Bidding farewell to April today feels a bit odd. We're now half way through the year and I don't think I'm quite ready to accept that, haha. I suppose everyone says that, but I really feel like someone's playing a joke on me, and we're secretly still in January!
This month had it's ups and downs for me; I had a wonderful birthday, Gary and I started an awesome new podcast, I've spoken about the podcast before, but it really has been lifting my spirits and renewing my mojo recently! We have so much fun, and it's a great way to get creative in a brand new way. I'm so grateful for anyone who listens and gives us little messages of support too!
I got on top of my work schedule too, and I've started making some awesome plans for #TheGirlGang meet up in August. I did however have quite a few 'sick' days in April, my sinuses have been awful, and we got a bit of bad news this month. However, life is good right now, and I'm excited to go into May really with really positive vibes.
Hey guys! This weekend I'm gonna chat more about how April has been for me as a whole, but I really wanted to share with you guys today all about my favourite things from the month so far. I've been loving a few new things, and god knows I love a chatty post.
Beauty products-
I've been LOVING Soap and Glory's The Firminator body moisturiser for my legs and bum over the past few weeks. It leaves my wobbly bits a little less wobbly, and a lot more smoother.
My newest lipstick addition is MAC Angel, and it's so pretty! It's a light, slightly pinkish nude shade perfect for everyday wear, and leaves my lips feeling super soft too.
I've already shared a blog post on the Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette, but guys it really is beautiful. I feel like it's going to last me ages too, as I only need a small amount for a great highlight.
April is coming to a close, WHAT?! We're basically half way through the year and it feels like just a moment ago I was putting the Christmas tree away. April has been a weird month for me overall, but there's been plenty of great highlights; including my advertisers this month. They've been a fantastic bunch that I'm so grateful to have supporting me, and I'd be SO thankful if you guys gave them a little visit, or follow. After all, the blogging community only works if we all show support wherever we can :)
I'll introduce each blogger & give you an overall view of what they're about and why you should follow them. Enjoy!...
Blog: Two Different Worlds.
About: Angi is the creator of one of my favourite blogs, and I really think you guys will love it too. She takes the most beautiful, girly photographs and covers a range of topics from lifestyle topics, anything cute and creative, and awesome beauty features. Her Instagram is also a pastel heaven of everything pink and princessy!
Recent Blog Post: Tofu Cute; The Kawaii Shop.
I was always a huge fan of makeup; whether it was robbing my mum's lippie as a kid and smearing it across my lips, applying the heaviest of black eyeliner in my emo phase, or waiting up these days for the latest beauty release to go online. Either way, I love all things beauty related, I really do.
There's no way I could even begin to explain how much blogging has increased this obsession. It's totally fuelled my passion and my knowledge is greater than ever. I'm always learning new things about beauty techniques, what will suit me more, and how to use beauty products I've never tried before. All this leads to me blogging about beauty regularly too. But does this make me an expert?
Hell to the no.
Blogging about beauty is simply my way of sharing something I love, and recommending things that have worked for me. I write about what I know from my point of view, and what I'm interested in. All of this is delivered with my voice and my opinions, and that's all it's supposed to be. I'm not claiming to be an expert, I'm not claiming to know it all, I'm not even claiming that I'm right. I'm just sharing with you guys.
Happy Sunday guys! I hope this week has been kind to you, and you're enjoying the weekend. Today I thought I'd share with you some ideas on how to make your very own sleepover for one! Yes that sounds like we're all about 12 again doesn't it? But sometimes it's really nice to indulge in a pamper session anyway, and I thought since Sunday is typically the day of rest and rejuvenation; we could chat about how you can really treat yourself one day a week, even if you're alone.
I have a boyfriend who works night shifts, and I work from home; this means I spend a lot of my time alone. Unless I purposefully make plans with friends or family, or my boyfriend is off work - it means I'm hanging out with the cat most days. This, paired with the fact that I'm my own boss, means I really have to make specific time off for myself. It's easy to imagine I get to do what I want all day long, but the reality is that I'm really strict with myself, and I have to work constantly to bring money in. Last month I really worked myself hard, and I ended up going to the doctors because of it. I was exhausted!
