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Sunday, 31 March 2013
Friday, 29 March 2013
Fashion Friday | ♥ I Heart Ombre ♥
The Ombre trend started with hair, then nails, and now it is everywhere in the fashion world too. I am loving it, and its perfect for spring/summer. Here are my favourite Ombre pieces from the high street.
1. Maxi Skirt £24.99 New Look
2. TShirt £18 Top Shop
3. Beach Play Suit £17 River Island
4. Cross Earrings £5 Miss Selfridge
5. Denim Dress £45 Oasis
6. Pattern TShirt £16 Dorothy Perkins
Tuesday, 26 March 2013
Beauty Wishlist
I am currently doing the 30 day shred, and to give myself more of an incentive ( I have zero motivation when it comes to exercise) I have decided to put £1 away every time I do it. So hopefully at the end of it I will have £30 to spend on something for myself. I have currently missed one day and Im only on day 5, but I am determined to complete the 30 days. If it takes me a little longer so be it.
These are the beauty items I am coveting lately, I know some are slightly more than £30 but I could alwaysmake it up.. or do a few extra days.
Macadamia Healing Oil Spray - I have tried and reviewed the oil here, but that was not in spray form. I think the spray would be more practical - has anyone tried this and compared to the original?
YSL Rouge Volupte - I have two of these already and I love them. The packaging and formula are amazing, although they don't last all that long on my lips. I don't care though as this is one lipstick you will want to reapply, its so pretty. I'm not sure on which shade Id choose yet.
Too Faced Matte Eye shadow Palette - I love Too Faced eyeshadow palettes and own three of them already. I am a lover of matte shadows for day to day wear and have wanted this palette ever since it was released a few years ago.
Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine - I spotted this in Boots, I am a magpie to pretty things! I tested it and fell in love. I need this as my summer scent this year so I will hopefully be able to pick this up in duty free in June.
Urban Decay Oz Glinda Palette - I dont wear purple or pink or blue shadows, so I'm not really sure why I want this palette so much. It just looks amazingly pretty and prehaps if I got it I would start wearing those colours more often.
What beauty items are you coveting? Have you tried/ reviewed the Macadamia Healing Oil Spray?
Gem x
These are the beauty items I am coveting lately, I know some are slightly more than £30 but I could always
Macadamia Healing Oil Spray - I have tried and reviewed the oil here, but that was not in spray form. I think the spray would be more practical - has anyone tried this and compared to the original?
YSL Rouge Volupte - I have two of these already and I love them. The packaging and formula are amazing, although they don't last all that long on my lips. I don't care though as this is one lipstick you will want to reapply, its so pretty. I'm not sure on which shade Id choose yet.
Too Faced Matte Eye shadow Palette - I love Too Faced eyeshadow palettes and own three of them already. I am a lover of matte shadows for day to day wear and have wanted this palette ever since it was released a few years ago.
Daisy Eau So Fresh Sunshine - I spotted this in Boots, I am a magpie to pretty things! I tested it and fell in love. I need this as my summer scent this year so I will hopefully be able to pick this up in duty free in June.
Urban Decay Oz Glinda Palette - I dont wear purple or pink or blue shadows, so I'm not really sure why I want this palette so much. It just looks amazingly pretty and prehaps if I got it I would start wearing those colours more often.
What beauty items are you coveting? Have you tried/ reviewed the Macadamia Healing Oil Spray?
Gem x
Monday, 25 March 2013
Blog Design and HTML: How to Leave Your Blog Link as a Clickable HTML Link in Comments
**I realise most of you bloggers are technical whizzes, but I thought I would write this post for people like myself, who didnt have a clue how to do this and a rubbish with coding and design**
I have no problem with bloggers leaving their link in a comment on my blog, in fact I encourage you to do it. And when you do I don't mind how you leave it, whether it be just written out like this http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk or as a clickable link like this GEM SEREN .
But when I leave a comment and a blog link, I like to leave mine as a clickable link as I think it looks neater, and Im a bit OCD with things like that.
So how do you do it? Its really simple, but for someone like me who has no clue I needed it spelling out.
Here is the code:
<a href="url">Link text</a>
And here is an example of how I would leave my link:
< a href="http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk"> Gem x </ a>
I have left a space in between my < a and / a, this is so it would show up as text for the post. When you post your link remove the gap :):)
I hope this was helpful to some of you, I know it would have been for me, as I had to scour the internet to find out how to do this for myself haha
Gem x
I have no problem with bloggers leaving their link in a comment on my blog, in fact I encourage you to do it. And when you do I don't mind how you leave it, whether it be just written out like this http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk or as a clickable link like this GEM SEREN .
