Happy New Year & Resolutions 2016!

Helloo,

I'm going to just right into it and say HAPPY NEW YEAR :) Hope you all had a great Christmas last week and an amazing time celebrating the new year last night!

I honestly couldn't of had a better last 2 weeks of 2015 - celebrating Corey's 5th birthday, Christmas with my amazing family and seeing the new year in with my best friend. It just made it such a massive positive start to 2016 :)

RESOLUTIONS

Every year of course we do resolutions, whether we actually stick to them or not is a different story. This year I'm setting resolutions. I'm going with the flow and will just see what happens, which is new to me to do that but a good change I think :) However, last year I set some resolutions which you can see here. I actually stuck to some of them!!!

My two main goals were to learn to drive and get a doggy.

Well I learnt to drive and passed second time round back in June. It took me a good 6 months and a lot of lessons. I also went into a barrier in a car park a few days after passing. But it has been amazing to be able to drive. To be able to do the school runs for Corey, just has made our whole entire life a hell of a lot easier.

Then a doggy, I honestly didn't think this was going to happen. After Corey and I literally begging my mum constantly. Well the day before Christmas Eve she gave in, and well a week later (a few days ago) we brought home an amazing little surprise for Corey. A pug named Gracie :)

...........................................................

There we have it, my two main goals were achieved. A year of complete happiness with Corey - so many memories were made and I can not wait to make 2016 even bigger and better!!! So I wish you all the same and a very happy new year :) If you have set yourself resolutions then I wish you all a lot of luck!

Love, Gemma xo

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December 2015 - Monthly Favourites

Helloo,

Oh wow the last favourites of the 2015 year!! Plus being my absolute favourite time of year anyways :) I've done a joint 'loves' list this month as we both enjoyed so much together

*Mummy & Corey Loves*
School Christmas Fayre (Organised by me!!)
School Christmas Play

Corey's 5th Birthday
Seeing Aladdin in MK Pantomime
Christmas!!!!
Got a puppy - Gracie :)

I know that doesn't really look like much at all but it has been an extremely busy and such an amazing month with so many big things happen. I couldn't of asked for a better ending to 2015 and it makes me even more excited to see what 2016 brings :) Check out my new years post here.

This month's favourite family photo. I couldn't choose just one, so I chose a few!! 

What was your favourite thing of this month? :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Linking up with Mummy And Me, Me And Mine and Mummy Monday.

My Christmas Wishlist

Helloo,

It has been a while since I last done a wishlist. I'm told I don't do them far enough in advance. So you know with 3 months till Christmas, I'm preparing early for my favourite time of the year :)

Wall Clock

£45 - Next

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Eyeshadow Palette

£38 - Debenhams

Pandora Floral Ring

£70 - Pandora

Rapunzel Note Book

£12.95 - Disney Store

Rapunzel Snowglobe

£19.99 - Disney Store

Rapunzel Toddler Soft Doll

£12.95 - Disney Store

Willow Tree 'Mother & Son' Ornament

£32 - Argos

Tarte 'Light Of The Party' Palette

$59 - Sephora

Fiorelli Black Purse 

£39 - Fiorelli 

So there you have it, a very varied wishlist of some bits and bobs I am truly lusting over! I'll be back next week with a wishlist for Corey. What is at the top of your wishlist for this Christmas? :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Top 15 Posts Of 2014

Helloo,

I had seen of few of these 'Top 15 Posts Of 2014' around and I have enjoyed reading them so thought I would do one too. It's great to look back over the year to see what was written and see what was accomplished :) Somehow in 2014, I managed to write 181 posts altogether. I don't know how but in no particular order..

1. Pregnancy, Premature Birth & Beyond..

So this one was really really long, I still cry if I sit there and read it. This was written over 3 years after Corey was born, but still remember it as if it were yesterday. Literally went into detail of the pregnancy, birth, hospital stays, coming home and even a death scare. As you can imagine, pretty intense stuff!

2. Life Of A Premature Baby..

Well the last one leads onto this, I did talk about Corey being premature in the above but not a great deal. I decided to go into a lot more detail and show what it is really like to have a premature baby.

