Preview of the New HomeSense Store Chelmsford

I am a true homebody and love anything to do with the home.  For me if I go out shopping, I'd much prefer to be shopping for the home as opposed to shopping for myself.  In a round about way, I have always been that way inclined, but definitely more so since living in a place of my own.  Adding the little decorative touches that I want, where I want, when I want.  

When I heard that we were getting a new home store in Chelmsford I started getting a bit excited.  The the excitement grew when I discovered it was going to be a HomeSense as our closest store until now has been either Harlow or Romford, both places I rarely visit.  Then the excitement levels hit an all time high when I was invited along to the store the day before opening for a little preview, together with a giftcard to use in store, of course I didn't hesitate to say yes.  

So Wednesday evening saw me and some fellow bloggers heading to the Riverside retail park to see what the store had to offer.  It's always an added bonus getting to catch up with some bloggy friends too, especially over a glass of something bubbly (thanks HomeSense Chelmsford).  

It is a really spacious store, spread out across 2 floors, crammed full of all kinds of homeware goodies for the eyes to feast on, a true treasure trove of home goodness.  I literally didn't know where to look first.

For those of you not familiar with HomeSense, they have everything imaginable from cushions to stationary, kitchenware to mirrors.  The amazing thing is that you literally never know what you are going to find.  With endless amounts of one off pieces you have to be quick and decisive, because if you leave something on the shelf, there are no guarantees that when you go back, someone else won't have picked it up, so it's worth grabbing a basket as you enter.  They are operated by TK Maxx only they purely just sell home goods but the concept is exactly the same.   

I know it's going to be one of those shops that will feature high up on my list of places to check out regularly and I'm already willing Christmas to arrive as I can't wait to check out their Christmas stock (sorry, I know we're still in July but this girl loves Christmas).  I can safely say the arrival of this shop is very much appreciated in my household, although my bank account may disagree.  

I was very restrained on this weeks visit though, my shopping mojo seemed to have been temporarily lost on Wednesday, so I only came away with a candle.  But I've no doubt that it won't be long until I'll be back for more.

A huge thanks for the team at HomeSense in Chelmsford for having me, I shall be seeing you all again very soon I'm sure.

~ Gem x

July Bucket List

We're already over half way through the month so this is going to be an interesting one.  I'm going to keep it short for that reason, and also as I'd mentioned in my last post there have been a few things going on in my life at the moment so I've not always been feeling up to doing much.  But a few things I'd like to try and achieve with what's left of this month are:

* Visit a lavender farm.

I have admired people's photos on Instagram of these glorious fields in the past.  This year I'd like to admire them for real and breathe in their beautiful scent.   

* Enjoy a typical British picnic. 

Complete with a blanket, a basket and lots of yummy treats.

* Enjoy cut flowers in the house from our own garden.
So lovely being able to see and smell the fruits of your own labour.

* Create a list of 30 things to do before I'm 30
I celebrated my birthday last week, turning the grand age of 29.  Just one more year till the big 3 0.  I've seen a few of these lists knocking around and as I love making a list it would be rude not to do one of my own.

So hopefully a manageable list this month but less than 2 weeks left to achieve it.  Better get my skates on.

~ Gem

Life's Journey

My life is far from perfect.  In fact, everyone's is.  It is so easy to look at other people and think that they have it all, that picture perfect life.  But of course, that is only what they allow you to see.  Now I know I am not the first person to say this, nor will I be the last.  But is is so easy to take a look at other people's blogs, Instagram feeds, the mum's in the playground, that person at work and feel a teeny, tiny bit jealous of the fantastic life that we assume they have.  However, this is just the snippet that we see, the bits they allow us to see, the bits that are public.  We are all totally unaware of exactly what goes on behind closed doors.  

I've been struggling a lot lately with some demons and I'll be honest with you, it's been really hard.  The past month has been by far the worst of my life and I'm not entirely sure that I'm over the worst of it yet.  Life is tough and growing up we all face challenges in life, some that are not very nice.  But we have to get on with it.  Face every day with a brave face and attempt to conquer whatever is thrown at us.  Some days are harder than others.  Some days you feel like giving up.  But other days there is that glimmer of something in the distance that makes you just keep going.

Life is what you make of it.  There are things that will happen that will be completely out of your control.  There will be things that you may not know how to handle and times you may think that you can't cope.  But you will and you do, because what doesn't kill you can only make you stronger, I am a firm believer in this

I'm not going to go into any details as to why I've taken some time out from this space as it's private, and I'm sure you can all appreciate that.  I feel that at the time it was the right thing for me to do and I do feel better for having taken some time out.  I'm not sure whether I will be sticking with my old routine of blogging between 3 and 4 times a week, I shall try, no promises though.  I'm just going to see how it goes and take it from there really.  I may well be returning prematurely but until I try it I'm not going to know.

The one thing that I would really like to say though is thank you for all the support I have received over the past month.  For the comments on my previous blog entry, the emails and even letters I've received in the post.  To all my friends and family who read my blog who have continued to support me with endless phone calls, text messages and love and support over countless cups of tea. It really does mean the world to me and I will be forever grateful, thank you.

~ Gem x