The Blogger Tag

Helloo,

I have been tagged by one of my ultimate favourite bloggers Alice from Annie Writes Beauty, you really should check out her blog its amazing :) This is 'The Blogger Tag'

1. What is your favourite beauty product?

Ohh such a hard one to chose to be honest. Estee Lauder Double (which Alice chose too and enabled me to buy) is super amazing. But I think I am in love with MAC Plumful lipstick, I just wear it every day since I brought it earlier this year. Its the perfect shade for me, as a bit more daring but as it is a lustre finish bit more sheer for me which I like! :)

2. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

I have top 3 places I want to visit - Disney Land Florida, Paris and New York. Probably because of all the movies I watched growing up painting the perfect picture of how life would be when I grow up. They look like such incredible places. I want the romance on the top of the Eiffel Tower, I want to see Corey's face in Disney Land and I want to visit the Statue Of Liberty!

3. What is your all time favourite brand?

I think L'Oreal Paris, they do amazing shade ranges of foundations, great blushes that last forever and the mascara's are better than most high end. The list could go on really, but they really do so well for drugstore prices :)

4. Do you collect anything. If so what is it?

On days out to things such as Sea Life (my favourite place ever) I will also buy a souvenir and make sure I have one of those pictures. Usually ends up in a magnet or something - just always! I grew up with them memories now I want to do the same with Corey and any future children :)

5. Early bird or night owl?

Bit of both, I am awake until about midnight but I do not ever want to be, just physically can't go to sleep any earlier at the moment. I have always been a morning person, I never lay in past 9am (it is very rare if I do!) but I am so grumpy if I do not get enough sleep.

6. Tea or Coffee?

Yuk, neither!

7. What is your favourite TV show?

Oh wow, I have so many! Old classics like Friends, One Tree Hill, Prison Break etc. At the moment I am liking Revenge, Blacklist and Arrow.

8. If you could travel to any era what would it be?

I don't think you can class the future as an era but I want to go the the future, I really want to see how my future turns out. Too nosey and impatient to wait!

So there you have it :) I tag: Andrea, Becka, Tanya and Hayley - sorry if any of you have done it before, if not hope you take part so I can see your answers. 

Love, Gemma xo

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Birds Eye #AfterSchoolChefs Challenge*

Helloo,

Being apart of the Brit Mums Community means I am lucky enough to get some really fun opportunities to work with some great brands. Today it is Birds Eye :) As soon as I hear their name, I instantly think fish fingers. I was sent £20 worth of vouchers, to spend in store and create some meals which would be perfect for after school etc.

Here is ALL the goodies I managed to pick up for only roughly £16 at Tesco and Sainsburys who both had special offers on at the moment. It seems a lot to buy that much worth of just Birds Eye goodies but I have a lot for the money which will be a fair few meals for us two!

If you read my blog regularly then most of you may know that recently I became a single parent. But I have been dying for a roast, frankly it didn't seem worth the effort or money for just myself and Corey. Whilst on my shop, I came across these and was so over the moon. It may seem lazy to some, but for someone in my position, it is a god send and was only £2 each. I am so excited to try and will certainly report back when I get the chance to try later this week :) Nothing more satisfying then helping a craving!

Not only that but honestly I am not the greatest cook, I can cook but sometimes after a long day (okay more so when I was working) I just couldn't be bothered. I have more time now as a current stay at home mum but those days are soon to be over. Birds Eye provide such healthy quick easy meal options. Corey will be starting school soon as will I with working, I dread that evening rush of getting in to prepare dinner, bath and bed all before a certain time. It doesn't seem realistic in my eyes but I am sure when I get used to it, it will be easier. Any tips on how to manage this would be great? :)

I am not a fan of fish fingers, don't know why but just never have been. Once a friend of mine cooked a fish finger sandwich with a difference and it was super yummy. Shame I haven't got a picture to show you but you must try it. Make a fish finger sandwich with egg (either fried or scrambled) and ketchup. Then when sandwich is made, pour beans over the top of the sandwich. So it's not a sandwich you can pick up with your hands but the mix of them all is so strangely yummy :) Corey loves it and it is filling, a great Sunday morning brunch idea too instead of a fry up!

