Lucy update - 6 months

Wow!
We have now had the pleasure of owning Lucy for over 4 months now, she is 6 months old,

I cannot truly remember my life without her,

We have now experienced:

• loosing teeth
• changing from puppy to adult food
• training to sit and stay
• sleeping in her room all night without accidents
• letting us know if we are out at other peoples houses that she needs to go out to toilet
• when she can or cannot come on the sofa

We need to improve:

• not pulling on the lead
• not jumping at people when coming in the door
• not crying when we leave the house (as from standing outside we know its been for like 30 seconds for attention)

I remember all the struggles and sleepless nights but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

From the day we were walking home and Lucy slipped off her lead, leading to her running back up a main road towards our house (luckily it was early morning with very few cars on the road) but it didn't stop me running like crazy and crying my eyes out.

To the time she decided to eat her flashing walking light (the size of a golfball) and waiting and checking on her sleeping for it to pass.

And all the little cute things, like sitting guard by our back door waiting for her nanny (the live next door) to come home from work, and wagging her little windscreen wiper.

To her being there when im poorly and giving me a cuddle when i need it, or licking a tear off my face when I cry.

I would not change her for the world, she is out little "cracker jack". Crazy, cute and sweet.

Babyliss Big Hair 42MM & Thermo heated roller review

I have recently gone into a bit of a mode to look after myself and my skin and hair a little more,
I was toying with idea of extensions, however I have decided instead to do what I can to look after my hair and treat it well, while it grows.


I am going to wash with good shampoos, and treat weekly (or twice a week) with a rich nourishing hair mask. I am looking to start taking a supplement such as biotin too.


I am aware that adding more heat to hair is not a good idea and both of the products I am reviewing are heated products, however I am very lucky that my hair holds the style for days. So if I do my hair Monday it will hold until I need to wash on Wednesday night / Thursday morning.


Babyliss Big Hair 42mm,
I love the smoothed bouncy effect when I go to the hair dressers and they finish my hair with a "bouncy blowdry". I wanted to find a way to make my hair replicate this at home. I have naturally frizzy curly hair and didn't know how / if I could get the smooth effect myself without straighteners.


I have never been able to manage the blow dryer in one hand and brush in the other system at home, therefore seeing the big hair was very interesting.
If you are not aware the big hair basically takes the two tools and turns them into one. The hot air comes out, and the brush end spins and finishes your hair.


I went for the middle size brush for my long bob / shoulder length hair. I used this one evening when I had time to play, and from shower to finished was 10 minutes! I was shocked at how easy it was even on first play. I did need to get used to pressing the buttons in the right direction for the side of my head, (curl under or curl over)


I am very happy with the full effect this gives, with the smooth finish. (please ignore the lack of makeup - it was about 9pm)

Thermo heated rollers,
I wanted a day with tighter curls and a little more vintage look so out came the rollers, I put the rollers on to hear while I had my shower (they take about 10 minutes to heat up) and then after the shower blasted my hair with the dryer (making it a big frizzy mess). Brushed through and started with the rollers. I used the biggest sizes and started on the top on my fringe / parting sections, easly securing with the comb clips. They felt secure and not tight (like pervious roller experience) I then sat down and did some work for about half a hour while the rollers cooled.
Simply hold the end of the roller and unclip the comb - once all out the hair was a tighter curl, so I simply swooshed the hair a bit (think because I'm worth it lol). I was very happy, leaving a different look.
I know that there were 3 sizes and the size of roller used and length of time you leave in can give different effects.

What do you think? Or what can you suggest of looks to try.


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

My Daily Facial Skincare Routine.

I do have very sensitive skin is just normal otherwise apart from at certain times of the month I get a bit spotty.

Usually if I stick to non-harsh products and dont swap and change around my skin stays clear and trouble free.

Morning:

Mecellar water, day cream and lip balm.

Night:

Micellar water, full cleanse and tone, eye cream, night cream, lip treatment.

Rush Job:

Kirkland Face wipes and Vaseline.

About once a month I use a clay or tea tree based face mask and a nose strip. On very rare occasions I will use a for sensitive skin facial scrub.

Any suggestions

Nic

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

Tesla Model S Test Drive:

This week I was very lucky to have been invited to test drive one of these 100% electric luxury cars. I was very excited before hand and priced up my dream car specification on their website. 

