Disney Honeymoon Research

Hey guys, I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and that you are enjoying the lul between Christmas and New Year! I was at work today, even though I love my job it get like it was too soon to be back!

So as mentioned before with Paul's heart attack we have had to put the honeymoon off until 2019 and focus on the wedding for 2018. So I called Disney and they cannot make any amendment until April/May when the 2019 deals/prices are released. I must admit I was a little disappointed but I understood. I was then advised that we would lose £50 of our deposit and have to pay an additional £50 to change the reservation, I did think under the circumstances that was a bit mean but hey life is unfair sometimes. 

So I have heard on the grapevine that Disney may not do Free Dining for 2019 because of all the new things and so many of the resort's finishing construction. This could be a game changer for us. We chose to stay on-site and sacrifice space and a private pool for the free dining and easy cash free eating in the parks. When I hear more on this I will let you know.

So I have been looking into the resort's (let's presume free dining is on for 2019) we know we want to stay at a moderate or delux. I am loving Coronado Springs still as it will be finished with anazing lake side dining, restaurant on top of the tower, refurbished rooms and new two storey grand lobby. The theming and the pool are great it's like a Mexican  relaxation holiday within a Disney holiday!

My fiancee really likes Animal Kingdom Lodge we both love animals and many of our dates were to zoo's and wildlife parks. The luxury, amazingrestaurants, pools and closeness to Animal Kingdom Park are all great pluses but is it worth the extra money?? 

I will keep researching and when the prices get released crunch some numbers!!

Where have you stayed or would you like to stay? 

Take care xx

New Year New Goals

Hi Guys!

So I know it's been a while since my last post it seems Every time something else comes up. Paul is recovering from his heart attack just frustrated that he is not allowed to work yet. 

I want to really focus on my blog and vlog this year while planning my wedding, my weight loss journey and our honeymoon planning.

I think it's important to have goals, things to focus on and aim for.  So what are yours? I hear you say!

1. To Have the most amazing but budget friendly wedding! 

2. To loose weight and reach my perfect size so I can feel confident and enjoy fashion again.

3. To share loads of tips, tricks and ideas with you.

4. To make memories and take more pictures. 

What are yours, let me know in the comments below:- 

Christmas look2: Quick Change

Hey guys,

So today I wanted to share with you a super quick make up look. Lets imagine you have just got home from work and a friend reminds you it's your Christmas get together tonight and she will pick you up in half an hour. You need a nice party look that doesn't take hours to apply.

So you quickly grab some moisturiser and apply it to your face to give a soft dewy looking base. Next take Moodstruck Addiction Palette 5. Using a large eye shadow brush e.g. real techniques delux crease brush apply suspicious from your crease to your lashline and blend blend blend! Then take victorious and run it along your lashline and into the outer corner of the crease and blend. To finish off use EPIC mascara. There you go, in no time you look party perfect and ready to go.

Take Care xx

Christmas Look 1

Hey guys,

I hope your all doing well, Paul is having loads of tests but is feeling ok in himself.

What I thought would be quite fun is to do some Christmas make up looks for you. Let's call it The 12 Days of Christmas Looks!
Everyday I will do you a different idea for this festive season.

Today I went rather traditional with Green. I created my base using the Fab 4. I have then used Tender from Addiction Palette 4 from the brow bone to the lashline. This is a light shimmery base to catch the eye and highlight the brow bone. I have then taken Splurge Cream Eyesgadow in the sgade Assertive to go from my lash line and blend into the crease. I do usher the look using our amazing EPIC mascara.

Love it! It has the feeling of evergreen and Christmas trees.

I hope you likes it.

Take Care xx

Life Update

Hey guys,

So it's been a while since I write anything and here is why.

My fiancee had a heart attack while driving his lorry and was in hospital. Then he has not been allowed some. Lots of medication and tests etc. He still has more to go through but all the time u wasn't at work was taken up with all that. Now we are more on top of things and so I wanted to start writing again.

We have had to bring the wedding back to Kent and scale it back as he had been stressing about the wedding and honeymoon which contributed to the heart attack  The honeymoon has been put back to 2019. I'll tell you more about those later.

