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

Book Review; The Stark Trilogy

After reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy and the first 3 books of the Crossfire series, I decided to do a little hunting for books on the erotic/erotic romance genre while waiting for the 4th book of the Crossfire to be released - and up popped the Stark Trilogy by Julie Kenner. This has a sort of similar plot to the other 2 series, but it does have its difference.

Release Me (Book 1)
When you first start reading this book the first chapter and a bit you find out all about Nikki and it kind of sets the scene of why she's in LA, her new job, why she's at this specific party. Then a little while later (I think about the latter of Chapter 2/chapter 3) Nikki meets Damien. She kind of explains what she knows about him, about his celebrity status etc. So we get to know the basics.
 
I won't give away too much, but for me at first I thought Damien was a bit of a prick, until I kind of warmed to him as I got to know him. But I also kind of wasn't sure if I liked Nikki at first either, although I grew to like her as the book went on and began to see a little of myself in here!

What you realise first of that these characters aren't clean cut, unlike the Crossfire series (which I personally love, but thought everyone kind of looks beautiful no matter what) these characters having exterior and interior beauty, along with a lot of pain. And that's what I found intriguing in these books more then anything - was trying to figure out what had happened to the characters and how it may effect the story plot - which it kind of does, a lot.

If you are expecting straight into sex with this book, you are definitely going to be disappointed, unlike Fifty Shades and Crossfire, this book makes you wait until chapter 20 - just over 200 pages in. Despite it being worth it, and you'll see why once you read the book, it did make me just want to say "get into bed already" with the sexual tension. They do have an encounter earlier on in the book but nothing physical between them goes on - I'd personally say its more emotional and verbal.

I did enjoy this book despite having to wait, and it did intrigue me what the second book would cover.

Claim Me (Book 2)In book 2 we sort of carry on where we left off from the first. This book had a little more sex in it, but there wasn't much more, which did leave me a little disappointed. I also did prefer Damien's character in the second book then in the first, but I still wasn't on Team Damien just yet. I adored Nikki's character in the second, I found she had gained a lot more inner strength but

still showed that she had her weaknesses no matter how much she tried to fight and hide from them.

In the second book, Nikki has a bit more of a 'celebrity status' and this does change Nikki's overall outlook, but her personality is very much the same and she's very insecure about things.

Towards the end of the second book though, I couldn't decide if I hated Damien or if I liked him. I'm not one for secrets - and he did spring out a huge one, and lied to Nikki. Which, with the entirety of the lie, pissed me off with the character (I know its not real, but I get very immersed when I read!)

I did feel for Nikki on the job front though, as she didn't really have much luck. But she did have amazing sex...

I did find this book focused a lot on the romance and developing feelings between the two characters. Although I did like the fact that her friends weren't always at the forefront of the storyline, but did add to it in dramatic effects as well. It was perfectly balanced.

Complete Me (Book 3)
Well, out of all three books I found this one the most emotional. To me it had the most impact, and quenched my desire for the characters to become more true to themselves and to each other. I personally thought in this book we saw the raw'er more real side of the multi billionaire, universe running, sex god who played tennis - and it was refreshing.

I also liked how when Julie Kenner wrote this trilogy, that Nikki's character didn't drastically change overnight since being with Damien, which I found in Fifty Shades and a bit in the Crossfire series, that the characters just miraculously adapted to the new life a lot easier then what someone in reality would.

I think this book also had a rather dramatic, yet adorably sweet ending. Admittedly, I cried and definitely got wound up into all the drama.

My only fault with this book was, the sex was phenomenal - when we had it. I personally thought in the third book, we didn't get a lot of the thoroughly detailed sex, only Nikki's want/desire for Damien and to have it. I think had there been a few more detailed times, it would have improved the book slightly.

AND... What a cliffhanger, yet absolutely amazing bombshell at the end of the book!!!!

Overall
I really enjoyed the Stark Trilogy, I still personally have the Crossfire series as my number 1, but this does par up well with Fifty Shades. I think there could've been a few improvements here or there - but I really liked how the characters developed and I did like how Nikki's character changed, but only slightly as time went on. 
My only main fault with the whole Trilogy is the fact that I don't hardly recall Nikki ever having a period?! Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was all the sex and none of mother nature popping her head in? The only other fault is that, I know there are mini little follow up Novella's about Nikki and Damien which Kenner has written BUT if you don't own a kindle you can't read them, as I can't find them in paperback (annoying).
However I do know there is a spin off about Jamie called Tame Me - so if you want to find out more about Nikki's best friend/roommate this is meant to be a good read!