The sausage rolls I purchased are easily some of the best sausage rolls ever, we usually have for lunch with crisps but pair it with the potato waffles and some veg for dinner and got yet another meal.

I admit it looks a bit naughty as I haven't brought any vegetables but Birds Eye do great frozen selections of vegetables, all sorts of different ranges including steam bag versions. They also have frozen pasta bits which are at the top of my list to try next as both Corey and I have a huge obsession with anything pasta!

Here is one meal we made and Corey enjoying himself:

I know it seems a bit of a weird mixture what we actually had but it was a nice healthy meal and gave a really good size portion! It was delicious as you can tell by Corey's concentration face and was eaten very fast :) He found the mashtag's so funny. After a debate on trying to explain what a hashtag was, when he thought the @ sign was a snail - I just went with it!

As I am typing this away after our dinner, he goes type that is was "so so so so yum" whilst rubbing his belly :)

The meal took about 25 minutes to cook, which seems a while but it was as easy as shove most of it in the oven. I would recommend that time be when the children do some homework whilst waiting for it to cook. That is probably what I will end up doing when Corey starts school.

Don't you think it is so handy that everything is frozen so lasts longer yet with all the goodness of fresh stuff. I just much rather frozen as then I don't have to worry as much of using it before it goes off or anything. Plus the possibilities of various meals, with mixing and matching etc is just endless. If you go to their site here, you can see their ranges which include - Fish, Chicken, Vegetables, Bakery, Rice, Meals, Potatoes, Red Meat, Inspirations and Desserts. How yummy do they all sound? :) Plus check their recipe page out here for lots of fantastic ideas!

What would be your ultimate must-have after school dinner? :) Would love some more ideas!

This post is an entry for #AfterSchoolChefs Linky Challenge (view here) sponsored by Birds Eye. Learn more on Birds Eye Facebook Page (view here).

Love, Gemma xo

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Silent Sunday #12

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Top 10 Facebook Businesses

Helloo,

I have found so many amazing Facebook companies who are truly wonderful ladies and have created many beautiful products. I wish I could spend all my money on them, if only money grew on trees. I have decided to share these today because everyone should know about them and give each of their pages a like. It's great to help businesses like these out as word of mouth will help them grow too. Plus who doesn't love a handmade personalised product? I am obsessed! :) In no particular order here are my top 10 Facebook Businesses:

Little Sugar Plums

As you can see these are brilliantly designed dolls, I already own 3 but now I still want more! This reindeer print is so cute, and who doesn't love an Elsa? This page holds monthly market nights too so you can always get a chance to get your hands on one! They are just so adorable :)

The Banner Boutique

I have been on the waiting list since last year, my time has now come and I will have a Christmas banner in time for this year - super exciting :) They are just so cute and I really want a London themed one, or a really cute girl one for myself!

The Wooden Ladybird Company

Again, if you haven't guessed - I am obsessed. Over the past 2 years I have equated quite a fair bit from this lovely company. I shall probably dedicated a whole post of its own at some point but most is in the attic ready for Christmas - my favourite time of year!

Love Keep Create

I am beyond in love with the idea of these, making keepsakes out of old baby clothes. I want, need, must have one of these but I haven't been able to dig out Corey's old clothes yet. But how sweet would it be to have some of his premature baby clothes made into a little bear or something :) I adore keepsakes, so this really is one I will get one day!

The Crafty Giraffe

Only recently have I came across these very unique wooden designs, but I will not rest until I have one of these Santa treat boards. They are just adorable and so much pretty delicate art work.

Just For Tiny People

I would be very shocked if you said you haven't heard of this company before, they are massive and even recently made it onto Dragons Den for their hugely growing company. They offer amazing teepee's, hidey holes (bottom left), animal houses, and soo much more. They are doing surprise Christmas gift box, which I wanted so badly (for Corey obviously!) but I didn't manage to get one in time. Mum came to rescue when she said she had ordered one!!!

Tilly B

Just look at how adorable everything is? I don't even know what else to say about them to be honest. I see the animals and instantly think "awww". Those halloween bits are at top of my list too and cute penguin families (not pictured) - must haves!!

