Update: Blogmas is OVER

Just to let you know that my blogmas is now over...

Completing a Christmas related post everyday is actually pretty hard and it needs to be planned.

I've learned that the hard way.

I'm not 100% happy with any if the posts that I have created for Blogmas and that's not what I want.
I know I said that the point of me completing Blogmas was so I could post everyday for a month, but forcing content for the sake of it... I'm not going to do that.

So, the new plan:

  • I am going to post more regularly 
  •  I am only going to produce and post content that I am happy with 
  •  I will post anything and everything whether that is just a little post about my nail varnish or a full on rant about wearing heels on cobble stones
  •  I am going to take part in more Twitter chats, comment on other people's blogs and make a few more blogging friends (send me your blogs!)
  •  I'm going to be more active on social media 

Ok, new plan in place... let's see how it goes!

Step 1... create a blogging plan.

My Christmas Wishlist

For anyone who is a little stuck for what to get me this Christmas, I thought I'd put together a little Christmas wishlist to give y'all a few ideas. I love all things girly and who would say no to a bunch of new accessories?!
Obviously, I love everything below, but in the comments, send me a link to your Christmas wishlist - I'd love to have a few ideas for loved ones myself!

A Christmas Wishlist 
 Christmas Wishlist

Giving Up Blogmas?

So it's day 5 of blogmas, and so far, it's going ok...ish.

There's nothing planned in and all the posts are a bit hit and miss - yes, the content ain't great, but you know what - I am blogging - and that's a pretty big deal.
 
I thought about giving up with the whole blogmas thing today.
I thought: "It seems a little pointless."

Why should I give you mediocre content to read, content that isn't too exciting due to it revolving around my normal days and try and swing it so it has something, anything to do with Christmas?

And then it hit me.

I'm not only doing this for you (in the nicest way possible!) - none of this really started for readers. It has always been for me. A place on the internet to rant and rave, put my ideas down and have a little creative space. From this, I also remembered why I am doing blogmas - again, for me. To challenge myself and really get back into blogging, because you know what? - I bloody love it!

Once I start blogging more and getting the creative juices flowing (does that phrase freak anyone else out?!) I really hope to create some thought out posts that look good, have some depth and creativity in them, but for now, getting into the swing of regularly blogging is a pretty good start I think and if anyone else is thinking of starting a blog, hell! Go for it!

Maybe you'll take my approach and just ramble on the internet for five minutes a day - maybe people will like it, maybe no one will read it, but as long as you love it, keep on doing it.

So with that in mind, I think I will start enjoying blogmas that little bit more.



Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree!

Today has been a very tree-filled day. 

At work, we have two Christmas trees, one for the entrance and one downstairs, and today we put them up!
Granted, we only had to decorate one - we're not allowed to decorate the one downstairs for our customers to see... yes, we are that bad - but upstairs, we were let loose and decorated the tree to our heart's content.
I think it looks quite good, but it does have tinsel on it, which isn't my favourite. Anyway, blue and silver is the upstairs theme.

At home, our tree is pretty big and the branches all overlap so it's always full - I know you can't beat a real tree, but the pine needles fall off and you've basically killed a tree - I hope you feel bad!

We love twinkly lights at home, so the tree is full of them and adorned with little baubles, big baubles and the odd special ornament that you pick up on your travels. A mix of green, gold and red, our tree is always pretty traditional and really marks the start of Christmas, so NOW I'm excited.

Have you guys put your trees up yet?


Ps. How awesome is this ombre tree?! 
Not my picture by the way, I found it on Pinterest and it linked to this site, so I'm not 100% sure of the original source :/

A Frosted Rose


So, for today’s post I thought I’d take a little bit of inspiration from one of my old photos. 
I love this frosted rose. I took the photo on a chilly day in Betys y Coed and saw this bunch of flowers on a memorial bench. I know that this may seem like a really somber moment, but I loved how that person was remembered and cherished even though they had passed. I also thought the frost, encasing the rose and making the pink even more beautiful made this bouquet just that little bit special, if only for an hour or two more.

 Anyway, I thought I’d share with you one of my favourite photos and I am going to do a frosted rose inspired makeup look in the next coming days, but as you may have guessed, I  didn’t really plan this whole blogmas thing, so the posts are a little off the fly.
 I hope that I can do a little bit of planning and preparation to really blow your socks off in the next coming days, but for now – we just have a few daily rambles and I am ok with that.



Frosted Rose 
Frosted Pink


A Winter's Tale

Blogmas and an Outfit

So I have been looking at my computer for ages and ages procrastinating and doing anything I can other than write a post for the second day in a row.
I have just watched The Apprentice (the best program in the world) and I am now just settling down getting ready for bed, but there is something stopping me from truly falling asleep.

Other than the glow of my laptop, I really want to complete blogmas!

