New Month New Start.

Hey, Me again
I have recently had a massive change, I am going to aim to restart blogging fully in the new year.
I have a few posts written and scheduled for in December.

I feel like I am letting you down a little at the minute. However I am Pencilling in a few hours a week for planning and writing.

I have recently taken on a part time job which has affected my spare time in an evening. Which was my ideal blog writing plan time.

Speak soon (nov favs i think)

Nicola

October Favourites 2014

October Favourites:

Yet another month has flown by. In October I had been keeping myself to myself and loving easy home comforts. Keeping warm and wrapped up, loving simple surroundings.

Bath: I am still loving my lush the comforter bath bar. This month I have had an excama breakout. Therefore using the comforter and my prescribed medication. My skin is slowly healing and is feeling nourished in the process.

Food: The slow cooker is working wonders, simply throw in everything in a morning and leave on. Therefore a yummy smelling house and about 3 days worth of food sat waiting for you. Recently I have been making, a spanish style chicken stew. With chicken, chorizo and tomatoes. This is a very yummy warming dish. Costing about £6 but giving 4 big portions from one pot. Best to tub up and freeze for extra meals.

Life: I have just become a PartyLite Consultant. I went into this not planning on going out to the parties and being and online only consultant. With my knowledge of social media and blogging. I have had some success with this and it is early days. However I have had my eyes opened to the world of the parties. It is a good place for me to get out of the house for a few hours, have some me time, and be surrounded by yummy scented candles. If you wanted to know more information have a look at my website: www.NicolaWatson.partylite.co.uk I love candles, and now is a good opportunity to do something for me and sell them and make some pocket money in the process. 

Work: This is the quiet season for Photography, I am working hard on my website and the back end systems to hopefully help kick start a great 2015 and get plenty of bookings in the diary. I love wedding photography, I hope one day I can do this full time. However right now I just wish I could do it more often.

Friends: This month I have been in contact with a few friends who I may not have seen or spoken to in a while. I am very appreciative of the support I have gained, especially over the phone. It is amazing how a simple text message can help brighten your day if you are feeling lousy. I want to make a conscious effort to contact all of the true friends in my phonebook at least once a week. 

This month I have really understood this quote:

I feel that November is going to be a big month for me. (the first week has already seen a massive change - I will share this at some point) I just want to work on myself, get my mind and body healthy and work towards being the best I can be, in all aspects of my life.

What have you been loving?

Speak Soon

Nic

August Favourites:

August Favourites:

I cannot believe that it is September already! why is it that as you get older time speeds up? This month there have been a few things that I have enjoyed and though I would share them.

Seeing Family: 

I think in September I have seen more of my family than any other month of the year. Weather it was just a sunday lunch at my brothers, A family BBQ for my uncles birthday or a trip to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park with younger family. I do really like to spend time with my family. Some people are further away or work opposite hours to me. Making it even more special when you get time to catch up. Also this week has melted my heart for seeing the images of nieces and nephews starting their new school years. Wether for my youngest niece, full time school, my middle niece secondary school, and my oldest niece college.

Potato Waffles: 

Need I say more? Well these little squares of heaven have gotten back into my life. I am still not eating brilliantly, however i have been reaching for these from the freezer. They are so easy to cook and many things can go with them. Easy, cheap and yummy... what more do you need?

Gel Nails:

I have written a post before about my love of the Sensationail at home gel manicure system, however last week was a real test. I had taken my gels off on the wednesday in prep for reapplication for the weekend. (this was the mistake) I then was back at work on thursday and friday, which were particularly heavy manual days for me in the warehouse. Involving driving the van and moving storage units, and a container delivery of furniture. Needless to say after these two days my nails were a mess, all snapped and dinted, with no protection. It truly does show how much the gel reenforces the nail and helps maintain the length. I now have all nails very short and even while they grow back out. Therefore note to self, never take off gel without reapplying.

Perfume:

I am still sticking with my next sparkle as being the number one I reach for in a morning. I repurchased this in august and I have been using it daily since. 