3. Pregnancy Losses & False Hope..

Oh such a sensitive topic for a lot of people, nothing is worse than a loss. If you know me well, you will know I am one broody mumma, false hope was an awful feeling. But my time will come when the time is right.

4. Annoying Question/Phrases Children Say..

This is a bit of a funny post, that I had a lot of fun writing. The picture explains it all really!!! If you have or work with children then you will just understand!

5. Butlins Skegness Holiday..

I love nothing more than reading about Holiday's, although it may contain my now ex - awkward. But it was a good holiday and I just love Butlins. I can't wait to write about more Holiday's in the future. Including Corey's first holiday abroad in a couple of months :) Excited is an understatement!!!!

6. Brit Mums Live..

It was my first blogging event, where I made some amazing friends and learnt some blogging bits. It was a great 2 day event and I can not wait to go again this year if I can :) I wonder if this beautiful outside area will still be there?!

7. Naming Day/Christening Ideas..

I didn't have a traditional Christening, I had a Naming Day - a little out of the ordinary but is now very common for those non religious like myself. It was such a great day and I shared some ideas and a bit about the day.

8. LegoLand

Honestly, one of the most amazing day trips out I have ever had with Corey. I didn't even feel very well and it was so beyond hot but really was so magical. You can see by the pictures on just how beautiful it was. Next time I'm staying in the Lego Hotel too!

9. Ideal Home Show, Earls Court..

I have always loved things like this and I am a massive fan of all things homeware. I was pretty much in heaven, that actually cost of fortune if I wanted to buy anything. I certainly would go again!

10. Massive Beauty Haul..

I may have gone a little crazy with the make-up buying on my 21st. Like insane amounts were spent - worth every penny though :) **Warning - Picture Heavy Post**

11. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

I think I have found my holy-grail foundation, everything in the review explains why but if you know your make-up then I am sure you already know about this one!

12. Photoshoot

I think it is great to have good quality photos that can be treasured. I've had 3 with Corey since he was a baby, and they all mean so much to me! This one, his personality really shined through which was lovely!

13. Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot (Blush Palette) Review

It is the ultimate blush heaven, for the first time ever Benefit brought out a gift set containing 6 of their iconic blushes. It's so pretty and although you expect it to cost a fortune, it actually didn't!

14. Corey's 4th Birthday..

Just a few days before Christmas, is Corey's birthday. I got some lovely snaps of the day and it was very much a TMNT present theme and look at that chocolate foundation - yummy!

15. Christmas..

No need to even explain my love for Christmas, favourite time of year!

This was meant to start out as Top 10 but I got carried away a little bit - whoopsie :) so 15 it is - be sure to check some of them out if they take your fancy! What was your favourite post of the year to write?

Love, Gemma xo

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Happy New Year & Resolutions!!

Helloo,

2015 is upon us right now, how long will you still be writing 2014 by mistake? Takes me about a month to adjust! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and the best New Years night whatever all your plans may have been. I stayed in with a friend, takeaway and Harry Potter movies.

So a very big HAPPY NEW YEAR to you if you are reading this!!

Today I take a look at some of my resolutions and goals for this year. Keep reading if you want to find out what they are :)

I don't really believe in the "new year, new me" stuff anymore, I used to do it every year and never stick to it. I am now old enough to have realised that if you want to change then you will do it when you want. It takes real dedication to stick to them and if you aren't in the right frame of mind then what's the point? I used to just get disappointed when I failed so not setting myself up to fail this time.

Well I am going to be honest, if you read my blog then you will be aware the end of my 2014 wasn't the greatest. I had to deal with a bad break up, and adjusting to living alone again etc. As you can imagine it wasn't the easiest to deal with especially with a toddler. I had to get my life on track again and sort some things out. So these aren't really resolutions that I am starting today on the first, where as I actually started some of them a couple of months ago.

This is the slogan on a recent boxing day purchase from Next. This is what I am hoping to be true. I seem to have had quite a lot of bad luck. To be honest as long as my baby, my family and myself make it through the year healthy and still together then I will be happy.

