2020! Wow what a year so far!

 Hi everyone, 

Well today I have decided to do an update on all things of the CRAZYNESS of 2020.

not too sure why but here goes.

This year as for many has truly been a rollercoaster, 

With being Furloughed, then my contract terminating, to having a second Hernia surgery in July and only just getting back to full strength when everything closes down again. My partner being a way for the majority of the year due to being an essential worker in other country's. And recently loosing my Gran to Dementia.

As for many this roller-coaster has taken its toll on me, both mentally and physically.

I as always have been trying to eat well and healthily with my food, but due to the surgery and gym closures I struggled with the exercise to maintain my weight, only now nearly 6 months on am i back to "pre op fitness". Which is something I struggle with. As i like to "zone out" and get on with a long dog walk or even a run with my tunes on. 

As well as the lack of focus and structure to my days its just all been merging into one.

Recently from my counselling sessions I have found a little more clarity, in the form of a tick list, meaning I am making time to have the bubble bath at 1pm just because I can, but also get out and walk the dog and have the exercise I need.

This week my main goal has been Christmas, I have gotten quite organised, some presents are here and wrapped, and others are in a wish list awaiting payday. I find that getting organised and planning really does help.

Im just waiting now to see what Boris says about reopening on 2nd Dec, and what Christmas is going to look like this year for myself and my family .

Hope your keeping well, and fingers crossed I get the urge to post again soon.

Nicola  x

Quick Easy Makeup - Using Tropic Skincare

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.

Lucy update - 6 months

Wow!
We have now had the pleasure of owning Lucy for over 4 months now, she is 6 months old,

I cannot truly remember my life without her,

We have now experienced:

• loosing teeth
• changing from puppy to adult food
• training to sit and stay
• sleeping in her room all night without accidents
• letting us know if we are out at other peoples houses that she needs to go out to toilet
• when she can or cannot come on the sofa

We need to improve:

• not pulling on the lead
• not jumping at people when coming in the door
• not crying when we leave the house (as from standing outside we know its been for like 30 seconds for attention)

I remember all the struggles and sleepless nights but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

From the day we were walking home and Lucy slipped off her lead, leading to her running back up a main road towards our house (luckily it was early morning with very few cars on the road) but it didn't stop me running like crazy and crying my eyes out.

To the time she decided to eat her flashing walking light (the size of a golfball) and waiting and checking on her sleeping for it to pass.

And all the little cute things, like sitting guard by our back door waiting for her nanny (the live next door) to come home from work, and wagging her little windscreen wiper.

To her being there when im poorly and giving me a cuddle when i need it, or licking a tear off my face when I cry.

I would not change her for the world, she is out little "cracker jack". Crazy, cute and sweet.

At home hair colour transformation

Hi all
Recently I had been going to a hairdressers for my hair to be cut and coloured after it was getting lifeless and boring looking by my at home colouring.
However I felt that every time I went it was getting darker and darker (not exactly what I asked for)
I researched how to get my hair lightened (i dont like highlights) and the best option was a colour stripping product, then a toner / colour to get back to the desired colour.

I enquired on prices for this and I was looking at around £100 (wow!)
So I started my research, of if I could do it at home.

I prepared myself and purchased online from superdrug: https://www.superdrug.com/Colourless/Colourless-Hair-colour-remover-Max-Effect/p/705718
Its was in the sale reduced to £6.99 from £9.99

I also bought 2 nice and easy no ammonia 24 wash colours ready to get my hair to the new colour (if the stripper colour wasn't right) https://www.superdrug.com/Save-%C2%A31-on-selected-Nice-N-Easy/Nice%27n-Easy-No-Ammonia-Hair-Dye-Dark-Ash-Blonde-90/p/576756


I knew my hair had been dyed to a dark nearly black brown, and I am naturally a light mousy brown, but my hair has had many shades of blonde and browns in between. From my research I knew it was quite likely that I would go a reddy / orange shade, and to get an ash toner product to calm this down.

So today was the day ... I got up and quickly washed my hair and blow dried it (as the instructions wanted clean dry hair)
On goes the stripper, just like any normal colour, maybe a little runnier, the smell wasn't as bad as i expected however you do want to open all windows etc.
Once finished and combed through I put the cling film on and waited (and used this opportunity to catch up on a kardashinas)

When it is working you dont see any changes. Then i jumped into the shower, washing the stipper out I didn't notice any colour coming out in the water either. I carried on and used the "shampoo" pot and again no colour noticed. This was the first time I caught a glance of the end of my hair and realised it looks a bit red.

Out the shower and a comb through and quick blow dry, this then showed my hair was between a rose gold / copper / orange. It was deffo lighter than before, and about my natural lightness, however very much a warmer colour than I am. My hair felt a bit drier than usual, however I had not used any conditioner at all, so I am no surprised.

