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Monday 30 March 2015

Mommy Monday - Our Easter Home Decor!

Hey Hey!
 
Finally back with a short but sweet post!
My boys decided this year that they would like to put up some Easter decorations, so, we went off to our local Sainsburys.
I love their home department and adore all the seasonal bits and bobs!










We didn't go overboard, just a few Easter-y things dotted around to brighten our home....and of course, it wouldn't be my home if I didn't sneak in a new Yankee candle, Strawberry Buttercream......yum!
 
Do you decorate for Spring or Easter? How do you celebrate? I will be putting together lots of clues for our sons to find on Sunday morning with eggs and gifts waiting for them at the end!
 
Keep and eye out for more rambling from me really soon!
 
Much Love,
xoxox


Tuesday 24 March 2015

March Glossybox - Step Into Spring

Hey Hey!
 
As promised I'm back with a peek at the beautiful new box of titillating treats from Glossybox.
 
The box contains 4 full sized products and a pair of tester products.
 

The products are a mixture of nail products, hair care, beauty and skin care. Often a few products in these boxes are hit and miss but I definitely think I will make use of all of the products I was sent this month.
 
 
First up......
NAOBAY - Moisturizing Peeling.
This is a full sized product, and is priced at £13.71 for 100ml.
  
 
This is described as an organic peeling milk containing particles from the acai tree, which help remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin. It has a luxurious texture and a fresh almost slightly citrus scent, perfect for refreshing your face this spring. The packaging is in my opinion a high point of the product, simple and understated, I love the wood used to create the lid. You can purchase this product here, I certainly will when I've worked my way through this tube.
 
Essence - Lash Princess Volume Mascara.
 


Another full sized product, this one priced at £3.30 and available here. Now, I have allot of mascaras, it's one of my favourite cosmetics. I do really like the packaging of this, it's attractive and fun. But I think the wand is a little on the small side, it doesn't really create the volume it promises but will be an ok daytime, basic look mascara. Overall for the price I don't think you can really complain, although after using the product, and looking through the website I would say this product is better aimed at teenagers just starting out with make up.
 
Now a look at my favourite item from this months Glossybox!
ncLA - Nail Lacquer.
 

 
I LOVE ncLA products so was really excited to see this gorgeous spring colour peeking at me from within my box of treats!
I was sent a full size bottle of colour 'LIEK...TOTALLY VALLEY GIRL'. Available for £13 via this lovely site.
I love the pigmentation of this vibrant neon pastel pink, and the coverage after just two coats is excellent, not to mention the the durability, ncLA never fail on that front! Definitely one to buy if you're looking to update your nails for spring.
 
Now onto the final full sized product in my March box.
Carmex - Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm.
 

Again a product I love. I'm not a fan of lipstick, I find it feels very heavy on my lips, so I love having a new tinted lip balm or gloss to try out, and this one has made it into my handbag! Not surprisingly I have used many Carmex products, they have been around for over 75 years after all, and this one is just as good, the shea butter helps this product keep my lips silky soft with just a hint of tint, perfect for the warmer weather on its way (hopefully!).
You can pick your up by visiting here and parting with just £4.49.
 
Last, but not least, my little tester treats, which are perfectly sized for travel!
Dove Advanced Hair Series - Youthful Vitality Shampoo and Conditioner.
 

These are fantastic travel sized products, each one is around 12ml, great for a cheeky weekend trip!
I'm yet to use these items, but I have used Dove hair products many times, I have difficult dry, frizzy hair and love the moisture Dove provides. These products smell gorgeous which is plus!
If you would like to buy the full sized items you can visit your local supermarkets and drugstores, each one costs around £5.99.
 
So that's it.....or at least it would be! This month marked a year of me first subscribing to Glossybox, so the lovely guys send me a little present!
 
 
How cute and thoughtful!
I love making notes, it keeps me sane, so I will definitely get loads of use from my new Glossynotes note book! Thank you Glossybox!
 
After a year I think I have had enough time to forge a good opinion of the service provided by Glossybox, and I can honestly say I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving my boxes each month. Sure, not all products are perfect for everyone, but that's understandable, 99% of the time I will make use of each thing I'm sent, and the tings I won't I can pass on to friends or family. I will definitely continue to subscribe.
 
If this little ramble has inspired you to give it a go, you can sign up here, each box is £10 plus £3.25pp, great value in my opinion.
 
I hope you've enjoyed having a look at this box, if you already subscribe let me know what you though of the picks this month! And if you decided to sign up, enjoy!
 
Enjoy your week lovelies,
 
Much Love
xoxox 

 
 


 



Monday 23 March 2015

Mommy Monday - A Catch Up

Hey Hey!
 
Apologies for the lack of posts over the last week, life has been a bit all over the place! I have lots of posts planned for the coming weeks but thought I would use today to have a little catch up, a kind of week in review I guess!
 