What's happening in your Life??

xx

Becoming a Makeup Artist

Hey guys,

I know I have been AWOL but internet has been down and thanks to a blocked full exchange we  are having issues finding a supplier.

Anyway! I have some really exciting news for you....... I have been studying to be a Makeup Artist! As you know I love make up and I decided why not learn more about it and see where it takes me?

I have found it so useful and enjoyable at the same time. I am learning tips and tricks of the trade that I will share with you.

I want yo bring you on this journey with me and see where it takes us.

I really want yo know what sort of posts you want to see and get this to be much more interactive. Let me know in the comments below.

Take care

xx

Save the date/ Wedding photographer/ Freebies

Save the dates

Hi Guys,

I was so excited that today finally came! We posted out our save the date cards!!!

Now, I have learnt a few things here.

1. Writing these out is going to take to. each so plan to do a few let's say 10 a day. You will then make sure they are sent on  time.

2. Personalise shop bought ones to match your theme and taste. This makes them unique but not too expensive.

3. When posting group save the dates together in an envelope.  So I have quite a few cousins so what I did is send them to my Aunty house and when they visit her they can pick them up.This will save you £s on postage.

4. Buy extras because you will make mistakes and you will get rejections. These places will want to be given to someone else so you will need the extra cards.

I will post you pictures of our save the dates soon, I just had to share this with you. 

I would love it if we could get some more interaction going. Please comment and ask questions.

Take care

Grace

Rejoining Slimming World

Hello guys,

So my fiancee and I decided to join Slimming World fresh this week by rejoining as new members. We have not been for a few months and alot has happened in life so we felt like we wanted to draw a line and start again.

I would like to share more with you and be more honest and open.

What I will do is take a photo of my book so you can see my loss/gain/maintain each week and I will discuss how I'm feeling.

Please join in the comments and let me know how you have done and what's on your mind.

Take Care

Grace

Perfume buying guide

Hi guys!!

Summer time really makes me appreciate  my sense of smell. Fresh cut grass, flowers in bloom and the sweets smells of doughnuts, ice-cream and candy floss at the beach.

I love to have different perfumes for different moods and seasons. I am loving the fragrances by  Marc Jacobs. They are so light, fun and last for ages.

So how do you find a new fragrance that's right for you..... first of all think of things you like the smell of. This will give you a hint to which fragrance family you should steer towards do you like floral or sweet perhaps your more a wood or spice kind of person?

Once you have the fragrance family then take a visit to your nearest shop that has testers. Use the  perfume strip to find 4-6 ones you like. Now spray these one on your wrist one half way up your under forearm and one in the crease of your elbow and the same on the other arm.

DO NOT RUB IN! leave the perfume to dry on your skin. Now perfume reacts to your temperature and body chemistry so smells different on everyone who wears it. So you need to leave time for them to settle.  So take a look around the store and after about 15-20 minutes smell the test patches and see which one smells best on you. There you have it your new fragrance!

I like to link fragrances to memories so if I'm going on a holiday, to an event or next year my wedding and honeymoon. I will be picking out fragrances then in the future when I smell that fragrance my memories will come flooding back.

What's your favorite perfume? Let me know in comments below x

Take care xx

Slimming World

Hey guys,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the great weather we have.

Paul and I are not able to go to slimming world at the moment but we are planning to get back on plan soon. We are sharing a car but work an hour apart and both of us work an hour away from our home.

We will be stocking up on our speed food and yogurts and going back to taking food to work.

I have really noticed my energy levels have gone down and I am craving sugar again for the fake energy rush.

How are your diets going??

Take care xx

Wedding Flowers

Hey Guys,

For a whole I have been doing research on wedding flowers. I have looked at different styles and different flowers to include and ones I didn't like.

We have decided we like the traditional symmetrical designs with added personal touches in keeping with our theme.

So the next decision was real or artificial..... so we decided on artificial. It means that I can make them myself which is so exciting and makes it feel so much more personal and thoughtful for our guests  It is very cost effective costing a quarter of the price of real flowers.

