Life updates, Why have I been so quiet? Whats Been going on?

Hi all,

Well, I'm back after a very long time away, There has been a lot going on here in the last 6 months and I simply feel like I haven't had time to sit and write.

I have a new job
I have had Hernia Surgery
I have got hair extensions
I have a new car

I now work for the national trust in the catering team at Clumber Park. I LOVE it! I feel like I finally belong, and have found a job I love to go to and get up in a morning and look forward to it. Yes, I have taken a pay drop and had to rearrange and reassess my spending. But its well worth it for actually feeling and being truly happy. My family have all commented on how I seem genuinely settled and happy.

I around easter found a lump in my stomach that was very painful, which ended up being a "paraumbilical hernia". I was signed off work and was operated on within 3 weeks. It was a painful recovery, and now 4 months on I am still not 100% strong in my core and stomach, but it has made me concentrate on eating well, and gentler forms of exercise and the process of building back up.

My hair never grows, and if you have been here for a while I have documented this. I have tried biotin and millions of different products. So finally I have taken the plunge and got tape in extensions, (I am now on my second install). They have lasted me about 8 weeks before needing to come out and be retaped and reinstalled. I have been truly amazed at how much my hair is growing while I have them in. I think its a mixture of the extra heat on my head and the sulphate etc free shampoo I am using to maintain them. I know it is growing as I am needing my roots doing every 8 weeks, and I can usually manage 12 weeks. I think they will be installed 2 more times and then my hair should have grown to my desired length.

I had a big life change last year when my sister died, and one thing I have learnt is that life is true too short and if you want something go out and do it. Well, I have always wanted a convertible "Sunday car". And I worked hard and saved hard and thankfully I went and bought it just before the summer weather started. I have been very thankful and happy to be driving around with the top down and tunes on over the last few weeks. Whenever I have felt low this has been a sure way to very quickly pick me up.

Recent Photography work - Fashion shoot & Wedding Dress shoot

Hey,
Just writing this as my second shoot is exporting, I thought I would just share a little of what I have been up to.
This week has been amazing, I have had 3 photoshoots in 1 week (never before have I had this)
A football shoot on sunday, A wedding dress shop Tuesday, and a local fashion boutique Thursday.


As you all know my preferred photographic medium is weddings, however I have been looking to branch out a little more and I have really enjoyed the new challenge and specification for the aims.


I am really happy with the fashion shoots, the models were stunning and the colours look so bright. (so much so I want to buy 3 of the outfits)

The wedding dress shoot was a little different for me, as I found it hard to remember to show off the dress & not the bride. However the results are good, and they are already selling the product from the back of the images.

The football shoot, well this was the day my facebook page went crazy with likes, this was the first time the girls had a photographer attend one of their games, so for some these were the first images they had of themselves. I am glad they like them, and there are pleanty more to come.

I cant wait to find out what I shall be covering next.
Nicola

How much a difference stopping looking after yourself makes!

Hi, this week (as we as the last 2 weeks) have involved me putting a lot of hours in at the pub. Leaving not a lot of time for other things. I can see a difference in myself with this, as having less "me" time is making me not feel as fulfilled and confident. I am also feeling really sluggish and tired.


I had been taking new vitamins and supplements to try and help, however I was consciously eating more healthily and drinking more water. My partner is also really wanting me to take up biking, so I have been borrowing a bike and going for the odd bike ride. I could see the difference in a week! The reason I can now see the difference is after around 4 days of quick grab and go food, and less active relaxation time, I am really sluggish and not on top form again.


I honestly didn't realise how instant or noticeable the changes to my lifestyle and outlook would be. Needless to say as I am righting this I am struggling to keep my eyes open, and guess I should get a large glass of water and get back in the game.

Therefore I shall commit to:

1. Drinking at least 1.5 ltrs of water a day
2. Spending at least 30 minutes outside
3. Taking my vitamins and supplements
4. Eating 3 healthy meals a day, and limiting snacking
5. Doing something that makes me smile for 30 minutes a day (e.g. YouTube videos, colouring, talking with my partner)

Hopefully I shall be on top form again very soon.


What do you do to for a quick pick me up?


Nicola

Positive thoughts are making positive changes in my life!

I am so thankful for all chances and opportunities in my life, Some may not have worked out, and be upsetting along the way, however “everything happens for a reason” must be true! I have in the last 2 weeks felt the happiest, most relaxed and optimistic person.

I know some people may not think my life is perfect, & some people are criticizing my choices & current situation. However I am thankful for the opportunity to get myself back into a positive place, work hard for myself, and now have a plan & very achievable goals.

Thanks to all who have supported me and given me the chance to grow, develop, be happy & mostly be myself again.

Nicola

#positiveoutlook #icandoit #iwilldoit

Tropic Skincare - Review and Thoughts

My experience of Tropic Skincare.

I was very lucky to be asked to go and have a pamper session with a local Tropic Skincare Ambassador.

Jo is new to the company and it was really refreshing to see her excitement about all of the products and how lovely and beautifully packaged they all were.
She also let me know about the company and the long history originating back in Australia before the owner worked really hard and had a little help along the way after her appearance on the apprentice.

All of the items have the vegan and cruelty free logos and this is something that the company are passionate about. Also in the front of the brochure was a long list of what the items didn't contain, paraben free, gluten free, harsh preservatives, alcohol (and the list goes on) The brand is all about being, pure, honest & effective.