When talking to a friend recently, I had this shocking (to me) revelation that I carry so much guilt around with me everyday. Even if it's a great day and I'm really happy, there's always something I feel bad about, something on the edges of my mind making me feel a little crappy.
I never feel quite free from my own disastrous mind which tells me I'm lame, selfish, boring or not doing enough for others. I would love to feel totally clear in my own head for once, but I honestly haven't felt that for the longest time.
If you'll just allow me to vent in this blog post, that'd be great. I'm hoping getting it all out in this moment will help relieve me in some way. So some of the things filling me with guilt today are the following;
The past few weeks I've had the pleasure of trying out a new skincare brand, Klairs from Koja Beauty; a korean skincare brand. You probably all know by now, I'm always collecting more and more skincare. I just can't seem to stop myself, I love it! The feeling of beautiful creams, potions and masks that brighten, moisturise and help clear my skin is something I never take for granted. For those days when you want skin confidence, when you don't want to wear makeup, but you still want to feel beautiful. I'm always chasing that feeling.
So I was really keen to give Klairs products a go, to see if I could capture that feeling once again with this brand. The first product I tried properly was the Rich Soothing Cream*. I added it to my skincare basket I keep in my bathroom, ready for after each shower. Once my skin was washed and thoroughly cleared of makeup, I would apply this gently all over my face in quick, circular movements. The texture is light and soft, soaking into my skin instantly without feeling oily. It has a luxurious affect, leaving my skin feeling nourished and soothed. At first I thought this cream would be too rich for day wear, and kept it only for before bed. But I soon found the lightweight texture was easily acceptable for daytime, and I've found myself applying this before my makeup each day. It leaves me feeling soft and rather lovely. To be honest, the only sort of downside is the very subtle scent it has when applying. I'd describe it as almost 'medicinal' if that makes sense? But this scent is SO subtle, it didn't bother me, and it disappears completely once soaked into the skin anyway. So I'm extremely happy with this product.
Today I wanted to chat with you guys about my latest project (as if I needed another!) - starting a podcast with my boyfriend Gary. For those of you who don't know, 'The Odd Pear' is a weekly podcast from the both of us, that we had planned for a long time, and finally launched the project last week with the first episode.
We are both huge fans of podcasts already, ranging from celebrity interviews, medical and psychological podcasts with really crazy and interesting features, survival podcasts, right down to just chatty casual podcasts from people all around the world. Whatever it is, we're willing to give it a listen. We'll be at home writing/drawing/cooking, or on the bus with our headphones in, and we'll have podcasts on in the background (I have one on now as I write this!). It's because of this interest, that Gary and I discussed starting our own about 6 months ago. We thought it would just be a really fun idea, something nice to do together, and a new media to work with and try experiment creatively. Plus I'm a chatty bastard who doesn't mind giving my opinion on anything and everything, haha.
A lot of people have never listened to a podcast before, they don't like them, or they dont understand why we would even want to. But the thing is, if you don't know this about me already - I love new projects, sharing ideas and trying new things. This ticked off all those boxes for me, so win win. And even just after one episode, we had messages of support, and people telling us how much they loved it - which was awesome! Let me please be clear, this project is something we just want for us either way, as we enjoy it so much. But if we actually get people listening too? Absolutely brilliant!
So here's the low down.
Our podcast is called 'The Odd Pear' as we wanted a short and sweet name that represented us both doing this project together. We're an odd pair, as we're very different people, and I just reeeaaally liked the idea of using pears for our logo, haha. Plus it helps it stand out a little I think.
Each week, Gary and I will be chatting about a particular topic; giving our thoughts, opinions, voicing questions, and trying to make you smile. Our first episode was simply a Q&A so we could introduce ourselves to people, but from now on we will have particular topics each week. A new episode will be released each Friday, and you can find it in a range of places. If you use itunes, you can find it here. And if you don't, you can find the episodes on Soundcloud here. We're also on Twitter and Instagram using the handle- @oddpearpodcast.
We'd love you guys to check us out each week, but if not; at least now you know what we're about and why I've taken on a new project! :)
This Friday, episode 2 will be all about HARRY POTTER, woo!
Here's to another creative project, and trying new things.
