My hobby - it really pays off

In 2012 I found my new hobby, entering competitions.  I had entered a few competitions and I did win a couple of times but it was later that year when I really started entering them.

Some people think it is a strange hobby to have and that my time should be better spent.  Others have said "where do you find the time you have two children"  I enter competitions when they are in bed or when my son is at nursery and my little girl is having a nap.

I know it is slightly different to some other hobbies but I enjoy it.

Over the last year I have won some amazing prizes, things I needed that I could not afford, little wins for the children and some fun items.

My best wins/freebies have to be: Roller Derby skates for my sister (£70), a £130 thermal winter coat, £200 of Pyrex cookware and my LG tumble Dryer (£429)

I love my hobby and I do tell other people about it and now some of them are hooked too.

Have you won anything?

Below is some of the things I have won.

carrying on regardless.

Today I was at the doctor to get my bloods done.  I am not scared of needles or blood so I am not sure why I had a panic attack whilst waiting to be seen.

The fast breathing, heavy feeling in chest, dizziness well you know how it goes.

I was then called into the room for my tests.  Now I could have kept quiet about having a panic attack but I thought well why should I.  So I told the nurse and she asked did I want to continue, expecting me to say no, I said yes.

The other nurse in the room thought I should reschedule the appointment as she would not carry out the test on an anxious person.  I politely reminded her that this was my decision and I am sure most patients they see are anxious or nervous.

That got a giggle from the other nurse lol.

I had my blood taken and that was that.  Yes, the panic attack was still there but I got back in my mum's car and was fine. OK I felt drained but I don't care :)

What's in your make up bag?

I know my last few posts have been about make up and that's not the usual topic but there is a reason for this. I am trying to build peoples confidence. Yes it is only make up but wearing that little bit every so often can help a lot.  Also playing around with it and finding a new look,something you were too scared to try, also helps with confidence levels.

Now I am not saying you have to wear make up to feel good and if I am being honest I rarely wear it.

So I am sharing with you the items that are in my make up bag.  What's in yours?

Calvin Klein Lip Gloss

make up brushes

bloom eye shadows

Lip glosses 

Gosh Eyeshadow

Eye liner 

Mascara

powder foundation

Smokey eye palette 

Barry M Dazzle Dust

Various eye shadows

The Final Look

Tonight was the charity ball and I managed to stay for a few hours.  Unfortunately I'm unwell due to sinuses & hay fever (ah the joys lol) however, this did not stop me from getting all dressed up for a few hours of fun and freedom :)

So as you know I was trying out new make up and a brand new look for me!! The hair did not work out at all.

Well ladies and gentlemen here is the final look

The lovely Caroline from nomorefrizzyhairdays.blogspot.co.uk made some amazing edits which I am going to share below.  She is rather talented don't you think

makeup update

So a couple of days ago I told you that I was going to attempt eyeliner for the first time. I finally got round to it and this is the outcome.

not a bad attempt 

Today I added a couple of new additions to my collection

Collection Pressed Powder 17g Ivory 18

Work The Colour Smokey Eye Palette Smokey 2

When I have used these I will upload the pictures :)

Hormone imbalance and anxiety

Hello everyone.

For the last 2 years I have had issues with my time of the month. I wont go into every symptom as I am sure the men reading this may get a bit squeamish lol.

I get dizzy, feel sick, very tired, moody, appetite increases and other symptoms I wont mention.

Every couple of months I get a break from it. I have been to my doctor many times, I was sent for a smear test and was told if it came back clear, which it did, I would be referred for more tests. This made me so so happy. I went back to that GP who referred me for the smear and he said "oh no no I am no referring you. This is coming from your anxiety" I was so angry, frustrated and upset.  My mum, who came with me, was stunned.

I have been to A&£ with pains and everything and they have written to my doctor recommending I be referred but I am still waiting.

Me being me I keep going back trying to push for a referral but they always say the same "it's your anxiety"

I know anxiety can increase around the time of the month due to hormones but this is the first time it has ever happened to me.

When my problems first started I was no having issues with anxiety at all so I know what they are saying is not true not that they listen.

So I decided to do a little research of my own and I have two different possibilities: PMS or Menopause. Yes I know menopause my be far fetched for a 33 year old but it is still a possibility and 95% of my symptoms point that way. I know there is some sort of hormone imbalance but the doctors deny it.

I am going back on Friday and I am going to refuse until I get referred.

Determined to get the answers I need.

attempting something new

Many people who read this may think "seriously you can't do that?" well not yet I can't.
You wondering what I am on about? Applying eyeliner!!

To me it's hard, just cannot do it and have never really attempted it since I had an epic fail lol.

The time has come to try again. I have a charity ball on Saturday and I want to look the part.

One other thing I am going to try is styling my hair without anyone's help.

I know this is not the usual thing for me to post but I am trying new things which will help boost my confidence and think we should all try something new that we are afraid of. Why not?

The hairstyle I will attempt

The eyeliner I am going to use. L'Oreal Super liner pen