Why did you want to become a photographer?

I was staring as my screen contemplating for ages how to start this post trying to avoid a cliché moment but I’m going there - ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a photographer! There I said it, stay with me this will get better!

When I started to become a photographer it just made me want it more. I wanted to be a photographer because I love everything that comes with it. I love talking to people, discussing their plans and dreams and learning from them. It gives me confidence to communicate with people and skills that I use every day. I love editing the photographs - getting comfortable, putting on my favourite music and getting lost in reliving the day and everything that happened in that moment. Then it’s the rewarding part when my client express their joy from my images and a snapshot of the moments that they will treasure forever. It feels great to have made a difference and part of my legacy will be in those images I have taken.

I'm at my best when I'm being a photographer. I'm confident and in control, I'm happy, I'm excited and it is rewarding on a personal level as well as a career level. 

I’ve always wanted to make a difference, do something unique, fulfilling and rewarding for me and this is it. I’ve found something that makes me really happy and that's what life is all about. 

Gemma xx

I'm Back!

Heeey,

Woah things got a bit crazy back there! All sorts of thoughts of closing my business were considered but I have decided to work harder than ever to get this thing moving forward. I think any photographer would agree that winter can be a tough time creatively. Quieter times mean more times of reflection and I guess I wasn’t as prepared for the long winter lull as I maybe could have been. 

I think with any solo venture putting yourself 'out there' can be hard. One minute your heart is so filled with passion you could burst, next minute your heart has sunk and you feel like you were crazy for ever thinking something was a good idea or that you could make a success of it. For me it’s really helped reading other creative’s blogs. To find that it’s not just me going through this rollercoaster of emotions is so comforting. 

This is what I’ve discovered:

• It is scary and it is ok to be scared
• It is putting everything out there for the world to see so it’s ok to feel vulnerable 
• Sometimes all you need is an encouraging word and it's ok to talk about your ideas and woes
• You may need another opinion and it’s ok to ask for it
• Things will go wrong and it’s ok to move on and not dwell on them
• It will be a rocky road to begin with but the adventure will go on
• Believe in everything you’ve learnt so far and have confidence in it
• There will always be someone better than you out there- that’s life and will inspire you to do even better

So buckle up - I’m back and ready for whatever this crazy, goal following, dream chasing journey has for me!

Gemma
xo

Hello 2016

Hello 2016

A fresh new year, a fresh new start. I have SO much I want to achieve this year and I’m already feeling a little bit overwhelmed as to where to start. I know what I want my end goals to be but it’s the slightly important factor of how I’m going to get there. 2014 was one of the best years for me and I think what really made the difference was that I had ten clear objectives at the start of the year. I also worded them as if I’d already achieved them and then I had to.

 

I’m quite pleased to see the back of 2015. It wasn't one of my favourite years but growth and self-development don't tend to come out of comfortable experiences. I’ve learnt invaluable lessons in business, relationships and about myself so I’m ready to take my new found skills into 2016.

 

We’re only a few days into January and I already feel so restless. I think it’s because I am so impatient with my dreams that I just want to achieve them, well like now! So I intend to take my scattered dreams and get them organised. I’m going to focus on mini targets and celebrate my achievements along the way. How do you like to set goals for a new year?

 

Here’s to a fabulous year.

xo

6 things horse owning has taught me about myself…

Heeeey,

So today marks my 6 year anniversary of owning Nixon. Time has quite literally flown by and I can’t remember my life without him. He’s been a huge part of my life. My teacher, therapist, happiness and loyal companion.

Here are 6 things that horse owning has taught me about myself...

1) I am a committed person

Horse owning isn’t something to take lightly. When I was 19 and wanting to party all weekend with my friends I still had to take into consideration looking after Nixon. Equally so PJ days don’t exist and getting out of bed on a dark, cold winter's morning is the worst thing ever.

2) I’m able to love unconditionally

Nixon has broken my wrist and collarbone, head butted me and trod on my toes a number of times, but I love him more and more every day. 