Friday 13th March
I spent the day in the hair salon! I'm a natural red head, but after years and years of incessant bullying as a child I began colouring my hair when I was in my early teens, it has stayed that way, only varying in intensity, and maybe adding a flash of colour over the past year. I have started to notice over the past few months, especially since I turned 30 that, as I also have the colouring of a red head, the dark hair was doing me no favours, I look washed out and pale, and If I left the house without foundation, blusher and bronzer on I'd be asked if I was poorly! I think it was particularly aging as well, my trusted stylist of around 4 years, Fran agreed, and we decided to strip the dark brown, almost black out and apply a colour more forgiving!
I wont lie, I was so nervous about leaving the dark behind, such a silly thing to be worried about I know! But I trust Fran completely, she knows me fairly well when it comes to my hair now and I know she wouldn't do anything I would hate......didn't stop me not wanting to look in the mirror while the colour developed though!
In the end, after over 4 hours, I was, and still am in love with the end result! The colour isn't overly bright, and definitely not close to my natural colour, it's a beautiful red toned copper, I'm in love!



I could instantly see a change in my colouring, it was amazing and I left the salon feeling so glam! I am 100% sure i will not be heading back to the dark side again any time soon!
A subtle but gorgeous change!
 
Sunday 15th March
Mothers day and also the day my husband, Steve, ran his first competitive half marathon in aid of the Stroke Association.
A day that really didn't go to plan, and scared the bajebus out of me!
Steve made a great start in the race, he passed me at around the five mile mark and looked amazing, his pace had been good and he was at that point in the top 50/60 of nearly 1000 people, I cried with pride as he passed me looking so strong and confident!


My family and I made our way into town and closer to the finish line to get something to warm us up, it was freezing and sustenance was needed! Eventually we arrived at the finish line ready to welcome him home, I was such an emotional mess, I literally felt like I could burst with pride! Just after 1hr45 our friend crossed the finish line, I thought at this point Steve shouldn't be far behind.....after nearly 10 minutes had passed my stomach sank and I instinctively knew something was wrong, Steve is a strong runner and I knew he had the ability and should have crossed the line already, even if he was struggling on that day he's a stubborn sod and will push himself to do better, the fact that he was running this race after having an upper respiratory infection all week says it all! It was then that I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see our friend looking worried, Steve had collapsed and was in an ambulance. Then something so rare happened....I ran! Ha! I don't think I have ever moved so fast, running in the opposite direction of the Marathon runners to get to him. When I arrived the paramedics wouldn't let me the ambulance and I was met with people telling me he was exhausted, it didn't make sense, I knew he could run that distance with ease, my intuition after 13 years of loving that man told me something else was going on.
I was finally allowed into the ambulance after around 10 minutes. I was met with my strong man, the guy I always refer to as my protector and super hero, covered in vomit, as was the ambulance and paramedic! He was grey, soaked in his own sweat that was still pouring off him and on oxygen. He could barely speak and when he did it made no sense, the paramedics suspected a heart attack as he complained of a tingling sensation in his left arm, my heart broke in that few minutes, I honestly felt as though I was going to lose my one and only, my constant. I thank god daily that his 12 lead was clear, his heart was strong and healthy, but he was dangerously close to seizure. It was discovered that the glucose gels Steve had used had utterly messed with his body, his blood sugar had dropped like a brick and he was seriously dehydrated. After two hours of treatment he began to come back to me. In the days after we were filled in by people who had seen Steve in the minutes before he became unconscious, even receiving a card from someone who had tried to help carry him to the finish line! He had been dangerously poorly for the last 3 miles of the race but pushed himself to and beyond his limits.
Once Steve was stable I spoke with the organiser of the race as I at least wanted to get him a medal, he had worked so hard and raised over £500. It was decided that as he was just yards from the finish he was a finisher, he had covered the distance and was placed in the top 470 and given a finish time of 1hr58 along with his first medal.
I honestly couldn't be more proud of him, he is a true star.
 
The following days were spent quietly at home, I came down with an awful head cold and felt rotten all week, hence no posts on All About Jemma.....I did go along to parents evening at the boys school, another proud mummy moment, they are both progressing well and very clever little chickens!
 
I'm back and feeling good so will be bugging you all with lots of my ramblings! Steve is ready to get back into training and will hopefully take part in another competitive run soon!
 
Check back tomorrow for a look at my March Glossybox, it's Spring inspired and really quite a lovely box of treats!
 
Until then enjoy the start of your week!
 
Much Love
xoxox

Sunday 15 March 2015

Happy Mothers Day!

Hey Hey!
 
Welcome back to All About Jemma.
 
Todays post will be short and sweet, much like my mum!
 
 
I decided as it's a special day, and even more so for my family and I, after a tough year this year, that I would share some pictures, past and present, of my mum, my sisters and I.
My parents had me when they were just 17, so you could say we have grown up together, my sisters followed 9 years later.
 
 
A few of these pictures aren't of the best quality as they were taken a few years ago, but I love them all the same!
 
My mum and I have had a strained relationship at times, I don't always agree with the things she says or does, and vice versa, but she is my mum, and the only one I will have. I always thought my parents were invincible, until last year when my mum suffered two huge strokes, time with her has never been so precious.
 

