Life updates, Why have I been so quiet? Whats Been going on?

Hi all,

Well, I'm back after a very long time away, There has been a lot going on here in the last 6 months and I simply feel like I haven't had time to sit and write.

I have a new job
I have had Hernia Surgery
I have got hair extensions
I have a new car

I now work for the national trust in the catering team at Clumber Park. I LOVE it! I feel like I finally belong, and have found a job I love to go to and get up in a morning and look forward to it. Yes, I have taken a pay drop and had to rearrange and reassess my spending. But its well worth it for actually feeling and being truly happy. My family have all commented on how I seem genuinely settled and happy.

I around easter found a lump in my stomach that was very painful, which ended up being a "paraumbilical hernia". I was signed off work and was operated on within 3 weeks. It was a painful recovery, and now 4 months on I am still not 100% strong in my core and stomach, but it has made me concentrate on eating well, and gentler forms of exercise and the process of building back up.

My hair never grows, and if you have been here for a while I have documented this. I have tried biotin and millions of different products. So finally I have taken the plunge and got tape in extensions, (I am now on my second install). They have lasted me about 8 weeks before needing to come out and be retaped and reinstalled. I have been truly amazed at how much my hair is growing while I have them in. I think its a mixture of the extra heat on my head and the sulphate etc free shampoo I am using to maintain them. I know it is growing as I am needing my roots doing every 8 weeks, and I can usually manage 12 weeks. I think they will be installed 2 more times and then my hair should have grown to my desired length.

I had a big life change last year when my sister died, and one thing I have learnt is that life is true too short and if you want something go out and do it. Well, I have always wanted a convertible "Sunday car". And I worked hard and saved hard and thankfully I went and bought it just before the summer weather started. I have been very thankful and happy to be driving around with the top down and tunes on over the last few weeks. Whenever I have felt low this has been a sure way to very quickly pick me up.

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