Ways to Follow Gemma's Thoughts and Loves

Hello 

This is going to be a very brief post just to give some ideas on how to follow 'Gemma's Thoughts and Loves', which I felt was needed with all the google reader drama going on through twitter at the moment.  Also, I thought it might be handy to write a post with links to every single place you can read my blog through and also to say a big hello to any new followers. 

If you are a new follower/ reader, Hello and welcome. I love all my readers and appreciate each and everyone of you. Without you guys i would have given up on the blogging world a long time ago. My blog is a little space of happiness, fashion, beauty and a little taste of my family life thrown in at the weekends. I do try to post everyday but sometimes real life will get in the way. 

(image: we heart it)

Ways to Follow and places you can find me!

Twitter:

My Twitter handle is @gemma_stevens if you wish to come chat to me. I am currently really enjoying the #fbloggers and #bbloggers chats and have met some great peeps through there. Twitter has taken over my life and find i check it at least four times a day. 

Blog Lovin:

Blog Lovin is the new GFC according to most bloggers. Twitter has recently gone mental with bloggers trying to get everyone moved over to this site. I agree that Blog Lovin is a better way to follow and read blogs. Its so much simpler to use so please seriously consider following me this way. I will love you for ever. 

Facebook:

Admittedly i don't really use Facebook as often as i should do. Twitter has taken over my life but i still share any new posts through there. So if you want to know when a new post is up, Facebook is a great option. 

Hello Cotton:

Hello cotton is a bit like blog lovin but instead you are able to search for specific topics of interest. I am a regular on this site as it is a great way to discover new blogs. I am under my old blog name 'Gemma's Beautiful finds' on there as i haven't figured out how to change it yet. However it still links back to my main blog. 

Tumblr

I use tumblr on a regular basis. I never write anything on there as its just a photo dump for me. I share new outfit posts and love reblogging all the amazing pictures i find. I follow back anyone who follows me on tumblr. I just love this site. 

So that's everywhere that you can find Me! I am hoping to start up a little shop soon on this blog too which is exciting. I also have a notebook full of new post ideas coming up. Thats new things to look forward to. 

I hope this has been a useful one for you, and please consider following me through bloglovin if you already follow me on GFC. I really hope they don't shut it down. Fingers crossed! 

I hope you are having amazing weekends and are looking forward to spring/ summer! 

Gem x

Outfit of the day: Aztec velvet

Dress: Topshop

Blazer: Primark 

Necklace and Bracelet: River Island 

 Ballet pumps: New Look  

Hello ★,
Wow, last weekend went fast and I can't believe it's Monday already! I hope you all had a lovely weekend whether that has been relaxing, shopping or enjoying London Fashion Week where i wish i was right now! Maybe next year. Unfortunately we could not get out and enjoy the sunshine due to my youngest being very poorly with a bug, so our weekend was spent on the sofa watching Disney DVDs which was actually very enjoyable.  Today I ventured outside as it was so beautiful and sunny to take some photos. A little too sunny, hence the squint in my eyes but still my husband is improving in his photography. Recently, I have won a bid on Ebay for a posh new camera for him to use, so that will hopefully improve the quality of the photos i post on here. 
My outfit:  The burgundy blazer i am wearing is from Primark. I brought it just recently so will still be in store if you would like one for yourself. I can't remember the price but I think it is around £15 to £18. My favourite feature of this blazer is the ability to roll the sleeves up or down, depending on your preferences. I have found most blazers to have the sleeves sewn in at elbow length which i find really frustrating.  The beautiful Velvet Aztec print dress was an amazing find in the Topshop sale. It has to be my favourite dress in my wardrobe at the moment.  The length is perfect enough not to worry about my cheeks showing and it also features 3/4 length sleeves which is great for when i have arm confidence issues, if you know what i mean? 
Hope Today hasn't been to painful for you. Monday is always a struggle to get through. Thank you very much for visiting me. 
Gem x

P.s Have you seen my giveaway to win a £20 Amazon gift card? Its just my little way of saying thank you to all my followers. 