Keep up to date with my latest posts by following me! :)
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Last week was so great, woohoo! I even said that woohoo out loud as I typed then, Sabrina style. But it really was a good week, and I'm feeling super inspired and motivated now. As you may know, it was my birthday on Saturday, and the best thing about this was taking a day off from all work. Yeah, really! I got some lovely gifts from people that made me smile so much (including my brand new snazzy Instax cam- Thank you Gary!) but I was most excited to just have some time off to do nothing.
We shopped and bought pretty things, we watched movies and binged on Greys Anatomy, we baked cupcakes and got a little tipsy on wine, I took a bubble bath and started a new book (Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith if you're interested) and I just basically had the most relaxing day ever. It was perfect. It was exactly what I needed and it's helped me feel totally recharged to attack this week.
There's nothing I love more than a good old 30 day challenge, they're so fun! If you follow me on Pinterest, you'll know that I actually have a board just for 30 day challenges. They're my thing. 30 days seems like a great amount of time to try something new, shake up a routine, or battle a challenge. It's not too long that it seems impossible, but it's enough of a challenge to to pique your interest, or it is for me anyway.
So since I have this obsession anyway, I thought why not make my own?! But what to do it on....? Social media of course. I live and breathe social media, which makes this perfect for me. But there are areas of social media I'd love to improve, or try new things on too. Plus sometimes it's just a great excuse to change up a routine and have some fun, which I think I definitely need right now.
So, fancy joining in this challenge with me? You'll find a list of daily challenges below, so feel free to pick and choose them as you like. And even if you guys don't do them all, that's fine. Maybe this will simply give you some ideas for different social media techniques you could use, or new things to try.
Either way, have fun with it!
So today is my 28th birthday, eek.
I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I LOVE birthdays, but getting older is for reals scary! At 28 I'm supposed to be a proper grown up aren't I? I certainly don't feel that way. I'm still scared of the dark, I spend all day watching cartoons, I can't cook and I have no idea how taxes work really. I know we're all in charge of our own lives, and everyone defines 'grown up' in a different way I suppose, but I think I just always believed as a kid that at 28, I would have all the answers. Oh man, I have exactly none of the answers.
I thought I'd be married, have a house, have kids by now and be well into a deeply successful career. I actually just laughed out loud at the absurdity of all that. But the thing is, I'm extremely happy with my life even though it's very different than I thought it'd be at this age.
I feel like I've learned a lot, and I've experienced some amazing things so far. So to mark today's special day; I wanted to share 28 things with you guys. 28 Things I've learned, loved, done, seen or experienced. Think of it almost like a random list of facts about me.
If I casually display books like this on my coffee table, do you think I can fool everyone into thinking I'm a sensible and put together adult? Let's hope so eh...
How are you gang? Enjoy the week so far? I certainly hope so. It's been a good one for me, but I'll do an update post soon on all that. Today I wanted to share a new collection of books that I'm really into lately. I'm wary of calling them 'self help books' as that just sounds so lame and old lady to me. But I guess they are. I always thought that was so uncool, but I can honestly say, keeping things like this on hand, to help me improve my life in some way makes me feel hella good.
As the creator of The Girl Gang, I get questioned often about how I can be so positive, or if I'm forcing it. The answer is, it takes work like everything else, I never force it, and it can be so damn rewarding. I need a little help every now and again, just like everyone. These are some of the books that help me with keeping a healthy mental attitude.
I'm sure everyone and their crazy grandma has heard of Calm by Michael Acton Smith by now. It's really made the rounds of the blogosphere anyway. It's a book filled with creative prompts, interactive activities, inspiration and helpful instructions on how to lead a calmer, more fulfilling life. I've loved this book for months now, and I really find it helpful when I need some 'chill out time'. I love how beautiful each page is, and the regular tips on how to feel more grateful, loved, relaxed or in tune with yourself - are amazing.
If I didn't wait three months after everyone else bought a product and raved about it, before I finally jumped on the bandwagon and got it myself; you guys would be disappointed, right?? At least that's the lie I'm going to tell myself.
In typical Jemma style, here I am way after everyone else's hype, with my own review. The thing is, the Sleek Solstice Highlight Palette caught my eye instantly months ago, but I kept forgetting to buy it every time I popped into Boots. Then in the last few weeks, each time I looked for it it was sold out. Cue heartbreak for Jemma.
