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Letters from The Heart
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Size Is Everything
The fashion world makes me so mad sometimes.
Following on from my post about getting fit, I wanted to address a major problem for women and their clothing. Varying clothes size.
How many of you have tried a pair of jeans on in New Look, and gone to pick up the same size up from Primark, only to realise you can't even get one leg through? It's happened to you? Thought so.
It's a constant source of annoyance for women who have worked to become a size they're happy with, only to have their esteem crushed when they happen to go shopping and realise, actually they can't fit into that size. But just in Topshop.
Obviously there are variations. Depending on style, fabric, height etc, you will find slight differences within each shop. Skinny jeans are traditionally more fitted than boyfriend or straight leg, and jeggings even more so. Leggings perhaps are the most forgiving, but you just can't tell.
But what you don't expect, is an entire size difference within 4 shops. I've done it hundreds of times. Gone to the same shops, and figured out what fits and what doesn't. I can fit into a size 10 pair of skintight leggings, but not even get the size 12 skinny jeans over my hips. I can have a size 8 top, while my size 12 jeans are cutting my circulation off. It's incredibly difficult, and absolutely self esteem crushing.
Because you just don't think that. You don't think in the changing room that it's the jeans. That you just slipped comfortably into a size 10 in the shop next door. You look at the fact you can't get these skinny jeans over your bum and you go into panic mode. Skip breakfast, banana for lunch. Hours on the exercise bike.
You start to compare with other girls. Girls you know have said they're a size 12, but you know there's no way they'd go near those jeans. And then you start to think, maybe you're bigger than them. But that's impossible. You look so much smaller. You look in the mirror and you don't see what you see in them. It's ridiculous.
But that's the other surprise I guess. Women have much more varying shapes than men, so whereas they can go into a shop and ask for a certain waist size, we end up having a slightly more complicated shopping experience. Pear shapes, apple shapes, hourglass. Big boobs, small boobs, big shoulders, wide backs, vast hips, perky bums, flat bums, stick legs, curvy legs. You can sort of understand why designers have a little bit of trouble catering for everyone. Not everyone is the same size 10.
So don't despair. Don't rip the clothes off and storm out of the dressing room. Don't dump on the floor when you try them on at home. Don't let it ruin your day. And don't let it ruin your self confidence. You will know if you have put on weight. I know I was a clean size 8 on top, and 10 on bottom. After Christmas my bottom has decided it would no longer like to fit into that size and would prefer a more roomier 12. It didn't bother me too much, because like I said about the shop sizes, sometimes my bottom and I have had to opt for the bigger size.
So then you start getting clothes in that size, and realise even some of them don't fit you. Which sends me into absolute meltdown. But it's important to remember where you are shopping. Lose the extra weight if you know. But you should know the difference. Measure it by the clothes you were wearing a few weeks ago. Don't get bogged down by new shopping.
Get to know your shops. Get to know the smaller sizing, and go where you going to feel good. There's nothing worse than getting into despair because you can plainly see there's no way you're even going to fit a toe in that leg. Go where you're comfortable. Don't be afraid to go up a size. If it feels good, you'll look good. Because it's about how you feel. How you wear it. Be confident. Don't let it drag you down.
I'm struggling with mine at the minute, because barely a few months ago I was exactly how I wanted to be. I'm terrified of gaining weight, because of how much I gained as a child. I worked hard to become happy with my figure, and these clothes variations have a massive power to knock all that down. So I'm going to work at it. Try and get my bum to cooperate. But not lose hope if I need to go a size up.
Be healthy. Be confident. Be strong.
#size#shop#fashion#lifestyle#diet#weight#weightloss#New Look#Topshop#River Island#Primark#strong#confident#healthy
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Fitness Fanatic
If you’re like me you’ve probably hopped, skipped and jumped from one type of exercise to the next in your quest for fitness. I have tried loads over the years - Yoga, Pilates, cardio, cycling, swimming. All of them give different results, some are harder than others, and none of them really stuck.
That’s the hardest thing I think for me. Finding one that I didn’t get bored doing, or even that your muscles don’t get bored doing. Because eventually after a few weeks, your sore muscles will start to adjust to what you’re doing, and end up not working so hard. That’s when you have to change it up. So it’s not such a bad thing hopping from exercise to exercise.
I was a pretty scrawny kid. You wouldn’t believe it now but I could actually be described as lanky. I had legs that barely held me up and the knobbliest knees you have ever seen.
I suffered from really bad migranes from the age of about ten. I mean really truly awful ones. I still shudder when I think of them. It meant a dark day, under the cover, and a few days recovering from what felt like the worst attack in the world.
Anyway, the doctors put me on the tiniest tablet called Sanomigran. I had to take one every day, and it did put paid to my headaches.
There was a really nasty side effect though. I put on a lot of weight. Water weight, because you could tell from the way my body had swelled. Within a couple of months I had ballooned to twice my original size and it was horrible. Now because I was only little, it didn’t really concern me. It wasn’t something I ever really thought about, because let’s face it, we didn’t have eleven year olds tottering to clubs in those days and comparing selfies.
Puberty hit, and my hips grew pretty wide, something I am told will never go away. I am the perfect hourglass shape, and that ain’t shifting.
I guess it all started when I went to secondary school. You hit puberty, you start to compare yourself, and then you realise what you look like. And it is not a great day for anyone when they truly start to look at themselves. I found sports pretty hard, especially when the other girls were dancing lightly along the gym floor and I was puffing heavily, trying to stay alive. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t the only big girl there, but you don’t tend to compare yourself to them do you? No. Your eyes are on the stick thin gazelle striding across the hall.
My doctor allowed me to come off them when I was about 13. The migranes had thankfully disappeared, or at least were much less frequent. So naturally, some weight dropped off. I began to feel a little bit normal again.
But I was never quite able to get back to the stage I’d been before the tablets. I guess that’s what will always bother me about that. I mean, I might not have stayed stick thin. Puberty might have done exactly the same thing to me. I will never really be able to tell. But I’m pretty sure that little bit of extra weight that always seems to be there, originated from there.
I never really liked sport at school. I wasn’t bendy enough for gymnastics. I wasn’t good enough to have fun in the team sports. I did enjoy aerobics. I always liked swimming. And I pretty much enjoyed badminton and tennis. But for the most part, I tried to skip class every week.
I started to really get into exercise when I got an exercise bike for Christmas. I was about 15. This was perfect for me. I’d go an hour each evening, watching TV while I cycled away. This really pulled that extra weight down, and I was at my smallest. From then on I concentrated on toning. I bought some weights, learned some pilates, and kept it mixed up.
It is super hard to keep fit when you’re an adult. The time just gets away from you. I’m lucky that I work part time, and can fit in as much as I like, depending on how lazy I feel.
And you do have really naughty weeks. I had about 4 weeks in succession where I’d been on two holidays, was so tired from work I ordered nothing but takeaways, and did absolutely zero exercise.