100 followers Giveaway!

Hello ♥

I finally hit 100 followers a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. Thank you all so much!! I wasn't going to do a giveaway until i hit 200 followers but i just couldn't resist doing one now. All day i have been searching for an amazing prize to giveaway but just couldn't decide. So, I'm going to give you a chance to win a £20 Amazon gift card so you can treat yourself to what ever you like. I will either email or send the voucher through the post, depending on the winners preference and yes, i will open the give-away to international followers! Entries through rafflecopter below and please be honest. Any false entries will be deleted. Good luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Amazon Wish List part 3.

Hello ★

It's Thursday, the day i show you guys what is on my Amazon Wish list this week. Today's list is again a little random, containing beauty, fashion and entertainment. 

1. Three tier Cream Cake Stand £13.19 / 2. Naked2 by Urban Decay palettes £51.99 / 3. Kate Spade Flicker Melinda Patent Leather Satchel Firefly Yellow £215 / 4. Lindy Bop wiggle dress £29.99 / 5. Classique Ladies Bicycle £175 / 6. The Silver Linings Playbook  £5.03 / 7. My Mad Fat Diary - Series 1 Dvd £15.99

1. The three tier cake stand is on my wish list, not for displaying cakes, but for makeup storage. I have seen this idea on a lot of blogs and just love the idea of having this on my dressing table. It allows me to be able to see my makeup and to pick products up quickly rather than wasting minutes searching through my drawers. I am also trying to transform my bedroom into a shabby chic boudoir and this stand will tie in nicely with the rest of the room. 

2. The Urban Decay Naked palettes are something i have been lusting after for so long now. They are actually quite expensive on Amazon so I very nearly pulled them off this list, but in the end decided to keep them on as the colours are so lovely and I need one in my life. I have found them cheaper on Beauty Bay for £32 each. 

3. This Kate Spade satchel in yellow is amazing. I visited London on Saturday and the girl sat next to me on the train had this bag. She was dressed head to toe in black and this handbag just stood out to me in a sea of people. I love the idea of adding a bold colour to an otherwise plain outfit. I have found some neon bags on the high street which i am definitely treating myself to on payday. 

4.  In my quest to change my look to more 1940's vintage, i have come across this LBD dress from Lindy Bop for £29.99. I love the sheer sleeves and the hour glass silhouette. Its so classic and gorgeous. 

5. Recently i have been addicted to Tumblr (gemmasthoughtsandloves if you wish to follow me). I have come across quite a few photos of these bikes being used by girls. I love anything with a vintage look and have secretly wanted a bike with a basket since seeing the film One Day. I probably won't be buying this pink version and think i would rather have a creme or pastel blue one. With having to walk quite far on my school runs every day, i think a bike will be extremely useful for me. 

6.  The silver linings playbook has been very recommended to be by a fellow book fan. Also, with the film coming out in cinemas i really want to read the book before i see the film. From the book description it tells us how the lead character Pat Peoples believes his life is a movie written by God and is determined to make his life a funny rom-com with a happy ending. This interests me so I'm definitely looking forward to reading this. 

7. Who doesn't like 'My Mad Fat Diary'? I have caught the show on E4 and just love it. I can kind of relate to Rae and her life. I too was an outcast, experienced issues with mental health, as well as body issues whilst growing up. The series one box set isn't out till 25th February but have already pre ordered this. 

There's this weeks wish list. Any products there that are also on your wish list? Hope you are having a great Thursday!   

Gem x

Being organised: some blog changes

Hello ☼

A quick post today. I have been thinking a lot lately about making this blog a little more organised. I popped into the city with the only intention to go to Paper chase. There i treated myself to a new note book and cute pen as well as a bargain find of a brand new macbook cover. I have been meaning to buy a book dedicated to blogging for a while now and it has been one of those things that i aways forget to buy. There were so many to choose from but decided on this small London print one as at the moment London is one of my favourite places in the world. 

