When I not being all girly, I am a real little petrol head. So nothing can distract me from the television when Top Gear is new on our screens. Needless to say for an hour tonight there was absolute silence in my house whilst it was on.
It is the only program in the house which every member of the family will come together and sit and watch. No talking only laughter is the sounds made. Now I know it is not every ones cup of tea, but for millions of views in the world it brings an hour of comic relief with interesting facts. For me that spells a quality program.
I have been lucky enough over the years to go and see the program recorded, and meet the presenters. Despite their on screen antics, they are genuine gents, who I have seen at their best and worst. Working in adverse weather (trust me when it is hot there it is nothing short of an oven). The catering is dishwater tea and a bag of crisps, and the toilets are portacabins. There is no massive trailers just one portacabin and the hanger. Yet they make one of the most successful television shows in history. Sure the presenters play up to their caricatures, but they are not great actors. There have been episodes where they have no voices, cracked ribs and the infamous parking incident, yet the show still goes on. Even in the limited tea break they are often out for pictures and signings.
Yet what beats me is the bashing they get, online and in writing. The tabloids (one in particular ) love to rip the program to shreds, and make a drama out of a fleeting joke. Yet they keep going. Sure over the years the fan base has changed several times over, but the program keeps us watching.
So over the next few weeks I will be unobtainable between 8 and 9 pm along with the rest of my family. Enjoying that one program that unites us all and makes us laugh. Top Gear I salute you.
Sunday, 27 January 2013
A most uneventful week
The quietness on this blog totally reflects the quietness of my week. Having been successfully snowed in for the majority of the week and broke till next payday. The week has both dragged and bored.
The only parcels to arrive were the bottles of Lady Gaga's Fame and a new macadamia nut hair oil, which smells heavenly and I can't wait to use to rescue my dry ends. I hate the count down to payday but I have planned what I am buying next. A large storage unit for my make up and some decent brushes. My big clear out revealed they were what I was desperately missing.
The other thing I am on the look out for is a decent gold belly bar and gold sleeper earrings. I don't mean gold plated either, I mean real gold as I am unable to wear anything else in my piercings. But as yet I am unable to find either with out fainting at the price. Granted I know I need to spend 20 per pair on the earrings but £60 for the belly bar? seriously? This world has gone mad I swear it.
Well next week is pay week and also the snow has been substitute for wind and rain, so it is more optimist. I an get on line and choose a few bits to cheer me up. But for now I am fighting for my duvet with the dog
The only parcels to arrive were the bottles of Lady Gaga's Fame and a new macadamia nut hair oil, which smells heavenly and I can't wait to use to rescue my dry ends. I hate the count down to payday but I have planned what I am buying next. A large storage unit for my make up and some decent brushes. My big clear out revealed they were what I was desperately missing.
The other thing I am on the look out for is a decent gold belly bar and gold sleeper earrings. I don't mean gold plated either, I mean real gold as I am unable to wear anything else in my piercings. But as yet I am unable to find either with out fainting at the price. Granted I know I need to spend 20 per pair on the earrings but £60 for the belly bar? seriously? This world has gone mad I swear it.
Well next week is pay week and also the snow has been substitute for wind and rain, so it is more optimist. I an get on line and choose a few bits to cheer me up. But for now I am fighting for my duvet with the dog
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Freebie thanks to L'Occitane
There is a chance for people to get a free hand cream courtesy of L'Occitane, All you he to do is follow the facebook link and like their page https://www.facebook.com/loccitane.uk/app_306750349356444 . To be honest it is worth following their page and get their emails as you find out when special nights are available in store.
The hand ream is worth £8 and a delight to use. I still swear it is the best hand cream on the market and can't recommend it enough. The general favourite is the shea although I like the cocoa or the date ones.
Anyway its worth getting either as a treat to yourself or as a gift to some one who has yet to try it.
The hand ream is worth £8 and a delight to use. I still swear it is the best hand cream on the market and can't recommend it enough. The general favourite is the shea although I like the cocoa or the date ones.
Anyway its worth getting either as a treat to yourself or as a gift to some one who has yet to try it.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
The Ouch factor
I should have known better, but I never think things through. Hubby started a new full time job on Monday, for which we are eternally grateful. However whilst he has been at home all day he was doing jobs like the kitty litter trays and getting the bins out. Now he isn't here in daylight hours those jobs still need doing.
The thing is mum is nearly 71 years old and she is already doing the day to day stuff like the laundry which my physio has banned me from, and washing up. So there was no choice but for me to attempt these jobs. That said the bins are a nightmare as although they are wheelie bins they still need lifting. That mixed with snow and standing on crutches was not going to go well. That said I managed not to stack it whilst doing the work. But come this morning I woke in crippling pain, pain so bad I am heading for a day in a bed.
I was originally depressed about this fact, especially as I had done so well yesterday.Well I was depressed until I read an article in one of the Sunday magazines ( I don't them all in one day) It was about a man who had cancer in his leg as a teen. He talked about the way he and the fellow suffers on the ward, how they made a pact to stay positive and if one of their members died the rest of the group had the obligation to continue living not just for themselves but for the ones that had died. It went on to talk about how he had a funeral for his then amputated legs and the mishaps he had with the hydraulic leg that he was fitted with. The whole article was focusing not on what he lost or the sadness in his life, but instead how he turned it around.
Having read this article it made me a little less negative on the day. Sure it is frustrating having to have enforced duvet days, but instead I should look at the cause and the affect. Instead of seeing it in a bad way I should see it as a way forward. Yesterday was a manual Day, which in itself is an achievement. Today is a reading and writing day.
"So pass me the wine and the dice and perish the thought of tomorrow"
The thing is mum is nearly 71 years old and she is already doing the day to day stuff like the laundry which my physio has banned me from, and washing up. So there was no choice but for me to attempt these jobs. That said the bins are a nightmare as although they are wheelie bins they still need lifting. That mixed with snow and standing on crutches was not going to go well. That said I managed not to stack it whilst doing the work. But come this morning I woke in crippling pain, pain so bad I am heading for a day in a bed.
I was originally depressed about this fact, especially as I had done so well yesterday.Well I was depressed until I read an article in one of the Sunday magazines ( I don't them all in one day) It was about a man who had cancer in his leg as a teen. He talked about the way he and the fellow suffers on the ward, how they made a pact to stay positive and if one of their members died the rest of the group had the obligation to continue living not just for themselves but for the ones that had died. It went on to talk about how he had a funeral for his then amputated legs and the mishaps he had with the hydraulic leg that he was fitted with. The whole article was focusing not on what he lost or the sadness in his life, but instead how he turned it around.
Having read this article it made me a little less negative on the day. Sure it is frustrating having to have enforced duvet days, but instead I should look at the cause and the affect. Instead of seeing it in a bad way I should see it as a way forward. Yesterday was a manual Day, which in itself is an achievement. Today is a reading and writing day.
"So pass me the wine and the dice and perish the thought of tomorrow"
Monday, 21 January 2013
R2R prove their point
Race to recovery is an assortment of British servicemen who are now disabled. They had a dream to take part in the Dakar Rally, with the help of some civilian experts.
Well I am pleased to say that one of their cars actually completed what is widely recognised as the hardest rally around. This would be an achievement for any one, but for men who have lost one or more limbs serving their country it is awesome. For the Dakar is not just hard, it is physically demanding and at points down right dangerous. There are breakdowns, crashes and unfortunately this year fatalities. None of this deterred this band of happy adventures.
As we read the updates on twitter and facebook we heard as their cars slowly depleted from 4 to 1, and their other trials and tribulations. I would be the 1st to admit there were times I seriously was fearful their dream of completely the rally would be ruined by such aversion as bad terrain or a collision. To have got so far and not one car finish would have been so devastating for them.
However they proved critics and doubters wrong, the Race to Recovery team in their car named Joy made it across the line. By doing so they not only proved their own point, but kicked in the door on a lot of prejudice against the disabled, in motor sport and life in general. These guys have been to hell and back in the service of Queen and country, but then they choose to put themselves through the hardest race on earth, to show people they could.
They may sport limbs of plastic and metal, along with other injuries visible and invisible, but they also display hearts of gold and balls of something a lot tougher than steel and for your achievement I salute you. Some one wise once said a man is judged not on what he says but what he achieves. Well these guys achieved what some thought impossible and most thought impractical.
If you are looking for a role model or some one to call a hero, they would probably deny it, but these people should be top of your list. Can't wait to hear what they plan next.
Well I am pleased to say that one of their cars actually completed what is widely recognised as the hardest rally around. This would be an achievement for any one, but for men who have lost one or more limbs serving their country it is awesome. For the Dakar is not just hard, it is physically demanding and at points down right dangerous. There are breakdowns, crashes and unfortunately this year fatalities. None of this deterred this band of happy adventures.
As we read the updates on twitter and facebook we heard as their cars slowly depleted from 4 to 1, and their other trials and tribulations. I would be the 1st to admit there were times I seriously was fearful their dream of completely the rally would be ruined by such aversion as bad terrain or a collision. To have got so far and not one car finish would have been so devastating for them.
However they proved critics and doubters wrong, the Race to Recovery team in their car named Joy made it across the line. By doing so they not only proved their own point, but kicked in the door on a lot of prejudice against the disabled, in motor sport and life in general. These guys have been to hell and back in the service of Queen and country, but then they choose to put themselves through the hardest race on earth, to show people they could.
They may sport limbs of plastic and metal, along with other injuries visible and invisible, but they also display hearts of gold and balls of something a lot tougher than steel and for your achievement I salute you. Some one wise once said a man is judged not on what he says but what he achieves. Well these guys achieved what some thought impossible and most thought impractical.
If you are looking for a role model or some one to call a hero, they would probably deny it, but these people should be top of your list. Can't wait to hear what they plan next.
Constructive Duvet Day
It was meant to be the day of rest, Sunday always is in this house, unless we are out at an event. The routine is usually church, supermarket for papers and milk, home relax with papers dinner etc. Well snow put a stop to that idea.
For start, there was no way anyone was getting to church, unless they possessed skis or ice skates. Getting out of our road is treacherous to say the least. Hubby was brave enough to just about make it to the paper shop for my Sunday papers. But that was the only part of the day that remained normal. Instead I seem to have gone on some clearing frenzy. I said before I was going to sort my make up out. Well that has been done and everything has been properly put away, except now I need not just a tool box for my makeup which I have procured, but one about half the size for my nail care and polishes, and a full size on for my skin care and perfume.
So in being constructive and tidying up I have actually created another problem for myself. My storage system sucks, I have all my bears in boxes and clothes in crates, due to house repairs. I truly think my next beauty purchases will have to be two tool boxes and a chest for my art material. The problem is there is no real invention for make up storage. Yes there are make up bags but come on ladies how many of you have more make up than bags to put it in. If I a really honest my tool box isn't all I possess, there is at least another large make up bag and half a shoe box worth. Granted that is a little extreme, but there is a very good explanation, I some times local stage shows and musical concerts, and that needs a completely different style of make up. The same when I go out in the evening its completely different from day to day stuff. Well that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.
That said I did do more than panic over my storage issues and as I am writing this I am looking at my DVD collection and the CD storage. Oh dear I have the same issue. I wonder if Tescos deliver crates ?
For start, there was no way anyone was getting to church, unless they possessed skis or ice skates. Getting out of our road is treacherous to say the least. Hubby was brave enough to just about make it to the paper shop for my Sunday papers. But that was the only part of the day that remained normal. Instead I seem to have gone on some clearing frenzy. I said before I was going to sort my make up out. Well that has been done and everything has been properly put away, except now I need not just a tool box for my makeup which I have procured, but one about half the size for my nail care and polishes, and a full size on for my skin care and perfume.
So in being constructive and tidying up I have actually created another problem for myself. My storage system sucks, I have all my bears in boxes and clothes in crates, due to house repairs. I truly think my next beauty purchases will have to be two tool boxes and a chest for my art material. The problem is there is no real invention for make up storage. Yes there are make up bags but come on ladies how many of you have more make up than bags to put it in. If I a really honest my tool box isn't all I possess, there is at least another large make up bag and half a shoe box worth. Granted that is a little extreme, but there is a very good explanation, I some times local stage shows and musical concerts, and that needs a completely different style of make up. The same when I go out in the evening its completely different from day to day stuff. Well that's my excuse and I am sticking to it.
That said I did do more than panic over my storage issues and as I am writing this I am looking at my DVD collection and the CD storage. Oh dear I have the same issue. I wonder if Tescos deliver crates ?
Saturday, 19 January 2013
LIB review Lady Gaga's Fame
I tend to get samples from Latest in Beauty once a month and for £1.50 for 3 samples I don't think it is too bad. Over the months I have had a mixture of creams and potions, so I was surprised to see the most recent selections to choose from contains perfume. I naturally jumped at the chance to try these, the problem being two of the ones I wanted to choose were in the same selection bath, so I will have to try the other one next month.
The choices I made were, Lady Gaga's fame, Kim Kardashians latest offering whose name I can't see on the box and original Hugo for men. The latter I know and love how it smells on men, I purely want to convince my hubby it is the right one for him. I am using the subtle approach on him here.
I haven't tried the Kadashian perfume yet as it is the one I am least keen on trying. I did however break open the Lady Gaga Fame the moment it was in my sticky little mitts. The reason being it was recommend by a fellow blogger Fee at http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk . So far I have found we share a similar taste in perfume as it was her who recommended the Laura Mercier set I have fallen in love with. I used one spray on my wrist and waited. Granted in the sample size I can't see the black to clear affect I have heard so much about, but the scent was so enchanting I was not bothered. I tried one spray one at 10 am it is now half 6 and it is still going strong. I don't know the best way to describe the aroma, except to say it is like that old school smell, you used to smell when you went in to department stores as a child. It says it based on belladonna, semen and blood, well that doesn't not give it justice. It is along the scents of channel 5 although this one agrees with me.
Unsurprisingly like all my choices in perfume it is at the higher end of celebrity prices. But it so doesn't smell like a lot of the celebrity fragrances which can be cheap and short living on the skin. This is a quality scent and worth the price at around the £30 mark for a small bottle, as a little goes a long way.
The choices I made were, Lady Gaga's fame, Kim Kardashians latest offering whose name I can't see on the box and original Hugo for men. The latter I know and love how it smells on men, I purely want to convince my hubby it is the right one for him. I am using the subtle approach on him here.
I haven't tried the Kadashian perfume yet as it is the one I am least keen on trying. I did however break open the Lady Gaga Fame the moment it was in my sticky little mitts. The reason being it was recommend by a fellow blogger Fee at http://www.makeupsavvy.co.uk . So far I have found we share a similar taste in perfume as it was her who recommended the Laura Mercier set I have fallen in love with. I used one spray on my wrist and waited. Granted in the sample size I can't see the black to clear affect I have heard so much about, but the scent was so enchanting I was not bothered. I tried one spray one at 10 am it is now half 6 and it is still going strong. I don't know the best way to describe the aroma, except to say it is like that old school smell, you used to smell when you went in to department stores as a child. It says it based on belladonna, semen and blood, well that doesn't not give it justice. It is along the scents of channel 5 although this one agrees with me.