However the reason I went for this brand over others was you can use this as a stripper directly before other colours. Other brands say to wait at least a week, (however there is no way I was staying this colour for that long).

So after having lunch I set to adding my toner, usual mixing and put it on, wait 15 mins and rinse out. I also after this step left the inbox conditioner on for about 10 mins.
Out of the shower and voila! glossy silky light brown hair.

The pictures dont overly show it (blummin weather) but it is chocolatey brown, no doubt that im anywhere near black, I am aware as i wash my hair this will lighten a bit (and thats my desired effect). I had chosen a colour dark ash blonde, however this is for sure a light to mid brown.

I would not hesitate to use this again, however I am planning on not getting my hair too dark again. But its good to know there is a useful product in case of a mishap again.

Introducing Lucy - The CockerJack Puppy

As you may be aware I have just picked up my puppy, she is now 8.5 weeks old and is starting to show her own true little personality.

As I am writing this, today is my first day home alone with her, and so far so good she is sitting in her basket by my feet.

Our experience so far:

Day 1:

Lucy was so good in the car, we had about 45 mins travel time from her breeder to home, but she sat in the travel crate with no crying and fell asleep. Once we got home she had a good sniff around and we took her and introduced her to the house, her bed & toys.

A little later that afternoon we took lucy out for a play on the grass, where she just wanted to be close to us and cuddle, but we managed out first family selfie.

That night lucy went to bed and cried and cried, we ended up getting up with her ever 2 hours and knew we needed to do something. We had planned to crate train lucy however amazon prime did no deliver the crate on time.

Day 2:

Sadly this day we had 2 accidents in the house, however this was mummy and daddys fault. As lucy had come over to us and we thought she wanted to play, however she was cleverly letting us know she wanted to go out. After this we decided to start logging when she had been to the toilet / played/ food etc. this had helped us to ensure we take her to try every hour.

We introduced her to her collar and lead for the first time for 15 mins, and later this evening we went to the neighbours for a BBQ, lucy sat / slept  very happily beside her travel crate, on a long lead.

we borrowed a travel crate for this night to see how she settles, and cleverly lucy managed to last until 3.30 to let us know she needed the toilet, and managed until 6.30

Day 3:

Lucy went for her first visit to the vets, who did a health check and was happy wit lucy who is now 2.3kg, she had he first jab and insertion of her microchip. Lucy was yet again as chilled as ever and took it in her stride.

For the first hours when lucy got back home she was hyperactive and very boisterous and we couldn't tire her out, then at 6pm and if a light switch had gone off she was out for the count, we had to wake her up to go to the toilet before bed, and move her to the now delivered crate.

Lucy slept through from 10.30 to 5.30 (I think she would have lasted longer but this was what time Tom needed to get up for work today)

Routine:

Food - feeding 4 times a day - Pedigree wet and dry puppy food (half a packet and a few dry parts each meal) - training treats, lucy is best on the softer treats at the min, and likes bits of  hot dog sausages.

Toilet - Letting her out to try every hour, - we now know where she like to be taken for number 1 and different place for number 2

Training -

• Lucy now wears her collar full time, and is happy to go out on a short lead to the toilet (we do this due to the nature of our garden, and 2 other dogs close by in the same open garden estate)
• Fetch it and drop it - are becoming very responded too, lucy loves her plush toys, but is starting to like a lightweight ball outside.
• Name - lucy will listen and come to you when you shout her name, and always looks when she hears it
• Sit - Today I have had my first 5 minutes of sit training and so far so good,

I am looking forwards to being able to take her out for walks, and introduce her safely to the other 2 dogs.

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_cockerjack

25.04.2017 Why do I feel anxious?

25.04.2017

Why do I feel anxious?

Control … that’s it, I am surrounded by situations where I am helpless and cannot change the outcome. I fear the potential that something may go wrong, even when usually nothing has happened.

Such as the repeated and recurrence of my grandma and her illness, the illness of other family members and the cropping up of new illness / situations of others. Even my logical brain can understand that people get older, and they get ill … or if someone is ill the hospital or the doctor is the best place for them, but all I focus on is the what ifs and the potential problematic outcome.

Or the what if I do something wrong at work, I am aware of the workload I have to complete, my boss has even told me that the things I do at work are not “life or death”, we have even increased the number of hours I work so that I can manage my workload a little better, and complete the jobs at hand quicker / easier. But that does not affect the complete feeling of dread I get when I receive a phone call etc. I just get myself in the mindset that I have done something wrong and I am going to get told off. Then my brain goes into overdrive .. what if the thing I have done wrong gets me sacked … how will we cope for money .. etc etc. All this and the phone call may just be to say hi, or what did I want from the coffee shop.

