Tuesday 10 June 2014

Come & Coppafeel with me!




Having watched a documentary last night about a truly inspirational YOUNG woman who is battling cancer, I am taking this pledge to make a difference for our generation & generations to come. 

Currently, cancer strikes 1 in 3 people. That means that roughly 1 1/3 of the average school class will be effected by cancer at some point in their lives. That's 10 PEOPLE who you spent every morning registration with! Scary huh?

On that note, I urge every single person who is reading this to take 1 hour (if I can do it, you can) of your time to watch this incredibly humbling film about a woman called Kris. She's Dying to Live.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03zf3tg/kris-dying-to-live

My aim is to raise £10,000 for coppafeel in the next year. Details of my first fundraising attempt will follow shortly. Until then... #Coppafeel

You can follow me on twitter to follow my fundraising journey in tweets & blog posts along the way!


You can also donate to my fundraising page here

Outfit of the week #3

Don't you think the sunshine makes everything seem & look better?

My favourite outfit by far this last week has to be this Jeans / Blouse number. 


I have had the main components to this outfit for a while but just never thought to combine them. 

This chiffon blouse was purchased about three years ago from Primark. I always wear a white vest top underneath to avoid any unnecessary bra exposure! 

I rolled up the bottoms of these wash-out light blue skinny jeans to create a more summery laid back look and paired them with my strappy tan sandals. 

A summer look is just not complete without a floral handbag! This one is a Cath Kidston bag and is one of my favourites! 

What was your favourite outfit this week?

Tuesday 20 May 2014

Going on Strike

As of last night, I am on strike.

As of last night, I have had enough of being expected to take on the responsibility of the second parent, yet be completely over ridden every time an instruction is given, or a rule made. Even if it is not me who made the rule and I am merely enforcing it.

I cannot be the shoulder to cry on, the giver of advice if my advice, though received well when given is ignored when its time to put it into practice.

I cannot be the one to keep mopping up the spilled milk everyone seems to be crying over.

Maybe I should be. Maybe, because its family I should keep on doing what no-one really realises I do.

But for now, or at least until the next drama they can't handle on their own kicks off, I am on strike.

Someone else can have a go!

This week I am seeking solace in the confines of my room, among my own things, taking myself back and remembering the lovely memories that are held within these four walls.

Tomorrow, I will empty and organise my quiet room. The adjoining box room, which before it became home to boxes upon boxes of stuff, was where I went for 'me time'.

Though I love them both, it seems I am outgrowing them. The ever growing desire to break out of them, fly the nest and set up a home of my own is becoming so intense, I find myself  frustrated.

I can't wait to build the home where one day I will raise a family.

Monday 19 May 2014

Outfit of the week #2

I can't tell you how down in the dumps I got about the contents of my wardrobe last week!

Having gone from having a very worky wardrobe and a set outfit for each day to being able to dress to the weather & trends has been a bit of a difficult adjustment for me. Believe it or not, I am at my most comfortable in a pencil skirt & heels.

On Thursday as I searched high & low for something that made me look less frumpy dumpling & more sun kissed goddess, this scene began to develop.


My wardrobe was not my friend.

Off into Canterbury with the girls I went on a mission to find some suitable, well fitting clothes for the summer. And thanks to h&m and New Look, after three hours, I finally found some!

My favourite outfit of the week has to be this.



This stripy cotton wrap around dress was only £14.99 in h&m and for me, accentuates all the right places. I've become a lot more conscious of my 'wobbly' bits of late and so the fact that it reaches to just above the knee & pulls me in around the waist meant that I felt so much more comfortable.

I teamed this with these gorgeous shoes from New Look.



I'm quite short and  my legs are far from skinny so in order to make them appear longer & less dumpy, I wanted to find a pair of shoes which had a heel but still looked casual.

I initially thought maybe a pair of wedges, but when I saw these I knew I had to have them!

I also wore my new denim jacket also from NewLook & my Cath Kidston floral bag to top it off.

What was the favourite outfit of your week? 

Sunday 11 May 2014

Outfit of the week #1

You know those days when nothing fits or feels right?

I seem to have had a week of them!

This week I've wanted nothing but to pull on my leggings and a baggy top and comf it out!

My favourite outfit of the last week has to be this one.



I wore this long blue & white stripe top with my black h&m leggings and these cute blue stripe shoes from Primark to afternoon drinks with the girls on Friday. And for the few seconds that the sun shone my Aviators made an appearance too!


What was the favourite outfit of your week? 

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Beauty | Models Own Hyper Gel Varnish - Review

During my trip to  Blue water on Friday, I spent a lot of my afternoon wandering around in search for a birthday present for Mr. As I began to lose hope and all sense of motivation I stumbled across a colourful stall manned by very happy chirpy girls who immediately lifted my spirits.

The sales attendant at Models Own took an immediate interest in how my day was, complimented me on the dress I was wearing and quickly established my favourite colours, what make up suited my skin tone and what my main beauty bug bear is. Chipped nail paint.

I am always on the go, and simply don't have time to get up every morning and repaint my nails. Sometimes nail varnish for me doesn't even last a day without chipping, so quite often I end up going around with horrid half painted, rubbish looking talons.

That's when she introduced me to Models Own Hyper Gel Nail Varnish, designed with the same shiny finish as the likes of Shellac & Jessica Geleration, but with no need for a UV lamp. The paint, according to the saleswoman would last up to 7-9 days, was chip resistant and the answer to my nail varnish night mares! Plus you can just use normal nail varnish remover to remove it once you're ready to change colour.

While I looked around the stall at the amazing variety of colours, she returned to me with a basket containing a free gift!

"You can get 6 items for £20 today, lovely." She smiled.

That's it I was sold. In went my 6 items and out came the £20!

In my shopping basket was this gorgeous hot pink shade of the Hyper Gel varnish - "Searing Pink". I've become quite a lover of pink, and this shade really stood out to me.




The application was really easy. The brush seems to give extra nail coverage meaning less faffing and less time trying to get to the corners of the nail.