Christmas always piles on a few pounds, and unfortunately, that’s where I’m at now. Roughly the same size, I’m just a little uncomfortable in some of my clothes. I don’t rate the weighing scales. When I’ve been at some high numbers, I’ve been at my lowest clothes size, so because I’m more bothered about how I look, I tend to go by how my clothes fit as to how much weight I need to lose.
So I’ve been trying something new this year. It’s called HIIT, which stands for High Intensity Interval Training. It’s basically high powered workouts for short bursts, which claims to eliminate calories that bit faster. It is tough. You will swear. You might even cry. The next day I mean. But it is worth it.
Their key is strength. We shouldn’t be afraid to lift weights, or to tone our muscles. The whole vibe of HIIT is power and strength, building your whole body. There are so many great workouts out there, the choice for me was too much really. Sometimes I think it would be better if there was just one workout to follow, but that’s not how you get the best results. HIIT focuses on combining cardio and resistance, with different workouts every day, so that your muscles never get bored, and never get complacent.
I’ve only just started, and I’ve got a wedding in June to slim down for, so I need to work pretty hard. There’s some great ladies out there. I recommend Charlotte Crosby’s workout, and the amazing Emily Skye and Kayla Itsines.
I’m mixing it up with Emily and Kayla’s routines at the moment as they offer short workouts that can be easily fit in among other things. Charlotte’s is great, but you need at least an hour to do the whole workout.
So we’ll see how it goes, and I’ll keep you updated. That’s if I can move enough to type….
#fitness#workout#HIIT#Training#charlotte crosby#emily skye#kayla itsines#exercise#weight loss#cardio#resistance#running#cycling#swimming#lifestyle#blog
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Fluttering Those Falsies
In my never ending quest to be the most beautiful woman in the world…(hey, it could happen), and basically because I just love trying out every new beauty thing going, I came across the elusive LVL lash treatment. I say elusive because it’s a little pricey at 45 pound a pop, and it’s not massively well known. Well, at least not by me.
I have always had the shortest lashes. Thank god they didn’t suffer the curse of my eyebrow hair and grew dark at least. But I have always lacked length and volume. My boyfriend has longer lashes than I do. Which is just not fair.
So I looked into a few things. And there is a lot of choice. Extensions that last for the weekend, extensions that last for 2 weeks. But there wasn’t really a longer option, until I found LVL. After a lot of debating, I decided to go for that one, being a bit sensitive I was a bit apprehensive about having extensions put on, just in case they irritated too much. Plus, although I’m sure they’re done in the best way I was a bit worried that they might damage my own lashes and I’d end up worse off than before!
So LVL is a relatively new technique, for me anyway, who’d not heard of it before. Apparently it has been going for at least five years so who know. Not me obviously. It stands for Length, Volume, Lift and consists of curling and lengthening your own lashes without the need for extensions. And it’s supposed to last for 6 – 8 weeks.
Obviously the main concern is if you have small lashes, how on earth they are going to turn them into Cheryl Cole’s fluttery beauties without extending them. Let’s face it, you can only work with what’s there. But I took heart from my previously non existent eyebrows which are now almost ready to rival Lily Collins’, (well maybe not quite) and bit the bullet.
Like the HD brows LVL requires a patch test. Some salons do it on your upper arm. Mine did it behind my ear. They put three serums on, the ones they will use in the appointment, which is quick, easy and painless. The likelihood of a reaction is rare, but it could happen, so just make sure to be safe. The Elephant Man is not a good look. You’re clear after the first 24 hours, and you must make sure you get the test at least 48 hours before your appointment.
I arrived for my appointment pretty nervous. I’d never had anything done with my eyes before and all the horror stories and pictures from the internet swam before my eyes as I laid down in the chair. But I had to be brave and tried to relax.
The therapist was lovely. Explained everything as she did it. Made sure that I was comfortable and stated the usual “if it gets too much, let me know”, which unfortunately reminded me of the dear old dentist. How bad was this going to be?
On the contrary, it was a massively relaxing experience. You have your eyes closed all the time, which is no good if you are any bit tired like I was. A comfy bed, some nice music and a warm room is a great recipe for snoozing. Presumably you can snooze away, just keep your eyes closed.
A sticky crescent shape of paper was stuck under my bottom lashes, and above my top ones. I had watched a video on youtube which documented what happens so I was slightly prepared for this. It wasn’t as uncomfortable as you would think. I was quite content but I can imagine some people might find it difficult.
Using the serums, she painted my lashes back and up so they clung to the paper. She tinted them, and tinted the lower, but didn’t curl the lower lashes. I had my eyes closed for most of this, so I can only give the detail of what I felt. The serums were warm, they didn’t sting and they weren’t too sensitive. She painted it gently on a few times, every ten minutes or so and then left them. There was quite a bit of waiting, but it was fine by me, as I was comfy on my bed.
She had warned me it would take about an hour. But it flies by, it really does. She peels the paper off and wipes the excess serum from your lashes. Some residue will stick to your skin, and your eyelids will look a bit dry until you give them a scrub but don’t be alarmed.
The most important thing is not to get them wet in the first 24 hours. So no washing your face, be careful in the shower, and no scrubbing them with any oil based make up wipes or remover. The oil thing goes for the entire six weeks.
I felt like a complete imbecile when I opened my eyes. Remember they’ve been shut for the past hour, with a lot of sticky substance on them. It feels like you’re genuinely prizing them open when you finally do. Just blink a lot. It will seem a bit weird at first but it goes within the half hour.
I was amazed at the difference. I really didn’t think I would get any result with my short stubby lashes. The tint makes a whole lot of difference on it’s own, but the curl does work. I swear I spent the first few days just staring at my eyes, fluttering them in all directions. There’s no need for mascara, but when you do put it on, it only enhances it. It is an amazing difference and for me, it gave me just a little bit more confidence. I was able to go to work, to friends without having to wear eye make up which was just unheard of before. And as a bonus, you wake up every morning looking damn glamourous.
It is a bit pricey, but it is only every 8 weeks. I would probably do it again. I’m in my 4th week and it’s not significantly gone down yet. It’s losing a bit of curl, but again that’s to do with your routine. I do tend to still wear mascara so every time I’m wiping it off I’m probably not helping the lashes. But they’re still curled 4 weeks later, which is so good. It’s definitely worth doing, especially for a special occasion or a holiday, where you don’t want to have to wear make up every day.
So LVL definitely gets a thumbs up from me. It’s available at pretty much most salons. 45 pound for an hour and 6 weeks of luxurious long lashes. Not too shabby. I think I’ll definitely take a trip back, if only for the hour long snooze.
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Fluttering Those Falsies
In my never ending quest to be the most beautiful woman in the world...(hey, it could happen), and basically because I just love trying out every new beauty thing going, I came across the elusive LVL lash treatment. I say elusive because it's a little pricey at 45 pound a pop, and it's not massively well known. Well, at least not by me.
