NEW BUSINESSES AND NEW FRIENDS

Love it or hate it, we are all obsessed with social media.  I have lost countless hours in the Twitter rabbit hole and sat in bed absolutely knackered but still scrolling aimlessly through those little squares on IG.  Instagram especially has been my way of expressing myself, getting my thoughts and opinions out there and without realising, making some amazing friends.

Now embarking on a social media course, the dream is to work within social media.  Be that growing my following and becoming an 'influencer', or managing social media accounts or runnings small workshops.  I know I love this interactive world and the opportunities it has given to so many.

I've been so so lucky to have been approached by some amazing women, with amazing businesses.  They have invested their money, their time and their products in me and I am forever grateful.

I have been approached by some businesses in the past that I have had to say no to.  I didn't believe in the product or it had no relevance to me.  But for this blog post I just want to celebrate some of the fabulous businesses that I've collaborated with.  I'm not going to fit everyone on this post so there is going to be another in the near future.

Pretty Little Props

Headscarves, wraps, scrunchies? Sign me up!!  A massive trend all throughout Spring and Summer last year and they're not looking like they're going anywhere.  Which is great, because I love a head wrap or two or three...…. So easy to style up basic outfits and add a bit of colour.  They are great for the poolside too.

Emily hand makes all the hair accessories herself in her sewing room.  A fellow Welshie like me, her business has taken off over the last couple of months and she's now including earrings and clothing into her range.  It's lovely to see such a small business grow and blossom and I'm excited to see what else she does in the near future!

I've been so grateful for the head wrap and silk scarf I kindly received from Emily and so pleased that some of my followers are now fans too!

Her social media accounts are so engaging and she regularly has offers on so make sure you are following her across all platforms.

Pretty Little Props

Limezest Jewellery

Self taught silversmith Lisa, creates the most beautiful jewellery using gemstones and precious metals.  Personalised jewellery and commissions are also available.

I was lucky enough to be gifted with a beautiful silver disc necklace engraved with dandelions.  The "field of wishes" sterling silver necklace is handstamped and hung from an 18" chain.  It's such a delicate beautiful necklace and at £25.00 it's an ideal gift for someone.  I wear mine with everything and layer with other shorter necklaces too.

Lisa's jewellery is so unique, her stacking rings with gemstones are glorious and her new "Coast" range, inspired by the seaside is stunning.

If you aren't already following Limezest jewellery on social media then why not?  Her photos are beautiful and I love watching her Instagram stories, getting to know Lisa and the background to jewellery making.

Limezest Jewellery

Whoopsie Daisy

Tara makes gorgeous personalised clothing, accessories and gifts for you and your mini me's.  You can order any of her designs made to order including personalised items.  She also does market night offers.

I was gifted with this Mama T shirt which I love.  The tee is really good quality, really soft and slim fit which is always my favourite style.  I'm not a baggy tee kinda girl, I like my t shirts tight so they hug my body and this t shirt fits like a glove.

Tara is constantly coming up with new designs and lots of them have a back story that is close to her heart.  Her latest "doing motherhood/fatherhood my way" is one of those.  Her idea is to help change society.  That hopefully people can be more accepting of everyone and realise that we are all different parents, but all trying to do the best we can! 👏🏼❤️

Tara is so inspiring, motivational and relatable especially on Instagram.  She really is one hardworking boobing mama!  Her following has gone from strength to strength and I'm so pleased for her.  Here's to an even busier, crazier year than last Tara!

Whoopsie Daisy

Don't forget, when you support a small business, you're supporting a dream.

Victoria
xx

MY FAVOURITES THIS MONTH

It's August, school's out, everyone is on a wind down and guess what? It's pretty much rained every day!  Typical British weather!  It's sweltering one week and the next I'm turning the heating back on (just don't tell my husband)!

I sit and stare at my pile of ironing that I should be doing whilst Harriet has a nap and I find my eyes and my mind creeping over to Instagram.  Social media has made a massive impact on the way we live our lives and for businesses, especially smaller companies and start ups, it has been a huge platform particularly those that don't have the marketing budget of international companies.  Thanks to artistic photos, bloggers, influencers and of course whether you love it or hate it, the new algorithm, you can find lots of new companies to buy from, bloggers to follow and  events to attend.

When I first started writing this blog I wanted it to be informative and well written, I wanted to  include my home life, fashion and interior design, but I find myself more and more talking about just my home life, my life with my family.  Initially, I wanted to have the most amazing pictures, I needed the latest digital camera straight away, I tried to make my husband become an Instagram husband (yes, I did and Nathan I'm sorry ha ha).  I read other blogs and wanted my life and my blog to be just like theirs. But for a blog to be genuine and capture peoples hearts, it has to be organic.  Yes we all post our best pics, I'm not going to lie about that but what I write is what happens to me, what we get up to, things I've purchased or recommend using.  Sometimes I think I should write a post and then I think to myself, what on earth am I going to write about?  Who cares what I've been up to this week?  But really, I am not writing this blog for popularity.  If any of my posts entertain you, inspire you or are informative then I'm truly grateful.  This is a way to express myself, my views and opinions but also to share memories' special events and the whirlwind that is becoming a mum.

Here are some of my favourites this month.

Parents of Fussy Eaters Rejoice
Someone I stumbled across on social media is  My Fussy Eater a blog dedicated to recipes, diet plans, tips and tricks, all for the most fussiest of eaters.  Harriet went through a phase of only eating yoghurt and spaghetti hoops, not even chocolate was appealing.  Luckily we seem to have moved through that stage but I found some great recipes on this blog.  One of her favourite snacks are Cheesy Puff Pastry Stars, not the healthiest snack in the world but if your children are already eating plenty of fruit and veg, who doesn't love a cheesy snack that's super easy to make?!

Ingredients

• 375g ready rolled puff pastry sheet (who has time to make their own?!?)
• 1 egg
• 50g grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180c and line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheet onto a floured surface. Use a star shaped cookie cutter to cut out individual pastry pieces and place them on the baking sheet. Using the egg, apply a thin layer of egg wash to the top of each pasty star and then top with a little cheese.
3. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the stars are golden.
4. Serve immediately or keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Supporting Small Independent Businesses

I love supporting small businesses and was so happy when I stumbled across Bohemias Closet on Instagram I fell in love straight away.  A British company selling clothing and footwear created by a mum.  Beautiful handmade leather shoes and cotton rompers all packaged in drawstring bags.  Luxury items without a luxury price tag, be sure to check them out.  I am in love with Harriet's rose gold shoes!

Crafting

When I am trying to juggle pipe cleaners, paint, glue and feathers and also trying to stop Harriet gluing something on the dogs or painting my walls/floor this apron has been a life safer!  With a super fun colourful pom pom trim and made from hardwearing durable linen.  Its the perfect accessory for a busy mum and an even busier artistic toddler!  The length of the apron makes it perfect for me or a child, even Harriet who is shorter than most 2 year olds managed to wear it, in fact I couldn't get it back off her!  Such a fun design, who doesn't want to look this stylish whilst crafting and playing?  Available from Hoi Interiors

If there are any blogs or companies you follow, be sure to write a comment with their details.  Let's share the love.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend

Victoria
xx