#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 14: Round Up

Week 14: 20/09 - 26/09
End of the challenge! Sum up your entire summer, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Was it what you hoped/planned it would be?

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 13: Summer Lovin'

Week 13: 13/09 - 19/09
Summer Lovin'. Did you have a summer romance? Did you and your OH have any special plans? Single people, you can talk about a past relationship, or talk about summer romances from a third person point of view, or even just talk about family, friends and pets, as they deserve the love too. (Sorry guys, I know this one might be a toughie for some!)

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 12: Summer Throwback

Week 12: 06/09 - 12/09
Summer Throwback. Write about a memory from one of your childhood summers.

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 11: Summer Hairstyles

Week 11: 30/08 - 05/09
Summer Hairstyles. How are you wearing your hair this summer?

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 10: Summer Wardrobe

Week 10: 23/08 - 29/08
Summer Wardrobe. What are your summer staples?

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 9: Cocktails and Mocktails

Week 9: 16/08 - 22/08
Cocktails and Mocktails. Summer is definitely a time for cocktails (or non-alcoholic mocktails) in the sunshine. What are your favourites? Have you invented your own?

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 8: Party Time!

Week 8: 09/08 - 15/08
Party time! Write about a party you are going to, or have been to this summer. Not going to any parties? Pretend and plan one!

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 7: Outfit of the Day!

Week 7: 02/08 - 08/08
Outfit of the Day AND/OR Face of the Day (OOTD/FOTD). Be brave!

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 6: Summer Reads

Week 6: 26/07 - 01/08
Summer Reads. Write a post about the books you are reading this summer. Everyone loves a good book in the sunshine, be it on the beach or at the park or otherwise.

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 5: My Summer Playlist

Week 5: 19/07 - 25/07
Summer Playlist. Write a post about the songs you are loving this summer. You could also include YouTube music videos or create and embed a playlist from Spotify or 8tracks.com etc.

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 4: Summer Tutorial

Week 4: 12/07 - 18/07
Write a tutorial. This can be a Craft/DIY project, a make-up tutorial, skincare routine, nail art, outfit tutorial, absolutely anything you like as long as it includes written instructions. This could also be filmed, but you MUST embed the video into a blog post.

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 3: Summer Recipes

Week 3: 05/07 - 11/07
Try a new recipe or create your own. This could be for food OR drink, or both! Take photos of the finished product of the food/drink you make, you could also include photos of the process. Talk about whether you liked the recipe you tried, OR if you're creating your own recipe, talk about why you chose to make it.

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 2: My Summer Essentials

Week 2: 28/06 - 04/07
Write a post about your summer essentials and/or what is in your 'summer' bag. Don't forget to take photos!

#SummerBloggerChallenge Topic 1: How I'm Spending My Summer

Happy first day of Summer! ♥ I'm so excited to be finally starting the #SummerBloggerChallenge.

Week 1: 21/06 - 27/06
Write a post about how you're going to spend your summer. This could also be filmed, but you MUST embed the video into a blog post.

What I had planned for my Summer has drastically changed since I decided to create the challenge. I decided to move out into a house-share (I have my own bedroom, but the kitchen and bathrooms are shared) with my best friend. She lives on the ground floor and my bedroom is directly above hers.

REVIEW: Shoeps

When I was first approached about reviewing this product, I will admit I was a little apprehensive, as I figured laces are probably about as good as they'll ever be, and if it isn't broke... well, you know the drill. However, I'm pleased to report that I was wrong, so very wrong - Shoeps are the future. Seriously.

Installation of the Shoeps could not be simpler, and takes only a matter of minutes to complete. They are a revolutionary product suited to people of all ages - think children who are not yet able to tie their own shoelaces and elderly people suffering from arthritis and/or other ailments which may cause them to struggle when tying shoelaces in particular. Additionally, they are available in a variety of different colours to suit all tastes and styles. They bring a whole new lease of life to an old pair of shoes, and can turn any pair of shoes into a handy slip-on which is a great time saver! They are extremely versatile as one size fits all - I was able to use the same pair of Shoeps for my shoes and my brother's shoes, which are significantly smaller than mine - and removal is as easy as the installation, meaning they can be interchanged and used on as many different shoes as you like!



As always, my little brother begged for me to let him 'have a go' and so I fitted the Shoeps into his Batman/Joker Converse hi-tops and this was the result.


(N.B. Big mistake - I am having to order a new pair of Shoeps for myself as these ones have well and truly been pinched! I have to admit that they do look pretty damn awesome against the black fabric though!)
I realise this hasn't been very word-heavy to say it is a review, but I truly feel that Shoeps speak for themselves, and in this case, a picture DOES say a thousand words. I didn't even realise there was a problem with the good old fashioned shoelace until I tried Shoeps, but I'm loving the freedom of being able to slip my once lace-up shoes on and off without damaging the rear of the shoe. (I've had so many pairs of shoes that have bit the dust due to this lazy habit of mine!) My overall verdict? Try a pair of Shoeps - you won't be disappointed!
Shoeps are available to buy in the UK from Gumbies.co.uk and Shoeps.co.uk. (R.R.P. £12.99)
P.S I would love it if you could check out this MyZine created by Mags at The Smart Girl's Fashion Guide and, if you like what you see, click 'Like' at the end.

