Saturday 8 December 2018

Spicy Ramen/ Noodle Challenge


When will I learn lol.

The boys got me again, this time with spicy noodles 😫

enjoy the video, laughs a plenty as usual with these two.





Thursday 6 December 2018

Getting my happy back through crafting.
















Hiya!! I hope you are well.

I am trying to get back my happy.

I have talked a little about my low moods here and there but I try not to post too much as I feel like this blog was a way for me to have a little escape and enjoyment but.... I do feel it's important for me to work on my emotional health.


I have noticed - for a couple years if I'm honest - that I have stopped doing the things that used to make me happy, the things that I used to enjoy hold no joy for me and that's not ok.

I think back to my crafting days and how much I loved it, and the other hobbies I spent so much time and money on them and now all the tools, equipment and products just gathering dust.

I have started to really try to get the zeal to do something enjoyable but I really don't have it in me.
I want to push through the feelings and do it any way.

I have started planning again which seemed to awaken my crafting side, so much so that I took part in inktober - I was meant to actually upload my drawings but for whatever reason I didn't and now it's two months - sigh- that got my creative juices flowing annnndddd I have caught the bullet journaling bug and that has definitely got my fingers twitching to create.


I think I will get a project to work on and ease into crafting and then maybe look for some craft blogs/channels challenges to take part in.

Keep a look put for some show and tells,

bye for now xxx


Wednesday 5 December 2018

Rice Water Rinse for hair Growth - video


Hiya!!

I have seen so many videos, posts and recommendations for using rice water for hair growth. I have wanted to try it but couldn't face the smell of the fermented rice water.
I decided to do a modified version where I let the rice ferment for a short while and then longer in the fridge.

I recorded a wash day using the rice water rinse and also a hair update.

enjoy xxx



Friday 30 November 2018

Non Dairy Oriental taste Test!


Hiya!!

I uploaded a fun video with "the boys" they came back to my channel with a taste test.
They are soooooo funny.

We had such a great time tasting some Non- Dairy Oriental snacks.

Enjoy xxx





Friday 23 November 2018

Past London Events - Mane Choice takeover and National stationery show


Hiya!! I put this up but forgot to post here.

This is old footage from the Mane Choice London Take over and The London Stationery show.

I am still recovering my files from wayyyy back. Hopefully I can finish the recovery stuff before the years out so I can have all new stuff starting off the new year! whoooaaahhh New year talk already??😫😅

Enjoy and speak soon. xxx





Wednesday 31 October 2018

Family Days Out - Then and Now

Hiya!! We went to Woburn Safari Park and then I found some footage of ages ago when we went out to the o2 Centre and I was amazed at the difference in everyone.
Kiddies grow sooo quickly.

I even kept in some of the squabbles lol

Enjoy xxx






Tuesday 30 October 2018

Aldi Skincare

Hiya!!

I shared some lovely Skincare bits from Aldi and thought I'd post it here. Enjoy xxx


Monday 29 October 2018

Meal Plan Monday

Hiya!! Back with another meal plan post.

Last week was half term and I knew we had sooo many things going on so no plan there.

Schools back in and the weather has gotten so chilly that all I want to do is cozy down in the evenings so a plan for dinners is well needed.




Monday:

Seasoned Veg Rice and Prawns.                    Seasoned Veg Rice and Jackfruit.

Tuesday:

Turkey Meatballs Pasta Bake.                         Mushroom Pasta Bake.          

Wednesday:

Italian style Fish and Miniature Potatoes.       Jackfruit "fish" and Miniature Potatoes

Thursday:

One Pot Chicken and Rice.                             One Pot Mushroom Rice

Friday:

Chicken Sausage Casserole and Mashed Potato.     Smoked Tofu and Mashed Potato.

Saturday:

Creamy Spaghetti                       Dairy Free Spaghetti




That didn't take long at all. I hope the boys enjoy their meals this week. Next week I will get them to choose meals and have a "Boy Choice" week.

Catch up soon xxx

Monday 15 October 2018

Meal Plan Monday















Hiya!! I'm back with another meal plan Monday.
Last week we were eating out of our freezer and our eldest son bought some goodies home from work so we used that.