I have always had the shortest lashes. Thank god they didn't suffer the curse of my eyebrow hair and grew dark at least. But I have always lacked length and volume. My boyfriend has longer lashes than I do. Which is just not fair.
So I looked into a few things. And there is a lot of choice. Extensions that last for the weekend, extensions that last for 2 weeks. But there wasn't really a longer option, until I found LVL. After a lot of debating, I decided to go for that one, being a bit sensitive I was a bit apprehensive about having extensions put on, just in case they irritated too much. Plus, although I'm sure they're done in the best way I was a bit worried that they might damage my own lashes and I'd end up worse off than before!
So LVL is a relatively new technique, for me anyway, who'd not heard of it before. Apparently it has been going for at least five years so who know. Not me obviously. It stands for Length, Volume, Lift and consists of curling and lengthening your own lashes without the need for extensions. And it's supposed to last for 6 – 8 weeks.
Obviously the main concern is if you have small lashes, how on earth they are going to turn them into Cheryl Cole's fluttery beauties without extending them. Let's face it, you can only work with what's there. But I took heart from my previously non existent eyebrows which are now almost ready to rival Lily Collins', (well maybe not quite) and bit the bullet.
Like the HD brows LVL requires a patch test. Some salons do it on your upper arm. Mine did it behind my ear. They put three serums on, the ones they will use in the appointment, which is quick, easy and painless. The likelihood of a reaction is rare, but it could happen, so just make sure to be safe. The Elephant Man is not a good look. You're clear after the first 24 hours, and you must make sure you get the test at least 48 hours before your appointment.
I arrived for my appointment pretty nervous. I'd never had anything done with my eyes before and all the horror stories and pictures from the internet swam before my eyes as I laid down in the chair. But I had to be brave and tried to relax.
The therapist was lovely. Explained everything as she did it. Made sure that I was comfortable and stated the usual “if it gets too much, let me know”, which unfortunately reminded me of the dear old dentist. How bad was this going to be?
On the contrary, it was a massively relaxing experience. You have your eyes closed all the time, which is no good if you are any bit tired like I was. A comfy bed, some nice music and a warm room is a great recipe for snoozing. Presumably you can snooze away, just keep your eyes closed.
A sticky crescent shape of paper was stuck under my bottom lashes, and above my top ones. I had watched a video on youtube which documented what happens so I was slightly prepared for this. It wasn't as uncomfortable as you would think. I was quite content but I can imagine some people might find it difficult.
Using the serums, she painted my lashes back and up so they clung to the paper. She tinted them, and tinted the lower, but didn't curl the lower lashes. I had my eyes closed for most of this, so I can only give the detail of what I felt. The serums were warm, they didn't sting and they weren't too sensitive. She painted it gently on a few times, every ten minutes or so and then left them. There was quite a bit of waiting, but it was fine by me, as I was comfy on my bed.
She had warned me it would take about an hour. But it flies by, it really does. She peels the paper off and wipes the excess serum from your lashes. Some residue will stick to your skin, and your eyelids will look a bit dry until you give them a scrub but don't be alarmed.
The most important thing is not to get them wet in the first 24 hours. So no washing your face, be careful in the shower, and no scrubbing them with any oil based make up wipes or remover. The oil thing goes for the entire six weeks.
I felt like a complete imbecile when I opened my eyes. Remember they've been shut for the past hour, with a lot of sticky substance on them. It feels like you're genuinely prizing them open when you finally do. Just blink a lot. It will seem a bit weird at first but it goes within the half hour.
I was amazed at the difference. I really didn't think I would get any result with my short stubby lashes. The tint makes a whole lot of difference on it's own, but the curl does work. I swear I spent the first few days just staring at my eyes, fluttering them in all directions. There's no need for mascara, but when you do put it on, it only enhances it. It is an amazing difference and for me, it gave me just a little bit more confidence. I was able to go to work, to friends without having to wear eye make up which was just unheard of before. And as a bonus, you wake up every morning looking damn glamourous.
It is a bit pricey, but it is only every 8 weeks. I would probably do it again. I'm in my 4th week and it's not significantly gone down yet. It's losing a bit of curl, but again that's to do with your routine. I do tend to still wear mascara so every time I'm wiping it off I'm probably not helping the lashes. But they're still curled 4 weeks later, which is so good. It's definitely worth doing, especially for a special occasion or a holiday, where you don't want to have to wear make up every day.
So LVL definitely gets a thumbs up from me. It's available at pretty much most salons. 45 pound for an hour and 6 weeks of luxurious long lashes. Not too shabby. I think I'll definitely take a trip back, if only for the hour long snooze.
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A Hidden Pain
Stress.
The word conjures up so many different images. A heavy workload, a tough boss. A new baby, a new house. A heartbreak, grief, a loved one that’s ill. Even exams, schoolwork. Body image. The list is endless.
The modern world is a hive for stress and anxiety. With pressure coming from all sides it’s little wonder that so many people will suffer from both at some point in their lives.
The sad thing is, there are few who realise the strength of the illness when it hits. It can be completely debilitating, and excruciatingly painful. Tiredness, aches, sickness, swinging emotions and headaches, it can be a rollercoaster ride for the sufferer and those who have to sit and watch, knowing they can do nothing to help.
I have never hidden my anxiety, but I’ve never spoken that honestly about it. It’s still quite a taboo subject, but it’s the key to understanding it, that’s important. The thing to understand is that it can strike anyone, at any time. You don’t have to be a life long sufferer to still go under a few times in your life. It all depends on what’s happening to you.
I’m speaking about it now because I’ve recently suffered a bad bout. I know my triggers, which helps you when trying to recover. I’ve been having a few problems at work, which I didn’t realise were affecting me so badly. Anyway, the prospect of going back this week seemed to trigger a bad reaction, and boy was it.
Shivers, aches and pains grip your body until you no longer have control. All your limbs feel far too heavy, and you can barely think to move. I say think, because you can document the process by which you are trying to move. My brain would think - you need to move that arm now - but your thought was going nowhere, and the arm stayed put. It’s pure paralysis, and it’s terrifying.
I tend to vomit a lot when I’m stressed. It’s one of the only ways I can expel how I feel. Sometimes it makes me feel better, other times I just can’t wait for it to stop. It usually happens when I agitate myself to such a temperature I have no other option but to run for the toilet, or the bucket, as has been the last few days.
All you want to do is lie in bed. You have no motivation, no desires, no appetite. And it’s a vicious circle. Because you have no will to change your circumstance or situation. No will to fight the bully that is harming you. No will to make changes that will benefit you. And so you spiral deeper into the black hole.
The hardest thing for me, is watching my loved ones watch me. Because they can’t help me, and that is all too obvious on their face. They try, offering meals, kind words and cuddles just because they love you. They know you’re going to cry before you do, and they’re already waiting.
They wait, like you do, for the storm to pass. Because it will. Your body can only stay in that heightened state for so long. And one day you’ll slowly start to feel better. You’ll feel a bit more hopeful. You’ll be exhausted, but you will slowly regain your strength.
