AD|Being a blogger without a photographer

*Items featured in this blog post have been gifted, all thoughts and views my own

As the world produces an ever increasing amount of bloggers every day, the endeavours to generate engaging and top-quality content become that much harder. Take it from a blogger that started almost five years ago and still going, a blogger must go through great lengths to get the shot, even if they have no help. Although I am lucky to have a husband that doesn’t complain when I ask him to hold off taking a bite of dessert or to do the same shot again but from a lower angle, during the week I find myself rooting around the house to find a good place to prop my camera up and set it on the timer. Being a blogger without a photographer to help does have its limitations, nevertheless I find that when I am forced to be my own ‘tog’, I can create my best work. Last week I planned to shoot a few looks once Paul got back home from work, but alas the boy hadn’t left as I found myself dressed, makeup/hair done, child asleep and ready to shoot. So I pulled my softbox into the living room, used Alice’s high chair and a toilet roll as a functioning tripod and got to it! 

Look one: Green Camouflage Utility Playsuit

Femmeluxefinery.co.uk
Green Camouflage Utility Playsuit: Femme Luxe Finery
Orange Buckle Belt: e.buckled

This green camo playsuit is like nothing I own, which is saying something! I have always looked at other playsuits but nothing ever quite called out to be the way this one did, and so when it came it was the first thing I wanted to try on from Femme Luxe. Matching it with one of my sister’s hand-made orange buckle belts (e.buckled) and some suede khaki block heels I hit the self timer button on my Huawei P30 Pro! I learnt the ‘flamingo leg’ trick from Kendal Jenner and was so pleased to find this shot in my camera roll amongst other dubious attempts at posing. I used the free photoshop app to add a little more saturation plus a light flare et voila. Would you have guessed this was a self-taken phone shot?? 

Look two: Black Chain Print Belted Satin Shirt Dress

Femmeluxefinery.co.uk
Black Chain Print Belted Satin Shirt Dress: Femme Luxe Finery
Croc Print Ankle Boots: Topshop
Femmeluxefinery.co.uk

A satin shirt dress will always have me hitting add to favourites, especially one with such a gorgeous print as this one. This chain print shirt dress was second on my shoot list, so I shifted my softbox to the sofa and decided to set up again. I do actually own a tripod with a phone holder, so this time I used it as the shot required was from a lower angle. I find this type of self-timer shot easier from a seated position, I can just lean forwards rather than running back to find my spot again if standing up. I left my makeup be, but tried out a space bun look on my hair which actually ended up being awesome so will absolutely try this hairstyle again soon. Heading back to the outfit, I chose a pair of croc-effect ankle boots from Topshop that I salvaged from a charity box from my mum’s garage recently. I experimented having my feet up on the sofa vs on the floor, and landed this half-up, half-down shot that ended up being one of my favourites. 

Look three: Red Satin Cowl Neck Bodycon Midi Dress

Paul made it home just as I was ready with the third look of the night- a sultry satin red dress. I couldn’t help laugh as I opened the door to him wearing this. Any other man would have thought that he had missed an anniversary, but Paul understood straight away this was not for his benefit. He did mention he liked my space buns though! So…the red dress… I was a bit dubious adding this one to my order. It was one of those items you see on the model looking amazing and you think to yourself, this is never going to look as good on me. But actually, I was feeling all kinds of Jessica Rabbit in this number. It fit so nicely, every curve flatteringly accentuated and the ruches were in the right place to hold it all together. I must admit I had trouble doing up the corset-style back, but tonight I was on my own as Paul was getting his dinner so I sucked it up and carried on. I found one of my favourite pairs of earrings (hand-painted, clay flowers to look like the ruffled tulip from the New Moon book cover) and paired the look with patent red heels and a white Dior bag.  

