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

Where have I been?

You may have noticed I have been a little quiet for a few weeks. As you are aware we are all human and sometime things happen in your daily life that can take over a situation.

I am not going to publicly divulge this to everyone who can read this blog and go in depth of what has been happening. However all you need to know is I'm safe and well.

Over the next few weeks and months there will be changes happening, some of which I will post about on here and show happening. Some will be kept quiet behind closed doors.

I totally missed a September Favorites post and it seems a little strange posting this mid October. However a couple of things I had been loving are:

Lush bath items, I went to lush for the first time, amongst other items I picked up “the comforter” this pink creamy bubble bar is amazing. Smells like the sweets refreshers, makes your water pink and makes my sin feel amazing afterwards. I have loads left but will repurchase.

Kirkland Face wipes, I have a Costco membership and went a few months ago. I know face  wipes are not always thought of as being the best way to remove makeup, but when its a day of a wipe or don't do it, then I though a wipe would be better. I used to use simple wipes due to sensitive skin, but they were working out expensive. I bought this box from Costco of their own brand, it was £3 for a big box including 3 full size packs and 2 travel packs. They are not scented as such as say suitable for all skin, however they do smell of aloe vera and chamomile. They have not brought me out in a rash and remove waterproof mascara easily.

I think thats it for now, I will be back soon.

Nic

Days Out: Wentworth Garden Centre.

This is not your typical garden centre. There is lots and lots to do. With the garden centre, shops, lovely cafe, Large gardens, and Farm there we spent about 4 hours here.

I have previously been here but only on a short visit and I had said I would like to go back when the weather was better to have a look around the gardens.

On arrival we went and paid our admission, this was £3 for 2 people and off we went. Picking up a map as we went. 

Once inside the gardens we attempted the Maze. I don't have the best of luck with mazes and I am scared I will get lost. (I have once been in a maze for 2 hours looking for the exit) This one wasn't too bad we were out in 15 mins.

Then as you are all probably aware I have a thing about benches, I not only take pictures of them but I love to sit and have a rest and enjoy my surroundings. Well there were lots of lovely benches and surroundings on this trip.

We spent about an hour in the gardens and had a nice time seeing all of the varying areas. Well worth the entry fees.

Then dinner time, off to the cafe we go, there is a large selection and at good prices. The food is not the quickest but is made to order so is very fresh and hot. With a large indoor and outdoor seating area. On this visit I had learnt that I like pomegranates but I don't like Pims. All finished off with A pot of tea and a Jam and Cream scone.

After this we went to the farm, the farm is £5 for 2 people and 40p for animal food. There are a number of animals. My favorites being of course the piggies followed by my friend the counting pony. Also inside the farm there is a children's play area that is not as busy due to being for people who have paid for farm entry.

The garden centre was well stocked, but I think the prices were quite high, (even for a garden centre) There was a local fruit and veg stall, butchers and a deli on site.

There are a number of things you can do in this area. I would give yourself a few hours if you wanted to do the whole centre. I will be going back.

http://www.wentworthgardencentre.co.uk/

Speak Soon

Nicola x

What have I bought now? The Body Shop

The Body Shop.

Last week I was very lucky to receive a code for 40% off the website and in store. Also over the weekend there was a high cash back amount available on TopCashback.

I do have a love for Body Shop products, for various reasons. I love the quality, and how sensitive skin can use many of their products without having a breakout.

I also love how good their things smell. My only issue with The Body Shop can be the prices. Which makes it more of a treat purchase rather than regular. I ordered on Sat pm and this was delivered on wednesday with their standard free shipping.

A few months ago I bought a body butter and shower gel from the then new Pink Grapefruit fragrance range. I was looking at other items in the range at the time. But was good and opted for only 2. Well I can safely say I love the smell and wanted more. This was the first section I went to online. Sadly the body mist was already out of stock and this was the only other item I wanted for my collection.I purchased, the eau du perfume, the lip butter and the hand sanitizer. They all smell great and I cannot wait to use them. Whenever I use my current lines the whole house smells great for hours.

