Sunday 28 September 2014

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

Friday 26 September 2014

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 

Monday 22 September 2014

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/

Sunday 14 September 2014

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 

Thursday 4 September 2014

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