Look four: Mid Wash Denim Button Down Dress

Look four happened the day after – three looks in one night was enough for me! The day in question was going to be 32 degrees if we stayed put, so I opened my weather app and found a much cooler, coastal spot to visit where it was only going to reach 26 degrees, and that place was Clacton-On-Sea. The drive only took us an hour and fifteen, and I knew that Alice would love a trip to the beach. I packed up her things as well as my own and we made it there just after lunch. We had fish and chips (gluten free) at Armstrongs – I’d been there before and was really impressed with the food – and after a play on the amusements we headed for the sand. The day was beautiful, we found a spot to set up camp about fifty feet from the pier. Children were playing, parents were sunbathing and Alice was totally content with an empty jar to collect sand and shells in. I set up my camera, this time perched on top of Alice’s changing bag on a rock, and I took these shots. I paired my denim blue dress with this stunning orbis lapis ring (gifted from Sacet jewellery). This next photo essentially epitomises my role as mother and self-employed blogger, rolling them both into one in perfect harmony- well, most of the time!

www.sacet.com

So, for any blogger out there who is just starting out or has been in the game as long as I have and worries when having to go it alone, the truth is that most of us are and you wouldn’t even know it. The real truth is that people don’t admit what goes on behind or in front of their cameras enough and I want to tell it how it really is day to day. Being a blogger without a photographer is quite alright – we are resourceful, creative and bloody proud of our hard work. 

Saharasplash x 

5 Fun Things To Do in Leicester Square

This is a collaborative post with Evan Tyler, all thoughts and views my own

I think it’s an understatement when I tell people how much I love Leicester Square. It really is my home away from home, and my most favourite location in the whole of London with no comparison. It holds countless memories for me, I have camped out in the square overnight for film premieres and met some of the world’s greatest actors and directors there. It is forever changing and adding new and exciting things from cinemas to restaurants, so I thought that I would share some amazing things to do in Leicester Square…

1.) Cinemas

Leicester Square is packed with wall-to-wall cinemas. Specifically, there are three major cinematic venues inside the square itself, with a discount cinema just north of the main area. The three major ones are The Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, The Empire (Cineworld Cinema), and Vue West End. The slightly cheaper option is the Prince Charles Cinema, a lovely, intimate place that consistently offers tickets at a considerable discount. Basically, if you are looking to catch a film in London’s West End – whether it be a new box office release or a vintage film brought back to the big screen at a discount – Leicester Square is the place to go.

2.) Statue Of William Shakespeare

You simply cannot miss a glimpse of this if you visit Leicester Square, but anyone with an interest in the arts or literary history ought to take a closer look. The statue of William Shakespeare has been the centrepiece of Leicester Square Gardens since its construction in 1874, and was restored earlier this decade. This famous marble tribute is surrounded by dolphins and elevated on a pedestal in the center of a magnificent fountain. In this sculpture, Shakespeare is holding a scroll with a popular quote from his legendary play Twelfth Night. This monument is just one of the ways that Shakespeare is still honoured within Soho.

3. Meeting the Stars

As mentioned before, I have done my fair share of red carpet events whilst living in London. Some I attended just as a spectator and others I was lucky enough to see the film too. My most memorable events have both been Star Trek related. Into Darkness saw me camping out to get a prime spot in the front row- mainly to watch Benedict Cumberbath get out of his car which certainly was worth it, along with an autograph from JJ Abrams. More recently, I found myself at the Star Trek Beyond premiere in the press tent, where I interviewed Chris pine before going in to see the movie. Again, just a totally awesome day.

4.) Hippodrome Casino

The Hippodrome, situated on the very corner of Leicester Square, is the largest and most popular casino in the UK, offering over 100 slots, 45 table games as well as sites just for bingo and interactive experiences. Speaking of experiences, the Hippodrome is currently the venue hosting Magic Mike Live shows, and of course my ticket was bought as soon as they announced the dates. Last year my sister and I went to see the show on opening week, and boy did it take me back to the first time I watched Magic Mike in a tiny cinema in Los Angeles. Seeing the show live is so fun and totally perfect for a night out with your bestie!

5.) London Film Festival

Finally, let’s not forget the annual London Film Festival. It’s held in Leicester Square every October and is sponsored by the BFI. Founded in 1953, the festival showcases more than 300 films, documentaries, and shorts from nearly 50 countries and features films that would not otherwise get a UK screening. World premiere showings at the BFI London Film Festival are also accompanied by fancy galas that have also become elite, red carpet events. If you are as much of a film buff as me, you probably have your time booked off work already, but if not it may be worth scheduling your next trip to London around this once-a-year event.

Check out @discoverlsq on Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest news from my favourite spot!

Saharasplash x

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AD| Two killer outfits for a summer wedding with Goddiva

Whether you’re a Katherine Heigl and trying on 21 dresses or you’re getting hitched yourself, wedding bells are in the air as the summer season is here. I have two weddings to go to over the course of July and August which I am super excited about, however this brings the dilemma of outfit choice. There are several rules when attending a wedding such as don’t wear white, but I also want to wear something that is long-lasting, dance-capable and just killer. So, I’m here to share with you two of my killer outfits for a summer wedding with Goddiva. 