You’ll go back outside. You’ll speak to people. You’ll walk around in the daylight and the fresh air. People’s voices will seem too loud. Your eyes will feel like they are constantly adjusting. And your head will swim.
But it will clear. And you will start to eat again. You may start to smile again. You may even start to laugh. And your loved ones will see you come back to them. Even if it’s just for a little while.
So I’ve got some tips that help me, and some tips for the helpers. They may not work for you. You will find your own things that calm you down, or get you back to normal. But it needs to be something you choose. Because only you will know how that makes you feel.
1. Breathe
It may seem like an obvious one, but that’s because it’s the one that works. When you’re starting to lose control, and you feel like you’re losing your body, you need to regain some power. And that comes from your breathing. It’s the only sure thing that you can concentrate on, that is always with you. Count down, or up. In and out. Whatever works for you. But focus on becoming mindful of your breathing, and you will find that your body slowly starts to calm down. Useful for panic attacks, nausea and short bursts of anxiety, concentrating on your breathing can make all the difference.
2. Relax
It’s tempting to try and fix your situation when you’re in this state. To get back to work, to apply for new jobs in a desperate bid, to make grand ambitions that you just do not have the manpower to do right now. The most important thing to do is listen to what your body is telling you. You need to rest, you need to take the pressure off and give yourself a break.
3. Listen to music
Music is a biggie of mine, and I haven’t really been listening to it lately. Probably why I’ve become a bit agitated lately. Choose something which has some good connotations, something easy, something empowering, whatever makes you feel good.
4. Read a book.
Books are a great way to escape your problems, even just for half an hour. Just take some time to visit another world, to be in the company of other characters, and forget things for a while. You’d be surprised how much it calms you down.
5. Let your loved ones look after you
It’s tempting to push your loved ones away when you feel like this. You’re going to feel worthless, probably haven’t put any make up on or had a wash in the last few days. And it is important to be selfish, in the nicest sense of the word. Your priority during this time is you. You shouldn’t be worrying about anything but trying to get better. But when they’re trying to help, you should let them. Let them feed you, even when you don’t want it. Let them bathe you, even though you don’t feel well. Let them hold you, even when you know you’ll cry. Remember, they love you. No matter how little you love yourself.
Tips for helpers
1. Feed them
Your stressed individual is unlikely to want to feed themselves. Whether it’s lack of appetite, the effort of making it, or a dodgy tummy, they’re not going to want to bother with food. So offer them little things when you can. If they say no, they say no. But watch for that little spark that might mean they’ve perked up at a certain suggestion.
2. Don’t get bogged down.
It’s hard to watch someone you love suffer. I’ve been on both sides, and they’re both just as difficult as each other. You have to remember to look after yourself. Go to work, see your friends or family. You don’t have to be there 24/7. Just be there when you can. Try not to get lost in a dark atmosphere. It is difficult to separate yourself, but it is imperative that you do.
3. Distract yourself and them.
Stick on a funny film, a comedy series or a drama that will just get you both blubbing. You don’t have to ostracize yourselves from society. If you think your person is up to it, ask them, take them to meet family or friends, or venture out for a little bit, even if it’s just for a walk.
4. Don’t take it personal
The mood swings can be the hardest for the carer to deal with. When they want to be alone, or are angry, don’t want to be fed, don’t know what they want to do, try not to take it personally. Sometimes they really don’t know, and you can be sure they are wracked with guilt minutes after they’ve said something they shouldn’t. It’s hard, but try your best to keep a positive head, and know that they will come back to you.
5. Stay Positive
It’s easy to get dragged down by constant stress or anxiety. But you must try to stay positive. For yourself and your loved one. All you can do is be there for them. That’s how you will make it better. Not by fixing anything, not by pushing, not by abandoning. Just listen, love, and care. I promise, that’s enough.
I’m feeling a lot better now, except I’ve come down with a nasty cold. Hooray. For now, the sunshine is out again, and there’s hope. Always remember that. And this - IT WILL PASS.
I promise.
x
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Squirrels In Sherwood
Center Parcs is always an enjoyable holiday. I visited the Whinfell site in July last year and had an amazing time.
So this year we thought we’d try something different. Having moved a bit too far away from Whinfell to whip up there for a second time, we decided to try the original site which is only about an hour away.
We packed a suitcase, about three shopping bags of food and alcohol, and a new bike into the car and piled in ready to go.
It is such a straightforward drive. Straight down the A1 and we were soon seeing the sign for Center Parcs. There are a huge number of forest parks around Sherwood so don’t expect Center Parcs to be signed off 3 miles up the road. This is where the fabulous lady on Google Satnav comes in handy.
Soon we were pulling up the long drive to the arrival centre (eeep!) and the excitement was starting to set in. A slight bump with the lanes made one of the ladies work a little harder than she should have had to, simply because we fancied ourselves as the occupants of the famous luxurious treehouse accommodation. (Ah well, everyone makes mistakes).
After she’d run across to the correct lane to pick up our keys, we were allowed to drive in and park up, to return later after 3 so we could unload the car. It definitely helps being in a car, you can bring a lot more comforts (namely Baileys).
The only hiccup of the week on the other hand, was having the car. Quite an oxymoron really. We figured it was expected as it was half term, so it was tremendously busy. We must have spent at least 20 minutes driving round the car park trying to find a space. Sherwood could maybe take a leaf out of Disney’s book and enlist some staff members to help order the traffic.
Eventually we did manage to squeeze in next to a BMW, though granted we were teetering on the side of a bank, but hey, who’s checking?
We abandoned the car and headed off into the park. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we trotted off in search of the lake. The park is really well laid out, everything is very close, with easy routes from place to place.
The main thing that surprised us was that the Village Centre which holds the restaurants, shops, swimming pool and leisure centre was outside. In Whinfell, the village was held within a dome, so it was all inside. Sherwood gave us much more of an authentic forest camp feel which is great as long as you have the weather. Honestly, we were super lucky with that. There was only one night it chucked it down, but we had only gone and opted for a takeaway five minutes before!
Our Lodge was so close to the centre it was crazy. A cosy lodge with french doors and a log fire, it was the perfect retreat after a long day. It also happened to be right opposite The Pancake House, which did nothing for the waistline.
There is so much to do there. And we didn’t even do half of it. We tended to stay away from the scheduled activities, but that’s the great thing about the place. You can do as much as you like. We tried to make this one a little different, so we tried our hands at cycling, and hired a bike along with the one I’d brought.
That was so much fun, and something I wish I’d done last time. You can explore so much more with a bike, and there are some great routes to do. I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was about fifteen years old, so it was a shock to the system! But it was worth doing, and I would fully recommend using cycles to get around for the week.
And you do want to do the exercise if you can, heck, with the food there you need to. Cafe Rouge, Bella Italia and Dexter’s are just some of the place we went to. They also have a takeout centre, an American diner, a sports bar and a bunch of Starbucks.
