Here is to New Beginnings...

Well, it has been a long time since I posted on this blog. The last 2 years have been very different and have been amazing and horrible all at the same time.

The ups included passing my driving test and buying and owning my dream car (I now have a new dream car - keep setting goals to achieve!) - for those wondering about the car I will do a whole separate post about her soon, sneak peek over on my Instagram though!

The downs involved the miscarriage of my son, Alfie being the biggest of them all. Even now I'm not quite over this and in brutal honesty I don't think I ever will be. Being diagnosed with Clinical Depression was also a very hard thing to have to come to terms with. Again, I will be doing more in depth posts regarding the above as this is something I want to discuss in further detail. The breakdown of my relationship which I believed was 'my true love' also contributed to all the rubbish that has happened.

Despite the above, I'm still here and I'm still breathing each day and making it through each day.

I will aim to post once a week, I haven't decided what day yet as I need to try and work it round my work schedule but a pattern will soon form.

I hope you enjoy the new name and layout of the blog and I hope all those who followed my journey previously will continue on the ride.. and welcome to any new passengers!

The last thing I want to say is... this blog is a safe place for everyone. If you don't want to comment publicly then you can contact me directly to chat or via my Twitter or Instagram pages. But I want people to be able to confide in me and me to be there for them - because that is what has got me through the tough times is people being there and even just being an ear to listen.

Well over and out until my next post which will be within the next week.

I love you all and here is to the new start

*champagne flutes chink*

Dating 101 - My Personal Top Tips!! (Part One)

As mentioned in my previous post I have now rejoined the dating world (I was only out for 6 months!) but surprisingly in that time I still had things I had forgotten after being in a relationship... Now, a lot of my friends turn to me when it comes to dating advice - I don't know why but they do; so I always try and give them the best advice I can give them based on the situation...

Now, before I give some situations and examples I want to just put a little disclaimer out - EVERY situation and relationship is different, not everything I can recommend is going to work, its what has worked for me in my 4 years of dating as a young adult. I am not a qualified relationship adviser, I'm just your every day 20 (nearly 21) year old woman.

(Right, now the boring bit has been done!) I'm going to try and do these posts in parts as they will be pretty lengthy going into details about the different situations - I don't know how many parts yet, but here is part one...

Example 1 - Busy? / Cancelled Dates?
This is my most current situation that I am currently in - now if one of my friends was to read this they would know my most recent ex and that it didn't end too great.
After a week of splitting up I went and had a bit of fun (its never wrong to have 'fun' just so long as both parties agree and understand the full intentions). A week later, I felt sort of ready to jump back into the pool of dating... So I did..

Now, I know it has a bit of a dodgy reputation but I joined... Tinder! Now, I matched with a guy who was very local to me, straight away we both clarified that we are not interested in just a hook-up - he is very busy with work (and I mean super busy, but we'll touch on that in a second), so we matched and started speaking on Wednesday, by Friday we had our first date. We went for a drink at a pub local to me (as we all know I don't drive so he offered to come to me), the date went well, he offered to drive me home but I was happy to walk - now, a lot of dating advice sites would say that shows I'm not "interested" but I refused purely because I; a) wanted to walk home b) he had travelled to me and I didn't want to be a bother.

Whilst on my walk home, he messaged me saying thanks for a good night, and did I want to go on a second date - I obliged as we seemed to get on well. Our 2nd date was on the Sunday, we went round his house (see what I mean about different situations? He wasn't taking me back for sex, he had been at work all day and I didn't want to drag him out somewhere when I assumed he would be tired). We ended up chatting for 3 hours, and he then dropped me home - we kissed twice on this date. And, again asked if I would like to go for a third date, so on the Wednesday, he cooked dinner for me at his house and we watched a movie. I ended up staying over at his that night... We definitely had a spark/chemistry and it felt "right" - normally for me I'd say this was going way too fast, we only knew each other a week, but I didn't feel any pressure.

So, this is when it gets tricky. We organised a date for the Saturday - all was well and it came to Saturday, now remember I said he is very busy with his job? Stuff had happened and he had to cancel.

Now you can act 1 of 2 ways... You can act;
a) Get angry, send an emotional text to go fuck himself
b) Be graceful and reschedule

Go for option B!! In a way, see it as a test, especially this early on - if you get angry/stroppy then he may just call the shots then and there, show you are a mature adult - it happens. Life can and does get in the way.

Anyway, we rescheduled for the Monday (bank holiday Monday) now with the job he does he still had to work - so I was waiting at home, as we had arranged to meet up. I messaged him about 5.40pm... I didn't receive a response till 6.20pm saying work had been a nightmare and had to cancel. So, again... I was in that awkward place of do I give him the benefit of the doubt or do I just cut the chord...

I decided to just play it cool and say its okay - I had a gut feeling that he wasn't lying to me. So I simply messaged back and said "Sucks when weeks turn shitty :/ well let me know as I would like to see you again :) xx" - I didn't go over the top I just kept it cool and made my feelings clear that I want to see him again.

Now I will update this when the fourth date is set and it goes on... but for now watch this space!

My main tip from this is to play it cool, be mature and be calm. You don't need to give an over-dramatic reaction - as you may just lose someone that is really decent!


Example 2 - Not being the Booty Call
So one of my best friend's recently came out of a long term relationship, so she really hadn't had much practice in the dating world. I frequently remind her that we have to go through the shitty dates to get a good date, and even then good dates don't always work out.

There is some guys I've been on some lovely dates with but there was no spark for me - so I stayed friends with them and now they are absolutely dear to me!

Anyway, basically she went on a date with this guy, ended up going back to his for whatever reason... ended up doing some 'stuff' (you know what I mean) but not the whole way.

Now, he texted her the following days - she is not looking to just hook up, she wants to date and see if it leads to anything...

My friend sent me some screenshots of their conversations, she was making all the effort. Literally all of it! He wasn't fussed what they would do for their second date - he is meant to be her wooing her and vice versa - I don't believe the man should do all the work, but he was doing none at all!

After reading his last couple of messages which were over 2 consecutive days; "Come c me tonight x" and "call me I'm bored x". He made no effort at any other time to contact her.

Straight away this was a red flag for me. He only contacts her when its convenient for him and he is 'bored'. Sometimes, trust your instincts - they are your best indicators. If it looks like a fish, smells like a fish and feels like a fish... Its probably a fish.

My main tip is; Find out his intentions - don't assume you shouldn't sleep with someone. If it feels right then do it, but get each persons intentions from the start before anything happens. There will always be people who lie and then flake off - but be prepared for this beforehand. Trust your instincts.