I have never really achieved something like this and in the blogging world, people do this pretty much every year. I really must commend them, because... well just because. I guess all I can say, quite eloquently I must admit, is #organisationgoals.

So, there we have it, my second blogmas post - although short, perfectly formed as they say and a quick little read before bed.

I really hope that I can finish blogmas, I think it will really give me a push in terms of blogging, which I do find really hard at times and hope that everyone else taking part keeps at it and writes something, even if it is just a quick hello!

Anyway, I know that these posts are meant to be related to the chilly weather and Christmas in some way so I thought I'd put together a cute winters outfit using Polyvore... you should follow me on there by the way (cheeky plug), plus it's really fun.

Until tomorrow!

A Winter's Tale



Shop the Look!

River Island destroyed jeans
£60 - riverisland.com


Wet Seal combat boots
£23 - wetseal.com


Kim Rogers brooch
£5.34 - belk.com


Roial sheer shawl
£27 - karmaloop.com


Helen Moore pom pom hat
houseoffraser.co.uk

10 Under £10

10 Under £10

Stockings are one of my favourite things to open on Christmas day.
Jam packed full of sweets, treats, beauty gifts and stationary, the stocking is the perfect vessel for giving friends and loved ones an assortment of lovely gifts.


I have chosen a selection of gifts, all under £10, that are perfect for adding to a stocking. (Technically, there are 11 gifts on offer here, but I couldn't choose between the two nail varnish colours!)

I must also admit, that these gifts would be very welcome in my stocking and there is a lack of male orientated gifts, but hey, I have to give my hints one way or another!


What would you like in your stocking this year? Let me know in the comments below!


See you tomorrow for the second installment of blogmas!



Shop the Post: http://polyv.re/1Rkbhq6

The Autumn Edit

The Autumn Edit

With the dark nights drawing in and the weather becoming a little chilly, I thought I would put together an outfit perfect for Autumn. For me, Autumn is the best season for colour. I love mustard yellow, deep reds, creams browns and gold, so I have tried to incorporate those colours in this outfit. I hope you love it as much as me!

All items are listed below, but some pieces are a little pricey! 

Details
Cream Jumper | £230 - toryburch.com
Camel Coat | £22 - lookbookstore.co
Cotton Trousers | £410 - profilefashion.com
Lace Up Boots | £55 - Debenhams
Mustard Bag | £125 - shoes.com
Gold Leaf Necklace | £145 - wolfandbadger.com
Bangles | £33 Each - trouva.com
Chanel Polish | £18 - selfridges.com


Back to Blogging

 
So after approximately two months off from my blog, I am now starting to miss it. The ideas are exploding out of my head and so it is time to start writing again, biting the bullet and creating some awesome content for you to have a gander at.

As you may or may not know from my previous post, I went all the way to the other side of the world to see my sister. It was an amazing trip and if anyone reading this fancies heading out to Australia, stop reading this post and book your ticket now!

I have a few photos, which I think I’ll show on here a bit later and you'll see just how beautiful it really is.
Anyway, after Oz came a week in Thailand and then we came back home.
Leaving work for so long meant it was a little difficult getting back into the swing of things, but we're back now and it's as if we never left!

The main change to be honest is the weather. How is it so dark all of a sudden?! Other than that, the autumn colours, crunchy leaves on the floor and the golden sun peaking above the houses in the morning aren't so bad. At least the chilly weather means I'm more inclined to tuck myself up in bed and write a few blog posts!

Speak soon!

Coming Soon...

So here I am at work on a Friday afternoon writing a blog post ready to burst out of my skin! 
Firstly it is the bank holiday weekend which is great for everyone, but for me, it’s the bank holiday weekend AND the last weekend before I go on holiday!

Now, this isn’t going to be any old holiday – No sir-ee, this holiday is to Australia and gives me the opportunity to see my sister who I haven’t seen in forever (ok, three-ish years, but still forever!) and I cannot wait. 

On Monday, the weekend seemed so far away but now that Friday is here, the day cannot end fast enough. 

I just thought I’d write a little post about it and let you all know that in the next coming days, there is going to be a whole lot more action on here. My days will be less wake up, go to work, come home, go to bed and more amazing, wow, what shall I do today? Which is something that I am not quite used to, to say the least! 

Anyway, keep an eye out for posts on my blog, mind boggling beautiful pictures and the odd spider or two…

See you soon!

1 Shirt | 3 Ways

Today, I decided to focus on creating three different looks using one staple shirt. The plain white shirt is one of the key items that everyone has in their wardrobe. I’m not really a white shirt kinda girl. To be honest the majority of my wardrobe is black, grey and navy so that’s why I have chosen a light grey button down shirt to style for these three looks. Grey is also a little more difficult to style, especially with colour and I fancied a bit more of a challenge.