Life Goals

Driving

 So something I have wanted to do for ages is to learn to drive. I have a car, just waiting to be used. I have to rely on my family to take me places when I need too even like getting Corey to school and back. It'd be great to be able to do it myself. I done lessons a few years ago but never did my theory so couldn't take my test. I don't really like tests as I'm nkt good at them. In December I took my theory test, well I booked it and then never revised stupidly. I almost didn't go on the day. I walked in knowing I would have failed, utter waste of time. But somehow by some miracle I fluked and passed. Which is such a relief. Now I start driving lessons next week :)

Weight Loss

 Well I am sure I am not the only one who says this every year and the "I'll start after Christmas" - all of that. This time I do mean it, well to be fair I've already lost 2 stone but I have a lot to go still. Precisely 4 or 5 stone. I'm not the best eater in the world so I don't stick to diets as I miss meals here and there, I don't particuarly like vegetables and just prefer to snack when hungry. A few years ago I did lose 5 stone, unhealthly in a month. Now I not thats not going to happen again. I'm not even sure how I'm going to lose weight this time, but I will. Probably mainly exercise, a walk a day or something. I'll find a way :)

Doggy

 This is more of a hint to my mum, I want a new doggy. I have one, I big golden retriever who I got last year but she is around 10 years old and can't go for walks. She is the loveliest, does as she's told but too big for cuddles on the sofa etc. Some people say I won't take the dog out for a wee every hour to train the puppy. But I really would. Plus the walking every day, fair enough I am quite lazy. But I want to lose weight and walk every day. So a puppy would be the best way to help me do that. I work from home so am home all day. I really want a Cavalier puppy, they are just gorgeous. I will have one by the end of this year! Its not just a dog, they are a friend and part of the family too. Who wouldn't want that?

Job

  So I have been out of work for a year now, by choice. This time last year I didn't need to work and still don't need too but I want too. I have tried searching for a job but finding something ideal that I actually want has proven to be hard. I want to work full time, but as I don't need to work I'm not going to go into a job I won't enjoy. 

So a few days ago, I took a really big step and have gone self-employed as a full-time blogger. Now everyone has been asking me, "do you really make enough to do it full-fime?". My answer is no I don't. Because of my situation, being a single parent I get tax credits which mean despite my income being £0 I can comfortably work from home doing something I love. Being self-employed I can earn from my blog if I want too, up to a certain amount before it effects my tax credits anyways. So there is flexability! Which now this new change takes me onto my...

Blogging Goals

YouTube

 Well origionally I had actually recorded a video on my resolutions however whilst editing my laptop decided to have a hissy fit and break on me. Typical. But I think I would like to give YouTube a go, I'm not sure how well it will go. I'm not sure that if I start then I will finish it. I may record a few over the next few weeks and see what I think. I want to go YouTube, well one thing was so that I can have a bit more of a chat. I spoke to some fellow bloggers who liked the idea of me just talking as if it were a bit of a diary (not too personal) but we all have ups and downs, I have no shame in showing that as it may help someone somewhere. I didn't think people would like the idea but it seemed to go down well. What do you think? :) 

Milestones

 Now, I have realised that figures aren't everything or anything to worry about. Yes companies look for them so to some extent they matter. But do not let it consume you. We have all been there done that, worrying why our own numbers aren't as high as others. But over time, it grows. Slow and steady wins the race after all! Just remember we are writing for ourselves and it should be fun, a way to release and unwind. Well for me anyways. However that being said, I am very close to some milestones that I am hugely excited for. I never thought one person would read my blog let alone the amount of people who actually do. 

Blogging Events

 Whether it be blogger events or companies releasing new products etc. I would love to be there. Last year I attended 2 big parent blogger events - BritMums and Blogfest. They were both so good and my plan is to go again. Not only do you learn stuff, but get to meet some incredible fellow bloggers who become friends. Which takes me too..

Community

  I love the blogging community, I have made some amazing friends. Everyone is so lovely, kind and supportive. Whether it be blogging or personal related, you can guarantee someone will be there to listen or help if they can. Not only have I gained friends, but a couple of best friends. I have to mention Andrea from Blogger Mumma because she has been my rock and I don't know what I would do without her. I also run the @mummy_bloggers community, with the weekly #mblogchat which is great. We all get on so well and have a good old chit chat. I plan to do more to be involved in the community somehow, joining in on more chats and whatever I can really. 

So there you have it, my resolutions. Now what are yours? :) 

Love, Gemma xo

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Merry Christmas!!