But when I leave a comment and a blog link, I like to leave mine as a clickable link as I think it looks neater, and Im a bit OCD with things like that.
So how do you do it? Its really simple, but for someone like me who has no clue I needed it spelling out.
Here is the code:
<a href="url">Link text</a>
And here is an example of how I would leave my link:
< a href="http://gemseren.blogspot.co.uk"> Gem x </ a>
I have left a space in between my < a and / a, this is so it would show up as text for the post. When you post your link remove the gap :):)
I hope this was helpful to some of you, I know it would have been for me, as I had to scour the internet to find out how to do this for myself haha
Gem x
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Sunday Bloggers Interview #9
This Sunday, I am lucky enough to have the lovely Shona from Fresh BeautyXOX taking part in Sunday Bloggers Interview. I have been a reader of Shonas blog for nearly a year I think. She is only 15 but has such a mature writing style and is a lovely person. She has health problems but always seems to have such a positive attitude, I find her quite inspiring. I highly recommend you go check out her blog!
2. What is your favourite part of blogging?
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1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging as a kind of side thing to my youtube, which I have since deleted. At first it was just for swatches and little posts etc but it soon started to grow and now I adore blogging. I realised blogging was where my heart belonged and I wouldn't look back, I'm glad I can focus just on my blog now.
2. What is your favourite part of blogging?
One of my favourite things is taking the photos, I love photography! But I also love how I can talk to people on twitter and blogger about my love for beauty as my friends and family just aren't interested! Also the majority of people are lovely and I have made some great friends via blogging and I can't wait to meet some of them in the future.
3. What are your favourite makeup brands?
3. What are your favourite makeup brands?
MUA is a fond favourite of mine and has been since this beauty addiction started! Some of the brands that I have loved along the way though are Revlon, Maybelline, Essie and Maybelline. The majority of my makeup collection is drugstore but I've just tried a product from MAC, Urban Decay and Smashbox and I'm impressed!
4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?
4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?
This is usually a difficult question to answer but I have my best of 2012 post to help me! Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, this has been a firm favourite of mine for a while and its just fab for under my eyes! MUA Intense Kisses Lip glosses, I can't pick a certain shade but these are the best lipglosses I have used, super pigmented and not sticky! Naked2 palette, the pigmentation of the eye shadows is unbelievable and this is the perfect neutrals palette for me. Sleek Matte Palettes, this is a recent buy but I am already in love, I really like matte shades and the sleek ones are super pigmented for the price. Lastly my Johnsons Daily Essentials 24hr Day Cream, this is great for my dry skin and is the best moisturiser I've ever used.
5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by?
5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by?
I have a few I've learnt through blogging. Firstly if your nail polish is gloopy put it in the fridge overnight, it won't always work but it has helped me a few times. Also its not an amazing tip but curling your lashes can really open your eyes, I hate using mascara without curling my lashes first!
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Thank you so much to Shona for taking part, dont forget to stop by her blog freshbeautyxox.blogspot.com
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Thank you so much to Shona for taking part, dont forget to stop by her blog freshbeautyxox.blogspot.com
Gem x
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
**know you must have seen 10000000 review posts on this Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, but I thought I would add my thoughts to the mix :)**
I was a really lucky Mummy and got this palette for Mothers Day off my two little boys. I hadspecifically told hinted to the fiancé that I wanted this palette, he did well. Although my favourite present from the day had to be the hand made card and jam tart from my four year old, this came a close second.
Firstly I love the packaging and size of the palette. It is a bit smaller than my iPhone so fits perfectly in my everyday make-up bag.
For £20 you get 6 shadows, 5 matte and one slightly shimmery highlight shade.
The pigmentation is brilliant, I find cheaper matte shadows always lack in pigmentation and some are terrible (MUA I'm looking at you) but in this what you see in the pan is what you get on the lid, even the black.
I am using this palette every day, I even mix Faint and Naked 2 for my brow powder. My favourite combination is W.O.S all over the lid with Naked 2 and Faint blended out in the crease.
I don't own the original Naked palette, just Naked 2 so for me there aren't any repeats apart from Foxy.