I would totally recommend this if you enjoyed Fifty Shades and want a storyline very similar with a mix of the Crossfire series and Fifty Shades.

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

OOTW; Das Rock Haus Skirt Review

Today's OOTW is the first of 2015 and its a review of the gorgeous Das Rock Haus Olga Wrap Skirt!

OOTW

Olga Wrap Skirt, Das Rock Haus - £33.74 (converted into GBP)

White Long Sleeved Top, Novelle - £8
Long Apple Pendant, New Look - £5 (discontinued)
Stone Patent Double T-Bar Pumps, New Look - £7
Coral Headband, New Look - £5

Review
When the lovely Fiza contacted me about reviewing a skirt for Das Rock Haus I immediately jumped at the chance! The choice of skirts are wonderful and they are all so pretty and beautiful! Fiza and me discussed which would be best and I had a look, but I fell in love with the Olga and I'm so thrilled with the way it looks. Seeing as the skirt came from Singapore, I expected what with the Royal Mail for the skirt to take a little while to arrive but it arrived in 5 days which took me by surprise! When the skirt arrived it came in this wonderful mesh bag, with the ribbons tied in a bow. I completely loved the presentation of the skirt too, it was just the extra touch that makes the difference!

The fastenings are hook and eye fastenings which I honestly love, it's a more comfortable fit and no buttons coming off or loose! All you need to do is, take your measurements and the skirt's fastenings are done to your measurements for a perfect fit - which I honestly LOVE! I always have a problem when it comes to the 'right' size on my waist, and I think this is the perfect idea for an amazing fit!

I honestly love the fit on my figure - I'm an hourglass (with a little extra sand!) and I really love how this comfortably sits on my waist and doesn't dig in when I sit down. The wrap around skirt also helps to weight the skirt down a little so no awkward moments of the skirt flaring up when its a bit windy. I'm not wearing any shape wear with this skirt either. This skirt will be perfect for the hot Spring and Summer to come!

The skirt is a light weight material with a gorgeous triple bow detail on the top hem of the skirt - its the perfect touch to this already stunning skirt!

I give the Olga Wrap Skirt a 10/10!

Love

Emma Victoria
xoxox

Vlog - A Day at the Rugby

I did a little vlog of my day yesterday when I went to The Stoop with my best friend to watch my team the Harlequins play Leicester Tigers!!

If you enjoyed please like & subscribe!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxo

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

Review; Fifty Shades Negligee & Underwear

I've been totally in love with the Fifty Shades collection since reading the books - I've turned into a bit of a fan girl if I'm honest! I have 2 mugs, one being the official 'Laters Baby' mug which is amazing and another which was a gift from my lovely friend. However, a friend suggested to me that I look at the collection which is being sold in Tesco - and I'm so glad I did!! I actually had a voucher from Tesco too for clothes, so I happily went and spent it on these beauties!

Satin Chemise

On my initial scroll through to decide what I might get, I saw these and fell in love! Two of my favourite things ever; satin and beautiful negligee! I love the simplicity and elegance of these and as soon as I tried them on, I didn't want to take them off! They come in two colours Duck Egg Blue and Black.

On the centre of the bust on each chemise is a little bow with the Fifty Shades Freed key; I think this is a really lovely touch and adds a tiny amount of glitz to the overall beautiful item! On the hem of the bust is stunning scallop edge lace, and the straps on the garment are adjustable - perfect to help the ladies sit nice and comfortably! The garment sits about thigh length, although I'd recommend if bending down or over to cover yourself - it can be a little revealing! The feel of the item, is a super soft stretchy satin and is really comfortable to wear at night.

I got mine in a size 18-20 and the fit is definitely comfortable - as said above the material is a little stretchy to help accomodate.

Black Satin Chemise - £19.50
Duck Egg Satin Chemise - £19.50

Kimono

The next item is the Satin Trimmed Kimono robe - when first putting this on, I was a little confused as I wasn't sure how kimono's work but soon figured it out. The robe itself is a beautiful soft cotton with the trim of the gown in a satin ribbon - a lovely elegant touch.

I got mine in a size 18-20 - however I do feel this is actually quite big on me when not tied up extremely tight (like the image). On the back of the neck, and on the end of the belt ribbon you have the Fifty Shades Darker emblem sewn on - again another really nice touch to the garment.

