Sunday, 30 November 2014
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Christmas 2014: House Decorations
Helloo,
My first ever Christmas post of the year, expect a few over the next little while :) It is by far my favourite time of year, ever. I thought I would share some pictures of the decorations I have up in my house because I am proud of them & why not?!
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My first ever Christmas post of the year, expect a few over the next little while :) It is by far my favourite time of year, ever. I thought I would share some pictures of the decorations I have up in my house because I am proud of them & why not?!
From Corey's first Christmas all those years ago in 2010 at only 6 days old :)
So there you have it. I know some may say it is way too early, I may agree a little. Usually I would do it the last weekend of November or first of December, but Corey will be visiting his dad so it just seemed appropriate. Plus I really couldn't wait any longer!
For me it is the little touches that really make it all :) I have a few personalised things around etc. Everything for my tree was brought from Sainsbury's a few years ago (such good quality, still as if new) and I plan to go see what other Christmas homeware/decorations they have. Any recommendations for other places would be so welcome!
For me it is the little touches that really make it all :) I have a few personalised things around etc. Everything for my tree was brought from Sainsbury's a few years ago (such good quality, still as if new) and I plan to go see what other Christmas homeware/decorations they have. Any recommendations for other places would be so welcome!
What do you think? :) When do you put your decorations up?
Labels:
christmas
Sunday, 23 November 2014
Monday, 17 November 2014
Life Of A Premature Baby
Hellooo,
A little while ago you may have read my post about pregnancy loses, false hope and still births etc. It was a pretty emotional post talking about personal experiences and raising awareness. You can read about it by clicking here if you want too. I did say how I would be back to raise some awareness for World Prematurity Day which is today November 17th!
For those who know me personally and reading this will be aware that my little munchkin moo was born 6 weeks prematurely. I have touched a bit on it in my pregnancy and birth story here. But today I think I shall go into it a bit more!
Meet Corey Lucas..
So his journey began when I became pregnant back in June 2010, I was pretty far gone into the first trimester and wasn't expecting to be pregnant due to at the time being on the contraception called Implant. I had taken many pregnancy tests, spent lots of money and all were negative. So I worried, I worried something was wrong causing my stomach problems. So I went to the nurse, who saw me all the time, she was great. She was checking my urine sample for sugar levels etc. Starting saying about how would I feel if I was pregnant, obviously I responded I would be happy just shocked. She said "thats good because you're pregnant". My best friend was with me at the time and I cried. I didn't know what to do. Turned out my due date was either the 25th or 29th January 2011. He arrived 6 weeks early, just 6 days before Christmas. Not only that but it was actually 1 day before his dad and I first ever anniversary so it was a great present for us all.
When I first met my midwife, she came to the house and it was a given that I was going to get the dreaded pre-eclampsia. I had a fair few of the signs to indicate it was a possibility including family history of the condition, high bmi, and being young. The midwife had said because of this I would get consultant care but I guess she never filled the paperwork as I didn't. I only had the usual 2 scans, but all the girls my friends at the time had around 5 because of their age - yet I was the same age. Just 17 years old.
You can probably imagine my frustration by these 2, I do feel that if I had proper care that was needed like those extra scans or consultant care that there was a possibility maybe Corey would have got to stay in my belly for longer. At 32 weeks pregnant, I started my maternity leave so I could enjoy Christmas etc and move into my first home. I felt this was enough time to relax etc and I had suspicions Corey would arrive early.
At 33 weeks, it was a Wednesday. I started to develop symptoms mainly the swelling of everywhere. I went into a local walk in clinic with my mum, I was tested for high blood pressure which was very high so I had a urine sample which indicated high protein.
I was sent to the Hospital Day Unit, where I was monitored and further tested. Told to stay the night for further care and monitoring. So something I forgot to mention was that the first appointment with my midwife, that little green book - I wrote on the front "no c-section unless an emergency". You see, I hadn't had an operation before, I chickened out of my tonsils being taken out a couple of days before. I was scared!
Over the next couple of days I was given tests, scans and painful steroid injections. These injections were needed to help develop Corey's vital organs quicker but my god it is the most painful injection possible and leaves your bruised like a peach.
That evening, my first ever stay over night in hospital (well from what I could remember anyways!) was so awful. I was left on my own after 9pm, which was then when the doctors decided to make their rounds. They told me I would have my boy within the next week but they wanted to keep him in there for as long as possible. You have no idea of the panic that started to happen, safe to say I cried for a very long time on the phone. I didn't know what to do.
The next few days were a bit touch and go, one day I would be supposedly having him that day and the next they wanted to send me home. Then Saturday came, first thing in the morning and I was being prepared for surgery, But that day wasn't the day, after all that waiting around - they just were too busy.