On arrival we located the 2 cars plugged in to the EV charging points . (luckily we didn't need to charge Zoe).

After locating the Tesla staff and signing a waiver to drive the car we were shown around the cars. I was shocked at how much bigger it was than I had imagined. Also the boot was very big. This would easily have fit a few large suitcases. Also due to their being no engine there is a Frunk (Front Trunk) Again this had lots of space for shopping. I know its probably a gadgety thing, but I like how the door handles are built into the car doors, and on approach they slide out and appear. 

Then it was time to get inside. After fiddling with the many buttons and lining up my chair off we went. Inside of the car was very similarly styled to a Mercedes with a on steering wheel leaver for Park, Drive etc. One big difference was the 12” tablet screen in the middle of the dashboard. This was the source for navigation, heating, media, and driving modes. Also I liked the different personalised profiles that remembers your settings and adjusts your seat, mirrors and steering wheel on your arrival to the car. This was great for me as I'm 5ft2 and my husband is over 6ft tall. Therefore we both sit very differently in the car. At the touch of a button the vehicle changes around you for you.

Off to driving, The steering was on standard and was still very responsive. The drive was very similar to the feel of Zoe, Smooth and exciting. There are many settings for the driving style, during the test drive they kept this set on standard, there was the comfort setting and sports. I really wanted to see the difference but sadly not this time.

The car is larger than I am used to, as this was quite a large family car. However it didn't feel to big, I liked the reversing camera and sensors to help with parking.

I also asked about the speaker system, to which the model we were in had 12 speakers and inbuilt subwoofer. Supported and designed by dolby surround sound. I can safely say the system sounded very good. 

The Teslas charge from virtually anything, They can use the in house 3 pin plug. Beware this takes many hours. The type 2 connectors and the supercharger points which charge the mega miles in just 20 minutes. 

I do love Tesla as a brand and how the cars are handmade and have been passionately developed to be in my opinion the leaders with EV’s. I am glad to see that they are starting to arrive in the UK. I can safely say I really liked the car, I did go online and price up my ideal car I came out at £67,330. Therefore I think this is something I need to save up lots for and will be my one day car. 

To round up, the car is exciting, luxury, and EV market leading. I cannot wait to see how over the next couple of years how the brand keep themselves a step ahead of the market. And hopefully a smaller more affordable car within the range. 

Speak Soon

Nic

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

Blog Update: What have I been doing over the last few weeks.

Weekly update:

Sorry I have not blogged for a few weeks, I have had a busy time but I am back. I have had lots of exciting things I have done and why not turn this into this weeks post:

I have recently caught up with a few Uni friends for a few nights in Blackpool. The weather was really good this first day we were there and we popped to the pleasure beach. Im not one for big rides therefore I was enjoying sitting in the sun being the designated bag lady. The other 2 days we were there the weather was not so great but we still made the most of our time off. 

We wanted to go up the Blackpool tower but sadly due to high winds it was closed. On the final day we went to see the animals at Blackpool zoo.

It was nice to relax, and this did include a glass or two of wine. Especially catching up with friends not seen for 18 months.

I have not been feeling 100% recently and have been really tired and achey after work. I have been having quite a few baths and using lots of lovely smelling products to try and ease the stress and aches. I do really enjoy taking some time out from everything, just me, bath, candles and music on my phone. I guess now we are going into summer with the warmer nights this may have to stop soon. As I don't want to overheat in the bath, (I already come out looking like a lobster)

As my family don't live near me I had chance to go and see my mum and family. A nice sunday lunch and a good chat. Especially nice to see my niece who is growing up so quickly. I know she was dressed as a disney princess but I don't know which one. I really am loosing touch with disney films.

Last weekend I was very lucky to be invited to a wedding as a guest. One of the girls from work was getting married. It was at my local church and a lovely hotel nearby. The weather didn't quite know what it wanted to do. But the sun was shining and the Bride looked lovely. It was strange going to a wedding and seeing it from the guests eyes. Realising firstly how many gaps and breaks there are in the day when you are not a guest. And (yes I'm going to say it) how annoying the photographer can be. The day felt long for us as guests but then i found out the bride had her hair and makeup booked in for 8am that day, and the first dance was not until 9pm. It was also a lovely day as I knew quite a lot of people at the wedding due the being kind of a work wedding. Good to see people out of work relaxing too.

and finally, I got to see a very dear friend to me this week. It was really strange how even after not seeing someone properly for over 3 years I instantly felt relaxed and as though nothing had changed. A good natter, a few apologies, a few tears and a hug from her beautiful baby boy really made my day. It does make me realise that true friends are there somewhere. You may not see them all the time but you do need to put the effort in to keep in touch as it is worth it. 

