BIRTHDAY GIFTS 2015

Hi beauties and Happy Friday! It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago so for those interested here are the lovely gifts I received. One was a bit late which is why my post is up now.

My very first gift arrived with the postman on my birthday from LOVE LOLA DESIGNS who I met at the BLOGGERS LOVE LFW GIFTING LOUNGE. 

I instantly fell in love with Louise's designs, especially the LOVELOLA LEATHER SHOULDER BAG WITH GOLD CHAIN that Louise was sporting herself at the event. Louise very kindly sent me this bag with my very own #SELFIE :) I absolutely love it. It's my new favourite bag.

There are so many personalised gift options at LOVE LOLA DESIGNS that its worth stopping by, especially with Valentine's Day coming up or just to treat yourself!

Two of my friends bought me these gift sets. The make-up is from Rose Couture which is an unknown brand to me, but I will still enjoy playing with these pieces. The Nivea gift set comes with a cool tablet case. It makes me really want to buy one now.

Everything here is from my Mum except the Hello Kitty items. I think I might try to find some cute pictures to put in this photo frame for my desk at work. I also got a penguin made of natural fibres. I found a link to the same one here.

I had some yummy chocolates that I made my boyfriend share with me. Feeling sluggish after the festive period I needed help, ha ha. I am yet to try, but very excited for these Tassimo Costa Latte's. My boyfriend is going to pay my car tax for the car he surprised me with at Xmas.

I also received some money from various people so if you want to see a haul of that when I eventually get to go shopping let me know.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP

XMAS GIFTS 2014

Hi everyone. I hope you are doing well in 2015 so far. I know I am really late putting this up, but for those interested here I have a post showing you the presents I received for Xmas that I am of course very grateful for.

This beauty stash was from my Mum, friends and my boyfriend's Mum. I am so pleased that my Mum got me the Soap & Glory hamper :)

Some essentials for the home, plus a voucher which I am yet to spend. There are some naughty treats too including my amazing Tassimo machine. If you love coffee then trust me when I say you need this in your life. I have only tried two flavours so far. The Cadbury's chocolate which my boyfriend loves and the Costa Cappuccino which I crave constantly now.

My boyfriend and I said we were going to buy things for the house this year instead of personal gifts as we need a tumble dryer etc. Exciting I know!

While out Xmas shopping I spotted this jumper in the Dorothy Perkins sale and I saw some lovely soft lounge bottoms in Next for him. We decided to get them for something small to open Xmas day and I thought it would be sweet even though we knew what we were getting.

However ...............

When going to pick up my Mum for Xmas my boyfriend asked me if I wanted to drive. I said that I didn't want to drive his car. 

Basically I haven't driven in over 10 years and only drove for a couple of months a short distance. This is because I realised I wanted and needed a house more at the time than a car so I saved.

Since moving out I have craved getting another car for convenience and I am sick of waiting for buses in the rubbish weather. Lets be honest also not everyone you ride with are shall we say nice people.

Anyway I do ramble on. I think its obvious what my boyfriend did ........

Yes there were tears instantly and yes I did drive to my Mum's house. 

I now have to get over the fear I currently have of driving alone as I have only driven so far with my boyfriend in the car. 

Even though I passed my test many years ago I don't have much experience and feel like a newbie driver again.

One of my goals this year is to be confident in driving and to actually enjoy it. Any words of encouragement or tips if you felt the same as a newbie driver would be greatly appreciated below.

If you hadn't already noticed I have named my little car Squirt :)

Love to you all

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP

NEW YEAR, NEW THINGS

Hi everyone and Happy Wednesday! 

I am sorry that I haven't put as many blog posts as usual lately, but I want to explain why. Like most of us I have been pretty busy seeing a lot of family and friends for Xmas and New Year celebrations. Following on from that I have had a few birthday events too (mine is today, eek).