Sunday came, I was having visitors. I had Corey's dad and his mum there with me looking after me. They popped down for a fag whilst my cousin, who was my best friend and her partner were visiting. But I started to get ill. I was swelling a lot so much that my throat felt like it was closing. A nurse brushed it off and said it was just my glands. Didn't even look at me. But my cousins partner wasn't used to these situations, he panicked as he saw how ill I got. You didn't want to mess with him, he was 6 ft 5 and not the tiniest. He demanded a doctor see me. Who immediately said I had to be rushed to surgery. I quickly rang his dad, they ran up to me. I rang my mum and just as I was heading downstairs in the lift, she came just in time.
I was so scared, I was panicking, I didn't know what to expect. In that moment, I don't even know what I was thinking at the time. I wasn't prepared. I didn't think that the worst could be possible. I remember in the waiting room sat my mum, the mother in law and my dad.. Then Corey's dad was in the operation area with me. I went in at 6.30pm on Sunday 19th December 2010. At 6.45pm Corey was born. I didn't wake until around 7.10pm.
Frankly, when I woke I was in a daze. I had no clue what I was talking about. I had Corey's dad at my side supporting me and holding my hand. All I remember is talking jibber jabber. I had lost a lot of blood and I could feel it. I was lucky to have a really nice nurse whose name I can't even remember but so thankful for her. Finally, when someone told me how Corey was and that he was ok but just running tests. I was so relieved. I was shown this picture:
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Everyone that was there had seen him except me. Eventually everyone had to go because of the visiting hours. Finally at 1am, I was taken up to the ward with a little detour to the NICU to see Corey. But in all honesty I was out of it, I remember crying my eyes out. I was the whisked off to the ward in the c-section room with the special beds. Everyone had their crying babies with them, it was torture. I didn't get any sleep, I was in pain and I was worried. The next day I managed to get up and was carted off to see Corey around mid day. For the first time, I got to see him properly. Hold his fingers and cuddle him. This isn't a picture of my first cuddle, it was the second at 2 days old:
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I was explained a bit about Corey's conditions. I can't remember what they were called unless I looked out the paperwork. His x-rays were like bubbles, you couldn't see his organs. It was all bubbles which was from gas. Which possibly meant that he had a hole in his stomach as it might not of obviously developed quite enough. They decided to give him I think it was Gaviscon and Antibiotics to try and see if it could sort the problem. A couple of days later there was talks of operating on Christmas Day non the less. He was in Intensive care for roughly 11 days. However, I was very fortunate for the fact that I had a very strong healthy little boy who did fight it and it all went up from there.
Here is a few pictures of his time in NICU, which was Bedford Hospital.
After a few weeks - Christmas and New Year had been and gone. It was approaching the weekend before Corey was due to come home on I think the 10th January 2011. However, that weekend if things were not working in our favour. Our water and heating broke, no one would fix it until the Monday and then his dad write off the car. He was fine, I was very pleased though as never liked the car - it was an excuse to get a new one. We postponed Corey's leaving date until the Tuesday whilst we sorted things as I was not bringing him home with no water or heating. So the Monday night we are sorting out some bits, getting the bouncy chair and everything ready. But then the worst happened. My stomach started cramping. I had never felt pain so bad, it was horrific. I could not move at all or breathe. It could have been my body thinking I was going into labour, it felt like possible contractions. Although, since then I have had my gallbladder removed so it may have been that too. I was rushed to Hospital and treated. I wasn't admitted until at least midnight.
The next day he still got to come home with me, it was a scary thought. It really was but it was amazing and he was still so teeny weeny. This is when Corey's dad took his paternity leave as we felt it was a more appropriate time for me to need to help as I will still recovering from my painful c-section. Here he is waiting to leave the hospital:
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Before he came home, we were provided with a lot of help from the NICU they were great. They even came to our house to give us first aid training how to deal with choking etc.
The day came where Corey's dad had to go back to work. I was horrified at the thought of being on my own every day, I was scared something would go wrong. Corey had a couple of sniffles, we decided to get it checked out at the doctors but were sent to their children's day unit for a proper assessment due to his prematurity. Best to be safe and get it checked out they said. So off we went again to the Hospital dreading the worst. But they brushed it off as if nothing was really wrong. I didn't believe them. I had planned to go back to the doctor the next day.
