Wednesday 5 October 2016

Allergy and Free From show - Liverpool

Hi everyone I have just had it confirmed I shall be attending the Allergy and Free From Show again this year.

http://www.allergyshow.co.uk/liverpool

I cannot wait to see some new brands and discover some new products, and to work with and meet some of my favorite brands again.

This is the time if anyone would like to arrange a meet up or any promotional work as I am already planning my diary and event commitments,

Hope too see some of you soon

Nicola

Friday 9 September 2016

Illness, Fatigue, Dizzyness & more

Really sorry I have been quieter than usual, over the last few weeks I have really not felt on top form.
I went to the doctors to find out I had low blood pressure, Anaemia and it was causing vertigo symptoms.


The treatment was some tablets, rest, lots of water and fruit and veg.
I was doing fine with the tablets, food and water, however the resting is a big issue for me. I cant just sit around and do nothing. Therefore for a few days I tried to go to work as usual (bad move) or even just have a 15 minute clean and tidy around in the house, which resulted in me then having hours laid home alone dizzy on the sofa.


Therefore today after 5 days off work I shall be back to work in the pub this evening for a 4 hour shift to get me back into the swing of things again.


Sadly tomorrow Tom is off to Mexico with work for about a month, therefore my buddy when I go dizzy that makes me sit down with a cuppa and a biscuit will not be here. However on the other hand I guess the house will be much easier to keep clean and on top of, so if I do need to rest I may get more chance.


Touch wood I have been able to drop down the prescription tablets a little (the doctor said to take between 1 & 3 a day depending on symptoms) so hopefully I am going in the right direction :-)


Its not great when you know you are not 100% isn't it.


Nicola

Friday 26 August 2016

Recent Photography work - Fashion shoot & Wedding Dress shoot



Hey,
Just writing this as my second shoot is exporting, I thought I would just share a little of what I have been up to.
This week has been amazing, I have had 3 photoshoots in 1 week (never before have I had this)
A football shoot on sunday, A wedding dress shop Tuesday, and a local fashion boutique Thursday.


As you all know my preferred photographic medium is weddings, however I have been looking to branch out a little more and I have really enjoyed the new challenge and specification for the aims.


I am really happy with the fashion shoots, the models were stunning and the colours look so bright. (so much so I want to buy 3 of the outfits)










The wedding dress shoot was a little different for me, as I found it hard to remember to show off the dress & not the bride. However the results are good, and they are already selling the product from the back of the images.









The football shoot, well this was the day my facebook page went crazy with likes, this was the first time the girls had a photographer attend one of their games, so for some these were the first images they had of themselves. I am glad they like them, and there are pleanty more to come.









I cant wait to find out what I shall be covering next.
Nicola



Wednesday 3 August 2016

Babyliss Big Hair 42MM & Thermo heated roller review



I have recently gone into a bit of a mode to look after myself and my skin and hair a little more,
I was toying with idea of extensions, however I have decided instead to do what I can to look after my hair and treat it well, while it grows.


I am going to wash with good shampoos, and treat weekly (or twice a week) with a rich nourishing hair mask. I am looking to start taking a supplement such as biotin too.


I am aware that adding more heat to hair is not a good idea and both of the products I am reviewing are heated products, however I am very lucky that my hair holds the style for days. So if I do my hair Monday it will hold until I need to wash on Wednesday night / Thursday morning.


Babyliss Big Hair 42mm,
I love the smoothed bouncy effect when I go to the hair dressers and they finish my hair with a "bouncy blowdry". I wanted to find a way to make my hair replicate this at home. I have naturally frizzy curly hair and didn't know how / if I could get the smooth effect myself without straighteners.


I have never been able to manage the blow dryer in one hand and brush in the other system at home, therefore seeing the big hair was very interesting.
If you are not aware the big hair basically takes the two tools and turns them into one. The hot air comes out, and the brush end spins and finishes your hair.


I went for the middle size brush for my long bob / shoulder length hair. I used this one evening when I had time to play, and from shower to finished was 10 minutes! I was shocked at how easy it was even on first play. I did need to get used to pressing the buttons in the right direction for the side of my head, (curl under or curl over)


I am very happy with the full effect this gives, with the smooth finish. (please ignore the lack of makeup - it was about 9pm)








Thermo heated rollers,
I wanted a day with tighter curls and a little more vintage look so out came the rollers, I put the rollers on to hear while I had my shower (they take about 10 minutes to heat up) and then after the shower blasted my hair with the dryer (making it a big frizzy mess). Brushed through and started with the rollers. I used the biggest sizes and started on the top on my fringe / parting sections, easly securing with the comb clips. They felt secure and not tight (like pervious roller experience) I then sat down and did some work for about half a hour while the rollers cooled.
Simply hold the end of the roller and unclip the comb - once all out the hair was a tighter curl, so I simply swooshed the hair a bit (think because I'm worth it lol). I was very happy, leaving a different look.
I know that there were 3 sizes and the size of roller used and length of time you leave in can give different effects.








What do you think? Or what can you suggest of looks to try.


Nicola



Friday 8 July 2016

A weekend off for a wedding photographer. - by going to a wedding

This weekend I shall be having a weekend off from my "day job". By attending a wedding, but this time as a guest.
Therefore what does this mean? 
  • Hair & and nails are being done
  • Makeup is being done
  • The outfit has been planned to perfection
  • Overnight bag is packed
  • And the most scary one ...... not a camera in sight
I don't know if it is strange that I am half dreading not having a camera with me, however firstly and most personally, I have been asked to be a guest therefore I should enjoy the day and "live" the moments.
Also for vanity, I cannot fit one in my handbag. I will struggle to get my phone and lipstick in there, never mind my DSLR and varying lenses.


I am just awaiting the temptation of someone leaving a camera laying around, or potentially being directly handed one by another guest to take a picture.


I did get the opportunity as my gift to take the engagement shots for the couple, however tomorrow everything will be left to another photographer.









Nicola


Monday 13 June 2016

How much a difference stopping looking after yourself makes!

Hi, this week (as we as the last 2 weeks) have involved me putting a lot of hours in at the pub. Leaving not a lot of time for other things. I can see a difference in myself with this, as having less "me" time is making me not feel as fulfilled and confident. I am also feeling really sluggish and tired.


I had been taking new vitamins and supplements to try and help, however I was consciously eating more healthily and drinking more water. My partner is also really wanting me to take up biking, so I have been borrowing a bike and going for the odd bike ride. I could see the difference in a week! The reason I can now see the difference is after around 4 days of quick grab and go food, and less active relaxation time, I am really sluggish and not on top form again.


I honestly didn't realise how instant or noticeable the changes to my lifestyle and outlook would be. Needless to say as I am righting this I am struggling to keep my eyes open, and guess I should get a large glass of water and get back in the game.






Therefore I shall commit to:
  1. Drinking at least 1.5 ltrs of water a day
  2. Spending at least 30 minutes outside
  3. Taking my vitamins and supplements
  4. Eating 3 healthy meals a day, and limiting snacking
  5. Doing something that makes me smile for 30 minutes a day (e.g. YouTube videos, colouring, talking with my partner)
Hopefully I shall be on top form again very soon.


What do you do to for a quick pick me up?


Nicola

Wednesday 18 May 2016

Out and about Nature Landscape Photography.

Well today I had a children's photoshoot and sadly the baby was not well therefore this was rearranged for another day.


Therefore this left me with a few hours to spare and all of my camera gear in the car. What could I do? go home and zone out on the sofa, or go for a roughly 2 mile walk in no socks and plimsoles (not the best shoes lol)


So I went for the walk, locally to me there is a loop that starts on a canal side, goes through a small village then one long road back up to the car. It took about an hour, however every time I do this journey there are different things to see and shoot. Today the flowers were all out and there were a few boats on the canal.


Here are a few images that I have taken today, What do you think?


Nicola


www.New-Images.co.uk















Monday 16 May 2016

Positive thoughts are making positive changes in my life!


I am so thankful for all chances and opportunities in my life, Some may not have worked out, and be upsetting along the way, however “everything happens for a reason” must be true! I have in the last 2 weeks felt the happiest, most relaxed and optimistic person.

I know some people may not think my life is perfect, & some people are criticizing my choices & current situation. However I am thankful for the opportunity to get myself back into a positive place, work hard for myself, and now have a plan & very achievable goals.

Thanks to all who have supported me and given me the chance to grow, develop, be happy & mostly be myself again.

Nicola



#positiveoutlook #icandoit #iwilldoit

Friday 13 May 2016

Wedding Photography - Some of my images. www.New-Images.co.uk


Hi I wanted to share with you a few of my recent wedding photography images.

I love my job, and enjoy the positive feedback from my clients, there is nothing so special as when they then go on to recommend me to their friends and family.

If you would like more details why not take a look on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NEWImagesUK/

Nicola











Tuesday 10 May 2016

Equestrian Photography.


Hey so some of you may know I am a photographer,

Over the years I have been well known locally as a wedding photographer. However I am actually experienced in many areas of photography, I thought I would today share some of my equine photography.

Please take a look and feel free to comment etc.
If you wanted to follow my work more here is the link to my Facebook page.

Nicola








Thursday 7 April 2016

Tropic Skincare - Review and Thoughts


My experience of Tropic Skincare.


I was very lucky to be asked to go and have a pamper session with a local Tropic Skincare Ambassador.

Jo is new to the company and it was really refreshing to see her excitement about all of the products and how lovely and beautifully packaged they all were.
She also let me know about the company and the long history originating back in Australia before the owner worked really hard and had a little help along the way after her appearance on the apprentice.

All of the items have the vegan and cruelty free logos and this is something that the company are passionate about. Also in the front of the brochure was a long list of what the items didn't contain, paraben free, gluten free, harsh preservatives, alcohol (and the list goes on) The brand is all about being, pure, honest & effective.


I had personally not heard about the brand much, other that it was meant to be the up and coming rival to my beloved Liz Earl. However I am always happy to look at other products especially when they are good for you and the planet.

JO then started on my facial, Using the cleanser as an eye make up remove firstly - (on damp cotton wool so that you don't waste product) then on to the cleanser on the face, on each person you will smell different ingredients based on what you skin needs, for me this was the Eucalyptus, this was meant to be as my body was tense and stressed, or that a cold may be coming on,  and should help for stress release and release. (it worked) Then this was washed off with the lovely natural bamboo cloth.

Then on to toning, - which I also learnt that is to help close your pores after cleaning and re balance your skins natural PH level. Helping to prevent all sorts of nasties getting into your skin which can create uneven skin tone etc.

Then was the luxury oil,  I was dubious of this stage as I have used oil before and I didn't like the smell or texture. However this one didn't smell unpleasant, and in literally seconds was absorbed into the skin with no residue.

Then was the eye cream, and moisturizer. All of which felt and smelt amazing.
Throughout the stages the products did not feel heavy or greasy, and all of the smells were uplifting and beautiful.

I was also introduced to the facial polisher and the body polisher and hand cream, again items that were amazing.



Afterwards my skin was luminous and glowing, I know my skin is not too bad usually and I am all about prevention at the moment, however the products did help my skin feel smooth, even, plumped and nourished. I am very happy now even the day after that my skin is still looking glowing. I have never had this instant effect from any of the brands that I have used (and I have been through a fair few)



I now have a very long list of products that I would like to purchase, and I think after payday and when my current Liz Earle has run out I know where I will be making a purchase.

JO explained to me the benefits if I chose to have a home pamper party, and the incentives that are offered as a thank you, Also you can become an ambassador yourself and get this lovely kit and share the goodness with your family and friends (or keep it all for yourself haha)

If you wanted to take a look at the catalog you can look and order here:

Or if you had any questions here is jo's Facebook group I am sure she will help if you direct message her too:
https://www.tropicskincare.co.uk/shop/joannehenderson/newhome.html
https://www.facebook.com/Tropic-Skincare-and-Makeup-with-Jo-845150425612151/?fref=nf

Speak soon
Nicola