Sunday Snippets - 27th November 2016

I’ve spent most of the last week trying to recover from a rather nasty cold/flu bug. I’m definitely feeling better than I was this time last week, but still not great, as it seems to be hanging around. I would say I’m counting down the days until I break up for Christmas, but in reality I’m trying not to focus on it too much. I’ve got a lot of deadlines to meet, as well as actually preparing for Christmas, so the fact I only have three weeks left at Uni is slightly scary! Still, it will be nice to have a few weeks off to spend time with my family.

After a nice lie-in last Sunday, I woke up feeling really poorly. The dreaded lurgy had definitely hit me! I managed to take some photos for a blog post once I was up and dressed. Then my Aunt and Uncle came over to drop my Grandma round, so I spent some time chatting to them and looking at photos of my new second cousin, who is very cute. I can’t wait to meet him! After they’d gone, I got my Fortisip and spent a bit of time writing and uploading a blog post. In the afternoon I snuggled up on the sofa, feeling pretty yucky, and worked on my Uni essay whilst watching The Aristocats. It doesn’t feel like Sunday these days without a good film on the TV! My brother, David, and sister-in-law, Emma, came over and we had a family dinner together, which was nice.

I was still feeling pretty unwell on Monday, so called in sick to Uni. It’s a pretty massive step for me if I’m honest, as I spend most of my life pushing myself to the point of making myself more ill. I know it probably sounds like quite a little thing, but it’s a step in the right direction. After having another lie-in I took things quite slowly, but managed to edit some photos and get a blog post up in the morning. In the afternoon I snuggled under a blanket with Freddie and caught up on The Missing. I then put Family Guy on and finally finished my Uni essay. There’s still lots of other bits to do, but it’s a big job ticked off the list.

I decided to go into Uni on Tuesday, as it was a newsday and I needed it signing off. But I was still feeling pretty poorly and probably should have still been resting at home. We all chatted about story ideas, and myself and my friend Emma decided to focus on how chocolate products are shrinking but staying at the same price. We did some research then headed into town to buy chocolate, and lots of it! My GP rang to talk about a couple of things. She’s going to write to my POTS specialist to see if he can give some more advice, as I’m already drinking as much as I can and can’t see how I can add more salt to my diet. She also told me that my QT interval on my ECG has increased, which is why she wants to monitor me more closely. After lunch, Emma and I had to go back out to town to try and get some interviews with the public about their reactions to two different Toblerone bars – the old style and the new style. We then went back to Uni to download the footage off our camera. My Dad picked me up and brought me home, where I crashed out on the sofa for the rest of the evening. My order of Christmas wrapping bits and bobs arrived from Paperchase and it also included these cute stickers. I particularly love the Mr Men ones!

I managed to oversleep on Wednesday morning so things were a real rush. Thankfully when I got to my friend’s house her last client was still there, so I could sit and wind down a bit. I had my eyebrows done and then had a massage, but I found it harder to relax than normal as I was really struggling to breathe. Afterwards I came home and rested on the sofa for a while. I seemed to be feeling worse again for some reason, so tried to take it easy by watching some TV. My Mum and Dad left to go to Devon for the night, which I felt really anxious about. I spent the afternoon catching up on The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds and sorting some things out for posting. I also wrote a couple of penpal letters. In the evening, my sisters and I chilled out together and watched I’m a Celebrity. Freddie decided he wanted some of my dinner, so sat like this while I ate!

I was up quite early on Thursday morning, as I had to sort out the animals with Rosiie, as my parents weren’t here. After breakfast I had a phone interview with a doctor to help me with an article I’m writing for Uni. I was really nervous about it, but it went really well thankfully. I did a bit of blogging and then went to the hairdressers and had my hair coloured. It was nice to feel pampered for a bit and have a chance to read my book. When I got back, I finished my blogging then curled up on the sofa. The rest of the afternoon was spent doing Uni work. An exciting package arrived – some photo booth props I’ve ordered for Christmas! So hopefully they’ll give us some laughs over the festive period.