Overall, I love this palette and highly recommend it. Even if you have the other Naked palettes I would still recommend it as its such a lovely palette to have in your makeup bag. I honestly cant think of any cons for this palette, even the price is very reasonable for the quality of shadows you are getting.
Do you own this palette? What do you think?
Gem x
I was a really lucky Mummy and got this palette for Mothers Day off my two little boys. I had
Firstly I love the packaging and size of the palette. It is a bit smaller than my iPhone so fits perfectly in my everyday make-up bag.
For £20 you get 6 shadows, 5 matte and one slightly shimmery highlight shade.
The pigmentation is brilliant, I find cheaper matte shadows always lack in pigmentation and some are terrible (MUA I'm looking at you) but in this what you see in the pan is what you get on the lid, even the black.
I am using this palette every day, I even mix Faint and Naked 2 for my brow powder. My favourite combination is W.O.S all over the lid with Naked 2 and Faint blended out in the crease.
I don't own the original Naked palette, just Naked 2 so for me there aren't any repeats apart from Foxy.
Overall, I love this palette and highly recommend it. Even if you have the other Naked palettes I would still recommend it as its such a lovely palette to have in your makeup bag. I honestly cant think of any cons for this palette, even the price is very reasonable for the quality of shadows you are getting.
Do you own this palette? What do you think?
Gem x
Friday, 22 March 2013
Fashion Friday - Passion For Fashion (2)
Todays (rather late, this post took me all day) Fashion Friday post is my entry to the Money Supermarkets Passion For Fashion 2 Competition. We are challenged to create 3 outfits; Casual, Holiday, and Party all for under £200. You can find out all the info and how to enter yourself here, the prizes are pretty amazing, with the overall winner getting £1000 towards their dream wardrobe. How amazing would it be to win that?!
I am a lover of the high-street and bargain hunting, so I found keeping the outfit prices low quite easy. What I found difficult was choosing the over all outfits, I am a bit of a perfectionist but I love how they all turned out.
Casual
I wanted my casual outfit to be perfect for spring/summer and holidays. I love the denim pinafore dress, it is so cute. I think tan accessories go perfect with denim, and they are pretty much a classic. This fringe bag from River Island is really festival chic. Actually, the whole outfit would be perfect for a festival, and would look amazing with a pretty plaited up do.
1. Lace detail blouse, £16 Matalan 2. Denim Pinafore Dress, £40 Miss Selfridge 3. Turquoise Bracelet, £8 River Island 4. Fringed Tan Bag, £50 River Island 5. Tan Wedges, £ 35 River Island
Total: £149
Holiday
When I think about holiday and beach wear, I think brights, and luckily for me colour blocking is set to be a big trend again this summer. Topshop have some amazing swim suits in but this colour blocking one stood out to me the most. I think it will really flatter my slightly larger frame. The Chartreuse throw over is a little pricey at £40 but it makes a huge statement and is perfect to take from day to night by adding some colourful accessories and ditching the back pack (great for holding your poolside essentials) for a clutch.
1. Colour Block Swim Suit, £32 Topshop 2. Asymetric Throw Over, £40 Topshop 3. Backpack, £32 Topshop 4. Colourful Wedges, £47.99 Newlook 5. Pixel Heart Earrings, £8.50 6. Necklace, Topshop £15 7. Pink Perspex Bag, £12.99 Newlook
Total: £188.48
Party
Printed dresses like this pop art one from Newlook are everywhere at the moment and I love them. I chose to pick out the pink colour and match the accessories to that. I was so pleased when I found this Pop Art clutch on Asos as it pulls the whole look together brilliantly.
1. Pink Blazer, £45 River Island 2. Pop Art Midi Dress, £16.99 NewLook 3. Necklace, £15 ASOS 4. Pop Art Clutch, £9.99 ASOS 5. Pink Heels, £19.99 ASOS
Total £106.97
Phew, I cant believe how long it took me to create this post. I am really pleased with the outfits I created, and I honestly cant choose between them to say which is my favourite.
Have you entered the competition? If you have you could leave your link in the comments as I love reading these types of posts.
Gem x
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation Review
I discovered this foundation through my friend. Her skin was looking great so I asked her what foundation she was using and she told me it was this one. I managed to get this foundation when it was £5, making it even more of a bargain.
I didn't get on with Rimmels Wake Me Up Foundation so I didn't have hight hopes for this one either, but given the price I was willing to give it a go and I am so glad I did. Its not a perfect foundation, but for the price, its pretty good.