This week it's back to planning.

The weather has dipped again and I have found myself wanting pasta much more so I will be doing a few pasta dishes this week.
Saturday and Sunday I have big concerts so I will only be planning the week dinners.





Monday:

Filled Pasta (will look at which protein is in the fridge.          Pasta and Vegetable mix.

Tuesday:

Rice and Fish.                                                    Rice and Seasoned Blackeye Beans.

Wednesday:

Chicken Pie with Potatoes and Veg.                   Sweet Potato and Veg Pie with mixed beans.

Thursday:

Chicken and Rice One Pot.                                 Vegetable and Rice One Pot.

Friday:

Pizza and Chicken wings.                                  Pasta and Vegetable mix.






That took not long at all. I love this planning malarkey lol.

I'm off to look at some meal planning blogs, "see" you soon xxx

Monday 1 October 2018

Meal Plan Monday.

















Hiya!! {did you over at seeing another post so soon??😜}

I have been in such a funk with cooking the last few weeks. My appetite has been very bad but even cooking for the family has been hard lately.
I know *the black cloud* can make me feel lethargic and sucks the fun, joy and enjoyment out of everything I used to love but I didn't expect to feel this way over simply cooking.

I'm not sure if it is because I have been ill with this cold type lergy and that has zapped all of the little energy I had, but I have been so tired.

I'm trying to fight *the black cloud* all the time and the fact of the matter is that I have to provide meals for my family. At this moment in time, I often have cereal or a smoothie and thats fine - for now - But my family deserve lovely meals and I actually want to get back to enjoying providing them.

I did notice that when I used to plan the meals, it really helped. It saved me from having to come up with the ideas on the nights that I really had no inspiration and the boys liked to have a visual sign of what was for dinner.
They seem to like choosing meals too which is great.


So onto the point after all that waffle lol, I am back to meal planning and will post on Mondays. As the boys are at school I'll be posting Dinner for Monday - Saturday.
I'll plan mine next the family meals to try and get me motivated to eat properly too.


This weeks Meals will be:




Monday;       Spaghetti Bolognese.                           Vegetables and Spaghetti
Tuesday;       Rice and Fish.                                      Rice and Black bean Korma
Wednesday;  Chicken and Pasta One Pot.                 Vegetables and Pasta One Pot
Thursday;     Potato gratin and meatballs.                 Smoothie
Friday;          One Pot Rice with Chicken.                 One Pot Rice with Veg
Saturday;      Homemade Burgers and Wedges.        Meatfree version.




That was actually quicker thanI thought. I'll let you know how I got on and if it helped with this cooking funk.

I'd love to hear if you meal plan and what meals you're cooking this week, also if you have any inspiration or even know of any blogs.

See you soon xxx


Friday 28 September 2018

Starting from.......

.... NOW!! 😫

Sooooo....... I have a slight confession to make.... I may have failed my no buy ban already.

I may have went to TK Maxx and I may have purchased a hair product... or 2. Also maybe a makeup item.... or 3😫😫

To plead my case, it was some CHi Items and they are quite pricey elsewhere so when I see them in TK Maxx I like to pick them up.
Plus.... One was a gel and I didn't know they did a gel so of course I wanted to try it... and I didn't follow my previous bad habit of picking up more than one *just in case* and.... I do need some gel as mine is running out, I have like two wash and go's left.... ok I have two different gels I could use but they flake on me.....
The other item was a hair treatment and I don't actually have a protein treatment so technically I followed the rules.... kind of.... but not really.... GAH!!!!

I was trying not to buy make up too.... was gonna post about that and extend my no buy to include makeup with the exception of the new Too Faced Ginger Spice eye shadow palette that's due here in UK on the 5th of October.

But I failed there too as I picked up a couple bits..... I think I have to ban myself fromTK Maxx as I always get sucked in.... they're prices are so reasonable and I made the mistake of watching a Makeup video where the lady showed some Too Faced sale items and mentioned that TJ Maxx would have some there, I decided to look in TK Maxx as they often get the bits from their US stores and they did in fact have some.... Oh dear..... I really must NOT go to look for now because a look becomes a grab!!