House Of Jacks

You may have guessed I love all things personalised, but this company creates prints, cases etc - whatever you want. I love the idea of personalised cartoon bits too. I so want to buy but haven't thought of the perfect personalisation just yet.

Loving Dot

How cute? Loving Dot creates the cutest little things and even designs blog headers - check out The Mummy Diary by clicking here :)

Magic Beanz Bespoke Jewellery

I was drawn to this company but the starts and moon, it reminds me of the saying "to the moon and back" which is one of my favourite. I so want one for my key ring :) Look at all the lovely little designs they can put on whatever you wish really.

Another great place to search on Facebook is 'Showcase Handmade UK' (or click here) as exactly what it says by showcasing handmade items, it is like Pinterest heaven for Facebook! 

So what do you think of all these lovely Facebook businesses? :) Do you have any more you can recommend to me?

Love, Gemma xo

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Skincare Saviours

Hellooo,

I recently posted about Body Shop Tea Tree Range (view here) which is so totally amazing for those who suffer with acne and/or oily skin like myself. Today I thought I would share some other skincare recommendations that I have found fairly amazing :)

Aveeno

I was actually prescribed this from a Dermatologist at the Hospital when receiving acne medicine called 'Roaccutane'. The specific one I have is meant for dry skin (what the tablets did) and is natural etc. But to my surprise it is very moisturising BUT it is also mattifing - it is brilliant for oily skin sufferers like myself! A real must have :) No moisturiser has worked this good. Great for under make-up and only a tiny amount is needed as quite thick but doesn't feel it once applied to skin. Because using only a tiny amount it lasts soo long. Plus a reasonable price at around roughly £5 in Boots.

Sudocrem

So somewhere in the blogisphere on Twitter, a long time ago now I saw someone mention that Sudocrem is great for acne. Oh I so didn't believe them but thought I would try any ways and I was shocked! I am not sure why it works, but it does and really well. It seems to dry them out which gets rid of them. I wouldn't say it is for an all over face kind of thing, but if you want quick results on the odd spot then this is by far the best I have found. I dot on the cream to targeted areas (do not rub in) and just leave over night or if I am having a lazy day. Not very attractive but it can work over night, literally but usually 2 or 3 nights and they are gone :)

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

I received a sample in a beauty box once and with using twice daily. I really noticed a difference, a big difference. It really lightened my whole under eye area, got rid of dark circles and blue vein line bits. I can't tell you much about wrinkles as I don't have any (yet!). It is quite a thick cream so you do not need much at all but still sits nicely under make-up. My sample like shown in the picture has lasted me a little over 3 months. This is soo good and honestly because it lasted so long, it is well worth buying the big size they offer but I am still reluctant as it is so expensive at £23.50!!! (money I just don't have at the moment but if you do, treat yourself now and you won't regret it)

There you have it, a few of the other little tricks I use :) Do you have any other useful tips or tricks that you could share?! Especially for acne/oily skin.

Love, Gemma xo

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Next Wishlist & Giveaway

Helloo,

I literally LOVE Next, like full blown obsession because everything is so beyond beautiful. If I could have everything I wanted then I soo would but it can be quite costly when you want the whole store :)

I am going to share a few of the bits I am lusting over at the moment, if anyone wants to treat me then please feel free - it would be greatly appreciated ;) Christmas is coming up soon you know!

Homeware

Boys

Beauty

So there you have it, a little wishlist of goodies :) What catches your eye? Are you just as obsessed as me?

I have to admit that there website doesn't seem to be as easy to find as much goodies these days. I much prefer going into the store to have a look. I just wish they would bring a whole Next Home store near me - that would be perfection!

Because I have this massive obsession with Next and this is my 200th post/1 year blogiversary which you can read about here (can't believe it took me 3 weeks - sorry!). I did promise a massive thank you giveaway :) I can't decide whether to have £20 voucher OR you can have some surprise goodies from Next chosen by me!