The consistency is quite thick, and I like to apply this with my fingers. It feels nice and hydrating on the skin and doesn't cling to the pesky dry patches around my nose. The finish is quite dewey, so I like to set it with Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent powder.
With the powder, the foundation lasts a good 6 hours on me which I think is great for a drugstore foundation. The coverage is great, as you can see from the picture it covers my acne scars really well.
The only negative is that the lightest shade, Ivory, is a little too dark for me so I have to blend it down onto my neck.
Overall I think this is a great foundation for those of us who need medium-full coverage, and who are on a budget.
I am currenty testing Rimmel True Match Foundation which is a light coverage, and using this one as a concealer for my acne and its working great.
Gem x
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
NOTD: L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat & Orly Prelude to a Kiss
Just a quick post today to show you the nails I am wearing today as I love them.
I picked up the L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat yesterday after seeing it on lots of blogs and loving it. I have used it over Orlys Prelude to a Kiss, which is a brilliant peachy nude colour that is fully opaque in two coats.
Gem x
Monday, 18 March 2013
Benefit Fakeup Crease Control Hydrating Concealer - Review
I was lucky enough to attend the Swansea Benefit Bloggers event for Fakeup, where we received all three shades of the new hydrating concealer. (However, I mistakenly got two lights and one deep, so I only have swatches of the two shades not three). You can read my post on the event here, it was brilliant :).
Firstly, the packaging is so so pretty. I love the fact that benefit put so much thought and effort into their packaging. The silver and pink looks amazing and would look amazing on any dressing table. Even the outer packaging is too pretty to just throw away!
The concealer has a moisturising balm outer ring, that contains vitamin E and apple seed extract that hydrates the skin.
It feels so comfortable to apply and glides onto my under eye area. I find that area to be extremely sensitive and some concealers are really uncomfortable to wear under my eyes, but this one actually is lovely to apply.
At first, I made the mistake of applying too much and ended up with it creasing and gathering in my under eye lines straight away. I tried again and only applied a thin layer and this worked so much better for me.
It instantly brightened up the area and made my skin look a lot more radiant. I have never suffered badly with dark circles, but since becoming a mum late nights and early mornings are taking its toll. It covered my slight dark circles really well, but it is quite a light coverage so I think if you suffer badly with dark circles you may need something slightly more heavy duty.
Top: deep. Bottom: Light
The light shade was perfect for me, and I know some bloggers are using the deep shade to contour. ( I am too pale for this though).
With the thin layer, it didn't crease at all and lasted a good 6 hours on my skin, staying hydrated at the same time.
This concealer lived up to all its claims when I used it correctly. I would recommend this for someone who needs light to medium coverage in the under eye area and is looking for a brightening effect. It doesn't crease or cake, and stays looking fresh all day. Over all an excellent concealer for the under-eye area.
Fakeup Crease Control Hydrating Concealer will be available online and from Benefit counters from the 30th March.
Gem x
Sunday, 17 March 2013
Sunday Bloggers Interview #8
Hi guys I hope you have had a great weekend! Today I have Charlotte answering my questions. Charlotte blogs about beauty and lifestyle over at jadore--beauty.blogspot.co.uk
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1. Why did you start blogging?
I have been reading blogs, and watching youtube videos for about 2 years now, and last summer, I just one day decided that I wanted to give it a go! I buy make up all the time and seeing as most of my friends aren't really interested, it's nice to have a place to talk to people who have the same interests/passion as me!
2. What is your favourite part of blogging?
I absolutely love writing a post and then seeing people leave comments etc. I just love the fact, and am pretty blown away by it too, that people actually take the time to read what I have to say. Also love seeing a post coming together, with the pictures and content; it makes me happy. Even though my blog isn't one of the biggest or the best, it's mine and I'm really proud of it!
3. What are your favourite makeup brands?
This is difficult.. Favourite drugstore make up brand's are probably Rimmel or Revlon for lipsticks but MUA for eyeshadows - for £1, I can't believe the quality and pigmentation! Amazing! My favourite high end make up brand is definitely Bobbi Brown for face products and then the only eyeshadows I really use on an every day basis are Urban Decay.
To be honest, I use a whole range of different products from different brands so it's so hard to narrow it down!
To be honest, I use a whole range of different products from different brands so it's so hard to narrow it down!
4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?