However, Corey took a turn for the worst that evening. I remember having dinner on my own with Corey whilst his dad was at his brother's. I thought Corey was looking a bit blue around the lips but I warmed him. Then it was bath time whilst his dad was working away on the computer. I decided to sit there and cuddle Corey on the bed, chatting away discussing how our days had been etc. When I started to notice that if my arm moved, Corey would get this really sharp red blood mark on his forehead as if it was a sudden blood rush. My heart stopped because I thought he may have a brain tumor or something. I then noticed Corey was not breathing. I panicked, I went into a complete shock. We only lived literally a 2 minute drive from the hospital so we drove as it would of been much faster.
As soon as we arrived and we said he wasn't breathing we were seen immediately by a nurse in A&E, we sat down and put Corey on the table in his car seat. She stood up, whisked him away and literally did not return for like 10 minutes. The worst 10 minutes of our life. She eventually came back, we were taken to see Corey surrounded by doctors and nurses every where. A&E had to be put on a stand still. By this time, both of Corey's nannies were in the waiting room, having to listen to people moan about the longer wait due to a severely ill little baby. I went out at one point to see my mum to let them know what was happening. I walked into the waiting room, but I saw mum and I froze. I stood there and I cried for a good 5/10 minutes before I could even begin to explain what was actually happening. She thought the worst had happened. I eventually explained the following..
During the next few hours - Corey was given tests, x-rays and all sorts. There was talks of him being transferred to Great Ormand Street Hospital but the journey would have been risky as Corey would of had to be put to sleep. But it was decided Corey would be put on a CPAP machine and looked after in the hospital we were at in Intensive Care.
I remember later that night when we were put in a waiting room whilst he was transferred to the ward - I was handed his baby grows which were all cut and it just broke my heart. We slept by his side the whole night. Here he is the next morning on a CPAP machine:
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He luckily made a fairly quick recovery after this, we were home on the Friday. The scariest week ever possible or imaginable. I remember this all so vividly - it is quite a scary thought, at first I chose to forget that moment because even to this day as soon as I think about it, I cry and cry. I never want to have to relive that. It is a memory I do not want. I honestly couldn't tell you what part was worse the premature birth or that moment I thought he was gone.
All babies are at risk for this but being premature because they are smaller and a bit more fragile made him more prone which is why somehow he caught this horrible bug that almost ended his life.
I am so beyond lucky and thankful that Corey has only really had the old cold and cough since with no serious life health problems. He was a little behind on walking as he didn't take his first steps until he was 18 months. I am not saying there may not be aspects were he will be a little behind in the future, he may need glasses, he may not do as well academically - who knows but then again every child is different. He may be prone to having certain illnesses later on in life life heart problems. But there is no indication of that at the moment.
We are now fast approaching Corey's 4th birthday next month and I am very proud to say he is doing so well, growing up into a cheeky monkey and as of January will be in full-time school. My baby is no longer a baby!
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So today is World Prematurity Day and I ask you to really think about the causes of being premature not only to the baby but the family, the mother and the father. It isn't easy, being a parent isn't easy. Nothing worse than seeing a baby poorly, having that some what doubt it could all be over. It is always hard whether it is your baby or another. I am so thankful for the Hospital and the care they provided for us as a family and all the treatment they gave Corey. They done really well and I was lucky that Corey is now as healthy as he is. Here are a couple of charities who can help maybe find a prevention or provide support for when the dreaded comes - Sands, Tommy's and Bliss. If you can spare some change to help donate or do even more, it will all help.
A little while ago you may have read my post about pregnancy loses, false hope and still births etc. It was a pretty emotional post talking about personal experiences and raising awareness. You can read about it by clicking here if you want too. I did say how I would be back to raise some awareness for World Prematurity Day which is today November 17th!
For those who know me personally and reading this will be aware that my little munchkin moo was born 6 weeks prematurely. I have touched a bit on it in my pregnancy and birth story here. But today I think I shall go into it a bit more!
Meet Corey Lucas..
So his journey began when I became pregnant back in June 2010, I was pretty far gone into the first trimester and wasn't expecting to be pregnant due to at the time being on the contraception called Implant. I had taken many pregnancy tests, spent lots of money and all were negative. So I worried, I worried something was wrong causing my stomach problems. So I went to the nurse, who saw me all the time, she was great. She was checking my urine sample for sugar levels etc. Starting saying about how would I feel if I was pregnant, obviously I responded I would be happy just shocked. She said "thats good because you're pregnant". My best friend was with me at the time and I cried. I didn't know what to do. Turned out my due date was either the 25th or 29th January 2011. He arrived 6 weeks early, just 6 days before Christmas. Not only that but it was actually 1 day before his dad and I first ever anniversary so it was a great present for us all.
