Out With The Old And In With The New

2012 has been a funny old year for me, some good and some not so good things have happened.

At the end of March I was made redundant from a job I absolutely loved, to say I was gutted is an understatement.  A 3 week holiday to Florida in April definitely perked me up, although I continued to sulk about my job on my return for a few more months.

I then began suffering from a few health problems, turns out I was slap bang in the middle of the menopause and have a slightly under active Thyroid.

I was then lucky enough to have another 3 week holiday in Florida in September, that really is my happy place.

In October I started my Open University Degree in Criminology and Psychology, my first challenge was learning how to learn again.

Also in October my husband bought me a Maine Coon kitten, I have wanted a Maine Coon for years.  His name is Dexter and he is beautiful, he is 5 months old and already larger than our dog!

December has been an emotional month.  For the past 10 years I have travelled to New York every December around my birthday, I make a start on my Christmas shopping, visit the tree at The Rockerfeller Centre and usually take in a Broadway show.  Well with me being unemployed and already having had two trips to Florida, New York was a no go.  However, on my birthday my oldest daughter brought New York to me.  She got me an Empire State Building Pandora charm, a New York Taxi Christmas decoration, a bag and make up from Sephora, a Bone China Tiffany mug, Nail Polish called Times Square and a few other bits and pieces, my husband then took me to London for the weekend where he bought me an iPad and took me to see Wicked, it was the best birthday I have had for years.  Yesterday my oldest daughter moved out to live with her boyfriend.  I couldn't bear to be here when she left so I took the youngest daughter to the cinema.  She's only moved a couple of miles down the road but I miss her terribly.  It's so tough being a parent sometimes, letting go is the hardest thing in the world.

I realise that in the grand scheme of things 2012 has been very kind to me and for that I am eternally grateful.

So 2013 is nearly upon us and I have spent today deciding what changes I would like to make in my life.  I intend to start looking for part time work, I have enjoyed spending time with my youngest daughter and could not go back to working 60 hours a week again.  I aim to become more active on my blog, after a 4 month break I now feel revitalised and ready for the challenge.  I am going to continue with my healthy eating plan, I have lost a stone and plan to lose a couple more before the summer, I'm also going to make friends with the treadmill!

Thank you to all my readers for sticking with me and I'd like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2013

Source

Firmoo - Free Glasses

Earlier in the year I was informed that I needed glasses, apparently I am short sighted in one eye and long sighted in the other, this means that my middle distance is perfect but I struggle with reading and watching TV.  I was contacted by a company called Firmoo who offered to send me a free pair of glasses to review.  I chose a pair of sunglasses, I then emailed them my choice and my prescription details and within a few weeks my sunglasses arrived.

These are the glasses that I chose but as you can see there are lots of other's to choose from at www.firmoo.com/wrap-around-rx-sunglasses

They arrived in a hard case with a lens cleanser, I was also sent a pouch type case.  They are perfect for driving as although they are sunglasses they do not make everything too dark.  They fit very well and are really comfortable and lightweight.  I absolutely love my new sunglasses and now you can get a free pair of glasses too.  You can chose from prescription glasses/sunglasses (single lens) or clear fashion glasses.  You only have to pay the shipping.  Pop over to the website at www.firmoo.com and browse all the fabulous styles.  You can even upload a photograph of yourself and try the glasses on.

I have been really impressed with the service from Firmoo and would not hesitate to use their services again once my prescription is due for renewal.



*Product sent free of charge for review.

Stila Brighten & Correct Concealer

I saw the Stila Brighten & Correct Concealer in Sephora whilst in America in April.  I was in the store to purchase the Stila Perfecting Concealer which I have reviewed HERE.

I was initially drawn to this product because of all the swirls in the tube.

This comes in 4 shades, Fair, Medium, Tan and Tone, I purchased Tone.

The product contains a unique multi-mineral complex and Haloxyl, it acts as a brightener, illuminator, concealer and will help reduce dark circles over time.

Two shades are swirled together, one for correcting and one for brightening, the product is also infused with light-diffusing pigments.

Although on it's own this is not heavy enough to cover my dark circles, it does lighten and brighten the under eye area, it works particularly well over your normal concealer.

This is the perfect product if you are having a 'no make up' day and just want to freshen up the under eye area.

If you are in the USA you can find this product in Sephora stores or at www.stilacosmetics.com for $28
If you are in the UK you can find this product at www.stila.co.uk for £18 with free shipping.