The garment sits about thigh length, and again be warned when bending over - although you don't do much bending in bed, only when you get up in the morning. This is a really cosy and comfortable item, and I can't wait for the really cold days to wear this and cuddle up in it! This is perfect for the elegant yet sexy look, and is perfect for not revealing too much but still enough to tease (I like to tease!).

Black Satin Trimmed Kimono - £19.50

Anastaisa Pleated Balcony Bra and Pleated Briefs

So I was totally drawn in by the Anastatsia set. I love the pleated ribbon design (pleated designs are definitely my weakness). Now my actual bra size is a 44DD, but recently, I've being losing weight and getting fit, so toning up and my body proportions are out of control at the moment. So I tried "sister sizes" which kind of worked. I got the bra in a 38E and if I'm honest, all I need is a bra extension clip and its pretty much a really comfy fit! The bra is underwired and has padded cups; the cup holds the ladies well and give me support and lift (which if I'm honest, I was surprised it did!). The pleated duck egg ribbon goes up on the straps, and over the cup and with a little bow and key charm in the centre of the bra and bows on the end of the straps which attach to the cup. 

Looking at the knickers, I got the high briefs, as I don't wear thongs that often and these are really comfy. I got these in a size 22 and fit perfectly. The back is a sheer black mesh material (very cheeky) and is really comfy. The front of the knickers have the signature bow and key charm as do most of the other items.

These are really really comfortable - and wore them for a whole 12 hours without feeling uncomfy at all - the bra gave me enough support just as much when I wear my actual bra size. This set is really elegant and charming. Its reserved but shows enough, which in the book is a good representation of Ana. The Anastasia set comes in either Black with Duck Egg Blue ribbon or White with Grey Ribbon.

Black Anastasia Pleated Balcony Bra - £19.50
White Anastasia Pleated Underwired Bra - £19.50
Black Anastasia Pleated High Briefs - £9.50
White Anastasia Pleated High Briefs - £9.50

Elena Lace Brazillian Briefs 

On the Elena Lace Brazillian Briefs the whole of the back is a sheer elegant yet risqué eyelash lace which has a comfortable cut along the bottom. The front has a panel with a golden pink back, covered in lace. The modesty panel, is a satin material on the outside and a cotton on the inside. The briefs has a low cut on them, which I'm normally not a huge fan of as these can be uncomfortable and roll down if you aren't gifted with a flat stomach like myself - however for me they did stay up very comfortably and I didn't feel uncomfortable with the lace either. As on the majority of the other items, we have the signature both and key charm - I definitely like the re occurrence of the charm as its just a lovely little detail.

I got these knickers in a 22, and are a perfect fit.

Elena Lace Brazilian Briefs - £9.50

Laters Baby Eye Mask

I really love the simplicity of this eye mask, I love the duck egg colour and the sewn lettering of Christian's famous phrase 'Laters Baby x'. This has a soft ruched ribbon going round the back of the head and has an elastic too. The mask is a satin material with a soft cushioning over the eyes and is very comfortable to sleep in; it does what it says on the tin really and blocks out light. I hate having light in rooms, I have to sleep in pitch black, and unlike other eye masks which do let light in, these don't at all & they are comfortable!

Duck Egg 'Laters Baby' Eye Mask - £5.00
(Unable to find link currently)

Overall I really loved these products! They were comfortable yet made me feel sexy, which is something I feel I've been lacking in lately these past few months! I don't think its even possible for me to pick a favourite, I love them all way too much to describe!

The collection is affordable too, which is something I really like. Sometimes I feel things can be overpriced but these haven't, so big thumbs up for that! The collection is also simple, and not "too over the top" I think it could've gone either way of really elegant, simple yet successful OR it could've been done badly, tacky and be a disaster. I'm just glad its the first one!

I know there are releases of other products such as nail varnish by OPI in January, so keep a look out for other products if you love Fifty Shades!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; The Christmas Edition '14

Well, its Christmas Eve! Which means today's OOTW is going to be what I'm wearing over the next 24 hours... and the last OOTW of 2014! I normally go super super elaborate at Christmas, with a gorgeous dress; which I did actually purchase. But sadly after feeling a little bit low emotionally the past few days I went and bought a more casual comforting outfit to try and make me feel a little more 'cuddled'. (Silly I know, but its the little things).

I do feel a little upset and let down that I feel so low at this time of year, seeing as I've been so excited for Christmas since November but alas that is life sadly!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Tonight I'm going to be wearing my new pyjama set from New Look's plus size range 'Inspire' ...
As you can see I opted for the 'I'm a train-wreck' look with unbrushed hair and no make-up and also posing next to my natural habitat...