3) To be patient and never ever give up on things I’m passionate about

When I first met Nixon he was scared, nervous, unstable, untrustworthy and misunderstood. Through hours of trust building, praise and hard work he is more relaxed than ever.  There have been many times where I’ve wanted to give up, took one step forward and two steps back, but now he listens when he is scared and gains confidence from me. Patience was key to teach him lessons step by step and wait for the reward.

4) I love the outdoors

Looking after a horse inevitably means spending at least half an hour a day outside, and I love it. There is no better way to start the day than with fresh air! I love to sit in the field and watch the horses graze while I ponder life. I’ve made some life-changing decisions at the yard. 

5) Horses are better therapists that humans

Nixon has always been there for me. He’s always cuddly when I’m down or sad, he’s patient with me when I want time to reflect and he makes me proud. After a ride butterflies whizz around my tummy, the connection between horse and rider is indescribable and cuddles are the best.

6) To always be confident and brave

When I first owned Nixon I was inexperienced with horses, we grew and learnt together. I’ve learnt to take pride in what I do, be confident on the outside even when I’m reluctant on the inside and be brave in my actions even when I’m feeling scared. 

Nixon really has been a blessing in my life and I wouldn’t change what he have and the journey we’ve been through together for anything.

Gemma xx

Mojito Marshmallows

Ok, so let’s kick off my first post with MARSHMALLOWS! I've been wanting to make marshmallows for a while – and I was not disappointed in the slightest when I did! It was almost magical watching it puff up in front of your eyes. The first batch I made was peanut butter and honey flavour and they were DELICIOUS! I love peanut butter, so anything with it in goes. I also really like honey = bonus! The second batch was mint chocolate chip to please the boyfriend. However, today’s bakes (makes?) have been the best yet....mojito marshmallows – WITH rum. Sha ‘tiiiing! So good.

My little helper:

 I used this book that I received as a present for the recipes. They have lots of different flavours, but the steps do jump around a little so make sure you read the entire recipe first. Despite this, the steps were very straight forward. I especially like making marshmallows as the process is quite slow so you can do all your washing up as you go along so aren’t left with a massive pile of it at the end, which I hate.

So a quick synopsis!

Marshmallow ingredients:
- 2 and a quarter cups caster sugar
- 1 tbsp glucose syrup
- 1tbsp mint leaves
- 2 tbsp powdered gelatine
- 2 egg whites
- 50ml rum
- 1tsp lime zest (I used about 1.5 tbsp!)

Mint sugar coating ingredients:
3/4 cup Demerara sugar (I would say do 1.5 cups)
1/4 cup mint leaves (I would do 1/2 cup instead)

First, dissolve 2 cups of the sugar, the glucose syrup and 185ml of water, over a low heat, in a saucepan. Once the sugar has all dissolved, add the mint leaves and pop in the sugar thermometer (which you will be lost without!) and leave it alone. Don’t touch it. No, really. Don’t.

Whilst you leave the sugar mixture to simmer away, pour your gelatine over 160ml of cold water in a microwaveable container. Leave it to stand for 5 minutes, then microwave on a high heat for 40 seconds, until the gelatine has all dissolved. Leave it to stand. Once the sugar has reached 115⁰C (STILL DON’T TOUCH IT!), you can start preparing your egg whites.

On a medium speed, in an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, mix until fluffy. Turn up to a medium high speed and add in the rest of the sugar. When it has gone nice and shiny, turn the speed back down to medium. 

By this point the sugar mix should be nearing 127⁰C. This is what you’re looking for.

Remove it from the heat and let the bubbles die away. Remove the mint leaves with a fork. You can now add your gelatine mix slowly into the sugar syrup. Do not pour it too quickly or else it may bubble up. With the electric mixer still whisking, pour the sugar/gelatine mix slowly into the eggs. Turn the mixer up to high and beat for 12 minutes. It will be thick and hold its shape when it’s ready. Now add your lime zest and rum.

Pour into your container.

Leave to stiffen for 3 hours. Whilst you wait for it to firm up you can make some mint sugar. Preheat the oven to 110⁰C. Blend together the mint leaves and sugar. This is where I would change the recipe. I would use more of each as half way through covering my final marshmallows I ran out of mixture. Spread the mix onto a baking tray and leave in the oven for about 15 minutes or until it has all dried out.

