Three Things!

The last few days have really dragged. I guess, it was inevitable really as days passed since my operation and cabin fever started to set in. My operation was last Tuesday and the appointment to remove my splint etc was last night. A whole WEEK(!), I had to wait before I got to see my new nose!!! : 0

TICK...........................................................................TOCK........................................................................................................................................TICK...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... TOCK etc but alas, I've now seen it and I'm very happy. Obviously, the results are nowhere near finished but they are promising so far.

The first thing that struck me when I saw the new nose -the one that might  will sit on my face for the rest of my life- was how straight, the surgeon has made it. I wanted the bump removed but he also asked before surgery if I wanted a straight or a ski slope nose. In the frenzy pre-surgery, my mind went blank. So I showed him a profile of one nose I like and after looking it for ten seconds, that amazing surgeon went in to theatre later that morning and bestowed me with an uncannily similar profile. I can see that already. : )

The results from the front are harder to see, the bridge of my nose is straight as straight and the bump has gone but I still have a lot of facial swelling. The sides of my nose and my cheeks are still very swollen and I have two yellow/blue/purple/everycolourunderthesun under eye areas but the initial shape of the nose I can see and so far, that shape is flawless. Just needs downsizing a little. Obviously, once the swelling and bruising goes away a bit more, I will do a big post/vlog and you'll all be able to meet my new nose properly!!!

Meanwhile, I would like to share with you about the only thing that has kept my patience during 'The Great, Great, Great Nose Wait'. Yes, I've already mentioned that I've being reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

Well, as predicted I quickly finished it and yep, this novel deserves one MASSIVE rave. I loved it and was totally captivated by the story of young Amir, his childhood friend Hassan and their families. The story covers a time span of more then thirty years and shows how one horrific childhood happening taints everything Amir encounters as he grows up. The subject matter does not make for easy reading, this book is centred around Afghanistan from the 1970's onwards. Some horrific violence and acts are portrayed but somehow Hossenini has managed to write these tragedies in such a beautiful way that the language almost compels you to continue reading. I am actually really pleased that I missed the film a few years back and have read the novel version first. The novel is over 300 pages long but not one word is wasted, everything seems central to the story and the story very quickly progresses, never standing still for too long at all and even throwing in some very funny moments especially when Amir and his father go to the United States.

Here is a few general snippets from the novel:
'It's wrong what they say about the past, I've learned, about how you can bury it. Because the past claws its way out.'
'There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft'
'In his arms, I forgot what I'd done. And that was good'
'Because when spring comes, it melts the snow one flake at a time, and maybe I just witnessed the first flake melting.'

I'll finish my review with a cover quote from my edition from Isabel Allende. What she says I fear could become a true for me too . . . 'Unforgettable .  . .extraordinary. It is so powerful that for a long time after, everything I read seemed bland'

And finally before I go, I want to leave you with a body spray recommendation. I got this Ted Baker Body Spray in a gift set at Christmas and it is definitely THE body spray for me (rose, sandalwood and juicy raspberry) . I love this and isn't the bottle pretty?!!

I've heard the Victoria Secret body sprays are good, have you used any of those? Have you read The Kite Runner?

Until next time . . .

Clutter, go, go, GO!!!!

Every Christmas as a child, I believed I had to tidy my room or Santa wouldn't come *Cue sinister music* Da dah dummm . . .

I'm not sure where I got this notion from, my parents; family or friends but it has stuck with me all the same. Suddenly in December every year, I initiate this cleaning frenzy that would have you think I was popping a baby out tomorrow.

This year is no different except maybe worse. You see, I'm reading 'The Happiness Project' which suggests if I declutter and restore order to my abode then I'm going to be happier.

Well, duh. Obviously I will be happier because if I tidy up then Santa will come! I've been so good. Why wouldn't he?! *Looks innocent and flutters eyelashes like I've er. . . suddenly got something in my eye.*

Anyway, this is where I am at today, I have made piles, lots of piles, lots of toppling piles and now they need sorting which is why this post is so short. What Christmas prep or rituals do you go through every December? Have you read 'The Happiness Project'?

I hope you've all had a fantastic weekend and I will see you tomorrow.

Night night *Waves and almost knocks over one of the piles of clutter . . .*

Book Review: How to Fall in Love, Cecelia Ahern

I personally first encountered the writing of Cecilia Ahern about ten years ago when she released her first novel, 'PS, I Love You'.

I wasn't alone.

That book was one of the first in the line up for the Richard and Judy book club and it quickly gained Ahern a massive following.

