Autumnal feelings

Autumn is by far my favourite time of the year, yet I do ask myself sometimes why is this?

Lets think this through the weather is getting colder (in fact very cold), yet I only find this makes me more excited for whats to come. Thick coats, bobble hats, scarves and boots. All of which are a dream combination. So yes the weather is getting colder and yes I also don't particularly want to leave the house but I am still loving it. One of my favourites things to do in this weather, when dry, is go for a walk. I love walking and weather doesn't really stop that. Which means my recent walks to a local tearoom on a Sunday morning have been well appreciated. The picture above was taken on our most recent journey there on Sunday. I honestly can not believe how beautifully blue the sky is. Just one thing I love about autumn. 

You know the colder weather has come upon us when everyone starts getting their boots out. I personally really struggle to find boots I love. So with having spent the last two winters looking to find a pair this year is a dream come true. I feel almost complete now with my winter boots on, knowing that when I get to work my feet will indeed be dry. They are so super comfy and although those first few days were extremely weird, who knew having a heel would make such a difference, I have definitely got use to them. 

When autumn comes the first signs are the leaves changing colour. That is one of the things I love about the picture above. The beautiful colour of the leaves. The incredible red/orange leaves really do brighten up an icy day. Soon they will begin to change to brown and the leaves will fall. One of the most relaxing things to watch is leaves falling from the trees. Such a lovely sight. I remember as a child wading my way through the fallen leaves on the ground. I still get that little thrill of hearing the dry crisp leaves crunching below my feet. That is when you truly know autumn is upon us. 

So lets not hide from the cold weather lets embrace it. What do you love to do when the weather starts to turn colder? What is your go to clothing item? Mines my bobble hats lets face it throughout the colder months I don't leave the house without it. Also would you guys be interested in seeing a lookbook from me of what I wear this blustery season?

Love 

A Norfolk Blondie x

A little foundation review

Its been a while since I sat down and wrote a review on a beauty product but that is where my blog began and honestly I'm not quite sure why I stopped. I love talking about products, mainly because I have loved so many I have used. So a couple of weeks ago when I ran out of my much loved BareMinerals foundation I had to dig deep within my makeup to find a new one. Recently I have been using up my products, so after finishing two foundations up, my choice was getting fairly limited. After a lot of looking I had two foundations. One of them was too dark for me, little advice never buy a new foundation after a holiday abroad. This left me with the Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Foundation. After much debate I gave it a go.

Now this foundation I have had for a while. Mainly because the first time I used it, I hated it. It felt heavy on my skin and left me feeling cakey. Which lets face it, using it this time after my incredibly light powder foundation from BareMinerals, I didn't have high hopes. 

Never judge a book by its cover...

Or in my case first impressions. Yes first impressions are what make or break the product in hand. But I have learnt they are not always right. Second time round and I'm loving this foundation. Yes, its not what I have been use to for the past few months, but it won't be its a liquid foundation. I have found it quite refreshing though, I have missed having a liquid foundation. 

Starting with the basics about it. The shade of this product is honestly perfect for my skin. Its light enough that it doesn't leave me with the tell tale foundation line we all know to well of. But its not so light that I look washed out and pale. Which is a killer bonus for me because having not been on an abroad holiday for a year, having what could pass off as a healthy glow is what I need. I take this foundation in shade "Ivory 2". The consistency of this product is neither here or there. Its not the thickest liquid foundation I have used but it's certainly not runny. My favourite way to apply this is using my Basic Beauty Tools foundation blender. It applies the foundation evenly and perfectly to my skin.

The coverage on this product is something I have truly fallen for. It is honestly outstanding. My skin is in the best condition it has been for a long time. I believe this is due to my regular exercise, healthy eating and drinking plenty of water. But I do still get some blemishes and this foundation gives me the perfect base to create the illusion that I don't. But what really impresses me is it does this without feeling cakey and I honestly believe this is because I use a sponge not a brush. 

I can't talk about a product without raving about its packaging. Im a strong believer in how a product should look. So yes I can see why I picked this up in the shop because it is eye catching packaging. With the frosted glass bottle and sleek black lid, it is quite high end looking. It comes with a pump for easy access to the product. The only problem I have with this is when it gets low it does become differcult to get the product out. However it is the same for all bottles like this. Easy solution, tip it upside down and take the top off. 