Navy Fairisle Jogger Bottom Pyjama Set, New Look - £11
(Bought in Sale - Reduced to £4)

Oh I Wish It Could Be Christmas... Everyday!

So as I said, its very casual this year, unusual for me, but I just honestly don't feel in the mood. People should be glad I'm even making an effort to put make-up on if I'm honest!

Black, White & Grey Long Line Jumper Dress, Peacocks - £18
Slub Cable Knit Cardigan, Peacocks - £25
Large Bun Hair Donut, Peacocks - £3
Baby Pink Glitter Bow, Beauxoxo - £5

My face is also very very plain, I'll probably rub some glitter rub on me on the day if I can find it and pop on some perfume - but otherwise I'm sticking with foundation and mascara.
Base is;
Collection 2000 Concealer in 01 Fair
2True Concealer in 01 (Under Eyes Only)
Rimmel Match Perfection in Ivory
Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Ivory
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

My hair is very simple, just up in a bun using a large hair donut and added a cute bow for some cuteness.

I also painted my nails (sorry for the messy edges I literally just painted them and hadn't cleaned them up yet!). I used a matte varnish for the first time ever. I used the Barry M Matte Nail Paint in Shade ' Crush' number 441 - its mix between a deep purple/plum and a rich burgundy, I can't really decide. But I'm very impressed and this is my absolute favourite shade right now!

Well I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, not sure if I will be posting up a Saturday post this week as I'm going to the rugby in Twickenham on Saturday but we'll see... If not I hope you have a Happy New Year too!

See you guys soon!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Oh Christmas Tree...

Today's post is just going to be a picture post of my lovely Christmas tree all decorated. I added some more hints of gold and added some black to my tree for a slightly more 'glamorous' vibe, I didn't go overboard, but kept it simple with a few statement baubles. Clashing glamorous with a Nordic touch!!

My gorgeous Tree!

Mixing the Black and Gold Glamour with the sweet Nordic style

White and Gold

My new favourite decoration. Glass bauble with sticks
 and fake snow. Beautifully rustic

My mum is going for a Great Gatsby theme downstairs, and the Black and Gold
co-ordinates with our theme!

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

The Christmas Tag

The lovely Bex from Eclectic Bex tagged me to do the Christmas Tag; so here it is....

1. What are your favourite Christmas Movies?

Hmm this is already a toughie for the first question! There's many films I really love at Christmas, I've pretty much seen every movie they have on the Christmas 24 channel too. But I'd probably say I really love Jack Frost. It was very much a love or hate film.. But everytime I see it, it makes little old me cry...

2: Do you open your Christmas presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

My family open our presents on Christmas morning, but we also have table presents. We don't do crackers in our house, so we do a £5 table gift instead of the cracker, something someone may like or a little joke present. Its just a sweet little tradition we've had for quite a few years.

3: Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

As sad as it sounds, I don't have a favourite. I've always enjoyed Christmas, I've never really ever had a bad Christmas, but I don't have one memory that stands out overall. (Oh god how sad and boring do I sound!)

4: Favourite festive food?

Oh golly I do love a mince pie - but not the traditional ones. I really like the Cranberry ones I make, I think I might have to put the recipe on here one day, cause they are so delicious, and are a little healthier too!

5: Favourite Christmas Gift?

Oh golly another tough question. Again I don't really have a favourite but if I had to pick it would be between the handmade bunting my Aunt made for me a few years back, my Pearl Coat I got as an early Christmas gift this year as I needed a new coat and my sewing machine last year. I can never pick one, but I'm always very grateful for what I receive from anyone, big or small.

6: Favourite Christmas scent?

Cinnamon, Gingerbread and Mulled Wine.

7: Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
My mum always cooks a special Christmas Ham that we have, and I normally watch all three Robbie the Reindeer short movies along with a Bailey's Hot Chocolate.

8: What tops your tree?

We have 2 trees in our house, one in my bedroom, just of decorations I've liked or gotten over the years and downstairs we have the main tree which is always decorated in luxurious gold... both both tree's a topped with a Star.

This year we also have a third tree - our Gatsby Tree. We've gone for a roaring 20's theme this year, introducing some blacks. Plus I just love Gatsby and the Gatsby inspired decorations in my nearby garden centre. This is topped by a Masquerade Mask.