Then there was 'Where Rainbows End', another sweet romantic offering that I probably enjoyed a little too much and then there were others which I dipped in to but could not bring myself to finish as her tales seemed to grow increasingly fairytale like (maybe a little farcical too) and a little less real but 'How to Fall in Love' did catch my eye as soon as it was released a few weeks ago.

Why, you might ask?

- For one, it was at the front of every single store I walked in to. In pride of place from Waterstones to the service station.

- Two, there is the beautiful deep blue front cover, where the two lovebirds sit and I mean, goodness, it is so simple but almost cinematic. Honestly, just looking at it makes me want to fall in to the book and get lost in their story.

- Oh and there is the cheesy title, got to love a good love story!

- Then I open the cover and read the blurb inside:

'Adam Basil and Christine Rose are thrown together late one night, when Christine is crossing the Ha'penny Bridge in Dublin. Adam is there, poised, threatening to jump.
Adam is desperate - but Christine makes a crazy deal with him. His 35th birthday is looming and she bets him that before then she can show him that life is worth living.'

Wellllll, obviously, then I just had to read it. I had to know from the moment I read that, if Adam lived? If he did, how did Christine do it? How did she save him?

Sure enough, all is revealed and yes, this book is a bit predictable.

It ended in the same way I thought it might just as soon as I read that inside cover but then my little ending was just so obvious that I almost dismissed it straight away and this is why 'How to Fall in Love' was a page turner. So much of it was about what we already know to be true of life but just as much of it was about the different motivations we all have (especially for the future) and how this influences what we actually see (especially in our today).

I have to admit that I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book. Such simple, pleasant reading (considering the subject matter, this book is not that dark or morbid) and I probably would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn't read the absolutely beautiful and captivating 'For One More Day' by Mitch Albom last week (review coming soon). However, I did read 'For One More Day' and I guess, a little comparison was inevitable especially as they both deal with suicide. As entertaining as Aherns' tale was and for all the times she pinpointed some truth about life, 'How to Fall in Love' did not resonate quite as deeply as 'For One More Day' but it was an easier and maybe more entertaining read. Then there is the last part of the book where Ahern comes in to her own and we find out exactly why Christine and Adam act as they do. . .

Wow!!!  Suddenly, everything becomes clear. The plot was so tight and I can see exactly why Christine feels she needs to do what she does throughout the book. When I closed this book, I was so incredibly satisfied with the ending. It really did come a full circle in my eyes.

So yes, 'How to Fall in Love' is well worth a read especially when it is half price or less in so many stores. With Christmas coming up (eek), the hardback could also be a lovely present for a friend. 'How to Fall in Love' is a really well written, charismatic, straight-forward read with some great passages as well as some very unique and memorable characters.

I'll leave you with one of my favourite lines (I can be a bit corny like that), 'Life is a series of moments and moments are always changing, just like thoughts . . .'

I got my copy from Tesco for £7. It is also available to buy in many other stores and here on Amazon!

Have you read 'How to Fall in Love'? Do you plan to? What do you think of Aherns' writing style? What books do you recommend?

I hope your week has started well. Mine has . . . with a couple of little wins on Ebay ; )

My favourite face mask, music and a little ramble!

My poor skin . . , it was only a couple of years ago that I started to pay it any attention at all and even then, I tended to focus purely on the moisturisers.

Then for the first time in a decade I started to breakout and I went on the defence piling one harsh anti-blemish product on after another.

Lesson learnt!

When things started to settle down (and they did but it took a while, a lot longer then I would have hoped), I vowed to start looking after my skin properly.

As well as plenty of blog posts (search skincare, skin routine), there were a few mistakes and disappointments along the way but gentle products and routine seemed to be key (though I know I should drink more water too, I WILL start tomorrow) in maintaining a clear, hydrated complexion and harbouring some glow.

I have done a few posts about my skincare routine and faves but I will quickly list here the few skincare products that I will (and do!) return to again and again.

Cleanser: The No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser

Toner: The Botanics Rosewater and Skin Brightening ones; The Lush Tea Tree Water

Moisturiser: La Roche-Posay Hydreane Riche; Embryolisse

I have also started to develop a weekly skincare routine. I try to use masks at least two or three times a week. I have tried and liked the Mask of Magnaminty from Lush. Likewise, the Manuka Honey one from Doctor Organic. I find both of these refresh the face and while they might not always heal a blemish. The skin does feel soothed after use and problem areas appear less red and appear a little more discreet.

