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

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

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

My January favourites 2015

January Favourites 2015

This month I do have a few items that I could not have lived without.

Hand Cream: I have been using pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I have been loving the Q10 cream from Tesco. this is less than a pound and I have about 3 tubes so that I can get hold of it and slap some on. This doesn’t make your hands greasy in small amounts.

Lip Balm: Blistex intensive repair cream. This has a tingly menthol taste which I don’t really like. However this cream is amazing. Especially with the constant changes in weather we have at the minute. I try and apply this at least twice in a day. Always before I go to bed at night.

Body Moisturiser: I am still loving the Body Shop Pink Grapefruit body butter. I recently got lots of the matching range including the body sorbet, but I have gone straight back to the butter. Especially at the moment where my skin feels dry and unloved. Great to slap on a good layer and jump into PJ's.

Snow Boots: For Xmas I had been asking for supplies ready for the upcoming ski holiday. I had been lucky to receive a pair of fluffy on the inside Tress pass snow boots. All of my ski clothes were in the theme of black and cerise pink. Well these were black with pink stitching. They are the comfiest shoes in the world. I had been wanting to hold out for the holiday. However with the cold weather and snow I used them before going away.

Suitcase: I had been advised before travelling to a snowy country that I shouldn’t take a roller suitcase as this will just get wet. Therefore I got a lightweight space saver suitcase. Well when it arrived I didn't think I could fit a full weeks clothes in there. Well I did and due to the lightweight and squashy sides I easily fit in my bulky clothes and was well under the weight limit for the flight.

What have you been loving?

Speak Soon

Nic 

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

Autumn - Winter 2014 Home Comforts:

As the nights draw in an the weather starts to change this is when I find a change in the weather really changes my mood. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I will share to try and help the transition from summer to Autumn / Winter.

Clothes: I am always cold! even in the summer I am reaching for jumpers and cardigans, which means that I will have plenty of supplies around. But this also means If I'm cold in the summer how cold do I feel in the winter. This year when I bought some new clothes I also purchased long sleeve jersey T-shirts. They are ideal for layering up under blouses and jumpers to take away the chill. Also I love my boots, so simple to pair up with jeans and more stylish than pulling on my trainers.

Bedding: So far this year I am holding off turning the heating on. I have however found that swapping out the cotton bedding, and swapping for a jersey material really does help keep me warm. Even with the same tog duvet it does take away the chill. The only problem is trying to get up and out of bed is even harder as its snuggly and warm.

Food: This is when the slow cooker appears out of the cupboard and the stews, casseroles and other yummies start to be eaten. I am trying at present to be very conscious about the amount of wheat and flour I am having in my diet. Putting lots of meat and vegetables with a controlled mix of herbs and spices is a good way for this. All of the contents are known, and it makes it a lot cheaper making them at home. I make too much and batch it up and freeze for lunches and teas another day. I have asked for a certain chefs cook book for xmas about comfort food :-)

Relaxing: You all know I love my candles, but this is when I love to light one and sit by the soft glow. It helps me to feel relaxed and at ease. I have recently been loving my unscented candles. Or one particular candle that I purchased at my place of work. However I have just taken on a new part time role that I am going to love, which will involve selling candles!! ideal job for me I think :-)

There are 2 bad things about this time of the year and I am really not looking forwards to them over the next few weeks. I don't like the dark at the best of time however right now is worse. Due to the fact of I don't like people coming to my door when they are unexpected, and I am scared of masks and items that cover the face such as face paint and prosthetics. Therefore Halloween is not a good time at all for me. Therefore this year will as per every year involve, being home on the top floor, with the curtains closed and TV and music on so loud that I cannot hear the door. Im not a scrooge, I usually leave a sign out and a bag of sweets for people to take.

My other worse fear are fireworks, I hate the loud noises, and how you do not know when you expect them to go off. I jump out of my skin, and I hate the noise. Again this is a night where there curtains are closed and the TV is on. One thing with fireworks are they don't just go off on 5th of November, sometimes the weekend before, or after, and then random nights between then and new year.

What helps you to feel better at this time of the year? I would love to know as I may try them.