Birthday Gift Hamper

Gary and I are going to the Red Hot World Buffet in Manchester this Saturday to celebrate our friend's 21st birthday. I'm so excited as I've never been there before and I've heard it's really good. I wanted to share with you the gift I bought/made for her - I couldn't decide on just one thing, so I decided to put together a little hamper filled with all kinds of goodies. Hampers are a really thoughtful gift and show that you've put a little effort into it. They can be made for absolutely any occasion too. Pinterest has a tonne of hamper ideas!

All the bits I bought to put in the hamper! (Ignore my TV here! D:)

This is actually a plant pot, but I figured it could also be used as extra storage, or even as a flower vase once it's emptied.

I picked up this scented candle, it's called 'Luscious Lilac'. I'm not entirely sure what scent that is, but it smells gorgeous and it matches the plant pot I picked out.

Smellies! Can you ever have enough of these? I got these miniature Aussie shampoo and conditioner, raspberry scented shower and bath gel and Dove nourishing body lotion. I also picked up this 'Baby Lips' lip balm and Impulse body spray. Perfect for a pampering night in.

How adorable are these?! Miniature can of Coca Cola and miniature bottle of Disaronno. There's probably enough alcohol here for one or two drinks (depending on how strong you like it) but she may need to add another mixer (I could only squeeze one can into the hamper!)

I wish I'd bought one of these bracelets for myself too. It's so pretty and shiny!

I also included some chocolate (you can never go wrong with chocolate) and some lollipops to fill in the gaps too.

Ta-dahhh!

Have you ever made a hamper gift? What did you include and what was the recipients reaction? Tell me in the comments below! :)

Etsy Spotlight: Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures is an Etsy shop owned by Nikki and based in Luton, England. The shop specialises in beautiful, handmade jewellery using a variety of materials. Nikki has a five-star rating and the majority of her pieces are made to order, which means they can be tweaked to your exact liking.

I've selected some of my absolute favourite items below, but I advise you all to check out her shop for yourselves, as there are plenty of 'hidden treasures' to be found.

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!

Harry Potter Inspired (My favourite is 'Sorry I don't date Muggles')

"Think Like a Proton - Stay Positive"

Doctor Who T.A.R.D.I.S.

Necklaces aren't the only item Nikki creates, I also adore this adorable matching Rose ring and earring gift set which is available in a selection of colours.

Haven't spotted anything you like? No problem! Nikki also makes custom pieces so there is no doubt that she will be able to make something just for you!

Now, if these gorgeous items didn't quite convince you, how does a discount sound? Nikki has kindly allowed me to share the following discount code with my readers to receive 10% off their orders. Just enter TREASURE2014 at the checkout. This code is valid until 4th July 2014.

Which Hidden Treasures' item(s) are your favourite? Will you be placing an order? Let me know in the comments section!

#SummerBloggerChallenge!

Welcome to the #SummerBloggerChallenge 2014! There will be a weekly prompt throughout the fourteen weeks of Summer and the corresponding post can go live on any day of the given week. The challenge will begin on the 21st June (the first day of Summer) and will cease on the 23rd September (the first day of Autumn/Fall). Don't forget to join the Facebook group here.

The Participants
Registration will be closed on 14/06. Click here to sign up!

1. Charlotte at Velvet and Vinyls
2. Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
3. Taylor at Pinstripes & Lipgloss
4. Raewyn at Be a Warrior Queen
5. Jessica at Dreaming of Leaving
6. Adriana at With Love, AR
7. Claire at Eyes of the Universe
8. Briannah at Briannah.
9. Pam at Hodge Podge Moments
10. Madeleine at Small Town Roots and Cowboy Boots
11. Valerie at In-Between Life
12. Jessica at Bookworms in Dresses
13. Ashlee at Dearie Lovie
14. Sarah at Whimsical Nonsense
15. Kristine at The Glitter Diaries
16. Amy at Champagne and Pearls
17. Madison at C'est la Moot
18. Sydney at Sydney Luella
19. Beth at Wandering Forevermore
20. Tiffany at Endless Bliss
21. Morgan at Mermaid Tales
22. Amber at Everyday Legalese
23. Olivia at Liv, Love, Laugh
24. Jerica at Jerica's World
25. Natalie at Natalie Patalie
26. Gina at California Scrappin'
27. Rachel at The Anxious Chapter
28. Maryrose at My Honu Blog
29. Erin at Yayy Go Erin
30. Emily at Emily's Life Lessons
31. Madeline Rose at Ring-a-Round a Rosey
32. Ellie at Looking for Love Online
33. Jessica at Jess Loves This Life
34. Menna at Miss Leading
35. Cassandra at The World From the View of Two Teenage Girls
36. Shanice at Playground of Randomness
37. Jessica at PrettyFunnyStrong
38. Amanda at The Trendy Times
39. George at Daroomiesroom
40. Jenna at Sparkly kid
41. Samantha at My Lady Boudoir
42. Rebecca at Rebecca Chapman
43. Ashliegh at The Darling Daily
44. Orly at Coffee Beans and High Heels
45. Tiffany at Commoner Couture
46. Megan at The Adventures of Noble & Pond
47. Polly at Polly Defies Gravity
48. ?? at ??
49. ?? at ??
50. ?? at ??