However, there is only one mask that wows me and my dry skin enough to suggest that you all give it a shot and that is the Brightening Facial Moisture Boosting Mask from The Sanctuary who bill it as the 'ultimate moisture boost to revive thirsty skin for a glowing skin'.

This mask contains organic shea butter and honey and organic rosehip oil. Consequently, it is supposed to nourish the skin and protect it from ageing.

The Moisture Boosting Mask can be left on clean skin for ten minutes or as an overnight mask. I tend to go for the latter, overnight option. When I wash it away in the morning, my skin always looks better. I personally thinks it looks a little plumper and polished. Any red areas have gone while my under eye area looks so smooth and bag free. My skin also feels so soft to touch and any dry patches appear to have gone (Hydreane Riche is fab for dry patches too).

When a mask reaps such rewards, I'm obviously going to feel a little better about waking up in the morning. The lavender scent is supposed to relax the senses too. Bonus, bonus, bonus. I certainly need any extra help I can get in the mornings.

The only other skin mask that I have found to give such good results is Dragons Blood from Rodial. That one certainly gave me pepped up skin in the morning but I don't think it was quite as moisturising (my parched skin can never have enough moisture) and it was a lot more expensive.

At the moment, you can pick up a sachet of the Sanctuary mask (and I can normally get two or three uses from one sachet) for £2.03 from Boots online and I really suggest you all do if you want a little hydration, some glow or just a little skin kick.

Lately I have been doing as I believe Caroline and Anna do and use a couple of different masks one after another to give my skin the ultimate treat. I try to do this twice a week. Usually I use The Sanctuary Deep Cleanse 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask then the Moisture Boosting one. More often then not, I will also use the Botanics new Microdermabrasion Polish to gently exfoliate my skin before slapping the masks on.

Ah, the Botanics Microdermabrasion Polish. Now that's another product I currently love and can see becoming a staple in my skincare routine. We will have to talk a little more about that one soon. Talking of post teasers, I have started a list of ones I want to write and I'm determined to get on it. One thing which will feature heavily in a couple of posts is ink . . .

I hope you've all had a good few days. I've done some mooching and window (both glass and computer) shopping. I'm more then a little obsessed with these gold skinny belts from the 'Go Wild' collection in Warehouse stores and just need to choose which animal I want now. Which is your favourite?


The Jaguar



The Kissing Birds

The Lion Head

 

I'm also trying to finish, Beautiful Disaster, which I could not put down to start with but over the last few days and more then halfway through, I'm not quite as excited to pick it up again. I will though and I'm sure given a solid hour or so of reading, I will get back in to it again.

Music-wise, I'm loving 'Anything Could Happen' from Ellie Goulding and got to say loving Adam Levine (again!) in the video for 'One More Night'.

What are you loving right now? What skin treatments do you love?

 

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LOTD 3: Book

Link to Louise's LOTD post and blog.

Today's 'Love of the Day' topic is books and there are so many I could have picked but for those of you who have been following my blog for a while, you will probably not be surprised by the book that I have chosen to feature today.

Yet again, I am going to rave about 'Beautiful', by Katie Piper. Click here for the Amazon link and reviews.

This book is autobiographical and tells of Katie's journey after she was raped and attacked with acid. This book is not only about how Katie came to terms with her change in appearence. She had to deal with so much more then that including great health problems, a number of operations, a fight for justice and the psychological consquences of the horrific attacks. She had to deal with so much while overcoming obstacle after obstacle. Her life was changed forever.

Yep, on a day to day basis, I'm still one of the first to grumble about the rain and such trivia but I DO completely believe that since reading Katie's story, my sense of perspective has changed on a deeper level so that I also appreciate the fact that I'm able to jump from puddle to puddle if I so want.

Honestly, I've said it before here but I wholeheartedly can not recommend this book enough. Pick it up and it'll stay with you forever.

Hope you're all doing ok, we're all well on our way to the weekend now. Yay, what books have touched you?

X



An obsession or two!

Yes, I like shopping. In fact, I like shopping quite a lot (!) but the three things, I like indulging in the most are pretty tops, perfumes and books.

Pretty tops!

Good old H&M can always be relied on to deliver a pretty top!

This gold vest is gorgeous and could be worn in a number of ways and all year round.Yay, gold will always catch the eye and probably makes me look slightly classier then I am. Oh and er, this one was just £7.99.

I already have a couple of sequined vests in different colours from last year and I always believe if you like something, buy it in every colour you can, so ta dah! I picked a couple up in black and white too.