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

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

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/

Do what makes you happy:

Do what makes you happy:

Over the last few weeks I have had a few things going off in my life. There are ups and downs for everyone and I think I have finally realised that you need to to what makes you happy. Whatever that may be sometimes you just need to forget everything else and have some you time.

I have wanted to embrace the good weather we have been having, I had some help to restore the garden to its former glory. They also helped me to build a bench. I have as a result this morning had an hour out in the warm sunshine with my favorite breakfast, music on the Ipad and a good cup of tea. I felt very relaxed and happy and only had to leave my spot to come and write my blog. 

I have found that when I am low I don't eat very well and as a result over the last month I have lost almost a stone in weight. I have however started to feel a bit better and I have started feeling hungry. Eating good food is another thing that makes me happy. I generally don't not eat anything, ill have anything in moderation. I do really enjoy my fruit and veg therefore if I want chocolate cake I will have it. On a shopping trip this week I had seen an cream tea on the menu. So you guessed it I had it, and it made me happy.

I am a typical girl, I love having a bath and pamper session and sitting on Netflix with a cheesy TV show. Sometimes it is good to simply have you time. I know it can be good to talk things out and not bottle up. But is is very good to simply sit and shut out any issues for a few hours clarity.

Friends make me happy, sometimes I feel like I am the one my friends come to when they need to talk and get things off their chest. I had been feeling like people were too busy to bother them with my problems. I have realised there are a few good true friends out there that are there no matter what or when you need them. I am very thankful to them for many things and I know you may be reading.

My house makes me happy, we were very lucky to inherit a house which enabled us to buy the lovely house we live in today. I take pride in my house and keeping it tidy and homely. I have been making sure things are in their place at the minute. Yes this may be a sign of my OCD creeping out and heaven forbid if a plug socket is not turned off. But doing these things help me feel at ease and then momentarily happy.

So whats the point in this blog, well I have waffled on a bit. I just wanted to say I am human I do have happy and sad times and there are lots of things we call all do that are personal to us that can make you happy. Wether it is a short term fix or a longer term result you need to find what makes you happy and cling to it.

Try not to let your feelings overwhelm you, sometimes life is hard and doesnt always look great. But take every day as it comes and slowly things should get better and you turn a corner. Its not always easy and some tough choices may have to be made, and not everyone may be happy with the path you choose but do what you feel is right and make yourself a priority. Its your right to be happy.

Nicola 

x

5 Things of the week:

5 things:

I have recently been quite busy and have seen this idea from one of the lovely bloggers I follow. So here are 5 things I have done this week.

1: I have this week had a change at work in my day job, as my manager was off on her holidays leaving me in charge. Meaning a few later nights at work and more than usual on my mind in the day. Needless to say as a result I have been enjoying coming home, having tea and relaxing on the sofa with the TV. 

2: Communication, I have realised that sometimes people have things going on in their life and it is very appreciated when you can be a shoulder to lean on in a harder time. Of course I'm not going to name names, or discuss private matters. But I know I appreciate people who can be there when you need them. Hopefully they feel the same when they need me.

3: This week we have tackled the jungle that was the garden. Now I had mowed the grass about 4 weeks ago but due to other commitments had not done this again since. Well thats not a good idea as it took me twice as long as is still not finished. I shall today (as the sun is shining) go out and finish the garden this morning. As due to the bank holiday weekend I would like to go outside.

4: Food: after a few weeks of not eating very well I think I may be back on track. I have been trying really hard to eat fruit and vegetables. I have been feeling much better now that I have been eating correctly. I had not realised how much of an difference it made to you. I felt sluggish and tired all of the time. I think it has given me a wake up call to look after myself a little more.

5: Planning: I am trying to make plans rather than just float around on my day off and have nothing to show for time. I am currently trying to have trips out and plan a holiday for the summer. I hate it when my partner comes in from work and says so what have you done today? and my answer is .. nothing. No wonder days and months fly by, But its not a good thing to have nothing to show for it. What do you do with your time off?

Liz Earle: Hot Cloth Cleanser:

Liz Earle: Hot Cloth Cleanser:

A few weeks ago I was very lucky to be sent a sample of the hot cloth cleanser.