Foundation:

I have rediscovered an old love and its amazing. It is the Body shop all in one face base. This is a mix between a foundation and a powder. You can apply dry or wet depending on the coverage needed. It is a really easy and fast step for a work day makeup look. 

Sims 3:

I have become addicted again to the sims. I am doing well that I have only been on once this week. However I somehow really like to build things and set goals for my sim. (I think I'm even living out some of my real goals through her.. but shush that may make me sound like a nutter). 

Chillout time:

I have had a few days off work in a row, and although I have been bored with nothing to do, in balance I have also loved it.  Giving me time to have cloud days with catch up tv. Or going through and organising my wardrobes. No deadlines, no plans and no worry. Can I do this more often??

Pinterest:

Following on from above I have found pinterest, I love flicking through mainly, clothing, beauty and quotes. There are always things you have never thought of on there. Its an great way to spend half an hour. 

So these have been some of my favourite things to do last month.

Speak soon

Nic x

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

This week I was very lucky to have been invited to test drive one of these 100% electric luxury cars. I was very excited before hand and priced up my dream car specification on their website. 

On arrival we located the 2 cars plugged in to the EV charging points . (luckily we didn't need to charge Zoe).

After locating the Tesla staff and signing a waiver to drive the car we were shown around the cars. I was shocked at how much bigger it was than I had imagined. Also the boot was very big. This would easily have fit a few large suitcases. Also due to their being no engine there is a Frunk (Front Trunk) Again this had lots of space for shopping. I know its probably a gadgety thing, but I like how the door handles are built into the car doors, and on approach they slide out and appear. 

Then it was time to get inside. After fiddling with the many buttons and lining up my chair off we went. Inside of the car was very similarly styled to a Mercedes with a on steering wheel leaver for Park, Drive etc. One big difference was the 12” tablet screen in the middle of the dashboard. This was the source for navigation, heating, media, and driving modes. Also I liked the different personalised profiles that remembers your settings and adjusts your seat, mirrors and steering wheel on your arrival to the car. This was great for me as I'm 5ft2 and my husband is over 6ft tall. Therefore we both sit very differently in the car. At the touch of a button the vehicle changes around you for you.

Off to driving, The steering was on standard and was still very responsive. The drive was very similar to the feel of Zoe, Smooth and exciting. There are many settings for the driving style, during the test drive they kept this set on standard, there was the comfort setting and sports. I really wanted to see the difference but sadly not this time.

The car is larger than I am used to, as this was quite a large family car. However it didn't feel to big, I liked the reversing camera and sensors to help with parking.

I also asked about the speaker system, to which the model we were in had 12 speakers and inbuilt subwoofer. Supported and designed by dolby surround sound. I can safely say the system sounded very good. 

The Teslas charge from virtually anything, They can use the in house 3 pin plug. Beware this takes many hours. The type 2 connectors and the supercharger points which charge the mega miles in just 20 minutes. 

I do love Tesla as a brand and how the cars are handmade and have been passionately developed to be in my opinion the leaders with EV’s. I am glad to see that they are starting to arrive in the UK. I can safely say I really liked the car, I did go online and price up my ideal car I came out at £67,330. Therefore I think this is something I need to save up lots for and will be my one day car. 

To round up, the car is exciting, luxury, and EV market leading. I cannot wait to see how over the next couple of years how the brand keep themselves a step ahead of the market. And hopefully a smaller more affordable car within the range. 

Speak Soon

Nic

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

This week I went to one of the Safari Nights. This is where the park is open until around 9pm at night. With added entertainment and the animals are more active as the day get cooler and some of them get fed. I went with family, as it was straight from work we went via the Safari Cafe for my tea. As per my last blog the food was fresh and lovely. As it was a busier day it did take a little longer to arrive but this was to be expected.

As I was with adults this time, we could be more selective of which animals we went to see. As this was a special event day the park was busier than usual, and due to going after work and after food we didn't reach any animals until about 6:30pm.