I'll leave it at these 2 for now, I'll do some more parts over the next few weeks, I don't want to divulge in loads all at once!

If you have a dating issue you want me to discuss or address then feel free to message me over on my new Facebook page - specifically for my blog! You will remain anonymous as well (its all up to you!)

Lots of Love

Emma V

xoxoxox

Coming back with a bang!

Wow... A lot has happened this year, mostly unexpected but I feel as if I'm sort of falling back on my feet again...

Where do I begin?
I lost my job, I lost my boyfriend (it was inevitable, so I wasn't really too upset - but that's besides the point) and so many people were being so negative around me... So I just sat myself down and said enough is enough. To the people who have been nothing but a downer I've disconnected from and stuck with the people who are positive and will bring me good and happy vibes - no one wants a Debbie Downer, they want a Positive Polly!

I've picked up my fitness and healthy eating again (read more about that over on my LiveHealthywithEmma blog) - after months of eating not so good food and nearly no fitness (have to say I do feel ashamed in myself) I have finally picked up and already progressed loads.

So where does that leave us with Anchors Away?
I'll be honest, the last 8 months I've really not been 'into' my blogging, I didn't want to write for the sake of writing because I knew I wouldn't be creating content to my highest standard and it wouldn't be something I'm invested into... I didn't want to hate my blogging. Now with myself being out of work (and looking for a new job) I have some extra time on my hands where I feel happy to utilise the odd bit of time to do some blogging, and bring back something that means a lot of happy and positive vibes!

---------------------------------------------------

So... this is where I come to you - please bear with me while I get some posts up and going again, tell me what you want to see!! Lifestyle, fashion, tips etc I'm happy to oblige to the best of my ability!

I'm hoping to do some OOTW posts when the weather picks up again... so watch out for them!!

I hope you are all well my darlings, and I hope 2016 has been a kinder year to you then it has to me!

Lots of Love!!

xxxx

Valentines Day... If You're Single.

Hello again! I know its been a little while since we've really been together in 2015 - I've had a lot of other commitments and 2015 is going to be a huge year for this girl! I'm going to be doing some posts all about my adventures in life this year, next Saturday is a huge one so look out for it! Emma Victoria is going up in the world and I want you all to join me on the journey!!

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Its got to that time of February where all the lovey dovey stuff is out for Valentines Day - all the adverts, all the shops everything turns into 'Love Central' but for many people across the world Valentines Day can frankly be a shit day. Some people couldn't care less (Oh how I envy these people sometimes!) but for those who do it feels like everyone in a relationship is out to remind you of how alone you feel.

So today I thought I'd write about a few things you can do to spoil yourself this Valentines Day!!

1. Get A Nice Outfit

If you are going out for the day (with family or other single friends) get yourself a really lovely new outfit - make yourself look good! Show the people what they're missing out on!
But also make sure you feel comfortable - nothing is worse then buying a new outfit that makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Go Out/Stay In
It depends on what you prefer! If you prefer to stay in and out of the way of all the people in 'love' then get a good film, get some popcorn a bottle of wine and make a good night of it! I'll personally be having a few drinks while watching the Rugby 6 nations!
Alternatively you could go out and get smashed with your dearest friends if they haven't got a Valentines - I know a few people who love this option! 

3. Give to Charity
This year I've decided to do something a little different too - I'm giving to charity. The money I would've spent on a Valentines (and a little more) is going towards Charity instead. Even if its a little amount it still makes an impact. I'm giving to 2 charities this year - two which are close to my heart - Whizz Kidz & Chestnut Tree House. 
You can even give to charity if you have a Valentines - its just giving something to someone else that may need something more then you need them box of chocolates or flowers or that new game.

4. Wine is Your Friend
I found some fantastic deals on wine in the shops these past few days all because of Valentines Day, and I mean really decent wine - so go and treat yourself, take advantage of the deals (stock up if you want too!) and take advantage of not having to share that bottle of wine with anyone!

5. Bake a Cake
I love baking but you don't have to bake if you don't like to! Just do something you really enjoy but don't always have the time to do if you aren't working! If you are working, why not bake the day before and treat everyone at work instead!

6. Go to the Gym
Do something to make you feel good about YOU. In today's world I think people forget to do things for themselves and always do it to please other people. 

*OPTIONAL*
7. Go & See Fifty Shades of Grey!
If you love a little bit of Fifty, if you're single or have someone special in your life - go and see the movie! Book your tickets as soon as possible too!

Valentines Day is the day to love yourself and everyone around you. Drop the grudges, the arguments and the hatred and just embrace the loving and happy time, single, taken or married it doesn't matter - spread the Happiness!!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

Healthy Living - My Top 3 Fruit Smoothies

After posting up on my instagram some of the smoothies I've been having lately - all to do with my healthy living regime and I've had people asking me what my favourite ones to make are!

I'm also still setting up  my new Nutri Ninja Pro blender but for now I'm using my old blender that doesn't cut as finely at the moment! This post is about fruit smoothies, I will do another post on my top 3 green smoothies at a later date. I will also be doing a post on the other things I put in the smoothie and why I put them in.

1. Apple, Banana & Orange Smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 bananas
• 1 Green Apple
• 60ml Semi-Skimmed Milk (or whatever milk you prefer - I sometimes use Almond Milk)
• 120ml of Orange Juice - freshley squeezed from an Orange, not out of a carton!!

Method

• I put all the ingredients, finely chopped into the blender. When squeezing the juice out of the orange you may wish to sieve if you don't want the extra bits (optional).
• Pulse all the ingredients 3-4 times until items are more broken down.
• Blend the ingredients for 45-60 seconds for a smooth consistency, less if you want a lumpy/chewy consistency and don't chop up so finely. 

2. Pineapple Non-Alcoholic Piñ

a Colada

(I forgot to take a picture of this one, sorry!!)

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 60ml of Coconut Milk (Light!!)
• 1 cup of fresh chopped pineapple 
• 1/4 cup of freshly juiced pineapple juice (from the pineapple not a carton!) 
• 1/2 cup of Ice!

Method

• I crush the ice up into chunks, not cubes, it helps to just blend up easier! 
• I pop all the ingredients in the blender.
• Pulse 4-5 times
• Blend for 60 seconds, pour into a glass and enjoy!

2. Berry-Tastic Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Raspberries
• 1 cup of Blueberries
• 1 cup of Strawberries 
• 1 cup of Blackberries 
• 2 Green Apples (Or red if you prefer)

Method

• I chucked in all the berries into the blender, I finely chopped the apples and added them in also.
• Pulse for 4-5 times 
• Blend all the ingredients for 60 - 70 seconds.
• If you don't want all the seeds in the smoothie then you can sieve them out, although this is optional and depends on the individual.
• Pour into a glass, get a nice big straw and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy my favourite three fruit smoothies, let me know if you try them! 
I will be doing my top 3 green smoothies in another post!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

The New Year Way...

