Graduation day Sheffield Hallam University 2015

This week I have been very proud to attend my Boyfriends graduation.

I know there was a lot of trials, stress and testing times throughout. However this was very proud and happy day for all. Showing great achievement and success.

In Sheffield city hall with myself and 7 members of his family.


Congratulations
T Buzzard BEng

Nic

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

This weekend I went on a girly day to the local city of York, this was me and a few members of the family on the train for a shopping trip.

Where to start but lush,

As I live out of town lush is a few and far between treat, I think the last lush haul I had was in around February / March and I had well and truly run out.

I treated myself to a favourite of the comforter and, the butterbear bath bomb. The ventures to a few new treats, the stardust bath bomb, mint julips lip scrub and oatifix face mask.

I cannot wait to get chance this week for a proper lush bath / pamper night to try all of the new products.

Then I popped into boots, I have been using a hairspray from my local aldi and it really was not suiting my hair and it made it all sticky. I have missed my natural hold boots own hairspray. Therefore I had to pop by to get more. I have been loving my new unique lip stain, therefore I bought a new one at £4.95 from Seventeen in berry crush. I do like the colour however all of the options were very dark, I wanted to find a coral / pink tone however so far I have not come across an option. (Suggestions welcome) I like the stains in autumn as there is a good colour payoff, and you are not constantly reapplying like a lipstick.

I decided to invest in some new winter boots, I have x2 pairs of black boots and had no brown, I looked in a number of shops then found some really comfy boots in Dorothy Perkins, I was looking at the black boots and nearly bought my third pair of black, until a friend advised me to get the brown. I really like how comfy they are. I now need a matching bag and jacket, I am on the lookout. Again suggestions welcomed.

I am fully into xmas shopping mode, and I keep seeing products I would love myself when out and making not so subtle hints. Hopefully Santa will think I have been a good girl this year.

Nic

The last few weeks,

The last few weeks.

I have had a bit of an emotional roller-coaster over the last few weeks, And as some things I think are best keeping private I have not posted much on here.

I have previously battled with depression, and I am aware of lots of my triggers. Recently a few of these have been apparent to me.

I have been trying to force myself into doing the things that help pull me around.

·        A bath

·        A walk

·        A run

·        Watching YouTube videos

·        Listening to music

Do you have any other suggestions?

The only other issue I am having is I cannot sleep well at night. I get to sleep easily, however then around 4am I awake and have broken sleep until I have to get up. I have tried no electronics, a bath, lavender spray and the odd glass of wine. Again all suggestions are welcomed.

Speak Soon

Nicola

August Favorites 2015

August Favorites:

Things that I have been loving in August:

My new Home – I moved out of my cold, expensive mouldy flat and I am very happy about that. My new house is modern, clean and cosy. The best things for me is I have storage space. I can help the place look tidy most of the time as I can put stuff away. Then I have a 5 minute wipe around and everything is done. Even a big clean takes around 20-30 minutes. I am still saving to no longer need to rent, however this will be a few years away.

Actiderm micellar lotion – over the last few months I have been introduced to a new range of skincare products. I have had a few facials and this month I have bought a few of the products.  I am loving the Micellar lotion, I had previously been using the Garnier version, however after just a week of using this my skin feels and looks cleaner and clearer. I have other items from the same face range and I may be writing a full post on this.

Bodyshop all in one face base – seeing as my skin is better I have been able to go back to my trusty all in one face base, usually I can get away with this instead of a heavy foundation for work. However I have just gone through a dry skin phase where powder was not my friend. Although I am still having bad skin days I am able to use this 5/7. I just wish you could replace the powder section rather than needing to buy a whole new compact. It just seems a waste to me.