The high shine finish is just gorgeous. You can see from the photo that in natural light in late afternoon they're still shiny! The texture is smooth and light on my nails.

You can buy Hyper Gel Nail Varnish for just £5 each online and in store. I fully recommend you go and see the amazing spectrum of colours on offer and see the hot, high shine effect left by this fab product!

Monday 28 April 2014

Lunch at Tapas Revolution, Bluewater

On Friday, during my trip to BlueWater, I had lunch at Tapas Revolution.

As I entered the restaurant I was immediately greeted by a welcoming enthusiastic waiter who offered me my choice of tables. The restaurant itself was very clean and I liked that it had no walls per say. It meant that as a solo diner I could still see everything that was going on in that section of the shopping centre and was not dumped in a dark & dingy corner.

As I sat down, I was handed the menu and the gentleman kindly and quickly explained how it worked. There were three menu options; a standard tapas menu, and two special offer menus.

I opted for one of the meal deal options; Paella Valenciana and my choice of a beer, wine or soft drink for just £7.95. I chose a Rose Spritzer to drink and ordered some water too.

Within minutes, my meal arrived at my table hot, tasty and authentically presented, served in an  paella pan. It was delicious and I ate every last morsel. I love cooking paella at home and often struggle to find restaurants who serve it fresh without any fish in when dining out, so it was really nice to be able to eat one of my favourite meals cooked by someone else the way I liked it.

If I were to add anything to this dish, it would probably be some vegetables, tomatoes, onions and the like.

For dessert I had the Coulant de Chocolat. The minute I read 'chocolate fondant' I knew that was what I wanted. I LOOOVE chocolate fondant.

When it arrived at my table I was keen to dig in and discover if they had successfully managed to obtain that gooey chocolate centre.

They had! Yay!

 
When I tasted the desert I was surprised to find it tasted like Jaffa cakes. Cue grab of the menu. I had failed to read the description: Chocolate fondant made with olive oil and a touch of orange. Still sounding appealing I delved further to find a layer of jellified orange at the bottom of the bowl. A little more than a touch.

In truth, the desert, though nice, was a little too bitter and tangy for me and so I did not finish it all.


Over all, the friendliness and speediness of the service really impressed me. As a lone diner the last thing you want to be doing is sitting waiting around for your food for ages. It was nice to have a change from the usual Italian & American restaurants that flood our high streets.

 I will definitely be returning to Tapas Revolution with friends.





Beauty | Pre-Spray Tan Tips

Before having a spray tan there are some vital steps you must take in order to achieve an all over even tan and to ensure you get the most from it.

1. Get rid of the hair!

If you're going to be showing of your newly tanned pins, it's important to remember to blitz the last of the winter fuzz before your spray tan, as if you shave or wax after the tan it will not last as long.

I love my Gillette Venus & Olay Razor from boots as it combines shaving & moisturising in one go.

Depending on how sensitive your skin is, some people prefer to shave the day before rather than on the day of a spray tan.

2. Exfoliate 

It is essential to exfoliate prior to a spray tan to avoid any horrible darker patches appearing on your dry areas (knees, ankles & elbows are prone to dodgy patches!). I use the BodyShop Satsuma Body Polish to exfoliate pre tan as it lathers up really nicely when used with exfoliating gloves which means you don't have to use loads. Also I love the fresh summery fragrance.

3. Avoid other lotions & potions
NEVER moisturise before a spray tan! You will turn Green! Also avoid deodorant, face cleanser and any other alcohol containing potions.




The clear out

This week, as it often does, life has forced me to look back at the person I once was.

To admire the person I am now. I am so proud of who I have become.

But I have to get it out of my head. Get it out.

Apologies in advance for rambling.

If you had met me eight years ago, I'm not sure you would have believed I'd be sitting where I am today.

I was a troubled sole.

A sad, vulnerable, confused, het up, anxious girl who had to grow up too soon.

Plunged into a silent responsibility to step up as the stand in parent.

A little tubby. Strange shoes. Brown skirt, white trainer socks. Self conscious. Angry.

I struggled to hold friends down the whole way through my school years.

I'd been bullied through primary school for being a bit different. Puberty hit me when I was 8. Periods came at 9. I was taller & spottier than most.

I remember the day my Mum could not keep her anger in with the bullies any more. She drove me to one of their houses, told the ringleaders parents what her daughter had been doing. How I cried every day going to school.

I remember feeling bad that day, that I might have got them into trouble. I was worried for one of them, worried if at 10/11 she'd be able to cope with a telling off. Her Dad had died weeks before. Even then, even when I was terrified and scared of what they might do or say next, I still did not want her to be any more upset than she already would have been.

When it came to choosing my secondary school my Mum was determined that I would not be subject to the same hell that was primary school. She insisted that I went to Grammar School, an all girls school just a few minutes walk from where she then worked, three train stops away from home.

Gah! I remember the arguments leading up to my 11+. I was adamant that I wanted to go to the local comp, where my 'friends' were going. Where the people were familiar. Regardless of who they actually were. The trouble with me was that I was always so bloody forgiving!

I worked hard to at least not FAIL at the exam, regardless of which school I'd end up going to. Failure has never really been an option for me. 11+ passed, we together sat down and decided that Grammar would be best. There were two people from my primary school who were going. Nice children, who were friendly & bright who there was every chance would share a form with me once there.

Two months into secondary school, my parents separated. My Dad came to collect me from my dance rehearsal for a big show that was coming up. My mum had prepared me for the conversation I was about to have. I knew it was going to happen, it was only a matter of time.

As we sat in the car tears filled his eyes as he told me he would be leaving that afternoon, to stay in our holiday caravan until something else was sorted.

I suppose, looking back, it was strange that I was not sad. I remember tears rolling down my face as he told me, but they were not sad tears. They were tears of relief. No more arguments every Friday because I couldn't find my tap leotard.

I, like my mother, could not cope with his shouting and short temper any more. He would turn in a second from smiles & laughter to aggression and pure anger. I remember once, in a rage, he emptied and threw the contents of my box of barbies ( I had LOADS) across the room.