Unsurprisingly like all my choices in perfume it is at the higher end of celebrity prices. But it so doesn't smell like a lot of the celebrity fragrances which can be cheap and short living on the skin. This is a quality scent and worth the price at around the £30 mark for a small bottle, as a little goes a long way.
Ok we have snow!
Like most of the rest of the country we have snow, and a reasonable amount. Not that I have ventured out in it. Crutches and snow not a good mix!
As I am following all the reports on line, it is quite frightening how badly the snow has covered the entire country. There are plenty of live up dates on line, from national news to local ones. Brilliant if you are on line, but if you are driving or elderly and not on line it can be really frightening.
For me it is just plain inconvenient, I can't go anyway on crutches, and as our road is a north facing crescent on a hill there is absolutely no way the car is going out as it is an ice rink. I officially have called a duvet day for the last two days, purely as the cold is affecting my back so badly it is causing agony like I had pre medicine. The trouble is the CRPS is going nuts with the change of climate and sending every nerve that has been damaged into some kind of frenzy.
That aside there is a longing in me to get out and take photos and the frustration of not being able to is intense. I love viewing the gorgeous winterwonderland scenery in my local town, the frosted ponds and snow covered Church's and so on. But this year I have to settle with the view from the road and back garden. My winter viewage comes mainly from the TV and the Internet. This year there will be no sledging down the park. I know at 40 I should be over all this but it still is a pang in my heart. The eternal child in me still loves in the snow, whilst the disabled adult is depressed.
In the meantime, I am concerned about my husband in this weather. he is out pizza delivering tonight and starts a new job on Monday about 50 mins drive from home. The trouble is not the driving on the main roads, round here they have been gritting with vigour, it is the side roads, the cul de sacs and crescents like my own. They are ice rinks, yet people tonight will still want their pizzas on time, regardless of the driving conditions. Personally I wouldn't consider putting a delivery drivers life in peril by asking them to drive round my road, especially as I won't even drive it myself. But according to hubby's boss they are especially busy for this time of year.
I know people have to eat and going by the news reports people have been clearing the stores for bread and milk, so why endanger others by ordering delivery. I will never understand it. I know I made a big deal at harvest about stocking up on the basics, but without gloating, I can say we are coping. Yes, we won't be having massive Sunday roasts or fancy dinners, but we have a variety of foods and as of tomorrow its home made bread which we are looking forward to.
So why does this chaos continue? I don't know, all I know is I am not adding to it. But I can tell you living with 6 cats with cabin fever and 2 dogs who apparently don't like snow, life will be far from boring. and maybe just maybe, hubby will take me out on the sledge for a little while.
As I am following all the reports on line, it is quite frightening how badly the snow has covered the entire country. There are plenty of live up dates on line, from national news to local ones. Brilliant if you are on line, but if you are driving or elderly and not on line it can be really frightening.
For me it is just plain inconvenient, I can't go anyway on crutches, and as our road is a north facing crescent on a hill there is absolutely no way the car is going out as it is an ice rink. I officially have called a duvet day for the last two days, purely as the cold is affecting my back so badly it is causing agony like I had pre medicine. The trouble is the CRPS is going nuts with the change of climate and sending every nerve that has been damaged into some kind of frenzy.
That aside there is a longing in me to get out and take photos and the frustration of not being able to is intense. I love viewing the gorgeous winterwonderland scenery in my local town, the frosted ponds and snow covered Church's and so on. But this year I have to settle with the view from the road and back garden. My winter viewage comes mainly from the TV and the Internet. This year there will be no sledging down the park. I know at 40 I should be over all this but it still is a pang in my heart. The eternal child in me still loves in the snow, whilst the disabled adult is depressed.
In the meantime, I am concerned about my husband in this weather. he is out pizza delivering tonight and starts a new job on Monday about 50 mins drive from home. The trouble is not the driving on the main roads, round here they have been gritting with vigour, it is the side roads, the cul de sacs and crescents like my own. They are ice rinks, yet people tonight will still want their pizzas on time, regardless of the driving conditions. Personally I wouldn't consider putting a delivery drivers life in peril by asking them to drive round my road, especially as I won't even drive it myself. But according to hubby's boss they are especially busy for this time of year.
I know people have to eat and going by the news reports people have been clearing the stores for bread and milk, so why endanger others by ordering delivery. I will never understand it. I know I made a big deal at harvest about stocking up on the basics, but without gloating, I can say we are coping. Yes, we won't be having massive Sunday roasts or fancy dinners, but we have a variety of foods and as of tomorrow its home made bread which we are looking forward to.
So why does this chaos continue? I don't know, all I know is I am not adding to it. But I can tell you living with 6 cats with cabin fever and 2 dogs who apparently don't like snow, life will be far from boring. and maybe just maybe, hubby will take me out on the sledge for a little while.
Friday, 18 January 2013
The revamped birchbox
Yesterday it arrived, the first birchbox (was Jolie), and I couldn't mistake it. Bright bubblegum pink package, that certainly woke me up almost as well as the parcel delievery guy banging on the door.
When I opened it up, I won't lie I was disappointed with the new design of box. The old style Jolie box was black and classy, the new style is cardboard colour with bubblegum pink decoration. Even when I opened the box I was faced with a pink instead of black bag. I am not a pink person so this jarred me a lot.
Anyway instead the contents looked a little short, compared to the other bags but I tried not to let that put me off. The contents was meant to reflect my personal profile, but I still ended up with a peppermint tea bag in there, mmm not sure about that. There was also a KMS volume spray, which is a good size and I can't wait to test it.A fresh sugar lip treatment, in rose, which is unusual in both scent and texture, but I will happily give it a fair chance as it is meant to improve the texture and look of you lips. Then there was a Wei eye cream, this was a really small sample but I applied a little last night and the effects seemed to be really good However at £60 a pot I would need a lot of points from BirchBox before I buy it as that is a lot of money. Finally there is a Taaj hand cream. Again it had a really odd aroma, and initially felt tacky but over night it really does seem to have done what it claimed to, and my hands look and feel softer.
Over all the products were good but the size and quantity seemed a little reduced, I hope this is just teething issue and they will return to the extensive boxes Jolie had. As for buying the products I probably will only buy the KMS as the only other product I really liked was £60 a pot. The only thing is to see how long the sample lasts for to see if it has value for money. The results from Wei products I have found to be very good, but the prices are very high for me at the moment.+
When I opened it up, I won't lie I was disappointed with the new design of box. The old style Jolie box was black and classy, the new style is cardboard colour with bubblegum pink decoration. Even when I opened the box I was faced with a pink instead of black bag. I am not a pink person so this jarred me a lot.
Anyway instead the contents looked a little short, compared to the other bags but I tried not to let that put me off. The contents was meant to reflect my personal profile, but I still ended up with a peppermint tea bag in there, mmm not sure about that. There was also a KMS volume spray, which is a good size and I can't wait to test it.A fresh sugar lip treatment, in rose, which is unusual in both scent and texture, but I will happily give it a fair chance as it is meant to improve the texture and look of you lips. Then there was a Wei eye cream, this was a really small sample but I applied a little last night and the effects seemed to be really good However at £60 a pot I would need a lot of points from BirchBox before I buy it as that is a lot of money. Finally there is a Taaj hand cream. Again it had a really odd aroma, and initially felt tacky but over night it really does seem to have done what it claimed to, and my hands look and feel softer.
Over all the products were good but the size and quantity seemed a little reduced, I hope this is just teething issue and they will return to the extensive boxes Jolie had. As for buying the products I probably will only buy the KMS as the only other product I really liked was £60 a pot. The only thing is to see how long the sample lasts for to see if it has value for money. The results from Wei products I have found to be very good, but the prices are very high for me at the moment.+
Flash sale Nails Inc
If like me you are a big Nails Inc fan here is is something to beat the snow blues. They are doing a flash sale today only.
ll their magnetic nails polishes are reduced from £13 to £5 nearly 60% off. There is 11 different shades to choose from so something there for everyone. It is worth having a look http://www.nailsinc.com/product-catalog?FilterKeyword=magnetic&utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Campaign-126310&tmtid=126310-26891-193355-167-1-382260
Whilst there it is worth looking on the sales page there is over 30 different sets and individual polishes available with reasonable discounts
So if you are snowed in there is a way to get your fashion fix.
ll their magnetic nails polishes are reduced from £13 to £5 nearly 60% off. There is 11 different shades to choose from so something there for everyone. It is worth having a look http://www.nailsinc.com/product-catalog?FilterKeyword=magnetic&utm_source=taomail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Campaign-126310&tmtid=126310-26891-193355-167-1-382260
Whilst there it is worth looking on the sales page there is over 30 different sets and individual polishes available with reasonable discounts
So if you are snowed in there is a way to get your fashion fix.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
A nice little thank you
Like I said previously The Beauty Box offered a free gift via Jolie Box as Beauty Box no longer is running. I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients of this gift.
So today it arrived and to be honest going by the picture I was expecting a couple of lip glosses and maybe a nail polish. So I was greatly surprised when I opened my little package and found inside, a lip gloss, a nail polish and a pallet from So Susan, containing highlighter, illuminate and eyebrow colour,as well as a brush and tweezers. It is a tidy little pallet that would fit in a handbag nicely. The lip gloss is a I love on in strawberry and milkshake, which is a peach coral shade. and the nail polish is a small Nail Girls in silver.
For a thank you gift it is a lovely little package and I am very pleased with it. Knowing Jolie Box I will more than happy with their service. For those who haven't heard Jolie Box has now become Birch Box part of an internal company and I have already noticed that this means the variety of brands has increased, so it is only going to benefit the customers.
Anyway the next box is due any day soon so we will see what is in that and I will let you know.
So today it arrived and to be honest going by the picture I was expecting a couple of lip glosses and maybe a nail polish. So I was greatly surprised when I opened my little package and found inside, a lip gloss, a nail polish and a pallet from So Susan, containing highlighter, illuminate and eyebrow colour,as well as a brush and tweezers. It is a tidy little pallet that would fit in a handbag nicely. The lip gloss is a I love on in strawberry and milkshake, which is a peach coral shade. and the nail polish is a small Nail Girls in silver.
For a thank you gift it is a lovely little package and I am very pleased with it. Knowing Jolie Box I will more than happy with their service. For those who haven't heard Jolie Box has now become Birch Box part of an internal company and I have already noticed that this means the variety of brands has increased, so it is only going to benefit the customers.
Anyway the next box is due any day soon so we will see what is in that and I will let you know.
Time to get organised
Made a decision today. As I am not very energetic at the moment, I am clearing out my make up bags etc tomorrow.
I know it doesn't sound that hard, but for me it will be heart breaking admitting that much as I love a certain lipstick or eye colour, it could well be beyond its lifetime and actually health risk to use. This is something that most people forget. That once opened these tricks to a female beauty routine, can expire, or carry germs and nasties. There are a few bits of make up I am going to have rid myself of because they were used by others and that is just not healthy.
To be truthful I am dreading the experience, as I am sure I will find somethings that should have bitten the dust a long time ago. But the black bag is ready the cases piled up and ready to be emptied, and hubby is on orders to ditch the bag before I change my mind. It is not like I don't have a good collection of quality make up that I have recently collected. and from various sales. Recently I have given some people my less popular nail polishes that may have been used once. That was easier than this as I see this as waste and in a way it is.
What it will make me do is not by excessive amounts of make up and instead buying what I will use, rather than what I might use. Wish me luck.
I know it doesn't sound that hard, but for me it will be heart breaking admitting that much as I love a certain lipstick or eye colour, it could well be beyond its lifetime and actually health risk to use. This is something that most people forget. That once opened these tricks to a female beauty routine, can expire, or carry germs and nasties. There are a few bits of make up I am going to have rid myself of because they were used by others and that is just not healthy.
To be truthful I am dreading the experience, as I am sure I will find somethings that should have bitten the dust a long time ago. But the black bag is ready the cases piled up and ready to be emptied, and hubby is on orders to ditch the bag before I change my mind. It is not like I don't have a good collection of quality make up that I have recently collected. and from various sales. Recently I have given some people my less popular nail polishes that may have been used once. That was easier than this as I see this as waste and in a way it is.
What it will make me do is not by excessive amounts of make up and instead buying what I will use, rather than what I might use. Wish me luck.
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Final delivery of the sales
So it finally arrived, my Bayliss and Harding sets. To say I am happy with it is an understatement. Both sets are better than their pictures.
The gingerbread bubble bath is all sparkly and golden, that is enough to bring out the magpie in me. Although I am not impressed with the amount of plastic in the packaging, but that's just me being adverse to packing. That said the actual courier packaging was minimal. As I said before I winced at the delivery charge, the advantage of UPS was I was able to track the speedy delivery. The only downside was the fact they couldn't give me any time other than between 8am and 7pm today. There was a facility to arrange for another day delivery or to be added into Royal Mail parcels.
I do he a soft spot for Bayliss and Harding products ever since I kind of left a certain hotel with a bottle of their hand wash after a stay. So this sale was a godsend of a find.Having been so impressed this year with the sales purchase I have made a decision to pop £10 away every month towards next years sales and buying enough of the stuff I like to last me through the year. Over all I have spent under £50 this year and managed to collect a couple of months worth of bath and skin care and even more of perfume. So if I stick to my plan I could buy double that and sort out most of the basics for the year.
For those who are still thinking of how to spend their Christmas money it is still worth having a quick browse on line. The on line shops haven't yet got those Easter egg temptations in yet :)
The gingerbread bubble bath is all sparkly and golden, that is enough to bring out the magpie in me. Although I am not impressed with the amount of plastic in the packaging, but that's just me being adverse to packing. That said the actual courier packaging was minimal. As I said before I winced at the delivery charge, the advantage of UPS was I was able to track the speedy delivery. The only downside was the fact they couldn't give me any time other than between 8am and 7pm today. There was a facility to arrange for another day delivery or to be added into Royal Mail parcels.
I do he a soft spot for Bayliss and Harding products ever since I kind of left a certain hotel with a bottle of their hand wash after a stay. So this sale was a godsend of a find.Having been so impressed this year with the sales purchase I have made a decision to pop £10 away every month towards next years sales and buying enough of the stuff I like to last me through the year. Over all I have spent under £50 this year and managed to collect a couple of months worth of bath and skin care and even more of perfume. So if I stick to my plan I could buy double that and sort out most of the basics for the year.
For those who are still thinking of how to spend their Christmas money it is still worth having a quick browse on line. The on line shops haven't yet got those Easter egg temptations in yet :)
Is there an alternative to antibotics
I have a long history with these dreaded tablets to the point I am one of the weird people who actually cheer when the doctor says I don't need them. I have ended up in hospital reacting to them, but in the same breath without them I would have been dead two decades ago.