So what have you done for the New Year? Began a new resolution? Taken up a Hobby? Or set yourself a Challenge or two?

Well I definitely have - last weekend I had to schedule my Saturday post as we had guests down and I was working, and I didn't want to be rude to guests (politeness is key don't forget!) but I finally got round to doing this post for you! So what have I decided to do to mark the year 2015 for me...

Don't Let The People Who Hurt You Make You Cry

Over the past few year's I've often been left in tears on many occasions by people who shouldn't be hurting me - well this year, I'm not shedding any tears over people hurting me, I'll just move on and away from them. It might not sound like a particularly great thing, but it will contribute to my overall happiness!

Being Creative

I used to do Art GCSE when I was at school, despite not being the 'arty' type (as much as my teachers told/criticised me in every single lesson) I proved to myself that my teachers were wrong and I could draw - in my own way, not the way they told me was always right. So, this year I just decided I want to be more creative! Make some things instead of buying them - I've already made some really simple labels out of paper/card and recycled my old Yankee Candle pots - One for Cash, One for Pennies and One For Memories which I'll explain later...

Happy With My Own Body

I still feel as if I'm still in a huge battle of acceptance with my body, I'm still not 100% happy with the way I look and my input into my body's look. I want to make the effort of being healthier, and once my injury has fully recovered by getting back into exercise. I don't want to be 'skinny' I just want to find happiness and peace with my ongoing battle with my body - I'll probably post up some related posts as the months go on, what I'm doing, what's helping or benefiting me, and products that might be helping me.

Reading

Since about 2011 till August 2014, I sort of had a lack of picking up a book and reading it from start to finish. I changed a lot as a person while at College and being ill for them couple of years (physically and mentally with battling depression and pneumonia and many chest infections). But in September 2014 I picked up a book and got hooked... Fifty Shades of Grey funnily enough got me into reading again (hold back on them crude jokes...). Ever since I've been reading these genre of books and they've really got me back into the reading bug, I hate going out without my book just in case I have to wait for a long time or get stuck somewhere! 

Rugby

This year I'm getting back into rugby - as many of you know I used to be a football supporter of Blackpool FC, after so many of the troubles at the club, I quit my allegiance of 19 years of supporting the team and supported my birth team of AFC Wimbledon - but if I'm honest, I've lost my love for the game, now days no one plays for the passion of the game, just the money. To me its like you tap a footballer and they go down as if they are injured.

If you know me personally, you'll know my ex-boyfriend was a rugby player, and I have many friends who are fans and players themselves too; so I went to a few games, and found my love and passion had gone to rugby! I've always supported rugby, and kept my eye on my team Harlequins as my mum is into rugby, but only the past two season's I've heavily been supporting. I also went to Twickenham on the 27th of December for the Big Game 7 for Harlequins vs Northampton Saints -  despite the loss, the crowd was amazing, the fans weren't split like at football, the game play itself was fantastic, and to be at the Home of English Rugby gave  me a little buzz - I love rugby more then ever (my friends will be pleased to know!) So, this afternoon, I'm off to Twickenham again! I'm going to the Stoop with my best friend to watch my team, The Mighty Quins against Leicester Tigers! 

Writing

When I was younger I used to write a lot, I used to be a poet as well as a songwriter and then I wrote short horror stories (still pleased to say that till this day Hush Before Your Words Kill Me got an A* in my GCSE coursework and my teacher said that she hadn't seen a 15 year old create such a chilling and methodical piece of work!). But since reading again, I've caught the writing bug, this time I'm writing an erotic romance. I'm not sure if it's going to be a Novel or a Novella yet, and I'm only on chapter 2 of it, but I'm enjoying the peace writing gives me late at night - when nothing else is going on and I can focus without interruptions... Who knows, you guys may even read about the lovely Grace one day if I finish the story!

Making the Effort
 
I found in recent weeks since starting my new job, I just stopped making the effort with the way I look, I just threw on my work clothes, brushed my hair, picked up my badge and bag and went to work. And even when at home, I just gave up making an effort. So now I've decided I'm going to start making the effort to look good again, I'm also going to make the effort to go out more too with friends. I'm very much a work hermit, I work at home, I go out to work and come back home to do more work. 

Making Memories

So as I mentioned above, I have a 'Memories' Jar - I'm doing something that a lot of people I've seen do the last few years and on Tumblr. Every day of this year, I will write a little note of what made me happy that day. On a lot of posts it says to wait till the end of the year to open and look at them... However with my own, it will be for whenever I'm feeling low and I start to feel like my depression is creeping back in. Its to help bring the positivity back into my life, which I've desperately lacked for years. I want to feel genuinely happy, not just like I'm putting on an act to be happy to please others.
Live Life to the Full - Do What Help's You and Makes You Smile.

Happy New Year & May All Your Wishes and Aspirations this Year come true!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Personal; I Have An Idea.

So recently, I've been thinking a lot more as to my career, my life, my job. I've been planning the next few years roughly in my head like the boring stuff of wanting to ideally be moved out by 21, pass my test, get a decent car, spend 2 years at this job and possibly then start looking at another, the trivial things really.

But one thing that has always bugged me, that I know I'd never have the guts to do would be to start up my own business. I have so many ideas stuck in my head; in my dreams I have my own mini empire of an array of my ideas being successful... But I know in reality, I can't and first and for most don't have the guts to take such a huge financial risk right now or maybe ever.

I admire anyone who starts up their own business, and follows that dream. I think what bugs me is that I wouldn't know how to do it for a start. What to start with and who to start with - its all just confusing, its not as simple as writing something down on a piece of paper. It takes time and a lot of money.

Another thing that bugs me personally, is that I feel that I'm not smart enough, like no one will take me seriously, my family and friends say I'm smart but I don't feel I am. I know you don't have to be smart to run a business, but I just feel like I'd make a mockery of myself.

So do any of you have a dream that maybe your too scared to pursue or delve into? If you are, what makes you feel like you can't, and do you think you ever will?

Do you have any good advice?

Emma Victoria

xox

(P.S Don't forget to check out my Haul Video on my YouTube channel which I uploaded yesterday!)

Why Can't I Run... & Fitness Revelations

So let me explain the first part of the title... Its not that I can't physically run, I can, I have been properly for a little while now; but why can't I run WITHOUT people staring at me (my tits) as I run.