Giveaway Rules

1. Will run from 22nd September 2014 7am - 3rd October 2014 7pm.
2. Winner will be announced within 24 hours of closing via Twitter and Facebook.
3. The winner will have 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
4. You must do the mandatory requirements which is follow Twitter and BlogLovin.
5. Any other is just if you want to for more of a chance.
6. The competition will be run with Rafflecopter and winner chosen via random.org
7. Anyone who does not do the mandatory requirements like no4 states then they will be disqualified.
8. Giveaway prize will either by £20 Next gift voucher OR surprise goodies chosen by me from Next.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Everyone!!! :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Silent Sunday #11

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Lindeman's Wine Sunshine Hamper*

Hellooo,

Back in June, I attended Brit Mums Live which is an event/conference for parenting bloggers, you can read about my experience here. But I was lucky enough to meet a lovely team by Lindeman's wine who hosted a tasting session and provided a bottle each for the goody bags. Now I have been talking too since, and received a lovely Sunshine Hamper which of course I said yes too as who doesn't love a bit of picnic, sunshine and wine :)

I was totally blown away by the amazing goodies inside, here is a look:

Included: 3 bottles of wine, hamper basket, picnic blanket, wine glasses and stick things!

What do you think of my picture skills here? I was testing out my new camera which I haven't had a chance to show on the blog much yet!

The wine was gone very quickly, obviously and super yummy :) Each can be brought from places like Asda for roughly around £7 a bottle. I really love the cool idea of those stick things, you can stick them into the ground and they make your wine glass sturdier as holds it up off the ground - such a cool invention. The glasses are proper crystal according to the box, I somehow feel as if I shouldn't use them encase I break them!

Let's take a look at the history behind Lindeman's:

- Founded by Henry Lindeman
- Born 1811 in Surrey, England
- Found winemaking whilst travelling Europe in 1830's
- Henry and his wife moved to Australia in 1840
- 1843 he planted his first vines in his property
- They had 10 children!!
- By 1862, the wine was shared around the world :)

It really is an interesting read in full on their website here!

What is your favourite type of wine? :) White or Rosé for me, Red if mixed with lemonade. Many people say wine gives them the worst hangovers or get drunk quicker - I seem to be the only one who it doesn't effect much!

You can view their very impressive wine selection here - be sure to try their wines out if you haven't already :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Silent Sunday #10

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Time For A Change..

Helloo,

Recently I have been a little bit quiet compared to my normal on here and social media due to personal circumstances. I have hated that I haven't had the motivation to blog, I have so many ideas and things I want to write but I just couldn't. Hopefully this will change now though, so here is to a new fresh start - keep reading to find out why!

Sometimes I can get lost in my thoughts, day dreaming of the future or wondering what could have been. How things would have been different with different life choices, would things be better or worse? There is always that one thing, what if? You see, I am one of those people who ask questions such as what if or dwell on the past. I can't help it, it is just who I have always been. I don't move on from the past very easily, even the bad stuff because well it happened. You can't just forget it. I am thankful for what the past has brought me even though frankly I do feel at 21 I am being tested to see how much sh*t I can actual handle.

But today I woke up and I realised it is time to change, I am not getting any younger and I want the most out of my future so it's time I take charge and get on with it. Now I don't know where I want to go in life right at this moment in time, I have a 100 various ideas on careers I would like to do. Sometimes I feel a little bit lost because I don't exactly know what I want to do. It's time to do stuff for myself, more coming on this in future blog post. I fell pregnant at just 16, although University isn't what I wanted to do back then, I did want to go college and stuff before becoming a mum. As girls, I think when we are younger we all have them dreams of how we want our lives to be.

Almost 2 weeks ago now, things came to an end with my relationship to someone whom I loved with all my heart and more, the love of my life. It was just one of those things and I didn't cry much to be honest because I still had this slight hope. Plus I couldn't cry because I had a heart broken little 3.5 year old who lost his best friend. It has been hard but I will try to get through, I have had to put a smile on every day and just get on with life so he doesn't see I am upset. It hit Corey hard but if he has a happy mummy, he will be happy :)

Break-ups are never easy no matter what the situation, we were at the point where we were planning a future of marriage and baby within the next year. It is sad that I know this is not going to happen any more and anyone who knows me personally, this is all I wanted with the person I love. I will admit that I am gutted to lose my best friend and love of my life.