That brief history aside I am back on them thanks to the nasty virus over the festive season. The trouble after a period of 49 courses of antibiotics in 38 months I went cold turkey. You see I was one of the swine flu sufferers that never fully recovered. Now having not been close to a tablet in 17 months my body has taken offence to them. What people don't understand is that the way the tablets work is they don't just attack the infection, but instead the whole of the body's immunity. So having spent months rebuilding, my body is fighting back. End result is my body thinks I am poisoning it and I have spent the last day or so trying to keep food and fluid down, and actually feeling iller than I did before.
Having just about managed a conversation with my beloved GP, I am having to complete the course, because I have so many antibiotics I can't take I dare not risk developing an immunity to another. But after this I face a month of tonics and tablets to rebuild. As from tomorrow I am having to take iron, AC and E vitamins and probably something else to rebuild. I have also been given a list of herbal alternatives to cold and flu medication to try and balance my body.
I know I have a very weakened system anyway from other things including illness and apparently genetics, so even the NHS is thinking there has to be another way to treat me. For the moment though every one has their nose in books working out what works with what and how not to block the medication I am already on.
For now though I am trying to find a cure to sickness that is ruling my life, anyone else for ginger tea?
That brief history aside I am back on them thanks to the nasty virus over the festive season. The trouble after a period of 49 courses of antibiotics in 38 months I went cold turkey. You see I was one of the swine flu sufferers that never fully recovered. Now having not been close to a tablet in 17 months my body has taken offence to them. What people don't understand is that the way the tablets work is they don't just attack the infection, but instead the whole of the body's immunity. So having spent months rebuilding, my body is fighting back. End result is my body thinks I am poisoning it and I have spent the last day or so trying to keep food and fluid down, and actually feeling iller than I did before.
Having just about managed a conversation with my beloved GP, I am having to complete the course, because I have so many antibiotics I can't take I dare not risk developing an immunity to another. But after this I face a month of tonics and tablets to rebuild. As from tomorrow I am having to take iron, AC and E vitamins and probably something else to rebuild. I have also been given a list of herbal alternatives to cold and flu medication to try and balance my body.
I know I have a very weakened system anyway from other things including illness and apparently genetics, so even the NHS is thinking there has to be another way to treat me. For the moment though every one has their nose in books working out what works with what and how not to block the medication I am already on.
For now though I am trying to find a cure to sickness that is ruling my life, anyone else for ginger tea?
What snow?
I am probably going to regret typing this, but whilst there is snow in nearly everywhere in Britain, my little corner of the world is just a little damp and cold.
Don't think I am gloating, in honesty I am a little let down. Not that I would actually enjoy snow far from it. But I seem to live in the most over prepared area of London, if not Britain. There are gritters out ready, more twitter notifications than my time line can cope with and and general feel of military organisation. Some times, like this, I feel so proud of my borough. That is why I would be so loathed to leave this area. Even our own MP is updating us of what is in place. That is one MPs phone bill I don't mind paying in my taxes! He was even out in a local town in the cold, ready for questions and advice. Apparently he is there once a month with out fail on a Saturday.
Anyway back to the the point, the weather, or rather lack of it. I am busy watching pictures of iced white landscapes. Yes they are pretty, I have my own snaps of a beautiful landscape round here the last time it snowed. But there is the flip side. With the snow comes the chaos of closed schools and the problems that causes for parents. More concerning is the driving in these conditions. As a driver who learnt the hard way how to drive in snow I am very cautious about it. My first driving experience of snow, was in a foot of snow in a mark one ford escort with the heating capacity of a small flea. I won't deny it was scary and taught me the hard way sometimes you just have to brave it and go at the speed of your own capabilities. Over the years I have had to drive in snow, and once even spun the car in a double 360 and ended up facing a wall. Not because I was speeding I was doing 5 miles an hour, but instead because I ended up on sheer ice patch as I turned the corner. It was probably because I was going so slowly that meant both me and the car were unhurt.
It isn't just snow that we Brits seem to have problems with. I have lived through both of the hurricanes in the 1980s. The first one I slept through, like most of the country, the second I was trying to get home from college. That was scary the trains stopped as it was too dangerous to run and we had to get a bus the last two miles home. Just getting to the bus stop was bad enough a shop window blew out right beside us, by window I mean half a shop front. When we finally got to the bus the only room was on the top, How I wish I had never been on that bus. Because it was from the top of the bus we saw a tree come down onto a car. As it was my stop I hopped off and the local shop I worked in on a Saturday was on my short walk home from there. Instead of getting home they asked me to go in and cover the till. I had no idea why they would want me to do that, especially considering that tree having just come down in the school opposite. Until some one came in crying and asking for a mug of tea. Then the reality hit, that tree I had just seen fall had just killed a child in that car.
Thinking back it makes me realise how little we as a nation understand what to do in extreme weather, or how to drive in it.. There is a few fundamental problems with our system, the main one being the lack of coverage of adverse conditions in the driving test. Or common sense of how to deal with travelling in a high wind. At the end of the day we are an island nation, anything can happen in the blink of an eye.
So yeah I am grateful we have no snow in my area, but I am well aware I could wake up in a winter wonderland tomorrow.
Don't think I am gloating, in honesty I am a little let down. Not that I would actually enjoy snow far from it. But I seem to live in the most over prepared area of London, if not Britain. There are gritters out ready, more twitter notifications than my time line can cope with and and general feel of military organisation. Some times, like this, I feel so proud of my borough. That is why I would be so loathed to leave this area. Even our own MP is updating us of what is in place. That is one MPs phone bill I don't mind paying in my taxes! He was even out in a local town in the cold, ready for questions and advice. Apparently he is there once a month with out fail on a Saturday.
Anyway back to the the point, the weather, or rather lack of it. I am busy watching pictures of iced white landscapes. Yes they are pretty, I have my own snaps of a beautiful landscape round here the last time it snowed. But there is the flip side. With the snow comes the chaos of closed schools and the problems that causes for parents. More concerning is the driving in these conditions. As a driver who learnt the hard way how to drive in snow I am very cautious about it. My first driving experience of snow, was in a foot of snow in a mark one ford escort with the heating capacity of a small flea. I won't deny it was scary and taught me the hard way sometimes you just have to brave it and go at the speed of your own capabilities. Over the years I have had to drive in snow, and once even spun the car in a double 360 and ended up facing a wall. Not because I was speeding I was doing 5 miles an hour, but instead because I ended up on sheer ice patch as I turned the corner. It was probably because I was going so slowly that meant both me and the car were unhurt.
It isn't just snow that we Brits seem to have problems with. I have lived through both of the hurricanes in the 1980s. The first one I slept through, like most of the country, the second I was trying to get home from college. That was scary the trains stopped as it was too dangerous to run and we had to get a bus the last two miles home. Just getting to the bus stop was bad enough a shop window blew out right beside us, by window I mean half a shop front. When we finally got to the bus the only room was on the top, How I wish I had never been on that bus. Because it was from the top of the bus we saw a tree come down onto a car. As it was my stop I hopped off and the local shop I worked in on a Saturday was on my short walk home from there. Instead of getting home they asked me to go in and cover the till. I had no idea why they would want me to do that, especially considering that tree having just come down in the school opposite. Until some one came in crying and asking for a mug of tea. Then the reality hit, that tree I had just seen fall had just killed a child in that car.
Thinking back it makes me realise how little we as a nation understand what to do in extreme weather, or how to drive in it.. There is a few fundamental problems with our system, the main one being the lack of coverage of adverse conditions in the driving test. Or common sense of how to deal with travelling in a high wind. At the end of the day we are an island nation, anything can happen in the blink of an eye.
So yeah I am grateful we have no snow in my area, but I am well aware I could wake up in a winter wonderland tomorrow.
Monday, 14 January 2013
O2 arena needs to sort it out
Last nights show was amazing, however the overall quality of service at the O2 is dire. How I wish what I was about to type was a fabrication, exaggeration or even a mash up of all the times I have been there. Unfortunately not this is just one night.
First of all lets be clear this is the first time I have been back there since being registered disabled so I am seeing things with new eyes. So when I found my beloved Starbucks had made its toilet locked. I was far from happy and with the amount of people in there the chance of getting a key was low. I ended up with my friend hopping out and down to the Costa Coffee. Even when we went for a wander the nearest loos are half way down the arcade if you are in the food court.
Then there is the food court. All very well if you want a full meal. Absolutely useless if you want a sandwich. Unless you want a gourmet sandwich with some weird insides and a price tag of £6 !. Yes there is Starbucks, but apart from the £4 price tag there is the issue of finding a seat. As the 2nd quieter branch in the food court is no more. No if you want a snack, you either walk half way back to the car park to get Subway or you wait till you get inside. There is plenty of choice but the price is crazy. Who the hell thinks £4 for a bag of minstrels is acceptable I don't know or £3.40 for a portion of chips half the size of normal portions is going to get much trade. And because of of the security policy of the O2 you can't take your Starbucks through, no you have to buy the coffee inside the arena. Nearly £4 for instant Nescafe that's is so strong it is bitter is a joke. Not even the NEC or Excel charge that much. It gets worse, but I will leave that till last.
Right when we bought these tickets I wasn't registered disabled, so we called the O2 and asked if we could exchange them for more accessible seats. The reason being the O2 has the steps there are stupidly steep and there isn't a hand rail in sight. Anyway we got told go to customer service and they should be able to exchange them. Once we found said customer service (here is a clue it is not the ticket office or anywhere on the outer court). They did exchange the tickets however we paid for 2nd to front row seats and we ended up with back row tickets. Why? Because all the disabled seating is there, and that is all they can do. So be warned if you are of limited movement you will end up in the back row of the middle level.
Finally, and this is going to shock you, be careful about the food in the snack places round the arena. My friend ordered Chinese, some chicken and rice dish. As they went to give it to her, the chef yelled at the counter staff, that he thought they put too much in the carton. which had rice at the bottom and then the chicken mix at the top. The chef then demand the counter staff weigh the carton and as it was over weight scoop the chicken mix out until it was the correct weight. Regardless of the fact it may well have been too much rice in it. That is bad enough, but what happened to the removed contents went far further to the point it broke all health and safety rules. They returned the extra contents back to the hot plates to be dished up for some one else. First of all ethically the dish was over served it should have been either sold as is or discarded and new dish served. But legally if any contents is deemed as waste or surplus, especially either poultry and rice, it has to be thrown away not returned to the hot plate. Chicken has to remain a constant measured temperature due to salmonella. But rice is as dangerous and has to be treated in the same way. The fact that the chicken had been in contact with the rice there is absolutely no way it should had been returned to the heated dish. The chances of that whole hot plate of chicken being contaminated with one or both nasties was now so high.
Don't get me wrong I loved the show and would go back again for anything I want to see. But as far as sorting tickets, and the food there I will take precautions to avoid this shambles. As for the Chinese snack counter I am seriously debating reporting them for breaking every food hygiene rule in the book.
First of all lets be clear this is the first time I have been back there since being registered disabled so I am seeing things with new eyes. So when I found my beloved Starbucks had made its toilet locked. I was far from happy and with the amount of people in there the chance of getting a key was low. I ended up with my friend hopping out and down to the Costa Coffee. Even when we went for a wander the nearest loos are half way down the arcade if you are in the food court.
Then there is the food court. All very well if you want a full meal. Absolutely useless if you want a sandwich. Unless you want a gourmet sandwich with some weird insides and a price tag of £6 !. Yes there is Starbucks, but apart from the £4 price tag there is the issue of finding a seat. As the 2nd quieter branch in the food court is no more. No if you want a snack, you either walk half way back to the car park to get Subway or you wait till you get inside. There is plenty of choice but the price is crazy. Who the hell thinks £4 for a bag of minstrels is acceptable I don't know or £3.40 for a portion of chips half the size of normal portions is going to get much trade. And because of of the security policy of the O2 you can't take your Starbucks through, no you have to buy the coffee inside the arena. Nearly £4 for instant Nescafe that's is so strong it is bitter is a joke. Not even the NEC or Excel charge that much. It gets worse, but I will leave that till last.
Right when we bought these tickets I wasn't registered disabled, so we called the O2 and asked if we could exchange them for more accessible seats. The reason being the O2 has the steps there are stupidly steep and there isn't a hand rail in sight. Anyway we got told go to customer service and they should be able to exchange them. Once we found said customer service (here is a clue it is not the ticket office or anywhere on the outer court). They did exchange the tickets however we paid for 2nd to front row seats and we ended up with back row tickets. Why? Because all the disabled seating is there, and that is all they can do. So be warned if you are of limited movement you will end up in the back row of the middle level.
Finally, and this is going to shock you, be careful about the food in the snack places round the arena. My friend ordered Chinese, some chicken and rice dish. As they went to give it to her, the chef yelled at the counter staff, that he thought they put too much in the carton. which had rice at the bottom and then the chicken mix at the top. The chef then demand the counter staff weigh the carton and as it was over weight scoop the chicken mix out until it was the correct weight. Regardless of the fact it may well have been too much rice in it. That is bad enough, but what happened to the removed contents went far further to the point it broke all health and safety rules. They returned the extra contents back to the hot plates to be dished up for some one else. First of all ethically the dish was over served it should have been either sold as is or discarded and new dish served. But legally if any contents is deemed as waste or surplus, especially either poultry and rice, it has to be thrown away not returned to the hot plate. Chicken has to remain a constant measured temperature due to salmonella. But rice is as dangerous and has to be treated in the same way. The fact that the chicken had been in contact with the rice there is absolutely no way it should had been returned to the heated dish. The chances of that whole hot plate of chicken being contaminated with one or both nasties was now so high.
Don't get me wrong I loved the show and would go back again for anything I want to see. But as far as sorting tickets, and the food there I will take precautions to avoid this shambles. As for the Chinese snack counter I am seriously debating reporting them for breaking every food hygiene rule in the book.
Sunday, 13 January 2013
ArenaCross
I have just returned from a wonderful evening of motor cross and FMX at the O2, which was full of thrills, spills and no major injuries. The perfect evening and I swear I smell of two stroke.
However it has got me thinking, is motor sport the new gladiators in the Colosseum? Are the drifters and motor cross riders the new chariot races. Not that I think that is a bad thing, because as a rule it is a little less blood thirsty than the original version. But how far have we humans truly progressed. We still have the thrill seekers who live on the edge, craving that adrenaline rush, and we still have the pacifists happy to sit back and watch.
It is an odd thing that we as a race develop and increase the technology in our lives, but our need for that adrenaline high never leaves us. We no longer have to run from dinosaurs, or even forced to watch a massacre to please an emperor. But we do like to have the rush as we watch people race and flip and sometimes crash, living on the edge for those minutes.