Grab a Button!
A huge thank you to Jessica at Bookworms in Dresses for kindly donating these buttons!

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Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Giveaway + Eva Scott Novel Review

Twas the Night Before Christmas revolves around Clay and Jessica, once high school lovers, the two parted on what seemed to be negative terms. Four years later, twenty-two year old Jessica is now working as a burlesque dancer. This Christmas Eve, she is covering a show for one of the other girls in the troupe. Clay is at the club where Jessica performs on his friends' bachelor party. Is it coincidence or is it fate that the once lovers should meet again after four years apart? Will they be able to leave the past in the past, and will Jessica get the happily ever after she's always dreamed of?

Quite honestly, I LOVED this book. Whilst it is kind of unseasonable (Christmas at Easter, anyone?) it's still a great read and it isn't completely focused on the holidays which makes it totally acceptable to read at this time of the year. I think one of the main reasons I enjoyed this book is because I felt myself relating to Jessica's character quite a lot, and the relationship, albeit not brilliant in the first instance, that she develops with Clay towards the end of the story is one which most girls, and I am no exception to this, dream of. Overall, I give this book a well deserved five star rating.

Want to read Eva Scott's Twas the Night Before Christmas?
Enter below to win digital copies of 3 of Eva's novels and an Amazon Kindle Paperwhite to read them on! You can read more about Eva and her books at her website here. You can also follow Eva on Twitter here.

Check out the other lovely ladies hosting the giveaway and leave them some love:

Ali at Ali in Bloom // Kayla at Caught between the Pages // Miche at Buttons and Birdcages // Miranda at Mermade Moments // Morgan at Mermaid Tales // Patricia at Global Couture //Sydney at Sydney Luella // That College Girl at That College Girl's Guide

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was sent a complimentary copy of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' by Eva Scott by Musa Publishing for review purposes.

Blogger Fashion with Next

Slogan Tee in Navy and White, Next, £16.00.

I am in love with this slogan tee from Next! Something for all us bloggy ladies out there, because damn straight, we ARE a big deal.

I'll be pairing my tees (yes, I'll have one in each colour, please!) with some comfy leggings, a boyfriend cardigan and flats.

Full Length Leggings, Next, £9.00-£10.00.

Boyfriend Cardigan in Navy, Next, £22.00.

Chop Out Ballerinas, Next, £40.00.


Blog Graphic T-Shirt, Next, £15.00.

That's not all, we can also take our blogs to bed with us (oo-er!) with this adorable sleep tee. Kudos to Next for acknowledging and celebrating bloggers with these adorable pieces.

What do you think of these tees? Would you wear them and, if yes, what would you wear it with?

My Hairtrade.com Wishlist

So today I'm going to talk to you guys about the things I am lusting over on HairTrade.com. At the moment, I'm currently trying to get my hair back to blonde, but at the moment I've got kind of a mousey brown colour, and I'm waiting on next month when I have some more money to finance more blonde hair dye, but eventually once I've got it the blonde colour I want, I would LOVE some hair extensions - I'm looking at this I&K Remi Cuticle Hair Weft in #24 Light Blonde. The reason why I've opted for a weft is that I've tried clip-ins but I find it difficult to clip them in by myself (such a failure of a girl), I've tried glue-ins but the glue made my hair sticky and I hated it, and I've tried microloops, but every time I brushed my hair one or two strands would come out. Therefore, one method I haven't tried yet is to sew in the hair, so that is my next mission!

Now, whilst I love being blonde, I don't like to have my hair too 'normal', so I am really hoping to try this Electric Blue colour dye from Fudge and put flashes through my hair. Funnily enough, blue is the one hair colour I've never tried! I have used Fudge dyes once before and I thought they worked pretty well and I was impressed.

Finally, the third thing I am lusting after is this I&K Hair Extension Care Pack which includes I&K Moisturising Shampoo, I&K Moisturising Conditioner, I&K Leave In Antistatic Spray and a Hair Extension Loop Brush. I've never tried extension-specific products before, so I'd be interested to know whether they work better than regular products on the hair extensions.

Have you checked out HairTrade.com? What's on your wishlist?