This week I got the loveliest package in the mail - and Luna was curious too! The lovely folks over at Cracker Drinks sent me a care package filled with goodies unexpectedly, and as always; Luna was there with me excited to open the new mail.
I'm one of those people that hates going the doctors. Like really, really hates going. I always think there's nothing much they can do for me anyway, or that I'm wasting valuable time - and in reality, I'm being really silly. I know this. It's probably just a little fear of mine that I try to ignore, and really shouldn't.
I'm trying to get better at this, after all I should be a 'grown up' by now, I'm not too far from thirty. So today I wanted to share with you the three health problem that you should definitely go see your doctor about, if you ever experience them. Let's be wise eh?
From niggling coughs to repeated headaches, there are a range of ailments that many of us put off addressing. Whether you’re too busy to take a trip to the doctors or you feel embarrassed at the thought of discussing your medical complaints, there are a host of reasons why you might delay getting help. However, there are certain health issues that simply can’t be ignored, and here are three examples.
The last few Sundays have been dedicated to my '50 Thoughts This Week' posts, however this week I need a proper chat. This week started off well, but sort of ended up sucking in the end. I dunno, a bunch of little things, and then one or two big things; and here we are. The end of the week and I'm just keen to see the back of it to be honest. I think I generally dislike weekends anyway these days, because Gary is in work. I find I deal with the workload, the stress, or any negative thoughts much better when he's around, so the weekends suck.
So yeah I'll be keen to see Monday, have him home, have that support and that person cheering me up again. I'm hoping this week all my constant working will pay off, I'll be totally ahead of schedule and hopefully this will mean I can have one or maybe even two days off for my birthday on Saturday. Fingers crossed. I don't even want to do much. I want to see my family, I want to just hang out with Gary. I want to spend some time painting, or reading, just for the fun of it. I want to feel calm. I want to spend time to look and feel pretty. I want to bake. I want to rest. I can't wait for the day where there is nothing on my to do list.
As I write this, I'm only eight days away from turning 28. Maybe that doesn't sound old to you (if it does, please lie to me) but to me, it's terrifying. I'm officially nearly thirty then, no more denying it. I've gotten by until now by saying I'm 'in my twenties' or 'mid twenties' at a push. But nearing thirty years old means I'm really a grown up now, and I don't like that one bit.
Today, I had a moment where my heart almost stopped in my chest as I realised I haven't really travelled much, and how much this saddens me. In my thirties I'll probably be all about having a kid or two (maybe..) and when will I get a chance to travel? I know, I know, I can do anything I want. But still... scary thoughts.
Sometimes I'll get in the shower, armed with a bunch of skincare products; determined to scrub my whole body like hell. I'll go to town on myself from head to toe (sounds weird) and do all I can to come out that shower like a damn newborn baby. If fact, I'm disappointed if I don't feel like a snake that's just shed a layer of skin.
Sorry, gross. But anyway, I mix and match a lot of face and body scrubs, and I'm always willing to try out new ones to try get the best possible results I can. Today I thought I'd share with you guys what I'm currently using.
You know when my favourite part of the whole day is? My most productive, inspiring and hopeful part of every day? Around 3am-6am. Depending on the time of year, but it's nearly always around that time. And I'm totally getting the feeling you'll be like, 'Well that's not very convenient is it Jemma?' and you're right of course. But I tend to be awake around then a lot of the time anyway, so it's fine.
It's 4:45am as I write this actually, and I really wanted to share how I feel at this time of day/night, but I doubt I can get the words out as eloquently as I'd like.
I think it's the quiet actually. I live in the city, well, juuuust ever so slightly outside the city. Enough that it's a five minute walk away but I'm far enough away that it feels private and quiet where I am. But anyway, usually there's the hustle and bustle of the main roads outside my window, the traffic, people, neighbours, dogs, kids, and all the rest of it. But at this time, in the dead of night, it's completely silent.
I'm in that little sliver of time just before dawn comes, when it's dark out still and the street lights are on, blinking away, but the black sky seems to have turned blue now. When there's a hint of warmth on the horizon. There might be a bird or too chirping somewhere far off. It feels as if the whole world is resting, and I just get to breathe in and out, if only for a moment, alone.
