Getting the Most Out of Your Garden

I have really adored the warmer weather (the times that the sun decided to come out and actually stick around for a day or two). It was extra special this year because it was our first proper summer in our new home. When we moved in last year, we had so much going on with unpacking and trying to get some sort of order In place (that combined with a 8 week old puppy....) we didn't really get chance to enjoy the summer months.

Now although It might feel like you have blinked and all of a sudden the summer has transitioned into Autumn, apparently our calendars are correct and it really is mid September already. 

The cooler weather may have us reaching to shut the windows but that doesn't mean that we need to bid our Gardens fare well just yet though.

September can be an amazing time to be outside, everything is turning golden and some days you could even fool yourself into thinking that summer might be sticking around a little longer (even if those magical thoughts do some crashing down with the arrival of Aileen!) 

But how do you make sure you get the most out of your garden at this time of year? Here are some of my go to tips for when it comes to enjoying the garden in the fall:

Create a cosy corner

This could be absolutely anything that helps you to relax and unwind. Maybe you have a favourite piece of garden furniture? A water fountain? Or how about a pop up gazebo with a rattan table and chairs?

Look after your lawn

I find that we are having to constantly care for our lawn (the joys of having a dog!) If the Autumn weather is making your lawn glum, then show it some love with a liquid feed, it will be back to full health in no time.

Tidy borders and the garden

Now is the time to start prepping your garden for next Spring, and of course the forthcoming Winter months ahead. Tidy up he borders and remove the dead foliage, put down some compost ready for the new bulbs and seeds that you will soon be planting.

I spend a lot of time outside regardless as to the time of year, having a dog means that we are always out on walks or letting him in and out of the patio doors (because he likes to demand entry back into the house as soon as you sit down to relax!). 

We have a plum tree that hangs over the fence into our back garden, and I am constantly having to pick up the windfall plums that keep landing on my patio. The dog keeps bringing in plum on the padding of his paws (my sofas are not thankful for this!).

 I keep meaning to pick some of the plums and make the most of having this lush fruit growing so close to home. I cant help thinking how nice it would be to make Leo some homemade plum jam, so I really must add this to my to do list before I miss he opportunity for the second year in a row. 

I'm still holding out hope for an Indian summer, we will forget that storm Aileen has taken the life of one of my prized sunflowers. We are often blessed with some beautiful days in September, and it would be nice to start the Autumn months in style as I for one am not ready to leave my garden days behind just yet. 

How to Get Your Eyebrows Looking Perfect at Home

One area of beauty which is often overlooked is the eyebrows. With so much focus on hair and makeup, it can be easy to forget your brows. They should be given plenty of attention, however, as they play a huge part in shaping your face and they can also boost your entire appearance if cared for in the right way. Whether you have thick, thin or bushy eyebrows; there are always ways to care for them and get the perfect arch.

The Perfect Shape

The perfect eyebrow shape is generally accepted to be when the beginning is aligned with the centre of the nostril, and the arch falls over the back third of the eye. Additionally, the eyebrow should not extend to the temple area. However, different face shapes have slight variations and you can find guidance for this online.  This is true regardless of how thick or thin your eyebrows are, so it is important to keep this in mind when working on yours.

Tweezing Tips

To obtain the perfect shape, you will first need to tweeze rogue hairs. Be warned though, by plucking too many it can misshape your brows and take a while to grow back. A few tips include purchasing high-quality tweezers, using a mirror with at least 5x magnification and plucking just one hair at a time.

Many find it helpful to use an eyebrow pencil and draw different shapes to see what shape looks best. Once you are happy with the shape, you simply tweeze any hairs that fall outside of this line. Next, brush the eyebrows up and trim any that are too long or floppy with short scissors.

Filling In

Removing hairs is only half of the task, as you may also need to fill in areas to obtain the perfect arch. The best way is with brow powders or eye shadow that match the colour of your brow. Apply this with a soft wedge brush or thin liner brush and start in the centre and work outward, before finishing with the beginning of the brow. It is best to minimise the use of this if possible, and instead work with the hair that is there.

Products

In addition to meticulous and careful work, it is also important that you have products of the highest standard. Beauty specialists, like Capital Hair & Beauty, are the best places to shop and will carry all you need for eyebrow care and enhancement.

With a little work, your brows will look their best and have a huge impact on how you both look and feel.