Once the marshmallow has stiffened, cut it with an oiled knife (I have this swanky roller), and roll each piece in the mint sugar. Store in an airtight container.

Changes I would make to the recipe:

-          Mix together more mint and sugar

-          I found the coating of the mint sugar too crunchy afterwards – it stole from the marshmallow itself (even though it is still incredibly tasty), so I would blend the sugar and mint again once it has dried out to create finer crystals and a smoother, less powerful covering.

These were so so so so good, and actually did taste like a delicious mojito. I strongly recommend making these. I lost one to the neighbour as I was photographing them in the garden, they were that good! In the next couple of weeks I am going to be posting a teacake recipe, so get practising your marshmallows for that! Send me pictures to the Heels & Horseshoes Facebook page if you do make some – I’d love to see them.

--Emma

Nice to see you, to see you nice!

Hello!

I am so excited to be writing my first blog post for Heels & Horseshoes! Gemma asked me to make a little video for you all to explain what I’ll be up to and a little bit about me. However, talking to a camera really isn’t my forte so in the following clip I mumble, faff, get distracted by a puppy, don't remember to say hello and forget to tell you a lot about me! So I will now recap here:

I am Emma and I am newly 26 years old. I always thought of 27 as being a “proper grown up,” so I’ve got to make the most out of this final year! I grew up in a beautiful little village in Suffolk, but in the past year and a bit have moved into the town centre to my very own house. The thing I love about Suffolk is that you only have to drive for 10 – 15 minutes and you can be surrounded by gorgeous fields and amazing scenery. This makes me happy. What makes me even happier is being beside the sea: Fish and chips, arcades, ice creams, paddling (and always ending up wet to your knees), kayaking, hot chocolates, walking and being almost blown up off the stony ground by the bellowing coastal winds. I love it all.

More recently my boyfriend, Craig, and I have extended our little team. We now have a very handsome Labrador pup called Austin. He is such a funny little dude, and has influenced the last few months in such a positive way. He is very nearly 5 months old, and loves his walkies. Being a lab, he can’t go far because of issues labs have with their hips, but those 30 minutes of every day never fail to make me laugh, smile and often hide my face in embarrassment at his funny shenanigans!!  

So what do I want to give to Heels & Horseshoes? I hope to offer recipes (mainly baking – and the occasional doggy treat!), crafting ideas and book reviews.  I can’t wait.

Lovely to meet you all.

--Emma

25 things I've learnt in 25 years...

Heeeey,

So I’m officially knocking on 25’s door. I have never been this aware of turning a new age and I’m currently trying to figure out how I’m not 18 anymore - what happened? 

Anyway here is my list of 25 things I’ve learnt in the last 25 years.

1) I will never be a tidy person - It doesn’t come naturally to me and neither do you miraculously become tidier as you get older.

2) I don’t like tea or coffee - You don’t miraculously start liking it either. I always used to think it was for grown ups, I’m still not there yet.

3) Taste buds do change - always try foods again, I've discovered lots of new loves that i used to hate as a child.

4) Say YES more - New opportunities, the need for change and happiness all come from outside the comfort zone. 

5) There are always opportunities - big or small opportunities 

present themselves to us every day.

6) Happiness isn’t something that can be felt all of the time - it comes and it goes, some days more than others. 

7) Worry is a part of my every day life - pointless anxiety worry to grownup adult worries you just learn to deal with them. 

8) Going to university doesn’t land you a perfect dream job instantly - far from it in fact.

9) My mum really is always right - always has been, always will be and now I actively go to her for advice.

10) People are a lesson or a blessing - I’ve met some really horrible people and they make me appreciate all the lovely people I have in my life.

11) It is harder to lose weight when your older 

12) Count the pennies - I really should have been more careful with my pennies as a student! 

13) I can’t afford a house - but I like dreaming about a house, with a garden, with a lovely big kitchen I’ll probably never cook in 

14) I can’t cook 

15) I have the bestest friends I could ask for - and I don’t have to see them every day, week, month or year for that matter.