I do understand how irrational this may seem, however to me it’s a constant feeling of worry and dread. From waking up in a morning, throughout the day, to trying to get to sleep at night. It is constant and some days are worse than others.

I am not good for turning my mind off, and when I start to get “the feeling” my stomach turns, I feel / be sick, get very tearful, sometimes just get inside my head and fully burst into tears and usually start to breath funny.

I recently had a situation where I was on holiday with my partner, and had stuff on my mind regards family and illness, and some worry about work. I couldn’t even switch off walking up a mountain in the lake district. However .. I sadly on this occasion could not physically manage to reach the summit, and I totally got in my head that I was a failure, and what is the point anyway, and burst into tears, not a good thing when trying to walk down the side of a mountain and watch your footing. But everything just swimming around gets on top of me and one last thing can tip me over the edge.

Today has not been the best day, home alone whilst my partner is at work and I have the power of google at my hands (well until the internet went offline). I can read and read and research ideas of what to do for anxiety and look to practice mindfulness. But I feel like I have been there, and already done that and I am not getting further forwards. I have done the usual trick, analysed my meals and food (I naturally eat very healthily so nothing really needs to change) but I try and analyse it and “take back control” of my body. I tried talking to others today (I am not a talker) but I just feel like I am burdening them with my issues, and that I should be able to find a way to “fix myself”.

I don’t know what to do, I feel like I will never feel “better” and this dark cloud is going to be hovering over me. I want to feel like myself again. Right now I don’t know what to do or how to approach feeling better.

I just want to wake up and be able to take each day as it comes, and if there are a few bumps in the road along the way just deal with them like a “normal person”.

What am I scared of:

·        Family dying

·         Loosing my job

·         Stressing tom out with always being sad and anxious and then as a result loosing him

·         Being lonely and isolated

·         Making myself physically sick and “worse”

·         becoming a burden to others and causing more stress

New Year = New Fitness goals - Juicing, Plant food eating, & more.

Hi Happy New Year -- can you believe it is 2017!

I know this time of year everyone is doing their new years resolutions, generally jumping on the healthy eating & more exercise band wagon. 

As per most people I have enjoyed my xmas time off and this has resulted in eating of cheese and chocolates. (which is usually limit or don't buy at all). Therefore it is time now to get back to me "normal" diet and routine. However this time I am tweaking a little.

I always eat well in regards salads and "proper" dinners. As due to my allergy it is always better for me to cook and prepare myself in house. 

This time I am going to follow the Plant Food Eating plan, Which is basically, nothing animal produced (vegan in essence). But the plan is for health reasons and not ethics, it also explains in the first few weeks to ease yourself into it, and that slip ups will happen.

At the moment my partner is still at home, so we will be following this together, which is always better to motivate each other and stick to it. 

I sat down yesterday at the kitchen table with my books and wrote up a meal plan and shopping list, I dont know why but I find this so therapeutic, as well as the planning and preparing of the lunches and juices for breakfast the evening before, making my mornings so much easier.

Today we bought the food, I expected the first week to be more expensive, but this was due to buying the dried pulses and spices that I didn't have, but now I have them it will just be a veg shop as such weekly. Today I spent £30 on the "normal" shopping, and £15 on the dried and long lasting foods. This is really good for me, as I usually spend at least £50 a week, even with my meal planning and usual choices. 

Linking with the intake of fruit and vegetables, I shall be juicing for my breakfast and I am currently undertaking the mammoth research of which new juicer / blender to purchase, as my old one is on its way out. 

I am not doing this for weight loss as such, however I did this morning weigh myself and take measurements, more to see how this compares. 

I am going to also actively do more exercise, I would like to do at least 30 mins 3 times a week.

I would love your thoughts and comments, on what I can try, or even which blender is best.

Speak Soon

Nic 

Allergy and Free From show - Liverpool

Hi everyone I have just had it confirmed I shall be attending the Allergy and Free From Show again this year.

http://www.allergyshow.co.uk/liverpool

I cannot wait to see some new brands and discover some new products, and to work with and meet some of my favorite brands again.

This is the time if anyone would like to arrange a meet up or any promotional work as I am already planning my diary and event commitments,

Hope too see some of you soon

Nicola

Illness, Fatigue, Dizzyness & more

Really sorry I have been quieter than usual, over the last few weeks I have really not felt on top form.
I went to the doctors to find out I had low blood pressure, Anaemia and it was causing vertigo symptoms.