In order of my holy grail products: Bobbi Brown Eye Corrector, Collection 2000 Lasting Finish Concealer, Urban Decay Naked 1 palette, Benefit They're Real mascara and Elizabeth Arden 8hr Skin Protectant.
5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by and could share?
I think the most important beauty tips/rules you should follow are, no matter how tired you are, ALWAYS take your make up off and the second is to moisturise your face because you will thank yourself in the future with your wrinkle free face :)
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A huge thank you to Charlotte for taking part, you can visit her blog here
Gem x
Friday, 15 March 2013
Fashion Friday - Wishlist #1 : My Matalan Spring / Summer Picks
For my second Fashion Friday post, I decided to do a wishlist. I am planning to pay a visit to Matalan as I love it for affordable but stylish clothes and accessories, so I thought why not do a wishlist post?
Here are my picks from their spring/summer catalogue :)
1.China Blue Shift Dress £16 - I love this dress, it looks so pretty and would be great for holidays dressed up or down.
2. Broderie Anglaise Vest Top £12 - This would look super cute with denim shorts and flip flops, I love the colour.
3. Nude Studded Slipper Shoes £10 I have similar shoes from matalan in black, and they are really comfy.
http://www.matalan.co.uk/womens/highlights/spring-summer-catalogue/s2521675/stud-duffle-bag £14
4. Ombre Sarong £5 - I love anything ombre so when I saw this I knew I would need it for my holidays in June.
5. Bow Toe Jelly Sandals £4 - These are so cute and a great price, I saw them instore and I wish I picked them up there and then but its a little to cold to be wearing flip flops at the moment haha. They also come in nude I think I may get both colours.
This wishlist has got me feeling really summery now...hurry up summer :)
Gem x
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment Reveiw
I have wanted to try Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment for ages now, but never got around to trying it. I was kindly given this 10ml Sample from Hairtrade, which can be bought from their website for £3.40 (which is great if you want to try it out before committing to a larger size).
When I first tried it, I noticed two things. One, it was really runny but a thick consistency and two; the smell. It really reminded me of something and it was bugging me for a couple of days before I remembered. It smells exactly like a product I used years ago when I was 15 - Lee Stafford Poker Straight. Hair straighteners weren't really big 10 years ago so I used to load this on my hair instead and it didn't really work that great.
Back to Macadamia, I love it. This is one product that does deserve all the hype it gets. My hair looks and feels amazing, shiny and so much more manageable. You really do need to try this and see for yourself. I use it on damp hair and then a really small amount on my ends once my hair is dry.
The only con I can think of is that it does make my hair slightly more greasy and I need to wash it sooner than I would normally, but this is definitely a price I am willing to pay for shiny manageable hair.
Gem x
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Benefit Fakeup Blogger Launch Event Swansea
On Tuesday I was lucky enough to attend the Benefit Cosmetics Fakeup Blogger Launch event in Swansea. It was held at the Grape and Olive, which is a restaurant at the top of the tallest building in Wales. The view was absolutely amazing and we were there at sunset which made it even more beautiful.
Fakeup is Benefits latest concealer offering, which has an innovative hydrating ring which contains vitamin E and apple seed extract, that keeps the skin moisturised but doesn't crease.
I had attended a Benefit event before, so I had some idea what it was going to be like and I knew how lovely the Benefit team were. But it surpassed my expectations and was brilliant, I had so much fun learning about the new concealer and getting to meet other bloggers.
They had even brought a mini little benefit counter filled with goodies to play with, its fair to say I had so much fun swatching away there. I fell in love with the new Worlds Greatest Neutrals Palette, and was really lucky and managed to win one during the evening by answering a make-up related question!
We were so lucky and received an amazing goodie bag; We were given all three shades of the new Fakeup Concealer in light, medium and deep (although when I got home I realised I had two light shades and one deep) plus the Hello Flawless powder foundation, for which we were matched by one of the lovely Benefit Swansea team.
I had a great evening, a huge thank you to Benefit for inviting me to such an amazing event. Keep an eye out for my review on the concealer in the coming days.
Gem x
P.S shout out to Rhian for being my lift buddy, Jade and Jessica for being brilliant company and local bloggers...I would appreciate if you went and checked out their blogs!!
Saturday, 9 March 2013
I Am Having A Blog Sale
Hi guys I hope you are enjoying your Saturday. Just to let you know I am having a little blogsale, here.
