfortable with my body. I don't know how often I am going to write these posts but I find reading others keeps me motivated so I hope I can help some of you to stay on track too!

If you have any similar posts please leave your links below, I would love to read them!

Places I've Been || Westonbirt Arboretum

 

When I had a bit of time off of work, I decided to head over to one of my favourite places-Westonbirt Arboretum. The Arboretum has 2 main woods, with many different routes inside each. This was the first time I took my labrador Maddie over, and she loved it. As you can see I took plenty of provisions including treats for both me and the dog, although she tried her best at getting hold of mine!

The Arboretum is a lovely place to visit, especially on a good-weather day. We walked for about 2 hours and then had a wonder around the main tourist complex which includes a plant centre, a restaurant (which serves excellent hot chocolates might I add!) and a shop selling lots of little goodies.

If you live in the Cotswolds or are visiting the area I would highly recommend visiting the arboretum. They are currently building a welcome centre which will only add to the attraction.

 

Have a look at their website here.

 

Has anyone else visited Westonbirt Arboretum?

March Non-Beauty Favourites

So starting with this month I'm planning on doing a 'non-beauty favourites' alongside my regular 'monthly favourites' posts. The reason behind this is because I really enjoy reading these type of lifestyle posts, it gives a glimpse into the blogger behind all the beauty.

Camis
So if you haven't noticed, the backdrop to my photos are 3 camis. These aren't the only ones I have been wearing, I actually have quite a few in my wardrobe. I have really been loving wearing camis recently, they go with everything! I've been wearing them with skirts, shorts and jeans. They are such a versatile piece of clothing as they are easy to 'dress up' or to keep casual. Plus they are great for layering with cardigans, scarfs and jackets. The ones I have featured in my photos are from Primark and Tesco.

Golden Wonder Tangy Toms Crisps
Ok so I'm not eating these anymore due to the fact I am back on my diet, but at the beginning of this month I was introduced to these by a local pub landlord who 'insisted' I try them. After that I have been well and truly addicted. They are small, tomato-flavoured corn balls that are incredibly moreish, and they are just 30p a bag!

Match the Dots App
I really am not one for apps or playing games but one day I was pretty bored at home so decided to download a few apps to give a go. I started playing Match the Dots and didn't think much of it but now I am well and truly addicted. The concept of the game is very simple, just match the different coloured dots to form lines that will then pop and make room for more dots and so on. I am now on level 300 and something and find myself trying to complete a level in any of my spare time! Oh good lord, it will be Candy Crush next!

New Girl
I've loved this programme ever since its release a couple of years ago. In a quick brief it is about single girl Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who moves in with 3 single guys and is about their day to day lives and mishaps. It is absolutely hilarious and every time I watch an episode it has me in fits of hysteric. All the characters have brilliant comedic traits, and with each episode it just gets better and better. My brother and sister bought me the DVD of the first two series for Christmas so I have been really enjoying rewatching those this past month.
 
Music
I used to be really up to date with music, however in the last few months I've been a lot slower with hearing the latest tracks. This has meant though that I have been really enjoying listening to a wide range of music from old to new. Here are a few tracks I have been loving this last month:
One Replubic Vs. Alesso-If I Lose Myself
Avril Lavigne-Rock N Roll
Sugababes-Push The Button
Willow Smith-Whip My Hair

So there we have it, just a little round up of the other interests I have in my life besides my beauty passion!

Has anyone else done this kind of posts? Send your links as I would love to have a nose!

Birthday Celebrations

So on the 20th March I turned 22 and I had a lovely few days celebrating that I thought I would share with all you lovely people.

Its fair to say I ate very well the days around my birthday; I went out for posh fish and chips with my grandmother a couple of days before, I went out for lunch with one of my best friends, my mum bought me some lovely cupcakes, and I indulged in fajitas and nachos with my brother. Remember though, this was spread out over a few days!

I saw lots of my favourite people including a group of my best school friends when we went out for drinks the night after my birthday, and one of my best friends and her little lady.
I also went over to Westonbirt Arboretum for a day, went to my gym and spa, and just generally had a lovely few days.