Aldi Rose Wine – this year I have started shopping at Aldo when It opened in the village, Now I have had some product swap fails, but I have found a few items I really like. Such as the Rose that is £2.99 from there, It is sweet and not too strong and great for an everyday drink. (Not that I drink every day)

EverythingsaFiver.com – I have now lost all the wright I was planning and am a size 8, I therefore was ready for getting rid of my 10-12 clothes and fully committing to my new size and shape. As I needed essentials and lots of them I often turn to this website. I like that now you can search by size, and don’t therefore shop find the dream dress and they have sold out. Also they are constantly adding new items to the range. I have yeas had some product fails, and in fact had a delivery today of 10 items and 1 is a fail. You can return them, but if is it your own fault due to being the wrong size for your body, you have to cover the return postage. (Around £5) therefore I shall donate this. You can do well and today I received a dress with a £60 price tag left on. (I wouldn’t have bought it at that price, but someone would)

My new car – I got rid of the Yaris Hybrid, I didn’t really like its drive and feel. I therefore upgraded to a VW gold 2.0 TDI with DSG gearbox. Basically in English, it goes fast if I put my foot down, is automatic and economical.

I still think it could be a little but big for me, but I wanted 5 door with boot space and I have that.  A few people have asked why I need a sporty car. However at the time of ordering the other car I wanted was an Audi TT, therefore the golf is much less sporty.

Speak Soon

Nicola

Where have I been for Summer 2015

Where have I been for Summer 2015:

Well this summer I moved house,

Went on holiday to the Lake District,

Found a love for a new skincare brand Actiderm

Stopped selling Partylite candles

Put a lot more hours into my Photography business www.New-Images.co.uk

And generally made myself shattered, with work and personal issues

Therefore with regret my blogging time has seriously dropped. Not only the writing, I don’t know the last time I had chance to sit down and watch a YouTube video or read a blog.

I remember around about April being the last time I did that.

No I am not giving up on blogging, and I do understand if you have given up on me. However sadly working what feels like non stop and not sleeping at night is physically draining me. Sadly blogging at this moment in time is on the back burner.

I would love to get back into it, however I think something in my life needs to give way first.

I shall post asap.

Nicola

Eyebrow Tinting / Waxing and Eyelash Tinting – Before and After

This wasn’t the first time I had this done, I have previously had my patch test and all had come up fine.

I had neglected my brows for about 8 weeks, they were uneven and unloved. I was finding it hard to make my eye make-up look good. Therefore an appointment was booked in.

On the night the lady tinted my eyebrows first, this took about 3 minutes, We were just chatting away and the time flow.

Eyelashes: - she put some Vaseline under my eye and a cotton wool pad folded in half, then asked me to close my eyes (not scrunch) and keep them closed until asked me to reopen. Then she painted on the dye. (I went for blue / black). Again we sat and chatted, this time with my eyes closed, for around 10 minutes. She then wiped away the excess dye and “tickled” my lashes to separate them all.

Then the eyebrow wax, I always find this uncomfortable. By no way pain where I would have it done again. But always makes me jump on one eye more than the other. This time as my brows were so bad she then spent another few minutes with a tweezer tidy. (This part always reminds me why I don’t get my legs or other areas waxed)

Then all done, asked me to sit up and check all is ok.

(bottom picture left = before wipe off once home)

Everything will look darker and bolder than you expected.  This is due to the residue of the dyes. Try and leave this overnight if you can to help your colour last longer. Then wash with a gentle cleanser the next day.

I love the way it makes my face change, I feel like I can just put minimal foundation on and a lippy and I’m out the door. It doesn't make me look “made up” but it makes me look groomed. The effects usually last about 3 weeks for me. Therefore I am planning on booking 4 weekly reoccurring appointments.

Any other beauty treatments I should be looking into?

Nicola

April Favourites:

April Favourites:

Sensationail nails: I am back to my gels. I had them done over a month ago at a nail salon. Then I have been 2 weeks with naked nails. It made me realise how ugly they are like that and how weak they feel. I got a few new colours a few months ago when they were on offer and I have been loving the DIY gel nails.

Collection Lasting Colour Lipstick – Vintage  Rose 13: I usually go for nude, or just a balm, however I bought this when I was at a supermarket with mum and the colour just grabbed me. Enough of a pink but still a natural colour. More like a better than my natural pink colour (if that even makes sense)

Spending time outdoors: Now the weather is getting better I have enjoyed this by going to a car show. It wasn’t my ideal cup of tea, but it gave me an excuse to have a wander outside, take some pictures and have an ice cream. The following day I was asked to go watch a friend who was having a helicopter flying experience. This was then followed by lunch and shopping in Leeds. A nice time to chill with loved ones.

