Goodbyes

This weekend we said our goodbyes to the most wonderful woman. Inspirational, powerful and strong are just a few words too describe my Grandmother. A woman who lived to give words of wisdom and encouragement. She was the roots of our family, who's branches connected us all. Everybody knew to gather when she arranged something. Occasions where always special; holidays, christmas's at the family home, we had stockings on our beds and a second downstairs from Granny and Grandpa. Trips to the zoo with picnics and sweets from the special jar. She will always be a woman too look up too, as a grandmother and as a woman. A kind heart, a strong mind and manners that she never failed too use. Even when it wasn't expected. 

If I can grow up to be a tenth of the person she was, with family and laughter around I will be a very happy old lady. 

Xx

Here's Looking At You

Here's Looking At You is something I picked off the shelf as I liked the cover. Doesn't take much to impress me...

It surrounds the life of Anna, a history geek with a lot to offer. Unlucky in love Anna is followed throughout the book on disastrous internet dates, making her kind of give up on finding 'the one.' Anna's life seems slow paced, revolving around research and history. This is until a school reunion she's been dreading turns her steady life in to a whirlwind. Watching her younger sister plan a wedding the readers are left hoping if Anna will ever be lucky in love. 

The story follows her journey from being the geeky, ugly and over weight Italian.  Who's school life was filled with bullies and torment to becoming a successful and hot professor. 

The whole book had me thinking I had guessed the storyline. Thinking oh I know what's going to happen bla bla bla. But with twists and turns along the way this book is hard to leave alone. 

Will Anna find her man or will she end up being an old nutty professor?

You'll have to read to find out. 

:) 

Weekend away in Edinburgh

We went to Edinburgh on 3rd January for the weekend, it was my boyfriends birthday, and the first time I said I would organise a trip away. I had high hopes and even printed out a timetable for the trains. We hadn't even been on the train for five minutes when my first blonde moment occurred. We had got on the wrong train!! When I had got over my panic and we were back an track I could really enjoy the journey. The East Coast train from York was really beautiful, the scenery was lovely.  There where dozens of little fishing villages that looked like they where taken straight from a film. 

Once in Edinburgh we stayed in the Holiday Inn next to the Edinburgh Zoo.  This was a ten minute bus journey from Princes Street. When we booked this we thought it would be fine but looking back I would of rather payed more to be in the city centre. It just seemed a bit of a chore each day after wandering around then having to get the bus back to get ready for the evening meal to then get the bus back into town. Appart from that the hotel was really nice, one thing I loved was in the morning if you had your window open you could hear the animals next door. I'm sure this isn't for every one but I though it was nice to pretend your in the jungle. 

 

On Saturday we went on the whiskey tour at The Scotch Whiskey Experience, (http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk). This was something I bought my boyfriend as a birthday present.  I didn't think it was going to be up my street, I would rather have gone on a tour of a cupcake factory, but I went along any way and really enjoyed it. As part of the tour they showed us the worlds largest private whiskey collection.  This was made up of 3,500 bottles and collected by a Brazilian guy as a hobbie... I'm sure he had some wild parties. 

We also went for some lovely meals, we celebrated Leigh's birthday at The Mussle Inn on Rose Street. This was a gorgeous little seafood place tucked just behind Princes Street.  We had a fab time, bottle of wine and mussels each. This was great at the time, I even joked about my Dad's seafood allergy and how we always though he was hungover being sick. Well didn't kalma come and hit me over the head. I guess I didn't just inherite my fathers heigh and dark hair, I also inherited his allergy to shell fish. This resulted in spending Saturday night looking at the decor in The Holiday Inn bathroom.  

To say we didn't pay to do all the touristy things such as the castle or cream tea at The Balmoral. Just wandering around in such a beautiful city was so enjoyable. I could of spent all wknd staring at all the different buildings.  

Edinburgh is defiantly a city a would recommend visiting, the shopping is great, everybody was so friendly - all the resturant staff were much nicer than in England. 

