December Favs -- & What have I been up to?

Hello everyone.

Sorry that I have been long time no speak. Quite a lot has gone on over the last few months and I have not wanted to share this on here. And as a result I have had a lot less time than usual.

I have moved house, Set up a flat from scratch, I work in a Online Retail store so Christmas is mental. Started a candle business, and if thats not enough generally been quite stressed and busy.

Product wise I am loving the xmas season colours from Sensationail. Loving Going for the Rose Gold. 

This is a quite neutral colour but has a lovely pink undertone and shimmer. (im not going to say glitter) Great for the festive season, but I shall be using this all year round I think.

I am loving my Iced Snowberries Partylite Candles still. I got an advent calendar this year with 24 taillights in. And I love when it is an iced snowberries day. It makes me feel all wintery.

I have added to my Body Shop Pink Grapefruit collection. I now have the big pump top shower gel, the body sorbet, and finally got my hands on the body mist. I do recommend however if you can get to the outlet stores version, I bought 3 products for £16 instead of the body mist for £8 shower gel for £8 and sorbet for £8.

I my loving my Tassimo machine, As well as wanting to be able to offer any guests a coffee I am loving the speed of using this to make hot water for tea, and experimenting with the variations of Hot chocolate available. I received 2x £10 voucher which bought a lot of pods. I have seen since the purchase of mine lots are on sale, I would suggest maybe getting one ordered in the post xmas sales.

Speak Soon

Nicola

New Month New Start.

Hey, Me again
I have recently had a massive change, I am going to aim to restart blogging fully in the new year.
I have a few posts written and scheduled for in December.

I feel like I am letting you down a little at the minute. However I am Pencilling in a few hours a week for planning and writing.

I have recently taken on a part time job which has affected my spare time in an evening. Which was my ideal blog writing plan time.

Speak soon (nov favs i think)

Nicola

Appreciate the little things:

Appreciate the little things:

Over the last week a lot of things have changed in my personal life. (Im not going to broadcast the ins and outs of this online.) However it has made me realise not to take anything for granted. Find what makes you happy, and work with that.

If something you are doing is making you unhappy or ill, you need to realise this and work towards and end goal to help make you better. That end result may not be easy, and could hurt others along the way. But as long as you think about it and take your time deciding what is the best outcome. Then you will get there in the end. 

It could be a massive leap of faith to believe in yourself and go for it. It doesn't have to be an entire life change. Just I have realised that you need to take a step back from your day to day life and see what doesn't seem to be working, and fix it.

However you do need to be appreciative of others and their feelings. Just because something may seem obvious to you, other people could be affected by the result. Take the time to think things through, talk to people for support if you need it and don't rush into anything. 

I know this may seem a little cryptic, but I hope the message I am aiming for gets through.

Speak Soon

Nic

October Favourites 2014

October Favourites:

Yet another month has flown by. In October I had been keeping myself to myself and loving easy home comforts. Keeping warm and wrapped up, loving simple surroundings.

Bath: I am still loving my lush the comforter bath bar. This month I have had an excama breakout. Therefore using the comforter and my prescribed medication. My skin is slowly healing and is feeling nourished in the process.

Food: The slow cooker is working wonders, simply throw in everything in a morning and leave on. Therefore a yummy smelling house and about 3 days worth of food sat waiting for you. Recently I have been making, a spanish style chicken stew. With chicken, chorizo and tomatoes. This is a very yummy warming dish. Costing about £6 but giving 4 big portions from one pot. Best to tub up and freeze for extra meals.

Life: I have just become a PartyLite Consultant. I went into this not planning on going out to the parties and being and online only consultant. With my knowledge of social media and blogging. I have had some success with this and it is early days. However I have had my eyes opened to the world of the parties. It is a good place for me to get out of the house for a few hours, have some me time, and be surrounded by yummy scented candles. If you wanted to know more information have a look at my website: www.NicolaWatson.partylite.co.uk I love candles, and now is a good opportunity to do something for me and sell them and make some pocket money in the process. 

Work: This is the quiet season for Photography, I am working hard on my website and the back end systems to hopefully help kick start a great 2015 and get plenty of bookings in the diary. I love wedding photography, I hope one day I can do this full time. However right now I just wish I could do it more often.