From then on our house would be quiet and calm, just Mum, Lobster & I & the cat. A safe haven. Everything was going to be okay.



Until the Break-ins started. The fierce malicious name calling. The stalking. The threats. Death threats from him to my Mum. The phone calls to me at bedtime telling me it would be the last time I'd ever hear from him. The time I walked in on him & L's nursery teacher in his flat when he was supposed be watching me as I was ill & off school. Being held against the wall. Running home to phone my Mum. Locking the doors. That time he threw me in the car kicking & screaming, holding a crying 2 year old L, trying to protect her from his fury. He drove us to the middle of nowhere and told me we'd never go home again.

My oldest friend turned her back on me within weeks. Disappeared into the distance. Her family, who had spent the last 11 years at parties and holidays and days out with mine decided that whatever he'd told them was true and that she should no longer be my friend.

That's when it all changed at school really. That's when I became a bit weird. Stood out. Cried a lot.

I was not particularly fashionable, nor did I come from a wealthy family as many of my peers did.

I hold that Man personally responsible for the hell that then became the first five years of secondary school. I trusted no-one. Believed that everyone was out to get me. Once again became an easy target and so the bullying was back.

It would come in waves. I moved from friendship group to friendship group. But the groups just merged. The bitching and gossiping of teenage girls meant that there was no escape. The shit was going to bite me on the arse wherever I turned. At the same time, those primary school 'friends' would be waiting at the train station on my way home to follow me & hurl homophobic abuse. Apparently, because I went to a girls school, it automatically meant I was a lesbian.

My poor Mum. Not only was she facing a new battle with him each & every day, she was having to drag me to school each morning willing me to get through. Willing them to stop. Give me a break. Willing the teachers to step in. Determined not to let those bitches get the better of me. Nor that bastard for that matter.

She'd talk non stop the whole way to school to keep my mind busy,  we'd listen to heart fm who without fail would play Take That's 'Shine' somewhere in that 25 minute slot. We'd listen & sing at volume.

Some mornings she quite literally had to push me out of the car, knowing that as I left her tears would begin to roll down my cheeks, tears rolling down hers the minute I could not see her.

For some time I really struggled with food. The amount of food I ate at that the was the only thing I now realise I had any control over. Not eating was me taking control. As was the constant scratching of my arms.

I had counselling for a short while. Had to go to special sessions with pastoral care. Was advised by the school to take a few weeks out of school because it had all become so bad.

Eventually, at 16 I was moved to another form, in which there were two girls I knew from my options classes. After a VERY bumpy start in a new friendship, which resulted in me FINALLY standing up for myself  and deciding I was not about to be walked all over again to a girl  who had made it her mission to make me feel as unwelcome as possible (cue nasty facebook & msn chats).

From that moment on really everything started to get better at school. There were a few arguments, don't get me wrong. But you put a load of teenage hormonal girls in a group there's always going to be. Particularly when there are boys involved.

Through it all, against the odds, I passed my GCSE's with flying colours. I doubt very much I would have done without my Mum's continued ushering on. Though as I said before, failure was never an option in my head. Sixth Form was in sight.

Home life was still as tough as ever. The break ins, the stalking, the verbal attacks, the taking us and disappearing for days, all of that was still going on.

And then along came Mr. The boy who saved me.

The boy who is now the man who stands beside me at every turn. Who has stood beside me through thick and thin, beautiful and ugly.

Who makes me laugh.

Shelters me from the storm.

Loves me unconditionally.

The boy who gave me the confidence to be who I am today.

The bulshy, head strong, ambitious young woman who will not let anyone stand in her way.

The boy who opens the jam jars when I cannot.

Rescues me when the bus does not show up, even though he's in the middle of something and miles away.

Who at the end of a really crappy day, reassures me that everything will be okay.

The boy who one day I hope will become my husband, the father of my children.

I still find it difficult to trust. I do not let people get too close. Even he struggles sometimes.

I have friends who I love with all my heart, who know me inside out. They know my deepest secrets, my silly habits. They are there always and regardless.

If you had met me eight years ago, I'm not sure you would have believed I'd be sitting where I am today.

But I am so proud of what I have achieved.

And so thankful to those who helped me to where I am today.

And to those who broke me

I am not sure I will ever forgive you

But I must thank you.

Just look at me now.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

Chocolate Candy Cake

On Saturday, it was my Mum's birthday and what with it being so close to Easter too, we decided to make an Easter - Birthday Cake for her.

Generally, I am a useless baker. Honestly rubbish. The last time I made a cake we ended up with a hard sponge with a burnt chocolate chip mess at the bottom! 

This time, I went for something that would be simple to make but easy to make pretty and hopefully taste good too. 



To avoid any disasters, I used 2 packets of premixed cake mix and simply added eggs & water. I find it is not only easier but much cheaper this way! 

Once the mix was fully stirred and without any lumps I poured the whole mixture into a well greased deep cake tin (one of those with the removable bottoms) and baked for 30-40 minutes at 180. 

While the cake was rising nicely in the oven, we made our chocolate icing. 

We combined a few blobs of butter and some icing sugar (sorry! I'm more of a keep adding until it looks right than a 'we must measure everything perfectly' kind of baker) in a bowl until a smooth mixture is formed. We then melted 2 bars of milk chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water which were added to the butter icing to form what became a glorious melt in your mouth bowl of wonder. 

Once the cake was baked and had cooled down, we covered it evenly in layers of the chocolate icing before decorating the outside with Cadbury Chocolate fingers and filling the the top with cadbury mini eggs and smarties eggs.

Et Voila! 

Despite Libby later dropping the cake ON THE DOG!!! it tasted really good and I'll definitely be making it again, perhaps for the Baby Tilda Barn Dance. The beauty of it is that you can top it with any sweets you like so it doesn't have to be Easter themed either! 

Over all I think I spent about £7.00 on the ingredients for this cake. 


What's your favourite thing to bake? 

Thursday 17 April 2014

All out of sorts

This month has been a funny month.

'Huh? it's only the 17th?' I hear you cry.