It makes me feel like I'm some sort of show, and its horrible! I just want to make myself feel good by going for a run, to help me lose weight and get fit - but I can't without a load of people staring at my bouncing bosoms.

And let me just justify here too... It isn't just men, I'm not slamming men at all, but women stare at me too! Both are as bad as each other, and both make me feel like my boobs are an attraction and they have a right to stare at them... which they do not.

Now for the other part... my fitness revelations. I've always, and I mean always, hated doing

fitness/exercise in public or near other people. If I went to my old gym, I'd go at a time where there is no one around, and I mean no one, the only person is the 2 Personal Trainers and the receptionist.

But since doing my short little road runs a few times a week, I've never (touch wood) yet had anyone laugh at me for going for a run. If anything I've had people say nice things to me; for example...

"Keep going, you're doing great!"

"Work Hard, Get rewards... you're great girl!"

And it's been a total wake-up call that people haven't laughed at me, and my attempt at running. If anything people are happy I'm making an effort.

I just want to clarify as I'm going to write a little more about my lifestyle changes and healthy eating (notice I said healthy eating, NOT a diet!) that I'm doing this for myself, my health and my fitness. This isn't to benefit anyone but myself.

I currently feel a bit horrible in my body at the moment, and I'm not going to get skinny, that isn't my aim. I just want to be fit, healthy and able to do a few more things which may have suppressed me in the past and to feel happy and comfortable in my body. I'm not getting skinny, so please pretty please don't have that rant at me!!

Emma Victoria

xox

Book Review; Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy

Okay okay, I know what you're thinking "everyone's read Fifty Shades, everyone knows about it" BUT I only just read the books in September, a few years after everyone else and the initial release. I tend to do this mainly so no one can tell me what happens when they see I'm reading it, and I like doing things out of the hype.

So, normally, I wouldn't talk about anything so personal, but this book has really brought it out into the light for me, I do enjoy these sexual erotic books - they reflect how I may feel, or what its like to be in that situation, a sense of escapism. I do enjoy being tied up, I have been for personal reasons and for modelling work which I've done. I enjoy it.

So I'm going to address each book one by one... I'm going to try and not spoil anything for those who are interested in reading but haven't yet, so what I write will be rather cryptic.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Book 1)

I took the first book on holiday with me, knowing I wouldn't finish it, because when I read, I read about 1 chapter at a time, but with this book I read about 7 chapters at a time. My best friend had to try and stop me from reading, I probably could've finished the book by the Wednesday (I started reading it on the train journey on Monday to my holiday) but I tried to savour the book so I could read some for the journey back... Which was unsuccessful. 

I really enjoyed the first book, and I really mean enjoyed. I kept giggling and got so wrapped up into it, I swear my life became a vortex, everything made me question what was going to happen with Ana and Christian, what does he really want, what are his problems, I questioned everything. I completely love how the book is written.  I personally adore Ana's character, I like how weak she can be, but so passionate and open minded, and super curious; in a way, I can see myself in Ana. In all honesty, I kind of cried at the end of the book, I couldn't believe Ana and what she had done, I wanted to kind of shake her and shout at her, but at the same time, I understood why she did what she had done.

Honestly, I'm gonna be pretty shallow and obvious here but I also completely adore Christian's character, although not so much in this book, more so in the second. I think the best part of Christian for me personally, was how quickly he had mood changes, like the slightest thing effected him. I saw this as a highlight mainly because, it brought a sense of urgency and unknown to his character - unpredictability.

I really like the fact that EL James stretched the fact in the book, that if anything was to happen it would be on Ana's terms, hence why Christian offers what he does. I did find this book did have a bad reputation at first, I still do now. I have found a lot of people think this book is about an abusive relationship which it is far from. From my perspective of reading, its an erotic novel based on the ideas of SOFT  (yes, soft, I know what hard is.) BDSM relationships. There is much worse that could

have been done, and Ana in fact asked for the worst (you'll know what I mean if you've read it).

I'm personally not a fan of books which takes the plot super slowly, like this book is based over just a few weeks, however, I'm swayed. I love the details and the depth EL James has gone into in this book, I love the sex scenes and how they've been written and how they develop. My favourite sex scene in this book is probably when Christian says to Ana it's all about touch...

LOVE - The plot, the sex, the characters - EVERYTHING. The perfect 1st book to a Trilogy in my honest opinion.
HATE - I can't really fault anything at all!

Fifty Shades Darker (Book 2)
Personally, I really enjoyed this book, as this flourishes the characters into a whole new light, and how they must adapt to each other, the differences between them and their relationship. At the beginning of the book it continues straight on from the first, however a few days later. Ana has been away from Christian; but things change very quickly.

I really didn't expect the plot to take the turn that it did, but I think it was a good move, however an obvious one. I think Ana does represent how a lot of women feel though, with her self-

confidence low, and that she isn't attractive, like she doesn't understand why she gets so much attention, good move EL James!

Personally, I really like the second book, just as much, if not a smidgen more then the first. I like how this book delves a lot more into Christian and his problems, I find you can understand his character a lot more, why he acts the way he does and why he is so possessive over controlling everything.

Again, I cried at this book... more then three times (is that even acceptable?) but I'm only going to tell you three of them. One was when Leila (one of Christian's exes) is out after them (I will say no more unless you read it!), and I totally feel for Ana when she is with Ethan (her friends brother), I kind of want to get drunk with her. Another, when Christian couldn't be found (I cried for several reasons, not only when they couldn't find him, but why couldn't they, and Ana's reaction to it all just broke my heart in two). And one of the other times was near the end of the book, all I'm saying is... Christian's Birthday, his parents house, the boathouse.... That is all.

This book had be enthralled into it and with the Characters. I read this book in under 2 and a half days it was that good... My favourite sex scene would have to be on the billiard table...

LOVE- Understanding Christian a lot more, the HUGE event towards to the end of the book (which I can't say for those who haven't read the book!)
HATE - Ana's boss (he's just a dick to be really honest).

Fifty Shades Freed (Book 3)

If I'm going to be brutally honest, the first few chapters confused the hell out of me. I have no idea whether we are in the present, the future or the past. I would say, for me, that it just feels like EL James is counter referencing, like flashbacks. Had this have been written as it happens in the present, maybe it would unfold a little differently and be less confusing; but I don't know.

I did find that the book lacked the thorough detail it had in the first 2 books for example at the big event at the start of Freed (again, I'm being cryptic so I don't ruin it for others). It was a perfect chance to really delve and explore their compassion and love, but it all just seemed a bit rushed to me... Which I found disappointing.

However, for me, the redeeming part (and the best part) I found was that the sex in book 3 is MUCH more entertaining and better then in the first two. They are more experimental and Ana gets more of an insight into what Christian likes, and soon finds that she actually grows to like it too.