One downfall is that artificial flowers do not smell..... so we are going to have Yankee Candles all around to recreate that amazing smell.

Also we will be able to keep an arrangement ourselves for our home and give them to family members who want one.

Now I am researching where I will buy them from. We have already found the vase we will use from B and M at the bargain price of £6 each.

I will be making a mock up and I will show you that and do a video documenting the process

Take Care xx

About me updated

Hi Guys!

I am thirty which to me means I am now a 'proper' grown up! So I thought I would start up  my blog again to reflect this time in my life and share my thoughts, experiences and advice with you.

Firstly this year is a big year for me. I am getting married to an amazing man who I have been with for 10 years when we get married. He is my best friend and he is my rock. I will be sharing plans for our wedding and tips and tricks with you.

I am also planning our Disney Honeymoon. I am a major Disney Fan and  have been since I was little.  Paul and I went to Disney World Florida back in 2013  with friends. This time it will be just us and there are  loads of new lands and attractions open for us to explore. I will be giving you lots of Disney related posts so watch out for those.

We have two dogs so if you like animals there will be a few posts for you too.

Make up and beauty are also really fun and interesting to me so I'll share tips and tricks on that too.

I really love to talk so please follow my blog  and chat in the box below.

Take care xx

Planning a Disney World Holiday

Hi Guys,

The first thing to decide when booking a Disney holiday to Florida is when you want to go.  Disney has its busy peak during school holidays that is UK and USA holidays so if you can book in term time then I suggest you do. You can check the forecasted busyness of the parks using crowd calendars.   We don't have any children so that leaves us free to book when we like.

The second thing to help you choose dates is events. If you don't already know Disney host lots of events through out the year ( more on those in a separate post ). Have a browse through the Disney website or my Disney Experience App and have a look if there are any you would like to attend. For Paul and I we have heard great things about Mickeys Not So Scary Holoween Party and we love Christmas so Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party is also on the list. Therefore we planned our dates so that we would be able to attend both of these.

The parks are always beautiful but seeing them decorated for different holidays is amazing.

OK so you know when your going to go but how will you get there and where will you stay.

Paul and I went to Disney World in 2013 with friends, we flew with Thompson as they always did and stayed in the villa they always stay in. We flew in economy I feel there was enough room more room than you get on bus or in a standard car if sitting in the back in the UK. I don't drink coffee or tea very much so although we were offered this twice in the flight I declined. With meals you do get a small flat tub of water but I would say it's not even enough to fill a tumbler glass. This along with the great reviews has made my decision to fly with Virgin on our next trip. Soft drinks and snacks are complimentary meaning no dehydration yey!!

To stay onsite or not to stay onsite that is the question!

As I said we stayed in a villa last time it was great to have the privacy of your own pool and your own washing machine. The cooking and washing up was not such a vacation treat though! Also we found 'junk' food to be cheap in the supermarkets but good quality meat, fresh fruit and veg not so much. Hiring a car is essential to get to the parks  when staying in a villa but I like the flexibility of having a car regardless.

This holiday we have decided to stay onsite at Disney for several reasons. With the current promotions it was cheaper than hiring a villa and all associated costs.  The fact that everything is easy on the magic band room key, fast pass and food all with one touch of a Mickey. Also that Paul would not have to drive if he didn't want to.

How can staying onsite be cheaper?  I have been doing my research on when is best to book flights. Tracking ticket prices etc for a couple of years so I have worked out the cheapest price of a villa if everything is booked at the correct time.

So what do you get if you stay onsite at Disney( with current offers through Virgin) We have chosen which hotel we are staying in but ill do a seperate post on that. You get your accommodation for the duration of your stay, free food for the duration of your stay ( what you get depends on which hotel you choose post on that seperatly too ). Free transportation you choos which is either free car hire (usally £600+) or airport transfers on magic express and Disney busses around Disney property  Free parking on Disney property ($20 a day to off site guests) You get 14 day for the price of 7 on your park tickets we upgraded this to 21 day unlimited ticket and are saving £60 over buying from Attraction Tickets Direct. We are also saving £60 on our Universal tickets too. Your flights are also included meaning they are booked and reserved now and you don't have to wait until 11 months before to reserve your seat. You can book your Dining Reservations before off site guests and book your fast passes before off site guests. Also Virgin are offering  $200 gift card to spend anywhere on Disney property! All Disney Ticjwts also include the Memory Maker Photo package for free. Best of all you can reserve all this with a small deposit of around £375.