I also had a day at, Clumber park which is a local National Trust site. My grandma always took me here as a child. I went for a walk and a meal in the tea room with a Gluten Free Cake and pot of tea.

Partylite: Berry Blossom. The new scent I love for spring summer. This is really refreshing and 

fruity. I love my job and the availability of amazing candles. Who wants a smelly house?? Well a bad smelling house??

Down Time: This month I had a few rough weeks and I was in a bit of a mess. However it helped me to sit back and analyse what I do appreciate and have in my life. I have really helped balance and enjoy some ME time. Just an extra long shower or bath. Hot chocolate and TV shows are a good way (avoiding the wine) to have a bit of reflection.

What have you done?

Nic

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

HI All,

I’ve been a bit distant recently as feel like I’ve had a lot going on in my day to day life and I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed with it all.

I know what I’m about to describe will sound petti and nonsense to some people. I set up this blog as a place for me to vent and express myself. I am the worst person in the world for bottling up my thoughts and let them keep going round and round in my mind.

I have been through a lot in the last year, I left my marriage which took a lot of person strength, set up a new home, (which has a number of flaws e.g. mould and £120 pm electric bills) Set up a new party plan business. Carried on with my existing wedding photography business. Decided it was time to look to leave my 9-5 day job.

Well to add on top of this I have been getting really anxious lately. I find myself sat staring into space not knowing whether to go get in bed and wish the day away or burst into tears. I genuinely sometimes don’t know what to say when friends ask “whats wrong”. I just feel like I constantly give everything my all and go above and beyond to make everyone else happy. I feel that I have gotten lost along the way.

I feel like I go from extreme highs to extreme lows in the flick of a switch.

e.g. I’m amazed when I secure a wedding booking, or party bookings for my candle company, win a 5 year court case, & even the odd job interview and I’m on top of the world.

Only to then get an unexpected bill, not get that job that, your party bookings cancel on you, or your friends one by one suddenly stop responding to your messages (even though you can see they have been read) and you feel like the loneliest person in the world.

Yes I know everyone has issues and that life must go on, but when you feel like you have no aims, goals or reason to persevere. What is it that I need to do to snap out of this and break the cycle?

I have been trying to think of ways to break down what do I want, and how can I measure ways to say yea I did have a good week this week.

Yes I know this is not the usual blog, but I have had so much stuff built up I was ready to explode.

Nic 

1 month Diet & Exercise update

Diet and Exercise update:

Well here I am 1 month on.

To summaries.

·        I bought all the gear to go running

·        I went running 3 times a week for 2 weeks

·        I went MEGA healthy eating for 1 week

·        I limited to 1 cup of tea a day and the rest honey and lemon

·        Consciously drank lots of water

·        I dropped a dress size (in trousers)

·        I felt amazing! Alert, not hungry, happy,

·        I then was ill

·        I stopped exercise

·        Now I cannot get back on the healthy eating band wagon

·        I have a sore throat, feel really tired and run down

·        My get up and go has gone.

Plan:

·        Get back into exercise (however I shall mix it up with a run and a xbox game like Zumba)

·        Next food shop – go healthy again – however I do need to give myself treats and think more about lunches at work. I have found I need a mid morning or mid afternoon boost.

·        Drink more water again (my skin was clearer)

I cannot believe how quickly I started to see results and feel better in myself. I need to find a balance between TOO healthy and fit and making it work with my lifestyle and goals.

What can you suggest?

Speak soon

Nicola

Fragrance Shop - Discovery Box - Issues and Failure

Discovery box,

Well I have had a fun time getting this box.

http://www.thefragranceshop.co.uk/DiscoveryClub.aspx

I ordered this the first week of January, the money came out of my bank and I never heard anything. I came back off holiday and contacted the company. Ever so apologetic arranged a refund, the subscription to be cancelled and some free samples to be sent out in the post.