I hope you like the three looks that I have created. I’ve explained each look and the sort of occasion it would be worn in and of course, all the products are listed under the descriptions. 

Take a look and let me know what your favourite look is in the comments below. 

 1 Shirt | 3 Ways

This first look is a really simple day to night look. Perfect for a lunch date or even work (if you’re allowed to wear jeans!). My favourite piece in this look has got to be the clutch bag (Accessorize), which gives the look a lift and a much needed pop of colour.

Uniqlo special occasion blouse | AG Adriano Goldschmied destroyed skinny jeans | Charlotte Russe lace up heel booties | OBEY Clothing nickel free necklace 

 ---


This is very much a red carpet glam look. I’ve kept it quite simple and the skirt is actually a pair of shorts. I love them and they are just the right length to show off those showstopper pair of shoes. I’ve added the flower crown for a little extra drama, but that’s just me and I love it!

Uniqlo special occasion blouse | TIBI pleated shorts | Jimmy Choo heels stiletto | Yves Saint Laurent black buckle belt |Colette Malouf Mesh Midnight Lily Crown Headstrap


 ---

The final look is my favourite. I love how the bag really compliments the outfit. The red to match the trousers, the black accents to coordinate with the jacket and the boots and the cream-beige just lightens the whole thing up. Just to point out, the jacket has no collar to avoid collar on collar action - no one likes that sh*t.

Uniqlo special occasion blouse | Black biker jacket   | Dsquared2 red slim pants
Call it SPRING kohl boots  | Tamara Mellon multi colored handbag


The Rose Gold Edit

The Rose Gold Edit | Victoria Alice Blogs


Inspired by my new rose gold studs from Toko, I decided to create an outfit that would really show them off! My favourite piece in this collection has got to be that beautiful ring. The copper colour with the striking black rose cut diamond is gorgeous!

Product Information: Floyd Strappy Top by Another 8, Topshop, £35 | Black Ripped Mom Shorts, Topshop Tall Moto, £30 | Ankle Boots, Alexander Wang, £533 | Large Skeletal Emile Tote Bag, Alexander Wang, £790 | Round Rose Cut Black and White Diamond Ring, Kobelli,  £885

I hope you liked this post - If you fancy, leave a comment letting me know what you're favourite piece is. 
 



Still in Love with Rose Gold

Rose Gold Studs | Toko | Victoria Alice Blogs

Rose gold is still massive in the blogging world and for me, it is so beautiful. Rose gold has always been one of my favourite metals and the warm coppery tones really suit my skin. However, if I am to be truly honest, it's my favourite because it's cute! The copper gives it a gorgeous pink tone and it's just girly compared to it's brassy original.

When I was wondering town the other day, I was drawn into one of my favourite shops Toko. I have always bought really beautiful jewellery from here. The first pieces I have from this store were gifted to me by my Nain (Welsh for Grandmother). They are the prettiest silver necklace and earring set I own and they have purple amethyst colour stones inlaid into the silver. They mean so much to me and ever since then, we have shopped regularly here... that's over 7 years!

I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but did stumble upon these beautiful rose gold studs. I haven't worn earrings in a long time, but decided that these were perfect for the summer, simple and just the right size too. They are sterling silver studs with a rose gold vermeil and they were only £12, which I think is a really good price, especially as they are quite substantial. Not big, but weighty for what they are (I hope that makes sense!)

If you ever get the chance I would really recommend popping into Toko. The staff are really friendly and the jewellery is beautiful. Take a look at their website and if you love these earrings as much as me you can buy them here.

I really hope you enjoyed reading this blog and if you have any favourite pieces from Toko or have any styling tips for rose gold jewellery, leave a note in the comments.


July Favourites


It's August!
I know that everyone says that all the time, but I actually can't believe that it is already month eight out of twelve! This is good for so many reasons:
One, I go to Australia in a month. Have I mentioned that? I'm not too sure :P
Two, it's nearly Christmas.
Three, the weather is still lovely, but it's soon to be Autumn - My favourite time to take pictures
Four, I can write a post all about my monthly favourites!

So, Let's get started!

Charms 
I saw these cute little charms in a small corner shop the other day. I had never been in the shop before as it's so tucked away. Once I walked in, there was a treasure trove filled with beautiful gifts and trinkets. From scarves (I always think that word is so strange) to bath bombs the shop was full of so many things that I wanted. However, I only picked up a couple of things. Firstly, a scarf with little boats all over it that I bought for my mum and secondly one of my absolutely favourite things, a few little charms that I am going to add to some jewellery. When I've decided whether to do a necklace or a bracelet, I'll post a picture!

My Blog 
Even if I do say so myself, I really love my blog! It's recently had a refresh and absolutely love it. The colours are a lot more professional and the way it is laid out is so much better than before. I hope you love it as much as I do and now that I'm finally happy with the way it looks, I'm posting a lot more too. Win-Win.