This is our honeymoon so we wanted miminal stress and worry during the trip and just enjoy and make memories. 

Have you been to Disney, where did you stay? Do you have any future plans? Let me know in comments box below

Take care xx

Slimming Workd 22nd May

Hello everyone,

This week I have been mostly on plan with a couple of days going over my syns by 5 but other days not having any so it appears I cannot save syns. I lost 1lb this week. The negative is that it is less than I wanted but positive is the number is still going down.

I have 4lb to go until I am back to my lowest and will be working towards my next certificate and sticker.

My plan is to get this within two weeks realistically but I would love it if I could get it in one!

How did you guys do let me know in the comments below.

Take Care xxx

Slimming world Monday 15th May

Hello everyone,

Last night I was reminded why staying to group is so important and how much of a difference it makes.

Paul and I were really on plan this week and I lost 4lb and Paul lost 6lb.

I am so pleased as I have not had that sort of loss for months and 4lb is a big number for me as I'm a 1-2lb kind of girl.

We really used our speed foods to boost so had two speed veg with every meal and speed fruit to follow.

I had my hifi bars and a muller light in the evenings for my pudding fix.

On Friday we bought mini twisters as a treat.

How did you do this week?

Grace xxx

Slimming world 8th May

Hello everyone,

Well I want to start off by saying this week I was not on plan at all. I also had a very naughty weekend at my parents house. I ate ice-cream, cake, fish and chips and lots of chocolate.

We have a lot of stress in our life at the moment and a lot going on. Food has always been a thing I use to celebrate and to comfort myself. I have always decided that I will live my life not deprive myself.

So I got on the scale and I was not sure what it was going to say. I thought I would have put on 4lb+ soooo what was the damage? I put on 2lb.  So we have drawn a line under it. We have had everything we wanted this weekend and now we are craving nothing.

So the only way is forward and onwards.

Let's see how much I loose next Monday.

Thanks guys, please let me know how you did this week?

Check out our video below:-

9th May Slimming World Vlog

My beauty and make up business

Hello everyone!

I hope your week has gone well! Today I wanted to tell you more about my business. I have joined Younique and it's the best thing that has ever happened to me.

For me make up was not easy or natural and I never seemed to be able to maje it look nice like everyone else. Then my friend Sarah started her business so I bought products to support her. Once I tried it I fell in love with it all!

What I am going to do every week is to review a product for you.

Every month we have a new special offer which give big savings to maje sure everyone can afford to try the products via breakdowns. This month the Kudos is called 'believe your eyes' you have a 20% saving it contains an eyeshadow palette usually £38, 3d Fiberlash mascara usually £23, precision pencil usually £12 and a Younique bag all for £58!!

Have you ever tried Younique?

Weight loss this week and Slimming World spaghetti bolognaise

Hey guys!!

So this week was a hard week with a few things going on like my dog Vinnie having a fit and some struggles with my ME. 

Anyway I put on 1lb this week but i'm not worried about that, I got some bad foods out of my system and I am hitting it hard this week. 

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite recipes from Slimming World which is the "Best Ever Spaghetti Bolognaise". This is the only version I like at all, Paul struggled to get me to make it the first time and now its a firm favorite.

Ingredients

• Low calorie cooking spray
• 2 onions roughly chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
• 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 beef stock cube
• Dried spaghetti

Method

1. Spray a large frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery and garlic, season well and stir-fry for 7 minutes.
2. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for three minutes until browned. Drain off any excess fat then add the chopped tomatoes and oregano, crumble in the stock cube and bring to the boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes
3. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Drain.
4. Divide the spaghetti and bolognese sauce between four bowls or plates and serve with a crispy salad.