We went to see the very active Lemurs.

My good friends the River Hogs “Bella & Buster”

The Tigers:

Since my visit last week the wildlife park have had their newest arrival of Victor the Polar bear. It was lovely to see the new part of the park. As well as the vast space for him. Sadly as Victor was still getting used to his new home and his new routine he was sat by the door to the exit of his enclosure. It was very obvious he was tired and was sat waiting to go to bed. From what I could see he was a lot bigger than I had expected and very handsome. I shall go back and see him again when he has settled in more.

After the animals on the park there were a number of street entertainers out and about, I had seen a magician, brass band and singing group. Before the main entertainment of the night a Take That tribute band (different acts on different nights) followed by bang less fireworks.

I was very happy with the bang less fireworks. I really don't like usual fireworks and I can highly recommend going to see these. I understand due to the animals why they are at the park. But it makes me think why cant all fireworks be quiet like this.

Another great trip to the wildlife park, however this was a shorter visit than usual. It was still very enjoyable.

Speak Soon

Nic x

Pamper night:

Pamper night:

Hi, well the last few weeks have been mayhem. With a very busy time with the day job, its wedding season for the weekend job and training for my race next month in the evenings.

This week I managed to have an hour one evening to zone out and relax.

I thought I would quickly let you know what I did.

All good chill time starts with a good cuppa. Everyone at work will vouch that I am always in a better mood after a cup of tea. If anything goes wrong or you need to make me feel better tea is the answer. I have sadly just run out of my favourite brand, and shall be buying more on my next shop.

Then face mask, I have not been eating as well as I could, have been stressed, and therefore my skin always takes its toll. Therefore after choosing between the two face masks in my cupboard. It was time to slap it on and sit for 10 minutes.

Nails, Although I do work in an office, I have a quite hands on job. I have always liked my nails to look good. Although I am a lover of the Sensationail system, sometimes I simply don't have the time. Therefore I reached for my Rimmel 60 second polish. I love a bright colour and this coral was bright and cheery. However I know in less than 24 hours this will be ready to come off due to the harsh daily ware.

The evening then ended with music on Spotify whilst catching up on my blogs. (also getting some ideas for future posts)

What have you been up to?

Speak Soon

Nicola

July Favourites:

July Favourites:

July has been a strange month, with lots of things happening all at once and then big gaps of time with nothing. I thought why not put a short post together to let you know all about it.

Favourite place visited: This month I had a few good days out. I loved the day at Wentworth garden centre. I liked how quite it was. But I think the top day this month was the day at Donnington Formula-e. It was an interesting day with lots to do and see.

http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/days-out-donington-race-track-formula-e.html

Favourite food: This month I discovered I like Pomegranate. With the warmer weather at the minute I have been enjoying lots of salads. I hate them being boring, therefore I have been trying to introduce new flavors to help keep my interest. I have now tried, Avocado, balsamic dressing and Pomegranates.

Favourite photo taken: This would be the image I took whilst at Wentworth Garden centre. I like how pretty and inviting the bench is. I know how long I was sat on it after this image was taken. 

http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/days-out-wentworth-garden-centre.html

Favourite Beauty product: This would be my Jergens Ultra Healing Body Moisturizer. This was featured in the Feb Favs video. I have recently been having a hard time with excama and this cream has worked wonders to get rid of this and give me soft skin. http://youtu.be/QxZiXpJTnH0

Achievement this month: I have just finished my First Aid course. I am the nominated first aider at work and needed to fulfill the course again. I am glad to have passed, especially when this time 3 people on my course failed. I am glad I have the knowledge, however I do not want to have to use it.

General - Aim for next month: 

I have been trying to do something everyday that makes me happy. I have been doing well I think with this. I want to keep this up as I can see a difference in my mood and general wellbeing. I may even do the 100 days of happiness tweets to keep track of this.