Harry Potter #SeenOnScreen

When we think about the magical world of Harry Potter are minds instinctively wander to faraway places, but when the books were projected onto the big screen for us all to marvel at and lose ourselves within, we forget that often we weren't just admiring witchcraft and wizardry but the natural wonders of our world. Our real world, that the producers and film crew brought the magic into.

Did you know that when you are admiring the landscapes in Harry Potter you are actually looking out over Yorkshire in some cases?  

If Harry Potter shoot locations are your cup of tea then you will have to keep an eye on www.pcapredict.com/data-cleansing-software who are going to be releasing an eBook all about this! 

For now though... I will share a few of the shoot locations with you!

For instance let me take you back to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, remember the scene where Harry and Hermione are trying to hide away from the Dark Lord, Voldemort... Or he who must not be named in the rocky camp? This natural limestone formation is actually Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales.

Once upon a time a river ran over the rocks and creates the beautiful pattern that we admire today.

Next on the Harry Potter Yorkshire list is Goathland Station, can anyone hazard a guess at where this may have been used? No? Well Goathland Station in the North York Moors actually served as Hogsmeade Station in the films. The station actually runs between Whitby and Pickering (Not Hogsmeade and Hogwarts unfortunately). You might also recognise this station from the television series Heartbeat (which I absolutely adored as a child!)

It's pretty amazing visiting somewhere that you have #SeenOnScreen - As a child I actually lived in Yorkshire, Barnsley, and I remember one day my parents taking me to where they filmed Emmerdale. We even went for a drink in the Woolpack which was just crazy (Because it's a real pub!), now it might not be in the same leagues as Harry Potter, but it was pretty cool nonetheless.

 If Harry Potter is your calling though, then I can highly recommend a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour!

Take me to New York

I always seem to find my mind wandering to warmer climates when Autumn arrives, don't get me wrong. I love the changing seasons and there is definitely something refreshing about the crisp mornings and cooler temperatures that can be felt now, but it has got to the point where I did use the hair dryer to warm my bed for the first time last night (yes, apparently the hair dryer is the modern day equivalent to the bed warming pan). Maybe I should just admit defeat now and stick the heated blanket on the bed...

Luke and I were talking the other day about holiday's and where we would like to jet off to next. Realistically if we want to go anywhere next year, we do need to start thinking about it right now so that the finances are in place to accommodate such luxurious dreams. There are a few ideas that come to mind when we start shooting destinations back and forth between the two of us (and these change again when you Leo jumps in!). 

New York, California, Costa Rica, Mexico and Australia.

As you can see we are quite indecisive, these are the 5 parts of the world that keep coming back into the conversation... 

We seem to keep landing back at New York though, and it does seem to be a pretty good place to start.

Leo is already very well travelled in Europe (I hadn't even been abroad at his age), and has so far visited France, Tenerife, Cyprus and Crete twice, but  he has wanted to visit New York ever since I flew out there in November of 2016. 

Leo has seen it in the movies, he has admired my pictures and now he wants to visit the concrete jungle that is the big apple for himself. It's something that I really want him to see too, I was completely blown away for the whole time I spent in this rather wonderful city. You never do stop looking up at the buildings, you can't help walking along the sidewalk and just marvelling up, I couldn't help wondering how anyone ever found anything.

We were only there for 3 days, we had flown from London and used Purple Parking for the car while we were Stateside. 3 days was not enough time to do everything that we wanted to do, and I long to go back and walk around the 9/11 memorial, I will never forget the feeling of standing at the foot of where the twin towers once stood, it was still a very raw place even all of these years later. It was hard to wrap my head around that I was stood exactly where the events unravelled all of those years ago, where all of those people lost their lives. 

We walked into Brooklyn over the world famous Brooklyn Bridge, took a boat ride out to see the Statue of Liberty and did all of the typical touristy things that you would do when in New York, but the whole time I was there I kept thinking how much Leo and Luke would love this experience too. 

Leo talks about going all the time, and I can't help looking at deals to fly back out, and it would be so nice to go during the festive season again. We were lucky with the weather and the sun shone throughout the entire time that we were there (creating some absolute stunning backdrops over the iconic city), and we even saw them preparing the Rockefella Christmas Tree. 

Then there was Ice Skating in Central Park, you know, where the bad guys in Home Alone 2 Lost in New York go skating! 

There is so much to see and do in New York, but of course this kind of experience doesn't come cheap. Once you have taken into account your flights and accommodation you have to remember that food costs on top with the additional tips that are even applicable on drinks that you may order from a bar (This completely threw me!), it can get pretty pricey. 