Give it a go, you won't regret it!!!

https://youtu.be/_CuaFkLSyaI

Weight loss and Slimming World Style KFC

Hello everyone!

This week I have been on plan and started the gym so I was hoping for a loss.  I lost 2lbs this week which is a good start! I do tend to be a 1-2lb yo-yo loser which is what I am trying to change. 

So this week it's the week before payday so we don't have loads of food but we have vegetables for speed food, meat and we have stuff for lunches.  We are going to fit 3 sessions at the gym in and some extra walks with the dogs.

One of our favorite recipies is KFC style chicken which are free if you use it as your healthy b. Otherwise it's 6 syns.

INGREDIENTS
1 wholemeal roll
2 chicken breasts
1tsp dried oregano
1tsp garlic salt
3 tsp paprika
3 tsp black pepper
Pinch of salt to taste
Lastly.....2 eggs

Use if a food processor.

METHOD
Rip up the rolls and place them in the food processor.

Add the herbs and spices one at a time.

Then whizz to breadcrumbs, you want these to be crumbs but not too fine.

Then cut your chicken breasts into strips.

In a separate bowl whisk your eggs.

Then take a strip of chicken and cover it in egg, then cover the whole strip in breadcrumb mix and place on a baking tray. Repeat until all strips are covered.

Put the strips into the overnight for 20-25 minutes at 180oc.

Then serve with, sw chips, salad or vegetable of your choice. 

Let me know how you got on this week in comments below 

Xx

How to clean your make up brushes

Hello everyone,

So today I wanted to share with you how I clean my make up brushes. I don't buy expensive brush cleaners or take ages mixing up a potion I use 3 simple ingredients. 

• Vegetable or Olive oil
• Washing up liquid
• Warm Water

So you can choose to use bowls as I did in my video  below or you can do it at the sink, both are effective it is just your personal preference. So do what is easiest for you!

Step 1: Take your chosen oil and pour it into a bowl. Start off with a small amount and add to it as you need to, this will minimise waste. Take your makeup brush and swirl it in the oil.

Step 2: Squeeze out the oil into the sink or into the bowl of warm water. You will see all the colour being pulled out of the brush with the oil. Repeat this until the oil is clear. 

Step 3: Rinse your brush in warm water  until all the oil has gone. If you get to this stage and make up is coming out again, repeat steps 1-3 again. 

Step 4: Lie the brushes on a towl or cloth and leave to dry naturally. 

There you have it a quick and easy way to clean and healthy brushes!

xxx

Get ready with me

Hello everyone,

I hope your all enjoying spring! Where I live the woods are all covered in bluebells and all the parks and grass verges are awash with daffodils and crocuses.

I wanted to share a quick easy tutorial on how to do your make up from start to finish. It is really easy and quick to do but so effective! I have put the video below from my YouTube channel. If you could also like and subscribe I would appreciate it.

Xxx

Couch to 5k

Hey guys,

Happy Easter! So today I went to Slimming World and had put on 1lb but i'm pleased with that as I have eaten so much chocolate over the past week. I decided when I first started Slimming World that  I would still live life, that means i'll have birthday cake on my birthday and Easter eggs at Easter etc.

I love my Slimming World Group we are a mix of men and women all shapes and sizes and different walks of life. We all celebrate with each other in our losses and comfort each other with the gains and maintains. I really look at them as friends.

This was my first few days of Couch to 5k and I am so glad I started it, I have never gone for a run in my life and I had never had any desire to either. I hate running! I know it has so many health benefits, it also has the ability to relieve stress and give you time to zone out and sort out my mind. I will let you know next Monday when I have done my first week!

Along side C25K I have started some resistance training in the gym to I plan to tone up and build up some strength too.

I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you guys, is anyone else doing C25K or a new fitness plan?

xxx

3d Fiberlash mascara

Hello everyone,

Everyone knows the eyes are the window to the soul, so surly framing them and making them a feature is important, right? Well I have always had mascara and used it for occasions and events.