It is a scary thought to be alone again, living alone and having to adjust but like I said - this morning I woke up and its time for a change. It is still early days and I probably have lots more tears to come, but I am going to look at the past as a good thing, remember the good times and just be thankful the bad is over now.

Already, I have noticed big changes in myself - lost almost a stone and half, got more energy and well I get even more quality time with Corey which is so great - my little bundle of joy. He is amazing and always my rock through everything even if he doesn't realise he is being it. He gives the best cuddles and kisses. We can get through it because we have each other :) The other day he goes to me "we must be nice to each other so we can make us happy" and gave me a sticker for being so nice to him - sweetie!

I always forget that I am only 21 (I feel 10x older) and I have still my whole life a head of me. It may not go how I want it too at times and there is no way any time soon I am ready nor want to find someone else. Although I would like to think that one day I will find the one, like in the movies. But when you have a little bubba, that is all that matters. Here are some of the lovely little photos we have had together this past week and I loooove them ❤:

We know we are going to be okay because we have each other, there is nothing stronger than a mummy and child bond. So proud of the friendship I do have with him even if at times he can drive me insane! Pleased to say that he is my son, the great little clever boy he is turning into :)

So although I haven't been in the mood to blog or do much social media, even mummy bloggers community has had to take a bit of a back seat. I want to get back into but not sure when that will be. This may also seem like a depressing post but it is not, because I know myself like many others have been in this situation before and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel even if it can't be seen at the moment. I have had some amazing friends as well who have helped me through, most of whom are fellow bloggers so a big massive thank you to you all :)

If like me you have been having a bad time or just a bad day after work or something then you should check out last weeks post on tips to treat or cheer yourself up :) just click here.

Onwards and upwards, to the future & the good times ahead! :)

Love, Gemma xo

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**I have made it so no one can comment on this particular post because I am not after sympathy comments on am I okay or anything but just needed to write and vent to myself to help the moving on process**

Silent Sunday #9

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What To Do When Feeling Blue?

Hellooo,

Even if we don't like to admit it at times, we all have some down days whether its stress from work or children, maybe both, time of the month and many more reasons. We can't help it. It's just one of those annoying things. I thought I would share some of the bits that I like to do to get me out of my bad moods when I am feeling a little blue.

Pamper Yourself

Whether it be a long relaxing hot bath with yummy Lush bath bombs, a mud mask, nail painting etc. The list is endless :) Even if you go to a salon and have it done, a massage would be nice ey? Even an early night can do the world of good.

Rom-Coms

I am a very emotional personal, I cry at most things stupid even adverts or things that have nothing to do with me. But sometimes you just need a good old cry so I will pick a film (usually Pretty Women, Legally Blonde or something like that) and just let the tears come whilst munching on the takeaway and chocolate haha! 

OR if you know you're going to have a fair bit of spare time, watch your favourite TV series, I recently watched Prison Break - amazing :):)

Treat Yourself

As an ex shopping addict this is something I always end up doing when I need a little pick me up, we all do it. Usually a MAC lipstick for the most of us hey? I treat myself a fair bit at times, although been on a spending ban since July now! If I do, then its usually make-up, chocolate, takeaways but mainly I like to treat Corey. If he smiles because of a new toy or something, then it makes me smile :)

Girls Night In/Out

I don't really have many friends in my town or much money so nights in or out are very limited but back a couple of years ago, this would always help when I was like 15-18. I don't drink very often either, maybe like 5 times a year but what I would do for a bottle of Malibu, some Sambuca shots or a WooWoo right now!! What is your ultimate favourite alcoholic drink if you had to choose?

Have A Rant

I never used to be a talker and sometimes I am still not, I prefer to bottle it all up (as unhealthy as that is) but if I trust someone and they are willing to listen, then blimey do I let loose these days! So thankful for all my lovely blogging friends who have put up with me this week and been there for me :) Having a rant has helped so much beyond belief. If you are like me and don't like to talk, I still strongly advise you have a rant. Sometimes I write it down, just a way to let out all that anger, sadness and frustration.

