'All About Me' Tag

 Hello beauties!

You may have seen me tweeting last night about how exhausted I was - I had a lovely, chilled night relaxing with Gary and crafting towards my first creative challenge for January. It was fantastic, and just what I needed. Alas because of work my schedule is so much busier these days, and I wont have a post ready for a day or two. But quality over quantity eh!?

In the meantime, the lovely Meggan tagged me to do this little 'About Me' questionnaire, and I thought it'd be fun! Plus I always enjoy getting to know bloggers more, so I'm hoping you guys will too!

Have a great week!

1. Name and age: Jemma, and I am (ughh) 26 years old. I think/act like 18/19 though
2. Where are you from: Liverpool, UK.
3. How tall are you: 5'6
4. Do you have any pets: No :( But we're going to have a kitty in the future!
5. Are you in a relationship: Yep! My lovely man is one of a kind.
6. Tea or Coffee: I like both but definitely prefer coffee.
7. If you couldn't wear bright red lipstick ever again, what would be your new "go-to": Dark purple. Or a peachy nude.
8. What is one fashion item that you wish never happened: Umm... maybe denim jackets.
9. Guilty pleasure food: Doritos and dip - YUM
10. Favorite season: Autumn! :)
11. One thing you wish someone one told you when you first started using make up: Subtlety is so much more beautiful.
12. Have you ever dyed you hair? What colors: Haha, I currently have green hair so thats a YES. I've been brown, black, pink, orange, purple, red, blue.. umm? yeah. 
13. Last Thing you bought: Umm... Monster?
14. Favorite bloggers: Okay if I had to chose ONLY ONE! - http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/
15. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? Why: Seattle, because it looks beautiful. And I love the rain haha.

 

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Quiet Moments

Sometimes life happens in big, sudden ways. It can all change in an instant. And when we look back over events in our life, or even just the past year; (as a lot of us are right now), we only seem to remember the defining memories or days. We forget all about the slow, insignificant, small moments that led us to that point. We forget about the journey. So I've been thinking about these quiet moments lately. I've been trying to think of small snippets from the past weeks, months, years - where nothing particularly extraordinary happened; but everything was in the motion of change.

I can remember there being confusion on the day of choosing my college studies, and instead of opting for English Literature, Psychology and Art as planned.. I ended up studying Art full time on a whim.
I can remember leaving my house, taking a train and leaving the city, not realising I wouldn't be going back. 
I can remember thinking of phoning my Dad one evening, but sensing it was a little too late to call. I didn't know at the time it would always be too late.
I can remember talking to a guy online and thinking he seemed pretty cool. Four years have passed and I still think he's pretty cool.


All these moments have one thing in common; they weren't huge. I didn't know at the time they would change my life in a big way, or affect me so deeply from then on. It makes me wonder what small changes are occurring right now, that I'm not even aware of. What will the future hold for me from choices I've made today? If anything, I'm learning to respect and appreciate the everyday. Because every single day of my life I'm taking steps towards a future, and each step could actually be a huge leap in disguise. So I'll do the best I can, I'll enjoy this quiet moment sitting with someone I love, I'll write how I'm feeling, and I'll look forward to tomorrow.

What moments will make up your 2015 I wonder?






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12 Projects

Well hello there gorgeous readers! You've found your way to my very first official post about my 12 Projects challenge for the year. I've had this planned for about two months and I'm really excited to get started. It's also kind of one of my resolutions, but I didn't wanna tell anyone that until I revealed this project. So basically; I'm challenging myself from right now, to embark on one creative venture each month. I will need to explore various ideas and encourage creativity in my day to day life. That's the biggie right there. 2014 Was an awesome year, even if I didn't realise it at the time. Everything began to really come together, and I starting doing more things that made me happy. I really want to take that proactive attitude into 2015 with me, and make it a daily thing. One of the most prominent sources of happiness in the last year was from rediscovering my creative side. I started this blog, I began keeping Art journals again, I wrote every day, I made more hand crafted things, and I felt inspired. I would like to take all of this to the next step, this year. This means; I'll be completing one project a month. It can be anything, so long as it's creative in some way and I enjoy it. I could paint, draw, collage, write, photograph, film, sew, bake, use clay, wood, paper, glitter, silk, anything. As long as I create something or explore a project each month, I've succeeded. I'll be posting about it here as I go, and showing you when it's completed. Who knows what I'll get up to? Maybe I'll try out poetry (probably not), or attempt a short story (I would love this), or maybe even some creative DIY? After all there's lots I can do for our new home. It really doesn't matter what the project is, big or small, as long as I'm engaged. I'll be taking you guys along this challenge with me, every step of the way. I'll be posting updates of how the current project is going and maybe give you some glimpses into what I'm tackling each month. Then by the the end of the month I will produce my idea, along with any thoughts, criticisms, loves or hates I've had about each submission. It doesn't matter if it goes wrong sometimes, it doesn't matter if I fail or end up hating what I make or do. Because that's the whole point of the 12 Projects, to discover plenty more about myself.  I hope I have fun. I hope I feel inspired. I hope it pushes me to try new things. I hope I will discover new things I am good at. I hope 2015 is my most creative year yet.
Will you join me along the way?