Goddiva is the perfect choice for a wedding outfit as they specialise in luxury, affordable wedding attire. They even have a section for mother of the bride, and have recently launched a collaboration with Vicky Pattison. I have two dresses to show you from the VP collection which are just stunning, so without further ado… 

Outfit 1: Burnt Orange Beauty 

The first dress is a halter neck maxi dress in my favourite shade of orange.

This dress is great for summer weddings, and as the evening draws in you can pair with a neutral jacket to cover up. If you want to rule the dance floor, go for a dress with a side split so you can move and shake the night away.

I have two bags with this dress, a yellow and a neutral so you can get creative with how you accesorize.

Outfit 2: Lime Green Goddess 

I’m sure you’ve seen that lime green is all the rage this season, so why not go for something that you have never dared to try before?

I was so surprised at how much I loved this colour and one-shoulder, asymmetric effect. The one way you can dress this down a bit is by using dark accesories and some shades to make it slightly more edgy.

The only decision I have to make now is which dress for which wedding! Shop the Vicky Pattison Goddiva collection here

Saharasplash x 

Thanks for stopping by. Before you go I have a post all about money saving tips and ideas for summer, so if you are looking for a dress on a budget then definitely check this one out!  

Press Samples gifted in this post. All thoughts and views my own

Corners of Wonderland, Alice’s new bedroom

Disclaimer: Items gifted in this post 

“Curiouser and curiouser!” Cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English. 

An Alice is a wonderful thing to have, if you don’t have one, you must make it of great importance to meet one. That’s me channelling my inner Lewis Carroll, thought he does it much better than I do. The fact that I have an Alice means that from time to time, I do like to use the famous Alice for inspiration. My Alice does happen to share a few striking qualities with the original, such as her curiosity and stubborn demeanour. She is not afraid of strange new worlds each time I introduce her to something new, so it was only fitting that I share a few corners of Wonderland with you all from Alice’s new bedroom. 

I’m so excited for Alice to start sleeping in her own room at Nana’s house, so I thought that dressing it up a little first would be a great incentive for her. We aren’t quite ready for the toddler bed, so Alice still sleeps in a cot that we will convert into a bed when she is ready. 

First things first, we have a floor standing bookcase (Ikea) with a rather special edition of Alice in Wonderland. It is a personalised book from the Timeless Series, and this is from The Gift Experience. I absolutely love this website for beautiful, personalised gifts that really are so special. We have a little Alice doll and caterpillar waiting for story time, as well as a giant white rabbit which Alice loves to use as a big, squishy pillow!

We have a hand-crafted wooden arrow pointing the way to Wonderland, and a little bed to mirror her own so she can put her dolls to sleep too. Little Alice can go in here, while big Alice is opposite- all I need is a little bottle saying ‘drink me’ so she can start to role play the book.

Sign by The Paper Butterfly

Also from The Gift Experience is this exquisite wall clock. We had this personalised just for Nana, who is an expert tea drinker. All we need to do is find the perfect place for it in Wonderland.

One last thing I’m adding to the decor are these reusable wall decals from Elrose Cottage. I am going to get Alice to help decide where she wants these to go- within reason! These are fully removable and add the perfect, final touch to Alice’s personal Wonderland.

Do you have a themed room for your little one?? Let me know in the comments below!

Saharasplash x 

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AD|Money saving tips and ideas for Summer

Did you know that we are now spending on average up to five times more on fashion? It’s so hard not to respond to emails with discount codes and free shipping beckoning you to take a peek. When it comes to eating out, the choice we are now faced with is mind blowing, and the fact that we can get pretty much anything delivered straight to our front doors is not helping to curb our spending habits. Here’s why I’m writing about money saving tips and ideas for summer to make sure you are 100% sorted with some cash in your pocket. First up is finding wardrobe alternatives.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin @belart84 from Pexels

The first thing that comes to my mind when I need a new outfit but am tight on budget is a charity shop. My hometown in Ipswich has a trendy place called Zest, part of the St Elizabeth Hospice charity. Walking in you would not think that anything is second hand in there at all. The vibes are fresh, stylish and so easy to navigate, and these sorts of places are perfect to score a killer look for a fraction of the price.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

One idea I had that you may not have thought about is asking a friend to help you out. Sharing wardrobes is such a smart way to shop without having to spend a penny. Just think of that one friend who has been dying to give you a makeover for years- I’m sure they will jump at the chance to get you ready for any event you have planned.