When I first met my midwife, she came to the house and it was a given that I was going to get the dreaded pre-eclampsia. I had a fair few of the signs to indicate it was a possibility including family history of the condition, high bmi, and being young. The midwife had said because of this I would get consultant care but I guess she never filled the paperwork as I didn't. I only had the usual 2 scans, but all the girls my friends at the time had around 5 because of their age - yet I was the same age. Just 17 years old.
You can probably imagine my frustration by these 2, I do feel that if I had proper care that was needed like those extra scans or consultant care that there was a possibility maybe Corey would have got to stay in my belly for longer. At 32 weeks pregnant, I started my maternity leave so I could enjoy Christmas etc and move into my first home. I felt this was enough time to relax etc and I had suspicions Corey would arrive early.
At 33 weeks, it was a Wednesday. I started to develop symptoms mainly the swelling of everywhere. I went into a local walk in clinic with my mum, I was tested for high blood pressure which was very high so I had a urine sample which indicated high protein.
I was sent to the Hospital Day Unit, where I was monitored and further tested. Told to stay the night for further care and monitoring. So something I forgot to mention was that the first appointment with my midwife, that little green book - I wrote on the front "no c-section unless an emergency". You see, I hadn't had an operation before, I chickened out of my tonsils being taken out a couple of days before. I was scared!
Over the next couple of days I was given tests, scans and painful steroid injections. These injections were needed to help develop Corey's vital organs quicker but my god it is the most painful injection possible and leaves your bruised like a peach.
That evening, my first ever stay over night in hospital (well from what I could remember anyways!) was so awful. I was left on my own after 9pm, which was then when the doctors decided to make their rounds. They told me I would have my boy within the next week but they wanted to keep him in there for as long as possible. You have no idea of the panic that started to happen, safe to say I cried for a very long time on the phone. I didn't know what to do.
The next few days were a bit touch and go, one day I would be supposedly having him that day and the next they wanted to send me home. Then Saturday came, first thing in the morning and I was being prepared for surgery, But that day wasn't the day, after all that waiting around - they just were too busy.
Sunday came, I was having visitors. I had Corey's dad and his mum there with me looking after me. They popped down for a fag whilst my cousin, who was my best friend and her partner were visiting. But I started to get ill. I was swelling a lot so much that my throat felt like it was closing. A nurse brushed it off and said it was just my glands. Didn't even look at me. But my cousins partner wasn't used to these situations, he panicked as he saw how ill I got. You didn't want to mess with him, he was 6 ft 5 and not the tiniest. He demanded a doctor see me. Who immediately said I had to be rushed to surgery. I quickly rang his dad, they ran up to me. I rang my mum and just as I was heading downstairs in the lift, she came just in time.
I was so scared, I was panicking, I didn't know what to expect. In that moment, I don't even know what I was thinking at the time. I wasn't prepared. I didn't think that the worst could be possible. I remember in the waiting room sat my mum, the mother in law and my dad.. Then Corey's dad was in the operation area with me. I went in at 6.30pm on Sunday 19th December 2010. At 6.45pm Corey was born. I didn't wake until around 7.10pm.
Frankly, when I woke I was in a daze. I had no clue what I was talking about. I had Corey's dad at my side supporting me and holding my hand. All I remember is talking jibber jabber. I had lost a lot of blood and I could feel it. I was lucky to have a really nice nurse whose name I can't even remember but so thankful for her. Finally, when someone told me how Corey was and that he was ok but just running tests. I was so relieved. I was shown this picture:
Everyone that was there had seen him except me. Eventually everyone had to go because of the visiting hours. Finally at 1am, I was taken up to the ward with a little detour to the NICU to see Corey. But in all honesty I was out of it, I remember crying my eyes out. I was the whisked off to the ward in the c-section room with the special beds. Everyone had their crying babies with them, it was torture. I didn't get any sleep, I was in pain and I was worried. The next day I managed to get up and was carted off to see Corey around mid day. For the first time, I got to see him properly. Hold his fingers and cuddle him. This isn't a picture of my first cuddle, it was the second at 2 days old:
I was explained a bit about Corey's conditions. I can't remember what they were called unless I looked out the paperwork. His x-rays were like bubbles, you couldn't see his organs. It was all bubbles which was from gas. Which possibly meant that he had a hole in his stomach as it might not of obviously developed quite enough. They decided to give him I think it was Gaviscon and Antibiotics to try and see if it could sort the problem. A couple of days later there was talks of operating on Christmas Day non the less. He was in Intensive care for roughly 11 days. However, I was very fortunate for the fact that I had a very strong healthy little boy who did fight it and it all went up from there.
Here is a few pictures of his time in NICU, which was Bedford Hospital.