Losing A Pet

Taz was the oldest of our 4 dogs, a golden Labrador that we adopted from a rescue centre 11 years ago. On 13th March 2014 we made the heart-breaking decision to put Taz to sleep. Taz had been suffering for a while; he had severe arthritis, a heart murmur, was profoundly deaf, had cataracts and had quite a few lumps which we guessed were tumours. However we had always said until Taz stopped wagging his tail and coming to greet us, we wouldn't take any drastic action. The day before Taz died he didn't touch his morning meal, something that never happened with Taz, he loved his food. The following morning, he wouldn't come out of his bed, and when he tried his back legs gave way. We all knew this was the day we would have to say goodbye. After a few hours of comforting Taz and making sure he was comfortable, the time had come. My step dad lifted Taz into his car, tears streaming down his face as he did this. I couldn't bring myself to go with my parents to the vets, it was too heart-breaking. My mum told me his passing was very peaceful and that the suffering left his eyes almost instantly. Our old boy had gone, a day we knew was coming but none of us had prepared for.

Our dogs are part of our family, they structure our day and we make plans around them. For those who don't have animals in their lives, its hard to understand this, but losing Taz was losing a member of our family, and we all shed many tears that day. To see him suffering and in pain was the worst part because he was always such an active and happy dog. It was also devastating to see our other lab, Maddie, who has never known a day without Taz. Her heart was breaking too, and the worst part was she couldn't understand it. For us, losing Taz was in the foreseeable future, and it was something we had talked about for almost a year. When that moment finally came to say goodbye to the dog that had provided us with so many happy memories, we all found it very hard but we knew it was the right thing for Taz and he was ready for it.

Life has been strange without him, when someone asks me how many dogs we have now, I still want to say 4. Or when I peg the washing out and Taz isn't there to trip me up, or when someone opens the back gate and then you have to spend 10 minutes trying to get Taz back inside the garden. Its the little things like that that I miss. I still expect to see him walk out of the kennel, or come and say hello when I go into the garden, I guess that is something I will get used to but its very strange.

We are all giving Maddie and the other two dogs a lot of attention now, they need it because they've lost their leader. Losing Taz was a lot harder than I ever expected, and seeing the rest of my family (including the other dogs) suffer from his loss is just as hard. He was a brilliant dog and we can still laugh at the memories he gave us.

Rest In Peace Taz, our old boy x

2014-A New Start

 

 

Whilst 2013 did have its ups (i.e. starting my QCF qualification and setting up my blog) in general it was one of the toughest years yet. With a long battle of major insecurity and anxiety, life was damn hard. However I have made a decision that as of 2014, I am turning over a new leaf! I want to be a more positive and happier person. There are three main ways that I am planning to change my life for the better:

1) Managing My Finances

The last couple of years have been difficult with money, I have never been sensible with it and have been an absolute shopoholic! However I have decided to try and live by a budget of £40 a week but once a month will allow myself £50. This budget will need to include petrol money, food and any other spends including nights out. I will also record everything that I spend my money on as a way of reflecting and analysing my spending habits. In line with this, I will keep another log of all my outgoings and incomings from my bank account, just so I can stay on top of things really. Being in control of my money gives me prospects for the future i.e. saving, moving out.

2) Leading a Healthy Life

My weight has always fluctuated. I have never been massive but I'm never happy with my body and I have the worst eating habits ever! I have decided to try and stick to a meal plan and an exercise plan. I have bought a diet and fitness journal to help me with this, and I have also subscribed to Women's Health magazine. I am very determined to slim down and tone up ready for the warmer months next year. I am not doing this for anyone else but me, I want to feel more confident and just generally more healthy.

3) Bridget Jones meets A Little Gem

After speaking to a few different people about stress relief, keeping a journal seems to be quite a popular method and I do find writing down my thoughts quite therapeutic. Also, I think it will be nice to be able to look back and see how I've felt at different times of the year.

I do have a few other resolutions but I'm going to keep those to myself. I also have big plans for the blog in 2014, I want to branch out a little bit (even though beauty blogging is my one true love ha). I am going to start doing a few more lifestyle posts including A Month in Instagram, Places I've Been and an on-going update posts on the resolutions mentioned above.

I really love blogging and it has given my something to focus on and build. Every time I hit a new milestone is such an achievement for me so thank you to everyone that reads my tiny corner of the World Wide Web.

Does anyone else have any New Year Resolutions? I hope you all have a brilliant New Year!

Christmas In Bristol

Christmas is by no means my favourite time of year, however I made a promise to myself to try and enjoy it this year! I loved all the decorations out and about so thought I would share with you all my snaps of Christmas In Bristol...