Forget about March, April, May. For most women, there are two types of months that run along side each other. I refer to the month cycle that most women base their lives around. The month that has a week of big knickers, nurofen & an un-dying NEED for chocolate right here right now.

Don't worry, I'm not about to go into any further detail about anything else that happens that week and break the all important TMI barrier. It is safe to read on. I promise. 

This month started well. I was upbeat, ready for action. Noone and nobody was going to stop me doing anything. And so with confidence and the adrenaline of leaving my job fuelling my fire I got up and went. Everything was checked off on my brains to do list, the house was tidy, I'd seen all the people I needed to see, talked about all of the things I needed to talk about. Everything was going to work out. It might be tough, but it'd work. I was, shall we say, bouncing my way through life. (Imagine Crash Bandicoot after an ooga booga shot.)

However as the weeks passed my mood really slumped. Nerves and thoughts of 'Can I really do this?' took over my mind and frustration began to build as the possibility of me & Mr moving to a home of our own began to fade. I felt stuck. Add to that a UTI, horrible skin out break, three panic attacks and a series of nightmares, I think it's fair to say I've been left a little out of sorts.

It seems I've had a three week long bout of PMT! Fingers crossed, that from today my hormones have a little bit of a relax and let me get back to doing what I do best.



Sunday 13 April 2014

Wedding Day Dreaming

So, the Mr's brother gets married in September to his lovely fiancee.

It promises to be a quiet, intimate affair (though how that is possible with the size of their family, I've no idea!) set in an understated location near to where we live.

I love a good wedding! I'm the first to get my tissues out during the ceremony as the bride walks down the aisle, and well, when it gets to the speeches I blub.

For a woman, there is always something so magical about a wedding I think.

The Mr is an usher and went for his suit fitting last weekend. Trust him to be one of the only groom party to need full alterations to every element of his suit. Aside from this and the whole cream waistcoat, white shirt, grey jacket & pink tie debate that seems to be consuming every dinner, every discussion, every DAY, I'm actually getting quite excited.

I am looking forward to picking out a dress to wear. I love dressing up and making the most of a posh occasion and although I have got a million dresses at home which would most likely all be perfectly suitable, nothing quite beats that manic walk around the shops trying everything on in sight!

All of this wedding talk has got me day dreaming about how I would like my own wedding to be.

I think it will be quite different to theirs.

I have always dreamed of getting married, bare foot on a sandy beach somewhere warm, the gentle sea breeze blowing my hair.

Followed by a sit down meal and a party on the beach.



I have a tiny family compared to Mr's, and so for my own this whole idea works well for them. (Plus, it means a certain unwanted guest won't be able to just turn up.)

For his family though, the thought of us getting married abroad seems to fill their faces with horror.

The thought that great aunt Edna's second cousin twice removed might not be able to make it has caused a stir.

I feel I have got some work to do on twisting their arms. Though considering we aren't engaged yet, I think I've got some time!

Did you get married abroad or at home? I'd love to read your stories. 

Saturday 12 April 2014

Lifestyle | What's in My Bag #1

I quite enjoy having a nosey at other peoples 'what's in my bag' posts, so thought I'd do one myself.

The bag I am using this weekend is my Burgunday Tote Bag from New Look which was bought for me as a gift for Christmas.

I absolutely love this bag.

Its just perfect for when I am going to and fro between meetings as it's big enough to fit everything I need in it - diary, tablet, phone, note book, brochure, a pair of flat shoes for travelling between and anything else I tend to pick up on the way.

It looks great too and adds a bit of color to a dull outfit. Quite sophisticated I think.


I am at the Mr's this weekend though, and so the contents is a little different to normal.


1. My favorite scarf. It's a gorgeous black & white paisley pattern and looks great with a blazer and jeans. I bought it from Next at the Ashford Outlet for £6! Bargain!

2. Ted Baker Hand cream & Lip Balm. Where ever I go, I am always applying one or the other. They both smell divine and the hand cream is great for use after a hand sanitiser.

3. Essie Nail Varnish - LIL' BOA PEEP. I'm always chipping my nail varnish. It's always handy to have my currnet colour in my bag ready for quick touch ups!

4. My Make Up Bag.... Need I say more?

5. Optrex Eye Drops. Where spend most of my time working in front of a computer screen (yes! Even at the weekends) I suffer quite badly with dry eyes. Whenever they get tired, these eye drops are ideal for a quick eye re-hydrate.

6. Train Tickets. I don't drive yet and so unless Mr comes and gets me or drops me somewhere I spend a lot of the time on a train. These tickets are still in my bag from Tuesday when I went to visit my friend in Ulcombe.

7. Bridget Jones - Mad About The Boy. Ahhh, Bridge. I started reading this book back in January, but with one thing or another coudn't find the time to fit my reading in! Now that I am working from home, it's important that I make sure I take some time out, and what better way than a catch up with my old friend and idol?

So that's my bag, what's in yours? 







Birthday Present Idea's for Mum

So as well as it being Easter weekend next weekend, it is also my Mum's birthday.

She is possibly the most difficult person (aside from Mr) to buy for.

I'm generally against buying her anything for the house, unless its something that she really wants and has specifically asked for.

I've been having a look online in preparation for my trip into town on Tuesday, and these are just some of the ideas I've come up with.


1. White Floral Pyjama's | New Look 
2. Olay Daily Moisture | Boots
 3. Black Tote Handbag | New Look 
4. Daffodil Bunch | Local Florist 
5. Ghost Perfume | The Perfume Shop 
6. Kiss Me Once, Kylie Minogue | George at ASDA


Friday 11 April 2014

My Dreams of a Beebies Home Office

Back in January, I wrote how me & the Mr were preparing to fly the nest.

We were so nearly there, each of us saving as much as we could each month to gather a deposit.

A generous offer to match our savings when we'd reached a certain amount came from a family member who appreciated how keen we were to move.

Right now though, it seems we couldn't be further away from having our own home if we tried.

My recent decision to leave my job and concentrate on the business means that right now, Mr is the only one with a guaranteed stable steady income. Our savings are being used to tide us over and invested into the business.

