Graduation day Sheffield Hallam University 2015

This week I have been very proud to attend my Boyfriends graduation.

I know there was a lot of trials, stress and testing times throughout. However this was very proud and happy day for all. Showing great achievement and success.

In Sheffield city hall with myself and 7 members of his family.


Congratulations
T Buzzard BEng

Nic

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

I hit the shops in York this weekend,

This weekend I went on a girly day to the local city of York, this was me and a few members of the family on the train for a shopping trip.

Where to start but lush,

As I live out of town lush is a few and far between treat, I think the last lush haul I had was in around February / March and I had well and truly run out.

I treated myself to a favourite of the comforter and, the butterbear bath bomb. The ventures to a few new treats, the stardust bath bomb, mint julips lip scrub and oatifix face mask.

I cannot wait to get chance this week for a proper lush bath / pamper night to try all of the new products.

Then I popped into boots, I have been using a hairspray from my local aldi and it really was not suiting my hair and it made it all sticky. I have missed my natural hold boots own hairspray. Therefore I had to pop by to get more. I have been loving my new unique lip stain, therefore I bought a new one at £4.95 from Seventeen in berry crush. I do like the colour however all of the options were very dark, I wanted to find a coral / pink tone however so far I have not come across an option. (Suggestions welcome) I like the stains in autumn as there is a good colour payoff, and you are not constantly reapplying like a lipstick.

I decided to invest in some new winter boots, I have x2 pairs of black boots and had no brown, I looked in a number of shops then found some really comfy boots in Dorothy Perkins, I was looking at the black boots and nearly bought my third pair of black, until a friend advised me to get the brown. I really like how comfy they are. I now need a matching bag and jacket, I am on the lookout. Again suggestions welcomed.

I am fully into xmas shopping mode, and I keep seeing products I would love myself when out and making not so subtle hints. Hopefully Santa will think I have been a good girl this year.

Nic

New things I like this week, Perfume, Makeup, Canon Lens

New things I like.

Well this blog was set up to share with you new things that I have been trying.

This week I have been trying a few new items that I have been loving.

We went to a younique party this week and tried their lip stain, I was very pleased that the item did not transfer onto my glass or even my back of the hand test. I have since tried again and timed it I managed a full 6 hours before you could not see the stain any more. Including lunch and multiple cups of tea at work. I went for the colour sleek, this is a reddish burgundy colour which is ideal for autumn winter. You don’t need to be scared of the blood red colour coming out of the tube as this offers a tint of a deeper colour to your lips but, not vampire blood red.

At the same party I was shown the eyebrow products, however they looked amazing with the results even the lightest colour was too dark for me. At £30 I didn’t want to just make do. However the following day in my local Tesco I spotted the Rimmel version of the fiber gel “brow this way” and Maybelline “brow satin” pencil. They offer the same effect, in a much better colour for me and less than £10 for the two.

I am a perfume lover, however I begrudge paying high amounts for work perfume, this week I spoke to a colleague as she smelled really nice, she was wearing the Suddenly Madame Glamour. I had not heard of this one, therefore I got on to Google. To find this was a lidl perfume at £3.99. This has been commented to be a replica of Chanel Coco Mademoiselle (which I had heard of). I purchased some myself this week, and have had a number of comments on how nice it smells. Yes I can admit that it does not have the same staying power as my “usual” perfume, however I can get through a 8 hour work day just. I have already considered purchasing more next week when this is on offer at £1.99. Apparently Lidl also have a range including candles and body mists at some times of the year, I think I know what is going on my xmas list.

I have recently purchased myself a new lens for my DSLR camera. I am currently saving for a new body and lens combo for my wedding photography. However recently a lens I have been looking at for years was on offer. I decided to treat myself. I have heard so much about this type of lens and the clarity and definition this can offer me compared to my normal zoom lens. I also used this lens for a recent engagement shoot. All I found was I had to turn my brain back on when working, by moving myself more and thinking about positioning before taking the shot.

(The lens is Canon 50mm prime 1.8)

What have you been loving this week?

Speak Soon

Nic x

The last few weeks,

The last few weeks.

I have had a bit of an emotional roller-coaster over the last few weeks, And as some things I think are best keeping private I have not posted much on here.

I have previously battled with depression, and I am aware of lots of my triggers. Recently a few of these have been apparent to me.

I have been trying to force myself into doing the things that help pull me around.

·        A bath

·        A walk

·        A run

·        Watching YouTube videos

·        Listening to music

Do you have any other suggestions?

