Keep your head up, keep your heart strong.

Life has been busy busy, laity with interviews & appointments.

Where I feel my life has been arranged by 'other' people into 30-40 minute slices. 

Which I spend most of my time in-between traveling, to & from. & preparing to meet people who the likely hood, of it is, I won't probably hear from them again. 

Because I have somehow failed to tick all the correct boxes. 

Despite my efforts to portray a cheerful exterior. I do find this process somewhat, disheartening. Because I feel like even though I try to do, my best, at interview 'prep'. I fail too see what qualities I can sometimes be lacking, when it comes too interviews. I'm polite, friendly, punctual, qualified. What more does anyone want? 

I feel like my life is slightly becoming a lesson in futility. 

And because, of how I'm feeling I'm finding it hard to stay positive. & keep motived with other aspects of my life.

However the optimist, in me say's, that I shouldn't feel despondent. Just because one door, hasn't opened for me. Maybe that means there maybe a better suited door, awaiting me. Who knows. 

How to combat a Wet Weekend

Hey Guy's

I don't know about you, but most weekend's I have "thing's" to do. Which means my weekends usually fly by. & sometimes, like this week, I have had quite a busy week. To wake up & realise it's saturday, & I have nothing to do…

But this weekend happens to be a wet weekend & I feel at a bit of a loose end. So here are some of the things I tend to do, on a wet weekend when I'm a little short on funds.

1. DIY projects;

Sometimes, there's nothing nicer than undertaking little DIY projects. I often like to take little things I already own. Candle holders, cushions, cups, & making them my own, by adding transfers. Or pieces of material to cushions. 

Or perhaps you could use the time to take up a new hobby, you've been wanting to give a try. 

2. Pamper day's;

Pamper day's, are sometimes just what the doctor ordered. Using up a face mask you've been saving. Taking the time to shape & paint you're nails. Treating your hair to a hair mask. Or enjoying a relaxing bath bomb.

3. Home Movie day's;

I feel like a home movie day, can sometimes be a guilty pleasure of mine. Having a PJ day, under the duvet while the rain hammers against the window. There's nothing nicer. Plus, I feel I rarely get enough time, to fully enjoy a film, without being interrupted. Which means I usually give up, about half the way through. Because I loose patients. (Naughty, me I know.)

4. Expand you're baking skills;

It's nice when you get some free time, to try out a new recipe or 2. That you've been meaning to try for a while. Or if you're like me, & have been trying to be good, it's a good excuse to bake yourself a well deserved treat.

5. Get your reading glasses out;

 I will confess, that I am an avid reader. & I enjoy getting stuck into a book. & I find there's no better time, to start a new book, then when there's piece & quiet. With a nice hot cup of tea. When it's raining. I find it so relaxing. & it makes you appreciate all the little home comforts, you have too hand.

Hope you enjoyed this post. What do you guys like too get upto on wet weekends?  

The Gibson tuck - Hairstyle. Tutorial

The Gibson tuck - Hairstyle

How to;

Hey Guy's, I've recently discovered a new easy updo! Exciting hey? Glad you agree…

I don't know about you, but I love quick & easy updo's. I don't like too faff. & I loose my patients with something, that takes a million booby pins. & probably ends up, falling out mid-way through my day. I just can't be doing with it.

 I have stuff to do, people too see. What I do like, is an updo that takes no time at all, but looks like you made a bit of an effort. & this is one of those little beauties. Good for lunch with the girls, interviews, family do's, etc..

So what you will need is;

1 hair band.

A few bobby pins, I've got 3-4 for good measure.

and some hair spray.

This updo does depend on the length of you're hair. Depending on how many times you need to tuck. But once, you've done it a couple of times, it gets easier. So here we go...

Firstly you need to bring all your hair into a ponytail like so..

You want, you're ponytail in the middle of you're head. Secure it, loosely with a hair band. Just above, where the hair band rest's, create a hole.

Twist you're ponytail, & tuck through the hole. 

Repeat this process, 2-3 times depending on the length of you're hair.

Pin if necessary. when you get the hang of it, it takes no time at all. & if you're feeling fancy, you could add some braid's or twist's at the front.
  & Voila ....

Think Less, Do More

I often like to brows pinterest for inspiration. For hairstyles, arts & crafts, typography, recipes. Basically just about everything... I may need in life.

But what I especially, like to do on a quite drizzly afternoon, with a cup of tea. Is perusal quotes. (I know, I sound ancient.) To quote my Nan; "But just you remember, it's the little things." & she's right. I find it oddly comforting to read typed affirmation.

Like everyone, the quotes that resonate with me the most, are the one's I know I should do more of.

The one above is particularly applicable to my own personality, & ties in nicely, with my first ever blog post. "Think less, do more."

This is something I strive to do more often. 

I'm one of those people, who feels safe with a plan. I like to know whats happening & when. Which is all well & good. However, I find this can also be an unhelpful way to be. A primary example, is that the prospect of a holiday away, can often feel very stressful as there is so much that needs to be planned. It can be off putting.

This is when the "think less do more" scenario works well for me. Being more spontaneous, is exciting. & also leaves less time, for my brain to start over thinking/worrying. 