1. That photo really makes me want a damn Starbucks.
2. I really want to go as Lumpy Space Princess for Halloween this year.
3. It's my birthday in 13 days and I don't honestly think anyone will remember apart from Gary.
4. We have a keyboard now and I'd really like to learn how to play.
5. It was lovely and sunny today and I wore shorts and WOO.
6. Someone just said they fangirl'd when I followed them and I honestly feel so awks when people say this because I genuinely dont understand. Like WHHYYY. Im nobody, and I duno. And how do you answer that?? Because if you just try be polite and say thank you, because its SO nice, do you just end up looking up your own arse? And if I express my surprise, does it look false?? And If I just go 'aww thanks! :) ' - that just seems like I EXPECT it, or something? Ughh.
7. Sorry that last one was long.
8. Sometimes my thoughts are longer than one quick sentence, surprisingly. Haha.
9. I keep a little book with me throughout the week now, to write down these thoughts.
10. I'm going to start a bullet journal, and I'm so excited #nerd.
11. I need like a whole day free though to simply get started and organise it, etc.
12. Oh my god, I'm getting on top of work, yay!
13. I might actually have a day off next week, eep.
14. I've ordered what I'm gonna use for my bullet journal, and it's YELLOW. Yay!
15. I also ordered a load of stickers and sharpies hehe.
16. I love Louis CK.
17. I wonder if I'll ever feel ready to have kids? Hmm.
18. I don't know how to tell people to back off :(
19. I've been sticking to my kindness challenge and I'm so happy!
20. I need more Tsum tsums.
21. I wish I could stop time.
22. I'm so excited to see FFAF next week!
23. I have SO many notebooks I could open a store, I swear to god.
24. When did I get to my late 20's? I don't understand!! I swear I'm still 18.
25. People who self describe themselves as 'edgy' - fuck off.
26. I can never take the Welsh accent seriously.
27. Please don't be offended, I feel the same (no, actually worse) about my Scouse accent.
28. Why do I only get super productive and motivated at 3am?
29. Will the neighbours hate me if I hoover at 7am?
30. I am insane.
31. I always want what I can't have, then I'm not arsed once I've got it.
32. I wish I didn't have to sleep, think how much I'd get done!
33. Suppose you'd get sick of it though.. hmm.
34. I swear you have to drag me to bed, and I only go when I'm thoroughly EXHAUSTED. But once I'm there, Im there.
35. I have an addiction to notebooks, definitely.
36. I am actually a bit scared that I'm 28 this month, like that's proper grown up, isn't it?
37. I love when your legs are so soft you can't stop touching them.
38. That sounds weird but I'm hoping everyone knows what I mean.
39. YAY!
40. Gary gave me my birthday present early and it's PERFECT.
41. We can never do surprises, we're crap. I can't wait to get them and he can't wait to give them.
42. OR I'm just spoiled.
43. Probably a mix of both tbh.
44. I need to buy more nail polishes.
45. It's actually ridiculous the price of some nail polish. Like really though.
46. I've been a bit more successful this week drinking more water, woo!
47. I wish I had loads and loads of money. (Shall we just give this is a permanent space on this list?)
48. I tried to be really brave this week, and it only went half well. But I'm still really glad.
49. I've been asked to speak at a blog event and I'm terrified & don't know whether to say yes.
50. I hope this week is the start of a new, less stressed Jemma :)
How have you guys been this week?
Keep up to date with my latest posts by following me! :)
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If you don't already know it; I'm a sticker obsessive guys. I don't just mean I like decorating the odd notebook here and there. I mean I have a huge box just for stickers. I collect them, I crave them, and I obsess over where I will use them. I'm so precious with them too, especially if they're super special.
So this week, I got the cutest mail ever from the lovely Kayley; an illustrator who has inspired me for a long time now. We got talking on Instagram ages ago, and ever since then I've been obsessed with this girl. She's a bloody delight!
Anyway, the point is; I put in an order on her Etsy shop recently, for the cutest darn stickers ever (I just couldn't resist) and she included some other ADORBS things in my mail, so I basically squealed at the postman when it arrived.