The only other issue I am having is I cannot sleep well at night. I get to sleep easily, however then around 4am I awake and have broken sleep until I have to get up. I have tried no electronics, a bath, lavender spray and the odd glass of wine. Again all suggestions are welcomed.

Speak Soon

Nicola

Playing with my new lens Canon DSLR

Canon 50m prime 1.8

I am currently saving to upgrade my camera and lens collection.

I love my photography and love my job as a wedding photographer. I have recently been venturing into new areas of photography, including sports and corporate events.This bank holiday weekend I have a engagement shoot.

I have today just received this new "nifty fifty" canon lens. I was talking last week and my assistant could not believe I have never owned  prime lens. He near enough went on Amazon for me and ordered this lens. He said it would change my way of thinking of shot composure and make me things of new ideas on shoots.

I am used to a zoom lens and can be lazy I guess and take a step back to get the shot. However this lens makes me think of what I want to capture, and work and move myself to get the shot.

Tonight I have already has some success and fails. I am not used to the focusing as of yet, an have needed to take 5 images before getting the shot and in focus.

Here are a few from tonight.
(All unedited)


What do you think? Any tips

Nicola

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - yes the one you have seen on all of the selling websites

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste - yes the one you have seen on all of the selling websites

I have just bought from a Facebook rep the new toothpaste everyone is raving about.
I thought it was really strange how all the unbelievable before and afters were getting published, yet no one knew the name of this wunder product.

It seems that for some reason the company who have the products don't want everyone knowing about it.

Well I always use whitening toothpaste, usually one of the well known like Colgates normal whitening. I don't smoke, I don't drink black drinks or red wine. Therefore the stains should not have been too bad to remove.
Through the last 2 weeks I didn't think the product was making much noticeable different, and deffernately not like the pictures guaranteed after 2 weeks.

However I can see from looking at the pictures this morning there is a noticeable difference and more even tone.

I think this could be a good product for overtime and not an instant or special event whiten. I would say still stick to the LED systems or the Colgate Max White toothpaste. However when my tube is finished I will not be repurchasing.

What do you think?

Day 1

Day 7

Day 14

Nicola

Actiderm Skincare, Reaction and breakout - UPDATE

Well I thought I best share this with you.

I have previously had a Actiderm Makeover where the Actiderm clenser and toner was used,
I have had a full Actiderm facial with the products used.

I recently had an at home party and purchased £80 worth of products. I have used 3 items out of the 5 I have used and had an immediate Allergic reaction.
I do have very sensitive skin, therefore I went for a brand and products that I was advised to be allergen free, I used them before purchase etc.

It started on the under side of my right eye, red, swollen, sore and what looked like a minor burn, Later that day this transferred to show on both upper eyelids. Then to what looked like severly dry red skin .Well a week on from the reaction my skin is still settling down.

I have reported this to the agent who sold the products, and the company directly on numerous occasions. So far I have had no response to resolve the matter. I was very happy , but now I have spent a lot of money on items I have either used once or will not even unseal.
I am guessing the formulation may have changed or something, but now the aftercare from the company is not very impressive.

I thought I would let you know, as I have previously reviewed how amazing the products are, and now I dont have the same opinion of the products, or the company's customer service.

Nicola

August Favorites 2015

August Favorites:

Things that I have been loving in August:

My new Home – I moved out of my cold, expensive mouldy flat and I am very happy about that. My new house is modern, clean and cosy. The best things for me is I have storage space. I can help the place look tidy most of the time as I can put stuff away. Then I have a 5 minute wipe around and everything is done. Even a big clean takes around 20-30 minutes. I am still saving to no longer need to rent, however this will be a few years away.

Actiderm micellar lotion – over the last few months I have been introduced to a new range of skincare products. I have had a few facials and this month I have bought a few of the products.  I am loving the Micellar lotion, I had previously been using the Garnier version, however after just a week of using this my skin feels and looks cleaner and clearer. I have other items from the same face range and I may be writing a full post on this.

Bodyshop all in one face base – seeing as my skin is better I have been able to go back to my trusty all in one face base, usually I can get away with this instead of a heavy foundation for work. However I have just gone through a dry skin phase where powder was not my friend. Although I am still having bad skin days I am able to use this 5/7. I just wish you could replace the powder section rather than needing to buy a whole new compact. It just seems a waste to me.