Soooo..... I'm restarting my no buy...... I'll do better, I promise. I do need a few skincare items though. so ... yeah.

Bye for now xxx

Saturday 22 September 2018

Hair Product "No Buy"
















Hiya!! (told you I'd be back tomorrow lol)

I have put myself on a Hair Product buying ban.

I knew I had a whole load of hair stuff, I have been a product junkie and have back ups of my back ups.
Don't even get me started on my conditioner addiction gahhh!!!!
I have been in a decluttering frenzy and found so many bottles, tubs and packets of hair stuff I could open a pop-up shop 😣.

I decided that until I use what I have am NOT to buy any more.

It's ridiculous - I mean how many heads of hair do I have? granted I use my hair products on the boys, three of whom have quite a lot of hair but still!!

I will only buy something if I absolutely need it for example a condition based item or if I haven't anymore of it's type. I probably won't need to buy conditioner till way into next year (the shame).

I will be blogging as I go and I can't promise not to moan when I want to try something - I nearly bought the Paul Mitchells conditioner as I have wanted to try it for over a year!!

Look out for some more reviews as I start to actually use what I have instead of admiring them.... or placing them in bags and forgetting about them *sigh*

I am ashamed to have rediscovered some items I was kindly given to review and although it's way late... I will review these too.

Anywhooooooo..... gonna have some dinner now, a break in healthy eating meal (don't like the term cheat meal... who am I cheating??

Bye for now xxx

Friday 21 September 2018

Testing out Brushes, GRWM part 2 and 3

Hiya!!  Here's parts 2 and 3 of Te testing makeup brushes, GRWM video(s)
I didn't't even post when I uploaded part 2, I've been on one of my downward/inward/spins but I'm clawing my way back. ((be gone black cloud))

I know it's another video drop blog post and I had promised (more than once😫) that I would be back to regular posting.... (well regular for me lol) and I failed....terribly. But..... I really will be back tomorrow with a post and will schedule my time much better.



Part 2: Eyes, Brows and Contour







Part 3: Highlight, Finishing and Hair.




Enjoy the video's, *see* you tomorrow xxx

Saturday 11 August 2018

Testing Out brushes GRWM Video

Hiya!! Hope you're having a great day. I have uploaded a video testing out some of the brushes I was so grateful to receive.

I am so far out of my comfort zone as I haven't filmed make up play before. I do mostly hair and chatting videos but I had a lovely request and decided to have a go.
The video footage was sooooo long. I think it's because I haven't done a makeup video before and the house was so busy. My boys had various things to do and to go to so that added to the mayhem.

I have to say I enjoyed it, not professional by no means but fun. I was trying out the brushes so didn't mind and I didn't have anywhere to go so the finished look wasn't to important to me lol.

Anywayyyyy, hope you enjoy 😊



Monday 16 July 2018

Personalised Hair Growth routine/regime{n} - short, dry, fine hair.

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all well and enjoying the hot weather and the World Cup matches.

I was asked to come up with a Hair Growth Routine/Regime{n} for short, dry, fine Afro-Caribbean hair. The lovely lady doesn't like heavy or greasy products and her hair can get weighed down easily so I kept all this in mind when choosing the products, health issues also determined the easy routine.
I thought it would be nice to add it here as it may be helpful for others and also so for a record.



Wash Day - Every 2 weeks. 

Wash - Sulphate free shampoo - Shea Moisture Manuka Honey -  Wet hair and apply shampoo to scalp, massage with pads of fingers (not nails). Smooth through to ends and rinse. Add shampoo to hair, massage and smooth through and rinse.

Deep Condition - In a bowl, Mix Aunt Jackie Deep conditioner and teaspoon of Kokolicious Kays Oil blend (add Ogx Coconut Water conditioner if you want a thicker consistency or for extraness 😝)
Section hair into 4 and clip out the way, working one section at a time. 
Apply condish mix, smoothing through hair. Cover with shower cap/bag or cling film. ( a scarf can be tied on top as it keeps in heat and also as protection - or if you need to leave the house lol) Leave on hair for at least 30mins (the longer the better) 
Remove cover and detangle hair using fingers or wide tooth comb. 
Rinse hair well.