Helloo,

Well if you hadn't guessed today is Christmas Day so a massive MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone :) It is now 9.30 in the evening as I write this. I hope you have all had a wonderful day celebrating and probably have more celebrating to do as well.

Yesterday, Christmas Eve (obviously!) was actually my nan's 70th birthday, so all the family headed out to dinner which was really nice. Afterwards, Corey headed to my mum's whilst I headed into town for my best friend's birthday drinks! It was a good night :) Luckily for me, I can go out drinking and not have a hangover!

First up, the only picture I managed to get of us two together through all the Christmas excitement..

So Christmas morning was upon us and here is a few pictures of what we got up too..

It was a really good morning and Corey loved his presents and was well behaved for a change. He absolutely adores all my family members as we are so small and very close. So all of us together is really lovely for Corey, he gets all the attention and being fussed over.

Corey asked for one thing only from Santa - Rex the dinosaur from Toy Story. It was hard to find and I left it last minute but of course mummy never fails :) As for the other presents, he had a few themes - Spurs, Lego and Superheroes then some other bits and bobs like crafts, chocolates etc.

You know your a blogger when your kid goes "mum got another present, take a picture" before opening it!! 

As well as, Corey and I are lucky enough to be going on our first holiday abroad together in March thanks to my mum and uncle who will be coming with us. This was both of our main presents. I was very lucky as after many years of wishing for a dolls house, I finally got one that I will be able to paint and decorate myself :)

Sadly, when it came to 2pm this afternoon - Corey had to go to his dads. Where I am sure he is having lots of fun opening even more presents, the lucky devil. But if you read my blog, you will know how emotional I get over being away from my baby. But on Christmas, my favourite time of year. It was hard. He isn't back until Sunday - I have a few days of being miserable without him.

Then I enjoyed this lovely meal with my family - YUM!..

However, the good thing about Christmas is the sales - yay! Well to be honest, I'm not a huge sale person because of how busy it is etc but I will be looking to see what I can treat myself too.

I'm now in bed writing this whilst watching Frozen before an early night - life of a 21 year old!!

So there you have it, my Christmas :) Once again, I really hope you all had a lovely day too! Let's finish with a question - what is your favourite Christmas song?!

Mine is 'Jingle Bell Rock' not sure who by and 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey :)

Love, Gemma xo

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Children Christmas Crafts*

Helloo,

Christmas is not far away, super exciting for me as it is by far my favourite time of year. Today's post is all about some Children Christmas Crafts. 

I wanted to do some crafty bits with Corey as some keepsakes etc for following years. However, I really suck due to lack of creativeness and so beyond impatient. Luckily for me, I do have a lovely best friend and fellow blogger Steph who is really good at all things crafty. Corey and I invited ourselves over for a play date.

Have a look at what we got up too:

My family, Corey and I all love Reindeers. Much to my brothers annoyance as it means we sing the Rudolph song, a lot. Corey was very excited to make a Rudolph card. Steph had done one for Corey to copy. He was learning pen control and the difference between pressure giving different finishes when colouring. With help, he produced a proud that I am very proud of and will treasure :) The next one we made, which was Corey's idea for Rudolph to wear a Santa's coat!

The snowman card I actually done myself, all the pieces were separate and just needed the back pealing off to be able to stick where ever you wanted on the card. It is a very lovely idea and comes out great. But it is so fiddly, probably best for children aged 8+ I would say. I really enjoyed it though - I have a Santa and Rudolph to do now too!

Corey really enjoyed being able to help Steph make the hand print ornaments. He was asking all sorts of questions on how it was being made and getting really involved even had a go at helping roll out the dough. He noticed how the mixture was sticky and cold!

As you an see everything turned out great. My favourite being the hand print ornaments, which are made out of salt dough. Steph made it for us, which is actually so beyond quick and easy with ingredients you will already have in the house. Check out Steph's recipe and how to instructions by clicking here.

The other crafty bits in the pictures were kindly gifted to me by Baker Ross which is a very affordable craft website that you should certainly check out :)

I would love to know if any of you have any ideas for more Christmas crafts or maybe links to your own posts on some?!

Love, Gemma xo

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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?!

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!

What do you think? :) When do you put your decorations up?

Love, Gemma xo

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