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 

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5 Things of the week:

5 things:

I have recently been quite busy and have seen this idea from one of the lovely bloggers I follow. So here are 5 things I have done this week.

1: I have this week had a change at work in my day job, as my manager was off on her holidays leaving me in charge. Meaning a few later nights at work and more than usual on my mind in the day. Needless to say as a result I have been enjoying coming home, having tea and relaxing on the sofa with the TV. 

2: Communication, I have realised that sometimes people have things going on in their life and it is very appreciated when you can be a shoulder to lean on in a harder time. Of course I'm not going to name names, or discuss private matters. But I know I appreciate people who can be there when you need them. Hopefully they feel the same when they need me.

3: This week we have tackled the jungle that was the garden. Now I had mowed the grass about 4 weeks ago but due to other commitments had not done this again since. Well thats not a good idea as it took me twice as long as is still not finished. I shall today (as the sun is shining) go out and finish the garden this morning. As due to the bank holiday weekend I would like to go outside.

4: Food: after a few weeks of not eating very well I think I may be back on track. I have been trying really hard to eat fruit and vegetables. I have been feeling much better now that I have been eating correctly. I had not realised how much of an difference it made to you. I felt sluggish and tired all of the time. I think it has given me a wake up call to look after myself a little more.

5: Planning: I am trying to make plans rather than just float around on my day off and have nothing to show for time. I am currently trying to have trips out and plan a holiday for the summer. I hate it when my partner comes in from work and says so what have you done today? and my answer is .. nothing. No wonder days and months fly by, But its not a good thing to have nothing to show for it. What do you do with your time off?

Liz Earle: Hot Cloth Cleanser:

Liz Earle: Hot Cloth Cleanser:

A few weeks ago I was very lucky to be sent a sample of the hot cloth cleanser.

I had heard a lot about the product and I wanted to give it a try. Due to my sensitive skin I didn't want to spend a lot of money on the item to have an allergic reaction. Therefore when I was asked to try the product I was excited.

Once the item arrived this was packaged in simple white tissue with the blue liz earl logo.

Included is a 50ml pump cleanser solution and 1 muslin cloth. 

My first impressions were the cream smelt lovely and I can see how the smell would be very refreshing. However I thought the muslin cloth was very stiff and tough.

I used the product for the first time that night, Applying a pump of the cream on to a dry face massaging in to loose the makeup and daily grime. I then wet the muslin cloth in warm water. (This made the cloth a lot softer) and wiped away the residue. 

I was amazed at home much came off the cloth as the first day I had not been at work and had very little makeup on.

My skin felt clean as was visibly glowing. This was after just one use. I carried on using the product for the rest of the week and as every day when on I was still loving the cleanser. I was amazed at the results on a day I had a full face of makeup including waterproof mascara how well the cleanser worked in one application. (i thought i would have needed to do the process twice that day)

Therefore I am very glad that I have tried the product. I shall be looking to find other trial or travel sizes within the range and check I get along with them. I think I shall then be investing in more from the Liz Earle range of skincare.

*this was a free sample sent to myself for review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

Days out : Wigfield Farm

Days out: Wigfield Farm

We went for a quick stop at a local farm, we were aiming just to pop by for some food on route to another location. But then we stopped and had a wander around. 

We ate in the cafeteria, the food was simple and just what we needed, I had a Jacket potato and Andy had homemade pie and mash.

There were a number of smaller animal enclosures, including fish, reptiles and members of the rodent family. Then outside there were larger animals including cattle, goats and pigs. Then finally around the corner were the alpacas and ponies.

All around were logos for Barnsley College, I am assuming there is some affiliation and maybe this is where the animal care courses are run? 

The Meerkats keeping warm.

The entry was £3 each and there was the option to by feed for the animals. I would suggest this is a good place for a stop off and a walk around for up to an hour. I had seen an outdoor children's play area.

The smiley Alpaca. 

I would suggest popping by on the way to somewhere else around the Barnsley/ Rotherham area. But that there is not enough to do there for a long period of time.

@WigfieldFarm

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.

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 

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