**If you are short of time (or patience) you can just use the Aunt Jackie as is.

Last cool rinse Add some Apple Cider Vinegar or Lime Juice to cool water or just rinse with cool water.

Wrap hair with t-shirt.




Wash Day- Every 6 Weeks.
 
Pre-poo overnight - Or at least 30mins before washing. Section hair into 4 sections using clips. working on a section at a time, massage Kokolicious Hairlicious Growth oil into scalp, Smooth generous amount of Kays Oil Blend through hair. (if hair is dry use Ogx condish, seal with oil blend if extremely dry or if hair feels like it needs an extra boost) Cover hair overnight.

nb,
You may like to warm the oil up before applying for a hot oil treatment.

Clarifying Wash - ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo - follow shampoo routine as above
Tea/coffee Rinse - Stew tea and pour into spray bottle or cup. Spritz tea onto hair or pour over with cup. Leave for 5-10 mins.
Deep Condition - Mix Shea Moisture Superfruit Masque and teaspoon of Hairlicious or Kay's Oil Blend in a bowl (add some Aunt Jackie deep condish if too thick or for a nice mix) - follow deep condish routine as above.

**If you are short of time (or patience) you can just use the Aunt Jackie as is.

Last cool rinse - as above
Wrap hair with t-shirt
Do Nightly Routine.



NB, If you feel like your hair needs added moisture between washdays or needs freshening up, use the OGX conditioner to co wash.



Nightly.

Seperate hair with fingers into four sections. Using clips to hold hair in place.
working with a section at a time.
Oil scalp Hairlicious growth oil and massage (not needed nightly if you feel your hair doesn't need oiling nightly but at least 2/3 times a week for hair growth boost)
Leave In - spritz Kokolicious and Refresh Hydrate spray onto hair, smooth gently through hair.
Moisturise - put a small amount of Giovanni Direct Leave In into the palm of your hand, rub gently to lightly warm, apply to hair and smooth through. 
Seal - Put a small amount of Kay's Oil Blend into palm, rub hands together gently, rub through hair concentrating on ends. 
Use fingers or tangle teaser to detangle and smooth hair.
 
Band, Thread, plait or twist each section. 

Edges and Nape - Massage Hairlicious into edges and nape. Use pad of fingers and massage upwards.

Cover with satin/silk scarf and satin bonnet if sleek edges are needed or just a satin bonnet otherwise.

Nb,
After a couple weeks your hair will start to retain moisture and you may notice you don't need to moisturise every night. Follow your hair's lead and do so every other night or even every couple of nights. You may find that you just need to use hydrating spray and a little oil.
Try to massage your edges and nape nightly at least for now to get them strong, thick and growing.

Dayly

Style hair as desired. Be careful not to over manipulate your hair. Moisturise if needed.

If your hair feels dry during the day, use the refreshing spray.


Tips!!


*Using T-shirts after washing instead of Towels can help combat frizz, snagging and also maintain moisture.
*Never use nails when washing or massaging the scalp.
*Use a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to keep your hair in place and a satin pillowcase. Cotton can dry your hair out and cause snagging.
*Use wide tooth combs only. No small tooth combs (unless for parting) as they pull hair out.
*Use hair bands and ponytail holders that don't have metal parts as hair can get caught and pulled out.
*Ensure your hair is always moisturised, dry things break or die.
*Drink your water! Hydration is key.
*Get nutrients through diet and supplement if needed.
*Do what works for you.
*Be gentle!!
*Be patient!!
*Have fun.



Thursday 12 July 2018

Budget Summer Accessory Haul - Primark, Peacocks, Poundland.

Hiya!! I have finally got myself together and remembered that I should actually blog 😫.

I posted a haul video with some accessories for the summer.
Of course the bits were budget friendly 😁.




