*This is a paid guest post.

Your wedding day should be one of the best and most memorable in your entire life. Getting all the little details right helps make sure you remember it for all the right reasons. If you’re wondering how on earth you’ll gather everything together and keep it pristine, these ideas might help.

Practical Storage

With wedding costs soaring, it makes sense to spread the expense by collecting and storing necessary but non-perishable items well in advance. The type of things to consider could be artificial flowers, table decorations, venue decorations, linens, glassware, cutlery and dishes. But also consider clothes, shoes, hats and accessories.

When you consider everything you need to make a perfect wedding day, the individual items can add up to quite a haul. Self-storage is a godsend for keeping everything together and immaculate. I live in Rotherham and there are no fewer than four self-storage units in Sheffield, within three miles of me! You’re sure to find a space in your own local area.

Look for a place with good, easy access so you can quickly nip in to drop things off. Somewhere on the main road, ideally on a route you take often but that’s not vital if it’s somewhere handy.

Have a look around the facility and choose a room that’s the right size. You can always change the size of your space if you find you need something different later on. Pick a space that gives room to install drawers or hanging rails and shelving. If you have space to display or spread things out they’re easier to find and keep track of. It’s okay to put storage furnishings into units as long as they’re free-standing so you’re not drilling or damaging the walls. 

Getting Organised from the Start

Making lists might be old fashioned and sound a bit boring, but they do work well. Because there’s so much to think about, keeping everything in your head is a sure way to miss something. Also with lists, you can share these between your helpers so everyone is literally working from the same page and knows what needs doing. Electronic lists, either on your phone or computer, are easy to share with your team of helpers and ensure you always have your list with you when you’re shopping. You can add to the list at any time without ending up with dozens of scraps of paper.

Lists also help you really drill down into specifics. You might, for instance, be devising the menu for your wedding breakfast. It’s not quite enough to choose ‘wine’. You need to decide what kind, how much, what alternatives you’ll offer to those who don’t like or want it. If you create a master wedding list for all the main categories of items you need to consider, you’ll have a brilliant starting place for additional lists that get right down to the individual aspects and items needed.

Use Plenty of Sealable Containers

Weddings are made up of lots of little details that come together into a glorious whole on the day. If you’re thinking ahead and starting your wedding collection early, you need to make sure everything stays as immaculate as the day you bought it, and that might mean for several months or over a year.

Storage tubs you can seal against dust or moisture are perfect for lots of items. Transparent ones are ideal as you can see what’s in there, but still use labels on the outside as an extra reference. If the contents of a box changes, change the label straightaway otherwise you might forget and accidentally buy duplicates.

Remember to protect items against light damage. Sunlight fades colours and turns whites yellow, so take extra care with clothing, shoes or stationery. If you choose a self-storage room for the bulk of your wedding haul, you’ve automatically got more protection since the units tend to be dark when all the doors are closed and they certainly don’t get direct sunlight. It’s something to be extra cautious about if you’re keeping things at home in a spare room.

Everyone’s needs are different, but one of the main things is to keep all your wedding things together in one place so you can see the big picture of your day coming together. Allowing plenty of time to spread the expense and enjoy the experience takes a lot of the stress out of the big day.

While you are here why not check out more of my wedding-related posts?

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In times like this, it's sometimes tough to make money especially if you are self-employed or if you are part-time, so in today's post I'll be talking you through some sites I use that have helped me earn a little bit of extra money from my blog. They are more relevant to people who are already somewhat established bloggers but that isn't stopping you starting your very own blog today!

Get Blogged

The first one I'm going to start with is my favourite at the moment and that is Get Blogged. They have clients within various niches so there is usually something for every type of blogger and their pay brackets are based on your DA score (You can check your DA on the Moz website or toolbar). So the higher your DA the more you will get paid for opportunities.

Everything is really easy to do. You go onto their opportunities page, scroll down the list to one that looks applicable to you, check out the page and all the instructions for what you need to do will be on there and then write a little cover letter to apply. There is usually a few of the same opportunity posted so you have extra chances to be picked. From applying, posting, submitting and getting paid it's all super simple.  

I have personally worked on 5 posts from Get Blogged over the last 8 months and that has been a nice little booster to my income. There is no payout threshold like some other platforms as you get paid directly after each collaboration that you do.