This doesn't stop me from dreaming though! Ideally, when we do move, we'll buy a three bedroom house.

A room for us, a room for a bump when the time is right, and a room for Beebies.

One of the things I am most looking forward to about having our own home is being able to have my own designated work space.

Somewhere I can sit and work effectively.

Somewhere to tidily store the stock I hold.

A place of organisation.

Somewhere unlike the spare room currently resembling a jumble sale of boxes, paper every where.

Somewhere you can actually get in the door!

Somewhere like this.


Friday 4 April 2014

Business | Competition is Healthy

Starting up a new business or breaking out into other markets is daunting, there's no doubt about it.

The majority of the time, regardless of the industry you are entering, there is always going to be competition. Someone who sells or does a similar thing to you.

Some business owners go into absolute turmoil when a new competitor comes to the market & can often end shooting themselves in the foot if they don't act positively.

Here's why, in my opinion, competition in business is healthy.

1. Networking and business relationships.
Networking, if done right, is effectively a free advertising tool. Building a relationship with competitors can help to establish your place in your market. Chat, absorb and offer advice publicly.

2. Innovation
Competition is great for encouraging innovation within a business. It gives you the opportunity and the nudge to think outside the box, differentiate & make your business stand out amongst the rest. Competition prompts you to identify a USP, and show your customers why you're the one to choose!

3. Learning Curves
By watching & observing a competitor, you can look to identify issues that might also relate to your own business. If a customer of theirs is unhappy with their service, look to see why, and whether a similar problem could come up for you & then change it before it does.

Likewise, if a company is receiving praise, look to see why & relate it back to you. Do you offer the same perks? Can you match or better them?

4.  Customers Benefit
There's nothing worse than not being able to help a customer find the specific item they need. Having good relations with companies in your industry means that, generally, if you can't directly help a customer, you know someone who can! A quick recommendation can go a long way and 9 times out 10 that same business will return the favour. Plus the customer sees you both as mature, and professional organisations who go the extra mile to help their clients. A win-win if you ask me!

5. You Identify Key Customers
Competition helps point out who your key, loyal customers are. Focus on these! They are, after all, the people keeping you afloat. By catering to them, you are reinforcing in their minds why they choose you, and the likelihood is, that if they're constantly happy with what you provide, they'll talk about it and the word will spread.

6. Gets People Talking
Did you see the 'rap battle' on twitter between O2 & Tesco Mobile? The two big wigs were battling it out to show who could provide a better price plan & service for their customers. Each of them made relevant points in a fun and light hearted fashion. With over 800 retweets & lots of customer responses this shows how good relations can involve and encourage customers to talk and get involved!



There are so many more reasons why competition in business is healthy, but these are just a few to make you think about.

Do you have any more you'd like to share?

Thursday 3 April 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Part 2 - I Found a Lump

When I was 12 I found a lump.

A big, painful lump,on the outside of my right breast, adjacent to my nipple.

As you can imagine, as a young girl, just started secondary school and already having a tough time with a messy parent break up, this knocked me for six! I was, I am, a worrier.

My mum & I went to the doctors the very next day and was seen my GP who prescribed me with a course of antibioitics and said it'd go down.. nothing to worry about, 'just a cyst'.

And so I took them. And the pain went down, but the lump remained.

Eight years, three courses of antibiotics, countless GP appointments and two trips to the breast clinic (at 13 & 16 ) the lump is stil there.

I will never forget my last appointment at the breast clinic. The doctor was an hour late. He walked in, took one look at my young 16 year old face and laughed. 'There's nothing wrong with you, you're wasting my time.' He walked out.

I felt stupid. Was I making a big deal out of nothing? Should I just ignore it? Suck it up?

Now though, the lump is bigger than it was and painful most of the time. The pain is less isolated and has spread to under my armpit. Some days I cannot even wear a bra. It is effecting my moods. My relationship. My confidence.

Back in  January, I went to the doctors again to be examined. This time by a different GP, one I have a lot of confidence in.

He examined, poked, prodded and compared.

'It's just a cyst' He said. But like no other had, he explained how he knew & what that meant.

The lump can be moved slightly, which indicates that it is not a cancerous lump, nor one that is likely to 'become cancerous' which if I'm honest, aside form the pain has been my biggest worry. That what is now 'just a cyst' might one day become something more.

After a long conversation, discussing all of the pros and cons, he agreed to refer me to breast clinic once more. This time stating how he felt that due to the limitations it is causing, the lump should be removed.

I would receive a letter in the post with my appointment date and time 'shortly'.

We are now in April, and I am still waiting for the letter.






Sunday 30 March 2014

Beauty | My Make-up Quick Fix Kit

Now that I'm a full time business woman (omg, I'm not sure I will ever get bored of saying that) I am constantly out and about running from this meeting to the next. 

In business, first impressions mean a lot, and so it's important that I at least try to look the part at all times. In order to do that, I carry this five piece Make-up Quick Fix Kit with me for on the go touch ups. 



1. Maybelline Matte Powder
2. BodyShop Powder Brush
3.Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express
4. Avon Glimmerstix 
5. Avon Perfect Kiss

What's in your Quick Fix Kit?

Wednesday 26 March 2014

Beauty | Miss Sporty Nail Varnish - Colour Layering

Every once in a while, happy accidents occur in my attempts at beauty.

And this weekend something wonderful happened.

We attended a wedding reception on Saturday & I was trying to match my nails to one of the colours in my dress.

I had purchased these two nail varnishes from the miss sporty counter at Boots the previous weekend.



I first thought that the one on the left, Ferris Wheel, would match perfectly, though once it had dried it seemed I was wrong.

At this point, anyone else would have grabbed the nail varnish remover and wiped it off. Me? I could not find any in the entire house.

Plan B. Paint over it and hope for the best. Bodge it.

I grabbed the Blue Bath, and painted on, hoping for the best.

When the polish was going on I was pleasantly surprised that it held its colour well, though as it began to dry the bottom layer began to blend through.

And amazingly, it made the perfect match to the turquoise detail on my dress.