I also attended a funeral in the first week of Jan which was a sad day, but also a time for reflection. It's so easy to forget or not appreciate the good people and things in life because we get so caught up in work, chores and errands that way us down.

I helped my Mum move to the coast on Monday so there was some prep for that too and I am still obviously settling her in now. I will miss her terribly. We usually see each other every couple of weeks, but that may not be possible so often due to the distance. It will worry me that she is further away, but she is near family which eases my mind a little. Since losing my Dad 8 Years ago I have become even more protective over my Mum. Not in an obsessive way or anything, but I just want to look after her to the best of my ability being her only child. She did after all do the same for me growing up.

I feel like this year is going to be a life changer. I have been living with my partner for about 2 1/2 years now and I feel like we have become closer and grown up a bit more in our home. We have been together for so long that we truly are those 2 peas in a pod.

I am not really sure if I had much of a point to make when I started writing this post, but I guess I just feel like I can talk to you guys about my life changes and thoughts sometimes.

I really want this year to be a blog discovery too. By that I mean I want to venture out further with my blog design and really get myself noticed. I know I write because I love it, but blogging takes a lot of effort and time so more recognition would be great. I have a full time job separate from my blog to pay the bills so it is a daily struggle to keep up with posts. It would be a dream to blog full time for a living of course and one I never want to give up striving for.

I am always looking out for blogging tips on organisation, photography, editing, blog design, social media ....... the list goes on. Feel free to let me know in the comments what you love or loathe about my blog. All criticism is good, because it makes me think and if I agree perhaps make changes. If you have ideas on future posts you would like to see leave those below too.

Love to you all for 2015

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Hi everyone. I hope you like the card I made for you to wish you all the very best for this Christmas. Have a very happy and festive time full of cheer and love. 

I understand that Christmas can be hard for a lot of you with difficult times and perhaps memories of loved ones lost. 

I miss my Dad terribly every day, but especially at Christmas. I love to remember all the good times we had though and to cherish the lovely people I still have around me.

I am visiting a lot of relatives this week. I will put up another post for you as soon as I can :)

Love to you all

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

CLOTHES FOR CAUSES LAUNCH

Hi everyone and Happy Sunday. I have an exciting post for you about a new store that opened yesterday aptly named 'Clothes For Causes'. This is a charity shop, but with a very modern and enticing atmosphere. With donations including a mixture of designer, high street and vintage fashion, home ware, toys and more this store is bursting at the seams with vibrancy. With a team that is more like a family ready to greet you and welcome you in your shopping experience will be one that you walk away happy from. Their stock rooms are literally overflowing so get down there and grab a bargain or few. Money raised goes towards helping local causes.

Shop owner Veronique served customers between cupcakes and bubbly.

Veronique also made all of these scented candles.

Fabulously cheeky decor.

Mirror mirror on the wall ........

Window shopping

Denim dreams

Beautiful storage

Metallic and lace embroidery trends done!

So cute

Happy shoppers

There was a photo booth at the shop opening which many customers and staff had fun with. This was my favourite photo with my Mum although I could not get her to look at the lens, ha ha.

This store can be found in Eltham High Street, SE9 (opposite Prezzo).

Opening times:

Mon - Sun, 10am - 6pm.

Other Clothes For Causes stores opening soon will be in East Dulwich, Forest Hill and Catford.

www.clothesforcauses.org.uk

My Mum is a part of the team working in the Eltham store and her name is Irene. Let her know I sent you to the store when you see her :)

What do you like or dislike about shopping in charity stores? Let me know with reasons why in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

Mother's Day Gift Hamper DIY

Hi there sweeties. Thank goodness for Friday eh? I was racking my brains of what to get my Mum for Mother's Day this Sunday and then I thought why not buy her the little things she loves and do the things for her that she appreciates. 

My Mum does have a sweet tooth so I have included lots of chocolate goodness in this hamper. There are also some flowers for her garden which she likes spending time in. The hair dye she uses is in the hamper also as well as one of my Nails Inc. nail polishes that she loves. There is a card in there too which has slid down at the back.