Hands down Cafe Rouge does the best breakfast. The full works, with two amazing slices of sour dough bread. Oh my god, I’m dribbling even thinking about it. Bella Italia produced the most amazing lava cookie cake, and the Sports Bar was the perfect place for a juicy burger and cheesy chips.
A really beautiful discovery was the luxurious Forester’s Inn, a huge glass lined building set apart from the centre which quickly became our favourite place. Perfect for a quick stop during cycling or settling down in the evening with a few glasses of Chardonnay, this place will suit everyone. It even has pool tables and squash courts.
We spent most of our week cycling, eating, feeding squirrels and relaxing. We tried the pool, which unfortunately because of half term, was just far too busy. After that, we decided to see what the Aqua Sana Spa had to offer, as again, we hadn’t done that one last time.
The Spa was amazing. It had its own heated pool, free of kids, an ample amount of different themed steam rooms, a sauna and an abundance of snooze pads. You can spend a whole day or a 3 hour session in there. We opted for the three hours, and felt completely refreshed when we came out. Of course, it was hard staying awake for the rest of the day.
The week went far too quick and was over much too soon. Though we had the full Friday there we opted to come home not long after we’d had breakfast and checked out of the lodge. It was just too hard hanging around.
The two trips to the two parks were different, but both had their winning points. I think we realised this time that though you can go as a couple, the place would be better with kids. So we found a lot more adult activities to do, and enjoyed it all the more.
It was a pretty perfect week, in spite of squirrel bites....
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No Pain....And still Pain.
So a couple of weeks ago, I told you guys I’d gone to try out the HD Brows. Today was my first visit back. I waited the advised five weeks, but you can go whenever you feel you need to. The reason they wait five weeks is to give your brows time to regrow, and if you’re like me, who plucked herself bald, you need that time.
So let me tell you a little bit more about those weeks in between treatments.
The tint lasted about three weeks on the skin, but that’s to be expected. It was quite a light dye, and unless you want to let those germs bury a nice home in your forehead, you do need to actually wash your face.
The good news is, the hair itself stayed dark until my treatment today. There was definitely no more old lady colour in my brows. Even when I wiped my make up off at the end of the day, the hair stayed dark. Pretty impressive for a girl who usually looks like Paul Bettany in his Da Vinci Code period.
I always like my brows a little darker and defined, so because we’d decided not to go to dark with the dye, I did prefer to enhance mine. However it was nothing like before, and the days of painstakingly fixing my brows for half an hour were over. A little pencil, a sweep of the brush and they were done.
I’ve only been noticing in the last week that the hair outside the shape is growing back but I am a very good girl and left them alone. Remember it’s not recommended to touch them up yourself in between, however much your fingers find themselves grasping those tweezers.
You can however return for a little top up in between HD treatments, especially when your brows are getting close to or have achieved your desired shape.
All in all, my experience went well. Five weeks seemed nothing at all, and the relief of not having to fuss about my brows was much more than worth it.
So today I went back for my second treatment. I saw the same therapist which is great for consistency, although it doesn’t make a difference if you can’t see the same one. If you’re trained to do HD you’re trained to do HD. That is a discredit to my therapist though, who is very talented and does a fabulous job.
Today I went a little darker, still not too overwhelming, but enough that I felt no need to enhance. We went through the same process as last time, and she informed me that my hair is indeed regrowing. Yay!
I regret to say I was no better in receiving the wax treatment this time around. I definitely wasn’t ready for the first strip, and jumped so much I made my therapist laugh. Whoops.
It was smooth (geddit?) after that. Some threading, tweezing and tidying up left me looking as good as new. I will say one thing, the solution they use to soothe the skin is amazing. Really soft and refreshing. I can still feel it on my skin now.
My skin didn’t seem to go as red today. Maybe the first time was just a shock to the skin. It is incredibly delicate skin around there and most people haven’t irritated it that much in their lives. It cooled down very quickly this time which was a relief knowing I had to walk back through town.
It may not seem like it, but it really is a pleasant, (mostly) pain free experience. I actually felt myself relaxing throughout. I was in the sun, stretched out in a comfy chair, being pampered. What more can a girl ask for?
My brows are well on their way to recovery and it’s something I’m really glad I’ve started. My therapist told me not to worry if one looks balder than the other.(!) But getting the shape back is most of the battle. It can only be easier from now on. Here’s hoping.
I’ll keep you up to date with the subsequent treatments, and my sensitivity to wax strips. If I am ever ok with them, it will be a miracle.
But hey, my bald brows are growing back. Anything can happen.
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Star Wars - A Rogue Story
I’m a little behind again, considering this came out in December. But I went to see this a couple of weeks ago, and loved it.
An action packed adventure, Rogue One was the spin off film designed to tell us the story of how the Rebels acquired the Death Star Plans.
The film was directed by Godzilla (2014) director Gareth Edwards and starred Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelson, Forest Whitaker, and Ben Mendelsohn with James Earl Jones reprising his role as the voice talent of Darth Vader and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO.
The film is stand alone. It has it’s own story to tell, and although it will invariably draw comparisons with the Star Wars series, it’s not entirely fair to do so.
Jones does very well as Jyn Erso. A typical star wars heroine, she is gutsy, brave, fearless and mucks in wherever she is needed. Turns out her father has helped to create the Death Star plans, but she discovers a secret when he sends her an urgent message.
Trouble is, the alliance has trouble believing her, and they have given the lovely Diego Luna orders to kill him on sight. But as the young adventurer’s feelings grow on their journey together, he must decide if he can do his duty and complete the task that will break them apart.
Of course, Jyn has her own plans. She sets out to rescue her father and prove to the alliance that she was telling the truth. And if she can, there might be a way to save them all from certain doom.
I’ll be honest. The film didn’t get off to a great start. The opening depiction of Jyn as a child set you up for quite an adventure. But it quickly began to slow down, and there was at least an hour of the film that could have been cut to allow a snappier pace. It risked an awful lot of boredom in the audience.
Still it soon picked up. I had thought we might be near the end, but I’ve come to know Star Wars has a habit of doing that. There seems to be a few near ends in all of the films, and then you realise it’s going on a bit longer. So we began the second half, what could have been the second movie I suppose.
Here the film really came into it’s own. It was fast paced, with lots of drama and action as the cavalry really came in. Jyn kept her bravery up until the end, as she battled to get the plans to the alliance. Time was running out,and the universe was at stake.
I was disappointed with the ending for the characters which I won’t spoil here. Unfortunately it’s a sign of a good movie. It was touching, their sacrifices, and it was ever more poignant because you already knew what came next.
The visuals were spot on, and there were two technology filled scenes which superimposed some very well known faces onto actors to give it an authentic feel.
It felt like a separate movie, which I’m sure is what they intended. A stand alone tribute to the characters we never knew, who made the heroics of the Rebel Alliance all the more important.