Gem x
Friday, 8 March 2013
Fashion Friday: OOTD #1
I really want to incorporate more fashion into my blog. I am not stylish by any means but I like to think that I do dress nicely (when I'm not in my uggs and hoodie) and that I wear affordable fashion and that a lot of people could relate to my sense of style.
So I decided to make Fridays Fashion Fridays on my blog. I will be posting something fashion related whether it be an OOTD, wishlish, accessories, hauls, anything really as long as it is fashion related.
Today I have an outfit post. I got this peplum top a while ago from Asda and I love it. I wore this on a recent meal out with the Fiancé.
Be gentle with me, its my first OOTD in a while. I found it really difficult to pose and smile, haha.
So I decided to make Fridays Fashion Fridays on my blog. I will be posting something fashion related whether it be an OOTD, wishlish, accessories, hauls, anything really as long as it is fashion related.
Today I have an outfit post. I got this peplum top a while ago from Asda and I love it. I wore this on a recent meal out with the Fiancé.
Be gentle with me, its my first OOTD in a while. I found it really difficult to pose and smile, haha.
Peplum top, Asda | Blazer, charity shop | Jeans, Primark | Shoes, Matalan
Necklace, Newlook
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Smooch Cosmetics Blush in Peachy and Lipstick Review
I was lucky enough to receive these two products from Smooch Cosmetics to review. Firstly I love the packaging, the boxes they come in are so pretty and so are the actual products. The black is rubberised, what I would imagine nars packaging is like too.
Firstly the blush; I love the fact that there are two sides. Ones a lighter shimmery peach and the other a matte darker peach which can either be mixed together or used separately. In the picture above I used it swirled together. It looks gorgeous and lasted really well on me throughout the day. The Duo blushes are available in two colours and cost £8.50 Link.
The lipstick Unfortunately mine arrived damaged and the bullet fell off, but I was still able to use it using a lip brush. It is such a shame because it is a gorgeous colour. It looks really bright in the bullet but it is applies quite sheerly, in this case that is a good thing because it creates such a gorgeous colour, a lovely natural pink. It leaves a glossy finish which is not drying or sticky, and lasts around 2 hours on me which is normal for these types of lipsticks. The lipstick costs £7.50 available here -> Link.
Have you tried any Smooch Cosmetics before?
Gem x
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Blog Design and HTML: How To Get and Install Free Social Media Icons For Your Blog
Before I start this post, let me tell you I am useless with Technology. I have somehow managed to design my blog myself with the help of google and I thought I would share some tips I have picked up along the way.
Where to get free social media icons
Before doing a bit of research on google, I was not aware that there are websites out there that offer free social media buttons. I have seen 'blog designers' charging £5+ for these and unless you want something bespoke I think that that is frankly taking advantage. A search on google pulls up icons in all sorts of colours.
I will say that you should be careful and make sure that the site looks 100% genuine as you are downloading content.
I got mine from this site, and all seems well so far. I also recommend Miss E blog, she has loads of designs and some are really cute and pretty.
How to install the social media icons
I am using Windows, so if you are using any other operating system you may want to look for another tutorial.
1. Download your chosen social media icons. They are usually downloaded as a zip file, mine go into the folder 'downloads'.
2. Extract the zip file so you get the actual images. I did this by right-clicking the zip file and then clicking on 'extract'.
3. Upload your chosen icons to a photo hosting site such as Photobucket.
4. On your blogger dashboard, go to 'layout' and 'add a gadget -> HTML/Javascript'.
5. Add the following code;
<a href="Your Twitter/facebook/bloglovin profile URL" target="_blank"><img src="direct link to the image in photobucket" alt="Twitter"/></a>
6. Change the writing in red to the desired links.
7. If you want the icons to be in a row, add each code for each icon in the same widget.
8. If you want the icons centred, add the HTML code <center> at the beginning of the HTML codings and </center> at the end of the coding.
I hope this has helped some of you, as I said I am no expert.
Gem x
Monday, 4 March 2013
25 Random Facts About Me
I have really been enjoying watching and reading all the 'Facts About Me' posts that have been popping up lately, so I thought I would give it a go. I decided to go with 25 as I thought 50 could get a bit boring in a blog post, so here goes...
1. I am engaged, and have been for four years. Nothing set in stone yet, but we will hopefully be getting married abroad next year.
2 .I had my first child at 20 and I am a mum to two little boys.
