2013 Review

Heeeeey,

Well as 2013 comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on what an amazing year it has been. I have learnt so much this year. I have started and ended this year, a completely different person. I’ve been through some of the darkest and happiest times of my life. I’ve fought to become a braver, happier person and I’ve rediscovered the old, real me. I would like to thank all of my amazing friends and family for being with me along the way and all of you lovely readers for enjoying my blog.

The best thing about writing this blog has been getting all the positive feedback from regular readers, that look forward to my posts. I’m really grateful and have loved every minute. I will definitely be continuing into the new year, with lots more posts, more photography and lots more horsey stuff too. 

My Highlights of 2013:

*Creating Heels&Horseshoes
*Seeing Mcfly (3 times), Mumford & Sons, Subfocus, Paloma Faith and The Script
*Holiday to Marbella
*Flying by myself 
*Seeing my beautiful twinny get married & the lovely Donzo getting engaged
*Photographing my first wedding
*Seeing a psychic medium
*Running 5k

Phew, what a lot of fun times! I can't wait to see what 2014 has to offer.

Happy New Year

Gemma xx

Christmas wrapped up...

Heeeey,

Well firstly, and most importantly, I hope all you lovely readers had a magical christmas. Mine was enjoyable, but hectic. I didn’t spend any of it at home, but had a lovely time visiting friends and family instead. I received some amazing gifts and of course, ate way too much!

For those that can remember, in my previous post, I had written that a lot could be achieved in the remaining six weeks of the year. Originally I had planned to set myself a running goal, but unfortunately adding the short days and horrendous weather to my already hectic life, it just wasn't possible. Instead I decided to start healthy eating. It is something I’ve been quite successful with (minus christmas) and I feel good for doing it. I intend to maintain it into the new year. 

Whilst having a few days off to enjoy christmas, it has been a great opportunity to catch up with relatives that I don’t see often, and time to reflect on life. I’ve really missed writing more reflective posts and I feel like I’ve been more careful in what I’ve been writing on here. My blog was intended as a creative project, to share things with my friends and family, so that’s what it will continue to be, and let's face it, you can never keep everyone happy. 

Now is my absolute favourite time of year. With christmas wrapped up, I like to really focus on the new year and what I’m going to achieve. For 2014... I have a plan! I’m going to smile more, discover more, travel more, make new friendships and most of all discover my true happiness. My life up until this point has felt like a massive journey, and I think that 2014 is my destination! No more wasted, pointless new years resolutions. I’m making aims and goals, and a 'to-do list' of what I need to do to achieve them. Of course, I will be taking you along for the ride too. 

Gemma xx

HOW TO... bake healthy christmas cookies

Heeeey,

Welcome to my first festive themed post - HOW TO... bake healthy christmas cookies. I am going to be sharing lots of different, creative ideas with you all, in the run up to christmas. So if there is anything you would like to see on here, let me know in the comments.

So today's post is literally a beginners guide to making cookies. I am no master chef, so if I can make them, you definitely can too. They can be shaped and decorated however you fancy. I think they work great as a little nibble on the big day or wrapped up in a pretty box as a gift.

So lets get started:

You will need

Fry Light
200g ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
1tsp ground cinnamon
7 level tsp icing sugar
a few drop of food colouring





Serves: 20
Approx 50 cals each



How to

1) Pre- heat oven. I used 180°C which i think is equivalent to gas mark 4. Line 2 baking trays with parchment and spray with the fry light.

2) Roll out the pastry - it needs to be roughly the thickness of a pound coin. Cut out the pastry into shapes using a cutter (preferably christmas themed).

3) Transfer the cut out shapes onto the baking trays. Sieve over a teaspoon of icing sugar and cinnamon (optional). Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly risen and looking golden and delicious. 

4) Leave the cookies to cool. Once they are, mix the remaining icing sugar with a few drops of food colouring and a couple of drop of water, and drizzle this over the top.

At around 50 calories a biscuit, these healthy festive treats are too good to resist.

Yummy.

Gemma xx

It's never too late...

Heeeeeeey,

I’m so excited that I just reached over 100 likes on Facebook, so thank you very much. For those ‘likers’ and for anyone reading this, thank you so much for contributing towards making my dreams a reality. 

 So for those of you who have been enjoying a lazy Sunday, and haven't really noticed the day's details, it’s the 17th of November! To me that only means one thing... ok two things; Christmas is fast approaching and it’s nearly the end of the year!

I absolutely love turning over a new leaf and having a fresh start, but then I thought; why should we write off the remaining month and a bit left of this year? Have you achieved your ‘new year’ resolutions? If not, lets get them completed now. It’s too easy to fail, but so much more satisfying to see something through to the end and check it off your list as done. 