After a few weeks - Christmas and New Year had been and gone. It was approaching the weekend before Corey was due to come home on I think the 10th January 2011. However, that weekend if things were not working in our favour. Our water and heating broke, no one would fix it until the Monday and then his dad write off the car. He was fine, I was very pleased though as never liked the car - it was an excuse to get a new one. We postponed Corey's leaving date until the Tuesday whilst we sorted things as I was not bringing him home with no water or heating. So the Monday night we are sorting out some bits, getting the bouncy chair and everything ready. But then the worst happened. My stomach started cramping. I had never felt pain so bad, it was horrific. I could not move at all or breathe. It could have been my body thinking I was going into labour, it felt like possible contractions. Although, since then I have had my gallbladder removed so it may have been that too. I was rushed to Hospital and treated. I wasn't admitted until at least midnight.
The next day he still got to come home with me, it was a scary thought. It really was but it was amazing and he was still so teeny weeny. This is when Corey's dad took his paternity leave as we felt it was a more appropriate time for me to need to help as I will still recovering from my painful c-section. Here he is waiting to leave the hospital:
Before he came home, we were provided with a lot of help from the NICU they were great. They even came to our house to give us first aid training how to deal with choking etc.
The day came where Corey's dad had to go back to work. I was horrified at the thought of being on my own every day, I was scared something would go wrong. Corey had a couple of sniffles, we decided to get it checked out at the doctors but were sent to their children's day unit for a proper assessment due to his prematurity. Best to be safe and get it checked out they said. So off we went again to the Hospital dreading the worst. But they brushed it off as if nothing was really wrong. I didn't believe them. I had planned to go back to the doctor the next day.
However, Corey took a turn for the worst that evening. I remember having dinner on my own with Corey whilst his dad was at his brother's. I thought Corey was looking a bit blue around the lips but I warmed him. Then it was bath time whilst his dad was working away on the computer. I decided to sit there and cuddle Corey on the bed, chatting away discussing how our days had been etc. When I started to notice that if my arm moved, Corey would get this really sharp red blood mark on his forehead as if it was a sudden blood rush. My heart stopped because I thought he may have a brain tumor or something. I then noticed Corey was not breathing. I panicked, I went into a complete shock. We only lived literally a 2 minute drive from the hospital so we drove as it would of been much faster.
As soon as we arrived and we said he wasn't breathing we were seen immediately by a nurse in A&E, we sat down and put Corey on the table in his car seat. She stood up, whisked him away and literally did not return for like 10 minutes. The worst 10 minutes of our life. She eventually came back, we were taken to see Corey surrounded by doctors and nurses every where. A&E had to be put on a stand still. By this time, both of Corey's nannies were in the waiting room, having to listen to people moan about the longer wait due to a severely ill little baby. I went out at one point to see my mum to let them know what was happening. I walked into the waiting room, but I saw mum and I froze. I stood there and I cried for a good 5/10 minutes before I could even begin to explain what was actually happening. She thought the worst had happened. I eventually explained the following..
During the next few hours - Corey was given tests, x-rays and all sorts. There was talks of him being transferred to Great Ormand Street Hospital but the journey would have been risky as Corey would of had to be put to sleep. But it was decided Corey would be put on a CPAP machine and looked after in the hospital we were at in Intensive Care.
I remember later that night when we were put in a waiting room whilst he was transferred to the ward - I was handed his baby grows which were all cut and it just broke my heart. We slept by his side the whole night. Here he is the next morning on a CPAP machine:
He luckily made a fairly quick recovery after this, we were home on the Friday. The scariest week ever possible or imaginable. I remember this all so vividly - it is quite a scary thought, at first I chose to forget that moment because even to this day as soon as I think about it, I cry and cry. I never want to have to relive that. It is a memory I do not want. I honestly couldn't tell you what part was worse the premature birth or that moment I thought he was gone.
All babies are at risk for this but being premature because they are smaller and a bit more fragile made him more prone which is why somehow he caught this horrible bug that almost ended his life.
I am so beyond lucky and thankful that Corey has only really had the old cold and cough since with no serious life health problems. He was a little behind on walking as he didn't take his first steps until he was 18 months. I am not saying there may not be aspects were he will be a little behind in the future, he may need glasses, he may not do as well academically - who knows but then again every child is different. He may be prone to having certain illnesses later on in life life heart problems. But there is no indication of that at the moment.
We are now fast approaching Corey's 4th birthday next month and I am very proud to say he is doing so well, growing up into a cheeky monkey and as of January will be in full-time school. My baby is no longer a baby!