What an experience though? When I arrived home, I felt like I had been gone for weeks. I had never left Leo for this duration before, and it felt like a lifetime. When I go back here, we will be going as a family, as I want to show my boys just how amazing New York really is, and we will most definitely be going for longer so that we can fit EVERYTHING in.

Living Solo

When you live on your own there are certain things that you need to know, when we first moved in I fumbled my way around the house having a list of jobs to do that I had never had to do before, and I had never had to do them because I lived with my other half. 

One of the first things I had to do as soon as I moved in was sort the gas and electric, I remember being asked to give them the meter readings and suddenly realised that this was something that I had never had to do before, and the lady on the phone must have taken the silence on the line as confirmation of this, because in her next breath she was talking me through how and where to access the information she needed.

When you live on your own, jobs that are usually split (Into Pink and Blue jobs if you're talking to my other half!) all become yours, and after a slight settling in period, I eventually began to remember that bin day was every Friday, and I am pleased to report that I quickly adjusted to the demands of my new home.

I have had to get accustomed with the fuse box, heating system and become the responsible adult within the home (stranger things have happened right?), but I wouldn't be true to myself if there were not a few bumps along the road...By bumps I do mean having a major blonde moment that makes it hard for anyone to forget you...

It was 5am and I was heading to London for a press event, I ran the water for the shower so that it was nice and hot when I stepped in, but boy did I have the shock of my life when I did. The water was ice cold, not something that you want to experience at such an unholy time in the morning. I ran downstairs to check the boiler to find that nothing was working, there was no sign of life, no boiler light and definitely no hot water.

One ice shower later and I was out of the house on my way to the capital. I called up the maintenance team and they arranged to send someone out the following morning (it would have been sooner but as I was out of the house all day, nothing could be done). The following morning the young man arrives, I offer him a warm drink, which he politely declines and tells me that he won't be here long. Hi simply flipped a switch and my boiler sprung back to life. 

'It was just switched off love he said. I had to laugh or I might have fallen off the edge of the world in embarrassment, he couldn't help smiling and I imagine that he was just relieved that his first call out of the day wasn't going to give him a headache.

I was relieved really, because in my mind I had already narrowed it down to either needing a new boiler or a zilmet ultra pro heating pump, so really it simply being turned off at the wall (we are still not certain which one of us it was, it doesn't help that the on/off switch looks just like the kitchen light switch and they are right next to each other...).

My advice to anyone who is going to be moving out on their own for the first time is to always lead on the right side of common sense (if you think the boiler is broken, make sure you check that it hasn't simply been turned off...), and as long as you realise the following... You should be just fine...

- You will have to go shopping, there is no such thing as a food fairy and your fridge won't magically replenish.

- A light bulb blew... YOU will have to change it.

- You have post? I hope you like bills!

- A morning cup of coffee is one of the most expensive habits in the world, wave goodbye to your Costa and say hello to instant!

- Some months you have to decide what's more important... The new clothes that you NEED or eating.

- Some months it may come down to fuel in the car...or food in your belly.

Above all else though, you will become independent, and you surprise yourself with what you can achieve on your own. You learn how to budget your money and eventually you will be able to fuel the car and keep food in the fridge.

It's all about baby steps, just try not to call out help for your boiler when you don't really need it, because there is a call out charge!

New Year, New Challenge?

Something has changed within me over the last few years, there was a point not so very long ago where my evenings would consist of Netflix and a great deal of junk food and fizzy pop. I didn't spare a single thought for the calories that I was consuming on a daily basis, nor did I burden myself with the drastic lack of exercise.

None of it concerned me, I didn't care. But you see... That is what went on to change. Suddenly I was eating better and getting out of those sedentary foundations that I had built. I was going to the gym, I was trying classes, heck I even found myself trying my hand at Crossfit and Pole Dancing! 

I was throwing caution to the wind and completely throwing myself out of the comfort zone, because I have to be honest here, before I decided to stop caring about what everyone thought, the idea of going along to the gym or anything new (that I would have to attempt alone) filled me with dread, and I would always bottle it before I had chance to go.

With a New Year in sight I have started thinking about how I can throw myself out there once again, something new and fun that will be sure to get my juices flowing. I love anything really that will provide me with a good workout and get my heart thumping, and that's when I started thinking about triathlon bikes!

Now that might sound crazy for someone who hasn't actually ridden a bicycle in years, but I have been considering a new bike for a while (Yes I am aware that there is a massive difference between a typical bike ride and a triathlon!).

As with anything though, if you don't try how will you ever know if you can do it?