I’ve had the same new years resolutions for as long as I can remember, yet every year see myself fail at them, maybe because that’s the habit I’ve got myself in to. Consciously not intending to sound like a 'self help book', we all have the power to live a bigger, better life so let’s do it. Take some risks, turn your cant’s into cans and dreams into plans. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is; It's never too late. Let's make the most of the remaining part of this year - don’t write it off, a lot can happen in six weeks. 

I have set myself quite a big goal, that will involve time, commitment and training! I’m not going to tell you what it is, maybe because I’m scared of failure, but I promise to reveal all on christmas eve. 

Set yourself a goal, work towards those resolutions and end 2013 on a high!

Gemma xx

A park tale with the Lankesters...

Heeeeeey,

Me and my camera have been out and about again, this time in a local park, with the lovely Lankester family. 

We headed to the forest, amongst the trees and around the beautiful lakes. Luckily we picked a good day weather wise, and it was beautifully sunny. 

Riley was such a great model. He loved making daddy run EVERYWHERE with him and modelling his brolly. It was so lovely to photograph a family full of such genuine love and laughter.

Gemma xx

A country tale with Olivia...

Heeeeeey,

At the weekend I packed my new camera bag (ahhh love it so much and will tell you about that another time) and set off into the suffolk countryside.

There was a nice autumn chill in the air, but not a drop of rain to be seen. Me, Lizzie and her three year old daughter Olivia, all wrapped up in our autumn bests and hurried to the nearby fields.

The location was beautiful and I could have easily spent all day there. There was a moat, bridge, swans and lots of hideaways in the trees. We all had lots of fun and Olivia loved collecting apples and playing hide and seek. 

 

Feel free to leave comments below and let me know what you think.

Gemma xx 

Nixon Knows #02

Heeeeeeeeey,

So today I had the most successful, relaxing and enjoyable lunging experience. I always find lunging important, but tedious. I find it an essential task with Nixon, to get out his fizzyness and get him listening, which in return makes for a much more enjoyable and productive ride.

I’m sure any horse rider would agree, it’s always astonishing when you just have to think what you're going to do next, and your horse is already doing it, before you even have a chance to ask. So I decided to lunge him using only body language and the odd encouraging sound. To my surprise... it worked! In fact, he was more alert and even intrigued at my new method. 

I’ve always been taught to talk to him at all times, but actually sometimes it’s nice to shut up for a while, and take in everything. Every day it amazes me, how we can connect, learn from and communicate with such a large, wild animal. 

Nixon always knows how I’m feeling and when I need lots of cuddles, and I wouldn’t change him for the world. 

I love the person I’ve become, because I fought to become her...

Heeeeeey,

So, where to begin. 

The 'me' sitting here typing this, is a world away from the person I was a year ago. Back then I was really struggling to find any sort of enthusiasm, optimism and most of all happiness. 

In the last year I have made so many changes through professional help and self motivation and for anyone looking for a bit of a ‘pick me up’, I can not recommend Paul Mckenna’s books enough. 

Sometimes you need a harsh realisation that changes need to be made. I found my, I guess what you could call, 'life changing' moment when I read the following...

 I love this quote. It said to me enough is enough, no more self pity, no more hiding, no more watching the world go by, I was going to get up and make things happen. So that is exactly what I have done.

At the time, I was suddenly finding the thought of lots of things really scary. My list of fears was starting to outweigh, and more importantly effect, the things that I enjoyed doing. Three of my main contenders were; crowds of people, heights and feeling confined in a small space. 

So what have I been up to in the last week... I’ve visited London including using three tubes in rush hour ALONE and then I flew to Belfast ALONE!!!!

Ok not a big deal to most people, but I am so proud of myself that I just felt the need to share it, and shout about it! After all, and as I mentioned in a previous post, we are never quick to recognise our own successes. 

I’m absolutely loving trying new things, and challenging myself to do things that before I would have avoided doing at all costs. In reality, when you’re out there doing it, whatever it may be, it is no where near as bad as the picture painted by worry in your mind.

I guess what I'm trying to say is; be brave, be bold, (and most importantly) be whoever you want to be.  

Gemma xx

Introducing...Nixon Knows

Heeeeeeeeey,

Oh, and hello October! Eek I’m feeling chilly at the thought. I think it’s all getting a bit scarily close to the end of the year, so I’m definitely going to make the most of the last three months.