The treatment was some tablets, rest, lots of water and fruit and veg.
I was doing fine with the tablets, food and water, however the resting is a big issue for me. I cant just sit around and do nothing. Therefore for a few days I tried to go to work as usual (bad move) or even just have a 15 minute clean and tidy around in the house, which resulted in me then having hours laid home alone dizzy on the sofa.


Therefore today after 5 days off work I shall be back to work in the pub this evening for a 4 hour shift to get me back into the swing of things again.


Sadly tomorrow Tom is off to Mexico with work for about a month, therefore my buddy when I go dizzy that makes me sit down with a cuppa and a biscuit will not be here. However on the other hand I guess the house will be much easier to keep clean and on top of, so if I do need to rest I may get more chance.


Touch wood I have been able to drop down the prescription tablets a little (the doctor said to take between 1 & 3 a day depending on symptoms) so hopefully I am going in the right direction :-)


Its not great when you know you are not 100% isn't it.


Nicola

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

Babyliss Big Hair 42MM & Thermo heated roller review

I have recently gone into a bit of a mode to look after myself and my skin and hair a little more,
I was toying with idea of extensions, however I have decided instead to do what I can to look after my hair and treat it well, while it grows.


I am going to wash with good shampoos, and treat weekly (or twice a week) with a rich nourishing hair mask. I am looking to start taking a supplement such as biotin too.


I am aware that adding more heat to hair is not a good idea and both of the products I am reviewing are heated products, however I am very lucky that my hair holds the style for days. So if I do my hair Monday it will hold until I need to wash on Wednesday night / Thursday morning.


Babyliss Big Hair 42mm,
I love the smoothed bouncy effect when I go to the hair dressers and they finish my hair with a "bouncy blowdry". I wanted to find a way to make my hair replicate this at home. I have naturally frizzy curly hair and didn't know how / if I could get the smooth effect myself without straighteners.


I have never been able to manage the blow dryer in one hand and brush in the other system at home, therefore seeing the big hair was very interesting.
If you are not aware the big hair basically takes the two tools and turns them into one. The hot air comes out, and the brush end spins and finishes your hair.


I went for the middle size brush for my long bob / shoulder length hair. I used this one evening when I had time to play, and from shower to finished was 10 minutes! I was shocked at how easy it was even on first play. I did need to get used to pressing the buttons in the right direction for the side of my head, (curl under or curl over)


I am very happy with the full effect this gives, with the smooth finish. (please ignore the lack of makeup - it was about 9pm)

Thermo heated rollers,
I wanted a day with tighter curls and a little more vintage look so out came the rollers, I put the rollers on to hear while I had my shower (they take about 10 minutes to heat up) and then after the shower blasted my hair with the dryer (making it a big frizzy mess). Brushed through and started with the rollers. I used the biggest sizes and started on the top on my fringe / parting sections, easly securing with the comb clips. They felt secure and not tight (like pervious roller experience) I then sat down and did some work for about half a hour while the rollers cooled.
Simply hold the end of the roller and unclip the comb - once all out the hair was a tighter curl, so I simply swooshed the hair a bit (think because I'm worth it lol). I was very happy, leaving a different look.
I know that there were 3 sizes and the size of roller used and length of time you leave in can give different effects.

What do you think? Or what can you suggest of looks to try.


Nicola

A weekend off for a wedding photographer. - by going to a wedding

This weekend I shall be having a weekend off from my "day job". By attending a wedding, but this time as a guest.
Therefore what does this mean? 

• Hair & and nails are being done
• Makeup is being done
• The outfit has been planned to perfection
• Overnight bag is packed
• And the most scary one ...... not a camera in sight

I don't know if it is strange that I am half dreading not having a camera with me, however firstly and most personally, I have been asked to be a guest therefore I should enjoy the day and "live" the moments.
Also for vanity, I cannot fit one in my handbag. I will struggle to get my phone and lipstick in there, never mind my DSLR and varying lenses.


I am just awaiting the temptation of someone leaving a camera laying around, or potentially being directly handed one by another guest to take a picture.


I did get the opportunity as my gift to take the engagement shots for the couple, however tomorrow everything will be left to another photographer.

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

Out and about Nature Landscape Photography.

Well today I had a children's photoshoot and sadly the baby was not well therefore this was rearranged for another day.


Therefore this left me with a few hours to spare and all of my camera gear in the car. What could I do? go home and zone out on the sofa, or go for a roughly 2 mile walk in no socks and plimsoles (not the best shoes lol)


So I went for the walk, locally to me there is a loop that starts on a canal side, goes through a small village then one long road back up to the car. It took about an hour, however every time I do this journey there are different things to see and shoot. Today the flowers were all out and there were a few boats on the canal.


Here are a few images that I have taken today, What do you think?


Nicola


www.New-Images.co.uk