Great no problem, at least they have fixed it an apologised.

Roll on 3 months later £5 comes out of my bank. Contacted the company again, however this time no email back. Send another email, no email back. Then the magic of Twitter make 1 post and within 10 minutes I get a message.

They look into it, cancel it again and refund me. However they let me know the most recent box (that I didn’t order or authorise payment of) had already been shipped. I asked if I should send it back and they said no accept with our apologies.

So the box came, Nice packing, a good way to store your smaller perfumes.

With some samples that  I have not used. (I shall pass on the mens ones)

Along with money off vouchers off the full sized versions.

Would I recommend the box, 

As a perfume-a-holic yes I have found a few more perfumes to add to the collection and I like the idea of them being selected for me and posted out.

As a customer – no – as firstly it didn’t arrive, this was then supposedly fixed, then more money came out of the bank. Luckily this was only £5 however when then no one responds to you this is worrying and frustrating.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Nicola

April 2015 Primark Spring Haul

Hey everyone,

This week I did a quick holiday dash for some spring clothes for a weekend away.
Due to my recent weight loss I has no clothes suitable for this weekend that actually fit.
I only wanted essentials that I can wear in different mix and match combos.

Therefore I bought,

• Vest tops (lemon and green)
• Mint Green cardigan

• Navy striped (nautical) cardigan

• Beige cut out shoes

• Beige and black £5 skater dress

• Black Shape ware Swimming costume

• 2 pastel colour scarf's

I am planning on taking black and dark blue Jeggings / skinny jeans for the day and mix the dress etc in for a meal.

As i work 5 days a week I feel I don't get change to be 'pretty' on a weekend. Therefore I wanted simple cheap items to give some colour but without too much effort.

I am loving the pastels for spring. I want to try and transfer this over to my make-up too. As I am still on my winter browns.

What do you think?

Nicola

Diet / Fitness & Meal planning

Meal Planning:

HI I got this idea from one of blogger friends.

I am starting on 23.03.15 starting my new exercise schedule including running and cardio along with toning. I am definitely running at least 5k this summer in the race for life. Depending how the training goes between now and entering this may be me signing up for the 10k.

I am doing this to get back into fitness as this did help me physically, but also metal it helped to get on a running machine and put my headphones on for a few hours. Well the difference this time is I cannot afford the Gym membership. Therefore I have found a running buddy who will help enforce me going 3 nights a week. And I won’t be out on my own. Then there will be home workouts between for more toning and strengthening.

My aim is to get fully into my size 8 clothes. I am in some 8s comfortably, however I still have work to do on my stomach. Therefore I would love to go to a clothes shop and not have the am I an 8 or 10 debate. (I bet that sounds really vain)

Also I want to help my overall eating style. I am quite good in general due to the Coeliac nature of my diet, But I am a sucker for cake and biscuits. (gluten free of course). Therefore today with a little help from other people made a health meal plan for the next week.

This will involve batch cooking to give me easy meals for when you just cant be bothered to cook, and meals for lunch at work. Both of these factors should combine to give me healthy meals at a cheaper cost.

I have recently done a Costco Meal shop, therefore my freezer is stocked up on chicken thighs, pork loins, beef mince and stewing beef.

All I didn't buy today was fish as the Aldi selection was not great and I shall go to a larger superstore or a local fishmonger in the week to get this closer to the night of the meal.

I was surprised at how little the shop cost £36.27. But this will be of course subsidized by the meat from the Costco meals.

My fridge is now well and truly stocked up.

All with healthy meals.

The meals I chose are:

Roast Chicken salad / tuna salad

Beef vegetable stir-fry

Beef stew

Pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes and leftover chicken

Chilli and rice

Fish with new potatoes and peas

There should be some food left at the end of the week which will no doubt be come some kind of concoction to use up. (I hate waste)

I will be very conscious about the level of water I am drinking – I even have an app on my phone. I don’t know how ill manage but I want to drop to 2 cups of tea a day. And yes that includes at work. This will be hard for me as I am a tea monster and I have at least 10 now. I have bought some berry tea for at work and hopefully this will help if others don’t just make me a regular tea.