I never thought colour mixing would work with nail varnish. Especially when one layer was already dry.

Super impressed & will definitely be trying this with some different combinations.

Sunday 23 March 2014

Friends are like Stars

Friends are like stars
You may not always see them
But you know they are there


Health | Breast Cancer Awareness Part One - The difference a Selfie can make.

This last week, social media platforms have been taken over by #nomakeupselfies.

The point behind these self taken photographs was to raise awareness and subsequently money for Cancer research UK.

There have been people  who have expressed anger at them. 'We all know about cancer, no amount of selfies is going to raise more awareness' I read on one particular disgruntled woman's facebook profile. Another misery guts tweeted 'Stop taking photos of yourselves, you aren't curing cancer.' (I'm paraphrasing of course, but the sentiment is the same.)

So far the #nomakeupselfie has raised over £2million for Cancer Research UK.

That's £2million that would not have been raised without them.

In a way the grumps above were right,.The individual photographs of your facebook friends without any make up on alone did not make anyone more aware of cancer. We are all aware. Ii struggle to believe that anyone in this life has not been touched or affected by cancer in some way. But what those photographs did, was act as a prompt to get people talking about it, writing about it. To show current sufferers that each and every one of us is behind them in their fight. To encourage women, old and young to TLC. Touch, Look & Check. Something I plan to tell you about my own experiences in part two.

All of those people posting photographs prompted their friends, families, acquaintances and businesses to donate if they could. And look what a difference it has made!

Did you know that £2 alone could help find a cancer causing gene. £2 could be another step to finding the cause of cancer and nipping it in the bud before it takes any more victims.

That's 1 million enabled steps because of #nomakeupselfies.  And I think that's pretty amazing myself.

So here's my very own #nomakeupselfie.







Tuesday 18 March 2014

Raising a Glass

It feels very weird to be writing this post.

For the last month, everything I have been doing has been leading up to exactly this moment.

When I resigned from my job 28 days ago, I was angry, let down and quite frankly exhausted.

If you know me well enough, you will know I am a planner. I have a schedule for everything. A plan for the next five minutes, the next five days, the next 5 years... You get my drift.

It was never going to be my career. Administration is really not me. I need to be stretched & challenged. I need targets and something more. There was always going to be a day when I eventually left & went on to do what I love. Running my business is my passion. You cant get more of a challenge than doing just that. Running Beebies full time was always part of the plan, it has just come a little sooner than anticipated.

Today, as I made those last calls to colleagues, stamped the last envelope and completed my last 'project', the nerves and realisation kicked in. I would never sit in my seat again.

I would never really laugh until my jaw ached at my bosses funny tales & cringey stories from 'back in the day'. I would never have another 4 o'clock debate. Hear G's daily drama's. Make another nettle tea in A's  blue cup.  A lump formed in my throat for a short while.

Don't get me wrong, I know that this is absolutely the right thing. I am excited and can't wait but As much as the job drove me crazy, I have spent the last 15 months with three people who pretty much know me inside out. They have supported me in their own ways through some crappy times, we have laughed, despaired and just been there every single day. They have each taught me so much about life & about my self.

I have so much to thank them for.

If you're reading this you crazy three, As I pop open the champers this evening, I'll be raising a glass to you. For everything you have done.

Ohh... we laughed!

Xx

Sunday 9 March 2014

Business | Preparation is key

So tomorrow is the start of my last full week of employment!

It has all been about preparation since I handed in my notice.

Financial Planning.

Marketing.

Organising.

Filing.

Talking.

Scheduling.

Forecasting.

Searching.

Preparing.

Leaving my full time job was not a decision I took lightly.  Nor had I envisaged it happening quite so soon. And so these last three weeks will have been key to my success going forward.

Preparation is key.


Tuesday 4 March 2014

Finding 'The One' - My Skincare Must Haves

Finding the correct skincare product for you skin type is difficult. I have spent many years testing and trying out different ranges, high street to high end, big brands to local sources.

My skin in incredibly sensitive. I am allergic to any thing too smelly, too chemical. Only I could also be allergic to the 'Simple' skincare range! I'm not sure it has anything in it!?

But I think I have found the one. The One.

I have been using the Vitamin E skin care range from The Body Shop for nearly six months.

It is range of gentle, lightweight, and softening lotions and potions containing the antioxidant known for protecting and repairing your skin.



Vitamin E is an antioxidant which protects & repairs your skin. And smells absolutely gorgeous!

"LOVED SINCE 1977, OUR VITAMIN E SKINCARE RANGE HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DAMAGING EFFECTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT ON YOUR SKIN, OUR VITAMIN E RANGE CAN HELP TO PROTECT AGAINST POLLUTION, CIGARETTE SMOKE AND UVA/UVB RAYS. OUR POPULAR VITAMIN E CREAM AND VITAMIN E OIL ARE SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND HELP TO PROTECT THE SKIN FROM PREMATURE AGEING."

So far, I have the cleanser, toner, day cream, night cream, overnight serum-in-oil, hand and nail treatment, daily exfoliator, gentle facial wash, body butter & moisture mask.

 I use them daily and they are all now part of the furniture in my every day make up bag. You can purchase the smaller travel size bottles of most of them, which are perfect for overnight stays.  I'll be filling my Body Shop travel bottle kit with all of my favourite Vitamin E products when I travel to Manchester for the weekend in May.

Have you found 'The One' for you? 


Sunday 2 March 2014

Matilda Mae Remembers

Dear Matilda Mae,

I wrote to you just under a month ago, in the lead up to your anniversary.

I wrote to you and promised that you would never be forgotten.

Yesterday, on the eve of 13 months since you past, we remembered you and your Angel friends, who I've no doubt were sitting up there smiling and sending us all a little bit of sunshine.

Yesterday, good, loving people came together, and gathered at the church where your family bid you farewell. The best of people stood together and without drama, without competition, without question, stood side by side and supported eachother.

I was perhaps the youngest member of the congregation. I do not have very much of a story of my own to tell. At least, not one that I can bring myself to share with the world just yet. Instead, I had the honour of sharing the story of one of life's everyday heroes, a lady who spends everyday caring for and saving the vulnerable babies & children.