Thursday 3 May 2018

Revolution Beauty Haul (the Multi-liners got me)

Another video drop post 😣

This one is a Revolution Beauty Haul!!

Before known as Tam Beauty, its now Revolution beauty and the "main line" is Revolution. I still keep calling them Makeup Revolution and I heart Makeup (now called I heart revolution)

Whatever.... I love their products and have been buying a few bits here and there and when I saw the Multi-Liners!! whoaaaa I had to grab them.

Enjoy xxx


Wednesday 2 May 2018

First Impressions and Demo - Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil

Hiya!! Just running in with another video post.


I have been wanting to try these for ages and when I found these goodies inTk Maxx at bargain prices I nabbed them lol.
I'm not sure why the packaging is different though.

Enjoy xxx


Wednesday 14 March 2018

Baileys Almande Vegan/Dairy Free is here!!


Hi everyone!!
Baileys Almande has arived in the UK.
I saw an advert for it last year and have been looking out for it ever since.
I finally managed to get my hands on a bottle during a quick run to Whole Foods and thought I'd do a taste test and mini haul video.

Enjoy :)


Tuesday 13 March 2018

Crazy Weather and Decluttering!!

Hi everyone!! What a crazy couple of months!!

Its been hectic here and  the weather has definitely been hectic too.

We've had snow, sleet, snow, hail, snow, rain and did I mention SNOW!! lol. The kiddies loved the snow, me not so much.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate snow... I just hate the feeling of falling in the snow.  My old ankle injuries make it quite difficult to walk in the snow and with snow comes ice which is even worse. I literally walk at a pace slower than a tortoise, I can get quite anxious and had a semi panic attack/melt down on the school pick up run.
I was dreading the next school run but remembered some WinterTrax I bought a few years back.
I had been decluttering before Christmas and came across them so tried to retrace my footsteps ('scuse the pun😝) I found them, put them on my boots and wow!! what a difference they made. I actually got to the school in the same amount of time as usual (the melt down day, it took me 15 minutes extra!). I could walk art regular pace, my ankles didn't hurt and my feet didn't slip once. The only problem is that they're not for indoors so when I went into the shop they were a little slippery.



 















The boys couldn't believe the snow settled and was falling so heavily, they absolutely loved it and at last I wasn't a shaking wreck and could enjoy it with them.... apart from being freezing cold lol.

On the subject of decluttering, I have started to declutter again. Hoorahhhh!!! Although I am still feeling the black cloud hovering, I am trying to push through and work on getting our house nice.
I started in the kitchen last week and tackled two surfaces on Saturday, the dreaded container and cup cupboard on Sunday and another surface and corner on Wednesday.



















It has made such a difference to the room!! it looks so much brighter and feels way lighter. I feel so happy with the accomplishment and am motivated to keep going, even if its a little at a time.

Even though the before pictures make me cringe, I can be pleased with how the after pictures look enough to keep my guilt at bay.
















I have started to watch and read more cleaning/organising videos and blogs so if you have any channel or blog recommendations please let me know.

Have a great day, "see" you soon xxx

Sunday 18 February 2018

Dairy and Meat Free Whole Foods Haul

Hiya!!

Another quick video post 😳 I’ll do a “real” post very soon 🙈

I did a small shop to pick up some Dairy and Meat Free goodies from While Foods and also a little taste test.

Dairy Free can be hard at tones as milk is in soooo many items, even those that you wouldn’t even expect them to be in.

I’ll be doing more dairy and meat free videos as I do get quite a few questions about this, hopefully I can share recipes and tips.

Thanks for watching xxx


Saturday 17 February 2018

Affordable Makeup brushes

Hiya!!! I posted another Budget Buys video. This time showing affordable Makeup Brushes.

Brushes can be pricey so I share some that can be purchased from Amazon, EBay and Aliexpress as well as other places that sell goods for bargain prices.

I was privileged to receive many to try and I also purchased a few.

I can’t wait to play with the brushes as they look and feel lovely.


Wednesday 24 January 2018

Bean Boozled!! Why??