So today is World Prematurity Day and I ask you to really think about the causes of being premature not only to the baby but the family, the mother and the father. It isn't easy, being a parent isn't easy. Nothing worse than seeing a baby poorly, having that some what doubt it could all be over. It is always hard whether it is your baby or another. I am so thankful for the Hospital and the care they provided for us as a family and all the treatment they gave Corey. They done really well and I was lucky that Corey is now as healthy as he is. Here are a couple of charities who can help maybe find a prevention or provide support for when the dreaded comes - Sands, Tommy's and Bliss. If you can spare some change to help donate or do even more, it will all help.
P.S sorry for this being the longest post, ever. Thankyou if you managed to read it all.
Love, Gemma xo
Sunday, 16 November 2014
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Gift Set Review
Hellooo,
I have a really exciting gift set to show today, Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot. Which for the first time ever is a blush set, not with just one but 5 blush, 1 bronzer and 1 highlighter. Keep reading to find out more :)
I first came across this set because of Gemma from Miss Makeup Magpie, you can see her post on it by clicking here.
.JPG "Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Gift Set Review")
Okay so I am not usually a fan of Benefit, I hold my hands up and admit that - please do not shoot. I was not keen on the cult product They're Real Mascara but I do however love Bad Gal Lash Mascara which I use on a daily basis. I also love It's Potent Eye Cream but why are the prices so expensive?!
I had however ALWAYS wanted to try one of their blushes, but at £23.50 for roughly 7g I couldn't justify it. Plus I wouldn't of been able to choose just one. So when this kit came out, it was the perfect way for someone like me to try a few of them all :)
So here is swatches, not the greatest so I do apologise - pictures taken in the sunlight:
.JPG "Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Gift Set Review")
This retails at £29.50 which I thought was such a good price. It was also a pleasant surprise when it actually came in a metal tin box which I was not expecting. But this gift set is in fact a bargain. You see, remember how I just said that it is £23.50 for 7g well all 6 of these in this gift set are 5g. So not much difference really?!
I don't even know what I can say about this set because clearly everyone knows how good Benefit is and it is too pretty to refuse to buy? Besides being an absolute bargain, they are all so pretty and pigmented. They are buildable though :) It is just everything you want out of blushes but in a set with choice. My favourite is Rockateur, which is actually the UK No.1 selling blush!
So what do you think? Are you going to go pick this up? :)
I have a really exciting gift set to show today, Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot. Which for the first time ever is a blush set, not with just one but 5 blush, 1 bronzer and 1 highlighter. Keep reading to find out more :)
I first came across this set because of Gemma from Miss Makeup Magpie, you can see her post on it by clicking here.
Okay so I am not usually a fan of Benefit, I hold my hands up and admit that - please do not shoot. I was not keen on the cult product They're Real Mascara but I do however love Bad Gal Lash Mascara which I use on a daily basis. I also love It's Potent Eye Cream but why are the prices so expensive?!
I had however ALWAYS wanted to try one of their blushes, but at £23.50 for roughly 7g I couldn't justify it. Plus I wouldn't of been able to choose just one. So when this kit came out, it was the perfect way for someone like me to try a few of them all :)
So here is swatches, not the greatest so I do apologise - pictures taken in the sunlight:
Left to Right - Hoola, Dandelion, Bella Bamba, Sugar Bomb, Rockateur and Coralista
This retails at £29.50 which I thought was such a good price. It was also a pleasant surprise when it actually came in a metal tin box which I was not expecting. But this gift set is in fact a bargain. You see, remember how I just said that it is £23.50 for 7g well all 6 of these in this gift set are 5g. So not much difference really?!
I don't even know what I can say about this set because clearly everyone knows how good Benefit is and it is too pretty to refuse to buy? Besides being an absolute bargain, they are all so pretty and pigmented. They are buildable though :) It is just everything you want out of blushes but in a set with choice. My favourite is Rockateur, which is actually the UK No.1 selling blush!
So what do you think? Are you going to go pick this up? :)
Love, Gemma xo
Sunday, 9 November 2014
Friday, 7 November 2014
Educating Pre-Schoolers: Top 5 Children Books
Hellooo,
It has been a while since I have written something for my 'Educating Pre-Schoolers' series because of my break but now we are back into business so here we go. Kicking off with my top 5 children books we use to read at bed-time or whenever he feels like :)
I absolutely love these authors and I can not wait to have the whole collections one day. They are the perfect length, being not too short or not too long. I love the way they are kind of poems or rhymths in such a way as it makes it more enjoyable and fun for both Corey and I. They may be silly, but we can read them over again and still laugh without getting bored.