I also bought another of my trusty all in one face base compacts. I would love it if the body shop just did the refills of the powder rather than having to buy the whole set every time. As this seems like a waste of packaging. But I love this product, It gives a light to medium coverage, and if you wet the sponge you can make a heavy coverage.  This is great for in a morning when I need to wear some makeup for work but don't need to go fully with foundation. Simply put some on the sponge, glide on and go.

Hand cream, I do work in an office and a warehouse and my hands are often dirty. I do wash my hands often which makes my skin dry and I always have a good hand cream around. Also from handling money in the shop to using a delivery drivers pen, I like having my hand sanitizer too.

I also like that the body shop packaging is all recyclable. But I wouldn't really have expected any less.

What products are you loving? What do I need to try next?

Speak Soon

Nicola

New things: New Car

Over the last few months I have been looking into selling our second car and upgrading it. In theory there was nothing much wrong with the old car, It was getting on in years and a few things were niggling us about it. Therefore I thought time to look into changing it.

I have had bad experiences with cars and dealerships in the past. As I am the buyer and the name the finance goes in etc. I want to be the one the dealerships speak to when going to test drive etc. Usually the dealers wont speak to me and only speak to my husband. This annoys me very much. Another annoyance is that the dealers think they know what I want as soon as I go in. No I may not want the top of the range sports model car, but I may not want pink and shiny either.

I went to a number of local dealers, some of which were your usual salesey car garage, asking too many questions, taking way too long and not letting you even sit in a car.

Then I found Toyota, well this was a different experience altogether. I called on Friday and asked what the opening times were for sat to test drive the car. As my husband worked until late in an evening this would not be suitable. I was trying to rearrange a date that was suitable and was drawing a blank. The helpful sales may said no problem, can you pick the car up on sat afternoon and  then bring it back on the sunday. That way you can both drive the car and see what you think. This was a great idea. On the saturday I went to pick the keys up, I was literally 10 minutes signed 1 piece of paperwork got shown the car and off I went. Me and hubby drove the car and made a few decisions. The next day I went back to drop off the car, getting ready for a million questions and salesy pushy tactics. 

This was not the case, I simply sat down, he asked if we liked the car, and he showed me a few pre worked out figures on a new and nearly new car. He asked what I thought and off we went. I was very happy with all of the figures and decided to go ahead there and then.

This was when the fun began, I had been telling my husband we could not afford a new car right now and that now we had made the choice I would save some funds and buy in a few months. We I can say now this was a lie, I knew the maths and I was pretty sure before taking the car back that the deal was possible. This is when the suggestion was made to pick up the car on the very next day. This was a good plan, and helped with the surprise element. However caused me a problem, the car being part exchanged was the car my hubby takes to work. I arranged to collect him from work, so no problem.  I even got a bunch of flowers from the dealership to say thank you for the order.

To cut a long story short, I am now the happy owner of a Toyota Yaris Hybrid. My hubby had a very nice 5th anniversary present.

I will be completing a post of all about the car as I know a few people have asked for it. But as I have driven the car twice since it ws purchased, I think I need to know more about it, before I write it up.

Speak soon

Nic

Days out : Leeds (weekend away)

Days out : Leeds

Last weekend I was very lucky to go to leeds for a few days. I never realised that there were two contrasting sides to the city.

Day1: After checking into our bargain hotel (£27 as was a lastminute.com secret hotel) We went for a wander. Our hotel was about a 15 minute walk to the city centre shops. Where it was nice to have a wander around the commercial side and get free yummy frozen yoghurt samples on the way. This was where the sun was shining and everyone was just going about their friday night business. On the way back we walked down the canal side and lots of people were sitting in the beer gardens of the bars and having bbq’s. It was a very chilled atmosphere.

Day 2: We went to see the royal armouries as this was next door to the hotel and free. I don't really know what I was expecting but this wasn't it. It was a good way pass an hour when the weather wasn't too great before the plans of the afternoon.

In the afternoon we drove about 10 minutes and you had forgotten how close you were to leeds. There were gardens, benches and flowers. We popped to a gardens and to the tropical house. (but didn't pay to go in) It was nice having a wonder outside and sitting on a bench and chatting away. 