#starwars#rogueone#felicity jones#diego luna#jyn erso#star wars rebels#rebel alliance#gareth edwards#c3po#darth vader
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Writing For The Movies
My apologies for not being on here for a while.
Truth is I’ve been crazy busy. You think you have a quiet life, and then you actually find out, no, you don’t.
I only work part time, but trying to fit in exercise, writing, driving, blogging and making sure you don’t live in a pig sty is no easy challenge. As much as I love to write I just simply cannot justify sitting in the same clothes for five days with those stink lines you see in cartoons, around me.
Anyway, one of the main reasons I’ve not been on here is because I’ve started writing for a film blog. It’s pretty easy going. You have the freedom to write roughly what you like, with a few guidelines. But it is 3 articles a day, which is sometimes hard when you have to fit a lot into your day. But I’m having fun doing it. And it’s great experience.
This is the link to the website and my posts are usually under film or television. But check them out. It’s a great platform for new writers.
I’m going to put a permanent link to the website at the top of my blog so you can keep up to date with what I write.
Happy reading!
http://conversationsabouther.net/
#writing#blog#blogging#conversationsabouther#film#television#platform#newwriters#writingforthemovies
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How do you expect someone to finish a story that she doesn’t want to end?
betterlainethanever (via wnq-writers)
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Bad Santa, or just Bad?
Everything seemed perfect. They had made a sequel to one of the most raucous naughtiest funniest films of the last twenty years, it was due out just in time for Christmas, and Thurman Merman was back.
Unfortunately, it appeared that the naughty Father Christmas that drank, smoke and (ahem), had finally had his moment of glory, and it was 12 years ago.
We join Willie, Thurman and Marcus for round two, twelve years later, when Billy Bob is looking significantly older, and Thurman Merman is a full blown adult, fresh out of those awkward teenage years.
Marcus enlists Willie’s help for one last heist, but there’s one catch. He has to work with his mother. Que a brilliant performance from Kathy Bates, who honestly seems to be able to transform into anyone and anything on the planet.
The film tries, and it cannot be fully blamed for being unable to match it’s predecessor. There are few sequels that can. Yet this one felt slightly forced. It was like they had taken all the least comedic bits of the last one, and poured them into this one. And it didn’t work. Not one bit.
It seemed overly crude, with none of the heartfelt bits to balance it out. The actors have to praised. Billy Bob brought Bad Santa back to life with a strong smell of whiskey and a side order of sex and vulgarity. Tony Cox’s Marcus gained some laugh out loud moments with his insulting quips, but the real hero was Thurman Merman. Brett Kelly, the young actor who plays the heartwarming chubster, tried his very best, despite the lack of material to work with. He follows Willie as always, like a big curly haired blonde adorable little puppy dog. There are some genuinely laugh out loud scenes with Thurman, one where Willie pays for a prostitute to ‘pop his cherry’, where he insists on wearing a bright magenta woman’s coat, and when he opens his mouth, god help us, to sing.
It has the traditional plot of the first movie, Willie, maybe now not so bad, turning evil for a bit, then realising through the ever so lovable Mr Merman that he is in fact a good guy.
The film wasn’t as bad as I seem to be making out. For me, the great loss lies in the misdirection of its potential. Too much of the plot was focused on Willie and his mother, which just couldn’t come across as a comedic duo. It was just sad. And there was little demonstration of the wonderful relationship between Thurman and Willie that made the first one so special.
A sequel had the potential to be great. Just think, Thurman’s teenage years, Willie attempting to navigate him through that awkward phase - comedy gold. There was a slight reference to it with the loss of virginity concern, but not nearly enough to do what could have been done.
All in all it left me disappointed. So let’s hope they hang onto the first one, and maybe give Thurman Merman his own movie.
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5 things you don’t have to have figured out by your mid 20s
1. Your love life.
Not everyone is going to meet that special someone when they’re fifteen. The couples that do seem to have it all figured out. Trust me, they don’t. Even they have doubts. Your first love will not always be your final choice. There are loads of choices out there, and you’ll only find out what you want, by finding out what you don’t. That’s what all those break-ups, broken hearts and tears are for. That old cliche stands for something. Your soulmate will walk into your life when you are not searching for them. So give yourself a break. Go out on dates, smile at cute guys, and for the love of God, stay away from Tinder.
2. Marriage
So it is generally accepted that to get married you actually need to have another person, or an animal..if you’re really weird. So depending whether you have managed to cross off number one, sure, this is the next concern on your list. You are sure to have an incredible amount of input during this time of your life. Grandparents, aunties, even that distant cousin five times removed, yeah she wants to know when you’re going to settle down too. But only you know when you’re ready. Your 20s are perfect for dating, finding out what you like, living together, heck even having cats, dogs and babies before you say the big ‘I do’. But remember, there is NO pressure. There is no age by which you will be eternally damned if you don’t have a ring on your finger. Sometimes it will seem like everyone around you is getting engaged. And you find yourself sat in the same dress at your sixth wedding this year. There is no rush. Boys, don’t ever feel the pressure to propose. Girls, don’t think he doesn’t love you because he’s waiting. Take the time to get to know each other, before you have to pick out china plates.
3. The Job
I am lucky enough to have found my other half, so the main black cloud hanging over me is the dreaded number 3, the CAREER. It has taken me a lot of work to reconcile myself with the ‘life plan’ and it’s still something with which I’m struggling. If you are lucky, you go to uni, do the degree you want, walk into the job you want, hit the career top. But that isn’t life. And it’s certainly not going to happen in your 20s. Thing is, life changes. Things come along which you cannot anticipate, and you cannot control. Sometime something completely unthinkable finds you and points you in a direction you never imagined. It’s ok to still be struggling to save. It’s ok to be the intern in the bottom of the company. It’s ok to have a part time job. It’s ok to walk out of the job that treats you like crap. It’s ok to give up that higher paid job for something that makes you smile when you think about going to work. It’s ok to change your career whenever you like. You don’t have to have it all figured out. The main thing is to work hard at whatever you do. You will reap the rewards. There will always be something bigger to reach for. And that makes the challenge all the more enjoyable.
4. The House
Most people in their 20s do not live in a Home Alone house. That’s for sure. This is something you definitely do not have to think about for some time. If you’re a good saver, maybe married already, you might have the luxury of owning a house. But believe me, it is not the norm. And remember, these couples are still very new to this. A crippling student loan, the unpaid internship, the payslip that just manages to pay for your broccoli, all add to the distance of that ever so evasive mortgage. But there’s time. Take the time to travel where you want to go, visit cities that you never thought you’d see. Renting can sometimes seem like you’re watching yourself pour your money down the drain, but it gives you a freedom needed at this age. If you’re changing your job, your partner, your life every six months while you figure out what you really want, you are not bound by the constraints that tie up house owners. Make sure you take time to figure out where you want to be, enjoy living in that swanky flat before you opt for the family home. Be sensible. Be a grown up. And that kind of talk has no place in the mid 20s.