I had Uni all day on Friday, so my Dad drove me over to Farnham. Our morning lecture was pretty boring and I really struggled to concentrate, so I ended up browsing through Christmas present ideas for people on my phone! At lunch, I met up with my mentor and we had a good chat about the next few weeks. I’ve got lots of deadlines coming up, as well as a trip to The Houses of Parliament and a News Week, so we talked through how I’m going to cope with it all (or try to anyway!) In the afternoon we had our Law lecture, which I always enjoy. We talked about contempt of court, privacy laws and then did some practice exam questions. My Dad brought me home and I fell asleep on the sofa for a little while. I was struggling a lot mentally, so I settled down for the evening and watched some Christmas Gift Guides, including one from the lovely Talk Becky Talk.

I had a much-needed lie-in on Saturday morning, which was lovely. Although I’ve got loads of Uni work to do, I’ve decided to allow myself one day a week when I don’t work and can focus on other things, as I need a bit of time to myself. So Saturdays tend to be my ‘day off’ so to speak. I had a fairly quiet morning, but popped the TV on and did a bit of tidying in my bedroom. After lunch I curled up on the sofa, watched an episode of The Coroner and wrote some penpal letters. My Mum then took me down to our town’s Christmas Market and light switch on. I wrapped up warm, as sitting in my wheelchair I always feel the cold even more. It was really busy, which I struggle with, but was nice to listen to my Mum sing in the choir, see the Christmas lights and look around the stalls. As much as I love Christmas and getting in the festive spirit, I do find myself getting sad this time of year. It’s just hard seeing happy couples with children everywhere, when I would give anything for a partner and to have my own children. It’s hard to see it ever happening to be honest, but I know I’m very lucky to have such loving friends and family around me. I came home and warmed up with a nice mug of Christmassy Teapigs tea and some trashy TV.

You can check out my YouTube channel here, where I have recently uploaded a few new videos (and hope to continue doing!)

I’m also trying to post on Snapchat a bit more, so if you fancy following me, my username is Jennycole44.

If you don’t already, please give me a follow on Bloglovin here - I would love to reach 800 followers, and do have a little giveaway planned for when I get there!

What have you been up to this week? I always enjoy hearing about your news and adventures!

Follow me on Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube

Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range*

A couple of months ago I received an email from Eucerin, asking me if I’d like to try out their new range of skincare. Now, as I’ve said in previous posts, I’m a big fan of skincare so jumped at the chance to try something new! I’d heard of Eucerin before but had never got round to trying anything from their range, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. When a range of products from the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range arrived, I was really excited to get testing.

I’d never really thought of using anti-ageing products before, as I don’t have problems with wrinkles or anything like that at the moment. But starting early and preventing problems before they appear is always a good idea!

Facialist to the stars, Caroline Hitchcock, has teamed up with Eucerin to create a bespoke anti-aging regime using the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler range. She has also shared her top tips for turning back the clock, which I thought I would pass on to you:

1.    Cleanse thoroughly both morning and night to remove make-up and external pollutants, which contribute to the ageing process. Hot cloth cleansing is best and enables maximum absorption of follow on products into the skin

2.    Take advantage of advanced, cutting edge science now available in skincare products, which can be applied daily to prevent and even help reverse the ageing process

3.    Look for ‘Biomimetic’ ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycine Saponin, Peptides and Antioxidants as these work in synergy with the skins own natural processes to help function more efficiently, restoring and maintaining texture, volume and elasticity to the skin

4.    Drink 1-2 litres of water daily, which will hydrate from within and maximise the effects of Hyaluronic Acid in the skin

5.    Practise the golden rules of daily skincare; Cleanse, Nourish and Protect. A daily routine of ‘layering’ will help your skin look up to ten years younger

Now for the products!

The first product I was sent to try was the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Eye Cream (£22). It has an advanced eye care formula specifically designed to target ‘crow’s feet’. Containing Hyaluronic Acid and SPF 15, the product works to help prevent the deepening of current wrinkles. I’ve been getting really interested in eye creams recently, as the skin around my eyes is so delicate and I get terrible dark circles. This cream feels really cooling as you apply it and it sinks in so easily, without leaving a greasy build-up. I can’t comment on whether it has made a difference to any crow’s feet, as thankfully they’re not something I have a problem with at the moment. But it certainly feels nice to apply.

Next up is the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler DayCream for Dry Skin (£26). It contains low and high molecular Hyaluronic Acid to instantly moisturise the skin and help plump up the appearance of even the deepest wrinkles. The luxuriously rich formula is targeted specifically for those with dry skin. As the weather gets colder and winter sets in, my skin starts to get very unhappy. So this is the perfect time for me to start using this product. It’s gorgeously rich and thick, yet it disappears into my skin so quickly, leaving it feeling smooth and supple. As with all the products I’ve tried, it has a very fresh, clean scent, which I really love.