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New Series: Interviewing Every Month

Welcome to (just!) one of my new projects for 2015, where I will be interviewing a blogger, artist, writer, or creative each month to get a little insight into their world. I'll be asking ten questions and exploring into the minds of people I love and respect in various fields. Hopefully they will share a little of their wisdom & thoughts on their experiences, and you will all enjoy.

This first month is starting off with a bang; the wonderful Megan from Thumbelina Lillie agreed to answer some of my questions...

1. What qualities do you think make a good blogger?- I think the biggest and most important thing is being honest - you need to build up a relationship with your readers and what's a relationship without trust? Being positive and enthusiastic is key too, I love seeing individual personalities shine through people's blogs.

2. Can you tell me your favourite thing about having a blog?- Ah, it's so difficult to narrow it down to one thing as I love the whole shabang! I'd have to say it's a great place for me to express my interests and be creative!

3. Is there anything you'd like to improve on?- I'm a real perfectionist so I'm always looking for ways to make my blog better. I'd really love to improve my photography even more, especially in terms of positioning products and backgrounds. 

4. What's your favourite type of blog to read?- As much as I love reading beauty and fashion I love reading general lifestyle posts - seeing where people have travelled and all the fabulous restaurants and things like that!

5. What inspires you?- Everything! I find inspiration in absolutely everything; From other blogs, to magazines, to films, to my friends, to my family, to shopping. I honestly do take bits and bobs from everywhere. Pinterest is so amazing for inspiration too!

6. Does blogging change you?- Erm, I don't think it 'changes' people, I think it probably makes people more aware in terms of the internet and such. I never knew how much of an audience I would get purely from writing about what I love about most. It's made my knowledge about beauty etc grow a lot but I don't think it's changed me as a person - which is a good thing, I hope!

7. What advice would you give someone wanting to start a blog?- Always be honest and true to yourself. Remember the reasons why you started and follow your heart and not the norm.

8. Link us to a post of yours you're proud of?- My #ProjectBareAll post, definitely. (Click here to visit!)

9. How do you beat bloggers block?- I try as much as I can to do things in advance so when I do get 'bloggers block' (and I definitely do) I have some time to overcome it. I also look to Pinterest for inspiration or ask my readers what they want to read!

10. And finally, what's the best thing that's happened to you since starting your blog?- I would have to say getting to meet & be part of a Q&A with McBusted. I have loved both of the bands since they came about and to be within a metre of them was just insane and I cannot believe that my blog brought me an opportunity like that!

* * * * *

Thank you so much to the lovely and talented Megan for allowing me to pick her brain this month. She has an amazing blog, if you aren't already following you should check it out. You can also catch her on Twitter at @MeganJaneLillie. 

I hope you guys will enjoy this new feature every month, let me know what you think please? :)

And keep an eye out for next month's interview with someone equally as inspiring!

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Meet My Advertisers

Whether it be the first page of a new notebook, moving to a new place, or even just the first blog post of the year; there's nothing I love more than a fresh start. A fresh start means the chance to explore who you really want to be, and what you want to do. And that's what 2015 is going to be all about for me, I hope you guys take that opportunity too :)
Keeping that in mind, I've started advertising space on this blog for other bloggers, brands or shops to display their buttons each month. I will only be displaying buttons of those relevant to my blog, or ones I am personally interested in. I hope this helps to bring exposure to people/things I am passionate about, and also maybe help you guys discover new loves! If interested, you can read about my ad space here.
Since today is January 1st, I'd like to introduce my first ever wonderful advertisers;

The Blossom Cart

The Blossom Cart is the blog of the lovely Sarah, fellow Scouser and all around awesome person! A girl after my own heart; she is fun and friendly to all readers, and always lets her personality shine through each post. Whether it be Beauty, Fashion or Lifestyle - if it's something she's passionate about; she's covering it on her blog. Do yourselves a favour and immediately befriend this girl and follow her blog, you won't regret it! (Sidenote.. I plan on meeting Sarah in 2015 and can say I'm thoroughly excited!).