There is many a sociological study into this, but for me, I just love it. I love watching bikes flipping in the air, or cars going sideways in a synchronised manoeuvre. Last night did not disappoint. Sure there were a few hairy moments where bikes and riders parted company, and as the winners were interviewed, even the youngest at 7 years old said it is scary. But that is the whole point, it would be boring if it wasn't. To be truthful, I doubt there was a member of the audience who wasn't a bit envious, I know I would love to try it if just once.
For just that reason this was the first of the year but not the last, until next time :)
However it has got me thinking, is motor sport the new gladiators in the Colosseum? Are the drifters and motor cross riders the new chariot races. Not that I think that is a bad thing, because as a rule it is a little less blood thirsty than the original version. But how far have we humans truly progressed. We still have the thrill seekers who live on the edge, craving that adrenaline rush, and we still have the pacifists happy to sit back and watch.
It is an odd thing that we as a race develop and increase the technology in our lives, but our need for that adrenaline high never leaves us. We no longer have to run from dinosaurs, or even forced to watch a massacre to please an emperor. But we do like to have the rush as we watch people race and flip and sometimes crash, living on the edge for those minutes.
There is many a sociological study into this, but for me, I just love it. I love watching bikes flipping in the air, or cars going sideways in a synchronised manoeuvre. Last night did not disappoint. Sure there were a few hairy moments where bikes and riders parted company, and as the winners were interviewed, even the youngest at 7 years old said it is scary. But that is the whole point, it would be boring if it wasn't. To be truthful, I doubt there was a member of the audience who wasn't a bit envious, I know I would love to try it if just once.
For just that reason this was the first of the year but not the last, until next time :)
Surprised by the sales
I cheated, and freely admit it.. I refused to go sales shopping I used the wonderful inter web and it has been surprising impressed.
First of all I gave into temptation and used L'Ocitane mail order and finally bought my Angelica starter set to get my skin sorted. I also bought a lavender hand gel for days out and about, and used my free shea butter hand cream voucher. So I was expecting a nice little package, however as I ticked the free gift wrap I expected it to arrive in one bit.. What I didn't expect was the hand packed gift box it arrived in. Talk about caring for the customer L'Ocitane goes that extra mile. If you ever want to send a pre wrapped present via their web site I can't recommend the site enough. They did say it would arrive 5-7 working days, mine arrive in less than 3 I ordered late on the 9th and by 11 am on the 12th in was in my hands.
Then I got an email I could not resist, Bayliss and Harding online has 50% of Christmas stock. So off I went for a browse, well who wouldn't? Anyway unsurprisingly the original set I had my eyes on was gone, but inside I picked up a set of gingerbread bath foam and vanilla frosting body cream for £4 instead of £8 and a vanilla frosting foot cream with soft socks for £3 instead of £6. Available here http://baylisandharding.com/SALE?range=97%2C112%2C136 . Granted UPS postage is a little high and there is no other option but if you are stocking up it will be worth it. The only let down is there isn't a given delivery time rang so it is case of sit and wait.
So now I am guarding the mail box waiting for the delivery of my little treats. But it certainly beats the crush of people and bitter cold. As we are all facing snow I can't imagine doing my shopping any other way.
First of all I gave into temptation and used L'Ocitane mail order and finally bought my Angelica starter set to get my skin sorted. I also bought a lavender hand gel for days out and about, and used my free shea butter hand cream voucher. So I was expecting a nice little package, however as I ticked the free gift wrap I expected it to arrive in one bit.. What I didn't expect was the hand packed gift box it arrived in. Talk about caring for the customer L'Ocitane goes that extra mile. If you ever want to send a pre wrapped present via their web site I can't recommend the site enough. They did say it would arrive 5-7 working days, mine arrive in less than 3 I ordered late on the 9th and by 11 am on the 12th in was in my hands.
Then I got an email I could not resist, Bayliss and Harding online has 50% of Christmas stock. So off I went for a browse, well who wouldn't? Anyway unsurprisingly the original set I had my eyes on was gone, but inside I picked up a set of gingerbread bath foam and vanilla frosting body cream for £4 instead of £8 and a vanilla frosting foot cream with soft socks for £3 instead of £6. Available here http://baylisandharding.com/SALE?range=97%2C112%2C136 . Granted UPS postage is a little high and there is no other option but if you are stocking up it will be worth it. The only let down is there isn't a given delivery time rang so it is case of sit and wait.
So now I am guarding the mail box waiting for the delivery of my little treats. But it certainly beats the crush of people and bitter cold. As we are all facing snow I can't imagine doing my shopping any other way.
Friday, 11 January 2013
Petrol Heads weekend
Well for all us motor fanatics it is going to be a busy weekend. There is Autocross at the O2 where I am heading tomorrow and there is Autosport at the NEC all weekend as well.
As I have yet to get to Autosport, I would love to hear how it goes, although I hear from others it often leaves a lot to be desired in organisation, it still sounds like fun. Up to yesterday I was still tempted to through caution to the wind and bomb up there on Sunday. However hearing the ominous weather reports, perhaps that may not be the wisest idea.
So I am heading off to Autocross in London. Far nearer to home and with multiple routes home if the snow hits. I am looking forward to the evening as it is the nearest I will get to see something like the x fighters that you see on TV. I will no doubt be amazed and awestruck by these people defying gravity and common sense. I am under no doubt I will end up feeling sick with nerves at some of these moves, but I see it like this. Some people love scary movies or roller coaster rides, I like fast and creative motor sports.
My only regret is the fact that the two events are on the same weekend so early in the year that the weather could prevent people getting from one to other. I would love to catch up with some mates at Autosport but it isn't going to happen. So where ever you are and which ever event you have planned at the weekend I hope you enjoy it. I know I will.
As I have yet to get to Autosport, I would love to hear how it goes, although I hear from others it often leaves a lot to be desired in organisation, it still sounds like fun. Up to yesterday I was still tempted to through caution to the wind and bomb up there on Sunday. However hearing the ominous weather reports, perhaps that may not be the wisest idea.
So I am heading off to Autocross in London. Far nearer to home and with multiple routes home if the snow hits. I am looking forward to the evening as it is the nearest I will get to see something like the x fighters that you see on TV. I will no doubt be amazed and awestruck by these people defying gravity and common sense. I am under no doubt I will end up feeling sick with nerves at some of these moves, but I see it like this. Some people love scary movies or roller coaster rides, I like fast and creative motor sports.
My only regret is the fact that the two events are on the same weekend so early in the year that the weather could prevent people getting from one to other. I would love to catch up with some mates at Autosport but it isn't going to happen. So where ever you are and which ever event you have planned at the weekend I hope you enjoy it. I know I will.
My taste in perfum apex
For those who are interested my usual fragrance choices are
Thierry Muglerr Angel
A rich and heady vanilla and honey scent. Pries from around £29.99.
Coty L'aimant
A more old style perfume hard to describe but brings back memories of Hollywood elegance and 1920s style Prices start from £10 a bottle or if you are lucky some independent chemists sell gift sets from £7.99 upwards
For the more everyday fragrance I tend to use Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy. It is a mix of Blueberry and other wild fruits, Not my favourite but reliable if in doubt, Prices start from £15.00
Avon Secret fantasy range. Light floral fragrance's, lovely for changing seasons to spring summer time.
This comes in original, star and tease and prices start at £5.50 a bottle when on offer 2 for £1l available exclusively at avon.co.uk
And finally 4711. an old school cologne. Very useful in the hot summer months as it is refreshing and light. This was even my grandma's favourite so it is an old recipe, not for all types. Although it is worth trying the cologne sticks if getting over hot abroad or if we are lucky to see sun this year. It is very cooling. Prices vary on product but can be found for as little as £4.99.
Thierry Muglerr Angel
A rich and heady vanilla and honey scent. Pries from around £29.99. Coty L'aimant
A more old style perfume hard to describe but brings back memories of Hollywood elegance and 1920s style Prices start from £10 a bottle or if you are lucky some independent chemists sell gift sets from £7.99 upwards
For the more everyday fragrance I tend to use Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy. It is a mix of Blueberry and other wild fruits, Not my favourite but reliable if in doubt, Prices start from £15.00
Avon Secret fantasy range. Light floral fragrance's, lovely for changing seasons to spring summer time.
And finally 4711. an old school cologne. Very useful in the hot summer months as it is refreshing and light. This was even my grandma's favourite so it is an old recipe, not for all types. Although it is worth trying the cologne sticks if getting over hot abroad or if we are lucky to see sun this year. It is very cooling. Prices vary on product but can be found for as little as £4.99.
Harajuku Snow Bunnies G
From the start I am not lover of celebrity perfumes. With the exception of may Britney Spears midnight fantasy, I find them either insipidly sweet or they come across like some cleaning product. In fact my likes in perfume are so limited I may just given an apex to them ..
With this in mind I was more than a little concerned with trying this limited edition. But with a hubby arm twist, and he offering to pick up the tab, it would have been rude not to. The little package arrived today and semi excitedly I opened it up. The bottle is cute enough in a quirky and cute, although as rule I am not doll lover, it has this whole Japanese feel to it. It is one of a whole range of Harajuku perfumes brought out by Gwen Stenfani, but it isn't packaged as a celebrity perfume. Now that was refreshing, as was the smell of the perfume itself. When applied you get an instantl blast of vanilla, but not a sickly scent. Then as it warms up I can smell water lilies. I would describe it as lightly feminine with out being over sweet.
I had a little read and found out it was made by Coty, a brand I love so I am now less surprised I like it. For once I have come across a perfume, marketed under the celebrity label that is a delight to wear and even worth the price tag. It is just a shame this is a limited edition and probably not around for much longer. I may have to twist hubby's arm and get him to buy another bottle and store it in the back of his wardrobe for next birthday.
After looking around I found there is more than one set of these perfumes. The trick is to choose which character in the range you like then, look for the other editions of that character. In my case I like the G character as I love vanilla based perfumes. So I may try out the Jingle G or the Lovers G, apparently the Wicked G or the G of the sea are more apple based The other G is sunshine cuties which I may look at. But there are other character Love, Music, Lil Angel and Baby, so there is a character for everyone I think.
I am not saying this will be your dream range and you will love them to death. But for a light every day perfume and a change from your day to day favourite, it is a nice change. During my little look around an inexpensive one as you can pick up bottles on ebay and discount fragrance sites for anything between £5 and £15. So if nothing else it would be a nice little gift..
With this in mind I was more than a little concerned with trying this limited edition. But with a hubby arm twist, and he offering to pick up the tab, it would have been rude not to. The little package arrived today and semi excitedly I opened it up. The bottle is cute enough in a quirky and cute, although as rule I am not doll lover, it has this whole Japanese feel to it. It is one of a whole range of Harajuku perfumes brought out by Gwen Stenfani, but it isn't packaged as a celebrity perfume. Now that was refreshing, as was the smell of the perfume itself. When applied you get an instantl blast of vanilla, but not a sickly scent. Then as it warms up I can smell water lilies. I would describe it as lightly feminine with out being over sweet.
I had a little read and found out it was made by Coty, a brand I love so I am now less surprised I like it. For once I have come across a perfume, marketed under the celebrity label that is a delight to wear and even worth the price tag. It is just a shame this is a limited edition and probably not around for much longer. I may have to twist hubby's arm and get him to buy another bottle and store it in the back of his wardrobe for next birthday.
I am not saying this will be your dream range and you will love them to death. But for a light every day perfume and a change from your day to day favourite, it is a nice change. During my little look around an inexpensive one as you can pick up bottles on ebay and discount fragrance sites for anything between £5 and £15. So if nothing else it would be a nice little gift..
Drunk on medication
If I was honest to myself, this was building up yesterday, but today I am physically having to force myself to stay conscious. The build of pain killers was livable, but now I am on antibiotics as well my body is trying to shut down to heal.
At the moment I am literally perched on the edge of my bed forcing myself to do something. But as I can barely see straight even typing this blog is proving sheer hard work. The trouble is you can get to a status quo with medication, where everything is balanced and ticking along nicely, then you have to add something into the mix and the whole system goes cuckoo, and leaves the person taking the medication in a form of drunken stupor.
I could legally get behind the wheel of a car, but I wouldn't dare as I feel worse than I would after an entire bottle of red wine. My reflexes are so slow, and my visibility is poor. But most of all I feel so out of it I could sleep all day.
I was only just able to function to check the post. Which is more than unusual as I received the most beautiful burgundy wine. It is light weight and yet soft and warm, absolutely ideal for the promised cold snap. But unlike most purchases I can't get enthused about it, I just have not the energy.
So I don't know what the day may hold, but for the moment good night all.
At the moment I am literally perched on the edge of my bed forcing myself to do something. But as I can barely see straight even typing this blog is proving sheer hard work. The trouble is you can get to a status quo with medication, where everything is balanced and ticking along nicely, then you have to add something into the mix and the whole system goes cuckoo, and leaves the person taking the medication in a form of drunken stupor.
I could legally get behind the wheel of a car, but I wouldn't dare as I feel worse than I would after an entire bottle of red wine. My reflexes are so slow, and my visibility is poor. But most of all I feel so out of it I could sleep all day.
I was only just able to function to check the post. Which is more than unusual as I received the most beautiful burgundy wine. It is light weight and yet soft and warm, absolutely ideal for the promised cold snap. But unlike most purchases I can't get enthused about it, I just have not the energy.
So I don't know what the day may hold, but for the moment good night all.
Little bath treat
I came across a little gift set from body shop today, or rather I won one. It is a little cube containing chocomania gifts and it is delightful.
Now years ago I used to be a body shop junkie, I swore by the liquorice bubble bath and the milk soaks and became very upset when they discontinued both products. But these were the days before Lush, L'occitane, and all the other mainstream brands we now have. Over the years Body Shop has kind of fallen into the background. Occasionally I have nipped in a shop to see what is available, and ordered a couple of body butters. I have more recently enjoyed the dreams range and love perfume, but I haven't been excited by anything.
That was till I won this set. It has a shower gel, mini heart soap and 2 small bath Lily's. Now I am not a fan of bath Lily's as I find them very scratchy, but the other two bits smell gorgeous. However not in the sickly way some chocolate ranges do. It smells more like coco butter than dairy milk.and I can't wait to soak in it.the range is available here http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/chocomania.aspx
I have been sorely missing N-SPA range of chocolate, ginger bread and toffee, bath treats. As I used to swear by them from late Autumn till spring. Benefit do a nice enough gingerbread replacement, but up till now I hadn't found a good chocolate one.prices start from £2 for a soap up to £13 for the body butter. The range covers all bases beatifying oil, body scrub even a lip butter.
If you have a sweet tooth but given up chocolate for the new year here is a great substitute.
For a body shop giveaway read this blog http://littleboblab.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-20k-views-giveaway.html
Now years ago I used to be a body shop junkie, I swore by the liquorice bubble bath and the milk soaks and became very upset when they discontinued both products. But these were the days before Lush, L'occitane, and all the other mainstream brands we now have. Over the years Body Shop has kind of fallen into the background. Occasionally I have nipped in a shop to see what is available, and ordered a couple of body butters. I have more recently enjoyed the dreams range and love perfume, but I haven't been excited by anything.