The first page of my blogging notebook has been filled with a day to day plan of what i will be posting. This is because i have been struggling lately to find inspiration and also have been suffering a bit of  writers block. Knowing what i am going to write every day just makes things a little easier. Heres my plan: 

• Monday = Outfit of the day 
• Tuesday = No post
• Wednesday = What to wear to ....
• Thursday = Amazon wish list 
• Friday = Beauty review
• Saturday = Shop of the week
• sunday = Lifestyle post (weekend roundup) 

Hope you like these post ideas and will enjoy reading them. Im trying to find more ideas at the moment to improve this blog so let me know if you have any for me. 

Gem x

My Amazon wish list

Hello ★

Yesterday i posted an Ebay wish list and thought i would today post my amazon wish list. I love amazon because everything you need is in one place and there are some great deals to be had. I mainly use amazon when I'm looking for home ware but have recently discovered some lovely clothing items that you might not find on the high street. I have but together a short list of my favourite finds, some of which i plan to buy in the future.

1. This red dress is from LINDY BOP and is a gorgeous Audrey Hepburn style swing dress. I have always been a big fan of the rockabilly look but have never had the confidence to wear the style. This dress is stunning and I would probably get away with wearing this day and night.

2.  When I saw this jumper I let out a bit of a girly squeal. Woodland animals make me do this. I also was attracted to the length. I am very paranoid about my stomach area so always go for longer length t shirts and jumpers. The Rabbit jumper costs a very pleasing £12.95.

3. I think i am the only girl in the world who doesn't own a onesie. I do really want one but have not yet gotten round to buying one. I have seen some very cute animal ones in Primark but for some reason felt silly buying one and felt that i probably would be too embarrassed to wear it. I have started searching for a plain one like this Hooded Onesie Suit i found on amazon.

4. I love love love these boots. I need them in my life. I love the sock effect they have, so cosy for the winter. Also the tartan effect is gorgeous. These ankle boots are £24.99.

5. I have fallen back in love with skirts. I stopped wearing them because I had confidence issues with my legs. I have never been one to show them off. Something has happen to me as now i love wearing them. I think it is because I have seen so many bloggers wearing them and love how they style them up.   This one is a cheap version at £7.00.

6. Finally on my wish list are these Dr Martens Unisex 1460 Boot. I have been wanting a pair for a massive six years now. If i had lots of money i would buy them in every style and colour.

Hope you are having a great Wednesday.

Gemma x

Here's something to beat Blue Monday!

Hello ★

Hope you are all well today. I was going to take a break from blogging today but i have just been informed of an amazing competition that Motel rocks are holding and couldn't wait to share it with my lovely readers. 

Today they launched an amazing giveaway to WIN ten thousand pounds to spend at Motel, plus a prize bundle of every single one of your favourite brands at Motel Rocks!! This includes Jeffrey Campbell, Zatchels, Models Own and many more. Enter here!

Personally i am not a very lucky person and have never won any competitions so i love that they  have 10,000 runner-up prizes up for grabs so you are 'almost' guaranteed to win! 

Also as an extra bonus if you buy from Motel Rocks, make sure you enter my discount code gemmasbeautiful to recieve a 25% discount this week rather than the normal 20%. 

Another snow day...

Coat Topshop/ Skater tshirt dress £12.99 Missguided/ Wellington boots £10 Primark/ Hat Primark/ Gloves Topshop/ Tights Primark/

Hello ☃

Another freezing cold day in England today and i am sorry another snow post. I can't help myself. The snow makes everything so beautiful and is so much fun to play in. 

There has been no new snow falls over night but the ground is still covered meaning another day locked up at home. Today has been spent building snowmen, throwing snowballs and watching the Muppet's movie. 

I hope you are all having a lovely Saturday whether your warming your toes at home or are out working/ playing. 