5. Kids
Again, there are a few aforementioned steps before this, but this is the 21st century. This has also been one of the constant things cropping up around me. Everywhere I look, everyone I meet, seems to have children. I have nothing against that. These people are adults. That choice has been right for them. It can start to feel like you’re being left behind, but that is no reason to rush things. I, I am afraid, am slightly traditional, and would prefer to be married, to have the house, and the security, before I enter into anything like that. Of course, things don’t always happen that way, and I can’t imagine I would be anything but delighted. But I would still rather take that time. You’re only in your 20s, this is your time to enjoy yourself. You will have your children for the rest of your life. Give some time to you and your partner. Create a career that you can be proud of. Be careful that you don’t end up resenting an earlier choice. People are having children much, much later. 30 is the new 25. Main thing to remember while you’re being overwhelmed by babies, is don’t rush. It’s ok to want them, it’s ok to have them. But make sure you give them the best life you can.
#tips#fivethings#mid20s#life#lifestyle#career#love#fivethingsyoudonthavetohavefiguredoutbyyourmid20s
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Film Review
A couple of months ago, I went to see a wonderful film and haven’t had the chance to write it up. The place was Scunthorpe Vue. The film was Fantastic Beast and Where to Find them.
Now I’ll admit, like every avid Harry Potter fan, that I too have been mourning the end of one of the most incredible film series the world has ever seen. This will never happen again. Harry Potter is part of our history, a true phenomenon.
So, like every other grieving fan in the world, my suffering ears perked up immediately when that familiar music came to me through the television trailer, and I, like many others, began the countdown.
I was desperate to go and see the film, but I am not the kind of person who enjoys nudging elbows with a stranger or watching in horror while they slurp from the straw of my drink, yes MY drink. So I waited. And waited. Until I deemed it quiet enough to go without fear of unintentionally sharing my popcorn.
Now Fantastic Beasts is not Harry Potter. It is unfair to compare either of them to each other. But the link between them, is what makes it matter for fans.
The film follows the journey of Newt Scamander, played by the terrific Eddie Redmayne, an oddball of a chap who journeys to New York with little more than a suitcase. But of course this is the wizarding world. And nothing is as it seems. Que the escape of a variety of magical creatures that have absolutely no business in running about 1920′s New York where the persecution of witches and wizards has not been forgotten, and the desire to keep magic a secret is as strong as ever.
Without giving too much away, the film introduces a very interesting plot line that for eagle eyed and knowledgeable HP fans, offers an exciting link to one of our most known and loved characters. It’s slightly eerie, but brilliantly orchestrated.
Redmayne is superb as the oddball, nervous and socially inept Scamander, and immediately captures your heart. He is not alone. Rowling has outdone herself once again, by creating lovable, intriguing, heartfelt characters, each with their own failings and virtues, with which we cannot help but fall in love.
Notable mentions should be given to the beautiful and caring witch Queenie, played by Alison Sudol and the sweet but down on his luck aspiring baker Jacob (Dan Fogler) who adds a fabulous comedic angle to the story. Colin Farrell plays an excellent villain, and the wonderfully talented Ezra Miller demonstrates his skills playing nervous and frankly, bonkers, teenager, Credence. Rowling’s characters are well-rounded once more, memorable and unique.
The CGI was in full force again, but the HP crowd had much more to play with this time around. A poignant scene where we enter Newt’s suitcase gives way to a beautiful and engaging world where his magical creatures roam safe and free. Here we get to see more of the magical natural world that we got a peek of in the Hogwarts Care of Magical Creatures classes,and it is something extraordinary.
Fantastic Beasts has done an astounding job of standing upon its own two feet, as it was invariably going to be compared against its long standing parent. It has done an inexplicably clever thing and managed to stand on its own merit, while linking the obvious comparison beautifully.
The story is so engrossing that for a moment, you can forget about Harry Potter. This story is all about Newt, the creatures, and for all intents and purposes, a very new world. Yet there’s something familiar about it. And that’s the hook.
The knowledge that it is one of five films only adds to the success. I don’t imagine for a second that it won’t be just as popular, as people crave more of the world that was taken away far too soon. Promises of characters like Dumbledore and Grindelwald only serve to heighten the interest. And knowing Rowling, it seems absurd that the temptation to link the story with her previous story will be ignored.
Fantastic Beasts is a film not to be missed. The pacing, the story, the characters, all contribute to a wonderful new world created by Rowling that old and new HP fans will be called to once more.
#harry potter#film#review#fantastic beasts and where to find them#movie#jk rowling#eddie redmayne#dumbledore#wizardingworldofharrypotter
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the aesthetics of the gods
Aphrodite: the bruises of love bites left by lovers on necks and thighs; smudged lipstick from hasty kisses; blood red roses with their sharp thorns still intact; the way you hug someone you love when you reunite after a lengthy separation
Apollo: polished instruments gleaming, held like the most precious of jewels by their owners; a sunny day with a clear blue sky where there are no clouds in sight; the rough script of poems penned out on scraps of paper or napkins before they're forgotten; when music is so loud that you feel it reverberating in your bones; the pale lines of fading scars
Ares: the hands of a fighter, short finger nails and bloodied knuckles; split lips that have scabbed over; the smooth and intricate lines of old weapons you see mounted on museum walls; deep trenches dug out from the earth; the way barbed wire contrasts against whatever it surrounds
Artemis: loose braids with wild flowers slipped in; the majesty of tall trees stretching up endlessly towards the heavens; the wide and captivating eyes of wild deer; cloudy nights where the moon is just barely peeking through; the colorful fletching of arrows drawn back to rest upon cheeks and along jaws
Athena: the straight and steady way a soldier stands at attention; fingertips smudged with ink; a stack of books to read piled on the floor or a nightstand; eyes gleaming with the glow of new ideas; the quiet and contemplative aura of museums and libraries
Demeter: the way sunlight catches dust motes in the air through the gaps in the leaves of the trees; the feeling of life you get from standing in the middle of an orchard with bees buzzing around you; crocuses and snowdrops peeking through the last dredges of winter's snow
Hades: the bleached bones of animals in the forest when moss has begun to engulf them; the way that graveyard angels look like they're weeping in the rain; the solemn aura of old churches, citadels, synagogues, temples, and mosques
Hephaestus: the pleasure of holding something you've created in your palms; the soft glow of heated metal; the intricate beauty of cogs and gears fitting together precisely and working in tandem; the smooth and polished surfaces of high-rise business buildings
Hera: the lacy white of flowing wedding gowns; the way a couple's hands look clasped together; pairs of old wedding rings that are scratched from years of use; the feeling of surrealism that comes from looking at old family portraits; getting used to sharing a space with someone else and then seeing the mannerisms you've unknowingly adopted from them
Hermes: the way that the low beam headlights of a car touch the roads that stretch ever onwards at night; old maps yellowed at the corners from their age; the way that things rush past when you look out the window of a car or train; quick hands slipping deftly into pockets and taking what they find
Hestia: the light and protection of street lights in an otherwise dark city; the warmth of your bed on cold winter mornings; the heat of a fire as you sit around it with people you love; the comfort of a home-cooked meal
Poseidon: the way light looks when you're seeing it shine down from deep underwater; the effervescent colors of cresting waves; the eery beauty of shipwrecks; the ripples created when you trail your fingertips through still waters; dust clouds kicked up by the passing of strong hooves
Zeus: the way that storm clouds darken the edge of the horizon; silhouettes framed against the sky by flashes of lightning; the splay of feathers of a bird's outstretched wings; the polished and tarnished brass of old fashioned scales
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No Pain, No Gain
No honestly, it’s not that painful. Last week after years of fussing and faffing about my eyebrows I decided to get them professionally tailored to.