16) Friends should not make you feel like you’re in a competition - I feel amazing having ditched the people that didn’t bring anything to my life.

17) 10 O’clock bedtime is amazing 

18) School was certainly not the best days of my life

19) 18 year olds look really young

20) Hangovers get worse

21) Leaving the country to ‘find myself’ got me straight back to where I started - with additions of an awesome boyfriend, friends and memories

22) Travelling & Holidays are an absolute necessity not just a luxury

23) Meditation is the most beautiful thing ever 

24) Having my own business has been the best decision I’ve ever made

25) I always knew what I wanted to do - When I wanted to be a photographer when I grew up I genuinely wanted to be a photographer.

Well here’s to another beautiful 25 years; full of mistakes, tantrums, love, dreams and happiness (Oh and hopefully a perfect beach body).

Gemma xxx

Don't wait for opportunity, create it.

Heeeey,

It’s felt like ages that I’ve really felt the urge to sit and write a random blog post, but while the mood takes me I can’t wait to sit here and let my fingers do the talking. 

I’ve spent most of my day reflecting on myself 12 months ago. I’d just landed in Crete SO excited to start a new adventure and thought that was me and my life sorted. But no, 12 months later I find myself back in the place I was so desperate to leave behind. 

It’s hard to have to like something that you learned to hate. I’ve really had to refocus and ensure I’m remaining positive when we find ourselves with what seems like nothing to do, no where to go and no one to see. I really grew to hate this place and it’s lack of opportunity but perhaps opportunity is everywhere we are. 

I’m in a really happy place, I’ve become more accepting, more open and I try to keep my eyes open to what is around me. I believe it's not where you are, it's what you seek from it.

I’ve only ever sought after the best life, but as I’m growing up I have realised life really is what you make it. I’m taking every new day as it comes. I might be back where I started, but I’m keeping myself busy learning new things, trying different things and seeking new opportunities. Heck, I’m even enjoying having a routine! Together we're a team, and as long as we're together, I don't mind where in the world we are. 

xx

winter and horses

I'm deservedly snuggled up and cosy now after getting absolutely drenched at the yard today. 

I can't help but think winters been a bit kind so far and that the worst is still to come. Never have I been more depressed about winter as I have since owning a horse. 

Experiences of clinging onto a lead rope as you slide on ice, juggling the torch on your phone because you can't find last years head torch, hay goes everywhere but in the rack and even worse if you don't have a rack, one gush and it's gone in the wind, literally! You even start to forget what the yard even looks like in daylight, let alone get a chance for riding. 

As stress rates run high, the horses are feeling the winter blues too. Nixon gets especially grumpy in winter, detesting any sort of cold or rain. He permanently has his big ears back and pulls the most ugliest of faces. 

So this is just a quick post to my fellow horse owners; you're doing a great job,keep it up and those long summer days will be here before we know it. Don't feel guilty for wanting to be quick, it's dark, it's cold and it's human instinct.

And a quick word to the non-horsey helpers that didn't sign up for a horse lover partner; we're so grateful for your help, for that torch you hold and just for some company in the darkness. 

Gemma xx

2014...adventures, anxiety and falling in love

Heeeeey,

2014

As the last day of 2014 is upon us, what better time to reflect on the year gone by, and what a year it has been. At the start of the year I wrote a list of achievable goals instead of resolutions which you can read here.

For this year it's not new year, new me ... it's new year, better me!

As I was sitting and reflecting today, I realised just how different my life is from this time last year. My former self is a mere shadow of who I am today and I'm so happy I took control of my own life and made the changes that I did. What a year 2014 has been and there is no better time to think of those people, moments and memories I have met, had and made along the way.

1) Sam

The one year I don't write 'to fall in love' on my list of resolutions, the most amazing guy comes along. Maybe the old age saying of 'stop looking for love and it will find you' is totally true! He has changed me for the better, made me grateful for the simple things, made me stronger and makes me laugh every day.