Well there I am, hopefully usual service will be resumed, I am planning to write up a lot of blogs this weekend to schedule for the next few weeks.

Bye 

Nicola

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

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

Days out: Wentworth Castle Gardens

This weekend had the weather forecast of being sunny and nice so myself and my husband decided to don the walking boots and go out.

We decided to go somewhere within driving distance in Zoe, therefore we opted for Wentworth Castle Gardens. This is near Barnsley which is about 30 miles away from us. After a drive out around the countryside and some windy roads we arrived.

The car park was quite busy but we got a space straight away, Then there was a little walk up the hill to the entrance. (if you are disabled you can drive up this hill closer to the entrance and show your blue badge).

You enter through a quaint gift shop where you smell the food from the lovely cafe and buy your tickets. Then you get your map and you are off the explore. There is a lot to see and wether you like animals (lots and lots of sheep) the buildings or the gardens there are many places to see. Also something I really liked is there are lots of benches and seating around the park.

We went to see the newly refurbished conservatories. It was interesting to see how they used to look and their transformation to what is now a light bright and modern indoor garden space. 

From here we wondered off the main path and went into the woodland and the trails. This was ideal for the walking boots as it was still a little muddy underfoot. Yet again we were greeted by hundreds of daffodils. this reminded me why I like to get outdoors in the spring.

I then spotted a very interesting looking tree. Now don't think I've gone mental but I saw this and it took me back to my child hood and I shouted and pointed like a 2 year old. “Fairy Steps” my husband looked at me gone out and then looked where I was pointing and smiled. What do you think? I can understand why the fairies would like to live high up in the trees and maybe they don't want to use their wings all of the time.

We walked up to the castle and then went up the 83 steps to the top of one of the turrets. Where we had a nice view over the park and the countryside. The only thing that could have been better was the weather was still a little misty and after all of those steps a seat would have been greatly received.

We wondered back through the well manicured gardens and all of the little gates back towards the beginning. I can see how this would be a lovely place to come in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Finally we arrived back the the cafe, where a homemade jam scone and tea awaited. A great way to finish off the day.

I would recommend going here, I can see how some of the hills and slopes could be an issue for wheelchairs if you went away from the footpaths and I would think a more off road type buggy would be needed.

The entry was reasonable at £5.50 each and this included a parking token. We did spy that national trust members got 50% off. On entry and paying we were also asked if we were eligible to or interested in giving gift aid on our ticket price. I think this was a great idea as 20% goes back to the company as a tax relief donation.

http://www.wentworthcastle.org/ 

Sensationail : At Home Gel Manicure

Sensationail : At Home Gel Manicure

Last year I was very lucky to receive as a gift the Sensationail at home gel manicure system. I have been a lover of nail polish for a long time but never liked that due to my job my nails chip very quickly. I feel like to keep my polish looking perfect i needed to apply it daily. Even buying more expensive brands and taking time over proper preparation, top coats and base coats did not work for me.

I looked into having gels done at my local beauty salon as I was amazed at the 14 day wear tag. However I was put off by the £25 price tag.

In the summer last year the sensationail items were reduced in my local Asda and while out shopping and seeing this I mentioned it to a family member of how good the price was. 

Next thing I knew it had been purchased for me (very lucky I know). The set I got was the Pink chiffon set including the lamp. 

To be honest I am not the biggest fan of the bright pink colour but it was a great taster for the range and for me to realise that I did get a good 10 days wear before the sids started lifting.

Next time I was in Asda the polish’s were reduced to £5 therefore it was prime time to get more colours. I purchased Taupe Tulips, the Pink French Manicure, and Mauve Mauven.

The starter kit has everything in if for 10 manicures, I know i have not been using the pink colour for every manicure, but the rest of the kits bottles are still going strong and I am on about manicure 15.