Training for your first triathlon 

(Or training in general!)

So you have made a decision but how do you stick to it?

- Tell people - You are more likely to stick to something if you talk about it, tell your friends and family and their support is going to push you forward to the next step. You might even find yourself a training partner if you're lucky!

- Set a goal - Think about what you want to achieve long term and short term, set goals and milestones. I believe that it is always very important to acknowledge the smaller steps too, because they are all steps in the right direction right? Celebrate all of it, give yourself a pat on the back with every momentum in the right direction.

- It's ok to go slow - Don't beat yourself up about what you can't do yet and focus on everything that you can do. Use those smaller goals to put your best foot (or wheel in this case!) forward, because they are going to amount to some of your bigger goals later on. Give yourself time to build up in your training, if you are like I was (I believe a coach potato is the term?), then you aren't just going to get up and go and run a 5k are you!? You have to set a steady pace and build on the foundations that you have already, and make them stronger.

- Sign up! - Yup you read that right! I always find that I am more determined and dedicated if I have a goal with a expiration date. Sign up for a sprint or triathlon that is a few months away (6-8 weeks!), it is sure to light a fire in your gut, and that upcoming date in your calendar is going to be the most amazing motivation! It is going to help you train and it is also going to provide you with valuable experience that you will need moving forward.  

- Follow a beginner's training plan - There are some great tips online, have a look and see what works for you.

- Start as you mean to go on - As with anything in life, consistency is the key, if you strive for success and put in the graft, you will never be disappointed.

- Eat good food - I always believe that the basis of any training plan is what you are fueling your body with. There is always confusion around diet plans and what not, but I believe in eating good wholesome foods (and never cutting anything out!) is the best practice. I always point people in the general direction of The Bodycoach because he has some fantastic recipes that are sure to hit the spot!

- The bike - You don't need to go out and spend a bomb on a bike, if you already have a bike then you can always start training with that, or if you are in the market for a new one, then buy the best you can afford. 

I keep coming back to cycling, whether or not I end up trying my first triathlon or not is another thing... but cycling with the dog could be a fantastic challenge for the new year (and a great way to tire the pup out!).

I will most definitely be getting back into my gym routine (the festive period always seems to appear and knock my motivation from beneath me!), but when the New Year rolls around, I will be back with my motivation ready for another fun year!

5 Ways you can save money without even trying

With the cost of living going up, more families are looking for ways to save money. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the easiest ways you can save money, put it away for a rainy day, or put it towards something worthwhile. Not all of these will be life changing, or perhaps apply to you, but a step in the right direction can change your financial habits for good! 

DIY 

Obviously, if you have issues with your plumbing or gas appliances then of course you need to get a professional in. But when it comes to the little things, it may be much more cost effective to do it yourself? Take your skirting boards for example, if they’re looking tired and need replacing then you can speak to your local skirting board specialist about the most cost effective way to replace them. 

Or you can break out the brushes and freshen them up with a lick of paint – it really is that simple. You don’t need to hire an expensive tradesman to do it for you. 

Make your own gifts 

Ideal with Christmas or any birthdays that might be around the corner. If you want to save money while also giving generously, creating your own homemade gifts is one way to accomplish both goals. You can make food mixes, candles, fresh-baked bread or cookies, soap, and all kinds of other things at home quite easily and inexpensively. 

These make spectacular gifts for others because they involve your personal touch — something you

can’t buy from a shop — and quite often they’re consumable, meaning they don’t wind up filling someone’s drawers with rubbish! 

Make a list – and stick to it! 

One of the easiest ways to save money is to only shop when you have a list. Because when you’re without one, you typically end up making impulse buys and unplanned purchases – all things that cost money. Creating a list before you go to the supermarket is especially important. Not only can it help you buy items that fit with your meal plan, but it can also help you avoid buying food you might waste. 

Always create a list and, more importantly, stick to it! 

Staying in is the new going out 

Going out to eat or “out on the town” has a way of completely destroying both your food budget and your entertainment budget in one fell swoop. It is always cheaper to stay in with friends and come up with your own entertainment. So, try hosting a meal with your friends where they all bring some food, play a board game, watch a film or just sit and reminisce! You’ll all save money – and have a blast. 

Entertaining the kids

Remember the saying that kids would rather play with the box? Its true! Most children, especially young ones, can be entertained very cheaply. Play in the garden. Head to the park. Bake something. What your children want is your time, not your stuff, and you’ll find money in your pocket and joy in

your heart.