Last weekend proved a few things to me. All you need is a vague plan, somewhere to sleep and good company. Yes, i admit, the weekend could have been more luxurious or extravagant, but that wasn't the point, I can happily say I would not change anything about the weekend. It was a great way to have a break from ‘normal’ life and simply chill and feel good.

I wonder when and where the next trip will be.

Speak Soon

Nic 

Making Time: Small things can make a big difference

Making Time:

Hi All,

I know I have been a little quiet on here for a few weeks and thought I better explain myself. We all have busy lives and lots going on and sometimes we don't make time for things that can be important to us.

Well I have decided this is going to stop!

I have recently taken on a new level responsibility of in my day job. Although great is meaning I'm coming home from work frazzled and just wanting a shower and bed. Also as it is wedding season I am working many of the weekends too.

I have decided that this month I am going to make a conscious choice to make time. Even if its just for small things that make a difference I am going to do it.

1: Go back to the Gym. 

After a few things over the last few months I am now feeling healthy enough to go back to the Gym. I shall start taking my gym wear to work and getting changed before I leave. Therefore as I drive past the Gym on the way home, I should get a good hour in. I shall be aiming for 3 times a week again. When I do go to the gym apart from helping me tone up etc, all of the exercise helps me clear my head and feel energized and much better on the whole. Meaning I feel like I can get on with more as a result.

2: Me time.

Wether this is simply half an hour a day to catch up on my blogs, have a longer than necessary bath or shower, or watch youtube videos in bed. If does help for me to try and clear my head and have space. I know spending time with others and having a chat about the day helps some people and I do like this too. But I am the type of person who likes their own company too.

3: Family

As my family don't live locally to me I do have to make a conscious effort to see them. They do understand that at this time of year I am often not free on a weekend to go over. However I want to make contact with them more often. Wether just a Facebook message or a text I think its important to try and keep close.

4: Friends

This is kind of the same as family really. Over the last few years my friends have all grown up and some have moved away. We all work different hours and it is really hard sometimes to keep in touch. This month I am going to try harder to make contact at least once a week with my true friends. Again it does not have to be a grand gesture or lavish meet up. But just something to acknowledge that you are thinking about them.

5: Passions.

In my life I have a few passions and I want to maintain a constant connection. I am going to spend at least 1 hour a week on each somehow. One is Ice Skating, I love the freedom, and feeling of being graceful. (Especially as my day job is by no mean graceful) I get and I have recently been back at skating and I am going to keep it up. My other passion is Photography, and by this I mean not the things I am paid to take photos of. I love photography for the simplicity and lasting reminder of something. Wether I can get out and actually take new images, or simply review and edit my previous images. I want to connect with my past, and think of new ways to capture and remember my future. I love looking at sites like Pinterest for new styles and ideas.

So there we are, a ramble about me wanting to spend more time doing what is important to me. Taking more time to appreciate every day individually and make the most of it. As you never know what the next new challenge you may come up against will be.

Speak Soon

Nicola x

Days Out: The Deep (Hull)

This week the weather did not look to great on my day off and therefore we opted for an indoor activity. This week was not half term so we ventured off to The Deep. This was about a 1 hour drive.

When we arrived we realised the car park was quite full and maybe other people had thought of the same plan. We went inside to be greeted by a que of about 15 minutes for tickets. This was ok as it was warm and dry.

Once you get your tickets to got up to the third floor as then the experience works its way back down to ground level. 

There are lots of things to see, including many species of fish, sharks, rays and now the Penguins.

There we a lot of school groups and general families in but due to the size of the attraction it did not feel crowded. The only place people were queuing to see were the newly arrived penguins, however with a large viewing window and everyone being considerate there was only a 2 minute wait.

The whole attraction is wheelchair and pushchair friendly with ramps and lifts where needed. 

After you have seen the whole attraction. This took us about 1.5 hours. You can either choose to go back to the top in the glass lift, or walk back up the stairs (glass viewing all the way up). We waked leisurely back up the stairs and kept stopping on the many benches along the way to see the large glass tank. In my opinion this was much better than a 30 second lift ride with 12 other people.