I recorded a very yucky video with two of my eually yucky boys lol. They have been bugging me to do the Beanboozled challenge with them so I bought a couple packs.... who on earth would do this and why!! It was so much fun to do it with them and we will defo be recording more together so if you have any ideas for us or would like us to do any videos in particular, please let me know.

Enjoy 🤢 🤣



Tuesday 23 January 2018

Goals and life overhaul.



















Hi Everyone, I hope you are having a great week so far.

I am always setting goals, challenges and tasks for myself. I have mentioned before I like to set challenges to keep me motivated to reach goals.

Many of my goals are long term and I often get disheartened or demotivated and I find making smaller goals work well in keeping me focused.

I started a "boot camp" of sorts at the start of the 2016 summer holidays. I upped my food management and activity levels and did an overhaul in many areas of my life that I needed changes in - My Weight and Physical health, Emotional and Mental health, Spiritual Wellbeing, Relationships (God, Hubby, Kids, Family and Friends), Marriage, Parenting, Ministry, Business and others - a real life overhaul.

I did not know how much of a change that would make but wow!!

By the end of October, my life was almost unrecognisable. We left our church, I lost another chunk of weight and dropped a couple dress sizes, Hubby and I had a sparkle... I started Therapy and made so many changes with my emotional, mental and behavioural wellbeing, my mindset had a huge shift and I cannot actually put into words how different I actually feel inside.


I have to admit that will all those changes came some negative backlash. We faced a difficult time as a family and I personally went through sheer..... well I was gonna say hell but it sounds dramatic.... let's just say sheer sunken blackness.... still dramatic but you get my drift.

My character was put to the test, slander and lies were commonplace but I thank God we came through stronger as individuals and as a family,


Looking forward I am as determined to make changes as I was before the summer. I love the person I am becoming.... that takes much for me to say as I have been living in the shadow of my better self for so long, I know who I want to be but She always seems to be far beyond my reach, now I can see her getting closer every day.

I have started another set of Therapy sessions which are more intense and look more at thought processes and "unpacking" the root causes of behaviours, anxieties and moods. It is quite hard too be completely honest and part of me wants to fight it and stay in my clouded state but I have to push through if change is to truly happen.

My weight continues to be a major goal and I am so glad that the changes I have made to not only my food intake but also my eating patterns continue and the pounds are going. 

I didn't achieve my business goals but it's a new year and I'm rearing to go.

I will post more about specific goals and areas of my life in later posts to keep me on track and to share my journey.

Id love to hear what goals and changes you have for the upcoming year and beyond. Let's motivate each other xxx

Monday 22 January 2018

Video Catch Up!

Hiiiii!! I realised I haven't added the videos I have uploaded in the past month or so. I'll add them here and act like I did it ages ago lol.


 Tourists In Paris.
Hubby and I got a day break to spend kidfree in Paris to celebrate our Anniversary.






 Poundland Christmas Decor Haul.
I may have got carried away with Christmas decor shopping in Poundland!! I love decorating for Christmas😊.







 Low Self Esteem,
I recorded a "Talk it up" video discussing Low Self Esteem, Worth and Confidence. Please let me know if you have any topics/issues for future real talk videos.




Tuesday 9 January 2018

Happy New Year!!, Fancy You Here!!

Hellooo!!! and Happy New Year.... Yes I know its now 9 days into 2018 but I want to wish you all a Happy New Year none the less.

It has been a whirlwind few months but I am through to the other side stronger, wiser and with even more determination to get better.

I have soooo many goals for 2018, I want to improve my life in all areas - physical, emotional, spiritual, mental..... creatively.... and many more. I also want to focus on my business and push that forward.

Life can sometimes seem so hard, things can get on top of me and I have very little pleasure in doing the things that once gave me so much joy and/or happiness but I am going to do them anyhow.

I hope to start crafting again soon. I cannot even put into words why I don't craft any more but I really want to get into it again. I may look at some challenge groups/blogs and get into things that way. If you have any recommendations please let me know. Papercrafts or Sewing would be great.

Well.... I'll sign off now as the school run beckons but will do a few catch up posts over the next few days.

Speak soon xxx