Gone Girl 
Now to be honest, this should probably be in next month's favourites, but I've decided to add it in here. I bought Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and cannot wait to get stuck in. I haven't read a book in so long, but as I am trying to make a little more time for myself, I thought I'd grab a book I am really interested in reading - So, although I can't really count this as a favourite, I just know it will be!

It would be rude not to include a beauty product, or two...

Revlon 24 Hours Colour Stay Foundation 
I am really fed up of my Mac (Pro Long Wear SPF 10) foundation to be honest. I have used it for the past 3 or 4 months but now it is most definitely time for a change. Don't get me wrong, it is a good foundation, but for some reason it's just becoming a bit gloopy on my skin and only really works well with a beauty blender. When I started using a brush to apply it - it all went wrong really and at around £25, it's not great value for money. So, because of this, I decided to swap to the Revlon colourstay makeup base foundation and so far, so good. The colour isn't quite the right match for my skin, but that's my fault and to be honest it's only very, very slightly out. With some decent blending and a good bronzer it looks great. Lightweight and easy to apply, it also stays on for most of the day so I'm really impressed. Plus, at around £12.99 I am not complaining...

Revlon Lipstick in Iced Amethyst 
Yes, I know that this is another Revlon product, but I love it!
I don't usually wear lipstick. I think that if you get the wrong shade, your teeth can look aweful and from time to time adding lipstick makes you look a little over done, so it's not an everyday occurance for me. However, I tried another lipstick out of my Revlon Colour Cube the other day (a collection of 9 lipsticks in varying shades and colours) and it is one of my favourites by far! The colour is dark and more suited to Autumn/Winter, but I love the browny-purple colour. It really compliments my skin and dark hair and will be wearing it more and more.

Anyway, I think that is enough favourites for this month. What have you been loving this month?

The East Coast Diner

Royale with Cheese | East Coast Diner, Woodbridge

Thought I'd just do a little post about my lunch at The East Coast Diner today. It was so delicious and one of the best burger-and-fries-kinda-place I have been to. 

It's one of my favourite places to visit and they always make you feel really welcome. 

In Three Words: Cool, Tasty, Decent

What I Ate: Royale with Cheese

The Deets: Beef burger, lettuce, gherkins, tomato, onion, cheese, mayo and ketchup 

Sides: Sweet potato fries - These are crispy and seriously good!

Out of 10? 8 - I always go, it's always good, YUM


Burger and Fries from East Coast Diner, Woodbridge

Sweet potato fries, East Coast Diner | Victoria Alice Blogs

How good does that look?! 

It was seriously delicious and if you get the chance, grab a bite to eat at the East Coast Diner! 


The Venue at Kersey Mill

The Kiln Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs
I would absolutely LOVE to be a wedding planner. I've always loved weddings from when I was a little girl and yes, I do have Pinterest boards all about the big day. Don't Tell the Bride is one of my favourite TV programmes and my favourite part of a wedding is of course the dress, but I also love the little trinkets and details that a couple choose to include - the details that make a wedding really personal.

Anyway, before we continue, let's get two things straight: 

Do I have a boyfriend? Yes
Are we planning on getting married anytime soon? No

However, when I was given the opportunity to wonder around The Venue at Kersey Mill, in the beautiful Suffolk countryside,  I jumped at the chance and of course took loads of pictures.

The Venue is honestly one of the prettiest places that I have ever visited, but the surroundings are the main reason you would hire it. Fields and fields of countryside, paddocks, fine gardens and of course the historic buildings.

When I was having a look around, they were fixing up the reception area for a wedding the next day so there were a few tables all made up and it looked magical and like a little woodland hideaway. I will get to those details in a mo, but for now - I thought I'd go through the different rooms available at The Venue.

The Gallery Bar
The perfect little area for guests to meet and grab a drink before the ceremony and during cocktail hours. It's a light and airy room with a decent sized bar, but to be honest with just a few steps  you can sit outside and enjoy the scenery.
The Gallery Bar | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Maltings Room
This is where the main ceremony is held, but then with a few quick changes it lends itself very well into a reception room with a decent sized dance floor and long oak bar - just be careful of the beams if you are tall! As I mentioned before, the venue was being set up for the next day and I saw some cute details that I really loved!
The Maltings Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Kiln Room
This was my favourite room and the perfect setting for a small ceremony or a cool and impressive space for the bride's entrance. The best feature is of course the chandelier and it is a real WOW factor.
The Kiln Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs


Please take a look at all the photos below and if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch via the comments or of course take a gander at The Venue at Kersey Mill website.



The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Maltings Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Maltings Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Maltings Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Maltings Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Kiln Room | The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs

The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs
 The Venue at Kersey Mill | Victoria Alice Blogs


Ps. All photos are my own, feel free to use them, just link back to the site!