Friends: This month I have been in contact with a few friends who I may not have seen or spoken to in a while. I am very appreciative of the support I have gained, especially over the phone. It is amazing how a simple text message can help brighten your day if you are feeling lousy. I want to make a conscious effort to contact all of the true friends in my phonebook at least once a week. 

This month I have really understood this quote:

I feel that November is going to be a big month for me. (the first week has already seen a massive change - I will share this at some point) I just want to work on myself, get my mind and body healthy and work towards being the best I can be, in all aspects of my life.

What have you been loving?

Speak Soon

Nic

Autumn - Winter 2014 Home Comforts:

As the nights draw in an the weather starts to change this is when I find a change in the weather really changes my mood. I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I will share to try and help the transition from summer to Autumn / Winter.

Clothes: I am always cold! even in the summer I am reaching for jumpers and cardigans, which means that I will have plenty of supplies around. But this also means If I'm cold in the summer how cold do I feel in the winter. This year when I bought some new clothes I also purchased long sleeve jersey T-shirts. They are ideal for layering up under blouses and jumpers to take away the chill. Also I love my boots, so simple to pair up with jeans and more stylish than pulling on my trainers.

Bedding: So far this year I am holding off turning the heating on. I have however found that swapping out the cotton bedding, and swapping for a jersey material really does help keep me warm. Even with the same tog duvet it does take away the chill. The only problem is trying to get up and out of bed is even harder as its snuggly and warm.

Food: This is when the slow cooker appears out of the cupboard and the stews, casseroles and other yummies start to be eaten. I am trying at present to be very conscious about the amount of wheat and flour I am having in my diet. Putting lots of meat and vegetables with a controlled mix of herbs and spices is a good way for this. All of the contents are known, and it makes it a lot cheaper making them at home. I make too much and batch it up and freeze for lunches and teas another day. I have asked for a certain chefs cook book for xmas about comfort food :-)

Relaxing: You all know I love my candles, but this is when I love to light one and sit by the soft glow. It helps me to feel relaxed and at ease. I have recently been loving my unscented candles. Or one particular candle that I purchased at my place of work. However I have just taken on a new part time role that I am going to love, which will involve selling candles!! ideal job for me I think :-)

There are 2 bad things about this time of the year and I am really not looking forwards to them over the next few weeks. I don't like the dark at the best of time however right now is worse. Due to the fact of I don't like people coming to my door when they are unexpected, and I am scared of masks and items that cover the face such as face paint and prosthetics. Therefore Halloween is not a good time at all for me. Therefore this year will as per every year involve, being home on the top floor, with the curtains closed and TV and music on so loud that I cannot hear the door. Im not a scrooge, I usually leave a sign out and a bag of sweets for people to take.

My other worse fear are fireworks, I hate the loud noises, and how you do not know when you expect them to go off. I jump out of my skin, and I hate the noise. Again this is a night where there curtains are closed and the TV is on. One thing with fireworks are they don't just go off on 5th of November, sometimes the weekend before, or after, and then random nights between then and new year.

What helps you to feel better at this time of the year? I would love to know as I may try them.

Speak soon

Nic

Where have I been?

You may have noticed I have been a little quiet for a few weeks. As you are aware we are all human and sometime things happen in your daily life that can take over a situation.

I am not going to publicly divulge this to everyone who can read this blog and go in depth of what has been happening. However all you need to know is I'm safe and well.

Over the next few weeks and months there will be changes happening, some of which I will post about on here and show happening. Some will be kept quiet behind closed doors.

I totally missed a September Favorites post and it seems a little strange posting this mid October. However a couple of things I had been loving are:

Lush bath items, I went to lush for the first time, amongst other items I picked up “the comforter” this pink creamy bubble bar is amazing. Smells like the sweets refreshers, makes your water pink and makes my sin feel amazing afterwards. I have loads left but will repurchase.

Kirkland Face wipes, I have a Costco membership and went a few months ago. I know face  wipes are not always thought of as being the best way to remove makeup, but when its a day of a wipe or don't do it, then I though a wipe would be better. I used to use simple wipes due to sensitive skin, but they were working out expensive. I bought this box from Costco of their own brand, it was £3 for a big box including 3 full size packs and 2 travel packs. They are not scented as such as say suitable for all skin, however they do smell of aloe vera and chamomile. They have not brought me out in a rash and remove waterproof mascara easily.