When I get into something, I get into it pretty deep, so I've really been grasped into this book - which is a sure fire way to know I like something, cause if I don't like it, I get bored and stop doing it (bad attitude I know, but that's me) but I just can't but these books down, the plot in book 3 is drama filled, and kept my heart racing quite a lot. I think by chapter eleven I was already a pool of emotions - and for me, I felt like I was in Ana's shoes, like I was in her situation.

I do have to say though, I'm not a big fan of how quickly the book would jump days, the first 2 books had most days in concession of each day, but in Freed days were jumped a lot more, and I think good scenes in the book, which could've added a real depth to it, where missed or jumped forward; which I personally think is a real shame.

LOVE - The Sex Scenes & Ana standing up for herself more (and the car chase... and the sex after the car chase...)
HATE - The drama towards the end of the chapters - I was genuinely scared for Ana for several reasons - one being Christian.

Overall
I loved this Trilogy; I managed to read all 3 books in just under 2 weeks. I can't remember the last time I read a book, let alone 3 books in such a short amount of time. If someone was to say to me to re-read these books in 2 weeks time, I'd accept happily. The Characters are so well developed and renowned, its really made me want to find my real life Christian Grey (it would help if he was a multi-millionaire too, but hey... a girl can dream). I also love how EL James writes the emails in the book... Christians signature's would really make me crack up with that schoolgirl giggle sometimes! I always looked forward to reading their emails in the book!

My favourite out of all three would definitely be Fifty Shades Darker, I love the progress of the characters and how the develop, argue, flourish and find where each of themselves stand; both in a way, finding their true identities, which have been shielded away or yet to be uncovered fully.

"Do you think there's potential for a fourth book?" I think there is plenty of story to carry it on from a few years later and/or Christian's perspective like we get at the end of Freed in the "Meet Fifty Shades" section. I think EL James would have a tough task writing a fourth though, as it would need to be on the same level, if not better then the first three to recapture the readers (Although I'd die if there was a fourth book I'd want to read it right away!).

However, I'm now moving onto another series of books, again which are erotic fiction. If you enjoyed this review, please let me know, and I will post a review of the next series that I'm reading!

Emma Victoria

xox

"Emma, Where Were You?"...

Image, MUA & Post-Processing - Chris Barnham Studio

Its been a little while hasn't it my dears? I do hope you enjoyed my first post back on Wednesday with the outfit. I thought today I'd just do a little catch-up post, a bit of a lengthy one, just so I can contain some of the things I've done over my 2 month break and whats going to be changing on the blog for the near future.

So... lets get the boring yet vital bit out of the way. The blog is going to change a bit, nothing huge or anything, but I just want to not restrict myself. What I mean is I don't want the blog just to be known as a beauty blog, a lifestyle blog, or a fashion blog. I want my blog to be about me and what I enjoy. So I'm probably going to do some posts which are slightly more personal, what I might be doing, my ideas, just thoughts, book reviews, I may even just post a simple picture post without any writing. Like an inspiration board, a positivity board etc. I want the blog to reflect me as a single person, not just the things I'm interested in.

The schedule is also changing ever so slightly... Instead of an outfit post every week, I'll be doing them every 2 weeks... Due to some reasons in my personal life, which are explained below, I won't have time to document an outfit a week or do a lengthy post on a saturday each week, so I hope this is okay!

As you know, I also took a break from modelling, mainly because I felt a lot of stress, paranoia and my self-confidence slightly getting to me, and honestly, I needed the break, its given me time to brain storm, re-think where I want to take my modelling, what I want to achieve. I only had one shoot during this time and it was with my regular studio who I work with (Barnham Studio), and again it was a short shoot where we got some simple work done. (Images below from shoot)

                                                               















Being Fancy
Well on the 6th September, I ended up going to a fancy ball. And by fancy I mean, really fancy. Pretty much all the people there were wealthy, posh and they were wearing designer dresses, I felt like bursting into tears like I wouldn't fit in or anything, but I had never been welcomed so beautifully into a community. Despite not being rich or particularly posh I managed to grasp onto how to become a real lady that evening with thanks to Oscar who accompanied me and taught me some etiquette. Due to the prestige of the event I wasn't allowed to take pictures of the place we went to or the event itself, as they had professional photographers and such, but as we drove up the drive (and yes, we had a posh car thanks to my chaperone who is a bit well off, we didn't get the bus! We went in a black Mercedes, although I don't know what type, I'm a bit dumb when it comes to cars) the mansion was lit up in the dark night sky, we arrived at around 9.30pm and I had never seen anything more beautiful in my life, I'm glad I went for a simple look for this event. 

I was taught how to dance in a long formal dress, I was taught about classical music, as to which I now can't stop listening to (Pachelbel's Canon in D Major is definitely one of my favourites now!), I was taught all about the cutlery, how to eat properly, and a whole host of other things. And the best part was, the fact we had a very rich entrepreneur and his utterly gorgeous wife on our table, they helped me and spoke to me as if I were one of them. They even told me I'd be perfect to have a rich husband... still hope for me yet!

I kept my make-up super simple, and even opted to wear no eyeliner to try and be as natural as possible. I used 2 concealers, a tinted moisturiser, Collection Foundation for my face along with the Bourjois Rose D'Or blush. I stuck to a soft champagne and soft pink for my eye shadows to reminiscence elegance but to also just make my eyes pop a little, I used a light brown in the crease, and slightly blended out towards the outer eye for a small smoky effect. I just used a simple gold lip gloss on my lips. And I just used my Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara on my lashes. I wore tear-drop earrings, starting with pale blue crystals and the last pendant was black which then flowed perfectly into my dress with the blue responding to my blue eyes. For my hair I went for a back combed side bun, very elegant and very easy to do. This whole look was achieved in under an hour, all by me. Not bad if I say so myself!

I got a new job!
Remember I got really fed up with my old job, which had rubbish pay (and by rubbish I mean below minimum wage). I worked about 39/40 hours a week, despite my contract which they breached and my wage per annum was about £9,500 just below. However, now I have a new job at a place I'm really excited about working at! My wage after tax is about £13,800 pa - which is a HUGE increase!
I do have to become a real financial bore now though, seeing as I need to start saving for a deposit to move out, I need to start a pension fund for when I'm older etc. So, things are getting real, I'm finally an adult. I'm not really THAT excited about it, but we all have to grow up... I guess.

The Blog
Yes I finally gave the blog another make-over... I might even stay with this one... who knows! I hope you like it! I've gone for the white. black and red approach. I don't know why, the pink just bored me a bit I guess!