Exercise

Okay so I admit this isn't one of my favourites any more but there is something almost therapeutic about exercising, for me especially at the gym. Once upon a time when I was a member, I used to love the gym for some time to think whilst working on a body I wouldn't be ashamed of. Swimming in a private gym pool when no one else is around, just pure bliss! Don't forget the Sauna, for a detox and help sweat out all the baddies in your skin. I can't go for runs, it would kill me but I do love walking even if I don't do it at all now!

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As a mummy I of course spend most of my time with Corey, besides when he is visiting his dads so this is when I need to take advantage to have a little wind down and relax. It's hard because there is no time in the day when little ones are running around wild. Likewise if you are at work all day long, if you do both then I salute you. I did for a year and boy did I struggle! 

Nothing Beats A Smile

I said above in the 'Treat Yourself' section if I see Corey smile then it is enough to make my day, but he is a soppy little bubba and will always tell me how much he loves me. If he knows I am sad, even crying because of the soaps then he will give a kiss and a cuddle. He always says "you're my best friend" and "I love you mummy", even as soon as I spray perfume I get a "you smell nice mummy". Whether he says all of this because he knows it will make me smile - I don't care as it is too cute! :) He is a cheeky monkey though!

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There you go, a little into what I like to do when I need some cheering up, maybe you have a friend who is feeling upset so go round and do this with them - it will make their day! What is it you like to do the most? :)

Love, Gemma xo

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1st Blogiversary :)❤

Hellooo,

Today I am celebrating a very special anniversary! I can not actually believe that today is exactly a year since I started this little blog of mine, I remember it as if it were just last week. Sitting in bed, wondering what to do recovering from surgery and thinking why not start a blog. Time flies when having fun ey? :)

I will admit I didn't know much about them and thought they were really unheard of, oh I how I was wrong. I have entered into one of the biggest global growing hobbies (craze, industry etc - what ever you want to call it) at the moment.

I am not creative, not really in the slightest to be honest. But I do like to express feelings in some way and this is that. I am not the best writer, nor do I have the knack of actually keeping up with something for so long. But I am so proud of myself, how far I have come from my writing and photography skills. Rather ashamed of my first posts to be honest *heads off and deletes*.

Hands down the best part about blogging is the community, it is absolutely massive and there is some ups and downs, like with most things in life. But I am so beyond thankful for the wonderful friends I have made, they may be 100s of miles away but I feel closer to them than friends I have known for years. Having a down day and someone is always there to cheer me up :) It is full of the nicest and caring people! Great to meet other parents or people with interests such as beauty. Neither of which I really have in real life!

Some people see blogging as a bad thing as it is such an insight to your life to complete strangers. I don't really want people I personally know to read this, so it isn't something I speak of often but you know I am sure one day someone will stumble upon it. At first I didnt even think anyone would read, but people seem too. I worry at times as I don't always blog every week, sometimes I just have nothing to say. I want to enjoy writing, I don't want to put pressure onto myself for something that I feel should be fun. Although I get stressed at times! Blogging makes me happy, gives me something to escape to at the end of a stressful day, a place where I can be totally myself and share all the thoughts that go through my head. I just hope that someone will read something and if it could help them in one way or just put a smile on someones face - then that is all its about :)

Usually a blogiversary is a time to share stats, but instead I want to share some of the amazing opportunities I have been fortunate to have:

- Proud founder and host of @mummy_bloggers and the #mblogchat
- 2 page spread in Visit From The Stork new magazine, aimed for parents under 25
- Got to blog for the Kiddicare blog, debating pros and cons of co-sleeping (view here)
- Worked with some amazing brands including Morrisons, Trunki, Nova Harley, BelVita & more :)
- Attended Brit Mums Live 2014 blogging conference (view here)

Of course much more, but can't think on top of my head! So extremely proud of these moments. It symbolises to me how far I have come from the day I started this blog, something I thought nothing would come out of.

I have almost reached 200 posts, when I do it will be a little thankyou giveaway so keep an eye out :) There we have it, my very first blogiversary - I am off to celebrate with cake, as that is tradition right?! Here is to many more years blogging!

Love, Gemma xo

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