We did not eat at the deep on this visit, but from a previous trip the food was varied and there were healthy options. Including Gluten Free and Vegetarian choices. It was not the cheapest of menus but it never usually is at a tourist attraction.

I would recommend the deep and I shall be going back again. They do have electric car charging points. But not suitable for Zoe as they were an old connection type. Therefore we had to go to a services on the way home to fulfill this need.

Speak soon, as I have lots of days out planned!

Nic x

http://www.thedeep.co.uk/

Blog Update: What have I been doing over the last few weeks.

Weekly update:

Sorry I have not blogged for a few weeks, I have had a busy time but I am back. I have had lots of exciting things I have done and why not turn this into this weeks post:

I have recently caught up with a few Uni friends for a few nights in Blackpool. The weather was really good this first day we were there and we popped to the pleasure beach. Im not one for big rides therefore I was enjoying sitting in the sun being the designated bag lady. The other 2 days we were there the weather was not so great but we still made the most of our time off. 

We wanted to go up the Blackpool tower but sadly due to high winds it was closed. On the final day we went to see the animals at Blackpool zoo.

It was nice to relax, and this did include a glass or two of wine. Especially catching up with friends not seen for 18 months.

I have not been feeling 100% recently and have been really tired and achey after work. I have been having quite a few baths and using lots of lovely smelling products to try and ease the stress and aches. I do really enjoy taking some time out from everything, just me, bath, candles and music on my phone. I guess now we are going into summer with the warmer nights this may have to stop soon. As I don't want to overheat in the bath, (I already come out looking like a lobster)

As my family don't live near me I had chance to go and see my mum and family. A nice sunday lunch and a good chat. Especially nice to see my niece who is growing up so quickly. I know she was dressed as a disney princess but I don't know which one. I really am loosing touch with disney films.

Last weekend I was very lucky to be invited to a wedding as a guest. One of the girls from work was getting married. It was at my local church and a lovely hotel nearby. The weather didn't quite know what it wanted to do. But the sun was shining and the Bride looked lovely. It was strange going to a wedding and seeing it from the guests eyes. Realising firstly how many gaps and breaks there are in the day when you are not a guest. And (yes I'm going to say it) how annoying the photographer can be. The day felt long for us as guests but then i found out the bride had her hair and makeup booked in for 8am that day, and the first dance was not until 9pm. It was also a lovely day as I knew quite a lot of people at the wedding due the being kind of a work wedding. Good to see people out of work relaxing too.

and finally, I got to see a very dear friend to me this week. It was really strange how even after not seeing someone properly for over 3 years I instantly felt relaxed and as though nothing had changed. A good natter, a few apologies, a few tears and a hug from her beautiful baby boy really made my day. It does make me realise that true friends are there somewhere. You may not see them all the time but you do need to put the effort in to keep in touch as it is worth it. 

Well there I am, hopefully usual service will be resumed, I am planning to write up a lot of blogs this weekend to schedule for the next few weeks.

Bye 

Nicola

Sensationail : At Home Gel Manicure

Sensationail : At Home Gel Manicure

Last year I was very lucky to receive as a gift the Sensationail at home gel manicure system. I have been a lover of nail polish for a long time but never liked that due to my job my nails chip very quickly. I feel like to keep my polish looking perfect i needed to apply it daily. Even buying more expensive brands and taking time over proper preparation, top coats and base coats did not work for me.

I looked into having gels done at my local beauty salon as I was amazed at the 14 day wear tag. However I was put off by the £25 price tag.

In the summer last year the sensationail items were reduced in my local Asda and while out shopping and seeing this I mentioned it to a family member of how good the price was. 

Next thing I knew it had been purchased for me (very lucky I know). The set I got was the Pink chiffon set including the lamp. 

To be honest I am not the biggest fan of the bright pink colour but it was a great taster for the range and for me to realise that I did get a good 10 days wear before the sids started lifting.

Next time I was in Asda the polish’s were reduced to £5 therefore it was prime time to get more colours. I purchased Taupe Tulips, the Pink French Manicure, and Mauve Mauven.

The starter kit has everything in if for 10 manicures, I know i have not been using the pink colour for every manicure, but the rest of the kits bottles are still going strong and I am on about manicure 15.