A-Level Results
So I got my English Language A-Level result in August. I wasn't hugely pleased with it, but I was never an exam person anyway, I did do really well in half the exam though and got an unexpected high score in it but the other seemed to be less great. Despite my slight (expected) disappointment - I've decided I still want to carry on writing and doing reviews and stuff like that! So I thought of also encorporating articles into this blog as well as more reviews, like film, books, and other things like CD's which may take of interest too. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in, or anything you want me to do!

Well I think that's it, I'm doing a picture post of my holdiay soon and now planning posts to put up for you guys!!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Being a "Plus Size"...

This has been bugging me for a little while now... 

Yes I'm plus size.

and Yes... Men are attracted to me!!!!!!!

Honestly, the amount of times people put me down for my size and not being a size 10 doesn't bother me but what does bother me is when they think men won't be attracted to me because I'm a bigger girl.

I've battled with my weight for many years now - and only since I've started modelling have I started to learn to accept it. And since accepting it, my confidence has grown by 1000%!

But (there's always a but isn't there...) everytime I hear other people say "She's pretty but if she lost 'this much' weight then she'd get a man no problem" - I DO NOT NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT TO FIND A MAN.

Honestly, my love life isn't exactly the worst - yes I may well be single right now, but I've started dating again and seeing people! People also seem to think that I won't be able to "pull" an attractive guy because I'm not that slim... WRONG. You can't say all guys have the same taste for women, as the same for women with men and women and women and men and men and so on - you just can't!

Since dressing in this style, I get littered with compliments all the time but the most common one has to be "How do you get the confidence to wear these sort of clothes?" I didn't and sometimes I still get a bit worried if I'm pushing the boundaries too far for my figure... But why should it matter how I dress to the rest of the world! 

I know this is a kind of ranty post, but I just want people to understand that I am a human being just like everyone else, and I do sometimes get a little hurt by rude comments, whether you mean them or not. 

Another little note I'd like to add, as I still find many people at my college and sometimes even my friends think that looks are the thing that attracts you to a person - they are only a small factor, obviously you have to like the way a person looks in your eyes (not everyone is Marilyn Monroe y'know) but personality is also attractive. 


Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoox

What is it like to be a Rockabilly Girl/Pin-up Girl!

This is one question that is frequently asked to me by a lot of people for a lot of different reasons. I dress in this style nearly 90% of the time I walk out the house - if I'm not in my gear then I'm either popping out for 2 seconds, going to work or I'm not really feeling well. Now even if I'm not feeling too great I try and dress normally with the mind set of "look good, feel good" - but dressing in this style doesn't just come over night. It takes time and practice to look this way.

Lets say I need to leave at 8.15 to go to college... I have to get up at about 7am to make sure I'm ready in time. I normally plan my outfit the night before just to save a little time. If I decide to curl my hair in the morning I normally get up at 6 instead, I then spend a good 10-15 minutes doing my make-up, then about 5 minutes doing my hair. After that I slowly get dressed making sure I don't mess up my hair or make-up. Then its making sure I have my bag ready, then its finding my sunglasses, finding my heels, getting my coat, and making sure it's all still looking neat and perfect before walking out the door. 


I also do a bit of modelling alongside college and work - I'm still working with amateur photographers but working with a few more professionals at some point too. Again, I do spend ages looking good for the camera as well, as you can't be looking like a mess when going for a photo shoot.

Another problem I often face is dreaded spots, like every other human. I often get told my skin is flawless and perfect... The wonders of make-up is all I will say. My skin isn't as bad as it used to be back about 4 years ago, but even now I go through a vigorous routine to keep my skin near perfect. This can be laborious doing this twice a day but in a way its worth it. 

Another kind of issue I get addressed with a lot is people either stopping/staring at you in the street and people always kind of making a comment. People seem to kind of think I don't know I look different in my style or that I'm oblivious to the world. I mean I'm not saying anyone is nasty, but they always make a comment. I know for a fact that the people at my college seem to have an issue with the way I dress, and frankly it doesn't bother me, it's none of their business the way I dress myself. As I said I do often get stopped in the street for people commenting on my outfit saying I look gorgeous, glamorous, beautiful etc, yes this does give me confidence and that is what encourages me to dress in this style. People respect me and appreciate the way I dress - for the first time in my 18 years I've kind of felt that people like me for the way I've styled myself. On the odd occasion people even stop me to have a photo with me in the street - now that to me is something I never thought would happen! The other week when I dressed like Marilyn Monroe, I had a crowd around me to have a picture with me - THAT'S INSANE! 

There is one thing that annoys me though - its when guys think I dress in this way to please them. No, get off your high horse. I dress in this way because I WANT TO; not to satisfy you or anyone else. This is the one thing that does wind me up. Yes I have cleavage, yes I have red lips, yes I'm wearing heels but its not just for your eyes! 

Dressing in this style takes time, patience and of course money. Each month I treat myself to a new item of clothing or outfit to add to my collection. I've built my whole collection up from scratch since about February 2013 - and theoretically I've not been doing this for that long but I already have a huge amount of stuff. This style is all about bringing out your confidence, being unique and loving the style.

I know quite a few people who dress in this style and aren't necessarily into the music. Some people have said that these people aren't "true" rockabillies - who says they aren't?! I personally love the music and the style and do wish in some respect that I lived in the 50's - because life seemed to be that little more simpler then. Men were chivalrous to women and women respected men and were lady like. (Personal opinion) and I just kind of miss having a decent guy.

Being a rockabilly isn't necessarily being like Danny and Sandy from Grease, that's only one part of the scene. Fashion, music and lifestyle are a huge part of the scene too. And that's what I love so much about this scene, its so unique! 
If you want to ask any more questions about my experience of being a rockabilly/pin-up girl then please feel free, I love to answer your questions!

Much Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

Lifestyle: If You Want a Gentlemen/Lady...

This post may be a little controversial and it is only my personal opinion on the matter - so pretty please bare that in mind! I don't mind a good discussion but just no arguments please! I did ask on my facebook page whether I should post this or not and the result was yes so here it is...

This is a subject I'm asked about a lot... And it seems as if some people do want the old fashioned way to come back. I'm an admirer of the old school way and the way to act, yes we may be in the modern day but does it hurt to want to be an old school lady every once in a while? 

Issue 1 - Girls...

I often hear a lot of girls (and by girls I mean teenagers around the age of 14 - 16) say they want a true gentlemen to hold the door for them, and be a "man". However there are a couple of issues with this... 