One thing I will remember from now on is...

First impressions are not everything.

Forget about them and give the product a chance again, what have you got to loose.

Love

A Norfolk Blondie

xx

Standing on brands hatch track!!!!!!!

Well I don't think every 21 year old girl can sit here and tell you she stood on the track at Brands Hatch. Firstly because it is super cool and secondly because I will be honest its still surreal for me. Im sure my clients are bored of having their ear chewed off about it. But come on, not everyone gets the chance to walk along a race track. But let me explain how I ended up along this beautiful track. 

Back in July I visited Snetterton to watch the British superbikes. You can find that blog post here. Well its now October, and I find myself on the gassy bank of Brands Hatch. Being my first time there I was super excited. We straight away found our place on the bank and put our chairs down. We wanted to make sure we got a good place as we had left Norfolk early to make our journey, early being 6am!! The walk round was awesome as they have lots of things to see, especially food places. The breakfast we had well and truly set us up for the day. When the racing started thats when the excitement started. I still get that thrill every time I watch them. Im still learning what I am watching and what types of bikes they are but I am getting there. When the superbikes came on for their first race, I was beyond excited. I managed just to see over the people in front of me and even though the bikes go so incredibly fast I did try to keep up. Not that I done that great as I lost the one rider I went to see part way through his race. I later found out Jake Dixon never finished. 

You can really see the excitement this sport brings to people, the way the crowd changes as soon as the superbikes come onto the track. One thing I love is when they play the music on their warm up. The bikes already have you on edge because you know how much they are going to push once the race begins, and boy do they push. We are talking 170mph, which is truly amazing, yet so so scary. I have so much praise for everyone out there doing it. I can only imagine the thrill they get. 

As the day went on the sun continued to shine, which lets face it for motorsports events thats pretty good going. We had a ponder about and ended standing at the very top of an open top double decker bus having a drink, it was amazing. But for someone who apparently isn't that tall it was a struggle to see over the top. Even on tip toes. But I loved it all the same. We then watched the second race and I managed to keep track of Jake on the track. He finished 12th and came 6th in championship. I could not of been more happy. We decided after instead of rushing off we would grab something to eat. But then we noticed they have opened the gate onto the track.

Next thing I find myself doing is standing in front of the podium watching the riders claiming their trophies. There I am watching at awe because its not something you see everyday when my mums husband calls us over to the other gate. Before I know it I'm standing in paddock number 7 with Jake Dixon. Yes it was an unreal moment. After him signing my ticket and having a picture taken we hung around a little bit chatting to his team. We then went out onto the pits and there was James Ellison walking towards us. So yes it was full of breath taking moments.

I honestly couldn't of asked for a better day, I was shattered but absolutely loved it. Think the KFC on the way home helped keep me awake. Can not wait for my next adventure.

Love

A Norfolk Blondie

xx

300mph in three days

Yet again, I am here late as usual telling you about my life. At the beginning of September I had a whirlwind weekend away. I travelled to Northampton, my first time visiting, to stay in a beautiful hotel and spend my days along one of the UK's only drag strips. Sounds great right, but not everything goes to plan, which is no surprise. 

The journey to Northampton is a lovely journey, with plenty to look at most of the time. The weather was also sunny and warm just as I had been praying. As spending my next three days alongside a track meant I wanted no rain. So this was perfect. Obviously every journey is not complete without stopping for food, well anyway it isn't for people like me. As a complete and utter foodie, there was no question when approaching the nearing subway. So with a quick wiz round the desk I'm sat in my chair enjoying my subway. From then on the journey is a blur and we are arriving at the hotel. 