They also have a new marketplace, this is slightly different from their opportunities page as this is where you apply directly to paid blogging opportunities with the brands rather than it go through Get Blogged, you can also negotiate pay on most of the opportunities on the marketplace too. It is well worth checking out.

Intellifluence

Intellifluence is one I've been signed up to for a while but I have only recently gained any opportunities from them. They are very simple and easy to use. The opportunities available will be posted in the marketplace for you to apply to. The more you fill in your profile and connect your blog/social media accounts, the more opps you will see. They have a variety of opportunities available, some are paid and some are gifted items. I have personally worked on two collaborations with them. One was a quick low paid share on Linkedin and one was a higher-paid guest post. Once you hit the $25 threshold you will be automatically paid out. 

Guest Bloggers Wanted

Guest Bloggers Wanted does exactly what it says on the tin in that they want bloggers for guest posts. They will upload an opp asking for bloggers to host a guest post on their site and have a max budget which you can offer any amount up to that price. So far this year the opps on there have been thin on the ground and I haven't actually worked on any posts with them yet but do keep an eye on their platform.

The Blogger Programme

I have been signed up to The Blogger Programme ever since I started applying for blogging opps and that's around 6 or so years ago now. They mainly have gifted opportunities but the occasional paid one is there too. Again it's a sort of marketplace platform where you check out a list of opps that are available to you and you apply to the ones you want with a click of a button. The brand will then message you if accepted and work out details from there.

Cooperatize

Cooperatize is a platform that I haven't worked with much but I have been signed up to it for a while. This is different from the others as you are paid based on how many unique page views you will get from the post you do. You have to predict how many page views you can get in a certain period to get paid that certain amount. If you don't hit that amount of page views then you will only get a percentage of your amount paid. I had worked on a post with Cooperatize a few years ago and I'm in the middle of one right now. At the moment I am on track with my views and you can keep updated with the numbers via the platform. There are never many opportunities on Cooperatize at one time but it's worth looking at every once in a while. 

Coobis

Coobis is a fairly new platform for me. I only signed up a couple of months ago. Once signed up you fill out as many details as you can and then a brand can 'order' work from you. For example, so far I have had one order for a guest post and one for a post that I had to write. I accepted the guest post but declined the other post. You do have to upload ID to unlock payment which I haven't done yet so I cannot comment on how payment works just yet. You are emailed whenever you have an order so you don't have to use any time checking on the platform for new opportunities.

Let me know in the comments below if you are signed up to any of these as well as what other paid blogging platforms you are a part of. I am also a member of many more blogging networks so please do let me know if you would like to see the full list of platforms I am signed up to. The others are mainly social media based opportunities or for gifted products.

*AD - Items marked with a star were gifted to me for the purpose of this post. All opinions are my own.

It's that time of the year again: Mother's Day, so here is my annual Mother's Day Gift Guide. A range of gifts available which means there will be something for every type of mum out there.

 For The Crafty Mum

 *Sugru Create & Craft Kit

Do you have a crafty mum who has got various bits and pieces of craft material? Why not get her a create and craft kit from Sugru? The kit comes with 4 packs of mouldable glue, a thimble thumb grip, a textured brush and it also includes 16 unique ideas to stamp, upcycle and personalise your things. Sugru have 30% off the moment (9th - 22nd March) so what better time than now to buy her a kit.


*Spring Sakura Seasonal Jigsaw Puzzle

Something you may not have considered is a wooden jigsaw puzzle for adults. Wentworth Wooden Puzzles have such gorgeous designs to choose from, it's well worth a look. The one above is the Spring Sakura version which I think is beautiful. A few more of my faves are the Peacock Of India and Mother's Treat.

Homeware

*Yellow Porcelain Coffee Filter & Porcelain Jug

Add a splash of colour into your Mother's kitchen with these pour-over sets from Melitta. Available in blue, grey, pink and yellow, sure to brighten up her kitchen. They also come with five Melitta filter papers to ensure the perfect pour.


*Rebecca's Cupboard Apron

Is your mum an excellent cook and is always in the kitchen creating some of the yummiest meals? Why not get her a printed apron from Kate Guy. The apron itself is made from beautiful organic cotton and is hard-wearing. The print in this one is inspired by Rebecca's kitchen in the South of France who is one of Kate's friends. She has numerous other homeware items available including oven gloves, tea towels, pot holders and more.


