Allergy and Free From show - Liverpool

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

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

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

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

Hope too see some of you soon

Nicola

Tropic Skincare - Review and Thoughts

My experience of Tropic Skincare.

I was very lucky to be asked to go and have a pamper session with a local Tropic Skincare Ambassador.

Jo is new to the company and it was really refreshing to see her excitement about all of the products and how lovely and beautifully packaged they all were.
She also let me know about the company and the long history originating back in Australia before the owner worked really hard and had a little help along the way after her appearance on the apprentice.

All of the items have the vegan and cruelty free logos and this is something that the company are passionate about. Also in the front of the brochure was a long list of what the items didn't contain, paraben free, gluten free, harsh preservatives, alcohol (and the list goes on) The brand is all about being, pure, honest & effective.

I had personally not heard about the brand much, other that it was meant to be the up and coming rival to my beloved Liz Earl. However I am always happy to look at other products especially when they are good for you and the planet.

JO then started on my facial, Using the cleanser as an eye make up remove firstly - (on damp cotton wool so that you don't waste product) then on to the cleanser on the face, on each person you will smell different ingredients based on what you skin needs, for me this was the Eucalyptus, this was meant to be as my body was tense and stressed, or that a cold may be coming on,  and should help for stress release and release. (it worked) Then this was washed off with the lovely natural bamboo cloth.

Then on to toning, - which I also learnt that is to help close your pores after cleaning and re balance your skins natural PH level. Helping to prevent all sorts of nasties getting into your skin which can create uneven skin tone etc.

Then was the luxury oil,  I was dubious of this stage as I have used oil before and I didn't like the smell or texture. However this one didn't smell unpleasant, and in literally seconds was absorbed into the skin with no residue.

Then was the eye cream, and moisturizer. All of which felt and smelt amazing.
Throughout the stages the products did not feel heavy or greasy, and all of the smells were uplifting and beautiful.

I was also introduced to the facial polisher and the body polisher and hand cream, again items that were amazing.

Afterwards my skin was luminous and glowing, I know my skin is not too bad usually and I am all about prevention at the moment, however the products did help my skin feel smooth, even, plumped and nourished. I am very happy now even the day after that my skin is still looking glowing. I have never had this instant effect from any of the brands that I have used (and I have been through a fair few)

I now have a very long list of products that I would like to purchase, and I think after payday and when my current Liz Earle has run out I know where I will be making a purchase.

JO explained to me the benefits if I chose to have a home pamper party, and the incentives that are offered as a thank you, Also you can become an ambassador yourself and get this lovely kit and share the goodness with your family and friends (or keep it all for yourself haha)

If you wanted to take a look at the catalog you can look and order here:

Or if you had any questions here is jo's Facebook group I am sure she will help if you direct message her too:
https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/joannehenderson/newhome.html
https://www.facebook.com/Tropic-Skincare-and-Makeup-with-Jo-845150425612151/?fref=nf

Speak soon
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

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Essentials.

On a recent holiday I saw this in the on board duty free.
I was lucky to have some birthday money left. Also when you spent £5 on food and drink (This is very easy to do on an Easy Jet flight) you got £5 off duty free.

I have heard so much about this range and could not wait to try it.
Here are a few pics of the items:

Eight Hour Cream - Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment
Eight Hour Cream - Skin Protectant
Eight Hour Cream - Lip Protectant SPF 15.

I shall review my thoughts in a week or so after using the items.

Speak soon

Nic

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 

x

About Me: Im Coeliac and what that means

About me: Im coeliac,

Right, so this is not going to be anything heavy but a brief explanation.

Not many people know but I am Coeliac. This is an illness that affects mainly the stomach and intestines. This illness is an allergy to Wheat and/or Gluten. Such as you would find in cakes, bread and pizzas.

I found out when I was 16 that I had this illness after many years going backwards and forwards to the doctors with stomach issues.

Oh the fondness of going to school wearing a size 10 trousers knowing in by bag was either a size 16 or maternity trousers ready for the afternoon. I used to literally swell up and look around 6 months pregnant at school.

After the diagnosis it appeared to be quite simple of how to stop the illness. Or so you would think. Cut out the things that contain wheat. Well there are more than you think, start with the obviously yummy foods, cakes, pizza and sandwiches. But then you get to Gravy, Vinegar and frozen chips that you wouldn't think of. You then become one of those people in the supermarket spending 30 minutes on each isle reading the back of the packets.

10 years ago being coeliac or wheat intolerant wasn't heard of. There were no free from sections in supermarkets and I had to get my food on prescription. Also because it was on prescription it was generally nasty. One good thing about more people having this illness now, or even choosing to go on a wheat free diet, is that now there are many more products on the shelves.

Yes not everything is great, and the bread is nasty but its a million miles from before.

Im guessing I'm spoilt as I had 16 years of yummy fluffy cakes and bread. Not the bread I have now which is stodgy, and has a sandy texture.

Well where am I now, I generally know the products, how to cook them and which to avoid. I do sometimes have a ‘naughty’ meal but I have to sum up in my mind if it will be worth the consequences. I have to be honest, my downfall is usually chocolate fudge cake.

I do get very bored of going out for a meal and always having a salad no dressing, or a jacket potato.

Over the next year I would like to find out more about new products that I have not used as I would love to be able to be 100% wheat and gluten free all of the time. But there are just so many products that just are not there or not up to scratch.

Anyone out there that has a great recipe or product that you have found I would love to know!