The Park Inn Radisson in Northampton was a lovely hotel but slightly on the expensive side of life with only the basics on offer. The room was certainly something special, but this could of just been the colour changing LED light round the bed. Which let me add was awesome, but also not always appropriate. The bright red for instance was certainly not appealing. When we thought about turning the lights off and using it as mood lighting, we soon realised this was not the case. Unless you liked sleeping in what felt like a silent nightclub. Putting the lighting aside because I was actually quite fan, the hotel was equipped for what we needed. For instance the hot chocolate they refilled everyday was only a step away from bliss for me. I turn into a child when it comes to hot chocolate. Yes that means in bed by 8 drinking it, can you blame me though. The first night of our stay we stayed at the hotel to eat and well lets say that was an expensive night. But after what was an awesome burger, a cheesecake to remember and a bottle of bulmers I wasn't complaining. The hotel was perfect for what we needed for our passing visits over the weekend.

The track was incredible, better than I could ever imagine. One long strip ready to hold some of the fastest cars I have ever seen. The first day we arrived far too early and took a nice long walk around the pits and had a look around. As it was my first time at the track I was keen to know my way around. I was absolutely amazed  at the amount of things there, I loved it the moment I got there. But our sunshine and lolly pops didn't stay for too long, the rain made its entrance. Nothing can race while its wet so we had to wait for the track to be dried. After what felt like ages we were ready to race. But the torrential rain was also ready. Boy did it come down. The day finally progressed and after a long wet day we finally headed back. The next two days were also full of rain on and off all day. Though on the second day we did give in by lunchtime and went back to the hotel. We spent the afternoon in the swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and steam room. Only what I can describe as complete bliss. Even though the rain got in our way the days at the track were absolutely amazing, cold but amazing. My favourite one to go down the track was the jet school bus, yes I know cool right. The top fuel dragsters were what I could only describe as mind-blowing. Honestly like something out of this world. The noise is incredible, you will need ear defenders. I love the feeling as they go past you at nearly 300mph, it feels like it is going right through your chest. I know sounds weird but it is the best feeling ever. 

Overall was an amazing weekend and I honestly can't wait for my next adventure.

Love

A Norfolk Blondie

xx

Expectations....

Life is full of expectations. Whether this be the expectations of others or our own personal ones. The choices we make in life are what fill these little wonders. People will always make their own views on how your life should go. But you must be the one to finalise what will happen. I personally have many expectations for myself, which I believe can't always be good. It is these small things in life which begin to challenge us, if we do not find peace with them. It is good to have expectations as long as they do not turn into your demons. 

One of my expectations is that I will go to the gym 4 days a weeks and run 3 days a week. But I ask myself is this possible? Yes, I have done this before. Am I achieving this? Absolutely not. By no means am I meeting my aim. So I sit here on a Sunday night at 9pm in bed, yes I'm in bed at 9pm, please don't be shocked. As I sit here thinking about why I'm just not getting there. Firstly I have had roughly two weeks off the gym. Which was not by choice firstly my car went to the garage and then my membership was waiting to be renewed. Which trust me your not the only person to find that shocking, I actually have a gym membership. If you asked me this 2 months back I would of said not in a million years, I can't workout in a gym. But apparently its easier than I thought. So after all this I now find that 6am start the demon of my day. Yes I know I could workout later but I'm a morning gym freak I thrive from a morning at the gym. So if that isn't enough autumn/winter is just round the corner and we get to welcome the awful dark nights we all dread. Having no time in the evening to run 3 mile before darkness falls really makes that expectation hard on me.

Then there are expectations from others. Some want to encourage you to do these things. While others are trying to get you to stop or just simply don't understand why you do it. This is when expectations become hard, especially for someone like me. I am a people pleaser. If others around me are happy it makes me happy. Life can get confusing when you are juggling different opinions all over the place. 

My advice is thrive from them expectations, be they yours or someone else's. You only have one life to live, love and enjoy. Take each day by the horns and try your hardest. One thing I have learnt is to never expect the unexpected from myself. I believe in PUSHING myself but not expecting a miracle. I am one 21 year old girl, with dare I say, the world at my finger tips. By overthinking every little detail in life you feel you loose your grip. When you loose your grip you feel everything is impossible. But no more, this is your life. Live it how you wish. I will no longer be having such high expectations in myself, I can only achieve so much. I am here for the ride and I can't wait to see what else life has to offer.