I had personally not heard about the brand much, other that it was meant to be the up and coming rival to my beloved Liz Earl. However I am always happy to look at other products especially when they are good for you and the planet.

JO then started on my facial, Using the cleanser as an eye make up remove firstly - (on damp cotton wool so that you don't waste product) then on to the cleanser on the face, on each person you will smell different ingredients based on what you skin needs, for me this was the Eucalyptus, this was meant to be as my body was tense and stressed, or that a cold may be coming on,  and should help for stress release and release. (it worked) Then this was washed off with the lovely natural bamboo cloth.

Then on to toning, - which I also learnt that is to help close your pores after cleaning and re balance your skins natural PH level. Helping to prevent all sorts of nasties getting into your skin which can create uneven skin tone etc.

Then was the luxury oil,  I was dubious of this stage as I have used oil before and I didn't like the smell or texture. However this one didn't smell unpleasant, and in literally seconds was absorbed into the skin with no residue.

Then was the eye cream, and moisturizer. All of which felt and smelt amazing.
Throughout the stages the products did not feel heavy or greasy, and all of the smells were uplifting and beautiful.

I was also introduced to the facial polisher and the body polisher and hand cream, again items that were amazing.

Afterwards my skin was luminous and glowing, I know my skin is not too bad usually and I am all about prevention at the moment, however the products did help my skin feel smooth, even, plumped and nourished. I am very happy now even the day after that my skin is still looking glowing. I have never had this instant effect from any of the brands that I have used (and I have been through a fair few)

I now have a very long list of products that I would like to purchase, and I think after payday and when my current Liz Earle has run out I know where I will be making a purchase.

JO explained to me the benefits if I chose to have a home pamper party, and the incentives that are offered as a thank you, Also you can become an ambassador yourself and get this lovely kit and share the goodness with your family and friends (or keep it all for yourself haha)

If you wanted to take a look at the catalog you can look and order here:

Or if you had any questions here is jo's Facebook group I am sure she will help if you direct message her too:
https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/joannehenderson/newhome.html
https://www.facebook.com/Tropic-Skincare-and-Makeup-with-Jo-845150425612151/?fref=nf

Speak soon
Nicola

Actiderm Makeup and products.

This week I have been contacted by a lady in my local area to see her about Actiderm products. To be honest I had not heard of the items before and did some reading online.

The products are by a British pharmaceutical company, made in their own French Labs, who work with all of the big names in French and worldwide skincare brands. They branched out and started to produce their own line, but due to contracts can only sell directly to the public. Therefore they have a brochure / party company to sell their items. There is a wide range of skin and body beauty items. However in the last 6 months they have brought out a mineral makeup range. 

Jen asked if I would like a free makeover to see more about the products myself. I went to her house where the products were all laid out on the table with their silver packaging.

She then talked to me about the products how they are all paraben free and how no talc or bulking agent is used in the items. Great for me with my sensitive skin. We then decided to go for a daring evening look. I wasn’t going out anywhere and I was still in my office work clothes but I wanted to see a change. Something I wouldn’t have known how to do at home. 

Jen went through the stages and told me what she was doing and how she applied this.

At the end I got a sheet with a link to her website and what products were used. There was no hard sell, but this is due to the products selling themselves.

I have never found a red lipstick for me, and Jen worked her magic and did in the shade strawberry. I also really likes the brow wax she used. I am currently using MUA with a wax and powder combination. But I think I’m going to convert. I was also interested in the cream to powder foundation. I have never ventured away from straight liquid, or my mineral powder. Never one that changed between, however the coverage was smooth and I can build it up if I have a bad skin day.

I have since spoken to some colleagues at work about the skincare range and they want to know more, due to the lifting, tightening and plumping that some offer. (I don’t think I’m ready for them just yet)

In conclusion:

•          I like Jen, she was lovely – if your local to Doncaster / Retford get in touch with her.
•        I like the products and they opened my eyes to new items to try
•       I like the idea of the company with their ethics of not bulking out the products and being paraben free.
•         I’m not an Actiderm convert, however I shall be adding items to my routine. I would like to learn more about the daily skincare range.

Nicola

Links:

Jens facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jensactiderm/

Jens Website: http://www.actiderm.co.uk/me/jenny-driscoll

Appreciate the little things:

Appreciate the little things:

Over the last week a lot of things have changed in my personal life. (Im not going to broadcast the ins and outs of this online.) However it has made me realise not to take anything for granted. Find what makes you happy, and work with that.

If something you are doing is making you unhappy or ill, you need to realise this and work towards and end goal to help make you better. That end result may not be easy, and could hurt others along the way. But as long as you think about it and take your time deciding what is the best outcome. Then you will get there in the end. 

It could be a massive leap of faith to believe in yourself and go for it. It doesn't have to be an entire life change. Just I have realised that you need to take a step back from your day to day life and see what doesn't seem to be working, and fix it.

However you do need to be appreciative of others and their feelings. Just because something may seem obvious to you, other people could be affected by the result. Take the time to think things through, talk to people for support if you need it and don't rush into anything. 

I know this may seem a little cryptic, but I hope the message I am aiming for gets through.

Speak Soon

Nic