Then I found my 3d Fiberlash Mascara now I can't get enough of it!

With 500 times more volume and length after one coat this is like false lashes or lash extensions for a lot less.

It's also good for your lashes! It lasts all day through wind, rain and even tears.!

Update for 2017

Hi guys,

Soo I know it has been a long time since my last post but so much has gone on.

We have had to put our wedding back to next year and we have re started slimming world.

I have moved offices at work which means I am so much closer to my home so commuting has been cut.

I have started my own business and I am loving it.

So I have so much I want to write about and vlog about so I wanted to pick this back up and start my blog again.

I have decided I need to change my life, I want to be fit, strong and confident.  I am inviting you to join me in my search of weight loss and see how my body changes.

I will share all my wedding plans with you and  show you all my DIY items too.

I am so excited about my business and the amazing products I will share it all with you!!!

I am going to make it manageable and not commit to a blog a day as with everything going on in don't think I will be able to keep up with that. 

Monday will be Slimming World/ Weight Loss/ Fitness Related

Wednesday will be Wedding/ Crafts and Creativity  related

Sunday will be Beauty and Make Up.

I am so glad to be sharing this journey with you all!

Xxx

I have started my own business!!!

Hello everyone,

 I told you in the last post that I have started my own business. I am so excited to tell you all about it!

So my story so far.... November 2015 my friend started her own make up business and purely to support her I bought a range of products from her. However to my surprise I fell in love with them..

Now I say to my surprise because I am so so picky about my make up particularly foundation the colour has to be right no ' s***g' line!, i don't want it to make me sweat or break out in spots, it has to be easy to remove but stay in place all day. I had tried every brand out there and they all had something i didn't like ... or so I thought. With the this foundation it takes 5 drops to do my entire face, full coverage, it stays on all day with no transferring, it doesn't clog my pores and make me sweat, its good for my skin so no break outs and the colour is PERFECT!!! To top it all I have only just had to buy another one so that's 1 years worth of coverage from 1 bottle!

The next item I tried was the mascara no the first formula i didn't get on so well with as i thought it was a little clumpy and you had to have the full on 'false lash look' the new formula is buildable one coat gives you 500% more length and volume 2 coats is 900% and so on. I have the long lashes I had always wanted. It stays on through sweat, wind, rain and even tears! It looks perfect and just like all their make up stays on all day but just wipes away at the end of the day no scrubbing or scraping off.

So after using these products for a year I wouldn't use any other products. Now I was traveling to work 52 miles and 60 minutes each day and it was straining me. I loved my job but the change in team and the group attitude/ goals was making my daily life hard. My ME was catching up with me because of my long hours and stress and I was about to break. That's when the idea of starting my own business came to me, two of my friends have also started their own business and one of them was earning twice my salary every month and the other matching mine. I thought if they can do this why can't I? I love make up and beauty so if I can do what I love and earn a living why wait?

So in January I took the plunge! I earnt over £150 in my first online party and around £100 in free product credit. I thought wow this can really work! I am going through my training and just sharing what I love and how it works for me. One day I will do this as my full time job and I will share this amazing opportunity with other people!

Any comments or questions or want to know more let me know below:-

Take care xx

I'm back... Exciting News

Hello everyone!!!

So I know it has been such a long time since I last did a Blog but so much has happened and I really needed to focus on that. I have ME and I was struggling with my long commute followed by long working hours meaning I was really struggling to hold everything together and I was spread too thin and couldn't do anything. So my blogging and vlogging had to stop because I couldn't do it all.

I'm not going to have more time so I want to start it all up again and share my life with you all.

So we are still getting married this year in September.. so posts to come about that!!

I am still working my Full Time job but I am moving offices to be closer to home and have more of a life!!

I have recently launched my own Beauty/Make up business after falling in love with the products and trying them for a year to make sure they work! They do and they are amazing!

We are following slimming world and I have lost 2st 7 lbs so far and I am feeling so much better and healthier but again more on my slimming world journey later too.

I want this to be interactive, informative and fun so please comment and tell me your thoughts and what you would like to see me post about.

Take care

Grace xx