That was till I won this set. It has a shower gel, mini heart soap and 2 small bath Lily's. Now I am not a fan of bath Lily's as I find them very scratchy, but the other two bits smell gorgeous. However not in the sickly way some chocolate ranges do. It smells more like coco butter than dairy milk.and I can't wait to soak in it.the range is available here http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/chocomania.aspx
I have been sorely missing N-SPA range of chocolate, ginger bread and toffee, bath treats. As I used to swear by them from late Autumn till spring. Benefit do a nice enough gingerbread replacement, but up till now I hadn't found a good chocolate one.prices start from £2 for a soap up to £13 for the body butter. The range covers all bases beatifying oil, body scrub even a lip butter.
If you have a sweet tooth but given up chocolate for the new year here is a great substitute.
For a body shop giveaway read this blog http://littleboblab.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-20k-views-giveaway.html
What can be achieved from under a duvet
My day of sensible reading and television has paid off. In one day I have mastered the 1st stitch in crotchet, something that up to know has been a total brain malfunction. I have learnt a bit more English history, including the Plantagenet's, an era that total baffles me.And some how agreed to help man my church's coffee bar one afternoon a week. That last bit was due to extreme arm bending.
But it does go to prove how much can be achieved, even on a duvet day, and does not include the small bit of L'Ocitane shopping I did on line. But by turning off the junk TV and putting the glossy magazines aside I actually learnt something today. Apparently tomorrow has also been ordered as a duvet day due the fact my feet are still bad. So I wonder what possibilities are held in that. I want to finally get my history complete. Tomorrow may have to be the house of Hanover, and step two of my crotchet, that way I will achieve some more.
It reminds me of the old sampler we have from one of my distant relations who wasn't of strong constitution. She used to make samplers to kill her boredom in a time that had gas lamps and no electricity. From her sick bed she made these gorgeous cross stitch samplers of her work. In time she did recover and made her career as crafts woman in needle work. It is actually a talent I was lucky enough to inherit, but I didn't inherit any of the patience of those before me. May be I am victim of this post modernity world we live in, that my brain was everything to go faster. Or it could be the fact that I am all to aware of the fact I have cheated death more times than is fair, and one day it will bite back.
However I have gained one thing from the relative who did the sampler, my writing as with everything else I hae done will be available to those after me, unlike my grand mother who after an 8 year battle with cancer decided in her last days to destroy all her poetry she had written. As a fellow poet I would have loved to see and read her work. In the way we have grandads, and all my great aunts on both sides art work. It would take a miracle for me to have off spring but I have god children and 2nd cousins who can inherit this.
As for the prospects of duvet days, they are just another day to learn more and document more, after all we are remembered for what we do not how long we are here.
But it does go to prove how much can be achieved, even on a duvet day, and does not include the small bit of L'Ocitane shopping I did on line. But by turning off the junk TV and putting the glossy magazines aside I actually learnt something today. Apparently tomorrow has also been ordered as a duvet day due the fact my feet are still bad. So I wonder what possibilities are held in that. I want to finally get my history complete. Tomorrow may have to be the house of Hanover, and step two of my crotchet, that way I will achieve some more.
It reminds me of the old sampler we have from one of my distant relations who wasn't of strong constitution. She used to make samplers to kill her boredom in a time that had gas lamps and no electricity. From her sick bed she made these gorgeous cross stitch samplers of her work. In time she did recover and made her career as crafts woman in needle work. It is actually a talent I was lucky enough to inherit, but I didn't inherit any of the patience of those before me. May be I am victim of this post modernity world we live in, that my brain was everything to go faster. Or it could be the fact that I am all to aware of the fact I have cheated death more times than is fair, and one day it will bite back.
However I have gained one thing from the relative who did the sampler, my writing as with everything else I hae done will be available to those after me, unlike my grand mother who after an 8 year battle with cancer decided in her last days to destroy all her poetry she had written. As a fellow poet I would have loved to see and read her work. In the way we have grandads, and all my great aunts on both sides art work. It would take a miracle for me to have off spring but I have god children and 2nd cousins who can inherit this.
As for the prospects of duvet days, they are just another day to learn more and document more, after all we are remembered for what we do not how long we are here.
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Back to the duvet
Considering the last few days activity why am I surprised I am back in my bed? But as I am off out to a bike show on Saturday, I have to be sensible and do what my GP says, especially with busted feet.
Said feet are currently resembling flumps with varying shades of blue, purple and yellow developing on them. My very caring GP has called to tell me that there is possible tears in a couple of the ligaments, but the muscles are intact, just badly bruised. That translates in medical talk to, nothing can be done but rest and let them heal naturally.
Lovely but I am not the most patient person in the world, and I am bored already. Not to mention there are jobs lining up that won't do themselves. So the idea of 6 weeks rest is impossible. I just hope that this one day off will at least reduce the swelling enough that Saturday won't be plagued with pain.
In the mean time I am getting thoroughly fed up with day time television and having to stop myself spending money on the shopping list I have. Instead I am reading and getting inspired for writing more blogs. Duvet days are the biggest inconvenience in my life, however the time doesn't have to be wasteful. So back to the reading for me.. this duvet is warm though.
Said feet are currently resembling flumps with varying shades of blue, purple and yellow developing on them. My very caring GP has called to tell me that there is possible tears in a couple of the ligaments, but the muscles are intact, just badly bruised. That translates in medical talk to, nothing can be done but rest and let them heal naturally.
Lovely but I am not the most patient person in the world, and I am bored already. Not to mention there are jobs lining up that won't do themselves. So the idea of 6 weeks rest is impossible. I just hope that this one day off will at least reduce the swelling enough that Saturday won't be plagued with pain.
In the mean time I am getting thoroughly fed up with day time television and having to stop myself spending money on the shopping list I have. Instead I am reading and getting inspired for writing more blogs. Duvet days are the biggest inconvenience in my life, however the time doesn't have to be wasteful. So back to the reading for me.. this duvet is warm though.
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
If it is not broken why fix it
Well that is one way to put it. After a great run around and standing on crutches because no one thought I might need seat, I got my xrays done and all my feet bones are apparently intact. So there is nothing they can do.
Well that last bit isn't quite right, they said there is a lot of swelling, one foot has a tinge of blue (their words not mine) and they suspect extensive ligament and muscle damage. However as I was sent to the hospital with suspected breaks they won't treat me until my GP fills in the forms for the MRI scan to confirm this. All because I went to my GP 1st, had I gone to A & E 1st they would have treated it there and then. If ever I could have screamed now would have been a good day. This is the system gone mad.
So I did what the hospital suggested and phoned GP, but he can't do anything till he gets the email of the xrays, before he can advise further. In the mean time I had very painful swollen feet. Doctors advice was rest, and elevate and he will ring asap so I am not kept in further pain. At least one person noticed that bit. Although I am now questioning the observation skills of our hospitals as I was offered a pair of crutches at the cost of £12 deposit, er yea right and what exactly were those things attached to my arms holding me up. Or am I meant to have one set for the back condition and another for the busted feet? If so am I missing a set of arms or something?
The whole day has just been a waste of time, I am in as much pain as I was, and now I am waiting for stage two, In the meantime I am rapidly losing faith in our medical workers, if they are so tired that they don't notice sticks they saw patients walking in on, and even move them out the way, what else are they missing.
In the mean time it is a case of pass the ice pack and can some one pass me a brandy please.
Well that last bit isn't quite right, they said there is a lot of swelling, one foot has a tinge of blue (their words not mine) and they suspect extensive ligament and muscle damage. However as I was sent to the hospital with suspected breaks they won't treat me until my GP fills in the forms for the MRI scan to confirm this. All because I went to my GP 1st, had I gone to A & E 1st they would have treated it there and then. If ever I could have screamed now would have been a good day. This is the system gone mad.
So I did what the hospital suggested and phoned GP, but he can't do anything till he gets the email of the xrays, before he can advise further. In the mean time I had very painful swollen feet. Doctors advice was rest, and elevate and he will ring asap so I am not kept in further pain. At least one person noticed that bit. Although I am now questioning the observation skills of our hospitals as I was offered a pair of crutches at the cost of £12 deposit, er yea right and what exactly were those things attached to my arms holding me up. Or am I meant to have one set for the back condition and another for the busted feet? If so am I missing a set of arms or something?
The whole day has just been a waste of time, I am in as much pain as I was, and now I am waiting for stage two, In the meantime I am rapidly losing faith in our medical workers, if they are so tired that they don't notice sticks they saw patients walking in on, and even move them out the way, what else are they missing.
In the mean time it is a case of pass the ice pack and can some one pass me a brandy please.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Oh Beeeeeeep!
So I have been complaining for the last couple of weeks about this virus, and you will have read about my little fall the other day. Well today it all caught up with me.
I was meant to be at the physiotherapist early this morning, but that never happened. Apart from the searing pain in both my feet, I had the migraine from hell again. So I gave up and booked in for my monthly review with my GP.
Well he fatted me in and with his usual 30 minute delay, he welcomed me with a happy new year. He soon learnt those weren't wise words. After brief tests on sinus my virus is now a sinus infection so that's antibiotics. Then came my little battered tootsies, I was expecting to be told badly bruised and sprained. Not issued with an xray form for both feet with the comment "I think she has broken bones in both feet". Oh joys, I really needed this as it would delay the physio on my back.
So tomorrow I am off to the hospital to find out. Personally I think it may be a torn ligament or two. But my GP pointed out I am on incredibly high pain relief and yet I am still in pain, that doesn't bode well. Still fingers crossed and I am not in plaster, I have things to do.
Not even a month into the new year and I am already ill and broken, still its not record, but one year it would be nice not to be battered up like this. But at least I am already on crutches I suppose.
I was meant to be at the physiotherapist early this morning, but that never happened. Apart from the searing pain in both my feet, I had the migraine from hell again. So I gave up and booked in for my monthly review with my GP.
Well he fatted me in and with his usual 30 minute delay, he welcomed me with a happy new year. He soon learnt those weren't wise words. After brief tests on sinus my virus is now a sinus infection so that's antibiotics. Then came my little battered tootsies, I was expecting to be told badly bruised and sprained. Not issued with an xray form for both feet with the comment "I think she has broken bones in both feet". Oh joys, I really needed this as it would delay the physio on my back.
So tomorrow I am off to the hospital to find out. Personally I think it may be a torn ligament or two. But my GP pointed out I am on incredibly high pain relief and yet I am still in pain, that doesn't bode well. Still fingers crossed and I am not in plaster, I have things to do.
Not even a month into the new year and I am already ill and broken, still its not record, but one year it would be nice not to be battered up like this. But at least I am already on crutches I suppose.
My 1st Laura Mercier set
It finally arrived 6 days from when I ordered it. My la petite patisserie quartet in creme de pistache, from SpaceNK and I am really happy.
I have never ordered from SpaceNK and to be honest I am still annoyed about the £5 delivery charge. So when I order next time I will make sure I order more than one thing to make it less painful. I am however impressed with this set and see why it was originally £25. so to get it in the sale for £12.50 was an absolute steal. The text I got at 10am was a shock telling me when it would be delivered and gave me 3 text options if this was inconvenient 1) leave with a neighbour (and it listed which one) 2) delivery on Weds or 3) delivery on Thurs. This was a pleasant surprise and appreciated, so was the driver who came. He was cheerful and patient, both unusual qualities in delivery drivers.
I couldn't wait to get into the well packaged box. Inside was not only my purchase but two free face masks. That was a more than a pleasant surprise and I will write them up separately. But the main package was a lovely black box, containing inside 4 items from the range. a body lotion, hand cream, body wash and perfume. Needless to say I couldn't resist trying the perfume. As advised it does start by smelling very like my all time favourite Thierry Mugler's Angel. But once warmed up it is a fraction less sweet, not that this is a bad thing. I have now a second favourite perfume in this, although like Angel it normally comes with a hefty price tag of £45 a bottle.
Unfortunately this set is now sold out but there is a fresh fig version still available at £20 http://uk.spacenk.com/PETIT-PATISSERIE-TRIO-%28Fresh-Fig%29/MUK200008625,en_GB,pd.html?start=1&cgid=SPUK105&prefn1=brand&prefv1=LAURA%20MERCIER
This is certain a new fragrance for the new year, at least for me.
I do know that once I break down the set the box is going to find a new job as it such a gorgouse red and black box. But that won't be for a while.. I have so far tried both the perfume and the hand cream and I am more than impressed with both. So much so I am more than tempted to try other sets by Laura Mercier.
I have never ordered from SpaceNK and to be honest I am still annoyed about the £5 delivery charge. So when I order next time I will make sure I order more than one thing to make it less painful. I am however impressed with this set and see why it was originally £25. so to get it in the sale for £12.50 was an absolute steal. The text I got at 10am was a shock telling me when it would be delivered and gave me 3 text options if this was inconvenient 1) leave with a neighbour (and it listed which one) 2) delivery on Weds or 3) delivery on Thurs. This was a pleasant surprise and appreciated, so was the driver who came. He was cheerful and patient, both unusual qualities in delivery drivers.
I couldn't wait to get into the well packaged box. Inside was not only my purchase but two free face masks. That was a more than a pleasant surprise and I will write them up separately. But the main package was a lovely black box, containing inside 4 items from the range. a body lotion, hand cream, body wash and perfume. Needless to say I couldn't resist trying the perfume. As advised it does start by smelling very like my all time favourite Thierry Mugler's Angel. But once warmed up it is a fraction less sweet, not that this is a bad thing. I have now a second favourite perfume in this, although like Angel it normally comes with a hefty price tag of £45 a bottle.
Unfortunately this set is now sold out but there is a fresh fig version still available at £20 http://uk.spacenk.com/PETIT-PATISSERIE-TRIO-%28Fresh-Fig%29/MUK200008625,en_GB,pd.html?start=1&cgid=SPUK105&prefn1=brand&prefv1=LAURA%20MERCIER
This is certain a new fragrance for the new year, at least for me.
I do know that once I break down the set the box is going to find a new job as it such a gorgouse red and black box. But that won't be for a while.. I have so far tried both the perfume and the hand cream and I am more than impressed with both. So much so I am more than tempted to try other sets by Laura Mercier.
Monday, 7 January 2013
Back on the merry-go-round
So it is back to the performance of physiotherapy tomorrow. Unsurprisingly I am not looking forward to it, partly to do with the fact I have busted both my feet up on Sunday going crash, but mainly because the new physio and I don't get on.
He keeps using the sentence " you have to trust me not to make you do anything that would cause further damage". I am sorry but I don't "have to trust" anyone. In fact it has been my life experience that those I am meant to trust in life are those that have put me in the most danger with exception of my immediate family. I have met doctors who nearly killed me via over dose and others who have damaged me further, teachers who well have broken their trust, and so on. So in my book a person has to earn my trust and two meetings is not enough to earn the trust. Less so when he won't listen to me, or respect the fact that when I tell him something really doesn't feel right.