I cannot tell you how touched I was, I am, by the stories shared. I sat and I sobbed for the families going through the sheer pain that your own parents are. I cried for their loss. I cried for how utterly unfair it is that some babies are destined for the skies. Your wonderful godmother, held my hand the whole way through.

I made you a promise to always remember, to never forget. To never stop spreading your legacy.

Yesterday, I, with so many others remembered you and your angel friends.

Yesterday, your legacy spread that little bit more.





Monday 24 February 2014

Too young to be broody?

I turned 20 in November.

I live at home with my Mum & sister who is 10 years my junior. Who I have half raised since she was 18 months old.

Me and Mr have been together for nearly four years. Four years of one weekend here, one weekend there. Four years of baby announcements, showers, arrivals and birthdays from family & friends.

In those four years six babies have been born across our families. Some planned, some not so. But each of them a miracle, a bundle of joy.

It's no surprise that this along side working in the industry that I do, running a business primarily targeted at Mums & Mum's to be has made me so incredibly broody.

I spend my days watching and reading as  Bumps become Babies. Women become Mothers. Couples become families.

It is a process mainly of the following.

That very first tweet announcing a miracle..

The exciting bump updates.

The seas of pink, blue or yellow which take over your home as you prepare.

The introduction of a beautiful tiny baby to the world.

The realisation that said baby really is your world.

More seas of  pink, blue or yellow which take over your home as you prepare.

Celebrations. First curl. First word. First Step.

It all seems so exciting! Exhausting but exciting.

I tell myself every single day that a baby of our own just would not be practical. That in order to raise a child you need to have your own home, money and more life experience than we do. That we 'have our whole lives ahead of us yet'. That I am far too young to be broody. That people will raise their eyebrows and judge. And all of the above is probably true.

But I am also learning that life is so so short. Too short to wait for the 'right time'.

What if I keep waiting for the 'right time' and it never comes? I have family and friends who have missed the boat. Their ship has sailed. And they are sad and forever longing.

In the four years that we have been together we ourselves have lost two unexpected miracles at very early stages. As unexpected and unplanned as they were and however unprepared we may have been, the heart ache and emptiness each loss has bought is unexplainable. I have to trust that whoever it is sitting up there was certain that our little miracles were just not ready for earth just yet, he just wasn't quite finished with them yet, and that when he is and when we are ready he'll send them to us.

But I am broody all the same.


Friday 21 February 2014

The Sun is Shining

Today the sun is shining. Today is already a fabulous day.

It is not a day that has gone to plan. I should be at work. Instead I am home with two 11 year old's because of childcare issues. As was I yesterday.

But in truth, something tells me that today is not a day for any mundane plan. Today is the day to make the changes, dot the i's and cross the t's and prepare for my biggest adventure yet!

On Tuesday, after a few truly rubbish events at work, I handed in my notice. After 18 months of muddling through, juggling my own business with contributing more time and effort to someone else's I finally bit the bullet and resigned!

I can't tell you how excited I am about it all. I feel like a weight has been lifted, like a light bulb has just gone PING! in my head. In just under a month, I'll be solely self employed and although the prospect of not having a regular assured income is scary, I know that this risk is one I have to take.

I am stressed, but that good stress.  I have those good butterflies.

I am already making progress, my business is already booming more than it was.

Today the sun is shining. Today is already a fabulous day.


Monday 17 February 2014

Time to Make a Change

Someone once said... wrote rather... that I reminded them of Super Woman.

I'm always busy. Always juggling about 100 things at once, and nearly always doing it with a smile on my face (to those outside anyway).

Back then I was studying for my AS levels, working part time at a well known coffee shop and had just started my business. I felt like Super Woman.

Today I do not feel like Super Woman. Today I am tired, stressed and miserable. Today I realised that I have been tired, stressed & miserable for some time.

Today I decided it is time I made a change. A BIG change. A HUGE change. A change which should have been made a loooooooong time ago.

It is a big risk, don't get me wrong. But a risk I need to take.

Tomorrow I will be dropping one of the balls. And it will be good. This time tomorrow I will only be juggling 99 things at once.

And I tell you... I cannot wait to feel like Super Woman again.





Saturday 15 February 2014

Because You are You

I'm not very good at Valentines Day. I am really not naturally romantic. I love with all of my heart, but big gestures and slushy poems just aren't for me.

Sometimes I think I take all he does for granted. He is just always there. And though I thank him, sometimes I'm not sure he knows how much I appreciate him.

So this year, when trying -and failing to hunt for an acceptable (yet not too slushy) valentines gift for him, I decided to make something myself.

I did not spend much, under £10 actually, and it was really easy to do. 

I bought these heart shaped Post-it Notes from Waitrose and a Preserve Jar from Tesco.


I wrote 'I Love You Because...' on a red Post-It and stuck it to the lid of the jar. Then wrote all of the reasons I could think of on the rest, folded them in half and popped them inside of the jar. This way he can look at them at any time and know I love him lots.



Some of them are funny,
Some of them are sweet,
Some of them only he & I would understand,
But each of them are true.

Each of them are on a heart and from my heart.

I love you Mr.

Because you are you.


Saturday 8 February 2014

Getting Fit, Not Thin

With all this talk EVERYWHERE about diets and calorie counting I am getting frustrated! We've seen it time after time where public figures have gone to extreme lengths to lose weight, to just put it all back on (and more) a year later. Surely, this is harming their health. Surely the constant change in food in take is doing more harm than good?

The thing is... MOST diets are unsustainable. Whether it be no carbs, 5/2, cutting out sugar, ditching dairy or just eating far less than you should. At the end of your day, your body needs a balanced diet. It needs carbohydrates for energy, dairy products for strength, meat for protein yada yada yada. Were we not taught this at primary school? Is this not familiar??



That's why this year my aim is to get FIT not THIN. Because personally, I don't think thin is always healthy. Too often we see extreme dieting and pressure on dieting lead to bad health - eating disorders, vitamin deficiencies & fatigue.