Love

A Norfolk Blondie

xx

Two wheels, one track

Hey guys,

I can't believe over a month has passed since I was sitting on the grassy bank of Snetterton race track eating cheesy chips. It was my first time going to the British Superbikes and boy did I love it. The day couldn't of been better with the beautiful British sunshine actually making an appearance. Which let me just say was well needed due to the shorts I had chosen to wear. So leaving the track that day with a tan and may I add, some sunburn, I couldn't be happier. 

You straight away notice the difference when getting close to the track, the amount of cars in insane. I would straight away advise anyone going, to go early, this honestly is your only choice. If the cars don't give it away, the amount of people once inside really does show you how massive this event is. The riders themselves do not travel light by no means. With riders hospitality truck everywhere, there is for sure an atmosphere like no other place. I can honestly say the buzz I get from being alongside a track is something special. I have had many clients say how much they dislike motorbikes, but I can't understand that with the buzz I feel from watching it. As the adrenaline builds in your stomach because you know what is about to happen is going to be good. 

Image: http://www.alanmedlock.com/index_files/tag-bsb.php

My tip when visiting an event like this, find somewhere good to sit. This will make all the difference to your experience. If you are sitting somewhere where the race is at a slower pace you will have a complete different experience to someone else. I personally like to move around and see all different parts of the track. When we went to this event though we sat in one place and although it was a perfect day and the race was extremely good, we were not on the fastest corner. Having said this we did witness a few of the riders coming off their bikes just in front of us. Which is something you never want to see, you never know what the result will be. Luckily all riders got up unharmed and just really annoyed due to loosing their places on the track. A big one was when rider James Ellison (Kawasaki - JG Speedfit Kawasaki) came off on the bend leaving him and his bike in a tumble. He was straight to his feet in what could only be seen as despair and anger as he was just following behind leading rider Shane Byrne (Ducati - Be Wiser Ducati). One rider I tried to keep my eye on was Jake Dixon (BMW - Briggs Equipment BMW) as he was a rider my mums husbands work sponsors. He raced incredibly well and ended up finishing in 6th. Every rider starts the race with the aim to hit that finish line in first, but I'm sure there is no greater feeling than knowing you have the skill to race such an incredible track. 

Image: mce-bsb-back-on-track-with-official-test-at-snetterton-this-wednesday

For people that have never attended a race day, its hard to know what to expect. But let me say this... Expect fast bikes and a huge range of them. Its not what the bikes look like that make this day exciting. The smell of the bikes is something that you need to experience, I can't really explain it but what I do know is boy does that smell get me excited. If thats not enough adrenaline for you, riders teams everywhere should do the job. I always thought riders would come with a couple of people but no teams of more than five can be seen everywhere. Be they working on the bike, watching their lad make his rounds around the track or just be there for the support of the team, everyone has a job. I personally love seeing the team all dressed in the teams gear. It gives this amazing feeling seeing them, they all have their place but all work as a team. One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing the side cars because I had no idea what to expect and they absolutely blew my mind. The person on the back not only needs to be quick but very careful, their weight changes everything. They were amazing to see. 

Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBN8Vw_bSgw

So as you can tell my love of motorsports is still strong, and I can't see that changing anytime soon. With a weekend at Santapod race track quickly approaching my love is only growing stronger. Not only that but the superbikes are attending Brands Hatch in October, meaning only exciting things to come. I can't wait to write about both of these events, I promise I will do them sooner than this one. Have any of you found a new love? Let me know.

Love
A Norfolk Blondie x

When life gives you air-conditioning....

Hi Guys,

As I sit here this beautiful July evening in 19 degrees, you expect me to be doing nothing but enjoying this summer spell in England. But no, I am cozied up in my Disney pyjamas on my sofa with a mug of lemsip and a box of Kleenex. Thats right I have a cold. So its ironic that I am about to write about dressing for summer. As all I would love right now is to snuggle into the biggest blanket I could find.

Putting my out of season cold a side lets get back on track. In the workplace it can become very hot. Hence why so many workplaces have air-conditioning. Yet going from that air-conditioned  workplace out into the scorching summer sun will drive your clothing choice crazy. I have always found air-conditioning makes me cold, so when we have this beautiful summer weather, you don't think to dress to stay warm. That cute little summer dress just isn't gonna cut it. You have to think about your choices and what will keep you comfortable while your at work. As there is nothing worth then being cold and not being able to do anything about it.