Black Orchid

I've always had a bit of a love-hate thing going on with Tom Fords legendary scent. I have said before that when I first sprayed, it was all a bit too deep and woody. I felt the perfume sat on my skin and was somewhat artificial before finally sinking in and enveloping me a couple of hours later in the most beautiful scent. Yes, this was the perfume that I said suddenly exploded and  blossomed in the most beautiful way but then I also used to find a few hours later, that it started to smell greasy and off. I've always thought that this scent could be diffcult and temperamental to wear so it has spent a lot of time banished to my dark perfume pot. You can read my earlier thoughts here in my perfume post.

Well, I'm doing a bit of a 360 (again!). I dug this perfume out again about a month ago and it has been in my handbag (hence the missing lid) ever since. I bloody adore it and have worn it every day for weeks. The scent is so, soo pretty in fact, beautiful is a much more appropriate adjective and indeed, Black Orchid gleams many a compliment. It is definitely a floral with just enough spice to take the edge off and make the perfume that much more contemporary and in the words of Sephora, show-stopping! I really can't think of any scent similar.

I don't really notice any artificial starts or the ylang notes when I first spray now and I certainly don't smell the going off factor. It may be that I'm more used to the perfume now or maybe it is because I'm spraying little and often rather then constantly dowsing myself in the stuff. Whatever the case, I absolutely love this perfume (the one that has been described as Sex In A Bottle!) and can't believe that I left it sitting unloved in my collection for so long! I'm pretty sure I will be trying the new Tom Ford perfume, Violet Blonde very soon.

Me Before You

I've seen this book in stores for ages but have always overlooked it. You see, the cover is so simplistic and hides all the things that this book is about. I thought it was just another comedy romance and as much as I love them. I already have so many and never considered adding this one to my already extensive collection. However, then I started to hear rumblings that there was just this little bit more to 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes and well, in short I got it, read it in days and yep, there is a whole lot more to this book.
It is one of the best books I've ever read  and was a bit of a page turner. Lou's family are hilarious but when you strip the book back to its core issue, it is absolutely heartbreaking and like everybody else, a few tears were shedded while indulging in this one. It really got me thinking about life and the duty we have to make the most of ours while we can etc etc! Anyways before I go and get all deep . . .

Since pretty tops, scents and books are my true obsessions then I can never resist a good conversation about any of them. So what tops, scents and books rock your world right now?

X

*Waves* hello!

Just a very quick post today to let you know that I'm still here and have lots of posts planned and hope to get a few up over the next week or so. I just need to sit down and add some finishing touches.
I'm quite busy at the moment and riding many a fad (I'm so whimsical) including:

- The Sleep Cycle App
I am addicted to this app. There are two parts to it. Firstly, it monitors your sleep patterns and secondly, you can activate the alarm function which will wake you within your chosen window when you are in the lightest state of sleep. Apparently you feel much more rested and relaxed if you start your day having awoken from this state. I don't know how this app works but it really does. I've woken up in the night and not even touched the phone and it charts my wake up at precisely the right time. If the phone can pinpoint such times so precisely then I'm pretty sure that what it also charts about the sleep states I move in and out of is also pretty accurate. I haven't used the alarm function yet but now the monitoring function has proven itself then I think, I will activate it very soon to wake me at the 'ideal' time. After all, who doesn't need a good kickstart to the day?!
Sidenote: I have always being fascinated with the workings of the human body and mind, especially sleep. My dreams are always so vivid and real, I just can't believe they come from my little ole brain. Amazing! If like me, you are a bit of a Sleep nerd then this old Zoella post sticks in my mind. Check it out.

- The Get Running App
I'm not going to post too much about this one as Laura has already covered it but despite numerous incidents (including that disastrous first attempt, remember this post), I've stuck at it and miracle of miracles, I haven't broken/twisted anything yet. I'm about to start week three and I really am finding it easier to run that little bit longer and to keep going. Still, it is a given that every session, I will run the first two or three runs quite smugly thinking how easy I'm finding it and that maybe I'll just skip a couple of weeks to the longer runs (those that will really work me!) but then almost immediately, I'm on my fourth run of the day and I'm huffing, puffing and sweating buckets. It happens every time. Nice!
As well as running, it is invigorating and inspiring to get out in the fresh air and go places, the beach, country parks, that I haven't been visiting enough lately! 
- The Halo
After watching Amy's video and seeing a promo code on Twitter today, I have finally given in and ordered a Halo. Given my obsession with hair, it is actually quite surprising that I haven't tried flip in hair yet. I'm hoping it is going to save me some time. Taped extensions take a while to put in and, it doesn't matter that I've used clip ins on and off for years, sometimes they still feel a bit of a daily chore. I do have some concerns about the halo. I'm a little bit worried though about how long the wire will last and if the hair shreds easily but time will tell. I'll keep you informed!