But apparently it is a paperwork mine field to get me transferred back to my original physio who knows before I scream every profanity in triplicate and multiple languages, that something is beyond my pain tolerance. Don't ask why, but apparently because the pain clinic have said it is one of the three listed physios I have to attend, it is up to them to arrange the transfer. Which probably means I have to go back to pain clinic first to fight for the right to transfer. Talk about making things strangled on red tape.
Mind you tomorrow will be interesting as I can barely put weight down on my feet, so if he thinks my sticks are going walkies this week he might just find out how flash my temper can be. It is bad enough he doesn't recognise CRPS as an illness, but to think I can walk on two badly bruised and swollen feet, means he is the one needing a head shrink not me.
He keeps using the sentence " you have to trust me not to make you do anything that would cause further damage". I am sorry but I don't "have to trust" anyone. In fact it has been my life experience that those I am meant to trust in life are those that have put me in the most danger with exception of my immediate family. I have met doctors who nearly killed me via over dose and others who have damaged me further, teachers who well have broken their trust, and so on. So in my book a person has to earn my trust and two meetings is not enough to earn the trust. Less so when he won't listen to me, or respect the fact that when I tell him something really doesn't feel right.
But apparently it is a paperwork mine field to get me transferred back to my original physio who knows before I scream every profanity in triplicate and multiple languages, that something is beyond my pain tolerance. Don't ask why, but apparently because the pain clinic have said it is one of the three listed physios I have to attend, it is up to them to arrange the transfer. Which probably means I have to go back to pain clinic first to fight for the right to transfer. Talk about making things strangled on red tape.
Mind you tomorrow will be interesting as I can barely put weight down on my feet, so if he thinks my sticks are going walkies this week he might just find out how flash my temper can be. It is bad enough he doesn't recognise CRPS as an illness, but to think I can walk on two badly bruised and swollen feet, means he is the one needing a head shrink not me.
An answer to the skin issue.
It isn't an over night cure, but between my tea tree oil and of all thinks diprobase cream my skin is feeling almost normal.
Diprobase is only the chemical name for the cheap aqueous cream you can pick up from any pound shop. I happened to have it do to the fact like every one else in my family I m plagued with very dry skin on my arms and legs. Purely by accident I put some on my face as I reached for the wrong cream with out my glasses on. The results were pleasing to say the least. considering the fact my forehead was pealing and covered in spots prior, but now at least the pealing dry skin has subsided.
It got me thinking how much money do we throw to the wind paying high prices for creams and potions that just don't work, and overlooking the old faithfuls. Its like with medicines for coughs and colds, I still swear by vicks, coltsfoot rock and raspberry vinegar over bottles and pills that break the bank and do little else. And I positivity blanch at the idea of spending £100 on a skin care cream.
At the end of the day a successful product is not achieved by the price tag, but by the result. So although I test and try many products, don't think I just choose from the top end of the market, if a £1 product rates better than a £50 one, I know which one I will recommend. Sure I like my little luxuries, but I keep them to ones that really benefit me rather than having a name on my dressing table.
Diprobase is only the chemical name for the cheap aqueous cream you can pick up from any pound shop. I happened to have it do to the fact like every one else in my family I m plagued with very dry skin on my arms and legs. Purely by accident I put some on my face as I reached for the wrong cream with out my glasses on. The results were pleasing to say the least. considering the fact my forehead was pealing and covered in spots prior, but now at least the pealing dry skin has subsided.
It got me thinking how much money do we throw to the wind paying high prices for creams and potions that just don't work, and overlooking the old faithfuls. Its like with medicines for coughs and colds, I still swear by vicks, coltsfoot rock and raspberry vinegar over bottles and pills that break the bank and do little else. And I positivity blanch at the idea of spending £100 on a skin care cream.
At the end of the day a successful product is not achieved by the price tag, but by the result. So although I test and try many products, don't think I just choose from the top end of the market, if a £1 product rates better than a £50 one, I know which one I will recommend. Sure I like my little luxuries, but I keep them to ones that really benefit me rather than having a name on my dressing table.
Sunday, 6 January 2013
When a pot hole becomes a minefield
I am probably about to upset a lot of people here, but please here me out! Why do we need new roads when we can't even maintain the ones we have?
Sure there is plenty of logistical reasons, having been on the M25 more than once in the rush hour, I realise there are some problems with our road network. But if we repaired what we had, got rid of all those stupid speed humps and a few other things. I bet the whole situation will improve.
Where I live it is very obvious which route the Olympic torch took. There is very clear path of newly surfaced roads, repaired railings and clearer road lighting. Yet turn left or right off the path and you are met with speed humps and pot holes. Both as bad for my poor back as they are for the cars that travel along them. Things are so bad that a neighbouring borough has actually been sued for well over a million pounds due to their poorly maintained roads and the damage they have caused. Although, in my belief that money would have been better spent repairing the roads in the 1st place.
Speed humps to me are an even worse waste of money. Most people only brake for the humps then speed off again, so like speed cameras they create a bigger danger and uneconomical driving. But with humps they an actually cause damage to your car. So far in the last 4 years our household has lost 4 exhausts. Not for careless driving over humps but the pure fact that they an scrape the undercarriage of your car and if that's the case it will damage your exhaust. On top of that you try coming home from surgery or medical treatment and going over a succession of this jumps you will discover a new level of physical torture, believe me on this. I can't get to and from my nearest hospital with out going either over enough jumps for the grand national or a 2 mile diversion. Wonderful when I am already in agony with my back, so imagine what it would be like for a victim of a RTA or broken back, going over all these.
I don't know who is more to blame, the Government for their crazy ideas in the 1ST place or the local councils for carrying out their wishes, and then not having the money to maintain basic road standards. If I had any inclination to do rallying or a water jump in a car, I would have the sense to go to a specialist track, and certainly not on way to or from my local GP.
In reality the maintenance of our roads is dealt with in the same contempt as many other of our important services, namely the NHS, it is ignored till it is hemorrhaging itself to death. I believe it will take the minster of transport to be killed in a road collapse for this to change. You can only patch up a hole some many times till you have to except the fact that it will be cheaper to resurface the whole road. And should a utility company wish to dig up said road within 2 years of this resurface they should be held responsible to resurface the entire road not just where they have dug. As for speed humps, well my view is stop wasting money, time and resources, they don't solve the speeding problem.
This is a case of use a little bit of common sense and stop cutting corners looking for the easiest way out. New roads aren't the solution until you have repaired what you have.
Sure there is plenty of logistical reasons, having been on the M25 more than once in the rush hour, I realise there are some problems with our road network. But if we repaired what we had, got rid of all those stupid speed humps and a few other things. I bet the whole situation will improve.
Where I live it is very obvious which route the Olympic torch took. There is very clear path of newly surfaced roads, repaired railings and clearer road lighting. Yet turn left or right off the path and you are met with speed humps and pot holes. Both as bad for my poor back as they are for the cars that travel along them. Things are so bad that a neighbouring borough has actually been sued for well over a million pounds due to their poorly maintained roads and the damage they have caused. Although, in my belief that money would have been better spent repairing the roads in the 1st place.
Speed humps to me are an even worse waste of money. Most people only brake for the humps then speed off again, so like speed cameras they create a bigger danger and uneconomical driving. But with humps they an actually cause damage to your car. So far in the last 4 years our household has lost 4 exhausts. Not for careless driving over humps but the pure fact that they an scrape the undercarriage of your car and if that's the case it will damage your exhaust. On top of that you try coming home from surgery or medical treatment and going over a succession of this jumps you will discover a new level of physical torture, believe me on this. I can't get to and from my nearest hospital with out going either over enough jumps for the grand national or a 2 mile diversion. Wonderful when I am already in agony with my back, so imagine what it would be like for a victim of a RTA or broken back, going over all these.
I don't know who is more to blame, the Government for their crazy ideas in the 1ST place or the local councils for carrying out their wishes, and then not having the money to maintain basic road standards. If I had any inclination to do rallying or a water jump in a car, I would have the sense to go to a specialist track, and certainly not on way to or from my local GP.
In reality the maintenance of our roads is dealt with in the same contempt as many other of our important services, namely the NHS, it is ignored till it is hemorrhaging itself to death. I believe it will take the minster of transport to be killed in a road collapse for this to change. You can only patch up a hole some many times till you have to except the fact that it will be cheaper to resurface the whole road. And should a utility company wish to dig up said road within 2 years of this resurface they should be held responsible to resurface the entire road not just where they have dug. As for speed humps, well my view is stop wasting money, time and resources, they don't solve the speeding problem.
This is a case of use a little bit of common sense and stop cutting corners looking for the easiest way out. New roads aren't the solution until you have repaired what you have.
What is it with men ?
For those who know me in the flesh, will know I am not graced with the most emotional apt husband. But there are times when I seriously wonder what is rattling about in his head, as certain things just don't comprehend. I am not talking the normal inability to buy presents or to understand emotions, I am talking about straight common sense.
I have a couple of conditions which make basic walking an issue, let alone bending and lifting. So how on God's green planet am I meant to lift the heavy animal food shopping in from the delivery? However in Hubby's brain he can't comprehend why the inability to help is not my being lazy or refusing to help. It got so bad today he demanded I put away every thing once he had lifted it in. He couldn't understand that this involved lifting and bending. After 5 minutes I am crippled on the floor in tears. Already in pain from the foot damage of yesterday, the last thing I needed was to force my back, yet this did and now I have shooting pain all down my back and legs. Only then did he reluctantly help.
I am not saying my husband is being spiteful, but the truly seems to be this malfunction in understanding illness in others. Like when the whole family went down with the virus. The doctor signed him unfit for work for two weeks, due to the fact he was food handling. In truth he was very ill for a week and by mid 2nd week he could have gone into work but the law states he has to be clear of certain symptoms for 48 hours. Because of that he couldn't understand it has taken mum 3 week and me 5 weeks to recover. Despite even the doctor explaining it has a lot to do with each persons immune system, and the average recovery is nearer 3 weeks. The doctor told him I am very weakened and on high medication, so this will delay full recovery. But I swear he may as well told my hubby this in Greek for the amount that went in.
You can literally see the look of blankness going across his face at times when things just don't register. Needless to say what has happened today has already caused one argument, and I can guarantee there will be another one tomorrow when I wake in agony as I will. It always makes me think about the sketch in Little Britain, of the woman at the travel agents. when you ask a question.
Like David Walliams in the sketch replies, so does my husband,
"Computer says NO"
I have a couple of conditions which make basic walking an issue, let alone bending and lifting. So how on God's green planet am I meant to lift the heavy animal food shopping in from the delivery? However in Hubby's brain he can't comprehend why the inability to help is not my being lazy or refusing to help. It got so bad today he demanded I put away every thing once he had lifted it in. He couldn't understand that this involved lifting and bending. After 5 minutes I am crippled on the floor in tears. Already in pain from the foot damage of yesterday, the last thing I needed was to force my back, yet this did and now I have shooting pain all down my back and legs. Only then did he reluctantly help.
I am not saying my husband is being spiteful, but the truly seems to be this malfunction in understanding illness in others. Like when the whole family went down with the virus. The doctor signed him unfit for work for two weeks, due to the fact he was food handling. In truth he was very ill for a week and by mid 2nd week he could have gone into work but the law states he has to be clear of certain symptoms for 48 hours. Because of that he couldn't understand it has taken mum 3 week and me 5 weeks to recover. Despite even the doctor explaining it has a lot to do with each persons immune system, and the average recovery is nearer 3 weeks. The doctor told him I am very weakened and on high medication, so this will delay full recovery. But I swear he may as well told my hubby this in Greek for the amount that went in.
You can literally see the look of blankness going across his face at times when things just don't register. Needless to say what has happened today has already caused one argument, and I can guarantee there will be another one tomorrow when I wake in agony as I will. It always makes me think about the sketch in Little Britain, of the woman at the travel agents. when you ask a question.
Like David Walliams in the sketch replies, so does my husband,
"Computer says NO"
Stop Generalising blame
Enough is enough, I am fed up of hearing the news that makes out every one on benefits is a scrounger. It isn't helpful, apart from being very prejudice and blatant discrimination, it can actually cause the genuine ill, a lot sicker.
I up to last year was a tax payer, who at times worked up to 3 jobs and paid more than my fair share of taxes. So much so I nine times out of ten didn't hastily await April to claw as much as I could, instead I waited till the tax office found it out for themselves and sent me a cheque. I live on benefits, because at the moment I am not well enough to work, according not to me, but a doctor, a specialist and a physiotherapist. That said I pray in the near future to be able to return to at least part time work and return to the world of tax payers. Yet with the current up rough over benefits I am meant to feel like I am a second class citizen.
What is worse is it isn't just affecting people like me, whose bodies have just failed them, it is affecting the likes of the wounded solders, who after serving their country, come home missing limbs or worse, and are not only discharged from the armed forces, but again left in a situation where they need our welfare state. Yet like everyone else they are also among those labelled scroungers.
I will be the first to admit that something ought to be done for the people who abuse the system and seem to think they are owed all the luxuries in the world. I for one can't understand how a man with a history of back injuries, who hasn't worked a day in 12 years can justify the state paying for the 15 children he has with his two wives. If an procreate to that extent , he can work! As a sufferer of a back injury I truly don't know how he could even manage the act, I struggle to walk and sit let alone anything else. Don't get me wrong, every person is entitled to have a life, but not to take the piss.
In reality I will probably return to work sooner than should, because I like to have my own money, not hand out, that is just who I am. But I truly believe that you mustn't generalise the situation. Yes, there are people out there who are just sponging off the state rather than work, but for everyone of them is a person who deserves the help. Unfortunately there is a mind set that is breed from a young age, that seems to think, you leave school with little to no education, have a family young and expect it all to be paid for. I know for a fact there were girls in my school in the 1980's doing just that. All to get a home of their own. There the problem lies, we allow people to leave school with that belief. If it was made that unless in extreme cases, you could not get benefit till you were at least 18, and having passed high school education, that problem would be reduced. If you also made it that you couldn't have housing benefit until you were 21 and had already paid taxes for at least 3 years, then the expectation of accommodation would be also removed.
When I say extreme cases, I really do mean that, yes children who were in children's homes, would need extra help, as will the disabled. Also injured armed forced service personnel should have different rules. But I don't know about anyone else, but I have noticed an increase in claimants in direct relations to the increased number of these claims companies for accidental injuries. I could have sued the NHS amongst others for my bad health, but what is the point, it will only rob the NHS of already lacking funds. There is a big difference between an accident and malpractice, and mine was an accident.
Take for instance a sprained ankle from tripping on a paving stone. Sure it is an inconvenience, but at worse you are off work for 6 weeks with sick pay. Is it not better to just notify the relevant authorities to repair said pavement and any others you may have noticed, thus preventing accidents, rather than suing them for thousands which will then prevent other work being done?