I have been a size 10 for as long as I can remember. Yes at some points of the month I'm heavier or lighter, my jeans are looser or tighter, but fundamentally I am a size 10.


So here's my Fit not Thin Plan...

I will be going to the gym twice a week for an hour at a time, following a strict programme of cardio, free weights and stretch activities. I'll post my programme here is the next few days.
I will walk for half an hour each evening. This can easily be tied in with walking the dog, popping to the shops, or just taking the long way home from the train / bus station.
I will be eating a healthy balanced diet, following the proportions in the diagram above.
I will set myself achievable targets and work to them by training to run the Race for Life for Cancer Research & the NUTS challenge for the Lullaby Trust.

Will you join me in getting Fit not Thin and setting an example to our own generation and generations to come? 



Monday 3 February 2014

Sister, Please hold my hand

Sister, please hold my hand
As we journey through this land
Together we stand, together we will fall
No matter what, God will keep us together
That will be the best of all

Sister, please hold my hand
Because without you I can't stand
For we were put on this earth for a reason
To go through every good and bad season

Sister, please hold my hand
As our strength, together, builds each other to become strong
So that our love for each other will last long 

Ashley Jackson


Tuesday 28 January 2014

Woohoo for Boohoo!

I am so pleased to be writing this. It's so refreshing to receive such fabulous customer service from a big well known brand.

So many of them now allow their big names to hide them from sloppy mistakes and service, but not Boohoo!

I ordered these two swing dresses from their eBay shop late on a Saturday night, with standard delivery rates paid expecting to receive the dresses in the post by the earliest Wednesday.



They arrived on the Monday! Monday! Logistically, I don't even know HOW they did it. They just did. And they're gorgeous too.

This was my first shopping experience with www.boohoo.com, and I'll definitely be back, time & time again!


5 Signs I'm Old Before My Time!

"Are you really only..<insert number here>.?" 

A question I have been asked so many times. When I was younger, this was such a compliment. People saw me as mature, level headed and sensible. I looked older than I was too. People still say it to me now. Someone said it to me today. At 20, I can still, just about take it as a compliment.  I wonder how long that will last? Fingers crossed the wrinkles will hold out long enough to get me through the next decade without being told I look 40! They're right though. Sometimes I have to question myself! And this is why...

1) My ideal Friday Night is sitting at home in my PJ's and slippers with the Mr & Pup watching 8 out of 10 Cats and The Big Bang Theory Repeats, after a long and usually stressful week at work. The thought of clubbing (especially in this weather) literally fills me with dread. 

2) The most exciting day of the month is pay day. Nothing unusual about that I'm sure. But I don't look forward to pay day for the same reasons most 20 year olds probably do. On pay day I don't go and get bladdered or have a spend up online. Pay day is Pets at Home day. A monthly trip to our local store to stock up on bits & bobs for Pup. And yes.. ok... maybe a quick pop into New Look too! 

3) I stress so much over things most people my age don't even think about for at least another 5 years. I worry about money and how I need to work now to be able to support any little ones in the future. I fantasise about house colour schemes and home cooking. 

4) I say things like 'when I was young...'. I am young! <quickly reminds self > I am only 20 years old. 

5) I'd much rather be 'comf' instead of 'cool'. Don;t get me wrong. I follow fashion, but you'll never see me try and squeeze into a pair of jeans 2 sizes to small because 'Beyonce' wore them and looked awesome. You'll find me in pencil skirts & blouses at work, what I call 'safe' dresses at parties and leggings at home. As long as I'm comf, I feel cool. 


Monday 27 January 2014

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Dear Matilda Mae


I remember the very first time I saw your face. Your very lovely Mummy had agreed to review my first ever product for Beebies. Your big brown eyes stood out in a photograph among a sea of colour.

It was just the very beginning for both of us really. You in your little life and me with Beebies. You were just 2 months old. A smiley, happy baby who without realising it, was helping me and  Beebies to make our first mark on a community which has taken us from strength to strength.

I remember the day you passed so clearly. The 2nd February 2013 was a date I knew was going to be horrible. I just had to do all I could to distract myself from the events that had unfolded exactly a year before. I spent the day with my very best friend. Chatting, shopping, keeping busy, and the evening was spent quietly with Sean as we both, in our own ways, reflected on the year just passed.

I avoided social media that weekend. In fact I did not go online until the morning of Tuesday 5th February. A strange, completely out of the ordinary morning. I had arrived for work an hour early for no reason at all, with no keys to the office. I sat in a cafe, ordered toast and a hot chocolate and logged on to facebook to pass the time. I sat confused as my timeline filled with messages of condolence being sent to your Mum. Something had happened. Something truly terrible had once again happened  And then I read it. And I cried. Cried & cried. Sobbed. 2/2 had struck again in an even more horrible way.

I cannot believe it has been almost a year. I am amazed by the utter strength your Mummy has shown every single day. Even though she is grieving, even though her heart is shattered into millions of pieces she still she has helped others so much. She has helped me so much. You would be so proud.

I once told her I think that she was sent to me. And I honestly do.

I am amazed by hows strong your family are. How kind and welcoming your older siblings are to everyone they meet.  By the way a community has pulled together to build your not so  little legacy and to ensure that you are never forgotten. You will never be forgotten.

Your name has been shouted to skies across the world. Bubbles and stars have a whole new meaning. Life's little problems have become so insignificant.

Because of you friendships have been made that will last forever.
Because of you money and awareness of this horrific unknown is being raised around the world.
Because of you people hug their children for longer, look at the world differently, make sure they capture every moment.

I speak on behalf of so many when I say thank you.

People have walked in wellies in your honour, jumped from planes, painted, drawn, lit candles and blown bubbles for you with love in their hearts. We will never stop. I promise.

For you Matilda Mae, there is so much love.

There is not a day when I don't think of you Matilda Mae. I wish with all of my heart that I could turn back time to February 1st 2013 so that you would still be here with your family who love you so so much.

Sweet dreams Baby Tilda, shining star  xx