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 have finally been to Lush

My First Trip To Lush:

This week I was very lucky to go shopping with a friend and we ended up popping past lush. I had mentioned before that I loved the smell of the shop and had never been in. So we popped in. I was amazed by all of the various items that were available. I never realised there could be so many options. 

I sent a quick tweet to a blogger friend of mine for suggestions (who didn't let me down as ever) as I was a little stumped as to what to get. 

I got a few things from most sections to try out. 

So far I have used some of the comforter bubble bar. A little goes a long way, so I will have this for ages. This smells like refreshers and is best of all pink! I used this in my bath and it felt so creamy and smelled even better in the water. And I know it may be the child in me but I have never had a pink bath before. I was careful when picking that i didn't get anything glittery and the shop assistant told me which things to avoid due to my sensitive skin. After the bath in this my skin felt soft smooth and nourished.

The other items I have chosen but have not used yet are:

I am looking forwards to trying everything. I just need to get a storage tin now for them all. Not that I don't love the smell of my bathroom right now with them sat in the bag.

I think I will be treating myself to a few more items, and I may now have a new set of things to ask for at xmas and birthdays.

What other Lush items would you all recommend?

Speak Soon

Nicola

Race for life: Pretty Muddy - Complete

Race for life: Pretty Muddy - Complete 

Today I have completed my 5K run. I do have to say I am proud to have completed this and it was a challenge for me.

After arriving this morning in time for the race which included me getting up and out of the house before 8am on a sunday. I arrived at the venue and met up with my work colleagues who I was running with. We all wore matching T-shirts.

Before:

Then we went into a holding area where an army style fitness guy got us warmed up. A lady then read out a very touching story about a recent cancer survivor to inspire everyone on their run. Then off we went, my group was split up as some of us wanted to run, some ran a bit and walked a bit and some walked. The first obstacle we all met together and this was where you realised your trainers were going to be full of wet muddy water. Then off we go again. The next obstacle was my downfall.

One of my colleagues decided it would be a good idea for me to take an early bath. All I can say was at less than 1k in I was drenched. Meaning I was not worried what other obstacles could have been thrown at me. 

The other kilometers passed, with running, walking and chatting along with the obstacles. Including a large netted A frame, muddy tunnels, bungee wires and lots of cargo nets to crawl under. 

A few stations were marshalled by mean people throwing more liquid mud over you to make sure you were well and truly drenched.

After:

At the end I was shattered, and the last part was uphill. This was where you climbed up the netting on an inflatable slide, and slid down into a final mud bath. Well I noticed the guys who were again throwing buckets of mud on you. I didn't notice that I was headed straight for it. The guy threw a bucket of muddy water straight into my face. He looked at me and said sorry as I don't think that was his aim. But by this point I was drenched and he could have been helping clean me down a little. 

We waited and cheered on the rest of our group as they crossed the finish line. Some of us were worse off than others.

So here I am a few hours later, after a 30 minute shower, 2 changes of clothes, ruined trainers and an achy body.

I am proud to have gone outside of my comfort zone. As I don't do running, don't do mud, and don't do early morning starts.

I wonder what my next challenge will be.

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

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 1:

Yorkshire Wildlife Park:

Part 1:

This week I went to the wildlife park with my family. I was very excited to spend some time with my family outside. 

On arrival the park once passing the new shop and entrance area we went for lunch. We went to the newly refurbished safari cafe. This was clean, bright and unusually quiet. The menu was varied and had lots of yummy sounding food. With members on staff on hand and knowledgeable about their products. The items were reasonably priced an example was £6.95 for a large portion of quiche and salad. The food arrived quickly and freshly prepared. With large portions and good quality food this was a pleasant surprise from usual burgers and such food.

Then we went into the park fully, We bought the kids the guidebooks which had lots of facts about the animals. Great for when you don't know the answers to the million and one questions they may ask. Also there is a quiz in there to keep them occupied throughout the park.

We did go midweek however it was during the summer holidays, and also one of the special event safari nights. The car park was busy, but once you have entered the park due to the vastness the park didn't feel busy. With no ques to see the animals. 

The children's play areas were busy and the indoor one was very hard to find seats, but this did not cause any issues for the children to play.

I love to walk around the lions to see the landscaping and waterfalls.

As always went to my favourite section: South American Viva to see my Capybara Martha.

This visit the giraffes were outside and I got to see the recent addition to the gang.

I cannot wait to go later this week to see the new Polar bear and stay for the evening to experience the safari night.

Speak soon

Nicola

I am going to get muddy for charity!

Get Muddy for Charity:

Well I never thought I would be saying this but I am running a 5k race and then to top it all off it ends with a muddy assault course.

Well anyone that knows me I am not the messiest of people. I don't mind hard work and exercise but mud is not my cup of tea.

However it is for a vey good cause and I have now registered and shall not be going back.

One the 14th of September I shall be running round a local country park (Clumber park) for Cancer Research. 

I am going to start my training on the 14th of July. As I do want to run the race.

I am going to be doing this as part of a team of 10 with others from my work and some people will be walking, but a few of us are competitive and shall be running.

To say I am not very fit at present would be true, I am aiming currently to complete this within 20-30 minutes.

Last weekend I went and bought my clothing, as due to the nature of the run and the muddiness I wanted some good off road running shoes that I would not be too precious about getting ruined. I also wanted to get them now so I have them ready to break in and train in. Also due to now losing quite a lot of weight my old gym clothes were falling off me. I didn't think it would be the best look me on a treadmill and my trousers around my knees.Therefore I now feel I have the equipment to complete the job.

Mentally I am ready, This is a charity very close to my heart and I am proud to be taking part to raise money and awareness. I just hope now I can get some sponsorship in as this will be well outside of my comfort zone. 

An actual challenge!

I shall post a few updates along the way of how the training is going and how the fundraising is too.

incase you did want to sponsor me the details are below:

Online Donations: 

https://www.justgiving.com/melody-maison-girls

Text Donations
Text the word melo94  £(amount) to 70070 

Speak soon

Nicola x 

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