I think thats it for now, I will be back soon.

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

Autumn Clothes Time from Matalan

Autumn clothes :

This week I was lucky to receive in the post a 20% off voucher for Matalan. The weather is starting to turn and the warmer clothes were ready to come out of storage. As recently I have dropped 2 clothes sizes, therefore many of my clothes from last year no longer fit.

Therefore it was time to get some wardrobe staples.

Long sleeved t-shirts in red and wine. I love to put on my jeggings and comfy top. White goes with everything but then I love the red wine colour ideal for the changes in the season.

Chunky knit light blue jumper, Great for layering up to keep warm on a weekend.

Soft comfy pink jumper, I bought this one for work ideal for going with my plain black trousers. Not to thin, I just wonder with the nature of where I work how long a light colour pink top will stay pink.

Onesy and fluffy socks: I have a fleecy xmas design onesy that I feel is too warm for right now. Therefore the jersey design was something I wanted to try. I am loving at the minute getting in from work, taking a shower and putting this on while chilling on the sofa with tv shows.

Electric blue dress. I loved the cut of this dress with its floaty swing design and cerise pink skinny belt. I had been looking at this dress earlier in the season and now it was in the sale. I then got my further discount.

What are you loving this autumn/ winter?

Speak soon

Nicola 

Days out: Twycross Zoo

Days out: Twycross Zoo

Recently I have been for a day out at Twycross. This journey took around 1hr 30 from my house. 

On arrival we were in an overflow car park, however there looked to be more potential parking available.

I do like this zoo, I was aware that before we went this zoo if well known for their primates. You can see that they are very proud of this. They in my opinion have more primates than any other animal type.

We saw lots of monkey variations including some babies.

I loved the daydreaming orangutan

We saw the elephants including the first baby I have seen. She was gorgeous and just learning to pick up things with her trunk. 

There were lots of animals including a petting/ farm animal section.

I know many people love to see the penguins.

One of my favorites are the sloths. 

And the butterfly house including a few creepie crawlies.

There were a few cafes on site and a large children's indoor and outdoor play area.

I felt that that was enough to do for a few hours. I am probably used to zoos, and know how to work my way around,  but I feel that I could not have spent a full day being fully occupied here like I can at other attractions. 

I did very much enjoy my visit and I would recommend going. However I would say maybe link it on to other attractions in the area.

Speak soon

Nic x

http://twycrosszoo.org/

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

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

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: Part 2

This week I went to one of the Safari Nights. This is where the park is open until around 9pm at night. With added entertainment and the animals are more active as the day get cooler and some of them get fed. I went with family, as it was straight from work we went via the Safari Cafe for my tea. As per my last blog the food was fresh and lovely. As it was a busier day it did take a little longer to arrive but this was to be expected.

As I was with adults this time, we could be more selective of which animals we went to see. As this was a special event day the park was busier than usual, and due to going after work and after food we didn't reach any animals until about 6:30pm.

We went to see the very active Lemurs.

My good friends the River Hogs “Bella & Buster”

The Tigers:

Since my visit last week the wildlife park have had their newest arrival of Victor the Polar bear. It was lovely to see the new part of the park. As well as the vast space for him. Sadly as Victor was still getting used to his new home and his new routine he was sat by the door to the exit of his enclosure. It was very obvious he was tired and was sat waiting to go to bed. From what I could see he was a lot bigger than I had expected and very handsome. I shall go back and see him again when he has settled in more.

After the animals on the park there were a number of street entertainers out and about, I had seen a magician, brass band and singing group. Before the main entertainment of the night a Take That tribute band (different acts on different nights) followed by bang less fireworks.

I was very happy with the bang less fireworks. I really don't like usual fireworks and I can highly recommend going to see these. I understand due to the animals why they are at the park. But it makes me think why cant all fireworks be quiet like this.

Another great trip to the wildlife park, however this was a shorter visit than usual. It was still very enjoyable.

Speak Soon

Nic x