Another way to save money on your wardrobe is something I actually stumbled across while watching BBC Breakfast. I learnt about a company called Hire Street who bring you amazing outfits with prices starting at just £8! Instead of forking out over £50 for an outfit you probably only want to wear once, this option is by far the most affordable.

@hirestreetuk

Moving onto food, I have a few tips for your weekly shop and for eating out as well. Have you ever wondered how to get great cashback deals online but aren’t quite sure how to go about finding them? Mamas and Dadas, look no further than Your Baby Club. This website has so many wonderful tricks that will help you start saving in no time. For example, I placed my weekly Asda grocery order, spent over £40 which I would do anyway, and within 14 days I had £15 in my online account. No fuss, no clauses, just £15 that I transferred into my bank account, making my £40 shop actually £25. You can find amazing deals just like this through other websites like Top Cashback but I can only vouch for Your Baby Club as a tried and tested source.

Photo by bruce mars from Pexels

When it comes to eating out, it’s all about choosing the right time and planning ahead. Book your culinary destination based on what deals are on offer, and in most cases you can save up to 40% off your food bill if you dine out during Mondays to Thursdays. Another handy tip is try looking for newly opened restaurants or bars and go on opening night. They will no doubt have free drinks and lots of great deals for you during their first week of business.

Photo by Stokpic from Pexels

If your ideas for summer have blown out the window due to unforseen circumstances, then finding a short-term loan might be something you are thinking of looking into. Cash Lady are a well-established and reputable short-term loan lender who care about their customers.

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels

There is no charge for making an application, and your application is sent to around 15 lenders to help increase your chances of being accepted. Make sure you know all the information about committing to a short-term loan, and the best place to start your easy journey is with Cash Lady.

Thanks for reading my money saving tips and ideas for Summer. Do you have any handy hints you’d like to add to the conversation? Let me know how you are getting on in the comments below!

Saharasplash x

Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post

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Not suffering in silence with fertility issues

I have been mulling this post over in my head for a while now, as it’s quite a personal subject. As a blogger, I naturally want to share all my experiences good and bad, but there is a fine line between sharing and oversharing. I have been struggling with the notion of having another child since Christmas, my head is ready but my body is most definitely not in agreement.

I fell pregnant with Alice just 5 weeks after we got married, so there wasn’t really much time to think about what if it didn’t happen first time round. It was a very straight forward pregnancy and labour, no complications during birth, but I did have to have an iron drip a week after Alice was born because I lost too much blood for my body to recover naturally.

Moving onto breastfeeding, I fed Alice until she was 12 months old (October 2018) and then stopped because I had always planned to stop at this age. I thought it would be another simple step in the whole process, but boy was I mistaken.

It’s now 6 months on and my hormones are a wreck, I’m pretty much bleeding every day (give or take a few day’s break here and there) so I made myself an appointment with the GP. Fast forward to this week, and I discover that I have a cyst on my left ovary which is 3.7cm. Leaving the doctors surgery I was in shock with the news. I found out it’s quite common to have an ovarian cyst, but I never expected to be told I had one, and this may be the cause of my hormonal imbalance.

It’s now May, a new month, and I have a follow up appointment booked to find out where to go from here. I have had a lot of advice from friends and family who are telling me not to worry, as stress can play a big part on what’s going on inside ourselves. It’s something which I am working on accepting little by little, and that the answers are coming soon.

I really wanted to post this around Infertility Awareness Week (21-27th April). I have been kindly sent some products from SpermCheckUK to help do some further research in the mean time. SpermCheckFertility is a test to check whether your partner’s sperm count is high or low in the comfort of your own home.

I also have FertileCheck fertility gel to try out which is a gel that naturally supports conception and doesn’t create a barrier for sperm unlike some lubricants.

Although infertility is a really hard topic to discuss for many of us who have been through difficulties or know those who have, I want to help keep the conversation going by not suffering in silence. I feel like this will help me see this period in my life through, no matter the outcome, and possibly will reach someone who is in the same boat as me. Don’t be afraid to talk and let someone know.

SpermCheck and FertilityCheck are now on offer in Boots until 22nd May.

Saharasplash x

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