At the end of the day a person is entitled to have a quality of life, not make a profit from it at the expense of all others. So all I ask is when you enter into the debate about the benefits, remember it is the same benefit for the solder as it for the faker, the same money paid to the blind/deaf/even dying person as to the person with a torn ankle muscle from playing the fool. Please don't label us all with the same tag.
I up to last year was a tax payer, who at times worked up to 3 jobs and paid more than my fair share of taxes. So much so I nine times out of ten didn't hastily await April to claw as much as I could, instead I waited till the tax office found it out for themselves and sent me a cheque. I live on benefits, because at the moment I am not well enough to work, according not to me, but a doctor, a specialist and a physiotherapist. That said I pray in the near future to be able to return to at least part time work and return to the world of tax payers. Yet with the current up rough over benefits I am meant to feel like I am a second class citizen.
What is worse is it isn't just affecting people like me, whose bodies have just failed them, it is affecting the likes of the wounded solders, who after serving their country, come home missing limbs or worse, and are not only discharged from the armed forces, but again left in a situation where they need our welfare state. Yet like everyone else they are also among those labelled scroungers.
I will be the first to admit that something ought to be done for the people who abuse the system and seem to think they are owed all the luxuries in the world. I for one can't understand how a man with a history of back injuries, who hasn't worked a day in 12 years can justify the state paying for the 15 children he has with his two wives. If an procreate to that extent , he can work! As a sufferer of a back injury I truly don't know how he could even manage the act, I struggle to walk and sit let alone anything else. Don't get me wrong, every person is entitled to have a life, but not to take the piss.
In reality I will probably return to work sooner than should, because I like to have my own money, not hand out, that is just who I am. But I truly believe that you mustn't generalise the situation. Yes, there are people out there who are just sponging off the state rather than work, but for everyone of them is a person who deserves the help. Unfortunately there is a mind set that is breed from a young age, that seems to think, you leave school with little to no education, have a family young and expect it all to be paid for. I know for a fact there were girls in my school in the 1980's doing just that. All to get a home of their own. There the problem lies, we allow people to leave school with that belief. If it was made that unless in extreme cases, you could not get benefit till you were at least 18, and having passed high school education, that problem would be reduced. If you also made it that you couldn't have housing benefit until you were 21 and had already paid taxes for at least 3 years, then the expectation of accommodation would be also removed.
When I say extreme cases, I really do mean that, yes children who were in children's homes, would need extra help, as will the disabled. Also injured armed forced service personnel should have different rules. But I don't know about anyone else, but I have noticed an increase in claimants in direct relations to the increased number of these claims companies for accidental injuries. I could have sued the NHS amongst others for my bad health, but what is the point, it will only rob the NHS of already lacking funds. There is a big difference between an accident and malpractice, and mine was an accident.
Take for instance a sprained ankle from tripping on a paving stone. Sure it is an inconvenience, but at worse you are off work for 6 weeks with sick pay. Is it not better to just notify the relevant authorities to repair said pavement and any others you may have noticed, thus preventing accidents, rather than suing them for thousands which will then prevent other work being done?
At the end of the day a person is entitled to have a quality of life, not make a profit from it at the expense of all others. So all I ask is when you enter into the debate about the benefits, remember it is the same benefit for the solder as it for the faker, the same money paid to the blind/deaf/even dying person as to the person with a torn ankle muscle from playing the fool. Please don't label us all with the same tag.
Looking on the bright side
You always know when you have stabilised medically, because you are bored and actually looking forward to the days you can return to work.
For me I still don't know when that will be, as I am on high pain medication and still having intense physiotherapy. I am also awaiting the results of medial ESA medical and whether I had to appeal that decision. Not that I want to be out of work, I would love to have even a part time job where I could be my own person, earn my own money and have an element of freedom. Despite what our wonderful government think, not every one on benefits is there to avoid work. If I had the consistency to be able to get mobile every day or even every other day and say to an employer I can guarantee to meet my work commitments, then I would.
But the reality of chronic illness is until you plato, you can't achieve that. So instead you have to exist on the benefits given. But I am determined to get back into the world of work some how. If that means I have to work from home so be it. But I refuse to let it get me down. Instead over this year I will work on this blog, till I can make it the success I want it to be. That's also the reason why there are various topics being covered, from living with chronic illness, to motor sport to beauty.
However this blog is all or none of this, it is about being positive about all of life, and if you feel like having a personal pity party, pull back and review. I am not in the greatest health, but talking to others I am not alone or the worse off. I don't have to face surgery or a funeral this month. But instead I have physio, a few doctors appointment sand a couple of outings planned instead. The next outing is next Saturday to the O2 or Excel I can't remember. Which ever it is I haven't been there since I was registered disabled, so I am looking at it as a great adventure, and a fun outing. I know it involves bikes so I will have a blast.
I also know I have a few good outings later in the year, so I can look forward with joy and hope. To be honest I have the feeling 2013 has a lot of promise, don't ask why I just do. After all you have one chance at life, why waste it?
For me I still don't know when that will be, as I am on high pain medication and still having intense physiotherapy. I am also awaiting the results of medial ESA medical and whether I had to appeal that decision. Not that I want to be out of work, I would love to have even a part time job where I could be my own person, earn my own money and have an element of freedom. Despite what our wonderful government think, not every one on benefits is there to avoid work. If I had the consistency to be able to get mobile every day or even every other day and say to an employer I can guarantee to meet my work commitments, then I would.
But the reality of chronic illness is until you plato, you can't achieve that. So instead you have to exist on the benefits given. But I am determined to get back into the world of work some how. If that means I have to work from home so be it. But I refuse to let it get me down. Instead over this year I will work on this blog, till I can make it the success I want it to be. That's also the reason why there are various topics being covered, from living with chronic illness, to motor sport to beauty.
However this blog is all or none of this, it is about being positive about all of life, and if you feel like having a personal pity party, pull back and review. I am not in the greatest health, but talking to others I am not alone or the worse off. I don't have to face surgery or a funeral this month. But instead I have physio, a few doctors appointment sand a couple of outings planned instead. The next outing is next Saturday to the O2 or Excel I can't remember. Which ever it is I haven't been there since I was registered disabled, so I am looking at it as a great adventure, and a fun outing. I know it involves bikes so I will have a blast.
I also know I have a few good outings later in the year, so I can look forward with joy and hope. To be honest I have the feeling 2013 has a lot of promise, don't ask why I just do. After all you have one chance at life, why waste it?
Saturday, 5 January 2013
Anniversary Day
So round it came again. The wonderful wedding anniversary, I can't believe its been 5 years. That this day 5 years ago I was in plaster, getting married.
With that in mind how the heck did I expect to get through the day with out some major disaster. So why was I surprised to wake up with the migraine from hell. But 12th night dinner doesn't take that in to account. Nor does the fact all the decorations magically return to their boxes and then the loft. So still I battled on and attempted the shopping.
As expected that went well NOT! By the time we made the high street I was feeling positively green and by the time we had done two shops my eyesight did that funky thing it does with migraines. Anyway a mug of tea and handful of painkillers at the nearest cafe, and mum and I battled on. It was the nose bleed on the journey home that pulled me to rank and forced me back to bed. There I stayed till dinner and perhaps should have stayed the rest of the evening. But no, I couldn't let it rest and not aware of my sight still being slightly off I head out to the kitchen to help. I never made it out the room before I went forward, my legs didn't except for a couple of toes which when to a right angle of everything else. Don't ask how, I don't know, but needless to say I all but blacked out, with the pain.
Some how, we did get our anniversary dinner, the decorations and trees came down (bar the ones on the willow tree outside). But now I am stuck back on my futon, feeling beyond nauseous with the migraine and what ever I have done to my foot. Tomorrow was already busy, now it has to accommodate the 1st visit to a and e of the year.
But all this seemed to fade and restore my happiness at the news my cousin has had her 1st baby, a boy just after Christmas. That was anniversary news worth celebrating.
With that in mind how the heck did I expect to get through the day with out some major disaster. So why was I surprised to wake up with the migraine from hell. But 12th night dinner doesn't take that in to account. Nor does the fact all the decorations magically return to their boxes and then the loft. So still I battled on and attempted the shopping.
As expected that went well NOT! By the time we made the high street I was feeling positively green and by the time we had done two shops my eyesight did that funky thing it does with migraines. Anyway a mug of tea and handful of painkillers at the nearest cafe, and mum and I battled on. It was the nose bleed on the journey home that pulled me to rank and forced me back to bed. There I stayed till dinner and perhaps should have stayed the rest of the evening. But no, I couldn't let it rest and not aware of my sight still being slightly off I head out to the kitchen to help. I never made it out the room before I went forward, my legs didn't except for a couple of toes which when to a right angle of everything else. Don't ask how, I don't know, but needless to say I all but blacked out, with the pain.
Some how, we did get our anniversary dinner, the decorations and trees came down (bar the ones on the willow tree outside). But now I am stuck back on my futon, feeling beyond nauseous with the migraine and what ever I have done to my foot. Tomorrow was already busy, now it has to accommodate the 1st visit to a and e of the year.
But all this seemed to fade and restore my happiness at the news my cousin has had her 1st baby, a boy just after Christmas. That was anniversary news worth celebrating.
Friday, 4 January 2013
1st proper beauty buys of the year
I was meant to be on the family monthly shop, but by some convenient accident I ended up in superdrug. Big mistake they were having a small discount sale on certain MUA products. Fortunately I only managed to spare a £5 for shopping, but I think I will be going back next week come pay day.
What I did walk away with was MUA Constellation in Gemini. So I an finally bead my nails. Each one of these bottles has a different colour scheme. Gemini is a make up of gold strong pink and green beads. It is one of the more subtle colour schemes, although if I get confident in this I may have to go and get a more dominate colour scheme. Normally this is only £3.50 but in the sale I got it for £2 in superdrug.
The other purchase was a twist and remover nail polish remover. I had one from savers that cost £1 and has lasted a year, so I have high hopes for this one costing £2.99. I know the fashionable one is the Bourjois one at £4.99 but short of spinning round on its own axis or repainting my nails for me I can't justify that amount when I have had more than satisfactory results with cheaper brands.
Sorry for no pictures but for some reason I can't add links today, if this corrects I will edit later. As for now I am off to play with my new purchase.
What I did walk away with was MUA Constellation in Gemini. So I an finally bead my nails. Each one of these bottles has a different colour scheme. Gemini is a make up of gold strong pink and green beads. It is one of the more subtle colour schemes, although if I get confident in this I may have to go and get a more dominate colour scheme. Normally this is only £3.50 but in the sale I got it for £2 in superdrug.
The other purchase was a twist and remover nail polish remover. I had one from savers that cost £1 and has lasted a year, so I have high hopes for this one costing £2.99. I know the fashionable one is the Bourjois one at £4.99 but short of spinning round on its own axis or repainting my nails for me I can't justify that amount when I have had more than satisfactory results with cheaper brands.
Sorry for no pictures but for some reason I can't add links today, if this corrects I will edit later. As for now I am off to play with my new purchase.
NOTD Avon Starry Sky
Now as a rule I am gold not silver person, especially when it comes to nails. So I was a little nervous trying this colour. This silver especially as it is not for the faint hearted.
It is bold and loud, the is nothing subtle about it. The effect is like applying that spray silver paint you get for art work. It is dense and bright, and whats very surprising I loved it. It is a solid colour yet has the effect of glitter. To get the best effect you need to apply two coats and top coat, but for that bold look at the end of the party season it is brilliant.
As a whole I tend to have an on off love affair with Avon polishes, some I adore others I am sorely disappointed with. So this was a 50 /50 risk when I bought it. But for this time I was not disappointed. But as a whole Avon does seem to be shaking off its 50's housewife image and become more up to date. Even so you need to be aware of what works for you as with out the ability to test your purchases like you do in store, it a game of hit and miss.
But this colour certainly does lean to having some fun with nail art. I can see. I may actually try and apply some beading on this, some thing like MUA constellation collection would be ideal as they would bring some light touch of colour to the look. It would also make a good statement nail against maybe a blue or black look. I will let you know what I try later.
I still prefer my gold and dark colours but for a bit of winter cheer this is the colour for me.
It is bold and loud, the is nothing subtle about it. The effect is like applying that spray silver paint you get for art work. It is dense and bright, and whats very surprising I loved it. It is a solid colour yet has the effect of glitter. To get the best effect you need to apply two coats and top coat, but for that bold look at the end of the party season it is brilliant.
As a whole I tend to have an on off love affair with Avon polishes, some I adore others I am sorely disappointed with. So this was a 50 /50 risk when I bought it. But for this time I was not disappointed. But as a whole Avon does seem to be shaking off its 50's housewife image and become more up to date. Even so you need to be aware of what works for you as with out the ability to test your purchases like you do in store, it a game of hit and miss.
But this colour certainly does lean to having some fun with nail art. I can see. I may actually try and apply some beading on this, some thing like MUA constellation collection would be ideal as they would bring some light touch of colour to the look. It would also make a good statement nail against maybe a blue or black look. I will let you know what I try later.
I still prefer my gold and dark colours but for a bit of winter cheer this is the colour for me.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
12th Night came early
OK only a few days early but it came in the shape of my Hubby. I always love 12th night because I tend to get my belated Christmas present from Hubby as he merges it with our wedding anniversary present. This year being out 5th anniversary he had to pull the stops out and to be honest I was dreading what he was going to come up with.
To others it may sound a cheap way out for Hubby, but it works out better as he also holds off with mum present as well so on Christmas mum and I give gifts and on 12th night Hubby shares his. Well today he decided late afternoon to drag me out of my sick bed to help him choose mums present. Now, like most other females I have got very wise at dropping the biggest of hints to my Hubby. I leave web pages open and remind him of my favourite nail polishes / perfume /clothes etc, in the hope he gets it right. It has even been known for mum to drag him round the shops on a mission for the teddy bear I have had my eyes on.
Well this time, after we managed a food shop for 12th night, or rather Hubby made the choice in what dead beast or bird he wanted, we headed to the shops. To be honest I was dreading this as he is notoriously undecided in these matters. That said I remind him for at least the 10th time this year what mum's favourite perfume is, and gave up telling the counter attendant what he needed. Then I was unceremoniously pointed in the direction of Starbuck and told to shoo. Not that I needed telling twice I hopped of for a vanilla spiced latte and waited. Excepted this time I was waiting longer for the coffee than the Hubby, he got back to my side faster than I got my coffee in my hand. All the way back to the car I was kept well away from the bag larger than the bottle of mums present.