Look below for my ideas for of how to stay comfortable in that cool workplace this summer....

LEFT: http://stylishpetite.com/2015/09/6-ways-to-wear-blanket-scarf.html TOP RIGHT: http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/womens-summer-cardigans BOTTOM RIGHT: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/explore/summer-blazer/

Scarfs are an amazing item take to work with you, especially a blanket scarf. This can be worn round your neck or you can put it over your legs when you feel the chill coming. A summer cardigan would totally be my next option. They are light, yet they will keep your arms covered from the coolness. I personally feel a chill easy so I absolutely love the trouser\blazer combo. This looks super cool for work and will keep that chill away from your skin.

When it comes to leaving work and walking into this blazing hot sunshine the last thing you want is being too hot. So here are some of my ideas of what you need....

LEFT: http://stylishpetite.com/2015/09/6-ways-to-wear-blanket-scarf.html TOP RIGHT: http://www.beautytipsmart.com/cute-summer-outfit-ideas-for-women-2014.html/ BOTTOM RIGHT: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/explore/comfortable-summer-outfits/

The blanket scarf is perfect for when you leave work as you can drape it over your shoulders to stop you from catching the sun. My next one is grab that hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes and face from sunshine.

So thats what my advice is for taking your work clothes from air-conditioned workplace to the scorching sunshine. Have you got any different ones?

Before I leave you lovely readers I just wanted to quickly tell you about a website you all may love. Bonobos is a online mens clothing company from which you can find everything you need. This can be from anything like your basic t-shirt to golf wear. They have the perfect clothes to take you from that air conditioned office to the warm outside. Whether your are casual or tailored wear for work, I'm 100% sure you will find something here. All the way down to your accessories. If your interested please click here.

Love
A Norfolk Blondie x

A new found love

Hi Guys,

So I know I have be a bit distant as of recent and my blogs have most certainly been few and far between. But taking a break sometimes and reflecting on what is going on in your life, leaves you with a fresher outlook on everything. I have now realised that working as a full time hairdresser, blogging three times a week and working on YouTube videos, just isn't that achievable.  All I was left with was a feeling of being rushed and tired, not what I was trying to achieve. Having said this, I'm not giving up, I'm just slowing down. There is no rush in life things will come and they will go. But at the end of it all, I can still say I had the time of my life doing three things I love. So I thought today I would sit and just talk to you in a completely unplanned post, what you read today is simply as I have typed it. Its back to basics and just sharing with you the things I truly love. 

Talking of things I love, I have found a new love in life and that is motorsports. Now I can safely say I never thought I would say them in one sentence. But here I am. I was introduced to the motorbike racing first and from the moment them bikes shot past me I knew there was no going back. I was standing on the side of the track between the pits and the track waiting for it all to begin. There is a buzz which I cant quite explain but its that feeling when you know something really good is about to happen, yet you have never witnessed it before. First its the noise. You hear them coming and although their not up to you yet the sound rattles through you as you feel your adrenaline building. At the speed they are going they are past you before you know it. Next I would say you notice the smell of bikes and let me just say, its a smell I love. If you don't love it, I am pretty sure you will become to love. Its safe to saying there is no feeling like standing there as the bikes whip past you as you try to see each one. I knew from that moment on, I was well and truly in love.

 

 

Only the weekend after the bike racing did I find myself standing next to the same track but this time watching the British GT. I have always been a lover of fast cars but I had seen nothing yet. Watching the cars move down the pit lane onto the track left me with Goosebumps for what would happen next. I had no idea of the speeds I was about to witness or the fight the drivers would put up to earn their place. With their engines running and foot on the gas, the drivers were more than ready. All hoping to get that first place. As the cars start on their lap to warm up their tyres you see them swerving in and out while checking everything is ready to go. When all the cars are ready there's no turning back, the lights go red, the revs rise, the emotions and thoughts clear, their mind clearly wanting to win. The lights go green, the clutch drops, GO, before you know it.. Their there and they are passing you. It happens so quickly as they roar past. Filling me with that same adrenaline I had only felt a week ago. There is no feeling like watching a car take a corner at the speed it is going. Leaving you nervous but so excited.

