This week I had a few days off work which was VERY nice and VERY much needed! Working in retail, I am still catching up and coming down from the madness that was Christmas and obviously retail during this time equals not a lot of time off! So this was me catching up! It's been quite a busy one so here's what I got up to.
If you've been following my blog you will know that I am still in the long drawn out process of buying a house and my plan is then to rent my flat out. So I took some time to freshen up the paint in the hallway and start making small improvements to get it ready for renting. I bought my flat from new 7 years ago so it's in really good condition as a result. I remember being shown around it when I was considering it as a future home and it was very much in the early build days and had no walls. Me and my Mum did our best to use our imagination as the sales lady showed us round using phrases like "this will be the bedroom, obviously once the walls have been put up" and then turning to me to ask " what do you think?" Erm. It has no walls. "Yeah it's really nice, very homely" my answer.
There isn't really a lot I need to do to it before renting it but I'd like to re paint the bathroom and maybe get a new lounge carpet, a cream carpet does not fair well seven years on. But I'm pleased with my paint job and it's nice to get it ready for someone and for it to be as nice a home to them as it has been to me.
Also this week I went for a walk around a park not too far from me where I used to go so often with my Grandparents and feed the ducks. The weather was a bit grey and dull but I thought it would be nice to have some fresh air and take some blog photo's. I use a Canon 1200D for my blog photo's which I'm still learning how to use and I'm more than sure I don't use it to it's full spec. Note to self; learn how to use all it's features!
I also thought I would give vlogging a go! I keep umming and ahhing about whether to start up a YouTube channel and as I have never recorded myself or had a go at putting together this kind of content, I thought I would give it a try. I headed out with my Canon camera which I tend to take my blog pictures on and then I had my compact camera to try vlogging. I've literally never felt so self conscious in what was actually a pretty empty park! I kept trying to get into areas where no one was around and then quickly whipped my camera out, spoke some rushed words and then shoved my camera back in my pocket and attempted to look like a casual park stroller. I really do take my metaphorical hat off to daily vloggers and those who vlog in busy public areas. I don't know how they manage to be so confident and not bothered by the looks they must get from people who really don't get what they are doing. I know if I saw Alfie Deyes with his camera, on the street, I know he would be vlogging but what must people who have never even heard of it think! Anyway I managed to put some clips together and if it ever makes the internet, you'll be the first to hear about it! Once I'd got into it I did actually really enjoy it and I was laughing at myself thinking 'your bonkers but this is fun!'
I had a lovely trip to a Centre Parcs Aqua Sana spa this week for a twilight evening session. I have been to their spa's many times and they are still one of my favourites. If you've read my bio you will know that I used to work in a spa as a Senior Therapist for 5 years and I love going to them. I feel that with the Aqua Sana's, they have such a good range of rooms, different steam rooms, herbal rooms, sauna and quiet areas. I really do rate their facilities, the only thing I would love them to offer is classes. I think if they had yoga (we know how much I love me some yoga!) Pilates, and Zumba type classes this would make me more interested in going for a full day. I had a nice chilled evening, had dinner there and almost fell asleep three times which was risky as I usually go with a friend but I went on my own this time so I could have ended up having an impromptu sleepover! Side note, I think it's better to go with a friend, I found I was getting annoyed with other pairs talking in some of the rooms which you only really notice when your sat quietly on your own without anyone to talk to! Obviously I couldn't take many photo's but here's a few!
I went to a local antiques fair this week as well. I've never been to one before and I didn't really know what to expect and whether I may not 'fit' the customer profile to these types of things but it was really good and I spotted the Bargain Hunt tv crew filing there whilst I dodged the cameras in my no make up state. I went looking for furniture pieces for the new home, which yes I still do not own yet but partner is home this week then all should get sorted! It was a pretty huge affair, a bit like a massive car boot to be honest. I did find another set of retro style drawers (see week 1) and I have to say I think I preferred them to the ones we've already bought however they were £20 and these ones were £200! They were made by Stag though which is a great furniture brand and really well made. I couldn't get hold of my other half to see what he thought so I ended up leaving them but I'm kinda gutted I've missed out on them. But my logical self is telling my, ' secure the home first'. There are more of these fairs coming up which, fingers crossed, is around the time we should be in so makes more sense to wait! God damn I'm not patient at all and I'm falling out with my logical self right now. Over drawers. Yep. Awesome looking drawers I don't now own. Wahhh. These are the drawers in question (took a pic to send the other half) which do you prefer?
On Friday night I went out with one of my best friends to Zizzi's for dinner and catch ups which was so nice. I haven't seen her properly since the beginning of December so we had a lot to catch up on. I always think it's a great sign of friendship when you haven't seen each other for ages and when you get together you seen to pick up from where you last left off like it was only yesterday. I ate way to much but it was lovely and had we not had to keep buying things to ensure we didn't get asked to leave, I think we could have stayed chatting for much longer!
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| On the train! |
I did have a nice afternoon tea for one at Marks and Spencer cafe which was a welcome sit down and a nice way to refuel! And I had no clue then even did it.
Whilst in Marks and Spencer I came across the new Rosie Huntington-Whitely make up range. The stand had only just been launched and I had got great timing as the ladies there said the products had only just come in that morning! I had a little play with some of the products and checked out the lipstick and eye shadow palettes and I did buy one item (and forgot to go back to grab some more bits I'd liked) but I will save all the details for another post! But I was quite impressed with the style Rosie has gone for for the range and the stand and packaging looked very premium and classy, just like it's creator.
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I did also take my compact camera and again tried out some more vlogging! I just need to get myself set up with some editing software and see if I can make anything out of it! It is really fun though. Has anyone got any Windows 10 editing software recommendations?
My fiance is back late on Sunday night which is very exciting although I will probably be asleep! But hopefully once he is back we can get this house train moving once more!
It's felt like quite a busy week for a 'week off' but it's been really nice. I've realised what a loner I am having done most things on my own this week! But it's been nice to potter at my own pace throughout.
How's your week been folks? Any highights? Have you tried any of the foundations I've mentioned? Which are your favs? Suggestions and comments below!
Catch you later, Steph x
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