If you have more normal to combination skin, there is also the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Day Cream (£26). This is a light day cream that instantly moisturises the skin, helping to plump up the appearance of even the deepest wrinkles. It creates an excellent make-up base whilst also helping skin look visibly smoother. This is a really lovely day cream suitable for every day use. I love the fact it comes in a pump bottle, making it really easy to dispense with no wastage. My skin feels smooth and plump after using it, and it’s definitely something I would repurchase once I’ve used this bottle up.

The last product from this range that I was sent to try is the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream (£26). This is an anti-wrinkle night cream with Hyaluronic Acid for all skin types. The advanced formula helps support the skin’s own overnight regeneration process whilst leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated after a good night’s rest. It’s the perfect cream for this time of year, and it really feels like it’s hydrating my skin overnight, leaving me with smooth skin when I wake up. The formula is thick and creamy, with the gentle clean fragrance, and soaks in almost instantly. If I have any extra left over, I also find it really nice to just rub into my hands.

Alongside these products there are also a couple more in the range. First is the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Concentrate (£31); an advanced concentrated serum, which actively reduces the appearance of wrinkles. This is the range’s cult product and is designed to be used in combination with your daily skincare routine. It helps skin to feel smoother and more youthful, whilst also creating a flawless base for make-up. There is also the Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler CC Cream Light (£28), which is the range’s newest hero product. Not only does it act as an anti-wrinkle day cream, but it also complements and perfects the complexion for a healthy looking glow. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula provides light coverage, whilst evening out skin imperfections for a smoother, more radiant complexion. This product particularly appeals to me, as I often find with being ill that I don’t have the energy to do a whole skincare and make-up routine. So to have a product that does multiple jobs is always a winner in my eyes!

Overall, I’m really impressed with this brand and this range of products. I know as I approach 30 that it’s a good idea to start thinking about anti-ageing properties in my skincare products, so I really appreciate having the opportunity to try a range like this one. They’re not the cheapest of skincare products, but I think they’re reasonable for what you get, plus they’re on three for two at Boots at the moment. The quality of both the packaging and the products is very high and I would happily repurchase all four items I was sent (and will be popping the CC cream on my shopping list!)

Have you tried any Eucerin products before? What do you think about the ones in this post? Or are there any other products/brands you would recommend?

*These products were sent to me to try and review. However, all opinions are my own and I will only ever talk about products that fit with my blog/lifestyle

Follow me on Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube

The best things about Autumn

I think there are good things about every season, but autumn has to be my particular favourite. So, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite things about the autumnal period!

Leaves changing colour

One of the best things about autumn is when everything around us starts changing colour. It’s one of the first signs that summer is over, but as the sun streams through the trees and light dances on the leaves, it really does feel quite magical. I just think the world looks so beautiful in every possible shade of red, orange, yellow and brown you can think of.

Jumping in leaves

Something I have loved to do since childhood is to jump in big piles of crispy leaves. There’s nothing more fun than popping your wellies and a big cosy coat on, then crunching through piles of jewel coloured leaves. Our house backs onto woodland, so we get a lot of leaves in the back garden. Every year, for as long ago as I can remember, my Dad has gone out in the garden with a wheelbarrow to collect leaves and put them back out in the woods. This would always mean lots of huge piles of leaves, and some of my fondest memories are of leaping into piles taller than myself with my siblings.

Carving pumpkins

We’ve never been very big on Halloween in our house, but one thing I do enjoy doing is carving pumpkins with cute pictures. I’m not really into all the scary stuff, but there are so many amazing stencils out there now that you can pretty much carve whatever you fancy. My particular favourite is always going to be a Disney picture – I mean, who doesn’t love a bit of Disney?!

Munchkins

Now, I didn’t think pumpkins could get any better, but last year I was proved wrong when I discovered the ‘munchkin.’ There’s nothing better than something in miniature form, and these tiny pumpkins are just the absolute cutest things I’ve ever seen! We’ve popped a few on our mantelpiece this year, and they just bring a bit of autumnal fun into the room without taking up too much space.