After years of comments like - do you draw your eyebrows on? Oh no I’ve wiped your eyebrow off, your eyebrow is on my face - I thought it was time.
So I booked in for the highly popular HD Brow treatment. I was a little nervous as I’ve seen some absolute horror stories. Just hit search and you’ll see what I mean. I had an unstoppable vision of stepping out from the salon with bushman jet black caterpillars adorning my forehead and having to go to work for the next week.
Luckily for me, the experience could not have been more different from my obsessive nightmare. I went to the wonderfully glam Corner House in Brigg. I popped in during the week to have the obligatory patch test, which you must have at least 48 hours before your treatment. I have always been quite susceptible to reactions from dyes, so it’s worth doing, believe me. The patch test was literally two minutes. Don’t be afraid to admit the reaction either, as they offer some great alternatives and will work with you to find a different way of colouring the brow.
So I trudged in nervously on the morning of my appointment and immediately felt at ease. All the staff are incredibly friendly, smiling as they walk past you. I’ve always been slightly intimidated by hair and beauty salons but this one felt so welcoming. I was asked to take a seat in their glamorous waiting room while the smell of hair and beauty products accosted my nose. I soon relaxed and imagined I was the A lister they had been waiting for all their lives. Honestly, I don’t know what happens to me sometimes.
Anyway, for the HD brows, especially if you’re a newbie, you are given a form to fill in. I started to panic slightly again, wondering if I was ridiculously endangering myself for the sake of beauty. It’s the same feeling you get when you look on the back of the hair dye box and remember that Daily Mail article that had you boycotting the colours for all of three months.
But it was just a simple medical form, any conditions, allergies, pregnancy (ha!) etc etc. Of course I ticked no to everything and handed the form back.
Not ten minutes later a lovely lady named Shannon came to get me. I sincerely hoped that she did her own eyebrows, because I was sure to be in good hands if so. She was amazing at explaining the treatment and was extremely considerate of what I wanted. That’s the green light I was looking for. I mean I had no idea of course, that’s why I was there. My eyebrows desperately needed someone else to get their hands on them and for me to get the hell away from them. So no, I admitted after all the overplucking I had become completely and utterly lost, and would she please save me, and them, from further trauma.
So she set to work. Now the great thing with HD is that it is more than just a tint and a wax. Don’t get me wrong, even she advised me in between treatments that basic tints are the way to go, because it can get a little pricey if you go back all the time for HD. However it is a great starting programme to get them back on track, which is what I needed. My shape (surprisingly) seemed to have survived, and she was happy to work on that. The idea is that you are set on a regrowth programme, so if your brows are heavily overplucked, like mine, that you can work with them to regrow them into a new fuller shape.
The first thing to do was tint them. I have incredibly dark hair, and yet some sort of weird old lady grey eyebrows. But the black caterpillars flashed into my mind and I was afraid to go too dark. Shannon obviously felt the same, and we decided to work up to that final dark stage. So she mixed her colour, and painted them over the hair and skin. After about ten minutes she cleaned them off, wiping the excess tint away. The idea is that it clings to the tiniest hairs, giving you a fuller look immediately, and helping to establish where you need to regrow. Honestly, the difference a tint makes in itself is incredible and something I will definitely be doing again.
After that, it was time to wax. Now I’ve never had a wax, not even on my legs, so my eyes were a great place to start. It was only the slightest amount underneath and over the brow. The wax is nice and warm, but not uncomfortable. I have to admit, though Shannon was incredibly gentle and professional, I did jump out of my skin when the first strip came off. After that it was fine.
Soothing in between, it was then time for threading, again something which I’ve never tried. I’ve stood for hours watching other people, (who hasn’t?) but never had it done myself. This was actually completely pain free, which I didn’t expect at all. It grasped the tiny hairs that I would never be able to get with my tweezers and achieves a flawless finish around the brow outline.
She then tweezed a little and popped a nice soothing solution on the skin around the brows. I will warn you, it does go very red. They have a mineral powder which they brush over your skin to calm the red before you have to go into society, but it is visible. Honestly, it does go away within a few hours.
After a little powder filling and lining, I was ready to go. Bear in mind this whole time I hadn’t been able to look in the mirror so I was very excited and trying not to show it. I really could not believe the difference. It seems ridiculous to go in with barely anything and to come out with a fuller looking brow, but you do. Mine was very natural, so it wasn’t obviously noticeable, which was great. It’s a very subtle change, which makes all the difference.
The tint is supposed to last two weeks, and you can return for HD in five weeks from the date you have them done. I will definitely be returning. For me, £25 was well worth it. Corner House do tints from as low as £5 so it doesn’t cost much to upkeep.
The only trouble is I can’t wait to try all the other treatments they do, so I don’t think my bank balance is going to be very happy.
So give it a try. Be brave. And try not to kick your therapist in the stomach.
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The Struggle to Write
Sometimes it is so difficult to get an idea from your head onto a page. Five years ago, an idea began to build. Images came from music, song lyrics and stories that I had always been aware of but never really delved into.
So I wrote the book, which turned into three books. And then I sent it off into the world. I cringe when I think about it now. I didn't do any of the things I would now. I didn't even rewrite. It was a hefty word count and when I read through it now, I can only laugh at my novice writing.
Truth was, it did need work. Real work. And on and off over the last few years I have gone back and edited it with a fresh eye. It has been a brilliant experience. Finding the right voice, fixing the pace, tightening the story. But it's still not ready. I can't count how many times I must have started it. Decided that it needs more than a redraft. It needs a rewrite. And it is incredibly frustrating. Because they're all there waiting for me. And I just cannot bring them to life in a way that would do them justice.
I once read that you should take the pressure off getting that perfect story. Because your words, however amazing they are, are never going to convey what you can see in your head. They're just not simply going to be able to transfer your imagination to a result with which you will be satisfied.
So my next goal is to take the pressure off. To try and write it again the same way I wrote in the beginning, but with a more learned eye. In all honestly, to let them do what they want, and fix it after. That's what editing is for after all.
One day it will be ready. In the meantime, I write a little each day. Maybe a bit of that story, maybe a bit of another. But one day that story will go into the world.
Preferably with proof reading and a normal sized word count.
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