Myself and the fella, recently took a spontaneous trip to Milton Keynes. Doesn't sound too exciting I know. But It was nice to go somewhere different for a change. & since I'm new too this old driving, lark, in my book it was a pretty substantial driving feat. The trip was nice. minus the downpour. It was lovely to spend some quality time together. We even had a little picnic & everything.   :)

30 Day Snap Update

Hey Guy's

Hope this post find's you all well? & I hope you've all been enjoying the pleasant June weather. (We've been having some pretty nice weather down this end anyway!) Not too brag or anything. ;)

 Just a quick update, vis-a-vis the #30DaySnap / #GlitterSnap challenge, that I have undertaking this month. 

I have really been enjoying it, invoking my creative photographical skills. I have found too be a wholly therapeutic. I have also been enjoying, seeing other people's #30DaySnap's/#GlitterSnap's. 

Cause, I will admit I do enjoy being a little nosey on the odd occasion! Hehe. 

So my plan is; Provided technology is on my side. (fingers crossed)

To upload all the pictures I have taken, so far for #30DaySnap, next week with a little explanation of what the picture represents, if necessary.  

I'm hoping for a sort of collage effect. 

That's it for now guys, see ya later ;)

Embracing Messy Hair

Hi Guys, 

Just thought I'd write a little post, about hair. Exciting hey?!

Now, I will admit.. I'm a styling tool addict. I know it damages your hair, & we don't want that, now do we?

 Back in the day, when straight hair was a 'must have'. I wouldn't have dreamed of going outside with a single kink in it. Even if, halfway through the day, I would un-doubtabley been rained on. 

Now I'm more about the volume & the waves /curls.

 Admittedly my hair is naturally wavy so curls do hold. But I know if I let myself, I could easily curl my locks once a day. If it wasn't so damn, time consuming.

 & my umbrella stood up to torrential downpours & anything more than a slight breeze.

So for the last 6 months or so, I promised myself, to lay off the heat tools. For reason's thusly;

1) I have highlights in my hair, leaving it dry.

2) I suffer from split ends, increased by using heated styling products. & they drive me crazy.

3) I am trying to grow my hair, meaning, equalling the more split ends, the more I have to have chopped off. Viscous circle if you ask me. 

So I will now use heated tools 1-2 times a week excluding a hair dryer. (I try to let my hair air-dry. Even though it takes ages!)

& the rest of the time I am left coping with my unruly hair. 

So I thought flighting it, is half the battle, I should give in, & embrace it, so I am!  

Which leads on nicely to this post. I thought I'd post some of my go to, everyday updo's for mid-long hair;

My Number 1)
 Is the 'messy/donut bun. They are so easy to do, and look great wherever you happen to be going.

Number 2)
 Side plait/fishtail braid I say side because I can only do mine from the side! I think
when you plate it looks like you've made an effort & plates look great in spring.

Number 3)
 When I'm in a rush, the mid- high ponytail is a great. It's quick & easy. Now I have a full fringe, ponytails, looks really nice. But when I had a side fringe, I used to do a  layered-twist type thing, or brush it back & create a mini quiff. Whatever takes you're fancy really! 

May Favourites

Hey Guy's,

I really enjoyed writing last months April favourites. So I thought, I'd give another one a go, for the month of May. 

May is always a hard month, as its my birthday month, & I'm lucky so I always get inundated with lovely things for my birthday. So lets get stuck in my friends.

Essie nail polish - I received this as a gift from a very dear  friend. I must admit Essie is one of my favourite nail polish brands. This one is called Virgin Orchid. It's a pearly pink shade. Very light & shimmery, perfect for this time of year. Because it's a light shade, it does require 2 coats, to get the full effect.

Tom's (mint can you see a theme?) These were a lovely birthday gift from my mum. I know, Tom's have been about for a while now. But because of England's varying climate, I have been sceptical weather, or not the would stand up to all the rain. The answer is, they stand up okay. But as you can imagine, their not entirely waterproof. They are so damn comfortable, I just don't care. (Apart from when my feet are really wet, then I do.)

So last month it was iced coffee, this month it's raspberry lemonade. (still, not fizzy) I love this stuff. It's cool and refreshing. Has a nice flavour balance between the lemon & the raspberry making it not too sour, & not too sweet. A perfect spring /summer if you ask me.

This next may fav, was a gift from me, too me. Cheeky I know. ;) I treated myself to this delicate little, gold necklace. Complete with miniature bow. I just can't resist bows. I love their semeiotical -ness. This came from a shop called Lisa Angle. But is made by, Orelia, and can be purchased here. If you wish too treat yourself. 

http://www.orelia.co.uk/jewellery.html

My final may favourite, is...
Isy Suttie's Love Letters. A short radio series on radio 4. If the name doesn't ring a bell, her face might.  Isy plays the wonderfully geeky Dobby in Peep show, latest love interest of Mark Corrigan.

In this sort series, Isy recounts unique, love stories. Either her own or from people that she has known, throughout her life. These are often told in part by song! Based in her hometown of Matlock these stories often involve anecdotes from Isy's actual love life. Combined with her medaling "helping" friends, with their own, love lives.    

Armed with her many voices, plus her guitar. Once in Isy's world. You won't want to leave. Listening to heart warming life lessons. Makes you feel glad you're not alone, in the world of life & love.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rlngr

Beauty, Lifestyle & Other Bits.: Just A Reminder The 30 Day Snap, starts TODAY!

Beauty, Lifestyle & Other Bits.: The 30 Day Snap: Hey Guys, How are we all doing, this week? It's Tuesday already, how times fly's! I just wanted to let you know about a ...