I am going to make her lunch on Sunday, paint her nails and dye her hair. She has looked after me for many years so she should be pampered on Mother's Day.

I think the box will be great to store things in too. Excuse the cellophane wrapping and sellotape, but I have never used it before so I did my best :)

Card & Bow ~ Card Factory

Cellophane ~ Ryman

Box ~ Store Twenty One

Hair Dye ~ Superdrug

Nails Inc. Polish ~ Gifted from me

All other items ~ Poundland & 99p Store

So what do you think of this hamper idea for Mother's Day? Do you think it's something your Mum would like? Let me know your thoughts and other present ideas in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

Cake For Mum's 60th Birthday & Haul

Hiya everyone and Happy Saturday! What are you all up to on this glorious day? I have already popped out quickly this morning, but now I am ready to get stuck into some blogging. Today's post involves cake for my Mum's birthday and a haul.

It was my Mum's 60th birthday on Monday 10th March so myself and my fella decided to go and see her the day before for a take away and cake as he wasn't sure how late he would be back from work on the Monday. I did make this yummy chocolate devil myself on the Sunday. It was actually quite delicious and I had fun decorating it.

I then met up with Mum on her birthday. We had lunch and did some shopping. Mum bought a few things with the money we gave her, but the main item she has yet to choose is a mirror to hang over her living room fireplace.

This Izabel London salt & pepper coat from Dorothy Perkins was in the sale for £30.00. I am not sure of the original price as I can't find it on their website, but I think it was around £50-55.00. I know spring is on it's way, but this is the UK and there are still a few chilly nights and days about.

Primark Scarf ~ £4.00

I love the design and colour of this scarf. It's the sort of thing my Gran used to have on her china. I think the blue will really compliment my eye colour.

Primark Headband ~ £3.00

This headband made me feel hopeful for spring. I think it's so pretty and girly.

So as you can see I didn't go crazy overspending, but I am happy with my bargains. What little must haves have you picked up lately? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

Save The Children Ladies Night Eltham

Hi there cherubs. Today I really must tell you about this charity shop event I attended on Thursday 28th November. My Mum (Irene) has been working as a volunteer in this Save The Children shop for some years now with a great team of people.

The event was set up to allow ladies to view the stock out of the shops usual hours and find themselves a bargain or few.

So here are snaps of just some of the fabulous range that was in store that night .......

FASHION

Velvet, jewel toned and 90's bra shaping are all on trend right now and the style of this dress is perfect for the party season.

Shoe styles like these never seem to go out of fashion and fit with so many outfits.

The cocoon shaping of this dress has a very designer-esque feel.

This beautiful lace detail dress can be worn all year round due to it's monochrome design.

Gucci Inspired shoes & belt

Colourful Diamante

Balenciaga style bag

More 90's fashion. Perfect for sparkling at festive parties and events.

Great to keep out winter chills and look super stylish.

BEAUTY/GIFTS

HOMEWARE

Cute kitsch ceramics

Blue tones

So cute for some festive cheer.

LIFESTYLE

I do love a bit of Gok styling.

Tips from the model herself.

Guests sipped on beverages, munched on nibbles and some treated themselves to a painted manicure too.

It was a very enjoyable night that embodied the community spirit of Eltham. There will hopefully be even more events in the New Year too. I am so proud of Mum and the team she works with. They have a really well laid out shop with fantastic stock and warm hearts to greet you.

Why not pop in to have a browse and say hello to my Mum (Irene) and her fellow colleagues. I am sure they would be glad to see you :) Let them know you heard about the shop from my blog.

Opening Times:

Monday & Sunday: 10am - 3pm

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Address:

Unit 3, 14 Passey Pl, London SE9 5DQ (just off the high street near Argos)

Are you a thrifty shopper who prefers scouring charity and vintage shops for bargains to create an individual style? Also, which are your favourite items from this post? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all