Aldi Rose Wine – this year I have started shopping at Aldo when It opened in the village, Now I have had some product swap fails, but I have found a few items I really like. Such as the Rose that is £2.99 from there, It is sweet and not too strong and great for an everyday drink. (Not that I drink every day)

EverythingsaFiver.com – I have now lost all the wright I was planning and am a size 8, I therefore was ready for getting rid of my 10-12 clothes and fully committing to my new size and shape. As I needed essentials and lots of them I often turn to this website. I like that now you can search by size, and don’t therefore shop find the dream dress and they have sold out. Also they are constantly adding new items to the range. I have yeas had some product fails, and in fact had a delivery today of 10 items and 1 is a fail. You can return them, but if is it your own fault due to being the wrong size for your body, you have to cover the return postage. (Around £5) therefore I shall donate this. You can do well and today I received a dress with a £60 price tag left on. (I wouldn’t have bought it at that price, but someone would)

My new car – I got rid of the Yaris Hybrid, I didn’t really like its drive and feel. I therefore upgraded to a VW gold 2.0 TDI with DSG gearbox. Basically in English, it goes fast if I put my foot down, is automatic and economical.

I still think it could be a little but big for me, but I wanted 5 door with boot space and I have that.  A few people have asked why I need a sporty car. However at the time of ordering the other car I wanted was an Audi TT, therefore the golf is much less sporty.

Speak Soon

Nicola

Where have I been for Summer 2015

Where have I been for Summer 2015:

Well this summer I moved house,

Went on holiday to the Lake District,

Found a love for a new skincare brand Actiderm

Stopped selling Partylite candles

Put a lot more hours into my Photography business www.New-Images.co.uk

And generally made myself shattered, with work and personal issues

Therefore with regret my blogging time has seriously dropped. Not only the writing, I don’t know the last time I had chance to sit down and watch a YouTube video or read a blog.

I remember around about April being the last time I did that.

No I am not giving up on blogging, and I do understand if you have given up on me. However sadly working what feels like non stop and not sleeping at night is physically draining me. Sadly blogging at this moment in time is on the back burner.

I would love to get back into it, however I think something in my life needs to give way first.

I shall post asap.

Nicola

Eyebrow Tinting / Waxing and Eyelash Tinting – Before and After

This wasn’t the first time I had this done, I have previously had my patch test and all had come up fine.

I had neglected my brows for about 8 weeks, they were uneven and unloved. I was finding it hard to make my eye make-up look good. Therefore an appointment was booked in.

On the night the lady tinted my eyebrows first, this took about 3 minutes, We were just chatting away and the time flow.

Eyelashes: - she put some Vaseline under my eye and a cotton wool pad folded in half, then asked me to close my eyes (not scrunch) and keep them closed until asked me to reopen. Then she painted on the dye. (I went for blue / black). Again we sat and chatted, this time with my eyes closed, for around 10 minutes. She then wiped away the excess dye and “tickled” my lashes to separate them all.

Then the eyebrow wax, I always find this uncomfortable. By no way pain where I would have it done again. But always makes me jump on one eye more than the other. This time as my brows were so bad she then spent another few minutes with a tweezer tidy. (This part always reminds me why I don’t get my legs or other areas waxed)

Then all done, asked me to sit up and check all is ok.

(bottom picture left = before wipe off once home)

Everything will look darker and bolder than you expected.  This is due to the residue of the dyes. Try and leave this overnight if you can to help your colour last longer. Then wash with a gentle cleanser the next day.

I love the way it makes my face change, I feel like I can just put minimal foundation on and a lippy and I’m out the door. It doesn't make me look “made up” but it makes me look groomed. The effects usually last about 3 weeks for me. Therefore I am planning on booking 4 weekly reoccurring appointments.

Any other beauty treatments I should be looking into?

Nicola

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

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

What do you do when you have a bad Day/ Week / Month / Year?

HI All,

I’ve been a bit distant recently as feel like I’ve had a lot going on in my day to day life and I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed with it all.

I know what I’m about to describe will sound petti and nonsense to some people. I set up this blog as a place for me to vent and express myself. I am the worst person in the world for bottling up my thoughts and let them keep going round and round in my mind.

I have been through a lot in the last year, I left my marriage which took a lot of person strength, set up a new home, (which has a number of flaws e.g. mould and £120 pm electric bills) Set up a new party plan business. Carried on with my existing wedding photography business. Decided it was time to look to leave my 9-5 day job.

Well to add on top of this I have been getting really anxious lately. I find myself sat staring into space not knowing whether to go get in bed and wish the day away or burst into tears. I genuinely sometimes don’t know what to say when friends ask “whats wrong”. I just feel like I constantly give everything my all and go above and beyond to make everyone else happy. I feel that I have gotten lost along the way.