I am looking at some health supplements to help with metabolism and fat burning. However I shall be careful with this as I know you can get some dodgy ones.

What do you think?

What meals could I add in? They need to be easy, filling and cheap.

Nic

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

February favourites 2015

February favourites:

Well it has been a year since my first (and only) YouTube video which was about this.

This month I have been liking a few things not all product based but I shall share.

Food: I have since the New Year been very conscious of watching what I eat, I can say I have been proactive in the search for Gluten Free products to replace the items I loved in “normal” food. This month I have found I like Genius Multi seed bread rolls and Newburn Bakehouse (wabertons) sliced white bread. I also have really liked finding the Tesco finest New Gluten free cookies. I know my diet isn't the cheapest but I do like to have a treat.

Body: Perfume is still my love and I have many bottles on my dressing table, but the same as last year I am still reaching for Next Sparkle. I have also gotten out the pink grapefruit body mist on the few days my arms have been out towards the end of this month.

For my birthday I got the Soap and Glory bumper box set (xmas gift set) I have been really liking the Orangism shower gel from this, With the citrus scent and creamy texture this is a great fresh way to help awaken me from a morning shower.

Face: I have fallen in love with the Nivea facial product range. I have been using daily the express hydrations primer. I can hand on heart say this is making my face look better before my make-up and giving me longer wear time. In the matching style tub of my day and night cream for £3.50.

Home: I have been trying hard to arrange the last few areas of my flat. The flat is vastly lacking in storage but I have been keeping on top of washing and cleaning which is making me put items away and therefore keeping the house neat and tidy. This mean that I am getting more me time to sit back, read a book or watch TV. (I am grateful of this)

Hair: this month has seen me cut off lots of my hair, this was a big change to start with but I now love that it takes less than 15 mins to “fully” do my hair. To me this means blow dry and straighten and under 5 mins from shower.

What have you been doing? And liking?

Nicola

Mid week – Tesco mini shop.

Well this is a first, I had a day off today and this was full of errands, including Dentist, Hospital and Letting agent appointments.

The house needed a quick stock up on a few things.

I like to go to the big supermarket when I get chance mid-week and in the middle of the day as everywhere is a lot quieter.

I get to have a browse around the clothes and offers in peace without trolleys going into my heels.

Also this helped me see some of the special offers on items I actually wanted to buy.

Here are the images:

Household:

I like the house to be clean and hygienic, I also like it to smell fresh. I had run out of own brand antibacterial spray and wipes. I then saw the Dettol range on offer and this was double the size of the usual spray I get for 5p more. Also the wipes. I wanted the citrus fresh for a change. Also as well as my candles I like the fragrance stands in most rooms to keep them smelling fresh. Therefore I bought fresh cotton. I am getting a new car this week and got the matching car scent too.

Food:

Gluten free purchases, Bagels, pasta, sliced white bread and very yummy looking cookies.

Beauty:

I this week ran out of primer and my make-up doesn't last all day without it, this was on offer with all other Nivea items. Therefore I stocked up on essentials at the same time.

I do like Tesco big stores as they have a clothes section as well as a nice home wares section. Today I saw a nice wall clock and cute pillows. As well as useful and practical holders for in my bathroom. I think I shall save next months and get them. Just to help the living room and bathroom feel finished.

Speak soon

Nicola

Essentials Items Superdrug Online Shop Haul

I needed essentials and this is what I got.

I like to online shop rather than do an impulse buy when I am at a supermarket. I can get the same priced items and have a read of the reviews at the same time.

I knew I needed:

Makeup

Moisturiser

Eye cream

Cleanser & Toner

Spot Stick

I ordered on the Sunday evening and got free standard shipping. This came with Royal Mail thee following Friday,

Outside the box was Superdrug branded, inside the items were packaged with brown paper and bubble wrap on the fragile item. Also included was a copy of Superdrug’s dare magazine.

This lot came to £15 and I got a lot for my money as many items were reduced or BOGOF.

What do you think?

Nic