I had heard a lot about the product and I wanted to give it a try. Due to my sensitive skin I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the item to have an allergic reaction. Therefore when I was asked to try the product I was excited.

Once the item arrived this was packaged in simple white tissue with the blue liz earl logo.

Included is a 50ml pump cleanser solution and 1 muslin cloth. 

My first impressions were the cream smelt lovely and I can see how the smell would be very refreshing. However I thought the muslin cloth was very stiff and tough.

I used the product for the first time that night, Applying a pump of the cream on to a dry face massaging in to loose the makeup and daily grime. I then wet the muslin cloth in warm water. (This made the cloth a lot softer) and wiped away the residue. 

I was amazed at home much came off the cloth as the first day I had not been at work and had very little makeup on.

My skin felt clean as was visibly glowing. This was after just one use. I carried on using the product for the rest of the week and as every day when on I was still loving the cleanser. I was amazed at the results on a day I had a full face of makeup including waterproof mascara how well the cleanser worked in one application. (i thought i would have needed to do the process twice that day)

Therefore I am very glad that I have tried the product. I shall be looking to find other trial or travel sizes within the range and check I get along with them. I think I shall then be investing in more from the Liz Earle range of skincare.

*this was a free sample sent to myself for review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

10 Things you didn't know about me:

10 Things about me: (and 2 you probably did)

Where do I live:

I live in Doncaster, South Yorkshire

How old am I:

I am 27 (just)

Where did I go to school:

I went to school in Doncaster and University at Staffordshire (stafford campus)

Where do I work:

I am a warehouse manager at an online furniture company based in Doncaster. I also have my own photography business that covers weddings, studio photography and corporate photography.

What car do I drive:

I answered this in a recent blog: I drive a 100% electric Renault Zoe

http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/have-you-met-zoe-i-love-her-very-much.html

Are you in a relationship:

Yes I am married and have been for around 5 years, I went to 6th form and university with my husband so we have been together for what seems like forever.

What is your favourite food:

I have to be careful with what I eat as I am coeliac, I love Chinese food but I cannot just go to the chinese as usual and have to make it at home which takes away the sparkle. Therefore my safe favourite is a good steak and chips - (http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/about-me-im-coeliac-and-what-that-means.html)

What is your favourite beauty product:

May favourite thing ever is perfume, I love love love, D&G the one. I would safely say this is what I always smell of.

What is your favourite home product:

I love candles, At present my favourite is my Partylite jar in Iced Snowberrys. It has a very fresh and clean smell, which is not too overpowering. 

What is your favourite electronic:

This is a though one for me as I do love my gadgets. From my I-pad, to my phone (nexus 4), to my car, to my camera and lenses and many more things besides. I would class myself as a gadget lover. 

I think ..... the award goes to ...... my Canon 650D (and the lenses to match of course)

Where is your favourite place you have visited:

I have been very lucky to have visited a number of countries. The best holiday I have been on as a whole was one big surprise by my husband. It was kind of a late honeymoon but I knew nothing of the location for nearly 2 years. We went to Singapore via a stop off in Dubai. This was amazing and the country is so beautiful to visit. I don't understand how many people just stop off here and never leave the airport. I would love to go back again, we spent 10 days here and we did not see everything.

Who are your favourite bloggers:

I do have a few, from the famous to the not so famous.

I do love Tanya Burr and her style and the way she is so effortless. Also I love Louise - Sprinkle of glitter and how down to earth and real she is.

I also love to read from http://wonderfullyrandom.blogspot.co.uk/ this is one of my school friends Kiri. She has a lovely baby son and she is a very keen baker she always shares something insightful.

And my home and beauty go to guru: http://lucyywrites01.blogspot.co.uk/

This girl is Coeliac like me and loves to bake, she knows home style and is a beauty guru. I have on many occasions direct messaged her with beauty problems and she always responds to me.

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me more.

Speak soon

Nicola 

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February Favourites video now live:

I have just posted my February Favourites video to Youtube.

Why not take a look at what I have been loving.

Please excuse the thumbnail, Youtube did not give many flattering options.

Why not comment with you would have been liking too and maybe I will purchase it to try in March.

More blogs coming up later this week. 

I shall be still aiming for a written blog at least once a week. 

Speak Soon

Nicola

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