If you want a guy to be a gentlemen, why don't you act a little more like a lady? It bugs me when girls who seem to think swearing constantly and acting like a man will attract a gentlemen... It doesn't necessarily work. For example, if you went for a job interview at a rather posh shop lets say, would you turn up in a skirt that just covers your bum and your boobs on full display? For me personally, I've changed a whole lot in the past 2 years alone - I used to swear all the time and never really acted like a lady, but now I dress accordingly and I act like a lady, I have gentlemen of all ages hold the door open for me, help me with my suitcases and heck, I even had 2 train guards at Clapham junction come over to me, just to tell me how beautiful I looked and helped me put my heavy suitcase on the train! If you want to get a gentlemen, then act like a lady, its really not that hard!

I'm not saying you have to be like the royal family, not at all, but just have manners and be polite and don't dress as if you are working at a strip club... (Personal opinion there... Oh Controversy!)

Issue 2 - Boys
Okay I'm going to be fair here, I feel sorry for you guys. Girls can be real bitchy sometimes and you are just expected to read our minds as if you know everything going on in our heads (dang us girls are complicated!). I only have 2 main issues regarding men... The 1st being don't have that chauvinistic attitude where you tell the woman to "make you a sandwich" or "go to the kitchen" that is not being a gentlemen - that is sexist. A woman will do them things for you if you RESPECT her, not if you are damn well derogatory to her and just expect her to do it anyway. The 2nd issue being... MAKE AN EFFORT. Personally, I'm a sucker for a man in a 3 piece suit (and a beard, but that's a whole other personal thing) and I've been on so many dates where the guy has just made no effort what so ever, I'm not saying dress as if you are going to a Michelin Star restaurant, but making a little bit of an effort with aftershave and a nice pair of trousers and a casual shirt won't hurt! Girls, whether we say it or not, do look for the physical features in a man - not saying you have to be Brad Pitt because each person has their own taste!

Issue 3 - Chivalry
This is my ultimate issue with the whole being a gentlemen thing... I like a man that can hold the door open for me and treat me like a lady but still respect that I am a human being and I can cope on my own. A lot of people, in my opinion, now days seem to think that if a man is chivalrous to a lady, that she is incapable of doing it herself - which is wrong. Another idea is, that people think chivalry is about treating just women correctly... BIG FAT NO. 

Chivalry is about being polite and a gentlemen to everyone, for example instead of just helping a lady you like across the street, why don't you help an elderly person? If you are a gentlemen to everyone, then that will attract the right woman! For me personally, I find it super attractive if a man helps or is a gentlemen to other people. 

Sorry for the rather ranty post, but it's something that is kind of a big deal for me and people often seem to have the wrong perception of chivalry that its just to be used towards women when really you should be a gentlemen all the time! And girls just don't seem to understand that the way you act and dress could attract the wrong sort of person that you don't desire to be with.

Its all about self perception, for me, I want a real gentlemen, not just one who is doing it for the sake of it, but is doing it because that is what he truly believes. 

Any who...

Next Saturday's post will be a review of the Soap and Glory Powder Palette - so nothing as heavy as this post!

Lots of Love Petals

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

My Private Secondary School Hell

Okay, so on Monday my friend Steff (check out her post and give her some well deserved love!) she posted her hellish story of secondary school - and I have so much respect and credit for her and for getting the guts to share her story; so much so, I thought I'd share mine with you. 

I started at a private secondary school in September 2006, I previously joined the junior school back in 2004 and then moved up to the secondary part of the whole school. I was fine in junior school, until around the end of year 6, just before moving up to secondary. I started off okay in secondary school, but I knew my experience wouldn't be plain sailing, and I was totally right.

I began to realise throughout year 7 that I definitely was not the most liked person in my year, probably safe to say I was in the top 5 of the most hated in my year. I felt pretty alone a lot of the time; I didn't fit in, and I felt hated. I even forced myself to be physically sick just so I didn't have to go in; this was a common occurrence throughout my whole time at school.

In late May 2007, I broke both of my arms, I fell after athletics and snapped both of my wrists. I had one arm in plaster cast and the other in a metal splint, I was in a lot of pain, I couldn't even feed myself without having someone to help me. And guess what the people in my year thought? That I was pretending that I broke my arms, like it was a joke. I couldn't carry my ruck sack round school, and a so-called friend was mean't to help me. I ended up having to carry my bag on my foot, while painfully holding it there with one of my fingers on the arm that was not as badly broken. This is when I realised, I just wanted to die. I became very depressed and upset, most mornings before leaving the car I would cry and beg not to go in. 

In year 8, things got worse. I had to get braces for my teeth - now lets just have a moment to imagine. I was the fat girl, who had glasses and spots and now I had braces. Things just got worse and worse. I was bullied throughout my whole time of being at secondary school. I even had a period where I wanted to kill myself, because I hated everything about my life and being at that school. At the end of every school day my friend would call me, and I could confide in him. He would comfort me and tell me I'd be out of that school and I'd prove them all wrong - I never believed him until I left school (in year 11) that it would really happen. But even for him being there for me, it still didn't make school any easier.

Midway through year 9, a girl came into my biology class, I always sat on my own so my teacher sat her next to me. And now to this day, we are really close friends. She was one of the few people who made school a little bit more bearable. Also at the beginning of year 9, another girl came into our year. She kind of got the same treatment as me - so I befriended her. None of us where liked that much, and in fact, people would often be bitchy about us behind our backs 99% of the time but we learn't not to care. 

This is when my friend Steff started hanging out a lot more, she started getting a bit of a tough time - so she joined us. (Read her post to find out why). 

The last 2 years where when I started to work hard, but still had a lot of issues. I had a lot of problems with my Art GCSE teachers - they lost my work. TWICE. This angered me so much, I'd worked so hard and they lost it. I had to give up my lunch times to re-do my work. I never got on with them, and me and one of the teachers would often have arguments nearly every lesson. Oh god she was a bitch.

My tutor who was also my drama teacher, she hated my guts. And the feeling was mutual. I genuinely hated my GCSE years the most. There was only one teacher I felt I could really trust in year 10, and that was my English teacher. She did annoy me, frankly quite a lot. But one day, I got so angry in my English class at this boy who was a complete prick. At the end of the lesson, most teachers would tell you off for storming out mid lesson. But she talked to me, like a human being, not like an idiot like the rest of my teachers often did. She made me feel like I could talk to someone. It was at this point, I did finally go to the doctor... I was diagnosed with a form of severe depression. 

I often had run ins with my teachers. My head of year and me never got on either. She always said to me I had to try and work 'harder'... I was pushing myself to the point of destruction to get my work done. But that never really mattered. In year 11, I got a new physics teacher - he was probably the nicest teacher in the world. He made me LOVE going to physics, I loved Thursday afternoons in year 11, because he was the only other teacher apart from my English teacher who I felt I could talk to. 