Corey has never really been interested much into books at mine or anywhere in fact. Besides at his dad but that is just one evening every other weekend. It took us quite a long time to get sorted into a routine. But reading every day is important for many reasons but mainly it doesn't take long to spare 5 minutes a day for a calm book read one to one session with your child/children :)
Corey can't read now and won't probably for a while I assume as he is still only learning to read letters and numbers. But the whole point of this series is to show ways we are taking the learning seriously and how we are doing so. You can read my introduction on why by clicking here.
What is your favourite bed time stories for your children, whatever there ages may be? The Hungry Caterpiller is always one of our favourites too!
It has been a while since I have written something for my 'Educating Pre-Schoolers' series because of my break but now we are back into business so here we go. Kicking off with my top 5 children books we use to read at bed-time or whenever he feels like :)
TOP 5 BOOKS
Pirates Love Underpants, Superworm, Ants In Your Pants, Tiddler and Big Blue Train
I absolutely love these authors and I can not wait to have the whole collections one day. They are the perfect length, being not too short or not too long. I love the way they are kind of poems or rhymths in such a way as it makes it more enjoyable and fun for both Corey and I. They may be silly, but we can read them over again and still laugh without getting bored.
Corey has never really been interested much into books at mine or anywhere in fact. Besides at his dad but that is just one evening every other weekend. It took us quite a long time to get sorted into a routine. But reading every day is important for many reasons but mainly it doesn't take long to spare 5 minutes a day for a calm book read one to one session with your child/children :)
Corey can't read now and won't probably for a while I assume as he is still only learning to read letters and numbers. But the whole point of this series is to show ways we are taking the learning seriously and how we are doing so. You can read my introduction on why by clicking here.
What is your favourite bed time stories for your children, whatever there ages may be? The Hungry Caterpiller is always one of our favourites too!
Love, Gemma xo
Labels:
education
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Trunki PaddlePak Review*
Helloo,
I have been absolutely in love with the whole Trunki products ever since I first set eyes on them so was absolutely over the moon when I was given the chance to work with them for a review. They are an award winning company, one that if you have children its just a must have!! I got to choose one of their PaddlePak and I chose a shark who is called Fin retailing at £24.99. Here are some pictures:
.JPG "Trunki PaddlePak Review")
- Lightweight
- Water resistance - made so water can not get in or out!
- Padded straps for comfort
- Very spacious
- Reflective
- Breakaway safety buckle
- Secret small zip compartment in the tail (I would use for locker room change)
They have two sizes available; 2+ and 5+ plus many colourful and fun designs with aquatic themes which I just think are so adorable. I want them all! You can view them all by clicking here.
It is really good strong quality and will certainly grow with Corey as there was plenty of room for him and he is fairly tall for his age at almost 4.
The purpose of these specially designed backpacks is so that they can be used on holiday for the beach etc. But I am going to be using for our trips to the swimming pool. I thought it would be fun for Corey to have some good exciting things to take with him such as a cool bag so he can carry his own things for the short walk. In the near future I will have a post on over coming Corey's fear of water/swimming which this bag will be featured on too so keep an eye out :)
We are finally for the first time ever taking a holiday abroad next year so this will come in super handy for Corey's hand luggage to put entertainment bits in then for our beach trips - yaaaay :) If you team it with one of their Ride On Suitcases, you would have one happy little munchkin for a holiday trip!
What do you think of these PaddlePaks? Super cute aren't they? :)
I have been absolutely in love with the whole Trunki products ever since I first set eyes on them so was absolutely over the moon when I was given the chance to work with them for a review. They are an award winning company, one that if you have children its just a must have!! I got to choose one of their PaddlePak and I chose a shark who is called Fin retailing at £24.99. Here are some pictures:
- Lightweight
- Water resistance - made so water can not get in or out!
- Padded straps for comfort
- Very spacious
- Reflective
- Breakaway safety buckle
- Secret small zip compartment in the tail (I would use for locker room change)
They have two sizes available; 2+ and 5+ plus many colourful and fun designs with aquatic themes which I just think are so adorable. I want them all! You can view them all by clicking here.
It is really good strong quality and will certainly grow with Corey as there was plenty of room for him and he is fairly tall for his age at almost 4.
The purpose of these specially designed backpacks is so that they can be used on holiday for the beach etc. But I am going to be using for our trips to the swimming pool. I thought it would be fun for Corey to have some good exciting things to take with him such as a cool bag so he can carry his own things for the short walk. In the near future I will have a post on over coming Corey's fear of water/swimming which this bag will be featured on too so keep an eye out :)
We are finally for the first time ever taking a holiday abroad next year so this will come in super handy for Corey's hand luggage to put entertainment bits in then for our beach trips - yaaaay :) If you team it with one of their Ride On Suitcases, you would have one happy little munchkin for a holiday trip!