Firstly, I would like to introduce a new feature.... Nixon Knows. I have been wanting to post something a little more horsey for a while now, but was unsure how not to bore my non-horsey readers. So I have decided to give you weekly snippets, insights and probably amusing stories, from things that Nixon has taught me about horse owning. I will also be asking other horse owners for their stories and advice, so if you would like to be involved let me know. 

This is my first piece of horse owning advice! Nixon likes to be treated a bit like a king and if he’s cold, hungry or bored... well he’s not worth knowing! This time of year sees him at his worst, mainly because horses have to get used to the sudden temperature change and much like us, I don’t think they like the cold all that much.
The Solution: Rugs, food & lots of attention later.... one happy horse.

--

Following on from the introduction of my stepping stones challenges, part 2 will be commencing next Monday, and it’s quite a big deal for me. It’s something that I find quite scary anyway but I’m going to be doing it ALONE. I will tell you all about it next week.

Happy 1st of October, enjoy it - fresh month and a fresh start.

Gemma xx

goodbye summer

Heeeeeeey,

Im writing this whilst wrapped up in my duvet, which can only mean one thing, goodbye summer - and what an amazing few months it has been! 

Time flies so I'm taking this moment to sit and reflect over what has been happening amongst all the madness of everyday life. Gosh, where do I begin. Everything has been such a whirlwind of trips out, new experiences, music, giggles and not much sleep in between.

I thought this would be a great opportunity to share with you some of my fave summer products, the things I couldn't have survived without & why:

*Equine

Derby House zebra fly rug

I knew I definitely wanted to get Nixon a funky fly rug and this seemed perfect. There was a sale on at the time too, and I think it cost around £25. I had read online that the stripes confuse flies, which was an additional type of prevention. Overall the rug has lasted so well. It only slips slightly to one side, during the day, which is not a big deal compared to fly rugs I’ve tried before. Aside from being slightly grubby and faded it has absolutely done its job.

Supreme Products - Mane and tail builder

This is something I’ve used for a while now. A couple of years ago, a pony chewed half of Nixon’s tail off and it didn’t grow back until I started using this. Now his tail is longer and thicker than it ever was before. As he has to wear rugs all year round, it takes its toll on his mane, so this stuff is great to keep it growing.

Velcro Fly fringe

Nixon has always worn a stretchy elastic fly fringe, which daily turned into a beard hanging from his chin. This year I opted for a velcro side fitting. It’s been so great in comparison. I’ve only had to adjust it twice, other than that, it has stayed in place and did its job.


*Hair & Beauty

Soap & Glory - Glow job

I literally couldn’t have survived without this. It’s basically a face moisturiser with bronze beads that burst and give a lovely bronzing glow. I used it instead of foundation when I came back from holiday, but it's even more perfect now that my tan has faded. 

Revlon lipsticks (Coral queen & Funtime Fuschia)

I love bright lipsticks and these have been perfect for day time and evening wear. Very bright, vibrant and long lasting and the perfect finish to an equally as bright outfit.  

Hair bands & clips

I don’t leave my house (unless to go to the yard) without a large hair accessory or statement necklace of some sort. I collected lots up from various shops throughout June and have reapetedly worn every single one. Flowers and bows are my favourites.


*Life

Live Music

Nothing makes me happier than going to gigs. Over the last few months I have had the pleasure of seeing:

McFly x2
Mumford & Sons
Paloma Faith
The Script

An actual holiday 

It was so nice to get away for the first time since three years ago. A week off from the hustle and bustle of life, without a worry in the world. 

Goodbyes

There have been lots of goodbyes & lots of changes. But chapters have to end for new, exciting ones to begin. 

Paul Mckenna

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the man is a genius! 

--


I’m such a summer baby and I really hate winter, but I now feel ready to accept the shorter days, the morning chills, the extra layers and lots of welly time. Hope you're ready too?

Gemma x

The Tales of Courtney & Buzz

Heeey,

It feels so long ago since I last had the chance to sit and write a post, but I've been really busy making the most of the end of summer. For those that follow me on Facebook, you will have seen I've been doing lots of photography and testing out my new camera. 

I thought I would use this opportunity to share some photographs from a shoot I did yesterday. I photographed my lovely cousin Courtney and her pony Buzz. We started off quite late in the evening, and with the nights drawing in quickly, we had to make the most of the last of the sunlight. It turned out to be perfect though and it allowed me to do some silhouettes. 

Aside from the photography, I have been out and about, catching up with old friends and reminising about an amazing summer. I'm now collecting up all my horsey, beauty & life faves from the last few months, that I will show you in my next post.

Gemma x

P.s. Hello September

Revenge is sweet...