I don't like the french manicure, I cannot get along with the stickers for creating the smile line. I really feel like I need another pair of hands, and I don't have that available.  But I do Love the Taupe Tulips colour, it is the perfect nude and does not give me mannequin hands.

 It is a great colour that will go with everything for the 10ish days of wear. Mauve Mauven is a great muted bright raspberry. 

I do love the system and it is like a full on usual at home manicure. It takes me about 30 minutes and that is taking my time. 

You simply, shape the nails, push back the cuticles, buff off the shine, wipe off with an alcohol wipe, primer, base coat, colour coat, top coat, wipe again = done.

In the middle of the stages you put your nails under the lamp for either 30 seconds or 60 seconds depending on the stage. (the lamp give you a handy beep to tell you when done)

One thing I have learnt from using the system is not to get the products on the skin, i.e cuticle or the side of the nail. firstly when it goes under the lamp the product goes solid and it is hard to remove post curing, secondly if you get it on there this is the place you are likely to catch and this is where the lifting will appear first.

I do love the products, and I would like to get more colours for my collection. I do prefer the more muted colours from the range, as I have currently stuck to the beige, pinks and browns. I wish I could be more adventurous with the brighter colours.

Sensationail have just brought out a secondary line called Fuze, this is aimed i think at a slightly different audience. Everything is in the one bottle, so one coat and you put the finger under the light and you are done. But I think the wear time on this range is up to 1 week. Therefore on me with my hands on job I think this may only be about 3-4 days. I would be happy to try this range if I see it on offer. It would be a good alternative for if I don't have 30 minutes to spare. Also I think the colour are brighter and may be a good alternative for spring / summer.

Overall, I would recommend the Sensationail range. If you can paint your nails and you want hard wearing and long lasting nail colour without the salon price tag I would say give this a try.

At the time of writing this post there is an offer at Boots for a Mother day promotion to get the kit including lamp at a reduced price. This give you everything yo need to get started for 10 manicures. Why not buy one for a loved one or for yourself. 

I would suggest waiting for an offer to come up, as there are quite often discounts on Sensationail’s direct website or in boots.

Our spring day out to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park:

Our spring day out to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park:

This weekend we braved the weather and donned the ski jackets, walking trousers and boots to have a rare day outside. As we set off the weather looked grim and dull but the trusty weather man said it would not rain. 

We arrived at the park and proceeded to the entrance. The park is free to enter but you pay per car for parking at £7 for a full day,  therefore great for a low cost family day out.

Upon entering you arrive in a modern building with a shop, restaurant and information desk. Where we were supplied with our maps. I had not realised quite how large the park and grounds were. They explained that the artwork was being changed around at present and some pieces were not on show. I didn't mind this as I had gone for the scenery and greenery as my preference.

I loved to see the first daffodils of the year out showing their lovely sunny colour. It was a great way to instantly cheer up the dull day.

On walking around there were lots of sculptures to see and a few enclosed exhibitions for if the weather had turned. I looked at a few of the intriguing pieces of work and carried on walking. The ground is a little hilly and mainly walking on grass rather than pathways therefore I would not really recommend this for push chairs or wheelchairs. Also due to the wet weather we have recently had our walking boots were well appreciated.

I had then seen this sign. I love the concept of that everything is intertwined and that every action has a purpose. Giving everyday life and aims a purpose and structure. 

After a walk of about an hour we realised we were ready for lunch and started to head back up to the entrance. This was when we realised how far we had walked and that it had all been downhill. We had seen other car parks down by the lake and the lower sculptures and had not thought anything of it. We now realised these were very clever people who had thought of the hill or been before.

We passed a lovely conservatory with lots of newly blossomed roses and while appreciating the flowers I spotted this door and wondered where did it go?

We got up to the restaurant and sat at a lovely table by the window, overlooking the gardens and the lake. By this point the sun had come out and the day looked truly spring like. The food in the restaurant was amazing, all home made and locally sourced. I had a large bowl of Beef Stew and a bucket of twice cooked chips for £9.50. Therefore the food was not cheap but of a high standard and very yummy. (I wish more attractions had a selection of real food and not processed rubbish.)

Overall I would recommend going to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. I would probably suggest going when the weather is better, as there is not a lot of shelter. It is a great place to go for a wander, take lots of photos and appreciate the scenery.