*AirDry Wine Glass Drying Rack

This AirDry wine glass drying rack from Tru Bamboo can hold 4 stemware glasses of any size and will leave glasses streak and spot free after they have been washed. Perfect for any Mother who uses wine glasses often. You could even use it to store the glasses after too! Check out Tru Bamboo for more homeware gifts.


*Copper Multi Frame Photo Display

How beautiful is this copper photo display from Melody Maison? It'll get everybody talking who visits your Mother's house and will be a great addition to her walls. It's a perfect way to display her treasured photographs and is such a gorgeous statement piece.

Drinks

*Tomatin Legacy Whisky

This whisky from Tomatin is a highland single malt scotch whisky and is from their legacy collection. They were matured in a combination of bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks. Whisky makes a great alcohol gift and Tomatin have many other whisky's available that are various ages so be sure to give this gift a consideration.


*Juniper & Inca Berry Non-Alcoholic Free Spirit

And if your mum doesn't drink alcohol or is trying to cut down, why not get her this non-alcoholic free spirit from Caleno? With a tropical infusion of juniper, citrus and spice botanicals it is likened to gin so can be mixed with tonic and garnished with an Inca berry to make the perfect drink.


*Pink Blossom Water Bottle

What's better than a reusable water bottle? A reusable water bottle that is pink and has cherry blossoms on is what. This gorgeous water bottle from Ohelo is just what your Mother needs. It's reusable so is helping her use less single-use plastic and she can carry any liquid she chooses inside. Ohelo makes sturdy, tougher products from thicker steel that won't need replacing after 3 months and they are prettier than standard bottles too! For more information on how they are made you can check out their Ohelo products page.

  Health & Beauty Lover

*Mum's Little Sudocrem

Mum always needs a supply of Sudocrem so why not get her the cute little gift of Mum's Little Sudocrem? It's a handy size so can be carried around everywhere in her handbag and this limited post is only available in Tesco and Boots on the run-up to Mother's Day. It's the classic Sudocrem skincare cream that you know and love but just in this handy little size.


 *CODE SSL Soft Smooth Lip Liner

*CODE LIP Lip Intense Plumper

The soft Smooth Lip Liner is a 3-in-1 lipstick, lip liner and lip plumper and the Lip Intense Plumper is a treatment that works over-time by filling in any fines lines to give fuller, plumper lips. Paired together they make the perfect combination to give you perfect fuller lips without a needle in sight. They are both available from CODE Beautiful.


 *CAKE Beauty Haircare

Is your mum always looking for the perfect hair care? Then look no further than CAKE Beauty available at Boots. They have a range of products available including shampoo, conditioner, mousse, texturising salt spray, dry shampoo, hair spray and so much more! I have actually mentioned them before in my Christmas Gift Guide so they are definitely worth trying out.
 

*Tropical Coconut Hand & Body Wash

*Wild Cherry Cocoa Body Butter

Live In The Light have a huge range of beauty products including these body washes and these body butters. With many scents available to choose from there is something for every Mother. My personal favourite scents on the site are wild cherry and vanilla bean. Each product is 100% organic, natural and chemical-free. They also have a range of gift sets available.


*Hair, Skin and Nail Gummies

*Iron Gummies

The hair, skin and nail gummies will give your mother shinier hair, glowing skin and stronger nails and the iron gummies will help support the normal formations of red blood cells and haemoglobin. Iron is an essential mineral but iron deficiency is a very common issue. These gummies from Wicked Gummy Co. have lovely flavours so no nasty aftertaste like other vitamins and they are also vegan so perfect for any Mother who is vegan themselves. They also have other gummies available including a multivitamin, happy tummy, peaceful zzz and vitamin D sunshine and can be bought in bundles or separately.


*Patterned Makeup And Wash Bags

 Margaret Clavell is a pattern designer and has many wonderful items in different unique designs. These makeup and wash bags would be perfect for any mother who loves a unique handmade item to store her makeup or beauty and body products, whether she is travelling or for everyday use. My favourite design of Margarets is the pink fern leaves pattern which features shades of my favourite colours. She also designs kitchenware, cushions, lampshades and greeting cards and her products are available to buy on Etsy.