I don't like the french manicure, I cannot get along with the stickers for creating the smile line. I really feel like I need another pair of hands, and I don't have that available.  But I do Love the Taupe Tulips colour, it is the perfect nude and does not give me mannequin hands.

 It is a great colour that will go with everything for the 10ish days of wear. Mauve Mauven is a great muted bright raspberry. 

I do love the system and it is like a full on usual at home manicure. It takes me about 30 minutes and that is taking my time. 

You simply, shape the nails, push back the cuticles, buff off the shine, wipe off with an alcohol wipe, primer, base coat, colour coat, top coat, wipe again = done.

In the middle of the stages you put your nails under the lamp for either 30 seconds or 60 seconds depending on the stage. (the lamp give you a handy beep to tell you when done)

One thing I have learnt from using the system is not to get the products on the skin, i.e cuticle or the side of the nail. firstly when it goes under the lamp the product goes solid and it is hard to remove post curing, secondly if you get it on there this is the place you are likely to catch and this is where the lifting will appear first.

I do love the products, and I would like to get more colours for my collection. I do prefer the more muted colours from the range, as I have currently stuck to the beige, pinks and browns. I wish I could be more adventurous with the brighter colours.

Sensationail have just brought out a secondary line called Fuze, this is aimed i think at a slightly different audience. Everything is in the one bottle, so one coat and you put the finger under the light and you are done. But I think the wear time on this range is up to 1 week. Therefore on me with my hands on job I think this may only be about 3-4 days. I would be happy to try this range if I see it on offer. It would be a good alternative for if I don't have 30 minutes to spare. Also I think the colour are brighter and may be a good alternative for spring / summer.

Overall, I would recommend the Sensationail range. If you can paint your nails and you want hard wearing and long lasting nail colour without the salon price tag I would say give this a try.

At the time of writing this post there is an offer at Boots for a Mother day promotion to get the kit including lamp at a reduced price. This give you everything yo need to get started for 10 manicures. Why not buy one for a loved one or for yourself. 

I would suggest waiting for an offer to come up, as there are quite often discounts on Sensationail’s direct website or in boots.

So who am I and what am I doing here?

Hello.

So who am I and what am I doing here?

Well then, I'm Nicola, I'm from Doncaster and I'm going to start writing about my experiences. I'm not sure if anyone will fancy reading them but I'm going to give it a go.

I'm from a pretty normal background, I have a normal job and like normal things.

Well whatever normal is...

I'm planning to blog and maybe video my thoughts on new experiences within my life. Therefore I don't think I'm best to put myself in a blogging bracket. I'm not going to be specifically beauty, fashion or lifestyle. But more writing about my journey and the products and opportunities that I come across on the way.

Yes I will probably do product reviews, but I am more about letting you know about me and my views on all things NEW. We will all experience lots of new things everyday and take them for granted. So I thought what the heck ill make a log of the new and exciting things that happen.

So what can you expect from following me. Good question.

I am about value for money and also I am passionate about doing the best you can with what you have. Whether that's saving a little money by doing your research before you buy, or buying items on offer, or environmentally friendly issues, such as me being an EV car driver.

I love photography and enjoy spending time in the outdoors capturing everything. Ill go on a holiday and take well over 1000 images. I also love to be part of weddings and I am a wedding photographer part time around my ‘proper’ job. One day I would like to make my photography hobby my full time job but I love it how its going right now.

I am very much a friends and family person. I appreciate that to get through life you need a little help along the way. I love to spend time with other people and just talk about the day/week/year. I also may blog about my days out and the new placed that I have been. Whether its a day out to a local wildlife park or going on holiday to see a new location and culture.

So there I am, What do you think? 

Well the plan is to put something online every week. (thank goodness for scheduling) Whether that's a blog or a video. Ill also share some of my images and new finds on pinterest/ instagram if you fancy taking a look there too.

Feel free to get in touch, with me about anything.

Speak soon

Nicola

So where can you find me:

Blog: nicolasnewthings.blogspot.com

Youtube: youtube.com/NicsNewThings

Twitter: @nicsnewthings

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nicsnewthings/

Email: nicsnewthings@gmail.com