If you were thinking of having a day out here is the website address: http://www.ysp.co.uk/

I shall be looking for more affordable options of what to do with my weekends throughout the year. Any suggestions are more than welcome. Where do you go?

Speak Soon 

Nicola

Have you met Zoe? I love her very much.

I drive an Electric car.

So I own a lovely White shiny Renault Zoe. This is a 100% Electric car. I shall apologies now is if I call the car she, she is part of the family and we love her.

It too a lot of patience to get her but now we have her I wouldn't look back. 

What is different about an electric car. Well it is powered by electric and not petrol, therefore I have to plug it in to get mileage. We have a charger in our garage and also use chargers when out and about such as a supermarkets or motorway service stations.

We get around 80 miles distance in the winter and around 100 miles in the summer. I know this would not suit everyone but me and my husband have a less than 20 mile return commute to work. We also combine charging the car with the use of our solar panels.

A normal home charge takes around 3 hours and costs about £2.50. Therefore the cost is about 4p a mile. I do not know of any other vehicles that can match anywhere near that. We have also started using the Superchargers at our local services and these are free to use, are powered by sustainable electricity and take around 30 minutes.

Also she is a joy to drive, Before we go this car my husband would automatically walk to the drivers side of the car as I would never voluntarily drive anywhere. Now we argue who is driving and usually resort to one there and the other back. She is silent to drive and usually you can only hear her if the radio is on inside the car or we have the heater on to keep warm. The car is automatic and the smoothest drive I know.

The car is classed as being a super mini, but is spacious on the inside. The boot is quite large to and can fit in a wheelchair and shopping besides. The seating is comfy and firm and the leg room is better than our old car.

Yes we do have the second car that is a petrol car, but I can honestly say since we took delivery of Zoë in September we have put petrol in this twice. That car is only for use when we have more than an 80 mile trip, or where we are going do not have chargers. 

We are even planning a holiday to Cornwall this year and we shall be taking Zoë. and staying in a cottage where there is a charger.

I do understand that this type of car is not for everyone, and that Zoe is suitable for my lifestyle. There is a great community of EV car drivers and I am very proud of being one of those people.

There are a number of Ev cars on the market and over the years to come there will be many more no doubt. My aim is one day to be a Tesla car driver but right now I love my Renault Zoe.

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

x

So who am I and what am I doing here?

Hello.

So who am I and what am I doing here?

Well then, I'm Nicola, I'm from Doncaster and I'm going to start writing about my experiences. I'm not sure if anyone will fancy reading them but I'm going to give it a go.

I'm from a pretty normal background, I have a normal job and like normal things.

Well whatever normal is...

I'm planning to blog and maybe video my thoughts on new experiences within my life. Therefore I don't think I'm best to put myself in a blogging bracket. I'm not going to be specifically beauty, fashion or lifestyle. But more writing about my journey and the products and opportunities that I come across on the way.

Yes I will probably do product reviews, but I am more about letting you know about me and my views on all things NEW. We will all experience lots of new things everyday and take them for granted. So I thought what the heck ill make a log of the new and exciting things that happen.

So what can you expect from following me. Good question.

I am about value for money and also I am passionate about doing the best you can with what you have. Whether that's saving a little money by doing your research before you buy, or buying items on offer, or environmentally friendly issues, such as me being an EV car driver.

I love photography and enjoy spending time in the outdoors capturing everything. Ill go on a holiday and take well over 1000 images. I also love to be part of weddings and I am a wedding photographer part time around my ‘proper’ job. One day I would like to make my photography hobby my full time job but I love it how its going right now.

I am very much a friends and family person. I appreciate that to get through life you need a little help along the way. I love to spend time with other people and just talk about the day/week/year. I also may blog about my days out and the new placed that I have been. Whether its a day out to a local wildlife park or going on holiday to see a new location and culture.

So there I am, What do you think? 

Well the plan is to put something online every week. (thank goodness for scheduling) Whether that's a blog or a video. Ill also share some of my images and new finds on pinterest/ instagram if you fancy taking a look there too.

Feel free to get in touch, with me about anything.

Speak soon

Nicola

So where can you find me:

Blog: nicolasnewthings.blogspot.com

Youtube: youtube.com/NicsNewThings

Twitter: @nicsnewthings

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/nicsnewthings/

Email: nicsnewthings@gmail.com