Kristina Suzanne

Kristina Suzanne is a Lifestyle blog brought to you by.. you guessed it; Kristina ;) A girl who has quickly become a firm blogging friend to me in this first year! When I first came across her blog, I was kind of captivated. You know those people who instantly draw you in with their sweet personality, cute photos, and interesting thoughts? Yeah, that's exactly what Kristina's blog did for me. She takes you along throughout her adventures both big and small, and being a part of it feels like a privilege. I'm lucky enough to share random emails/messages with his lady often, and she can always put a smile on my face. Take a little visit for yourself guys and show her some love.

Just Ems

This could not be more perfect. It's January 1st; officially the day when everyone vows to be healthier and fitter this year. I mean, even in yesterday's post I spoke of my wish to eat better and look after my body. So having Emma's blog as an advertiser for this month is just the kick up the bum I need! Emma provides an insight into her healthy weight loss journey, along with tips and support you may need for yourself! It's all about treating our bodies a little more kindly, and Emma's blog will encourage you every time!

Fishnetsxd

Ellen's blog is a fantastic example of the types of blog I always fall for; a gorgeous combination of Lifestyle, advice, fashion, travel, food, and much more! Somehow when you're reading along you can get lost between one post and another, as you click along and follow in Ellen's steps. She is truly a kind and sweet girl, who I just know will be a firm favourite with lots of you guys. I hope you take a little visit to see what I mean :)

And that's it for January! Thank you to all my amazing advertisers for the month, I'm so excited to have you! I have to be honest; I'm THRILLED that you all happened to be bloggers I respect/love/appreciate anyway! I hope it's also the start of great friendships.

Lots of love guys, have a great month!

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Dear Jemma 2015

I'm writing this on New Years Eve 2014, hoping you'll remember to look back at this in exactly one year..

Well another year has gone by, and how have we done?

As I write this, it is new years eve 2014. I'm hoping by this time next year when I read this back, some things will have changed. I'm also hoping lot's will be the same, which is nice to know.

None of this 'new year, new me' crap. Yes there are ways in which I'm hoping I've bettered myself - but overall I feel this is the cusp of self acceptance. I've spent the last few years basically hating myself and it's only in recent months I've realised what a bloody waste of time this was. So since I'm ending 2014 in such a positive place, I want to know it'll continue into 2015 with a bang.

So here we have it, the resolutions.. the rules. I hope I stick to them, but I'll see where the year takes me. If I've stuck to most of these, or any of these to be honest, well.. GO YOU FUTURE JEMMA!

1. Treat your body with more care.

Your body is a fantastic thing, make sure to remember. Hydrate it, move it, be active, appreciate every curve, line, freckle. Moisturise, indulge in luxury skincare, eat cleaner, take in less sugar, but don't obsess. I'm trying to avoid the cliche resolution of 'losing weight', by opting for a more general and quietly determined health wish for both body and mind.

2. Challenge yourself.

Okay so right now you've started a new job and part of it already requires learning a lot more about various digital media. This is great because that's one learning challenge that will truly benefit you (me? you? whatever..) and hopefully encourage you to keep learning new things. 2014 Was the year you really found your creativity again though, and how awesome it was! Let's keep that up yeah? I hope you have been when you read this. You had such plans, and I really hope they've been achieved. Paint, draw, sew, build, craft, learn. And do it all again.

3. Be kind.

Obviously I already think I'm a kind person, I try to always be nice and go out my way for people. But everyone thinks this way probably, and we could all do a little more. So whether it's making someone feel special without excuse (no birthdays, anniversaries, etc included) - I would love to know I'm doing all I can for people around me. Taking the time out to see people whenever I can, asking about their hobbies, life, family. Helping someone who may be struggling. Finding a cause I can get behind, encouraging happiness and positivity, donating money, time, old belongings wherever possible. I just feel like small changes could make a big difference.

I'll leave it at that, as I think they are the three main things I'd like to have achieved over this next year. I hope you, future Jemma reading this at the end of 2015; can look back over this with satisfaction and joy. And if not? Well okay, umm.. let's ignore this post, pretend it never happened, and try again next year.

Good luck.

Love from.. you.

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New Years Eve Nails

Reserved grey, with a little kick of sparkle here and there. I know I could go all out for New Years Eve, but this is just the combination I'm in the mood for right now. Maybe it's representing the New Year's I'm going to have. A simple one, Gary and I are staying in. But we're gonna celebrate with plenty of wine and happiness, and a little sparkle. I'm pretty content with that this year! No feeling will match bringing in the new year with the one I love, in a new home I love.
I know there are a million fancy pants brands out there, but I just always find myself buying Barry M nail products. I love them so much! Especially these two; Atlantis & Chai.
What nails will you be bringing in the New Year with? Or couldn't you care less? :] Tell me either way!





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