My school strived for being a non-bullying school, and frankly they were the opposite. If someone was to ask me to recommend a good school, I wouldn't even hesitate to tell them to avoid it. 

The day I left that school after my last exam - I felt amazing. On results day, I had to go to work, so I turned up in my work kit (which was for a football club). I was as nervous as hell, but somehow I managed to get 4 B's and 4 C's (how the hell did that happen!!).

I went back in November 2011, 5 months after I had left. The people who I didn't get on with, acted nice. I'm sure they were just being nosy as to what I was doing after I left. I went back to collect my final art pieces and guess what... THEY LOST THEM AGAIN. Again, I had another argument with my teachers. But I saw my physics teacher just before I was about to leave, and he gave me a hug and wished me the best of luck now I had left. I won't ever forget that moment, that someone believed in me. The first time, someone really had believed in me at that school was the last time I stepped foot there.

So what about now? Now I wish I could see them all again, and stick it to them. All the people that bullied me, or were nasty to me. Dressing in the way I do, has made me such a confident person compared to secondary school Emma. I now do modelling... If someone had said to me back in year 8, that I would be doing modelling, I would have laughed at the idea of it. 

I want to thank the three people who really got me through that school. I can't thank them enough for even just being there.

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

Lifestyle: Valentines Day...

'Singletons'

I know, its getting to that time of year again, where all the couples will be on overload with PDA (public display of affection) - and yes, I respect that they love each other, but what about us poor singletons left on our own... Well here is my plan!

Even though I've recently started dating guys again, (after FINALLY getting enough confidence to do so now!), I'm still going to be single on Valentines Day. So what do I plan on doing?! NOTHING!

Yup, that's right, nothing. I'm going to ignore all the lovey dovey stuff, and just carry on with my life! 

My advice to you would be to do the same, round this particular day of the year, all the people who are single seem to become super observant of all the people in relationships, and really, you are only going to make it a million times worse for yourself! 

Maybe get a DVD, make a milkshake, get your pyjamas on and relax - or go down the gym, have a really good workout and feel proud of yourself! (PSST - THE NEW LEGO MOVIE COMES OUT ON THE 14TH GO FIND A FRIEND TO SEE IT WITH YOU!!) Its all about self evaluation - and if you want to find a date for Valentines day this year or next year, then remember this "For other people to love me, I have to love myself" - men and women love people who can be confident! (If you struggle with body confidence in particular don't forget to check out my body confidence post!).

People with a Valentines

I thought it'd be nice to include both sides of the story! I've also come to realise that even the people in relationships, seem to come under a lot of discrimination for valentines day. If you do have a boyfriend/date then maybe try and do something a little different, maybe something sentimental. This year my friend has made a photo album of all the memories she has had with her boyfriend, she's handwritten them all and made it like a huge collage in a book and its absolutely beautiful. 

Instead of buying a card and flowers, why don't you make something for your loved one? It will honestly mean more then a piece of card from a shop! 

But my biggest piece of advice for you would be... be spontaneous, and no not just on valentines day - all year round. Why should it take for one day for you to show your love? Do something special every once in a while, go for a walk at midnight. 

So one thing I want to know from you guys is...

What is the cheesiest chat up line that someone has said to you? 
Mine has to be "If you stood in front of a mirror and held up 11 roses, you would see 12 of the most beautiful things in the world."

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria 

xoxox

Blogmas Day 2 - The 2013 Christmas Tag!

❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄

So my lovely friend Steff from Stephanie Maverick tagged me in this way back in November but I 
decided I would do this for my first post of Blogmas! I will be scheduling posts seeing as I'm so busy over this time of the year! 

1.  Do you prefer a real Christmas tree or synthetic?

In my house we kind of have a real and a synthetic - in my room I have a slimline 6ft synthetic tree which I put up on the 1st November (I don't care what anyone thinks - I just love Christmas so much!!). However, downstairs we have a real tree because my dad always insists on having a real tree. This year we have got to decide whether we are going to get a real one because of the puppy - but its likely we will still have one!

2.  You're in a coffee shop, it's December, what do you pick?

Hmm - I'm currently really loving the Chocolate & Orange Mocha Latte at Costa from the Autumn (I go to costa pretty much every day when I'm at college!) 

3.  Whats your favourite colour scheme for decorating the tree?

I used to be very different to my mum I always used to have just white decorations with crystal white lights and white doves but I've now kind of grown up over the years and become more traditional, much like my mum. My mum decorates our tree very rich as we believe more is less on the tree as we always get a 6ft tall tree which is very wide and bushy! This year my colour scheme for my tree is Red, Green, Gold and White.

4.  Giving or receiving?

I absolutely love giving presents no doubt about it - I do need to start making my presents for close friends and putting their bags together!

5.  To mince pie or not to?

 I had my first mince pie around mid October already - I adore mince pies and I need to make some in December for my family!

6.  What's your traditional Sunday lunch?

We kind of have a huge table full of food for Christmas, our traditional Sunday lunch we have is very boring so I'll tell you about my families Christmas dinner instead - ready for the list?...: Turkey, Ham, Pigs in Blankets (Sausages wrapped in bacon), roasted Chestnuts, Sprouts, French Beans, Peas, Carrots, sweetcorn, Roasted potatoes, mash potato, homemade Yorkshire puddings, bread sauce, gravy (2 different gravy's) and a few other things too... We are fatties at Christmas.

7.  Christmas day fashion

 Every year my mum makes me buy a new dress for Christmas - I have no say whether its a dress or not. I haven't actually got my dress yet, I haven't really seen one I've fallen in love with. We all dress up really smart and in nice clothes but this year I'm debating whether to just re-wear a new dress because of Alice as she keeps putting her muddy paws all over me and my clothes.

8.  What's your favourite Christmas song?

I have a favourite Album at the moment and that's Alexander Rybak's 'Christmas Tales' album - it had such beautiful covers on it as well. He is probably my favourite violinist - ever.

9.  What's your favourite Christmas film?

I watch around 30 christmas films per year staring on the 1st November - but my favourite Christmas film has to be ROBBIE THE REINDEER!!!!!!!

10.  Open presents before or after lunch?

Me and my mum believe Christmas is for children so we always open our presents first thing in the morning because when we were younger it meant we had all day to play with our presents until Christmas dinner at 5pm (we have our dinner in the evening so we go to bed all sleepy and our afternoon isn't wasted as we always play a family game!).

Oh this is getting me SOOOO excited for Christmas!! Not long - ONLY 23 DAYS! 

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

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