Heeeey,

Wow, what a weekend I have had! I’m feeling high on life and absolutely exhausted after lots of fun shenanigans. Usually we’d have Monday moments today, but there are just too many, so today’s post will be a little lengthier.

A day at the races

On Saturday I went to Newmarket racecourse for their summer Saturdays event, featuring McFly. Come to think of it, I’ve yet to reveal this important detail about me on H&H before, and that I’m absolutely obsessed with McFly. I have always been a super huge fan, ever since the band started, and for any of you who may also be a fellow ‘galaxy defender’, you will already know this is a special year, as it’s their ten year anniversary. This was my second time this year seeing them and they're just amazing every single time. 

Unfortunately the weather on the day was not great, as it drizzled with rain pretty much for the whole duration. Being someone who loves to dress up, I had a bit of an outfit crisis. I opted for a more casual look with an orange lace dress, tights and ankle wellies. I also sported an oversized navy mac, usually intended to only be seen by Nixon, but on this soggy occasion I thought I could pull it off.

In true 'my kind of luck' style, none of the horses I bet on won. I tried every choosing method I could think of, including; random names, numbers, eyes closed finger on the page, the one that looked at me in the collecting ring and the horse with the longest legs. If anyone has any other ideas then please let me know.

So with the racing out the way, it was time to watch the boys. The rain had eased up, I had got myself a great spot in the crowd, whipped off my wellies and I was ready to rock out.  

My first hen do

Sunday evening was spent celebrating my friend Emily’s hen do. We had lots of wine, shots, dancing and of course a classic afterparty. Emily gets married in a couple of weeks time, at which I will be doing my first ever Vlog, so I will give you more details of that closer to the time.

A trip to Southwold

Which brings us to today. After a horsey muck out morning, my afternoon was spent in the lovely seaside town of Southwold. I went with a friend who needed cheering up, so we ate some very lovely chips along near the seafront and had a look around the vintage market. Being a collector of various decorative things for my room, I got a lovely tree bark with cute detailing and the words ‘life is beautiful’.

Following that I did something that I have wanted to do for so long... I got a tarot card reading. I was so nervous that he was going to tell me something dreadful, because really what I was looking for was some hope. Anyway I shuffled the cards, put them into three different piles and revealed my ‘reading’ cards.

The cards all told such a great story and related to my current situation in life just perfectly. The reading went a little like this...

I need to stand my ground in certain situations and not be held back by other people. I must also learn to control my emotions, and in some areas don’t waste time investing emotions into them. My life is heading in the right direction, and I have all the resources that I need to be a success, in what I want to do. The last card was the star card, which means I am following my journey and I will get to my destination not immediately, but sometime in the future. I must think with my head, retract emotion and remember that revenge is sweet and that I will get revenge on others in the best possible way.

It was such a great experience, my friend got one done too and hers related to her life just perfectly as well. I know some people don’t believe in it, but I went away with a big smile on my face.

Pheeeeewwww, you made it to the end, hope everyone else had a lovely weekend too?

Gemma xx

So here starts a new chapter...

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Heeeey,

So I’ve just found myself googling, searching blogs and pinterest’ing ‘goodbyes’. A bit random I know but I will now explain all.

Firstly, the results of my research have left me with the conclusion that all goodbyes are different. A goodbye can be measured by time, distance and most importantly the flashbacks that it leaves behind. I also think the greater those things are, the harder the goodbye becomes. However, whereas time and distance can both be pinpointed, memories cannot.

In the last 6 months I’ve had to say two big goodbyes and I’m soon to say two more. They’re not forever goodbyes, but goodbyes to people I currently spend more time with than my family. It’s definitely not one of those ‘didn’t realise what I had until it had gone’ kind of moments, but more a lonely gap they’ve left behind. It makes me sad we won’t be able to make such great memories as frequently anymore.

It’s really surreal how people can make such a large impact on your life, and in such a short amount of time. Over the last year and a half, I can honestly say, I’ve made some of the best friends I could have ever wished for. We have laughed all day long, have our own significant songs, can easily finish each other’s sentences and absolutely nail getting well known sayings completely wrong; ‘i’m the brown bread of the family’.  

I truly believe everyone we meet are brought into our lives as lessons. Whether they help or harm, we learn so much from them. It then makes us thankful to share life with those that are wonderful, even if it’s just for a short amount of time.

So here starts a new chapter for me, on my own. It’s hard to feel positive for a new chapter when you didn’t turn the page yourself, but I’m so grateful for all the amazing memories we’ve shared and for you all keeping me sane. You’ve brought me through the darkest of times and you don’t even know it. I can’t remember my life without you.

Good luck girls, It's been amazing xx