Goal for next month: I am training for my Race for life - by the end of august I want to be confident about running the full 5k at a decent pace. I would also like to have received more donations towards the cause.

http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/i-am-going-to-get-muddy-for-charity.html

Days out: Meadowhall Shopping Trip

Shopping Trip:

Well this week I needed some essentials. Well I think they were essential. 

With the warmer weather and changes in by clothes size after loosing weight. It was time for some essentials shopping.

Its rather warm at the minute, and I hate feeling warm when I sleep. I now have a fan in my bedroom but many of my pajamas are long trousers. I therefore popped into Primark for some shorts and top style pjs. I picked up 2 sets at £5 each. Ideal for popping on and keeping cool.

The stop after was Next, If you have seen my February Favorites video in there I had the small handbag sized Next’s own brand perfume in Sparkle. I have now used most of this up and purchased the 100ml version. A bargain at £14. This still reminds me of a clean washing smell. 

Afterwards was Superdrug, Here there were a few products I wanted to buy that have not yet made it into stores. I have been trying to lighten my hair colour. I purchased the Loreal GlamLights kit in shade 3. (not yet used) I don't like it when my hair colour changes to a reddy tone. I love the Superdrug own toners, I picked up the cool blonde bottles. The result is not a platinum colour as per the bottle, it just tones down the redness and makes a cooler ashy colour. I also bought trusty long lasting nail files. And after using a colleagues the John Freida misting gloss. This makes my hair feel soft and glossy and in no way sticky.

Finally was Debenhams, (I don't know how to word this bit.) I have an unusual Bra size and I:

1. have difficulty finding the size to start with, 

2. it be pretty, 

3. be in a set, 

4. not cost the earth. 

Well This was my lucky day, there was a sale on, pretty, my size, and they had the matching sets. Therefore for less than £30 I got 2 bras and 2 pairs of matching bottoms for each one. I usually pay £30 for just one bra. 

I had gone wanting to purchase some of the new makeup revolution items, and a new pair or sunglasses. But I think otherwise I did well.

Do you go shopping with a list of things you want and then go on a mission to find them? Or are you a wanderer?

Speak soon

Nicola

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: Cannon Hall Farm.

Well if any of you know me by now I am a massive Piggy freak. So on a day out the best way to make me happy is to involve pigs.

Today we were planning to go out and the weather forecast was not good. But we decided to put on our warm clothes and waterproofs, get out the big brolly and go for it. 

Therefore we got in the car to got to Cannon Hall Farm. I have been here before and will come again. It is about an hour away from home and the journey can be completed very easily in Zoe.

On arrival parking is £3 all day, but you can redeem this agains a £10 spend in their tearooms.

We realised from the car park that the weather had put a lot of people off as most of the area is outdoors. We didn't mind and off we went. We got our tickets and hand stamp and we were in. 

There are lots of animals large and small and a number of childrens play areas. 

Well if you are like me and you like pigs there are 5 pig houses then there are more in a separate section outdoors with rarer breeds. When we went in today we were greeted by the smallest piglets I have seen. They had not even opened their eyes yet therefore I am guessing at less than 48 hours old. 

Of course there were lots more that were older and running around and playing too. I can safely say I had seen about 500 pigs today. 

there were cows, sheep and goats. This is where I had a little giggle, 2 goat kids had jumped through their pen and were stood on a cows back stealing their hey. The cows did not mind and it looked comical. 

As well as a miniature pony with a miniature calf too.

Of course yes in places it was a little smelly but it is a farm! and due to the weather it was a little muddy. 

We were there about 1.5 hours and if you had kids and the right weather you could have easily managed another hour with the play areas.

There was a gift shop, farm shop and delicatessen. Where we have bought our tea ready for tonight.

The tea rooms were reasonably priced, with snacks, meals and afternoon teas available.

On the same site if you wanted there is Cannon Farm House and then the Gardens to go along with it. You could easily make a full day of your visit.

I shall be going again.

Speak soon

Nic x

http://www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk/