As we dive head long into the start of 2013, I have been reminded of both the fact we are only half way through Christmas. If nothing else there is a song the 12 days of Christmas. Apart from the fact that this song is the cause of the annual Christmas argument in my house as to which order everything goes in. There is actually a very strong message in the song.
Has any one in your household ever added up the total number of gifts given over the 12 days in the song? Before I start another family argument I will give you the total and it is 364, the number of days from boxing day till the next Christmas day. It is meant to be a way of singing a gift for every day tween those days.
With that in mind why not add challenge to your new years resolution, why not have a jar on your dinner table and put a coin in every day between now and then, and then give it to a charity. We all know it is a hard financial time, but every one has those 1p 2p or 5p rattling at the bottom of your purse /wallet etc at the end of the day. Seriously what happens to them? So if you do this it will hurt less and at the end of the year I am sure you will have at least £5 extra to give to your chosen charity.
Why not let the 12 days of Christmas become the true 364 days of giving. With that though happy new year to all my readers and see you in 2013.
Monday, 31 December 2012
New Years Kandee Treat
For all my followers and readers who haven't yet noticed the news. For today only Kandee are offering 60% off all shoes and accessories for today only.
I know there have been a few flash sales by Kandee, but this has to be the best way to end the year and spend any Christmas money you may have gained. The thriller boot is now £96 reduced from £239.99 and my favourite the cinder is £68 reduced from £169.99. With offers like this it is hard for any lover of Kandee not to justify at least one pair.
Remember this are hand made shoes rather than machine made, so with the price you are paying for quality. Most of all these won't break any new years resolutions of diets and giving up chocolate as they are calorie free Kandee.
I know there have been a few flash sales by Kandee, but this has to be the best way to end the year and spend any Christmas money you may have gained. The thriller boot is now £96 reduced from £239.99 and my favourite the cinder is £68 reduced from £169.99. With offers like this it is hard for any lover of Kandee not to justify at least one pair.
Remember this are hand made shoes rather than machine made, so with the price you are paying for quality. Most of all these won't break any new years resolutions of diets and giving up chocolate as they are calorie free Kandee.
Ashes of 2012
I honestly thought it was just my family that had a run of continual bad luck this last year, but as I read twitter and facebook I see there are plenty of people who want rid of this year. Between the natural disasters and the down turn in wealth I guess a lot of people have had enough.
Personally I have plenty of reasons to hate this last year, lost my job, as did my hubby, lost my health still haven't got a resolution out of an insurance claim from 2011 thus living with bare floor boards and walls, waiting for a resolution on a ppi case etc etc. Yet I suspect that in years to come I won't look back on the year in the same light. I think I will remember the paralympic game I went to, the watching of the diamond jubilee and events like that as will so many others.
For this year seems to have been traumatic for so many on a personal level, but on a national level especially for Britain it has been one where we reiterated our status, we held our own in running the Olympics, arrived on through wind and rain during the diamond jubilee, and I dare to say changed our views. Since the torch relay there has been a different feel of community in areas, I certainly notice it in our area, people want more local events. Us disabled people have been seen in a different light at long last.
So for the last post of 2012 I would like to let you know what happened to me on Christmas eve. I decided in my wisdom to go and get the last bits of Christmas shopping on my own, thinking I could manage, I should have known better when it took me 30 minutes to find a parking space and that was the in the furthest away car park and not even a disabled bay at that.Then I seemed to be on a wild goose chase looking for oil of peppermint for home made peppermint creams. A search that took me near on an hour and to every shop in town. Anyway to cut a long story short I took well over an hour and ended up with way too much to carry on my sticks especially in the now pouring rain. By now I had collapsed on one side as I do when my back packs up, but I still had to struggle to the car by walking through one car park and crossing the road to the other. As I did this struggle a lady asked me if I was ok? I said I would survive but thanked her for the concern, mainly as I am not used to being noticed. But this lady was very concerned and insisted I let her help. She took the heavy bags off me and helped me all the way to my car insisting on loading them in for me. She asked for nothing, and accepted nothing. But without her help I would not have made it home with out calling hubby out to rescue me.
I don't know who the lady was, but I do know she was trying to get her own laundry done, despite her own needs she still took the time out to help me. If there is one thing to carry forward to 2012, it is the fact that it is the year, we re learnt how to be compassionate to others, and not see their weaknesses, but their talents.
Personally I have plenty of reasons to hate this last year, lost my job, as did my hubby, lost my health still haven't got a resolution out of an insurance claim from 2011 thus living with bare floor boards and walls, waiting for a resolution on a ppi case etc etc. Yet I suspect that in years to come I won't look back on the year in the same light. I think I will remember the paralympic game I went to, the watching of the diamond jubilee and events like that as will so many others.
For this year seems to have been traumatic for so many on a personal level, but on a national level especially for Britain it has been one where we reiterated our status, we held our own in running the Olympics, arrived on through wind and rain during the diamond jubilee, and I dare to say changed our views. Since the torch relay there has been a different feel of community in areas, I certainly notice it in our area, people want more local events. Us disabled people have been seen in a different light at long last.
So for the last post of 2012 I would like to let you know what happened to me on Christmas eve. I decided in my wisdom to go and get the last bits of Christmas shopping on my own, thinking I could manage, I should have known better when it took me 30 minutes to find a parking space and that was the in the furthest away car park and not even a disabled bay at that.Then I seemed to be on a wild goose chase looking for oil of peppermint for home made peppermint creams. A search that took me near on an hour and to every shop in town. Anyway to cut a long story short I took well over an hour and ended up with way too much to carry on my sticks especially in the now pouring rain. By now I had collapsed on one side as I do when my back packs up, but I still had to struggle to the car by walking through one car park and crossing the road to the other. As I did this struggle a lady asked me if I was ok? I said I would survive but thanked her for the concern, mainly as I am not used to being noticed. But this lady was very concerned and insisted I let her help. She took the heavy bags off me and helped me all the way to my car insisting on loading them in for me. She asked for nothing, and accepted nothing. But without her help I would not have made it home with out calling hubby out to rescue me.
I don't know who the lady was, but I do know she was trying to get her own laundry done, despite her own needs she still took the time out to help me. If there is one thing to carry forward to 2012, it is the fact that it is the year, we re learnt how to be compassionate to others, and not see their weaknesses, but their talents.
Sunday, 30 December 2012
The Christmas Plague
I am one day of putting a red x on the door to warn of plague. Yes a little melodramatic, but this virus just won't go away, no sooner does one person have a good day than the other two go either backwards or develop a new symptom.
Hubby bless him felt a little better to be able to nip out for the Sunday papers, as mum and I lay sickening in our beds, but yesterday it was the other way round. It doesn't matter what we do, or sleep or eat this dam thing is going round and round in circles. The GP who saw hubby on Friday said there was little could but paracetamol and rest,although he was a little concerned with the temperatures, hubby was reading 100 on Friday. His parting remark was if we weren't any better we should return tomorrow, especially me who has had it on and of since the week before Christmas.
It has made for a rather subdued Christmas for us all, highlighting the facts that Christmas TV sucks, board games are lost on the sick and we haven't even touched half the food we bought for Christmas. There is an untouched baileys dessert in the freezer along with a joint of beef. There are crackers in their box and the tree is still laden with chocolate. Such happening are a rarity in our house especially as we have an American in our midst.
At the moment we are tossing coins to bet who is capable to cook the new years dinner, I am betting it will be me, as poor mum has really taken a down turn, if that's the case some one else is defiantly cooking the 12th night dinner as I will have done all the meals prior. In the mean time though anyone got cure for endless coughing, noses that would provide Rudolf with competition and chills that wouldn't be out of place in the north pole, but run in direct contrast to the fevers with desert like throats.
As for the cross on the door, well for now the garland will have to do as I haven't the energy to go and change it.
Hubby bless him felt a little better to be able to nip out for the Sunday papers, as mum and I lay sickening in our beds, but yesterday it was the other way round. It doesn't matter what we do, or sleep or eat this dam thing is going round and round in circles. The GP who saw hubby on Friday said there was little could but paracetamol and rest,although he was a little concerned with the temperatures, hubby was reading 100 on Friday. His parting remark was if we weren't any better we should return tomorrow, especially me who has had it on and of since the week before Christmas.
It has made for a rather subdued Christmas for us all, highlighting the facts that Christmas TV sucks, board games are lost on the sick and we haven't even touched half the food we bought for Christmas. There is an untouched baileys dessert in the freezer along with a joint of beef. There are crackers in their box and the tree is still laden with chocolate. Such happening are a rarity in our house especially as we have an American in our midst.
At the moment we are tossing coins to bet who is capable to cook the new years dinner, I am betting it will be me, as poor mum has really taken a down turn, if that's the case some one else is defiantly cooking the 12th night dinner as I will have done all the meals prior. In the mean time though anyone got cure for endless coughing, noses that would provide Rudolf with competition and chills that wouldn't be out of place in the north pole, but run in direct contrast to the fevers with desert like throats.
As for the cross on the door, well for now the garland will have to do as I haven't the energy to go and change it.
Friday, 28 December 2012
Twilight highlights
Not I am not a fan of these films, despite having Gothic tendencies these books and films left me stone cold. No what I like is the style or in particular the make up theme it encourages.
Call me over dramatic but I love the smokey eyes, strong lips and blacken nails effects. I always have done. I have never been brave enough to find a red lipstick I have the courage to wear, but the lightened face and strong eye effects have been used. Most of all I really dig dark nails. Against my better judgement and due to the lack of normal TV I have forcibly been made to sit through the Twilight film. and saw my ideal makeup on the Rosalie character.
So for the last hour rather than reduce what is left of my brain to mush, I have been trawling the sales for the perfect red lipstick.But can I find one? Hell no I can't, I can see this turning into a shopping mission and ending up being very expensive. At the moment my options vary from either Barry M lip paint 121 at £4.49 or lip lacquer crayon in cherry red at £4.99, then there is MUA lipstick shade 12 at £1. Those are at the lower end of the market but from there on the only way is up. Oh how I wish the more expensive brands did little samples like Avon do so I don't end up wasting my money on a product that won't suite me. Personally after much research I am likely to opt for the MUA and the Barry M Lip Lacquer Crayon, partly to do with cost, but mainly because I have had success with those products before in different shades But especially with the MUA what else can you get at £1 anyway so I may as well try it out.
If all goes well I master my Rosalie look, and if it goes wrong well it can be saved for Halloween and I can use it for a bride of Dracula after feeding look.
Call me over dramatic but I love the smokey eyes, strong lips and blacken nails effects. I always have done. I have never been brave enough to find a red lipstick I have the courage to wear, but the lightened face and strong eye effects have been used. Most of all I really dig dark nails. Against my better judgement and due to the lack of normal TV I have forcibly been made to sit through the Twilight film. and saw my ideal makeup on the Rosalie character.
So for the last hour rather than reduce what is left of my brain to mush, I have been trawling the sales for the perfect red lipstick.But can I find one? Hell no I can't, I can see this turning into a shopping mission and ending up being very expensive. At the moment my options vary from either Barry M lip paint 121 at £4.49 or lip lacquer crayon in cherry red at £4.99, then there is MUA lipstick shade 12 at £1. Those are at the lower end of the market but from there on the only way is up. Oh how I wish the more expensive brands did little samples like Avon do so I don't end up wasting my money on a product that won't suite me. Personally after much research I am likely to opt for the MUA and the Barry M Lip Lacquer Crayon, partly to do with cost, but mainly because I have had success with those products before in different shades But especially with the MUA what else can you get at £1 anyway so I may as well try it out.
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Could you survive?
Yes I have been watching way too much TV over the last few days. But one or two caused discussion in my house. The one about the big snow storms in Britain and the cookery ones. Like my mum I am able to make dinner out of nothing, but unlike my mum I have never lived through the snow storms of 1947 and 1963 like she has. Snow so bad her grand parents got stranded at the Deon farm from Christmas till March when it thawed.
I did blog about our madness at Harvest and all the pickling and such like, but now the tradition sort of makes sense, knowing she has lived through that and the shortages it caused. Yes I know we have greater access to shops than they did then, and bigger gritters. But seriously could you survive a full week with out being able to leave your house once? No nipping to corner shop for milk and bread? Or driving to the nearest supermarket for basics? In reality it is hard to imagine it, but the possibility is still very much there. The snow of 2009 freaked people out a bit and that was mild compared to the ones mum has lived through.
There is no way to predict when it will hit but all that can be guaranteed is it will happen again, and there will be panic as knowing Britain they are never expecting it. Like the hurricane of 1987 it wouldn't hit here is our attitude. What I do know is much as I hate to admit this we would survive in our house. Granted we wouldn't last with cigarettes, but that wouldn't kill us. But with the basis of milk, bread etc we would. Not because we have a massive freezer, but because we always keep dried and uht milk in the house, along with flour and yeast, sugar,tea and coffee. We also have a selection of frozen, canned and preserved fruit and veg. We also keep excess animal food in so they are ok, along with pasta and rice.
We don't hoard, but over winter there is a little bit extra held in our larder until the spring when anything that has been rolled over gets used up until next autumn when the pattern starts again. Yes we are working on the principle what if, but I would prefer that to not being able to survive and causing more problems venturing out when it is dangerous to.
This year has seen enough scaremongering over possible end of the world threats and so on. But this isn't meant to scare but instead inform and make people aware. How hard is to add an extra couple of tins into your trolley over winter? In regards to bread, I know making stuff from raw seems scary but there are enough cookery programs on TV you never need to by a cookery book. But if you do look around for one that suites you and try out what appeals to you. Home made bread lasts longer as it has no additives and is more filling as well. The same with home made soups.
Mum gave me a challenge to make weeks lunch's from raw this year which I achieved and it turned out to be fun, making breads and soups, then experimenting further. I don't know what this winter will hold, but I do know we will survive, will you?
I did blog about our madness at Harvest and all the pickling and such like, but now the tradition sort of makes sense, knowing she has lived through that and the shortages it caused. Yes I know we have greater access to shops than they did then, and bigger gritters. But seriously could you survive a full week with out being able to leave your house once? No nipping to corner shop for milk and bread? Or driving to the nearest supermarket for basics? In reality it is hard to imagine it, but the possibility is still very much there. The snow of 2009 freaked people out a bit and that was mild compared to the ones mum has lived through.
There is no way to predict when it will hit but all that can be guaranteed is it will happen again, and there will be panic as knowing Britain they are never expecting it. Like the hurricane of 1987 it wouldn't hit here is our attitude. What I do know is much as I hate to admit this we would survive in our house. Granted we wouldn't last with cigarettes, but that wouldn't kill us. But with the basis of milk, bread etc we would. Not because we have a massive freezer, but because we always keep dried and uht milk in the house, along with flour and yeast, sugar,tea and coffee. We also have a selection of frozen, canned and preserved fruit and veg. We also keep excess animal food in so they are ok, along with pasta and rice.
We don't hoard, but over winter there is a little bit extra held in our larder until the spring when anything that has been rolled over gets used up until next autumn when the pattern starts again. Yes we are working on the principle what if, but I would prefer that to not being able to survive and causing more problems venturing out when it is dangerous to.
This year has seen enough scaremongering over possible end of the world threats and so on. But this isn't meant to scare but instead inform and make people aware. How hard is to add an extra couple of tins into your trolley over winter? In regards to bread, I know making stuff from raw seems scary but there are enough cookery programs on TV you never need to by a cookery book. But if you do look around for one that suites you and try out what appeals to you. Home made bread lasts longer as it has no additives and is more filling as well. The same with home made soups.
Mum gave me a challenge to make weeks lunch's from raw this year which I achieved and it turned out to be fun, making breads and soups, then experimenting further. I don't know what this winter will hold, but I do know we will survive, will you?
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Every girl needs her inner alice
No I haven't over done the cheap plonk, or smoked weird cigerettes, but I did watch Alice on tv today. Tim Burtons version actually and as a massive Alice fan I was very impressed !, Making it a continuation of the books rather than a re vamp. The one book that I can say links me to my oldest friends is our Alice fondness, so to see this was an eye opener.
The main part of the theme of the story in this version is Alice has forgotten her childhood adventures and has written them off as a dream, but for her to grow as an adult she needs to be reminded just who she was as a child. Now I am not saying we all need to recapture our dreams of being a damsel in distress or a princess looking for prince charming, God forbid I never got those dreams. But how many of us take ourselves to seriously, and forget to go a little crazy at times and lie outside the box.
"The Mad Hatter: There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter "
There is so much truth in that opening trailer line, and you can read it how you like but it still holds the same meaning. To be successful you have to loosen the strings a bit. Maybe even be a little bit naive and take risks. The line that keeps reoccurring is the principle of thinking 6 impossible before breakfast.
Personally I just love the original Alice just for the chaos it causes when you start thinking about the logic in it. Start from the top, who on earth can think about the caterpillar on the mushroom without wondering how dangerous that is. As a child it seemed hypnotic, as an adult it holds a whole different meaning. My favourites as both a child and an adult is the mad hatter, a character that straddles the line between genius and insanity, and the white rabbit the adult like character obessed with maintaining a schedule in a chaotic world.
That probably says more about my persoanlity than I wish to admit, but I still stand by view. Every girl needs to recapture that inner Alice and return to her wonderland. If it be in fashion and style or lifestyle. That said will someone pass the teapot. It is always time for tea.
The main part of the theme of the story in this version is Alice has forgotten her childhood adventures and has written them off as a dream, but for her to grow as an adult she needs to be reminded just who she was as a child. Now I am not saying we all need to recapture our dreams of being a damsel in distress or a princess looking for prince charming, God forbid I never got those dreams. But how many of us take ourselves to seriously, and forget to go a little crazy at times and lie outside the box.
"The Mad Hatter: There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter "
There is so much truth in that opening trailer line, and you can read it how you like but it still holds the same meaning. To be successful you have to loosen the strings a bit. Maybe even be a little bit naive and take risks. The line that keeps reoccurring is the principle of thinking 6 impossible before breakfast.
Personally I just love the original Alice just for the chaos it causes when you start thinking about the logic in it. Start from the top, who on earth can think about the caterpillar on the mushroom without wondering how dangerous that is. As a child it seemed hypnotic, as an adult it holds a whole different meaning. My favourites as both a child and an adult is the mad hatter, a character that straddles the line between genius and insanity, and the white rabbit the adult like character obessed with maintaining a schedule in a chaotic world.
That probably says more about my persoanlity than I wish to admit, but I still stand by view. Every girl needs to recapture that inner Alice and return to her wonderland. If it be in fashion and style or lifestyle. That said will someone pass the teapot. It is always time for tea.
After the wrapping paper
So the turkey has been carved and the pudding set alight, the big deflate happens. Well in some houses it has. Not really in this house hold though. Why? simple really we celebrate the 12 days of Christmas not just the one. The reason being that if you are true to the Christian religion the wise men didn't get there till 12 th night, that and my wedding anniversary is also on 12th night.
But it also means we divide the present giving up across the two days and also celebrate New year with a meal. So we don't get totally bloated on one day as not every thing is served up in the one meal. I know it wouldn't work for most house holds, but for us it does.
That said we got stockings full of useful things like pens and key chains, and presents in my case bears and nail stuff. But it means I also can expect presents from my husband on 12 th night and that gives me something to look forward to. This year I am so grateful that has happened, as we are all ill with a virus and it resulted in me attempting to cook my first ever Christmas dinner on my busted back. Still it worked and everyone ate their fill, toasted the Queen and tore through their wrapping paper. However its only today we are even looking at a box of chocolates and the cheese and crackers.
I have a feeling this season isn't going to be as easy as some, as Christmas eve and day feel on me as the others suffered in bed, and now I am paying the price having to lie flat on my back for a part of the day. But why is it rushed anyway? I don't remember Mary ushering the Shepperd's out the stable. As for the sales, well there is always the Internet.
But it also means we divide the present giving up across the two days and also celebrate New year with a meal. So we don't get totally bloated on one day as not every thing is served up in the one meal. I know it wouldn't work for most house holds, but for us it does.
That said we got stockings full of useful things like pens and key chains, and presents in my case bears and nail stuff. But it means I also can expect presents from my husband on 12 th night and that gives me something to look forward to. This year I am so grateful that has happened, as we are all ill with a virus and it resulted in me attempting to cook my first ever Christmas dinner on my busted back. Still it worked and everyone ate their fill, toasted the Queen and tore through their wrapping paper. However its only today we are even looking at a box of chocolates and the cheese and crackers.
I have a feeling this season isn't going to be as easy as some, as Christmas eve and day feel on me as the others suffered in bed, and now I am paying the price having to lie flat on my back for a part of the day. But why is it rushed anyway? I don't remember Mary ushering the Shepperd's out the stable. As for the sales, well there is always the Internet.
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Countdown to Christmas
I swear I am about at my wits end, at the moment it will be more than the turkey told to get stuffed this Christmas. To be honest with the year I have had why should I be surprised?
On Monday hubby had his bank account hacked and the contents of his account cleared. After much stress and jumping up and down, the bank fraud department assured hubby dearest money would be returned to his account by Wednesday (today). Then yesterday, Tuesday hubby went to his night job, only to get robbed on one of his deliveries. Fortunately unharmed, but the entire delivery stolen and the rest of his shift and some spent filling in police forms.
So why oh why did I expect today to go any easier? Because I am stupid or jinxed, I am not sure which. Any way we headed off to the bank today to check his money has been returned and mum's pension was in ready for the last blast of Christmas food shopping. The computer said no on both accounts. Not only has Hubby's fraud money gone awol, now we don't have the foggiest when mum's pay is going in.
It took two conversations in the bank to get anywhere regarding Hubby's money. It turns out a company he makes normal monthly payments, thought they would be clever and take it twice in 3 days using different names. After the bank pointed out to us that what they have done has broken ever rule in the financial code of conduct and many other rules, they told us unless the company would react to a call from hubby, and returned the money that way, then they would have to take the matter through the legal channels and that would take till the middle of January. Hubby did what he was told and phoned the company, the first time they hung up on him. So he tried again, with me growling in the back ground. After being put on hold 3 times and 30 minutes on a premium rate number they admitted they had acted fraudulently and the money would be returned However apparently this can take up to 4 working days. That means the day after Boxing day then, which equates to the car insurance bouncing and no Christmas presents for me. Fortunately the car insurance company has a bit more common sense than most and agreed to take payment next Friday with out penalty.
Mum's money however. well a crystal ball would give us the best answer. You see it's a council workers pension and the pay system is this. They pay normal workers the last working day of the month, and the pensioners anything from 2 to 5 days before that, except at Christmas, because they don't like doing a payment run between Christmas and New year. For the last few years this has entailed the pay coming in a week before Christmas. As Christmas is a Tuesday this year, the logical day would have been today for the pensioners and Friday for the workers at the latest. But with this years luck anything goes.
All I know is unless either of these missing monies appear between now and Friday, there will be no Christmas in this house, as there is no way anyone can get the food shopping in on Christmas Eve. I am long past waiting for Santa Claus, but I can still pray for Christmas magic , because that is what will get us out of this mess. If not then we will be skipping it this year.
On Monday hubby had his bank account hacked and the contents of his account cleared. After much stress and jumping up and down, the bank fraud department assured hubby dearest money would be returned to his account by Wednesday (today). Then yesterday, Tuesday hubby went to his night job, only to get robbed on one of his deliveries. Fortunately unharmed, but the entire delivery stolen and the rest of his shift and some spent filling in police forms.
So why oh why did I expect today to go any easier? Because I am stupid or jinxed, I am not sure which. Any way we headed off to the bank today to check his money has been returned and mum's pension was in ready for the last blast of Christmas food shopping. The computer said no on both accounts. Not only has Hubby's fraud money gone awol, now we don't have the foggiest when mum's pay is going in.
It took two conversations in the bank to get anywhere regarding Hubby's money. It turns out a company he makes normal monthly payments, thought they would be clever and take it twice in 3 days using different names. After the bank pointed out to us that what they have done has broken ever rule in the financial code of conduct and many other rules, they told us unless the company would react to a call from hubby, and returned the money that way, then they would have to take the matter through the legal channels and that would take till the middle of January. Hubby did what he was told and phoned the company, the first time they hung up on him. So he tried again, with me growling in the back ground. After being put on hold 3 times and 30 minutes on a premium rate number they admitted they had acted fraudulently and the money would be returned However apparently this can take up to 4 working days. That means the day after Boxing day then, which equates to the car insurance bouncing and no Christmas presents for me. Fortunately the car insurance company has a bit more common sense than most and agreed to take payment next Friday with out penalty.
Mum's money however. well a crystal ball would give us the best answer. You see it's a council workers pension and the pay system is this. They pay normal workers the last working day of the month, and the pensioners anything from 2 to 5 days before that, except at Christmas, because they don't like doing a payment run between Christmas and New year. For the last few years this has entailed the pay coming in a week before Christmas. As Christmas is a Tuesday this year, the logical day would have been today for the pensioners and Friday for the workers at the latest. But with this years luck anything goes.
All I know is unless either of these missing monies appear between now and Friday, there will be no Christmas in this house, as there is no way anyone can get the food shopping in on Christmas Eve. I am long past waiting for Santa Claus, but I can still pray for Christmas magic , because that is what will get us out of this mess. If not then we will be skipping it this year.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Physio Hell
Last medical post before Christmas break I promise, and wish it could have been cheerful. But it isn't and to be honest I can't see this path being either a happy or successful one.
Like I said before there is little trust between me and my new physiotherapist and to put it bluntly we are going to clash. He has this mental attitude that CRPS doesn't exist and any pain can be over come by working through it. Now I have had a physio treat me all my adult life and pre CRPS, that lecture may have held some truth. However life with CRPS has no such clear cut lines. A movement that is possible now may cause immense pain 5 minutes later.
It is like trying to operate a laptop after a mug of tea has gone over it. Somethings may work, then they don't. Worse still nothing is ever the same day to day except the constant pain we live with. For some one to write off CRPS as in your mind and not a real illness to experience the reality of our lives. I am lucky I only have stage 1, thanks to people recognising the symptoms and my then physio also being well read on it. But it isn't in our heads. The pain we feel is certainly real, like for me on Sunday, just sitting on a chair reduced me to tears for no reason, other than my pain sensors have gone nuts.
So now I am faced with dealing with a man, who thinks it is in my head, and he is going to push me dragging and screaming through the pain and be "normal" again. He won't listen when I say something hurts in a sharp nasty way, rather than a achey not used to way. At one point there was a really nasty pain going down my spine. His answer "I he to trust him". Well I am sorry I am not going to trust some one just because they tell me to, and certainly not if he doesn't believe that one of my conditions exists.
Any way nothing more will be done till the new year, and I have a chance to speak to my GP again, so I am not letting some one who is ignorant in his own profession get under my skin. Although he may find I take him some light reading next time.
Like I said before there is little trust between me and my new physiotherapist and to put it bluntly we are going to clash. He has this mental attitude that CRPS doesn't exist and any pain can be over come by working through it. Now I have had a physio treat me all my adult life and pre CRPS, that lecture may have held some truth. However life with CRPS has no such clear cut lines. A movement that is possible now may cause immense pain 5 minutes later.
It is like trying to operate a laptop after a mug of tea has gone over it. Somethings may work, then they don't. Worse still nothing is ever the same day to day except the constant pain we live with. For some one to write off CRPS as in your mind and not a real illness to experience the reality of our lives. I am lucky I only have stage 1, thanks to people recognising the symptoms and my then physio also being well read on it. But it isn't in our heads. The pain we feel is certainly real, like for me on Sunday, just sitting on a chair reduced me to tears for no reason, other than my pain sensors have gone nuts.
So now I am faced with dealing with a man, who thinks it is in my head, and he is going to push me dragging and screaming through the pain and be "normal" again. He won't listen when I say something hurts in a sharp nasty way, rather than a achey not used to way. At one point there was a really nasty pain going down my spine. His answer "I he to trust him". Well I am sorry I am not going to trust some one just because they tell me to, and certainly not if he doesn't believe that one of my conditions exists.
Any way nothing more will be done till the new year, and I have a chance to speak to my GP again, so I am not letting some one who is ignorant in his own profession get under my skin. Although he may find I take him some light reading next time.
December Jolie box
I got a shock today as my Jolie Box arrived a little early. not that I am complaining. Pity Yodel did a number on the external packaging, but the contents was unaffected. This months box was a lovely design of gold and white, as was the little bag inside contained the goodies.
Inside there was the label party and the contents reflected this. There is a full size pot of Belladpierre shimmer powder in discotheque. which is a golden colour. Think along the line a Barry M's sparkle dust and you know what its like. Then there is a small tester vial of a Spanish perfume by Alvarez Gomez. A nail polish by color club followed in my case I got a colour called put a pin in it. Which is a metallic pink. As I have never tried that make before I am looking forward to trying that. I also got a full size bottle of Yon Ka Pamplemousse moisturiser, small bottle of Olay regenerist and two more sachets of Dr Duve, this time for hands and decollete cream. Then there was a lip gloss by I love cosmetics and 2 lindt chocolate bars.
As a new subscriber to Jolie, I am still very impressed with the variety of products, and the mixture of samples and sizes. I can test all the products to my hearts content, and be able to give you all a fair review. I also want to tell you all how much I am impressed with the company. As the beauty box folded they gave us subscribers a gift code to use if we wanted to move over to Jolie. However I was informed as I had started a Jolie subscription the month before, they may not honour it, but they did suggest I contact Jolie box. So I phoned Jolie up and they were more than happy to oblige in sending the gift especially as I had only ordered one box prior and was in the process of choosing between them. The person on the phone was so polite, calm and nothing was to much bother, it was refreshing.
So that's the quick review and a more detailed one will follow on my favourite products probably during the Christmas lull.
Inside there was the label party and the contents reflected this. There is a full size pot of Belladpierre shimmer powder in discotheque. which is a golden colour. Think along the line a Barry M's sparkle dust and you know what its like. Then there is a small tester vial of a Spanish perfume by Alvarez Gomez. A nail polish by color club followed in my case I got a colour called put a pin in it. Which is a metallic pink. As I have never tried that make before I am looking forward to trying that. I also got a full size bottle of Yon Ka Pamplemousse moisturiser, small bottle of Olay regenerist and two more sachets of Dr Duve, this time for hands and decollete cream. Then there was a lip gloss by I love cosmetics and 2 lindt chocolate bars.
As a new subscriber to Jolie, I am still very impressed with the variety of products, and the mixture of samples and sizes. I can test all the products to my hearts content, and be able to give you all a fair review. I also want to tell you all how much I am impressed with the company. As the beauty box folded they gave us subscribers a gift code to use if we wanted to move over to Jolie. However I was informed as I had started a Jolie subscription the month before, they may not honour it, but they did suggest I contact Jolie box. So I phoned Jolie up and they were more than happy to oblige in sending the gift especially as I had only ordered one box prior and was in the process of choosing between them. The person on the phone was so polite, calm and nothing was to much bother, it was refreshing.
So that's the quick review and a more detailed one will follow on my favourite products probably during the Christmas lull.
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Bah Humbug
This is flipping typical. I have 5 days clear to tidy back room and get tree and decorate it, so what happens? The worse cold ever that's what, if it hadn't been for the fact I have had the flu jab, I would really think I had that.
List of symptoms include sore throat, painfully sinus, chesty cough so bad it is making me throw up, limbs too heavy and painful to move, and a headache that is so bad I want complete silence. It hit hard as Friday I was OK sans a little headache. Yesterday morning I was able to get to the church coffee morning and supermarket, but by yesterday afternoon I was in pure physical pain.
Today was the church Christmas lunch, so hubby kindly drove me round as the thought of walking made my legs turn to jelly. I was OK and even stopped coughing for the first hour or so, although my appetite was appallingly low, a mouse could have eaten more. For starters there were two soups on offer tomato or broccoli and Stilton, normally I would jump at the later, but instead I declined both and nibbled at my roll with my apple juice. Then came the full roast with all the trimmings and a few extras. There was turkey and pigs in blankets for the meat eaters or home made Christmas quiche with cheese cranberry and pickled walnuts for us vegetarians. This was accompanied with peas, carrots, green beans, sprouts, corn, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, stuffing balls and cauliflower cheese. As I can hop and carry mum brought me a small plate of food, of which I managed a roast potato, a small slice of quiche, half a spoon of peas and 3 sprouts. Needless to say my reduced appetite has raised some eyebrows.
But the worst was still to come. Whilst people had seconds and then the crackers were pulled, I became very aware of the increasing pain in my limbs. By the time plates were being cleared touching my legs and feet on the ground invoked tears. Calmly and quietly hubby helped me outside for some air hoping a painkiller and cooling down would help. It didn't I couldn't stop the tears and the pain was so bad I wanted to scream so loudly the new double glazing in the hall would have been sorely tested. Mum came out and called time on my outing helping me put my coat on and get to hubby's car, I never saw dessert or coffee. So now I have spent the rest of the day in bed.
The problem is whatever this virus is , it has sent my CRPS scatty and means the I have lost control of the pain in my back and legs. So on top of not feeling hungry, I can't get any relief from this pain. All I know is that if it doesn't calm down in a hurry i.e. by Wednesday I am heading back to pain clinic because no one in the family wants me to spend this Christmas season in this kind of pain. Every time I cough my spine feels like it wants to snap, and when I sneeze the pain is beyond words.
A cold I could live with, but what it has triggered is beyond human reason. So for the next few days please excuse me if I am far from festive. I love Christmas and desperately want to have some sort of celebration this year. But at the moment I can't even get out of bed to do the tree, or get my hands to be stable enough to wrap a present to any respectable level. So for now I am saying BAH HUMBUG, and hope by Friday I feel normal or we won't be getting to the market for the Christmas dinner fruit and vegetables.
List of symptoms include sore throat, painfully sinus, chesty cough so bad it is making me throw up, limbs too heavy and painful to move, and a headache that is so bad I want complete silence. It hit hard as Friday I was OK sans a little headache. Yesterday morning I was able to get to the church coffee morning and supermarket, but by yesterday afternoon I was in pure physical pain.
Today was the church Christmas lunch, so hubby kindly drove me round as the thought of walking made my legs turn to jelly. I was OK and even stopped coughing for the first hour or so, although my appetite was appallingly low, a mouse could have eaten more. For starters there were two soups on offer tomato or broccoli and Stilton, normally I would jump at the later, but instead I declined both and nibbled at my roll with my apple juice. Then came the full roast with all the trimmings and a few extras. There was turkey and pigs in blankets for the meat eaters or home made Christmas quiche with cheese cranberry and pickled walnuts for us vegetarians. This was accompanied with peas, carrots, green beans, sprouts, corn, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, stuffing balls and cauliflower cheese. As I can hop and carry mum brought me a small plate of food, of which I managed a roast potato, a small slice of quiche, half a spoon of peas and 3 sprouts. Needless to say my reduced appetite has raised some eyebrows.
But the worst was still to come. Whilst people had seconds and then the crackers were pulled, I became very aware of the increasing pain in my limbs. By the time plates were being cleared touching my legs and feet on the ground invoked tears. Calmly and quietly hubby helped me outside for some air hoping a painkiller and cooling down would help. It didn't I couldn't stop the tears and the pain was so bad I wanted to scream so loudly the new double glazing in the hall would have been sorely tested. Mum came out and called time on my outing helping me put my coat on and get to hubby's car, I never saw dessert or coffee. So now I have spent the rest of the day in bed.
The problem is whatever this virus is , it has sent my CRPS scatty and means the I have lost control of the pain in my back and legs. So on top of not feeling hungry, I can't get any relief from this pain. All I know is that if it doesn't calm down in a hurry i.e. by Wednesday I am heading back to pain clinic because no one in the family wants me to spend this Christmas season in this kind of pain. Every time I cough my spine feels like it wants to snap, and when I sneeze the pain is beyond words.
A cold I could live with, but what it has triggered is beyond human reason. So for the next few days please excuse me if I am far from festive. I love Christmas and desperately want to have some sort of celebration this year. But at the moment I can't even get out of bed to do the tree, or get my hands to be stable enough to wrap a present to any respectable level. So for now I am saying BAH HUMBUG, and hope by Friday I feel normal or we won't be getting to the market for the Christmas dinner fruit and vegetables.
Friday, 14 December 2012
Time to say a prayer
I don't know all the facts nor will I pretend to, but I am sure like 1000s of others watching the news tonight there is a sadness in your heart. The days shooting in an elementary school is heartbreaking.
All I know at present is that at least 12 people including children have lost their lives, and hundreds will be scarred by the memory. I can not imagine what those poor families are feeling at the moment, or how they will manage to get through the forthcoming festive season with their loss or injured family members.Having lost family members expected and not expected over this season myself I have experienced the affect of sheer hollowness left behind
This on the morning after the fun raising concert for the families who suffered from the Hurricane not 2 months ago. I can see that Christmas on the East coast of America being a more subdued affair.
Like many others there is little I can do at the moment but watch the news unfold. I can't take the pain away or give any logical explanation to these events. What I do know is recently I was given a candle of faith from a different church than my own. This was to light and celebrate the life of Christ, however tonight I will be lighting it in memory of all those innocents lives lost, denomination or faith not restricting. Especially as I have just heard the numbers have doubled from the start of this post.
All I know at present is that at least 12 people including children have lost their lives, and hundreds will be scarred by the memory. I can not imagine what those poor families are feeling at the moment, or how they will manage to get through the forthcoming festive season with their loss or injured family members.Having lost family members expected and not expected over this season myself I have experienced the affect of sheer hollowness left behind
This on the morning after the fun raising concert for the families who suffered from the Hurricane not 2 months ago. I can see that Christmas on the East coast of America being a more subdued affair.
Like many others there is little I can do at the moment but watch the news unfold. I can't take the pain away or give any logical explanation to these events. What I do know is recently I was given a candle of faith from a different church than my own. This was to light and celebrate the life of Christ, however tonight I will be lighting it in memory of all those innocents lives lost, denomination or faith not restricting. Especially as I have just heard the numbers have doubled from the start of this post.
ooops I nearly forgot
I knew it was all going to well. Christmas shopping that is., got both mum and hubby their main present on order. Sorted all the god children their presents. Even sorted my best friends present.
So that's it all done right? Wrong, somewhere along the line I forgot we were doing stockings, I have picked up a few bits for hubby, but have completely forgotten mums. I mean totally forgot part from chocolate coins her stocking is completely empty. So instead of being at the stage iof wrapping all the presents up like I thought I was at, I'mnow at the stage of mass panic and faceing at least one days panic shopping.
So this afternoon will be spent on the internet and next wednesday I am hopping round the shops at speed hoping that I can find anything. The lesson I can hope I pass on to everyone is, nows the time to double check have you really got everyones presents!
So that's it all done right? Wrong, somewhere along the line I forgot we were doing stockings, I have picked up a few bits for hubby, but have completely forgotten mums. I mean totally forgot part from chocolate coins her stocking is completely empty. So instead of being at the stage iof wrapping all the presents up like I thought I was at, I'mnow at the stage of mass panic and faceing at least one days panic shopping.
So this afternoon will be spent on the internet and next wednesday I am hopping round the shops at speed hoping that I can find anything. The lesson I can hope I pass on to everyone is, nows the time to double check have you really got everyones presents!
4 Pawed faith
As most of you know I am a devote animal lover and my own little pack of critters are my babies, for all their faults and failings. The one thing that constantly surprises me with animals in general though is the way we underestimate their intelligence. It was an article in the news that made mum highlight a little point about our lovable rogue Oreo, the corgi cross.
Now little Oreo has always been a one person dog, mine, we have always known that. But what I never knew about was his behaviour whilst I was out. Over the last few weeks I have had to go out to various functions and appointments, and whilst I am out. I have now found out the Oreo knows not only the direction I leave towards, but say I do a round trip, he will know if I come home from a different direction and sit pointing that way until such time as I arrive in the road. Then no matter by what means I enter the road he starts running up and down the stairs so some one comes to open the door for me. He is so clever apparently, that when I came home from London the other night he even knew it was the cab I was in that entered the road.
He is also displaying understanding about different outings. Shopping trips are allowed because they may me dog food or treat. My monthly outings are begrudgingly allowed as long as I leave mum in charge. But medical trips like today he will do everything in his capability to stop me going to from stealing my clothes, trying to pack himself in my bad to curling up on my lap and going to sleep. How he knows the difference I don't really know as they all involve work for me to go out, like pack medicines etc. But he does, like he seems to know I am writing about him at this moment. Normally when I type my blog he tries to interfere, now he is the picture of innocence, laying across my feet.
I know they are teaching dogs to drive now in New Zealand, and if they can roll that out internationally that could be a major break through. Image what freedom it could offer the blind, a guide dog that can drive? But I would never trust Oreo or Rosie behind the wheel any more than I would trust Garfield with the Christmas turkey. That said I don't doubt I have been as guilty as the next person in underestimating the IQ and practical intelligence of my pets. Foolish I know as one of my past cats has saved the house from burning down, and Garfield has seen off an attempted robber, But from now on I am looking at a way of extending Oreo's training so we can get him to excel to the best of his abilities, so he can be happily amused and may be I have got an assist dog.
That said who wants to lay bets on whether I can train any of them to fetch my cup of tea?
Now little Oreo has always been a one person dog, mine, we have always known that. But what I never knew about was his behaviour whilst I was out. Over the last few weeks I have had to go out to various functions and appointments, and whilst I am out. I have now found out the Oreo knows not only the direction I leave towards, but say I do a round trip, he will know if I come home from a different direction and sit pointing that way until such time as I arrive in the road. Then no matter by what means I enter the road he starts running up and down the stairs so some one comes to open the door for me. He is so clever apparently, that when I came home from London the other night he even knew it was the cab I was in that entered the road.
He is also displaying understanding about different outings. Shopping trips are allowed because they may me dog food or treat. My monthly outings are begrudgingly allowed as long as I leave mum in charge. But medical trips like today he will do everything in his capability to stop me going to from stealing my clothes, trying to pack himself in my bad to curling up on my lap and going to sleep. How he knows the difference I don't really know as they all involve work for me to go out, like pack medicines etc. But he does, like he seems to know I am writing about him at this moment. Normally when I type my blog he tries to interfere, now he is the picture of innocence, laying across my feet.
I know they are teaching dogs to drive now in New Zealand, and if they can roll that out internationally that could be a major break through. Image what freedom it could offer the blind, a guide dog that can drive? But I would never trust Oreo or Rosie behind the wheel any more than I would trust Garfield with the Christmas turkey. That said I don't doubt I have been as guilty as the next person in underestimating the IQ and practical intelligence of my pets. Foolish I know as one of my past cats has saved the house from burning down, and Garfield has seen off an attempted robber, But from now on I am looking at a way of extending Oreo's training so we can get him to excel to the best of his abilities, so he can be happily amused and may be I have got an assist dog.
That said who wants to lay bets on whether I can train any of them to fetch my cup of tea?
Thursday, 13 December 2012
The day I have been dreading
It finally came, the day of the medical the DHSS has demanded. To be honest no matter what distractions I used to stop myself panicking over this failed. As I got into the car to be driven there I burst into tears of fear. This was only stopped by the panic of being late I felt when we got stuck in a jam.
On arrival I was a shaking wreck, and this showed in the form I had to fill in my hand was literally so wobbly it looked like a spider had walked over the page. I dare not sit in the chairs in the waiting room for fear of spasming my back out. Fortunately I didn't have to wait too long, before I was called in escorted by mum and the doctor.
Granted the whole process wasn't as devious as I had been led to believe, it was still frightening and the mention of a physical exam sent me into a near panic attack. Call me weird but I am terrified by strangers touching me, a phobia I have had all my life. She asked endless questions, some very hard to answer as there isn't a typical day for me it all focuses round whether I have a medical appointment that day and how much pain I am in. She went through every medicine and whether I have a side affect from any of them.
Once she had done this for about 3/4 hour she did some physical tests. A peak flow breathing, eye test and some mobility tests. I couldn't complete half the mobility ones as I couldn't get onto the bench with out causing myself agony. Finally it was all over, only then did I realise I had been continually shaking throughout the medical and had been continually moving to get comfortable.
Once I filled in the necessary forms mum lead me out. We really thought we may have to call hubby to come and get me. We slowly hopped to the nearest cafe and along with the necessary medication, we enjoyed the best teacakes ever along with a mug of tea, till I stopped shaking.May I take a ment to recommend Rosie Lee Cafe in the lower end of Wimbledon, where the prices do not reflect the quality in a good way, two hot drinks and teacakes buttered and jammed, £4.70. The buns were nicely spiced and lightly toasted, heaven. Anyway I managed to pull myself together and managed the bus network home. Having to evict people out of the disabled seats.
The day could have been a lot worse, but it the wait for the outcome that is now in the back of my mind stressing me out as it could take till the end of January to get that. In the meantime I have qualified for two years of DLA and a blue badge, yet the DHSS still doubted I am ill and in the middle of treatment.
On arrival I was a shaking wreck, and this showed in the form I had to fill in my hand was literally so wobbly it looked like a spider had walked over the page. I dare not sit in the chairs in the waiting room for fear of spasming my back out. Fortunately I didn't have to wait too long, before I was called in escorted by mum and the doctor.
Granted the whole process wasn't as devious as I had been led to believe, it was still frightening and the mention of a physical exam sent me into a near panic attack. Call me weird but I am terrified by strangers touching me, a phobia I have had all my life. She asked endless questions, some very hard to answer as there isn't a typical day for me it all focuses round whether I have a medical appointment that day and how much pain I am in. She went through every medicine and whether I have a side affect from any of them.
Once she had done this for about 3/4 hour she did some physical tests. A peak flow breathing, eye test and some mobility tests. I couldn't complete half the mobility ones as I couldn't get onto the bench with out causing myself agony. Finally it was all over, only then did I realise I had been continually shaking throughout the medical and had been continually moving to get comfortable.
Once I filled in the necessary forms mum lead me out. We really thought we may have to call hubby to come and get me. We slowly hopped to the nearest cafe and along with the necessary medication, we enjoyed the best teacakes ever along with a mug of tea, till I stopped shaking.May I take a ment to recommend Rosie Lee Cafe in the lower end of Wimbledon, where the prices do not reflect the quality in a good way, two hot drinks and teacakes buttered and jammed, £4.70. The buns were nicely spiced and lightly toasted, heaven. Anyway I managed to pull myself together and managed the bus network home. Having to evict people out of the disabled seats.
The day could have been a lot worse, but it the wait for the outcome that is now in the back of my mind stressing me out as it could take till the end of January to get that. In the meantime I have qualified for two years of DLA and a blue badge, yet the DHSS still doubted I am ill and in the middle of treatment.
My first and unfortunately last She Said Beauty Box
Like I said I was going to try out a couple of the beauty boxes on the market and yesterday my first one from She Said Beauty arrived. So after all my adventures I came face to face with a barbie pink box.
When I opened it up there was a turquoise box inside, again no waste packaging on the outside, once opened up there is a smart tissue wrapped contents tied with a ribbon. I was meet with a menu card explaining the contents, but unlike the Jolie box no magazine as well. That said this menu card explained the cost of the products and any discounts.
There was a travel size 8ml atopalm hard skin cream, a full size miners trio eyeshadow in safari, a full size technic nal polish in in tawny port, one set of Jamela 24k gold under eye masks, doctor Duve samples of face and eye creams, amioe clay mask and a bag of Jing earl grey tea.
It is a lovely selection, only let down by the straw packing, which I felt unnecessary. I was going to say I am so torn between this and the Jolie box that I was going to maintain both. However an email today has informed me they are no longer going to continue doing this box and have recommended their customers to sign up to the Jolie box.
I am more than disappointed by this move, partly because I was intrigued in their variety and would love to see how they continued over a 3 month time span. But mainly because if there is competition companies try to give their customers the best so they don't move to their competitors, and now there is only one other company I know of that does this service and that is Glossy box. Now I have wanted to try Glossy box as well to get a balance view on the market but unfortunately their payment site and my browser don't agree so I can't subscribe.
Sso over all I am very impressed with this box but deeper upset my 1st will be my last.
When I opened it up there was a turquoise box inside, again no waste packaging on the outside, once opened up there is a smart tissue wrapped contents tied with a ribbon. I was meet with a menu card explaining the contents, but unlike the Jolie box no magazine as well. That said this menu card explained the cost of the products and any discounts.
There was a travel size 8ml atopalm hard skin cream, a full size miners trio eyeshadow in safari, a full size technic nal polish in in tawny port, one set of Jamela 24k gold under eye masks, doctor Duve samples of face and eye creams, amioe clay mask and a bag of Jing earl grey tea.
It is a lovely selection, only let down by the straw packing, which I felt unnecessary. I was going to say I am so torn between this and the Jolie box that I was going to maintain both. However an email today has informed me they are no longer going to continue doing this box and have recommended their customers to sign up to the Jolie box.
I am more than disappointed by this move, partly because I was intrigued in their variety and would love to see how they continued over a 3 month time span. But mainly because if there is competition companies try to give their customers the best so they don't move to their competitors, and now there is only one other company I know of that does this service and that is Glossy box. Now I have wanted to try Glossy box as well to get a balance view on the market but unfortunately their payment site and my browser don't agree so I can't subscribe.
Sso over all I am very impressed with this box but deeper upset my 1st will be my last.
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Program filming and the A40
I set myself a challenge the other week, to go and see the recording of the new Richard Hammond show at BBC centre. As luck would have it we not only got tickets but guaranteed admission ones. Thanks to the fast reaction of a dear friend. After much planning and steely determination I decided to catch the bus all on my own to an agreed meeting point and my friend would drive us straight in. Even with TFL's aversion to following their own time table and my smart thinking of leaving early we made it to Westfields Shopping Centre on time. From there it would be but a short hop.
So after a coffee stop and gritted teeth I got to the outside of BBC centre and joined the queue and not long after we were herded into the holding pen. Here we had the time to buy lousy coffee and BBC related products. Someone did buy the token cardboard darlek, well there is always one. Finally caffeinated to the tilt, those of us less mobile and our parties were lead the long hop to the studio where we were made to wait another good 10 minutes before the studio was ready. Not that my legs didn't need the rest I must have hopped for at least a mile since we let the car. Then we were escorted to our seats and we got middle of the front row, perfect!
If you have ever been to a television show being filmed, you will know how you end up with a man preaching health and safety and another warming up the audience with jokes that should never see light of day. Then finally you get the show, in this case we saw the 1st episode of new Saturday night program hosted by Richard Hammond. Without giving too much away there are few images that will stay with me for a life time, and having seen a lot of Top Gear and the related presenters programs recorded that is saying something.
Fortunately my legs and back didn't give out till the finally few minutes of recording making the afternoon enjoyable. By 4.00 we were being ushered to the point of cattle herded out of the building, and after saying goodbye to a few friends ,made our way, painfully in my case to the shopping centre an a coffee stop. Then things went turtle in a legendary fashion.
We had allowed for the fact we were heading home in rush hour traffic. However neither of us had checked the travel news before we left the car park, because had we, we would have headed straight back to the shopping centre and stayed put for a couple hours. The moment we hit the main road the A40 we were introduced to a traffic jam. Not one of those little ones that is a 10 minute inconvenience, but one that had between an hour to two hours delays. That was bad enough but the driving of others in the jam was pure spite. It was so bad that I now have serious concerns to the level of most drivers and the thought of 10 year licence renewal is now a good idea in my mind. The reason we didn't come home via a tow truck and ambulance was purely down to my friends driving skill more than anything. That said I think the freezing fog was turned a vivid shade of blue by her language, I never knew a person could create 5 mins worth of sentences without the use of anything but 4 letter words and no air. After of an hour of travelling nor more than 1/2 mile we turned off and headed into the unknown, only to find so had many others.
By 7 pm we had lost our patience and needed coffee and calm, so we got to Acton high street and found Mc Donalds.. A meal and hot drink later, and in my case two cigarette's and we felt a lot more human. Whilst we were eating we looked up where we were and made a plan. For a good 10 minutes all was going well and then we met the M4 and there was yet another jam, fortunately the A4 wasn't that bad. So we made progress replacing traffic jams for freezing fog and traffic lights. By now I had already decided there was no way I was going to subject my friend to the M25 and told her to let me get the same bus home I met her from. So she left me at the bus stop as we just watched my bus depart. It couldn't have been helped as I can't run and certainly not on pavements white with frost. I waved her good bye and only had a 20 minute wait and then I was back on the road for the hour + journey. Due to work reasons husband couldn't meet me from the bus so I got off a stop earlier and caught a cab the last mile and a bit and finally collapsed on my futon at 9.30 tea in hand. 5 and half hours later from when we left the studio.
Do I regret my brave adventure, heck no, but I do wish that people would show some manners on the road and that includes the bus that nearly went into our side rather than wait in his filter lane.
So after a coffee stop and gritted teeth I got to the outside of BBC centre and joined the queue and not long after we were herded into the holding pen. Here we had the time to buy lousy coffee and BBC related products. Someone did buy the token cardboard darlek, well there is always one. Finally caffeinated to the tilt, those of us less mobile and our parties were lead the long hop to the studio where we were made to wait another good 10 minutes before the studio was ready. Not that my legs didn't need the rest I must have hopped for at least a mile since we let the car. Then we were escorted to our seats and we got middle of the front row, perfect!
If you have ever been to a television show being filmed, you will know how you end up with a man preaching health and safety and another warming up the audience with jokes that should never see light of day. Then finally you get the show, in this case we saw the 1st episode of new Saturday night program hosted by Richard Hammond. Without giving too much away there are few images that will stay with me for a life time, and having seen a lot of Top Gear and the related presenters programs recorded that is saying something.
Fortunately my legs and back didn't give out till the finally few minutes of recording making the afternoon enjoyable. By 4.00 we were being ushered to the point of cattle herded out of the building, and after saying goodbye to a few friends ,made our way, painfully in my case to the shopping centre an a coffee stop. Then things went turtle in a legendary fashion.
We had allowed for the fact we were heading home in rush hour traffic. However neither of us had checked the travel news before we left the car park, because had we, we would have headed straight back to the shopping centre and stayed put for a couple hours. The moment we hit the main road the A40 we were introduced to a traffic jam. Not one of those little ones that is a 10 minute inconvenience, but one that had between an hour to two hours delays. That was bad enough but the driving of others in the jam was pure spite. It was so bad that I now have serious concerns to the level of most drivers and the thought of 10 year licence renewal is now a good idea in my mind. The reason we didn't come home via a tow truck and ambulance was purely down to my friends driving skill more than anything. That said I think the freezing fog was turned a vivid shade of blue by her language, I never knew a person could create 5 mins worth of sentences without the use of anything but 4 letter words and no air. After of an hour of travelling nor more than 1/2 mile we turned off and headed into the unknown, only to find so had many others.
By 7 pm we had lost our patience and needed coffee and calm, so we got to Acton high street and found Mc Donalds.. A meal and hot drink later, and in my case two cigarette's and we felt a lot more human. Whilst we were eating we looked up where we were and made a plan. For a good 10 minutes all was going well and then we met the M4 and there was yet another jam, fortunately the A4 wasn't that bad. So we made progress replacing traffic jams for freezing fog and traffic lights. By now I had already decided there was no way I was going to subject my friend to the M25 and told her to let me get the same bus home I met her from. So she left me at the bus stop as we just watched my bus depart. It couldn't have been helped as I can't run and certainly not on pavements white with frost. I waved her good bye and only had a 20 minute wait and then I was back on the road for the hour + journey. Due to work reasons husband couldn't meet me from the bus so I got off a stop earlier and caught a cab the last mile and a bit and finally collapsed on my futon at 9.30 tea in hand. 5 and half hours later from when we left the studio.
Do I regret my brave adventure, heck no, but I do wish that people would show some manners on the road and that includes the bus that nearly went into our side rather than wait in his filter lane.
Friday, 7 December 2012
Read the notes
So today was my big physiotherapy appointment and to be honest I am furious. I was expecting to discuss and be assessed and guided forward with a plan of action. Instead I have basically been subjected to psych 101.
Lets start from the top, I arrived on time and was presented with more forms than you need for an operation. Having filled them all out I was introduced to my newly assigned physiotherapist and walked through with mum to the consulting room. At no point during the near hour appointment did my physiotherapist request to see me move. Instead he went on to explain how most of the pain is in my head and that I am responsible for making my body move. He had no actually pictures of my scan, nor did he have a full write up. In fact he had the same letter I have to take to my ESA medical which says very little and makes no reference to CRPS or the curvature in my spine. He did however criticise the amount of medicine I am on and said I should be knocked unconscious on it. Not helpful, nor was his comment of taking little steps, but he expects me off my crutches in two weeks.
This is all that is wrong with swapping between different medical specialists, and to be honest I have left with my blood boiling. How dare any one tell me the pain is in my head and only I can over come it. I pointed out time and time again there are two established injuries and he crossed talked over answers. Then he tried to tell me my allergies need to be overcome by de sensitisation, yeah right try telling the doctors that when my throat has swollen from mushrooms in my dinner, or I am having to have roast beef pumped from my stomach.
Put it this way, there is no way on this green earth he had read any of my case history, but instead was set on telling me how to get my life back via jargon and diagrams of emotions. I am meant to be going back the week before Christmas without needing my crutches, in the meantime I am off to my GP and trying to get my treatment referred back to the physio I know and trust. The same physio who has treated me for the last 20 years and knows when I am in agony and when I can push myself further. All this would have been avoided if someone had bothered to contact my GP and get the full medical history.
Lets start from the top, I arrived on time and was presented with more forms than you need for an operation. Having filled them all out I was introduced to my newly assigned physiotherapist and walked through with mum to the consulting room. At no point during the near hour appointment did my physiotherapist request to see me move. Instead he went on to explain how most of the pain is in my head and that I am responsible for making my body move. He had no actually pictures of my scan, nor did he have a full write up. In fact he had the same letter I have to take to my ESA medical which says very little and makes no reference to CRPS or the curvature in my spine. He did however criticise the amount of medicine I am on and said I should be knocked unconscious on it. Not helpful, nor was his comment of taking little steps, but he expects me off my crutches in two weeks.
This is all that is wrong with swapping between different medical specialists, and to be honest I have left with my blood boiling. How dare any one tell me the pain is in my head and only I can over come it. I pointed out time and time again there are two established injuries and he crossed talked over answers. Then he tried to tell me my allergies need to be overcome by de sensitisation, yeah right try telling the doctors that when my throat has swollen from mushrooms in my dinner, or I am having to have roast beef pumped from my stomach.
Put it this way, there is no way on this green earth he had read any of my case history, but instead was set on telling me how to get my life back via jargon and diagrams of emotions. I am meant to be going back the week before Christmas without needing my crutches, in the meantime I am off to my GP and trying to get my treatment referred back to the physio I know and trust. The same physio who has treated me for the last 20 years and knows when I am in agony and when I can push myself further. All this would have been avoided if someone had bothered to contact my GP and get the full medical history.
Sugar Free Kandee
As I type Kandee are releasing their next range. Just in time for emergency Christmas purchases. Personally I think the turn around from the last range is very quick, it is a good move if you want to be ready for next season. It also means we girls have something to spend any Christmas money on.
That said I hope Santa is generous with the money as there is 26 promised new shoes. From the peanut crunchy design which is already almost sold out to the mad bad lemon design, shown above. There is certainly plenty of choice. I am still browsing the whole collection for my favourite, especially as I have already covered the likes of cinder in one of my previous blogs.
At present I have to admit I am still in love with the cinder over all, although I have to say I am very tempted by the Galaxy pump as well. But what ever your taste of style or colour this range certainly seems to have every box ticked.
I don't know which way the fashion world is planning to see the new year in with, but I am certain there will be some neon in there and if you are fearful of repeating the 80's this range has the answers. But there is also a version of the black boot and shoe for those a little less adventurous.
Kandee certainly have brought 2012 to end on a high and kicked the door open for 2013.
That said I hope Santa is generous with the money as there is 26 promised new shoes. From the peanut crunchy design which is already almost sold out to the mad bad lemon design, shown above. There is certainly plenty of choice. I am still browsing the whole collection for my favourite, especially as I have already covered the likes of cinder in one of my previous blogs.At present I have to admit I am still in love with the cinder over all, although I have to say I am very tempted by the Galaxy pump as well. But what ever your taste of style or colour this range certainly seems to have every box ticked.
I don't know which way the fashion world is planning to see the new year in with, but I am certain there will be some neon in there and if you are fearful of repeating the 80's this range has the answers. But there is also a version of the black boot and shoe for those a little less adventurous.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Ok who ordered snow?
Hands up who was it? Seriously though, it wouldn't be a British winter without every element of weather being thrust upon us. Yes, snow does make a more magical run up to Christmas if you are under 10, but for the rest of us. Well it depends doesn't it.
Over the last few years I have just handled it in my normal way, and got on with life. Even marching by foot to the local high street for the family and others to get milk. This year however that just isn't possibly. Being on crutches there is no chance of that. Yesterdays little down pour just proved it, I was stuck in the house till it melted.
Granted that is not a big deal we had everything we needed and I could do other stuff. But as from tomorrow my life is jammed up with various medical appointments that are none optional to miss, and if like yesterday the transport system fails me, and the car is dangerous to move I am stuck. Snow isn't this great unknown, we get it most years to various degrees. So why is it particularly in the south, there is a mass panic when the white stuff starts falling.
The last two years my local borough has given out free grit to every house hold so you can clear your own paths, and the gritters are out on the main roads at the first sign of ice. But the train system seems to be allergic to anything other than calm spring weather, leaves, snow and ice seem to confuse it. Not that I can use the train network anymore as my two local train stains are non disabled friendly, and then if I have to change at Clapham I have to either jump or climb on and off the platform. So now I have free transport I have to work out my route base on viability and whether it will be working due to the winter weather.
Anyway back to the snow, now fortunately melted where I am. It is bound to return and probably deeper and longer. So all I ask is could it start on Christmas eve and clear by January the 2nd please.
Over the last few years I have just handled it in my normal way, and got on with life. Even marching by foot to the local high street for the family and others to get milk. This year however that just isn't possibly. Being on crutches there is no chance of that. Yesterdays little down pour just proved it, I was stuck in the house till it melted.
Granted that is not a big deal we had everything we needed and I could do other stuff. But as from tomorrow my life is jammed up with various medical appointments that are none optional to miss, and if like yesterday the transport system fails me, and the car is dangerous to move I am stuck. Snow isn't this great unknown, we get it most years to various degrees. So why is it particularly in the south, there is a mass panic when the white stuff starts falling.
The last two years my local borough has given out free grit to every house hold so you can clear your own paths, and the gritters are out on the main roads at the first sign of ice. But the train system seems to be allergic to anything other than calm spring weather, leaves, snow and ice seem to confuse it. Not that I can use the train network anymore as my two local train stains are non disabled friendly, and then if I have to change at Clapham I have to either jump or climb on and off the platform. So now I have free transport I have to work out my route base on viability and whether it will be working due to the winter weather.
Anyway back to the snow, now fortunately melted where I am. It is bound to return and probably deeper and longer. So all I ask is could it start on Christmas eve and clear by January the 2nd please.
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
2 stroke and petrol fumes
The outing was always going to be epic, as I have already got FMX bug through out the year, so going to Motor Cycle Live was going to be the annual pilgrimage to bikes. So after a very early start (even the birds weren't awake at 5am), and a two coffee stop car journey, we arrived at the NEC for the day.
Fortunately the NEC does use its' common sense regarding parking for the less able and I only had a short hop to the main building, and then to the wonderfully organised mobility stand. Once armed with my scooter for the day we were off, straight round to the classics. Now there was an element of common sense on our side as we went mid week so I could get round with the need for a battering ram on my scooter, unlike TGL where I needed a tank to get from A to B.
We were then given the great delight of the live show. Words can't describe the way they make bikes fly through the air. Needless to say they leave the audience with an adrenaline rush of nerves with every leap. After the show the audience have a chance to meet the riders, get autographs on the promo posters and even have photos. Although the area was none disabled friendly all the drivers came out to me and obliged with photos and signings.
The rest of the day was spent in awe of the many bikes from dirt, to super to historic. So something for every ones taste. For those brave enough there were trials of your first bike lesson and dirt biking, even a rink for the little ones to try. I also noticed an extreme amount of protective bike wear and a police safety lecture. Both refreshing to see, considering the danger bikers face on the road.
After the second show, which we saw the real dangers the bikers face when one had a minor fall, I was shattered and to be honest the day was nearly done. So we braved the motorway home. Happy and tired, but most of all in awe of the stunt work we had seen.
Fortunately the NEC does use its' common sense regarding parking for the less able and I only had a short hop to the main building, and then to the wonderfully organised mobility stand. Once armed with my scooter for the day we were off, straight round to the classics. Now there was an element of common sense on our side as we went mid week so I could get round with the need for a battering ram on my scooter, unlike TGL where I needed a tank to get from A to B.
We were then given the great delight of the live show. Words can't describe the way they make bikes fly through the air. Needless to say they leave the audience with an adrenaline rush of nerves with every leap. After the show the audience have a chance to meet the riders, get autographs on the promo posters and even have photos. Although the area was none disabled friendly all the drivers came out to me and obliged with photos and signings.
The rest of the day was spent in awe of the many bikes from dirt, to super to historic. So something for every ones taste. For those brave enough there were trials of your first bike lesson and dirt biking, even a rink for the little ones to try. I also noticed an extreme amount of protective bike wear and a police safety lecture. Both refreshing to see, considering the danger bikers face on the road.
After the second show, which we saw the real dangers the bikers face when one had a minor fall, I was shattered and to be honest the day was nearly done. So we braved the motorway home. Happy and tired, but most of all in awe of the stunt work we had seen.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Vav Manucure Absolue
This little sachet arrived in my Jolie Box and to be honest I was suspicious about it. For one I doubted I could try such a product with such a small sample.
Well I soon found out why the sample was so small. It costs £30.90 a bottle which to me is the biggest reason to write a bad review. That said I can't. In all fairness it was one of the best hand and nail creams I have used. I dont' mean instead of my favourite L'occitane one, but as well. This cream is ideal for that hand cream you need after you have had a bath, removed all your nail polish and so on. When you need a light cream for your hands and nails. Then this cream is wonderful for leaving hands soft and nails healthy looking.
I had to do a bit of reading to locate the scent, but it came from the pomegranate extract in the cream, and it certainly drowned out the scent of the sesame seed oil that is also in the cream. It is lighter than shea butter, but the softness achieved was just as good.
Its not a heavy cream that will relieve winter dryness, but as part of a hand care routine, I am really tempted. Like I said the cost is a little off putting, but Jolie Box members can use there points to by it or if you purchase from web site you can get 10% off. May just have to treat myself.
Well I soon found out why the sample was so small. It costs £30.90 a bottle which to me is the biggest reason to write a bad review. That said I can't. In all fairness it was one of the best hand and nail creams I have used. I dont' mean instead of my favourite L'occitane one, but as well. This cream is ideal for that hand cream you need after you have had a bath, removed all your nail polish and so on. When you need a light cream for your hands and nails. Then this cream is wonderful for leaving hands soft and nails healthy looking.
I had to do a bit of reading to locate the scent, but it came from the pomegranate extract in the cream, and it certainly drowned out the scent of the sesame seed oil that is also in the cream. It is lighter than shea butter, but the softness achieved was just as good.
Its not a heavy cream that will relieve winter dryness, but as part of a hand care routine, I am really tempted. Like I said the cost is a little off putting, but Jolie Box members can use there points to by it or if you purchase from web site you can get 10% off. May just have to treat myself.
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Frost Fair delight
I have been very busy in the last two days, too busy for my healths likening, but never mind. My home town or village as it prefers to be know, has decided to build on it's own olympic legancy and reclaim it's village atmosphere.
During the torch relay the whole area gathered together and there was this most terrific village feel. We normally have a carnival, enviromental fair and fireworks, even a token charter fair, which this year was a bigger success due to the Olympics. So this year we had a frost fair on the first weekend of December. Now let me put this into context, we are a small village jammed between bigger towns. There is no Starbucks, or Mcdonalds, but local coffee shops, and bakers. If you want the main stream brands apart from a Sainsburys local or token Co -Op then you go the 2 miles either way to the other towns, they don't exist here.
Nor does late night shopping, except for the Friday just past. Then we had our own Christmas lights turned on by Santa, all the shops stayed open, there was music, free mulled wine and just a really nice village feel,.I spent an hour or so, with mum outside our local Italian family run coffee bar watching it all happen and just able to hop round the odd shop picking up gifts and then heading home thoroughly chilled out.
Then on the Saturday there was the first frost fair in living memory. Well the weather although cold enough for the name, at least stayed clear and dry.So we headed with the car to the near by car park and hopped the rest of the way to the fair, expecting a handful of stalls and pleasant amount of people, similar to the charter fair earlier in the year. Oh boy were we shocked there were definitely more than a few stalls jammed along a local ponds, there were a good 50+ of them, and as for people there were hundreds. Then there were carol singers, brass bands and so on. If anything it was too much of a success, to the point it was almost impossible for me to get round, due to baby buggies, toddlers, dogs and so on. Instead of giving up we struggled through to the local museum and grabbed the last table outside and ordered some tea, watching the world go mad. Once the carol singing had ceased we attempted it again. This time more successfully and found what can only be described as the best goats cheese in years, and fudge to die for. Unfortunately the fudge was so popular the stall was all but sold out in the first two hours, as was the cupcake stall. On the plus side we have found out they are at the next towns Farmer's market next Saturday so there is another early start.
All in all it was such an overwhelming success there is talk of a bigger version next year and I hope there is, as Carshalton is such a mixed demographic, these village events are the best way to bring all together. I have a great time at both event although I do wish people would watch what they or their wards are doing, as I am nursing a very sore back due to having my sticks continually kicked out from under me. That's said it hasn't put me off the next one.
During the torch relay the whole area gathered together and there was this most terrific village feel. We normally have a carnival, enviromental fair and fireworks, even a token charter fair, which this year was a bigger success due to the Olympics. So this year we had a frost fair on the first weekend of December. Now let me put this into context, we are a small village jammed between bigger towns. There is no Starbucks, or Mcdonalds, but local coffee shops, and bakers. If you want the main stream brands apart from a Sainsburys local or token Co -Op then you go the 2 miles either way to the other towns, they don't exist here.
Nor does late night shopping, except for the Friday just past. Then we had our own Christmas lights turned on by Santa, all the shops stayed open, there was music, free mulled wine and just a really nice village feel,.I spent an hour or so, with mum outside our local Italian family run coffee bar watching it all happen and just able to hop round the odd shop picking up gifts and then heading home thoroughly chilled out.
Then on the Saturday there was the first frost fair in living memory. Well the weather although cold enough for the name, at least stayed clear and dry.So we headed with the car to the near by car park and hopped the rest of the way to the fair, expecting a handful of stalls and pleasant amount of people, similar to the charter fair earlier in the year. Oh boy were we shocked there were definitely more than a few stalls jammed along a local ponds, there were a good 50+ of them, and as for people there were hundreds. Then there were carol singers, brass bands and so on. If anything it was too much of a success, to the point it was almost impossible for me to get round, due to baby buggies, toddlers, dogs and so on. Instead of giving up we struggled through to the local museum and grabbed the last table outside and ordered some tea, watching the world go mad. Once the carol singing had ceased we attempted it again. This time more successfully and found what can only be described as the best goats cheese in years, and fudge to die for. Unfortunately the fudge was so popular the stall was all but sold out in the first two hours, as was the cupcake stall. On the plus side we have found out they are at the next towns Farmer's market next Saturday so there is another early start.
All in all it was such an overwhelming success there is talk of a bigger version next year and I hope there is, as Carshalton is such a mixed demographic, these village events are the best way to bring all together. I have a great time at both event although I do wish people would watch what they or their wards are doing, as I am nursing a very sore back due to having my sticks continually kicked out from under me. That's said it hasn't put me off the next one.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Rimmel I am impressed
I am notorious for losing eyeliners and in this week alone I have surpassed my all time record with in as many weeks. So in sheer desperation I hopped into a chemist today to get another one. This time to be stored in my handbag in the vain hope of being able to use it more than twice.
Now I have noticed something recently and that is rimmel stands in little independent chemists sell products at less than big chains like Superdrug and Boots. Today was no exception I got a Scandaleyes waterproof kohl for £2.99 £2 off the RRP. I know it was more a purchase of desperation, but as readers of my blog will know I am fussy over my eyeliners.
Well I happily can report this is one of the softest kohls I have had the benefit of using in years. OK it is not perfect for thin lines that pens can achieve, but for the light smudge line I like to give my eyes some shape and definition, it is perfect. I am so impressed I am seriously considering nipping back and buying a few more for when I lose this one, which will happen at some point.
I can also happily report it didn't make my eyes water or any of the redness that I can suffer from on harsher pencils. It also stayed put all day yet came off with a baby wipe when I went to bed. SO it ticks all my boxes. My I suggest if you like this kind of eyeliner head towards your nearest independent chemist with a rimmel stand for it as even on the 3 4 2 offer at Superdrug it is still more expensive there.
Now I have noticed something recently and that is rimmel stands in little independent chemists sell products at less than big chains like Superdrug and Boots. Today was no exception I got a Scandaleyes waterproof kohl for £2.99 £2 off the RRP. I know it was more a purchase of desperation, but as readers of my blog will know I am fussy over my eyeliners.
Well I happily can report this is one of the softest kohls I have had the benefit of using in years. OK it is not perfect for thin lines that pens can achieve, but for the light smudge line I like to give my eyes some shape and definition, it is perfect. I am so impressed I am seriously considering nipping back and buying a few more for when I lose this one, which will happen at some point.
I can also happily report it didn't make my eyes water or any of the redness that I can suffer from on harsher pencils. It also stayed put all day yet came off with a baby wipe when I went to bed. SO it ticks all my boxes. My I suggest if you like this kind of eyeliner head towards your nearest independent chemist with a rimmel stand for it as even on the 3 4 2 offer at Superdrug it is still more expensive there.
Thursday, 29 November 2012
Pardon the delay
Normal service will return shortly, but for some reason my left writst is in terriable pain and swollen, so typing one handed is apart from very slow, very tiring.
So tomorrow I will be getting it looked at and hopefully all will be sorted. I hve 3 or four blogs lined up so I will get them out as soon as possiable.
Wish me luckxx
So tomorrow I will be getting it looked at and hopefully all will be sorted. I hve 3 or four blogs lined up so I will get them out as soon as possiable.
Wish me luckxx
Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Brief Blog
Sorry for the two day silence, but as tomorrows blog will tell I have had a very busy day today. I was at MotorCycleLive 2012 at the Birmingham NEC.
This involved an early night last night and a stupidly early start this morning. So as I so very tired I will do the full report tomorrow, when my brain is firing on all cylinders. At the moment it is misfiring every other stroke.
In the meantime can I ask you all spare a thought and or prayer for everyone in the UK badly affected by the terrible floods that are striking all over the country. There will be families this year who have lost their houses or even family members this festive season.
We all know winters can be hard, but no one expected it to be this hard to start with. To lose anything to the natural elements is bad enough, but for families with children, or the elderly far from family, it will make it even harder. I for one will be praying that there is some comfort for them all, and for those who have lost a loved one, I hope they find some peace.
This involved an early night last night and a stupidly early start this morning. So as I so very tired I will do the full report tomorrow, when my brain is firing on all cylinders. At the moment it is misfiring every other stroke.
In the meantime can I ask you all spare a thought and or prayer for everyone in the UK badly affected by the terrible floods that are striking all over the country. There will be families this year who have lost their houses or even family members this festive season.
We all know winters can be hard, but no one expected it to be this hard to start with. To lose anything to the natural elements is bad enough, but for families with children, or the elderly far from family, it will make it even harder. I for one will be praying that there is some comfort for them all, and for those who have lost a loved one, I hope they find some peace.
Sunday, 25 November 2012
A matter of common sense
I promised not to blog about my health issues until til my physio date unless there was something important to blog about. Well in the last few dates I have reason to not only blog but scream with total frustration.
As you may have read I have been recognised as disabled and awarded a benefit to enable me to get out and about a bit more. But there is another benefit I am on called ESA, it's a bit like job seekers but for those unable to work. Well they have a rule that if you claim this after 13 weeks you are liable to attend a medical dependant on the form you have to fill in. My form arrived mid September where I clearly labelled I was in the process of having scans and wouldn't know the result.
It was for this reason I didn't get a verdict on my DLA until this month as they had the sense to wait for those reports. The ESA department decided that they need to do their own medical to see if I can go to work regardless of the fact the consultant has already stated I won't be fit to do anything work related until I have had my Physio assessment and then their structure of physio put in place. Only then will we know what is permanent damage, and what is treatable. So the ESA department have decided to arrange me a medical a week after the assessment and before I will have started treatment.
The reason behind all this is because the medical decides my fate, if they say I am fit for work, even limited work, I get moved back to JSA and have to find some one who will employ me, who is unable to even carry a handbag to work or a cup of coffee from one room to another. Or if that is the decision I can appeal it and remain on the basic level of benefit until they review this. I have heard of people being on their 3rd or 4th appeal to get the matter sorted. If they do rule in my favour I am put in one of two channels, I get a higher level of benefit providing I attend return to work workshops , or the other road is they accept I am crippled at the moment, increase my benefit and leave me alone.
The problem with all this is, I have cancel any medical appointment if it clashes with any appointment or workshop the DHSS issue. Anyone with any sense know trying to get an appointment with Physios and Specialists is like finding the holy grail, and you can't just decide when you want them. In some cases failure to attend gets you sent back to square one and you have to start the referral system again. But the DHSS have decided that their workshops and interviews are priority over this. I know some of this is to prevent fraud etc, but a little commonsense is required here.
Why do I need to go to a medical and probably poked and jabbed in places in my back even my consultant wont touch with out the scan pictures in front of him. When a simple letter from a GP, Consultant and Physio could spell it out. Yes a doctor could be subject to a little vagueness in a report , but when 3 different specialists and medically trained people are saying the same thing, and there are scan pictures to prove this findings. Why does some generally trained doctor have the right to overthrow and question a specialists findings?
What ever the whinging I am still stuck being forced to attend a medical that is physically making me sick at the idea of attending, it is non optional and that's the end of it. However I do wonder where the common sense is in all this, and I am stuck wasting tax payers money to prove, something that has already been established. What is worse I am could be put in the situation of being mis judged and either joining the masses of unemployed and having to attend interviews at the job centre I can even get to as there is no lift, or wasting more tax money appealing against the judgement to prove the already prov en point. This whole system has gone mad, I have already got through the highest stage of disability benefit yet may get stuck at the middle level.
I seriously think that the people who make this system and judge on certain parts of it are straight out of Alice in wonderland, they have certainly been eating the caterpillars mushrooms.
As you may have read I have been recognised as disabled and awarded a benefit to enable me to get out and about a bit more. But there is another benefit I am on called ESA, it's a bit like job seekers but for those unable to work. Well they have a rule that if you claim this after 13 weeks you are liable to attend a medical dependant on the form you have to fill in. My form arrived mid September where I clearly labelled I was in the process of having scans and wouldn't know the result.
It was for this reason I didn't get a verdict on my DLA until this month as they had the sense to wait for those reports. The ESA department decided that they need to do their own medical to see if I can go to work regardless of the fact the consultant has already stated I won't be fit to do anything work related until I have had my Physio assessment and then their structure of physio put in place. Only then will we know what is permanent damage, and what is treatable. So the ESA department have decided to arrange me a medical a week after the assessment and before I will have started treatment.
The reason behind all this is because the medical decides my fate, if they say I am fit for work, even limited work, I get moved back to JSA and have to find some one who will employ me, who is unable to even carry a handbag to work or a cup of coffee from one room to another. Or if that is the decision I can appeal it and remain on the basic level of benefit until they review this. I have heard of people being on their 3rd or 4th appeal to get the matter sorted. If they do rule in my favour I am put in one of two channels, I get a higher level of benefit providing I attend return to work workshops , or the other road is they accept I am crippled at the moment, increase my benefit and leave me alone.
The problem with all this is, I have cancel any medical appointment if it clashes with any appointment or workshop the DHSS issue. Anyone with any sense know trying to get an appointment with Physios and Specialists is like finding the holy grail, and you can't just decide when you want them. In some cases failure to attend gets you sent back to square one and you have to start the referral system again. But the DHSS have decided that their workshops and interviews are priority over this. I know some of this is to prevent fraud etc, but a little commonsense is required here.
Why do I need to go to a medical and probably poked and jabbed in places in my back even my consultant wont touch with out the scan pictures in front of him. When a simple letter from a GP, Consultant and Physio could spell it out. Yes a doctor could be subject to a little vagueness in a report , but when 3 different specialists and medically trained people are saying the same thing, and there are scan pictures to prove this findings. Why does some generally trained doctor have the right to overthrow and question a specialists findings?
What ever the whinging I am still stuck being forced to attend a medical that is physically making me sick at the idea of attending, it is non optional and that's the end of it. However I do wonder where the common sense is in all this, and I am stuck wasting tax payers money to prove, something that has already been established. What is worse I am could be put in the situation of being mis judged and either joining the masses of unemployed and having to attend interviews at the job centre I can even get to as there is no lift, or wasting more tax money appealing against the judgement to prove the already prov en point. This whole system has gone mad, I have already got through the highest stage of disability benefit yet may get stuck at the middle level.
I seriously think that the people who make this system and judge on certain parts of it are straight out of Alice in wonderland, they have certainly been eating the caterpillars mushrooms.
Latest in beauty oct/nov
Sorry, I have been slacking on my reviews so I am doing two in one. I recieved a total of 6 samples in the last two months and to be honest there is a bit of a mixed package.
Oct samples were L'occitane divine cream, which needs little write up as it is a guarented hit with me. The other two were rose based samples. One a face cream the other a body lotion Neither of which came with a familar name, and to be perfectly honest with probably remain that name. Melvita rose skin duo, looked great. but the effets were equal to that of any supermarket brand and the scent was sickly and overwhelming. The body lotion was by Dr Bragi and yes it did provide execllent softness after application, however I also became a walking airfreshner scented of roses. Everywhere I went the air was left with a lingering scent of roses. Whilst on paper that sounds great, I found it way to much especially as the sample was only enough to o the top of my body, I dread to think what would happen if I had enough to do my entire body.
Novemeber samples included Royal Ballet body conditioner, Japaneseque tinted lip conditioner, and The Sactunary Spa themal face mask. The Royal Ballet Body conditioner good a favourable report from both mum and myself especially on tired achy legs, although I fear the cost may out weigh the benefit as at present I can't find the cost of a full size pot. The Japanesque lip conditioner, was a mmassive let down as it was basically a tiny box of q tips infused with a lip conditioner. I personally get better results from a tinted lip balm from Nivea. The sancutaury Spa themal face mask, however was brillant and I will be buying a bigger pack to get a better report as one trial is never enough to base a life of famdom on. Sanctuaryhowever is like L'Occitane, it is a quality name that matches its products, I have never been let down by their new ranges, as they take time to master the product to the high level they are known from.
So over all it has been a mixed bag of highs and lows, I am sorry if I sound hash on some products but I am not going to lie if I think the product isn't worth the time of day or over priced. This is a great way to try out new products though, as you don't have a high outlay just to be dissapointed.
Oct samples were L'occitane divine cream, which needs little write up as it is a guarented hit with me. The other two were rose based samples. One a face cream the other a body lotion Neither of which came with a familar name, and to be perfectly honest with probably remain that name. Melvita rose skin duo, looked great. but the effets were equal to that of any supermarket brand and the scent was sickly and overwhelming. The body lotion was by Dr Bragi and yes it did provide execllent softness after application, however I also became a walking airfreshner scented of roses. Everywhere I went the air was left with a lingering scent of roses. Whilst on paper that sounds great, I found it way to much especially as the sample was only enough to o the top of my body, I dread to think what would happen if I had enough to do my entire body.
Novemeber samples included Royal Ballet body conditioner, Japaneseque tinted lip conditioner, and The Sactunary Spa themal face mask. The Royal Ballet Body conditioner good a favourable report from both mum and myself especially on tired achy legs, although I fear the cost may out weigh the benefit as at present I can't find the cost of a full size pot. The Japanesque lip conditioner, was a mmassive let down as it was basically a tiny box of q tips infused with a lip conditioner. I personally get better results from a tinted lip balm from Nivea. The sancutaury Spa themal face mask, however was brillant and I will be buying a bigger pack to get a better report as one trial is never enough to base a life of famdom on. Sanctuaryhowever is like L'Occitane, it is a quality name that matches its products, I have never been let down by their new ranges, as they take time to master the product to the high level they are known from.
So over all it has been a mixed bag of highs and lows, I am sorry if I sound hash on some products but I am not going to lie if I think the product isn't worth the time of day or over priced. This is a great way to try out new products though, as you don't have a high outlay just to be dissapointed.
Jolie Box Yardley sample
As I said yesterday upon receipt of my Jolie box, mum all but fought me for the Yardley daisy sample, and she promised a test and verdict on return.
Now to be fair mum loves most Yardley fragrances, so I was expecting a bias report back. Her love of lavender and lily of the valley is legendary, but she also likes things like their lace perfumes. So if ever there was going to be a favourable report it would have come from her.
That said this morning mum applied the daisy perfume with high hopes. However ten minutes later I had a very disappointed mother. She described it as very earthy and heavy scented and she really didn't like it. We gave it a few hours as all perfumes develop with wear and skin temperature, and granted a faint floral scent came through, but no where near enough for her liking.
To give it a fair chance I applied some to myself as perfumes react differently on different people, but unfortunately the result was the same with out the floral undertones on me. So as far as this households is concerned it is not a positive report and Yardley should stick to their tried and tested perfumes. This one is more perfume de allotment rather than daisy.
Now to be fair mum loves most Yardley fragrances, so I was expecting a bias report back. Her love of lavender and lily of the valley is legendary, but she also likes things like their lace perfumes. So if ever there was going to be a favourable report it would have come from her.
That said this morning mum applied the daisy perfume with high hopes. However ten minutes later I had a very disappointed mother. She described it as very earthy and heavy scented and she really didn't like it. We gave it a few hours as all perfumes develop with wear and skin temperature, and granted a faint floral scent came through, but no where near enough for her liking.
To give it a fair chance I applied some to myself as perfumes react differently on different people, but unfortunately the result was the same with out the floral undertones on me. So as far as this households is concerned it is not a positive report and Yardley should stick to their tried and tested perfumes. This one is more perfume de allotment rather than daisy.
Saturday, 24 November 2012
My 1st beauty box
I took the plunge this month and decided to try out the various beauty boxes on the market, so I subscribed to two on the market for a direct comparison and when Glossy Box sort their payment screen out I will try that as well.
So this month I was expecting a delivery of both The Beauty Box and Jolie Box. Today the Jolie box arrived and what a treat it is. To be perfectly honest unless the other two show up with a gift wrapped gold card or similar, I think I know which one will earn my annual custom.
The Jolie box was well packed with no excess packing and as only in cardboard it is recyclable. The box itself is classy, sturdy and practical, could easily be recovered for a trinket box. Inside was an original styled bag full of treats. There is a sample menu to explain all the samples and the months theme. It also explains the rewards points available. There is a separate glossy magazine full of interesting articles.
I received in total 7 different items in my Jolie Box. full size winter lip balm, travel sized cleansing wash, and 3d glitter body lotion. There is also a miniature L'Occitane angelica hydration cream (to those who know me you can imagine the squeal of delight). There was also a vial of Yardley daisy perfume (which mum volunteered to trial a little to eagerly for my liking) . There is also two sachets, one of BB cream and the other is a hand cream.
As I sample these you will get the write ups, but for the moment I am more than happy with this selection and wait to compare the other boxes against this, although I have to admit the bench mark has been set very high.
The reason I opted for doing this was I have for the last couple of months been doing the free samples via Latest In Beauty. Whilst all it cost me is £1.50 per month, the samples were very limited. I do have couple of write ups for my blog to do on the products, but I do think sending 10 q tips in a tiny plastic carry wallet as one sample is a little bit of a stretch when it was described as portable makeup correction sticks.
Most of these samples I have received are ample enough to give me at least a weeks worth of sample, that is enough to give an honest report and detect any re actions or downsides. For £10 per month plus £2.95 p+p this is more than reasonable.
So this month I was expecting a delivery of both The Beauty Box and Jolie Box. Today the Jolie box arrived and what a treat it is. To be perfectly honest unless the other two show up with a gift wrapped gold card or similar, I think I know which one will earn my annual custom.
The Jolie box was well packed with no excess packing and as only in cardboard it is recyclable. The box itself is classy, sturdy and practical, could easily be recovered for a trinket box. Inside was an original styled bag full of treats. There is a sample menu to explain all the samples and the months theme. It also explains the rewards points available. There is a separate glossy magazine full of interesting articles.
I received in total 7 different items in my Jolie Box. full size winter lip balm, travel sized cleansing wash, and 3d glitter body lotion. There is also a miniature L'Occitane angelica hydration cream (to those who know me you can imagine the squeal of delight). There was also a vial of Yardley daisy perfume (which mum volunteered to trial a little to eagerly for my liking) . There is also two sachets, one of BB cream and the other is a hand cream.
As I sample these you will get the write ups, but for the moment I am more than happy with this selection and wait to compare the other boxes against this, although I have to admit the bench mark has been set very high.
The reason I opted for doing this was I have for the last couple of months been doing the free samples via Latest In Beauty. Whilst all it cost me is £1.50 per month, the samples were very limited. I do have couple of write ups for my blog to do on the products, but I do think sending 10 q tips in a tiny plastic carry wallet as one sample is a little bit of a stretch when it was described as portable makeup correction sticks.
Most of these samples I have received are ample enough to give me at least a weeks worth of sample, that is enough to give an honest report and detect any re actions or downsides. For £10 per month plus £2.95 p+p this is more than reasonable.
Friday, 23 November 2012
Something for nothing
Well technically it is the season of giving and MUA has taken this literally. Not only can you get them on a 3 4 2 offer at superdrug, you can get the same deal directly from the MUA only shop. So you can guess what I am doing this weekend ? Yes thats right buying some stocking fillers.
But its not just Superdrug and MUA that are offering you some goodies. Benefit is offering two free travels sizes gifts on sales over £25, Byliss and Harding have 25% of all gifts today only, and Kanee has a flash 50% discount sale that will probably end tonight.
Today and tomorrow are the best times to look on line and shop, but make sure you get something extra for your money. L'Occitane have a couple of deals, a free tot bag if you spend £40 and a goody bag worth £60 for £15 if you spend £35. There is no reason to buy anything this Christmas with getting that little bit extra for yourself as a treat or as an extra gift.
And while you are hunting check out Body Shop, they are giving out Christmas presents when you order on line, mine is 35% of.
Happy shopping everyone
But its not just Superdrug and MUA that are offering you some goodies. Benefit is offering two free travels sizes gifts on sales over £25, Byliss and Harding have 25% of all gifts today only, and Kanee has a flash 50% discount sale that will probably end tonight.
Today and tomorrow are the best times to look on line and shop, but make sure you get something extra for your money. L'Occitane have a couple of deals, a free tot bag if you spend £40 and a goody bag worth £60 for £15 if you spend £35. There is no reason to buy anything this Christmas with getting that little bit extra for yourself as a treat or as an extra gift.
And while you are hunting check out Body Shop, they are giving out Christmas presents when you order on line, mine is 35% of.
Happy shopping everyone
Wireless fraud and scams PLEASE READ AND PASS ON
Sorry for not blogging yesterday, but I was kind of busy sorting out the mess that I am about to warn you of in this blog.
If you use a contact less card, you can lose money out of your account without even taking you car out of you bag let alone out of your purse, as my poor mother found out to the cost of £50. We went shopping twice over the week and fortunately could tell the bank what shops, at what time and amount was spent. Yet whilst we were out and her card was in her handbag some one cloned the card and helped themselves to her money. How you ask, easy, apparently there are such things as remote readers that can gain this information just by brushing past your bag. In a split second your card details are stored and your money is theirs.
Although we are lucky and can prove it wasn't mum who spent that amount, it still has to be processed through the fraud department and the chances of mum seeing her money till 10 working days time is unlikely, as the money has to leave your account first then be tracked, only then can she have it refunded. Then it is likely to become a police matter and more hassle for my poor mum.
In a way we are fortunate they only took £50 and not cleared her account as there was a whole pension on her account at that time. But the bank believe they were going take £50 daily and hope we wouldn't notice till it was too late.
So I have a few tips for everyone else especially in this busy shopping season.
1) If possible request a none contact less card to save the danger of this happening at all.
2) If that is not possible make sure your card is not in a bag, try to sore it as close to your body as possible, but not in back pockets.
3) Check your balance daily and match it to your receipts, if there is a dubious transaction request the name of the recipient from your bank.
4) If the transaction is still not recognised particularly on cash withdrawal or card purchase ask to be put through to your banks fraud department.
5) Change any old standing PIN numbers any way before your are victim and destroy and record of this number by burning or shredding
6) DO NOT give anyone access to your card or PIN. Not even your partner or close family member.
The reason for point 5 and 6 being, if you don't abide by either of those and the worse happens you are a victim of fraud, you will have no case for a refund as you have exposed yourself to fraud already.
7) May I also recommend that on any shopping trip you make a note of what shops you pop into and at what time. It makes it easier for the bank to confirm your case.
8) I would also only take the cards you really need and maybe a small amount of cash separately.
9) Finally I would keep an emergency amount of cash locked at home in case you are a victim of fraud, that way you still have enough to live on until the matter is resolved and hopefully you are refunded.
Sorry for the formality in this post but I thought it would be wise to pass this on to everyone to help you all.
There is also another big fraud going on regarding the Royal Mail, I wish to alert you to. If you get a card through your door from PDS Parcel Delivery Service, requesting you call regarding delivery of a package and the number reads 09066611911 DO NOT ring it. It is a premium rate number and by just calling it you will get a bill for £315. The company is not a mail company it is a scam based in Belize, and you will be liable for the phone bill. lease take the card and notify either Royal Mail or the Police, they are aware of the scam and are trying to trace the company and stop this.
I request you print this blog and pass it on to everyone and anyone you know as the last thing we want this season is people falling victim to either of these scams.
If you use a contact less card, you can lose money out of your account without even taking you car out of you bag let alone out of your purse, as my poor mother found out to the cost of £50. We went shopping twice over the week and fortunately could tell the bank what shops, at what time and amount was spent. Yet whilst we were out and her card was in her handbag some one cloned the card and helped themselves to her money. How you ask, easy, apparently there are such things as remote readers that can gain this information just by brushing past your bag. In a split second your card details are stored and your money is theirs.
Although we are lucky and can prove it wasn't mum who spent that amount, it still has to be processed through the fraud department and the chances of mum seeing her money till 10 working days time is unlikely, as the money has to leave your account first then be tracked, only then can she have it refunded. Then it is likely to become a police matter and more hassle for my poor mum.
In a way we are fortunate they only took £50 and not cleared her account as there was a whole pension on her account at that time. But the bank believe they were going take £50 daily and hope we wouldn't notice till it was too late.
So I have a few tips for everyone else especially in this busy shopping season.
1) If possible request a none contact less card to save the danger of this happening at all.
2) If that is not possible make sure your card is not in a bag, try to sore it as close to your body as possible, but not in back pockets.
3) Check your balance daily and match it to your receipts, if there is a dubious transaction request the name of the recipient from your bank.
4) If the transaction is still not recognised particularly on cash withdrawal or card purchase ask to be put through to your banks fraud department.
5) Change any old standing PIN numbers any way before your are victim and destroy and record of this number by burning or shredding
6) DO NOT give anyone access to your card or PIN. Not even your partner or close family member.
The reason for point 5 and 6 being, if you don't abide by either of those and the worse happens you are a victim of fraud, you will have no case for a refund as you have exposed yourself to fraud already.
7) May I also recommend that on any shopping trip you make a note of what shops you pop into and at what time. It makes it easier for the bank to confirm your case.
8) I would also only take the cards you really need and maybe a small amount of cash separately.
9) Finally I would keep an emergency amount of cash locked at home in case you are a victim of fraud, that way you still have enough to live on until the matter is resolved and hopefully you are refunded.
Sorry for the formality in this post but I thought it would be wise to pass this on to everyone to help you all.
There is also another big fraud going on regarding the Royal Mail, I wish to alert you to. If you get a card through your door from PDS Parcel Delivery Service, requesting you call regarding delivery of a package and the number reads 09066611911 DO NOT ring it. It is a premium rate number and by just calling it you will get a bill for £315. The company is not a mail company it is a scam based in Belize, and you will be liable for the phone bill. lease take the card and notify either Royal Mail or the Police, they are aware of the scam and are trying to trace the company and stop this.
I request you print this blog and pass it on to everyone and anyone you know as the last thing we want this season is people falling victim to either of these scams.
Wednesday, 21 November 2012
End of month Freebie alert
Just got a pleasant surprise whilst being dragged round the supermarket. Attached to the front of More magazine ( Price £1.50) was a freebie that made the outlay viable.
Personally I don't really like the magazine but free with it was either one of two gifts models own lip gloss or nail polish. I don't really dig lip gloss as I find most of them tacky on my lips but there was a nude nail polish that I had to try. There is a choice of two colours in both products and I actually managed to steer away from the red. The best way to describe the nude when on the nail is a lighter version of Jermayne Street by Nails Inc.
I have never tried Models Own nail polish before and to be honest I am quite impressed. A single coat gives a god coverage and good sheen. The colour is nice enough, not really a festive colour but a good reserve for normal days.
For the money of a magazine that also gives you a free card for miss selfridge value anything between £1 -£500, it is worth the purchase. Have a look out for the colour you want though. I had to hunt to back of the shelf for the nail polish I wanted and it seemed the nail polish copies were more popular than the lip gloss. If nothing else it would make a good stocking filler.
Personally I don't really like the magazine but free with it was either one of two gifts models own lip gloss or nail polish. I don't really dig lip gloss as I find most of them tacky on my lips but there was a nude nail polish that I had to try. There is a choice of two colours in both products and I actually managed to steer away from the red. The best way to describe the nude when on the nail is a lighter version of Jermayne Street by Nails Inc.
I have never tried Models Own nail polish before and to be honest I am quite impressed. A single coat gives a god coverage and good sheen. The colour is nice enough, not really a festive colour but a good reserve for normal days.
For the money of a magazine that also gives you a free card for miss selfridge value anything between £1 -£500, it is worth the purchase. Have a look out for the colour you want though. I had to hunt to back of the shelf for the nail polish I wanted and it seemed the nail polish copies were more popular than the lip gloss. If nothing else it would make a good stocking filler.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Mental Metals
'Tis the season to be jolly, and boy has the fashion world taken that to heart. I for one is not complaining, because metals are the easiest style to adapt. So here I go with my best picks.
Starting with your nails Barry M has 3 easy answers for your nails. There is 3 foil colours, gold, which I have and love, silver and light purple,which I am trying to hunt down. The gold has the look of goldfinger in the 60's. A thick heavy coverage as if your nail has has been covered in molten gold. I am itching to try the purple as I think it would bring a quirky twist to any metallic look. At £4.99 max, they are an easy way to copy the look with out breaking the bank.
Lips are more tricky. I have seen alot with the 3D effect on the , and whilst they look fantastic on the cover of a magazine, I hardly think they are practical at work or even at the Christmas party. The base level is easily achieved with the Flipstick by Max Factor. With this little gem you can tip your hat the metal trend without resembling a cyberman wannabe. I love the folky pink and gypsy red best, but depending on skin tone there is a different colour to suit all. Whats best about it is you can add as much or as little metal by the fact it is a separate part of the lipstick colour. The price is around the £8 mark, but remember this is included on the superdrug 3 4 2 offer so you could get it at a lower price when you use that offer.
For eyes you have a multitude of choices whether or not you are daring. For those who like the bold statements, you can't go far wrong with Barry M's dazzle dust. These have bold pigments and can be used on their own or mixed with other colours to give a metallic edge. There is a range of many different colours for your choice of look. A pot can go a long way and they are good value for money at around £4 a pot.
I also fell across MUA on a recent trip and was amazed at their prices for the quality. The range starts at as little as £1 for their pearl eye shadows. Which for the colour range available is a good thing as I am tempted to buy a lot of them. Shade 29 is a lovely gold for the metallic look. You can either just use it for a light hint of colour, or apply more coats and create a dynamic effect.
They also do a special metallic range for £3 which is a pallet of 6 colours which can be applied wet or dry. This creates a multitude of looks available from one palate. For the money this is incredible value, and whats more I find the product excellent to use. Slowly I am joining the world of the converted as far as MUA is concerned. Prior to this weekend I refused to believe that for the price it could be a quality product. But now I can't recommend it enough especially for the metallic look this season.
These are my bet picks do far for the trend, keep your eye peeled no doubt I will be up dating this.
For eyes you have a multitude of choices whether or not you are daring. For those who like the bold statements, you can't go far wrong with Barry M's dazzle dust. These have bold pigments and can be used on their own or mixed with other colours to give a metallic edge. There is a range of many different colours for your choice of look. A pot can go a long way and they are good value for money at around £4 a pot.
These are my bet picks do far for the trend, keep your eye peeled no doubt I will be up dating this.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Making my own statement
I have always walked on the wild side of conformist, and this weekend I did the same with my nails. I have taken the idea of the statement nail and made it my own.
The reason for this was actually an accident, I had done some tester nail swatchs and by mistake it actually worked. I hve a different colour on each of the five nails from dark sparkly red through to gold foil. However as they are all on the spectrum of dark red to gold they kind of match. By pure fluke the gold foil is on my index finger, and the plainest amp red is on my thumb. Like I said it was only a tester on one hand as I was going to take it off yesterday, until mum commented how unusual yet pretty it looked. So last night I repeated it on the other hand.
Today I braved the world sporting my nails, off to church I went. Now let my explain my church is not of the radical side and I have caused many a grey hair with my tattoo and various piercings. Grante a few others of my generation hae tipped a nod at my bravery. Once there I waited for the usual looks of dissaproval or horror, but for once they didn't happen. Instead some people who were alive long enough to still claim they were horrified by Woodstock, were complimenting the pretty colours and unusual look. One person actually said she hadn't thought she could get away with the foil look till she saw it on my nail.
Granted this look didn't make my normal rebellous statement to the more puritain of my church, but instead it probably opened the doors to some whom fashion terrifies them. I am not saying I expect half the congregation to show up with red nail polish, heaven forbid, but it gave them food for thought. At the end of the day thats the whole point of fashion, whether it be clothes or make up or nails, it is to make your own statement.
Mision accomplished, now to the next stage.
The reason for this was actually an accident, I had done some tester nail swatchs and by mistake it actually worked. I hve a different colour on each of the five nails from dark sparkly red through to gold foil. However as they are all on the spectrum of dark red to gold they kind of match. By pure fluke the gold foil is on my index finger, and the plainest amp red is on my thumb. Like I said it was only a tester on one hand as I was going to take it off yesterday, until mum commented how unusual yet pretty it looked. So last night I repeated it on the other hand.
Today I braved the world sporting my nails, off to church I went. Now let my explain my church is not of the radical side and I have caused many a grey hair with my tattoo and various piercings. Grante a few others of my generation hae tipped a nod at my bravery. Once there I waited for the usual looks of dissaproval or horror, but for once they didn't happen. Instead some people who were alive long enough to still claim they were horrified by Woodstock, were complimenting the pretty colours and unusual look. One person actually said she hadn't thought she could get away with the foil look till she saw it on my nail.
Granted this look didn't make my normal rebellous statement to the more puritain of my church, but instead it probably opened the doors to some whom fashion terrifies them. I am not saying I expect half the congregation to show up with red nail polish, heaven forbid, but it gave them food for thought. At the end of the day thats the whole point of fashion, whether it be clothes or make up or nails, it is to make your own statement.
Mision accomplished, now to the next stage.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
L'Occitane Angelica range
So with that said I took some considerable time out at the L'Occitane event seeking advice on what was best for my skin. based on the damage my medicines have done to it. At this type of event I was expecting the hard sell on the most expensive range. But no I got a genuine consultation. Like I said I got a trial on the shea butter range fist of all, but within minutes of trying the cleansing washing it was very obvious it wasn't the right range for my skin at the moment, I say at the moment because as I was clearly advised every ones skin needs changed depending on season, age, health and so on.
Instead of making a big deal about the failure of one range, my adviser quickly apologised and we move on to the angelica range. The moment the cleansing wash was used on my skin it felt right. It was good at the cleansing part but didn't leave my skin with that over dried out feeling. The smell was different, but light and fresh. Its called a cleansing gel and costs £16, well worth the money.
Then the toner was applies, again it wasn't drying or harsh on my skin. Instead it seemed to just reduced the open pores. It was the first toner ever on my skin that didn't sting when I used it, apparently toners aren't meant to sting , but I never knew that till the adviser explained it all. Toner is £16 as well which I think is reasonable.
After this my face got sprayed with the hydration spray, which apparently can also be used to set make up in place. I have never rated hydration sprays much as I thought it was just an expensive way to buy water sprays. I now stand corrected, applied correctly hydration sprays to help correct a look and my eye make up made no bid for freedom, not even my eyeliner which usually ends up bleeding everywhere. I wouldn't say I am totally converted, but I will take it into consideration and may end up buying it at a later date. At £15 I am still not totally convinced I have to have it urgently.
The last thing applied to my now glowing skin was the ultra Matt lotion at £26. Now this I am totally convinced about. I have a tendency to shine for want of a better way of putting it. Although my skin is dry, it tends to look oily after the cleansing and toning, yet a small amount of this potion and my skin looked not dry but a healthy velvety texture. Or as my delightfully put it, more healthy than it has in the last 15 years. If there is a skin miracle for me, it is this, stuff BB creams this little jar literally removes 10 years from my skin and improves my confidence as much. Never I have I been so impressed by a skin product as I was with this, so much so I am counting the days till I go back and buy more.
Considering prior to that night I was looking at paying £56 for the Divine cream by L'occitane in the vague hope of looking normal, and that was without the cleanser and toner, I found the whole consultation not only educational, but a great relief to my battered bank account. Even if I bought the whole range in one go I would only be £71 the poorer and guaranteed a healthy looking face, instead of double that amount and no guaranteed result.
Skin care isn't something you can take lightly, I know that now, but it is worth seeking proper help. There is just too much choice on the market. I am sticking with L'Occitane out of personal choice, I prefer the more natural products on my skin, but even if you have a different company your prefer, they should still be able to provide you with the same consultant. If you are prepared to be loyal to a company, they should at least take the time to make sure you are using the right product for your skin.
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Its raining 3 4 2
We must be getting close to Christmas as when I paid a visit to town I found Superdrug have a 3 for 2 deal on most of their make up products. Yipee, was the words passing my lips and in I headed. All the way through I did keep reminding myself I was on a present shopping mission, but some how I did managed to wrangle 4 new nail polishes and a black eyeliner for myself. Here is a run down of the 4 nail colours I just ended up with.
The first one I just had to have was the Barry M pink silver glitter. I have only done a swatch of this but the effects straight on to the plain nail is impressive. Yes as a plain polish or even jazzing up over another coat, it will need a top coat of clear polish to make the nail smooth. But it is a good little glitter. Personally I like it as a colour on it's own as two coats make a dense enough colour. It is £3.99 on its own and that is a good buy so with this offer of 3 for the price of 2 its even better.
Staying with Barry M I finally got the gold foil effect nail polish. I he been wanting this one for months and I wasn't disappointed. One piece of wisdom I have found when using this though, make sure your nail is fully filed and buffed as the colour and effect is unforgiving on any chips or uneven nail ridges. At £3.99 I would have been happy to purchase this at full price and was planning to before this offer came out
My final Barry M choice was the chameleon pink. I am surprised just how much I like the colour untampered with. It is a good solid metallic like pink. when you apply clear polish on strategic point this turns to a similar style but purple. I am impressed with the result and ease of achieving this effect. Some much so I would recommend it to any newbie in the nail effects range. Just bear in mind this colour is not shiny but a more muted matt colour. Again it was £3.99, and although I like the colour I do believe there are better on the market than this, but still good price to learn on.
My last choice of today's purchases is pink spice from the Accesorize range.This has a lovely sheen to it with the 3d effect of glitter polish. It doesn't however need the top coat to make it smooth to wear. The gold in the colour is tasteful, without being over powering. I have to admit out of all the days purchases for myself it is the one I am most pleased with. This was £3.45 and having never used this range I am more than impressed.
The sale is on till 4th of December and if you know what you like and have a Superdrug beauty card delivery is free on line. I know I am already debating buying a few more from the accessorize range. But it is worth a look as it covers all the big names including Rimmel, Max Factor and GOSH as well as cheaper ranges. Remember if ordering on line the cheapest is free, so if you want to mix your purchases it may be worth splitting your sales so you get the maximum off. This sale includes most of the items in the ranges not just nail polishes.
The first one I just had to have was the Barry M pink silver glitter. I have only done a swatch of this but the effects straight on to the plain nail is impressive. Yes as a plain polish or even jazzing up over another coat, it will need a top coat of clear polish to make the nail smooth. But it is a good little glitter. Personally I like it as a colour on it's own as two coats make a dense enough colour. It is £3.99 on its own and that is a good buy so with this offer of 3 for the price of 2 its even better.
Staying with Barry M I finally got the gold foil effect nail polish. I he been wanting this one for months and I wasn't disappointed. One piece of wisdom I have found when using this though, make sure your nail is fully filed and buffed as the colour and effect is unforgiving on any chips or uneven nail ridges. At £3.99 I would have been happy to purchase this at full price and was planning to before this offer came out
My final Barry M choice was the chameleon pink. I am surprised just how much I like the colour untampered with. It is a good solid metallic like pink. when you apply clear polish on strategic point this turns to a similar style but purple. I am impressed with the result and ease of achieving this effect. Some much so I would recommend it to any newbie in the nail effects range. Just bear in mind this colour is not shiny but a more muted matt colour. Again it was £3.99, and although I like the colour I do believe there are better on the market than this, but still good price to learn on.
My last choice of today's purchases is pink spice from the Accesorize range.This has a lovely sheen to it with the 3d effect of glitter polish. It doesn't however need the top coat to make it smooth to wear. The gold in the colour is tasteful, without being over powering. I have to admit out of all the days purchases for myself it is the one I am most pleased with. This was £3.45 and having never used this range I am more than impressed.The sale is on till 4th of December and if you know what you like and have a Superdrug beauty card delivery is free on line. I know I am already debating buying a few more from the accessorize range. But it is worth a look as it covers all the big names including Rimmel, Max Factor and GOSH as well as cheaper ranges. Remember if ordering on line the cheapest is free, so if you want to mix your purchases it may be worth splitting your sales so you get the maximum off. This sale includes most of the items in the ranges not just nail polishes.
December magazine freebie alert
So on my daily hop (outing) I was surprised to see it came it with a choice of two nail polishes, either company vamp or company crimson, my choice was decided by the fact the W H Smiths I went to only had the crimson. It is from the Jessica range, a company I have as yet not heard of. So I had a quick look on the great world of cyber to find out it is an American base company, focusing mainly on nails. The costs on their site isn't to bad when you do the conversion to £s but I didn't check out the p&p charges .
That said the colour didn't come out quite the way I had hoped, it looked like blood red colour but when applied to my nail it had a deep pink tinge. After two coats it did have a high gloss on the colour, but the colour was so thin it still looks uneven and a third coat will be required to stop it seeming like a tinted sheen and make it more like a nail polish.
The magazine is £2 and that alone is worth the money, its nice to receive a freebie, but don't just buy it for the free nail polish.
Labeled or finally acknowledged
I promised I wouldn't post anything medical until I had some new to the mix. Well this morning I got the letter from the DLA, the decision on whether or not they accept the reports and write ups on my medical conditions. Prior to earlier this year I live a very independant life, but by August walking unaided became imposiable. Now if I try to move round the house without aids I end up doubled up. But because all my conditions are invisable from the outside, I was prepared for an endless battle to prove and admit to myself I need help.
Never have I been so nervous as opening the envelope when it arrived. At first I couldn't face reading more than the first two sentences, in fear of it saying I was rejected in my claim. Especially as I have managed to escape the dreaded DHSS medical. How ever the letter didn't have those fateful lines, instead it said I was recognised as needing mobility needs and some care needs. The relief was unbelievable, and I have to admit it took all day to truly sink in, that people believed me, and the doctors and consultants are on the same page as yourself.
To me it isn't about the money, although that will buy me some freedom, instead it actually will open doors for me. It means that should I make enough progress to return to work, which is my goal next year, I have a piece of paper telling employers that the conditions I have are real, and do genuinely affect me. This means that I not unemployable, but need acceptance to be employed.
I am not looking at this as a label or a dead end, but instead a freedom pass to return to the normal world. Sure there will be a fight at times, and some people are going to try and pigeon box me, but at the end of the day I am still the same person I was ten years ago, I just can't walk as easily or carry stuff. Being recognised as disabled ( how I hate that word) is no curse, it just means I do things differently. I still have a brain, a mouth and hands, a university education, and years of experience, so what changes. In my eyes nothing but the speed I get from a to b.
There is a lot to be said about that, but instead I will sum it up with an age old fable, I have gone from being the hare to the tortoise, and we all know who got there first!
Never have I been so nervous as opening the envelope when it arrived. At first I couldn't face reading more than the first two sentences, in fear of it saying I was rejected in my claim. Especially as I have managed to escape the dreaded DHSS medical. How ever the letter didn't have those fateful lines, instead it said I was recognised as needing mobility needs and some care needs. The relief was unbelievable, and I have to admit it took all day to truly sink in, that people believed me, and the doctors and consultants are on the same page as yourself.
To me it isn't about the money, although that will buy me some freedom, instead it actually will open doors for me. It means that should I make enough progress to return to work, which is my goal next year, I have a piece of paper telling employers that the conditions I have are real, and do genuinely affect me. This means that I not unemployable, but need acceptance to be employed.
I am not looking at this as a label or a dead end, but instead a freedom pass to return to the normal world. Sure there will be a fight at times, and some people are going to try and pigeon box me, but at the end of the day I am still the same person I was ten years ago, I just can't walk as easily or carry stuff. Being recognised as disabled ( how I hate that word) is no curse, it just means I do things differently. I still have a brain, a mouth and hands, a university education, and years of experience, so what changes. In my eyes nothing but the speed I get from a to b.
There is a lot to be said about that, but instead I will sum it up with an age old fable, I have gone from being the hare to the tortoise, and we all know who got there first!
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