2) Nixon

Another year with my beautiful Noodle Baby! The hardest goodbye when I left for summer but he still remained as naughty as ever.






3) Going away for Summer

I'm so grateful for the opportunity of having summer abroad. It was a fantastic experience living in Crete for 3 months, making new friends, great memories and meeting Sam. It was a whirlwind adventure that was so much more than I could ever imagine it being.








4) Job Opportunities

I have certainly had my fair share of jobs this year - 6 to be exact. My advice is don't be afraid of career changes and don't be afraid to stop when something's not right for you. Twenty something's are the years of discovery. Yes, I've had 6 jobs, but I have met many new people (whether as friends or as lessons), learnt new skills and discovered jobs that aren't right for me. 

5) Business plans

I've taken steps closer to creating Heels & Horseshoes Photography which will be launching in 2015. Watch this space. 

6) Challenged myself

At the start of the year I'd let anxiety get the better of me, but through setting myself challenges and getting out of my comfort zone I've achieved more than I could have hoped for. Starting with 'Go Ape' in the summer, I did all the hard routes and swung from the trees - and actually quite enjoyed it. 










7) Become a runner (and undid it again)


Before summer I could run 10 miles. It still amazes me now. I really started to enjoy it, unfortunately i undid all my hard work again but I'm going to start up again in the new year. 

Looking ahead...

2015

Independence

For me and Sam to have a place of our own

Be healthy

Eat for nutrition and lots more exercise

Heels&Horseshoes Photography

Heels&Horseshoes Photography will be launched for the world to see. 

More Meditation

I need to make time for more meditation and relaxation

Have more fun

Now that me and Sam are more settled we are going to have a lot more fun in 2015, holidays, day trips, learn new skills, start new hobbies and make new friends.


Let's have a fabulous 2015 - be ambitious, be adventurous, don't be afraid to say no, stick up for yourself and most of all do things you enjoy. 

Gemma xx

A big decision...

Heeeey,

So while I was away in Crete Nixon suffered from a bit of lameness which resulted in a precautionary visit from the vets. He had x-rays and tests and it turns out he has sheered heels, side bones and arthiritus.

I always knew there would be a time when he showed signs of age because he was around 13 when I brought him 5 years ago. He also has pigeon toes which up until now hadn't caused him any problems. The worst thing about owning animals is having to make such big decisions for them. There’s no way of really knowing what they think or want, so you just have to weigh up the options and decide.

I had two main options; put him through remedial farriery, injections and continual medicine to allow me to ride or to allow him to retire. I’m both happy and sad to say I chose the latter.

As a nervous old boy I didn’t want to put him through the stress and pain, all for me to have a ride now and again. Instead I’ve decided to allow him to take up retired life of eating, grooming and cuddles.

I think I might start doing some in hand work with him and maybe try teach him a few tricks or something - go all Monty Roberts!

Unfortunately it’s one of those things where not every one will agree with your decision and I did have a few noses turn up at me. However, I'm safe in the knowledge that I know my horse well enough to judge that now is the right time.

Not to worry, he's still a cheeky boy and full of character, so we will still be having lots of fun. 

Gemma xx

You don't find love...it finds you

Heeeeey,

Dreams have always been an important thing to me. Something to have, something to hold on to and something to look forward to. I’ve never thought any dream is too big. They’ve always been somewhat of a comfort to me that there is hope. 

When I started 2014 I wrote down 10 dreams and aspirations to achieve throughout the year. For literally the first year since I can remember, I didn’t set one to find a boyfriend and fall in love. I decided this really isn’t something you can make happen, it’s not something to work towards, so I left that in the hands of fate - and boy did it deliver.

“Don’t give up usually it’s the last key on the ring that opens the door”

I have always been a true believer of fate, I’m happy for fate to put me in the right place at the right time and allow me to learn and enjoy life to it’s full potential. 

When I was packing for Crete all those months ago, I could only joke I was off to find a boyfriend. I really do believe me and Sam were sent to Crete to meet each other. If living on different sides on the country isn’t proof enough, I don’t think our paths could have crossed any other way. It wasn’t smooth running and there were a few people standing in our way. If anything, how far we’ve come is testament to those that said horrible things, accused me of all sorts and said it wouldn’t last. Unfortunately life is full of bitter people and not everyone will be happy for you. 