Great TV

There’s something about autumn and winter that seems to bring out all the great TV. Literally, as soon as the first of September hits, our screens are jam-packed with exciting shows. OK, so you get the usual reality programmes like X Factor, Strictly and I’m a Celebrity (which, by the way, are my total guilty pleasure!) but there also seem to be so many amazing dramas, films and comedy shows too. Which is just as well really, when all you feel like doing is hibernating away from the cold and rain.

Log burning stoves

Log burning stoves are something I have always associated with autumn, but they’re not something I’ve ever really been able to benefit from. That is until now. This summer we had one installed in our lounge, and oh my goodness it’s just amazing! Our heating broke recently, so we popped the fire on and the heat spread through the whole downstairs. I also love just watching the flames dancing behind the glass screen – it’s so mesmerising and relaxing, and perfect for snuggling up in front of.

A new wardrobe

As soon as that first cold snap hits, I see it as a perfect excuse to invest in a new wardrobe. Think cosy knitted jumpers, tights, fleece-lined leggings, fluffy socks and gloves, hats and scarves. I find it so much easier to dress during the colder months, and quite literally have drawers full of warm jumpers in a whole rainbow of colours. I mean, if it’s going to be dark and cold outside, then we need to brighten up our days with something right?!

Comfort food

We’ve spent the last six months attempting to eat a healthy diet and feel good in our summer clothes, but when autumn strikes the comfort food comes out. When it’s chilly and damp, the best thing you can do is treat yourself to something warm and hearty. Soups, stews, jacket potatoes, hot chocolate, roast dinners – my mouth is watering just thinking about it all!

Bonfire Night

The first time I really start to feel like winter is coming is on the 5^th of November; Bonfire Night. Every year, we wrap up warm in hats, gloves, scarves, coats and boots, trek to our nearest display, huddle round the bonfire and watch the fireworks. No matter how old I get, I still feel that sense of magic and excitement when the first firework goes off. Plus, after that, the next exciting event is Christmas!

Cosy blankets and box sets

What better way to relax on an autumnal weekend than to snuggle under a big fluffy blanket in front of the fire and sit through a box set of your favourite series? In the summer, I never feel that I can just sit and watch DVDs as I should be enjoying the weather outside. But when it gets to autumn, it seems like you suddenly have permission to stay in and hibernate. One of my favourite places for blankets is Dunelm, who do the softest and most snuggly teddy bear blankets in a range of colours. I received one for Christmas last year, and am so tempted to buy more (especially as my dog seems to hog my one!) And when it comes to DVDs, you can’t beat a bit of Miranda or Friends.

Crisp sunny mornings

Autumn can have a bit of a reputation for being cold, wet and dreary. And it is like that a lot of the time. But there are also those days when you wake up to the autumn sun streaming through your window. Then when you go outside, there’s a crisp frost on the ground and a chill in the air, but it just feels magical. Everything looks so pretty and perfect, and everyone seems so happy with their cold hands wrapped round a hot cup of coffee. Perfect.

Candles and fairy lights

I’m a big fan of candles and fairy lights at the best of times, but as soon as autumn hits I tend to go a bit mad! I just love the warmth and cosiness they bring to a room, and I really find they help to lift my mood when it’s dark and gloomy outside. I’m always on the look out for autumn and winter scents, and wish so much that we had a Bath and Bodyworks over here – they have so many amazing options! Yankee Candle is my go-to brand, although I am investigating what else is out there. You can never have too many candles!

Festive Drinks

One of my absolute favourite things about autumn is that the festive drinks start to make an appearance. It starts with the Pumpkin Spice Latte in Starbucks and soon follows the red cups and character mugs from Costa Coffee. They really do brighten up a cold day, and I’m particularly in love with this year’s cups from Costa. I mean, how cute are they?! I’m still trying to find out whether they’re doing ceramic ones again this year, although it’s probably better for my bank account if they don’t!

Countdown to Christmas!

And, quite possibly the best thing about autumn, is the fact it means it’s the countdown to Christmas! Now, I do feel that the stores drag Christmas out a bit too much these days, but that doesn’t stop me getting overly excited. My inner child seems to escape and I get into full on festive planning mode! Christmas cards, presents, decorations, baking…I could go on forever. But most of all, I love being able to spend more time with family and friends.

What are your favourite things about autumn? Do you share any of my favourites, or are there other things you particularly love about it?

Follow me on Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and YouTube