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

I have a dressing table.

Finally I have a dressing table. 

This is one thing that I have always wanted and never had room for. When I moved late last year I didn't think I had room either. However I was wrong. I needed to find something that would fit in the gap and also go with my existing furniture. I didn’t have the world’s biggest budget either.

A few weeks ago I did the research and a blog on this: http://nicolasnewthings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/dressing-table-decisions-help-needed.html

I decided on the Argos set, as this was the best value, had the full set including the mirror and stool and could be delivered before my birthday.

I did have to wait 10 days for the delivery but the item was in stock, it was just unfortunate that they didn't have a driver in my area before. However this still came before my birthday.

On the day the driver called me about an hour before so that I could arrange to be home. He also carried the box to my front door, (a 1^st floor flat). Everything was in one box making it quite heavy.

The dressing table set too about an hour to build, this could have been done by myself however some parts needed force and a friend helped. Once built I love it, the mirror looks like it is at a strange angle but this is ideal for me with the position of the light in my room to look down towards the mirror. I cannot quite get my legs under the table and have to sit slightly off to the side. But this is not a problem for the few minutes I am at it. There are 2 big deep drawers and I have stored my hair-dryer and straighteners in there.

I have my perfume box on the top.

My cleansers (so kept upright) and my brushes.

Then plastic storage boxes with sections. Face, eyes, lips, hair, nails, other (highlighters etc).

I can safely say I have used this every day, twice a day and I don’t know how I managed before. I know it sounds cliché but I like spending the 5 minutes in a morning and 5 at night doing something to take care of myself and it helps me feel better.

What do you think?

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

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