“The best things in life are worth the wait”

I’ve never met any one who can make me laugh every minute of every day, who can control my princess moments, not only appreciates my craziness but joins in too and is just generally so scarily similar to me. 

Which brings me to now, and my northern gem is trying out southern life. Upon arrival he was greeted with a present of wellies and a farmers weekly magazine! I mean what more could a city boy need jumping feet first into country life. 

He’s met Nixon, and is making progress and even steps foot inside the field now, as well as being very willing to climb the muck heap. 

It’s strange being home with someone who everything is new to. It’s nice to appreciate village life and all the beautiful places that surround me and rediscover it all again for myself. 

So this is it, the start of the rest of our lives and I'm sure we will have a story or two to share along the way.

Gemma xx

Time is now...

Time is a funny thing. I think many people are scared of it in various ways. Scared it will go too quickly, scared it will run out, scared it won't go as quickly as they hope. I'm extremely impatient so much of my life is focused around time. I'm learning to be better, to take things as they come and to enjoy the moment - but what I've learnt most of all, is that it is precious. As my boyfriend likes to remind me 'time is the most precious commodity we have - we can never get it back'. People are worried not to rush, not to be too quick, not to make a mistake, but the trouble is these people think they have time.

For those avid followers of my blog you will know that especially in the last year I've been doing lots of firsts to overcome my anxiety. I've done more than I could ever have imagined I could achieve from last year. I'm thinking of what to do next - ideas welcome!

When was the last time you did something for the first time? 

**

Time is not wasteful

time is unstoppable

time is learning

time is balance

time is getting old

time is healing

time is happiness

time is love

time is being on time

time is the future and how you will spend it

time is not waiting around, waiting for things to happen to you

time is going out and making them happen

time is being selfish

time is being selfless

time is doing everything you've always wanted, before it's too late
time is now.

Gemma xx

24&more

Happy 1 year

Wow, heels&horseshoes is officially one year old! It all started with 23&me and here I am sat in a bar in Crete on my 24th birthday, drinking a strawberry milkshake as I type.

What a world away my life is now from what it was a year ago.

I absolutely loved being 23, I was determined to make it my year and that's exactly what I did. I achieved so much in that year that I am so proud of myself for doing. From pushing myself so far outside of my comfort zone i couldn't see it anymore to teaching myself to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life,

Not only have I moved on in dealing with things mentally and emotionally I have managed to dream bigger and exceed better things than I could ever have imagined. Problems that before seemed impossible now feel like mere hurdles.

In my 23&me post I wanted to run 10k which is something I achieved just before moving here to crete. But the big move in itself felt like a far bigger achievement.

I'm so grateful for my friends and family that have been nothing but supportive and know exactly how to encourage and motivate me.


Thinking ahead...

So 24. Well doesn't 24 sounds mature. I think 24 for me is going to be the fill in year between making up for lost time through worry and actually thinking about my future.

I intend to continue my journey of trust and exploration but maybe start putting some money aside for a rainy day. I think my decisions need to start being supported by a small contribution of rationale thinking.

I have no firm goals, I'm in a content place surrounded by some specially selected amazing people. I'm kind of on the fence, not a place I'm used to being, but the view from here looks just fine.



Gemma xx

I'm about as ready as I will ever be..

Too much time is wasted, waiting to be ready. There is never a time we know exactly what we should be doing, where we should be going and who with.

You can only challenge yourself today, to be a better you tomorrow. No matter if you do something you hate, you’re learning and you know not to do it again. But until you do it, you’ll never know.

Mostly, you’ll love it; love the challenge, the butterflies and the experience.

We have to be lost, to be found and life begins at the end at the end of our comfort zone. 

Life is too short, to think what if.

Take risks, push yourself beyond your fears and live a life you never thought possible. 

Go buy that outfit you've had your eye on, start that new exercise regime or tell someone something you've been holding back.

Have a good day

Gemma xx