Gem xx

Friday round up

Hello ☃

Happy Friday everyone. What a long horrible week it has been. Winter has come as they say in Game of thrones. I had many things planned this week but unfortunately had to make a sensible decision to spend my time hibernating at home. The last time i braved going out in the snow, i was stuck trying to leave the city for over five hours which normally takes only ten minutes. Never again. 

Last weekend for me was a busy one, seeing Les miserables at the cinema, hitting the sales (again), finishing with a few relaxing vodkas at our local. If you haven't seen Les Miserables yet, firstly why not? and secondly go to the cinema now. Such an amazing film. My husband is already prepared to watch it over and over again when it is released on DVD. One good thing though, i have created a couple of fans in a close friend and also my husband, so now i finally have people to talk about this amazing story with. 

From top left: New bunny night light/ i discovered hot pots, they really warm you up/ Playing in the snow/ the gorgeous Hugh Jackman in Les Mis/ My favourite Topshop purchase. 

During the week, the weather has really turned ice age preventing anything really exciting happening this week. However, I am very good at making the best of a difficult situation. I have been very productive around the home by starting the big winter clear out with lots of clothes going to charity. I really need to start shopaholics therapy if there is such a thing. Also i have been trying to learn how to design web pages in the hope i can 1. make this blog look better than it does and 2. hopefully start up a blogger design service. I'm struggling with all the ccs /html codes but I'm starting to get the hang of producing headers, buttons, labels and social network buttons.

So the thing that is probably trending the most in the social networking world is this snow. It hasn't caused too many problems for us as we live within walking distant of where my husband works and the schools. However i had hoped to go into the city for a walk. My children and Labrador have loved the snow. We have been out in it trying to create a snowman without the dog destroying it. The snow has made the puppy a hyperactive monster who just cannot stop running in circles, eating up the snow as she goes.

From top left: Trying to walk the dog/ new geek tshirt/ freezing on a snowy walk/ my AF bloggers challenge dress/ ice age/

Hope you have an amazing weekend and are not snowed in like us! 

Gem xx

A beauty review: The Mascaras that I own.

Hello ♥

While putting on my makeup this morning i realised i have a lot of mascaras. I think this is because I'm extremely fussy when it comes to my lashes. If a mascara doesn't make my lashes look thick and long then i toss it to the side. I have wanted to write a review of my favourite product Maybelline's cat eyes for a while now and have decided to also review a couple of other that are in my makeup box as well. 

My best Mascaras. 

Maybelline the colossal volume express, cat eyes.  

I have been using this for nearly a year now and some how managed to avoid buying a new one. Just shows how much value for money the mascara is. It's a makeup product that i use every day and i have really struggled to find any other mascara to beat it. No, i haven't yet tried this Benefit they're real mascara that everyone is raving about. I just don't like the price of that one and have heard it dries out quickly. Will test it out one day when my curiosity gets the better of me.

The day i brought this mascara, i didn't really have one in mind. I wasn't into makeup last year so had no clue what where the best products on the market. I rushed and picked up the first one to catch my eye. You could say i judged it on the cover. Not the best thing to do but it was a good move in the end. With its bright yellow with leopard print details, it defiantly stood out among the hundreds of black mascaras. 

The wand itself is a curved 'spoon' type brush, This really works well on your lashes and now if i do treat myself to a different mascara i will probably look for this type of brush.  The brush is super easy to use and due to the bristles being so short, you can get right down to the eye to ensure you catch every lash as you stroke upwards.

Maybelline claims this mascara will give 'wide eye volume' and will 'flare out lashes for a bold cat evening look'. They are right. It really does. My lashes are lovely and long, almost giving the effect of false lashes (after a few coats). What i love the most about this product is that, having sensitive eyes myself, it does not affect them in any way. No sore, itchiness like most mascaras give me. The only negative if that if you cry or get caught in the rain the mascara begins to run. 

A mascara I didn't get on with..

Collection 2000 Skyscraper.

I saw this in my local pound shop and immediately thew it in my basket. I had no idea if was good or not, i just saw a bargain and snapped it up. 