3. I am a University drop out. I studied Pharmacy for a year.
4. My ambition in life is to become a midwife. I plan on returning to Uni once my youngest is in school full time (in about 2 years)
5. I'm left handed.
6. I am the biggest Disney nerd and love everything to do with it.
7. My favourite holiday destination is Orlando and I have been there 9 times.
8. My favourite Disney films are Tangled and Lilo and Stich. Both films came out when I was technically an adult, Im a big kid haha.
9. I'm Welsh
10. I love cooking but I am terrible at it.
11. I drive a Ford Focus.
12. My Dads a driving instructor, but didn't teach me how to drive.
13. My favourite colours are turquoise and jade.
14. My favourite Disney Park is Epcot.
15. My favourite type of food is Mexican.
16. I live in Wales.
17. I love everything to do with America, its my favourite place to travel to. Ive been to Orlando, Las Vegas and California. I would love to visit NYC and Las Vegas again now I am over 21.
18. I have been to Disneyland in Orlando, Paris and California.
19. Id love to go to Tokyo one day.
20. I don't like the taste of alcohol and can only drink cocktails.
21. I don't have any tattoos and don't plan on getting any either. They are so not me.
22. My Fiancé and I have known each other since secondary school, but didn't like each other then.
23. I don't watch soaps any more, I find them too depressing.
24. I love America's / Britain's Next top model.
25. My makeup collection has more than doubled since I started blogging.
gem x
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Sunday bloggers Interview #7
I cant believe its Sunday already! The weeks are going way to fast. This Sunday I have Emily from http://love-x-beauty.blogspot.co.uk/ answering my probing questions (haha). Emily blogs about beauty and fashion.
1. Why did you start blogging?
I started blogging because i adore all things beauty related and really thought that i could share my opinions and recommendations to other beauty lovers out there. Because i am a student i wanted to post more about drugstore products which i am looking at doing a weekly post (coming soon)
2. What is your favourite part of blogging?
I love being able to talk about what i love to the blogging world and chatting to other people who share the same passion and interest as me. I love that im able to have this little hobby but at the same time share it with others so its really rewarding.
3. What are your favourite makeup brands?
As of now i would say - MUA, Rimmel, Loreal. These are all brands that are really affordable but also produce amazing quality of products :)
4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?
Loreal false lash telescopic mascara
MUA heaven and earth palette
Liz earle cleanse and polish
Embrylisse creme concentre
Lush face masks
5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by and could share?
Drink plenty of water everyday as it improves elasticity in your skin making it appear more brighter. Dry body brushing is amazing for getting rid of cellulite and stretch marks and detoxifies your body
And if you would like to take part, click here.
Gem x
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I started blogging because i adore all things beauty related and really thought that i could share my opinions and recommendations to other beauty lovers out there. Because i am a student i wanted to post more about drugstore products which i am looking at doing a weekly post (coming soon)
2. What is your favourite part of blogging?
I love being able to talk about what i love to the blogging world and chatting to other people who share the same passion and interest as me. I love that im able to have this little hobby but at the same time share it with others so its really rewarding.
3. What are your favourite makeup brands?
As of now i would say - MUA, Rimmel, Loreal. These are all brands that are really affordable but also produce amazing quality of products :)
4. What are your top 5 all time favourite beauty products?
Loreal false lash telescopic mascara
MUA heaven and earth palette
Liz earle cleanse and polish
Embrylisse creme concentre
Lush face masks
5. Do you have any beauty tips you swear by and could share?
Drink plenty of water everyday as it improves elasticity in your skin making it appear more brighter. Dry body brushing is amazing for getting rid of cellulite and stretch marks and detoxifies your body
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A huge thanks to Emily for taking part, you can go and visit her lovely blog here. And if you would like to take part, click here.
Gem x
Friday, 1 March 2013
February Favourites
La Roche Possay Efflaclar Duo - I have been using this for around 2 months now and I really like it. I definitely think this, along with the Liz Earle products have really made an improvement to my skin.
Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner - This smells amazing and the scent actually lasts on my hair too. It also makes my hair soft and shiny. I was kindly sent these by Aussie as I had expressed my dislike for the original 3 minute miracle, but am glad to say I am in love with these and will definitely be buying the full size.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and Instant Boost Skin Tonic - You can read my rave review about these products here. Like I said above, since using these my skin has really improved.
What have you been loving this month?
Gem x