Faye xx

Naughty Nails Inc purchase

 

So after a fantastic weekend in Edinburgh (post to follow) I am now home relaxing, I find painting nails very therapeutic. While away I had a cheeky stop off at Harvey Nicks and some how money just fell out of my purse too all these lovely things. I first saw the nail polish dairy on thenailymail.blogspot.co.uk and I knew I had to have it. The 12 polishes included are all fun and stand out for different reasons, some are textured, some just gorgeous colours.  This is the perfect gift or the best way to treat yourself...  - now £20

The second bottle was the concrete blue colour - called Stonehenge (I love this name). This has a texture similar to the OPI Liquid Sand I reviewed previously. The texture is thicker and doesn't go one as smooth, but looks fab, the main result will be if it last longer than the OPI, as this was the only thing that disappointed me with that brand. -£5

Buying the diary and the concrete polish meant I received these colours for FREE!!!! These colours are a lot more sensible than the rest so I will be using them mainly for work and if I ever decide to feel grown up. 

Nails Inc make such a varity of colour, I really think they are perfect for any occasion. 

Faye xx

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Christmas Yankee Candle

 

So this Christmas I received my first ever Yankee Candle. This is a brand I've been wanting to treat myself too for ages now, but in the past the price has held me back. I also was given the shade to the candle, this is something which I think makes it a great gift. It's something a little different, at the moment there are so many candle companies on the market, I really think it makes it stand out. 

This candle is one of the smaller sizes and this is not reflected through how powerful the scent is. The smell is strong but not over powering and really lasts with in a room. The candle I was given is Clean Cotton, which I love and is one of my favourite smells. 

Overall the smell and look of this candle is great but I think what will really prove its worth is how long it will last compared to competitor brands. If it does last a while it will defiantly be something I will treat my self too. 

I have to say this is my fav Christmas present... Let's just hope it lasts.

Xx Faye. 

Christmas Tag

I saw this on a fab blog I've been following,for a while nowhttp://beautybloggingbrunette.blogspot.co.uk and I thought even though Christmas is nearly over (even though I'm celebrating for the third time) I would take part. 

1. What's your favourite Christmas movie?

This one is a tough one. It would have to be between The Holiday and Love Actually. Both use all the elements needed in a great RomCom. But I think Love Actually wins as it has a bit more of a British edge to it. 

2. Do you stay in your PJs or get dressed on Christmas Day?

If it was up to me I would stay in my Pjs until Christmas dinner is ready. But dependant where I spend Christmas day, we usually get changed after opening a few presents first thing. 

3. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

I have never ever ever opens presents on Christmas Eve... I just don't understand people who do. My grandparents would make us stagger out presents so we had presents to open through out the day and not all at once. 

4. Favourite Christmas smell?

Ooo this is a hard one, not something I've ever taken much notice of. I would probly say a real log fire. It's the only time of the year we have one lit. 

5. What is your favourite Christmas song?

The Pouges - Fairy Tale of New York. A family favourite. 

6. What's your favourite Christmas drink?

I wouldn't say I had a fav festive drink. But you can never go wrong with a good brew. :)

7. Favourite Christmas meal?

Christmas dinner of course. 

8. Wrapping presents - love or loathe?

Loathe. My boyfriend is fantastic at wrapping presents. I would call it more of a skill. 

9. What's your favourite thing about Christmas?

Easy!! Family time!!

10. Christmas tree - real or fake?

Fake as they are much easier to manage. But I love the smell of real Xmas trees. 

11. Homemade cards or shop bought ones?

I wish I had the skills to make cards. But as I don't there all bought I'm afraid. 

12. What do you do on Christmas Eve?

When I was younger I used to go out every Christmas Eve. The rule was as long as we wernt too hungover to eat Xmas dinner it was ok.... Sometimes it was a struggle. 

13. Favourite Christmas memory?

Any Christmas spent with my grandparents in Leicester. 

14. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

My twin brother loved telling me and my ounget cousin. 

15. Snow - love it or hate it?

I love how it looks but I hate to have to deal with it.