What do you think of these PaddlePaks? Super cute aren't they? :)
Love, Gemma xo
Labels:
reviews
Sunday, 2 November 2014
Saturday, 1 November 2014
Halloween 2014
Helloo,
So another year of Halloween fun has passed. Last year I went all out in my new house with decorations and first time of ever carving a pumpkin which you can read all about here. But this year time just went too quickly and I left it too late. I didn't want to go into the attic on my own really (never know what is hiding up there!)
I admit I do love Halloween a fair bit, its like 3rd best holiday of the year after Christmas and Valentine's Day. I know some people don't like to celebrate because of the true meaning behind it of the "devil" reasons etc but I see it as a good excuse to have a dress up, eat sweets and have fun!
We ended up spending the evening with some good friends. You see Corey has a little girlfriend who happens to be his godmothers niece. So the lot of us went to a local party at a hall which had a disco, children's games and fireworks. Corey's first experience of apple bobbing and he loved it, even done pin the nose of the pumpkin. We ended up back at our friends having a giggle and a bit of a rather late night - whoopsie!
.JPG "Halloween 2014")
.JPG "Halloween 2014")
Corey had been set on being Spiderman ever since he realised halloween was coming, so that is what he was. Not scary but just a typical boy thing. He still looks like my little cutie pie. I had found an amazing easy face paint tutorial for Spiderman but I never got round to it - gutted. Maybe another day just for a fun!
.JPG "Halloween 2014")
His girlfriend went as a witch, who had cobweb tights etc, they were absolutely fascinated by matching. Literally should of had a cute couple award :)
.JPG "Halloween 2014")
Mum had brought some pretty cool glasses so I thought I could get away with wearing them. But then all us adults decided to do some face stuff to play the part a bit. One was a vampire, one was a kind of dead zombie. I didn't want to mess my make-up so just drew a spider on my cheek teamed with red lip and the cobweb glasses. I don't think it looked too bad at all - simple but sweet!
Only realised when I was taking the picture above that we were matching mummy and son spider - how freaking cute do we look? Bias I know but loving it :) Literally now in love with this picture!
So we may not have gone all out this year but it was great fun to spend it with great friends. Maybe next year I will have a party, although us grown ups agreed it will be probably be spent drunk down the pub for us! Corey went trick or treating 2 years ago now, but no one in my town really answers the door any more which is such a shame!
How did you spend your Halloween? :) I hope you had a good day/evening regardless of what your plans were. What did you and your little ones dress up as?
So another year of Halloween fun has passed. Last year I went all out in my new house with decorations and first time of ever carving a pumpkin which you can read all about here. But this year time just went too quickly and I left it too late. I didn't want to go into the attic on my own really (never know what is hiding up there!)
I admit I do love Halloween a fair bit, its like 3rd best holiday of the year after Christmas and Valentine's Day. I know some people don't like to celebrate because of the true meaning behind it of the "devil" reasons etc but I see it as a good excuse to have a dress up, eat sweets and have fun!
We ended up spending the evening with some good friends. You see Corey has a little girlfriend who happens to be his godmothers niece. So the lot of us went to a local party at a hall which had a disco, children's games and fireworks. Corey's first experience of apple bobbing and he loved it, even done pin the nose of the pumpkin. We ended up back at our friends having a giggle and a bit of a rather late night - whoopsie!
Corey had been set on being Spiderman ever since he realised halloween was coming, so that is what he was. Not scary but just a typical boy thing. He still looks like my little cutie pie. I had found an amazing easy face paint tutorial for Spiderman but I never got round to it - gutted. Maybe another day just for a fun!
His girlfriend went as a witch, who had cobweb tights etc, they were absolutely fascinated by matching. Literally should of had a cute couple award :)
Mum had brought some pretty cool glasses so I thought I could get away with wearing them. But then all us adults decided to do some face stuff to play the part a bit. One was a vampire, one was a kind of dead zombie. I didn't want to mess my make-up so just drew a spider on my cheek teamed with red lip and the cobweb glasses. I don't think it looked too bad at all - simple but sweet!
Only realised when I was taking the picture above that we were matching mummy and son spider - how freaking cute do we look? Bias I know but loving it :) Literally now in love with this picture!
So we may not have gone all out this year but it was great fun to spend it with great friends. Maybe next year I will have a party, although us grown ups agreed it will be probably be spent drunk down the pub for us! Corey went trick or treating 2 years ago now, but no one in my town really answers the door any more which is such a shame!
How did you spend your Halloween? :) I hope you had a good day/evening regardless of what your plans were. What did you and your little ones dress up as?
Love, Gemma xo
Labels:
halloween
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