Collection 2000 promise this mascara offers new super lengthening, clump free formula and also that the longer bristles on the brush coat your lashes from root to tip to deliver sky high length. 

When applied, it doesn't really show much or give you those va va vroom lashes which most girls like including me. However, it is nice for a soft day time look. It does lengthen a bit, and it does go on nicely but I just don’t see much else. I didn’t dislike this mascara entirely, but I wouldn’t buy it again. 

Another great mascara. 

Rimmel Scandel Eyes.

This mascara was not brought on impulse but recommended to me by a friend. I have always love Rimmel and never brought a bad product from their collection. This one didn't disappoint. I love how thick the brush is although this means i find it slightly difficult to apply on my little eyes. Lots of eye pokes etc. The great thing about it is that it picks up every single lash and really gives them extra volume. The brush also acts as a comb to brush out any clumpy build ups. I am also very impressed with how well the mascara stays on throughout the day, even if they get wet. Although, it is not as good as maybelline's cats eyes, this is still a great mascara and would defiantly recommend it. 

What mascaras are you loving at the moment? Feel free to leave a comment.
Gem x

The t-shirt that everyone has.

Hello. ★

A quick blog post for you today. Just received this lovely T-shirt in the post and wanted to show it to you guys.

Yes, I have gone and jumped on the Geek t-shirt bandwagon. At first i hated this latest trend for the slogan "GEEK" t-shirts that everyone seemed to be wearing. However I just couldn't resist buying one for myself. I am actually a massive out and proud 'Geek', playing world of war craft and putting most of my free time on Internet.  I hate myself for going against my own style rules by being a 'sheep' , fashion trend jumper. There is nothing worse than going out and seeing ten other people in the same clothes. So, because of this fear, this T-shirt is only going to worn for the gym, lazing around the house or covered under a jumper. This bottle green version is not the Topshop version but a cheaper version brought on eBay for £10.  Although i wont be showing it off to much, I just for some reason needed one. ♥

What i got in my glossy box January 2013

Hello ♡

Just received my Glossy box through the post. Really cheers me up when i receive these but i admit i do keep trying to cancel my subscription. My makeup desk is starting to get a bit crammed with small sample bottles that i haven't used. I just can't click that cancel button though. I said to myself after the disappointing December box that January was going to be the decider. Although there are some nice products this month I'm still not satisfied that it is worth the £12 coming out of my bank each month.

Anyway on to the box,

The theme is a 'January Detox' for the post festive period, with products aiming to 'stimulate your senses...while rejuvenating your spirit for a replenished new you'. 

In the box i received:

Sanctuary Spa Active reverse thermal transformation mask. 

I love my face masks so this is a good product to receive. I admit i over indulged over Christmas on chocolate and alcohol, leaving my skin worse for wear. Also the temperature has dropped again so my skin is crying out for a treatment.  This mask comes in two steps. Step one is a serum which you wear under 'step 2' which is a clay mask. Excited to try this. 

BM Beauty finishing powder

This apparently comes from Pussycat doll Kimberly Wyatt and makeup artist Laura McComiskie. Not too sure about celebrity makeup lines but will give this a go as it is quite a nice pale pink colour.

Bonus product: Glossy eye mask

This is really needed as my children sometimes get scared of the dark and turn the landing lights on. Nice quality too.

Hydo Dynamic moisture for eyes

At £57 for a full size product this should be good. It promises to help with those ageing signs and make you look nice and fresh. Being a mum this is very needed. Not doing too well with sleep at the moment. 

Eco Boutique Body lotion.

I love aloe vera products but really do not need any more body lotion. I'm fully stocked from Christmas. However i will give this one a chance.

Monu micro exfolioant

This product cost £14.50 for a full size 100ml. I have actually been after an exfolioant for a while now. I have tried some before such as clearisil but find my skin becomes very dry, even with moisturiser. Will see if this one works and let you know my review soon.

Overall, this is a good box especially after Christmas and new years indulgences. Will probably use all these products over time.

Gem x