- The Help
This is my latest read. I'm really enjoying it. It hasn't made me cry yet but I've laughed aloud several times. Minny is such a character and I've officially adopted the line 'best thing since hairspray in the can'!

- The Miss Selfridge Dress (and Top Shop lust)

I've still got to finish the post it deserves but I love this dress and am still sneaking a peek at it in the wardrobe every five minutes and I have been known to put it on just to twirrllll. Must get the post up asap.

I really can not justify it but I really like this dress that Top Shop tweeted today. I like the stars, the black and gold colour mix, the sheer sleeves, the floatiness, the shape and the list could continue. . ! Basically, I think that this beauty could be exactly what certain Christmas occasions calls for!

I hope you are all ok. Have you tried flip in hair? What are you currently reading? Any more apps that I need in my life or got a dress that I can swoon over? Tell me about it!

X

Superfoods!

It is that time of the year again where there seems to be a few diet posts floating around.

Now the diet I am going to post about today is not really a 'diet' in the same sense. It is not about a bikini blitz or a six pack. Instead, it is all about the Superfoods!

I think I'm a bit late on this bandwagon (the book was first published in 2004) but I have been immersed in this book for the last couple of weeks. It is fascinating and yes, I am now convinced that these fourteen foods could change my life!

Basically Superfoods suggests that every time we eat, we are making a choice which added to our other earlier and later choices could make a very big difference in how we look, feel and actually are now and in the future.

The authors suggest that by incorporating superfoods in to our diet we may reach old age and remain very active while someone else less superfoody (dang, superfoody is not a word) could potentially struggle getting to the chemist to pick up their numerous pills and tablets each week.

When we eat something, there is a chain of reactions in our body and these over time can add up to something more. Superfoods suggests that by changing our eating habits and choosing one food over another, even one fruit over another, we could fight the onset of disease including diabetes, alzheimers and some cancers.

Fourteen superfoods are identified . . .

Now this diet is a lot easier (and tastier) then some of those slimming diets out there as it is not so regimented. Basically you just need to add the superfoods in and make sure you are eating them so many times a week.

And yay, for some items such as yogurt, I'm already easily fulfilling the quota. I eat so much yogurt!

However, there are other foods such as Salmon that I barely want to touch and that is where my work begins.

I aim to add all of the superfoods in to my diet but I will do it gradually. First of all, I will start with the three super duper Superfoods. Apparently, even, if all you do is add these three goodies to your diet then your current and future wellbeing will dramatically improve. The magical foods in question are Blueberries, Spinach and Wild Salmon.

- Blueberries have five times as many antioxidants as apples or carrots. These berries have both amazing health and antiaging benefits. Oh yes, they could help the undereye bags and get this, they may even help in reversing the effects of degenerative diseases.

I have been trying to have half a cup of blueberries each morning with yogurt and then throughout the day I have been picking at the berries.

- Spinach was easy to add in to my diet, I just started on the Green Monsters again which I often have after my main meal.

Unlike some of the superfoods with one particular nutrient or nutritional combination that pushes it forward, there are so many nutrients in spinach and this is what makes it a super (duper) food. One of these is vitamin K, a vitamin which can not be stored in your body and therefore needs replenishing as it helps the blood to clot properly. Spinach is also thought to help fight some cancers and to be of benefit to your eyes. Then of course, don't forget the iron!

Popeye anyone?!

Image from Google Image Search.

- Finally, there is Wild Salmon which contains good fats. It read a bit complicated but it seems one reason we need Salmon is because it is not necesarily the fats and things you consume but also the ratio in which they are consumed. For example ideally you should comsume omega 6 and omega 3, in a ratio between 1-1 and 4-1 but many people have a ratio between 14-1 and 25-1. This means our bodies will be reacting and causing less then optimal biochemical changes.
The authors suggest eating Salmon two to four times a week. At the moment, I am going for once a week and will hopefully go from there. The one good thing about this book is it identifies not only the Superfood but also some sidekicks who can do some of the good work instead. So maybe I will try to add a little bit of tuna in to my diet too.

I love this Superfood idea and while some benefits may be questioned. I can not see what harm it can do (although Blueberries quickly drain the pennies) and see it as an ideal basis to start from when planning my meals. As I said, I am going to concentrate on adding the super duper foods in and then hopefully I will follow with one or two of the other superfoods each week.

What do you think about Superfoods? Are you on a "diet"?

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