*Experience Gifts from BuyAGift and Red Letter Days

Speaking of health & beauty why not get her a totally unique experience gift from Buyagift or Red Letters Days? They have a huge range of experience gifts and days available including spa days and a lot of them are for 2 people so you can have a fun or relaxing day together. I'm totally going to be taking my mum on one of these experiences and the one I have picked is the Mercure Hotel Luxury Spa Day with 40 Minute Treatment and Lunch for Two from Buyagift. With fun days out, relaxing pampering sessions and yummy food experiences available there is bound to be something you can both enjoy together.

Clothing & Accessories

*Ladies Tot Knot Alice Band - Pink Velvet

For a lovely selection of hair accessories, check out Tot Knots Of Brighton. They have a good selection of designs available including headbands, turbans, eye masks and scrunchies in beautiful designs. Every piece is handcrafted and handmade to the highest standard so you know you are getting your Mother a good piece.


*Focus Dusty Pink 7/8 Sports Leggings

Leggings are a staple in every women's wardrobes so your mum would love a pair of these gorgeous dusty pink sports leggings from Love Leggings. They have other various other sports leggings available so there should be a pair perfect for her. They also do a range of everyday leggings in numerous colours so be sure to check them out.


Last but certainly not least (you'll love this one, I promise!) is Sumissura. They are a made-to-measure clothing brand with pieces at affordable prices. They have a lovely range of clothing available and with it all being made-to-measure you know it will fit perfectly. Why not get your Mother a gift card to Sumissura so that she can create her own perfect piece? and while you are here why not enter my giveaway to win your own £50 voucher to the Sumissura site. Just follow the instructions in the widget below to enter!

Giveaway Information: Open Worldwide. Giveaway closes on the 3rd April. The prize is for a £50 gift card to spend at Sumissura.

£50 Sumissura Gift Card Giveaway

*AD - This post is sponsored by Nakturnal. All opinions are my own.

Time for another on-trend post and this time in the form of some lovely gold statement rings. In my last on-trend post in 2019, I mentioned that I'd started to wear gold jewellery a lot more and that has definitely continued a lot since then. My collection has grown considerably but there is always room for more which is why in this post I'm going to be talking through some gorgeous pieces that I am currently loving along with the best places to buy gold statement rings.

 First up we have MuchV which sell so many gorgeous pieces. I especially like their rainbow collection and my absolute favourite on their site at the moment is the Rainbow Baguette Ring, it features so many beautiful colours and is really reasonably priced.

 Secondly, I have to talk about Aurate. They have some beautiful statement pieces and one that I actually own is the Deco Fan Pearl Ring. It features a lovely little pearl and is definitely a conversation starter. I have had numerous people comment positively on it.

One site I definitely have to mention is Cartier. You may recognise them from their classic Juste Un Clou (only a nail) pieces and their Love Bracelets. While their prices are way out of my budget I had to include them in this post as they have the Panthere De Cartier Ring which is this insanely cool panther statement ring and is possibly the most statement piece I will be featuring today.


 Another place which is well known for a 'classic style' is Olivia Burton. Their most well-known symbol is definitely the bee as it features in a lot of their pieces. I would personally love to own their Lucky Bee Gold Ring which is a lovely little stand out piece. With matching necklaces and bracelets why not match with the full set?

One place I always check when buying gold rings or any jewellery for that matter is Etsy. If you don't know what Etsy is, it's a huge marketplace where people can create their own stores and sell just about anything. They specialise in handmade or vintage pieces and I always get lost in scrolling down pages of beautiful things. One of my favourite standout statement gold rings at the moment from Etsy is the Moonstone Flower Ring from the seller KittyBerlinCo and it's really affordable too! There is a range for any budget so you will definitely find something perfect for you. I also have to give an honourable mention to the seller Marcia Vidal Jewellery as they also have some gorgeous standout statement pieces in the form of these unique Architecture rings.



So, where do you like to buy your gold statement rings from? or which is your favourite from the ones I mentioned in this post? Let me know in the comments below and while you are here why not check out more of my fashion related posts?
My Favourite Shops To Buy Rings In 2019

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