We will spend this mothers day together as a family, starting the day supporting my husband as he runs a local Half Marathon in aid of the Stroke Association, and finishing with a meal at our local family favourite restaurant.
The day will no doubt be full of laughter, our days often are when we are all together.
 
 
I hope that whatever you do, whether your mother is still with you or not, that you are happy and healthy. Enjoy the day, laugh and love, be thankful for the small things, they often create the best memories when things change.
 
 
Take care lovelies,
 
Much Love,
xoxox
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday 14 March 2015

Spring Style Saturday!

Hey Hey!
 
Welcome back, and apologies for the delay in getting this post up!
My mum has been poorly this week so I have been on diligent daughter duty, along with being a mummy time has just run away from me I'm afraid.
 
Today I'm sharing another of my recent spring purchases.
I have always worn a lot of black, black everything! I believed I looked better in it, and because of my size, that it was best to stick to. My confidence has grown over the past few months and I have started adding colour to my wardrobe......this is no exception!
 

I am in love with this gorgeous maxi dress!
It is by Alice & You, I purchased it via ASOS Curve.
The dress is a light, beautiful chiffon and has a fitted cotton slip dress underneath which is black. It has elasticated sleeves and I adore the two knee high splits at the front.
 

Spring hasn't quite arrived but I know once it has this will be a dress I wear time and time again!
 
If you want to pick up your own you can click here, visit the ASOS Curve website and treat yourself, go on, you know you want to!
 
 
Make sure you visit All About Jemma tomorrow for a special Mothers Day post!
 
Until then enjoy what is left of your weekend!
 
Much Love,
xoxox
 


Wednesday 11 March 2015

Spring Skin Care Switch Up!

Hey Hey!
 
Welcome back and apologies for being quiet for a couple of days, I had planned on getting this post done yesterday, but my poor lil' Mumma was taken into hospital on Monday so I was required to carry out my daughterly duties <3 She's home now but still quite poorly so send lots of healing, happy thoughts!
 
 
Now, as we're finally coming out of what has felt like a never ending winter and heading into spring, I thought I would switch up my skincare routine.....admittedly I'm in the middle of a huge breakout so that helped me in making my decision too!
 
I decided to buy a few items from the SIMPLE range, I've used products here and there and always liked it, mainly because they do as they promise, they're great for sensitive skin like mine!
As you can see from the above I purchased 6 items from the range. Cleansing Facial Wipes, Eye Make-up Remover, Moisturising Facial Wash, Purifying Cleansing Lotion, Soothing Facial Toner and finally the Hydrating Light Moisturising. Each product is a good size and very well priced at between £3.50 - £5.50.


 
I don't use things like this daily, I like to let my skin remain natural for a few days a week, but I love that the ingredients in these products, along with the two vitamins (pro vitamin B5 and vitamin E) help me feel like what I'm using isn't too harsh. I also adore that no artificial perfumes or colours are used.


 
I have only been trying out the range for a few days, but so far I'm enjoying it and looking forward to seeing some results with my troublesome skin!
 
If you would like to purchase any of the above items, you can find them in most drug stores, such as Boots and Superdrug as well as in many supermarkets! Let me know if you already use them and what you think, or even if you use something else and would like to recommend something, drop me a comment!
 
I'll be back on Saturday, 'style Saturday!', with a look at another outfit that I picked up as a part of my recent haul from ASOS Curve, and on Sunday with a special Mothers Day post!
 
Don't forget to use all of the social network links below and follow along with me!
 
Enjoy the rest of your week lovelies,
 
Much Love,
xoxox

Friday 6 March 2015

Fashion Friday - ASOS Curve, New Look and Michael Kors. OOTD

Hey Hey!
 
Welcome back, and to Fashion Friday.
 
My entire outfit today, except my accessories is from the amazing Curve range at ASOS.
 
I pretty much buy all of my clothes from these guys, I'm a premier member also!
 
The clothes are great, I'm a BIG girl, and I find the clothes are designed with true plus size women in mind. Length to width ratio's are always on point, they don't simply take something made for an average sized person and stretch it several inches, they take into consideration the extra length etc needed to make something wearable for someone of my size.


The dress can be found here , it's comfy and fits well. I love the neckline and the bell sleeve detail.
You could wear heals and tights, but I decided to make it more of a daytime dress and wore leggings and my lovely new boots!


These are by New Look, but purchased via ASOS. New Look have a great selection of wide fit shoes and boots. I love the buckle detail on these ones.
Accessories were all really simple, and not from ASOS or New Look I'm afraid. My Michael Kors Rose Gold watch and bracelet, I got both late last year for my 30th birthday, I really love them worn together. You can still buy the bracelet here and my watch, I can't seem to find a direct link to it, so wonder if it's maybe not available any more.....you can but watches like it by clicking here.
 
So that's my OOTD for today!
This post has taken a lot of courage on my part, I don't like full length pictures being taken of me at all let alone posted on the ol' internet!
 
I'll be back next week with another Fashion Friday, I recently received a huge order from ASOS so have lots of new outfits to share! I hope you'll come back!
 
Don't forget to click the links below and follow along with me!
 
Have a great weekend!
 
Much Love,
xoxox

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