9: As a child what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

I don't think I ever had one which was so wildly extravagant - I was a very basic child. Jesus I never realised how boring I can be ha! Unless my parents can think of any...

*Toodles off to ask mother*... "

10: What is the best part about Christmas for you?

The best part of Christmas for me, is seeing how happy it makes Children, The way their faces light up, seeing the lights and seeing Father Christmas. Its the happiness of the Children that makes me so happy and cheerful at this time of year. Children make Christmas for me.

I tag anyone who reads this to do this tag.. but I shall definitely say that my lovely fellow bloggers Stephanie Maverick should do this tag & so should Hayley from Lady Haze of Vintage! 

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

(P.S I also just want to say a huge thank you for getting my little 'baby' blog to 40,000 views! Guess it isn't really a baby blog anymore!)

OOTW; A Vintage Christmas

Today I have a classically elegant outfit for you, perfect for the chillier days which we are in now...
I don't sport trousers much, but I seriously can't get enough of my Swing Trousers from Collectif. I've been moving a little away from the 50's over the last few weeks, I still pretty much live that era, but I've been dabbling further back into the 40's, 30's and even more so the 20's (I've watched Gatsby far too many times in recent weeks).

So I just wanted a simple look, swing trousers, jumper, coat, something I'm probably going to wear to Winter Wonderland this weekend. I've just been enjoying playing around with different era's lately. Something I may do more often.

Red & White Nordic Jumper, Next - Around £25
(Bought as a Gift to me)
New Look Black Cinch Belt - £5
Frankie Swing Trousers, Collectif - £45

Red Chiffon Head Scarf, eBay - £4

Ankle Boots, Next - £36

1930's Pearl Coat, Collectif - £185

This outfit is mainly based around the crossover of the 1930's to the 1940's. Although this coat is just so darlingly versatile, it could even pass for the 20's. I just love crossing era's over. This outfit is just a simple throw together of several things. Underneath I just have a vest, usual underwear and a pair of tights  and fluffy socks to keep me cosy warm.

My make-up is just the usual thin winged liner with beautiful round lips. I made my cupids bow really prominent and went above my natural line for a more dramatic look. I used the MUA Luxe lip lacquer in colour 'Reckless'. I've also just been putting my fringe into a mini pomp lately as I'm indecisive as to what to do with it... Keep it or grow it out?

For my eye's I just went for a faint look of the green on the inner lid blended with white eyeshadow and glittery red eyeshadow on the outer lid for that extra little Christmasy look. I also managed to get a super thin wing for my liner by using the Bourjois Clubbing Liner in Ultra Black - perfect if you want a subtle wing without being too obvious.

See you Saturday - where I'm doing the Christmas Tag! I was tagged by the lovely Eclectic Bex - make sure you go give this girl's blog a look, fab little lady!

Bex's Blog 

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Review: Hold-up Stockings from Amazon!

 So a while back I was looking for some hold up stockings that didn't cost the earth, that stood up well throughout the day and that were good quality. While browsing on amazon I came across these and thought I would take a risk. I got them in a size XL (my thighs normally fit a size 20-22) and the fit was really good, and they didn't cut into my thighs at all.

These stockings were also a really good height on the leg for me too. I normally find with stockings they go right to the top of my thigh, which sometimes is great but sometimes I like ones that sit a little lower on my thigh instead of right up near the kitty; and these ones do the trick perfectly!

So the black pair were really nice, and found they didn't ladder at all for me (despite ripping a toe nail, very painfully, just before putting these on for work) - both pairs are 20 denier and are definitely better then some of the ladder resistant stockings I've bought in the past. These isn't too much lace on the top, but just enough and the hold up tape is very hard wearing too. I wore these frequently when I had a lot of meetings and I was darting around London in a pencil skirt suit, these didn't fall down, I didn't need to adjust them at all only when I went to the bathroom.  

The white pair are really good for anyone who needs Bridal Wear and don't particularly want to wear a suspender belt. The white is really lovely and isn't a too stronger pigment (I did expect these to be more white then they are when I first bought them). They were perfect for me when putting together a winter snow themed outfit.

Both sets of hold-ups are very comfortable and haven't for me, since having them for 2 months, have not laddered at all. I personally hand wash them in cool water after they've been used and worn in shoes for many hours a day in meetings. 

Another really good thing about these stockings is that they come in various colorus as well, so you have an array of choice.

Paradise4women - Buy Here for £2.89 a set.

Emma Victoria

xoxox