I feel like I go from extreme highs to extreme lows in the flick of a switch.

e.g. I’m amazed when I secure a wedding booking, or party bookings for my candle company, win a 5 year court case, & even the odd job interview and I’m on top of the world.

Only to then get an unexpected bill, not get that job that, your party bookings cancel on you, or your friends one by one suddenly stop responding to your messages (even though you can see they have been read) and you feel like the loneliest person in the world.

Yes I know everyone has issues and that life must go on, but when you feel like you have no aims, goals or reason to persevere. What is it that I need to do to snap out of this and break the cycle?

I have been trying to think of ways to break down what do I want, and how can I measure ways to say yea I did have a good week this week.

Yes I know this is not the usual blog, but I have had so much stuff built up I was ready to explode.

Nic 

1 month Diet & Exercise update

Diet and Exercise update:

Well here I am 1 month on.

To summaries.

·        I bought all the gear to go running

·        I went running 3 times a week for 2 weeks

·        I went MEGA healthy eating for 1 week

·        I limited to 1 cup of tea a day and the rest honey and lemon

·        Consciously drank lots of water

·        I dropped a dress size (in trousers)

·        I felt amazing! Alert, not hungry, happy,

·        I then was ill

·        I stopped exercise

·        Now I cannot get back on the healthy eating band wagon

·        I have a sore throat, feel really tired and run down

·        My get up and go has gone.

Plan:

·        Get back into exercise (however I shall mix it up with a run and a xbox game like Zumba)

·        Next food shop – go healthy again – however I do need to give myself treats and think more about lunches at work. I have found I need a mid morning or mid afternoon boost.

·        Drink more water again (my skin was clearer)

I cannot believe how quickly I started to see results and feel better in myself. I need to find a balance between TOO healthy and fit and making it work with my lifestyle and goals.

What can you suggest?

Speak soon

Nicola

Fragrance Shop - Discovery Box - Issues and Failure

Discovery box,

Well I have had a fun time getting this box.

http://www.thefragranceshop.co.uk/DiscoveryClub.aspx

I ordered this the first week of January, the money came out of my bank and I never heard anything. I came back off holiday and contacted the company. Ever so apologetic arranged a refund, the subscription to be cancelled and some free samples to be sent out in the post.

Great no problem, at least they have fixed it an apologised.

Roll on 3 months later £5 comes out of my bank. Contacted the company again, however this time no email back. Send another email, no email back. Then the magic of Twitter make 1 post and within 10 minutes I get a message.

They look into it, cancel it again and refund me. However they let me know the most recent box (that I didn’t order or authorise payment of) had already been shipped. I asked if I should send it back and they said no accept with our apologies.

So the box came, Nice packing, a good way to store your smaller perfumes.

With some samples that  I have not used. (I shall pass on the mens ones)

Along with money off vouchers off the full sized versions.

Would I recommend the box, 

As a perfume-a-holic yes I have found a few more perfumes to add to the collection and I like the idea of them being selected for me and posted out.

As a customer – no – as firstly it didn’t arrive, this was then supposedly fixed, then more money came out of the bank. Luckily this was only £5 however when then no one responds to you this is worrying and frustrating.

Has anyone else had this experience?

Nicola

Duck Egg Blue & Grey - Bedroom accessories and additions Spring 2015

Hey everyone,

Just a quick update for a few things added to my new room this week.

Both items are from www.MelodyMaison.co.uk

I just wanted a few bits to finish off my duck egg blue and grey theme.

I needed more storage, therefore the chest will be part make up and part random stuff storage.

I also wanted somewhere for me to burn my votive candles.
This looks even more lovely when lit next to my TV.

What do you think?

Nicola

April 2015 Primark Spring Haul

Hey everyone,

This week I did a quick holiday dash for some spring clothes for a weekend away.
Due to my recent weight loss I has no clothes suitable for this weekend that actually fit.
I only wanted essentials that I can wear in different mix and match combos.

Therefore I bought,

• Vest tops (lemon and green)
• Mint Green cardigan

• Navy striped (nautical) cardigan

• Beige cut out shoes

• Beige and black £5 skater dress

• Black Shape ware Swimming costume

• 2 pastel colour scarf's

I am planning on taking black and dark blue Jeggings / skinny jeans for the day and mix the dress etc in for a meal.

As i work 5 days a week I feel I don't get change to be 'pretty' on a weekend. Therefore I wanted simple cheap items to give some colour but without too much effort.

I am loving the pastels for spring. I want to try and transfer this over to my make-up too. As I am still on my winter browns.

What do you think?

Nicola