But my husband has little patience and even less inclination to want to wrap and wait for presents. So having sweeten mum by showing her dead beasts for Sunday dinner she relented and allowed presents earlier. Although I some how think it was more her curiosity than the now contents of our freezer that convinced her. Finally I got presented with my bag and got to see what was hiding in it. I could of squealed, for once with out prompting he had bought me a set of Angel by Thierry Mugler. This year I am now in possession of the comet bottle with eau de toilette that is refillable and the body lotion. All in a lovely blue and black presentation box.
So this year I can breath a sigh of relief, as I have been spoilt without demand and this year I have exactly what I dreamt of.
To others it may sound a cheap way out for Hubby, but it works out better as he also holds off with mum present as well so on Christmas mum and I give gifts and on 12th night Hubby shares his. Well today he decided late afternoon to drag me out of my sick bed to help him choose mums present. Now, like most other females I have got very wise at dropping the biggest of hints to my Hubby. I leave web pages open and remind him of my favourite nail polishes / perfume /clothes etc, in the hope he gets it right. It has even been known for mum to drag him round the shops on a mission for the teddy bear I have had my eyes on.
Well this time, after we managed a food shop for 12th night, or rather Hubby made the choice in what dead beast or bird he wanted, we headed to the shops. To be honest I was dreading this as he is notoriously undecided in these matters. That said I remind him for at least the 10th time this year what mum's favourite perfume is, and gave up telling the counter attendant what he needed. Then I was unceremoniously pointed in the direction of Starbuck and told to shoo. Not that I needed telling twice I hopped of for a vanilla spiced latte and waited. Excepted this time I was waiting longer for the coffee than the Hubby, he got back to my side faster than I got my coffee in my hand. All the way back to the car I was kept well away from the bag larger than the bottle of mums present.
But my husband has little patience and even less inclination to want to wrap and wait for presents. So having sweeten mum by showing her dead beasts for Sunday dinner she relented and allowed presents earlier. Although I some how think it was more her curiosity than the now contents of our freezer that convinced her. Finally I got presented with my bag and got to see what was hiding in it. I could of squealed, for once with out prompting he had bought me a set of Angel by Thierry Mugler. This year I am now in possession of the comet bottle with eau de toilette that is refillable and the body lotion. All in a lovely blue and black presentation box.
So this year I can breath a sigh of relief, as I have been spoilt without demand and this year I have exactly what I dreamt of.
Skin break out
It was bound to happen, a combination of high medication and the delightful winter virus that I am still trying to shake. My face has broken out in spots, lots of them. It is also dry and generally yukky.
I will happily admit I am now applying my old faithful a tea tree oil spot stick with peppermint oils. It sounds drastic, but it is a case of needs must. I can't shift these spots the normal way. No matter what I have used nothing has worked. It is typical though, the year I want to improve my skin regime, I start with a full break out.
You would think that over the festive season, with all the vegetables I have eaten I wouldn't be prone to break outs like this. But no even at 40 I break out like a teen. So that means come pay day next week I am placing an order from L'Occitane for their Angelica skin care starter pack. It is available here http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-starter-set,83,1,29949,272609.htm for £15. I also want to invest in the accompaning matt fluid at £24 http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-ultra-matte-fluid,83,1,29949,310744.htm . I had never come across this before but used together it made my skin velvety soft and clear. Some come next week that's what I am ordering. My face deserves better than this and as this works I will stick with it. Come the summer I will also invest in the hydro spray as it is also great for fixing makeup http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-hydratation-face-mist,83,1,29949,272599.htm at £15. I know I have mentioned these before, but now I have included the links.
In the mean time I am continuing with the tea tree stick and hoping my skin will last. If not it is a paper bag till this calms down.
I will happily admit I am now applying my old faithful a tea tree oil spot stick with peppermint oils. It sounds drastic, but it is a case of needs must. I can't shift these spots the normal way. No matter what I have used nothing has worked. It is typical though, the year I want to improve my skin regime, I start with a full break out.
You would think that over the festive season, with all the vegetables I have eaten I wouldn't be prone to break outs like this. But no even at 40 I break out like a teen. So that means come pay day next week I am placing an order from L'Occitane for their Angelica skin care starter pack. It is available here http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-starter-set,83,1,29949,272609.htm for £15. I also want to invest in the accompaning matt fluid at £24 http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-ultra-matte-fluid,83,1,29949,310744.htm . I had never come across this before but used together it made my skin velvety soft and clear. Some come next week that's what I am ordering. My face deserves better than this and as this works I will stick with it. Come the summer I will also invest in the hydro spray as it is also great for fixing makeup http://uk.loccitane.com/angelica-hydratation-face-mist,83,1,29949,272599.htm at £15. I know I have mentioned these before, but now I have included the links.
In the mean time I am continuing with the tea tree stick and hoping my skin will last. If not it is a paper bag till this calms down.
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
New season trends for nails
Having followed the cat walk trends, I have to admit that the new colours for nails are my worst fears. Pastels and white and textured! As a lover of dark and dynamic nails, this is the stuff of nightmares for me. But I would be sorely failing if I didn't research and report.
Already the big names have their whites ready Nails Inc have Floral Street, China glaze has white on white, and Jessica has White cap. I am going to be a bit nervous having white nails so I am not spend a fortune on my purchase but instead opt for MUA all nude at £1 this colour looks less like tipex on my nails. To achieve the perfect white nails I think you are going to have to spend some serious money on high gloss nail product. MUA also do a good range in fluff textured nails if you are brae enough. Although personally I would be more inclined to try the nail constellation range, which they have in a variety of colours.
The pastels are a little easier to like. Butter were busy of the Christmas holidays showing their new range of varied colours. Most of these colours have also got budget versions via rimmel who have a full range of pastels ready and waiting. Personally I am quite taken with there sweet as sugar colour at £2.99, a pastel blue colour. At least with pastels there are multiple colours to choose from and everyone is likely to find something they like. Barry M also have a variety of colours more befitting candy than polish. At £2.99 each you can afford to try out a couple. For the more daring amongst us there is monument by nails it, it is a lovely lemon colour which also has the textured effect that is continuing through the early 2013 season. However that does come at the standard £12 price tag.
Whilst I am talking about Nails Inc, it is worth paying a visit to their web age as there is currently a sale going on which includes the fantastic Swiss cottage for £5 and the catwalk collection at £19.50 for a selection of 10 minis. There is also candy shop at £10 which is a selection of 4 pastels . Personally as hubby still has an I O U from Christmas and my birthday he is being lent on to get me at least the Gold rush collection at £10 and either the Metallic or Winter Metallic collection both at £10 each. But like I said I like bold nails.
Anyway that is my run down for the up coming season. I still think I may just do my own think as per usual.
Already the big names have their whites ready Nails Inc have Floral Street, China glaze has white on white, and Jessica has White cap. I am going to be a bit nervous having white nails so I am not spend a fortune on my purchase but instead opt for MUA all nude at £1 this colour looks less like tipex on my nails. To achieve the perfect white nails I think you are going to have to spend some serious money on high gloss nail product. MUA also do a good range in fluff textured nails if you are brae enough. Although personally I would be more inclined to try the nail constellation range, which they have in a variety of colours.
The pastels are a little easier to like. Butter were busy of the Christmas holidays showing their new range of varied colours. Most of these colours have also got budget versions via rimmel who have a full range of pastels ready and waiting. Personally I am quite taken with there sweet as sugar colour at £2.99, a pastel blue colour. At least with pastels there are multiple colours to choose from and everyone is likely to find something they like. Barry M also have a variety of colours more befitting candy than polish. At £2.99 each you can afford to try out a couple. For the more daring amongst us there is monument by nails it, it is a lovely lemon colour which also has the textured effect that is continuing through the early 2013 season. However that does come at the standard £12 price tag.
Whilst I am talking about Nails Inc, it is worth paying a visit to their web age as there is currently a sale going on which includes the fantastic Swiss cottage for £5 and the catwalk collection at £19.50 for a selection of 10 minis. There is also candy shop at £10 which is a selection of 4 pastels . Personally as hubby still has an I O U from Christmas and my birthday he is being lent on to get me at least the Gold rush collection at £10 and either the Metallic or Winter Metallic collection both at £10 each. But like I said I like bold nails.
Anyway that is my run down for the up coming season. I still think I may just do my own think as per usual.
My Only sales purchase
I thought I had managed it and avoiding the chaos of this years sales, but today I caved.
I had my eye on a Laura Mecier set a fellow blogger had recommend. She had said those who loved Angel by Theirry Mulger would love this particular set. Pre sales it was retailing at £25 on the SpaceNK page But in the sale it was dropped to £12.50 a massive 50% saving. When I first looked at the set in the sale it was fortunately sold out so no temptation. Till tonight that was.
Then said blogger re advertised the set and when I checked sure enough it was back in stock. Much as I tried to logic myself out of it, with the new year I need a new start. So I relented and bought the set, wincing at the ridiculous delivery charge. I am sorry but how the hell can a site justify £5 delivery set charge. I swallowed my pride and paid up, making a mental note that if I like what I have bought and the site as a whole I will save up and buy more or find a discount voucher for delivery.
Anyway I have bitten the bullet so to speak and will let you know how it all goes, oh and for those who are curious what all the fuss is about, it is this http://uk.spacenk.com/LA-PETITE-PATISSERIE-QUARTET---PISTACHE/UK200009574,en_GB,pd.html .
Here's to a fresh new year and trying new things.
I had my eye on a Laura Mecier set a fellow blogger had recommend. She had said those who loved Angel by Theirry Mulger would love this particular set. Pre sales it was retailing at £25 on the SpaceNK page But in the sale it was dropped to £12.50 a massive 50% saving. When I first looked at the set in the sale it was fortunately sold out so no temptation. Till tonight that was.
Then said blogger re advertised the set and when I checked sure enough it was back in stock. Much as I tried to logic myself out of it, with the new year I need a new start. So I relented and bought the set, wincing at the ridiculous delivery charge. I am sorry but how the hell can a site justify £5 delivery set charge. I swallowed my pride and paid up, making a mental note that if I like what I have bought and the site as a whole I will save up and buy more or find a discount voucher for delivery.
Anyway I have bitten the bullet so to speak and will let you know how it all goes, oh and for those who are curious what all the fuss is about, it is this http://uk.spacenk.com/LA-PETITE-PATISSERIE-QUARTET---PISTACHE/UK200009574,en_GB,pd.html .
Here's to a fresh new year and trying new things.
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
1st beauty blog of the year
Christmas was surprisingly lax on beauty products for me, but I did received 5 different nail polishes. So for this blog I will run through these for you. I also gained a nail art kit but that is for another day.
First of all I received two from the 2true range. Now I have never tried these so I was trying with an open mind. I got shades 10 and 11 a pale pink and pale purple. They both looked gorgeous in their bottles and I was keen to try them. However after two coats I found it very hard to tell these shades apart. They do offer a lovely mother of pearl effect on my nails. But the shades are just to close together to give any striking difference. So although it is a positive for the brand as whole, make sure you get real contrast between shades as there is only a subtle difference on the lighter shades.
The other three were a complete surprise from my god daughter and her family. You always know you are getting old when your godchildren are at the age they both give and receive make up. They were all rimmel, a more known brand in my make up bag. It was the shades that surprised me. There is 030 Double Decker Red, it is from the London collection and it is a really striking red. It is bright and loud, a colour that can not be missed on your nails. Although I can't wait to try to use it to do little ladybugs on my nails with it. Next came shade 001 Diamond Dust a lovely top coating of silver based glitter for any nail colour, although it will need a top coat as it leaves the nails feeling a bit rough. The final one I have to admit I have totally fallen in love with. It is shade 610 pompous and it a gorgeous metallic purple/lilac with light glitter sprinkled in it. It does need two coats for even coverage but so far this is my favourite for the new year.
Sorry I haven't learnt how to get decent swathes but i hope you enjoy the write ups on these colours as much as I enjoyed trying them out.
First of all I received two from the 2true range. Now I have never tried these so I was trying with an open mind. I got shades 10 and 11 a pale pink and pale purple. They both looked gorgeous in their bottles and I was keen to try them. However after two coats I found it very hard to tell these shades apart. They do offer a lovely mother of pearl effect on my nails. But the shades are just to close together to give any striking difference. So although it is a positive for the brand as whole, make sure you get real contrast between shades as there is only a subtle difference on the lighter shades.
The other three were a complete surprise from my god daughter and her family. You always know you are getting old when your godchildren are at the age they both give and receive make up. They were all rimmel, a more known brand in my make up bag. It was the shades that surprised me. There is 030 Double Decker Red, it is from the London collection and it is a really striking red. It is bright and loud, a colour that can not be missed on your nails. Although I can't wait to try to use it to do little ladybugs on my nails with it. Next came shade 001 Diamond Dust a lovely top coating of silver based glitter for any nail colour, although it will need a top coat as it leaves the nails feeling a bit rough. The final one I have to admit I have totally fallen in love with. It is shade 610 pompous and it a gorgeous metallic purple/lilac with light glitter sprinkled in it. It does need two coats for even coverage but so far this is my favourite for the new year.
Sorry I haven't learnt how to get decent swathes but i hope you enjoy the write ups on these colours as much as I enjoyed trying them out.
Welcome 2013
So it is finally here, 2013 and all its possibilities. I for one welcome it and the clean slate it possesses. For a start I haven't made any new year resolutions, so I can't break them and thus make a failure. Instead I have agreed to set myself goals and keep going till I achieve them.
The first goal is to blog more and make it even more varied. There will be fashion and beauty, as well as living with chronic illness, as before. But there will also be more about my motor world adventures and hopefully some more journalistic views. This isn't just to get a bigger readership but also to extend my writing talent. I have been lax in using the talents I have been giving, this year I am aiming to use them more.
The next goal is to get out more. I have allowed myself long enough to adjust to being disabled now I am going to see just how unlimited my life really is. Last year I missed out on to much, I am not allowing that to happen any more. I plan to get a part time job as soon as physically possible so I can also afford to do what I want to.
The final goal is to accept more challenges. And that includes any from you guys! I just ask you to be realistic. There is no way I can physically throw myself from a plane or climb a mountain for charity much as my brain would love to, but all reasonable offers will be taken up.
So that's how I am starting my new year. Hope you all have a positive start and enjoy the year.
The first goal is to blog more and make it even more varied. There will be fashion and beauty, as well as living with chronic illness, as before. But there will also be more about my motor world adventures and hopefully some more journalistic views. This isn't just to get a bigger readership but also to extend my writing talent. I have been lax in using the talents I have been giving, this year I am aiming to use them more.
The next goal is to get out more. I have allowed myself long enough to adjust to being disabled now I am going to see just how unlimited my life really is. Last year I missed out on to much, I am not allowing that to happen any more. I plan to get a part time job as soon as physically possible so I can also afford to do what I want to.
The final goal is to accept more challenges. And that includes any from you guys! I just ask you to be realistic. There is no way I can physically throw myself from a plane or climb a mountain for charity much as my brain would love to, but all reasonable offers will be taken up.
So that's how I am starting my new year. Hope you all have a positive start and enjoy the year.
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