FORNIGHTLY FAVOURITES 01

I was going to start up writing about my fortnightly favourites a few months ago, but then I was catching the train to dumpsville and decided to wallow - you know, walking from empty room to empty room sighing, crying at the most stupid things. I'm not saying I'm tap dancing from room to room, using party poppers to end every sentence joyfully, but I am feeling better as each week goes by and hopefully that will continue.

My family have been amazing, and I had a boost in confidence from my CBT therapist, who tells me I'm doing all the right things and encourages me to focus on my life, and do the things that I want to do. Instead of working towards what's best for the 'we', do what is best for the 'me'. It's such a big life change and the permanent end of one life, but that must mean that it is the start of a new one...right?

FAVOURITE DAY - 19th February
It could be my favourite day there has ever been, never mind in the last fortnight, it was the day my niece, Imogen Grace Meek, was born, to my sister Rachael and her husband Chris. I haven't been able to see her as much as I would like because I have been under the weather and I want to protect her, but hse is absolutely perfect, and the little noises she makes are so adorable. I bought her this baby grow from Not On The Highstreet - isn't she lovely?

FAVOURITE HOBBY - Dog Grooming
I've always wanted to work with animals, and if I had my time again at university, I would probably do Vetinary Studies. Instead I went down the academic route and although I love science, it wasn't going to be a career that worked out for me. I love what I do now as a freelance copywriter, but it is very isolating working on your own. So, with the big change, I decided it was time to at least give the dream a try. So I have enrolled in an online dog grooming course to learn all the theory, and hope to do some practical training in a dog grooming salon after it. Wish me luck!


FAVOURITE SHOW - Fortitude
With some extra free time on my hands, and a growing insomnia problem, I am certainly getting my money's worth out of Netflix. And although I have been watching a lot of Breaking Bad, it is Sky Atlantic's Fortitude that I look forward to most in the week. I love the isolated artic setting, and the air of mystery within the small town, plus with a cast including Stanley Tucci, Sophie Grabol and the legendary Michael Gambon, it is one not to miss.

FAVOURITE BEAUTY - The Bob
I was seriously in need of a confidence boost, so when my lovely mam said she would take me to get my hair done I was delighted. I had my hair cut into a choppy bob, which has plenty of shape, in contrast to the quite flat and shapeless hair that I had before. I love the change and hope it will give me a boost, to get back out and about in the world.

FAVOURITE PICTURE - Me and My Girl
(Apart from all the pictures if my neice) I love this picture of myself with my Auntie's dog, Molly. She came to spend the day with me last week to keep me company, and although I couldn't get any work done, or have a moments peace, it was lovely to have her here. it has definitely reinforced my decision that I want a dog of my own.

FAVOURITE BOOK - Dark Matter by Michelle Paver
Definitely not a book to read at bedtime, like I did, Dark Places is a ghost story set in the utter isolation of and artic winter. Poor Londoner, Jack soon finds himself the last hope of his team's expidition to Gruhunken, as one-by-one his team mates are forced to leave. But Jack is not really alone, something waits for him in the perpetual darkness...

What have you guys been loving this fortnight? Let me know in the comments.

Gems x

A BIT OF A BIRTHDAY HAUL

Well I made a bunch of you jealous,  by telling you that the boyfriend took me on a shopping spree for my birthday last week, and since that jealousy totally fuels my power cells, I though I would try and get a bit more by showing you what he bought me.

To be honest, I was pretty disappointed in what the stores had to offer, that could be because it is mid-season and they are trying to get rid of their crap before the new season starts. But, I did get some little gems and the boyfriend was very patient as I dragged him around...

First up is this little jersey skater dress from H&M - I have never been a lover of pink, but I do love the over-sized floral print and deep back. Now I just need some sun to wear it in, oh wait here's some...and it's gone!

Skater Dress, H&M - Same Here.

Next up was Primark, people may not like the whole disposable fashion thing, and that's fine, but my wardrobe would be very empty without it as I don't have a designer budget. Primark is great to pick up those few pieces to boost up your summer wardrobe and this floral shift (which you can see I have already featured here) and a couple of great tops, I particularly love the sporty chiffon number. I was also delighted with my Rolling Stones pajamas, which you can see on my Instagram feed.

Dress and Tops, Primark - In Stores Now

The finally clothing store I had success in was Dorothy Perkins as their sale was on and I can't resist a good rummage and found this lovely smock dress for just £7 in the sale. And don't forget I also got a clutch bag and necklace (not from the sale) that I am giving away, just follow the link to the competition.

Smock Dress, Dorothy Perkins - Same Here.

No birthday would be complete without some books to read over the summer and I have been excited about these 3 for a while, particularly the sequel to The Shining, Dr Sleep. I will be sure to let you know what I think of them when I have read any of them...you can get some really good deals in WH Smith right now, including half price bestsellers.

Finally, I managed to get the lovely bf to buy me a lip scrub from Lush, I had been wanting one for ages and the fact that he thinks they are totally bogus, it was made all the sweeter. The bubblegum one smells divine and I cannot wait to try it...expect a review soon.

Bubblegum Lip Scrub, Lush - Same Here.

Am I lucky or what? What guys have you been buying, or wanting to buy recently?

Gems x