As a mini driver seeing the minis at the British GT was not only my dream but it was also unreal. To stand next to your dream car is insane. Its not everyday a girl from Norfolk can say she's stood next to a cooper S and seen it being worked on, not long before its going to hit the track. The inside of these minis is unlike anything else. For one like most racing cars its missing parts so it can go that bit faster. It also has a tubular roll cage, which is a cage inside the car the driver sits in to protect themselves if the car does roll. This was something that definitely caught my eye. There's so many good things about these minis that I could explain. The engine is incredible, the sound of the car will leave you wanting to hear more. As someone that drives a mini my first reaction was I really want one. I honestly would love nothing more than to go round a track in one. When they did hit the track boy did they go. If you want to see a mini at its best, you need to watch it on the track. My love for these beautiful cars has only grown stronger and I can not wait till the next time I get to see them. 

So as you can see my love for motorsports is well underway. I am actually going to see the superbikes very soon and will be posting all about that. If your a lover of speed you will adore motorsports. This is honestly something I will love for the rest of my life and can not wait to see what else happens on the track in races to come.

Love
A Norfolk Blondie x

A post every makeup lover needs to read

Hi guys,

Recently I was approached by Reviews.com about a post they have recently written. They were interested in my views on the post, which I greatly appreciate as I know how much work goes into writing one. They asked if I would be interested in sharing it with you guys and my views on what it is. I literally jumped at this chance because as soon as I started reading the post, I knew it was going to be a good one.

http://www.reviews.com/

So your probably sitting there thinking Zoe what are you even on about what is this post you keep talking about. Well firstly let me just tell you a little about this amazing website. They honestly review everything, like everything. I was having a browse through earlier and I came across a post reviewing baby wipes, see they do anything you can think of.

Lets get me back on target, the post they asked me to look at was a review of foundations they have tested. I know sounds kinda minor when I say it like that. But trust me you haven't seen a review like it yet. The work, time and effort gone into this post is not unmissed. I can safely say I have most definitely learnt a thing or two from reading over this post. Not only is it full of fun information and facts, you have some awesome statistics in there too.

I honestly don't even know where to start with this post. Let me just say all the foundations in it, I have never tried. Not even one of them. After reading this I am super excited to hopefully try some of them in the future. I would say this post is happily aimed at everyone. That's right anyone from makeup artists to a complete newbie. You will all learn from what you read. A post like this, that is so well written, should be recognised for its greatness.

I absolutely adore the way they choose how to decide on what foundations they used. Taking into account what you do want in a product and what you don't want is the difference between a good foundation and a really bad one. Trust me there is a difference. Knowing what you are looking for makes a real difference to how you will look at a product and the one you end up choosing.

The layout of this post is written so well its easy to keep up. You can either read through or quickly find what you are looking for. Either way you couldn't look for a better layout than this to be able to do that. I personally love this post. Not just for how well its set out. But also for how they make it perfect for anyone that wishes to read it. Anyone can use this as their starter point in makeup or even their keep updated stage. I can honestly tell you that you will learn something from reading this, I know I have.

So I really recommend that you head over and check out the post, I'm sure you will love it as much as me.

Love
A Norfolk Blondie x
 

A dream come true

Hey guys,

So we all have dreams and goals in life. This can honestly be anything you want. One of my biggest goals in life is to visit Australia. I don't only plan on seeing one place but travelling around to various places around Australia. This is honestly one of my biggest dreams, which I cant wait to hopefully do in the future. So how would I  budget for my dream. Not only that but how I would budget if I added £10,000 onto my budget. So of course I couldn't help but start planning my holiday to Australia.

Dream: Holiday for 2 in Australia.

Budget: £5,000

For a budget of £5,000 I looked into staying in four different places in Australia for 3 days at a time. Giving me a nice 15 day holiday.

My holiday starts with us flying from London to Sydney for £572pp. Once in Sydney we will be staying at the Hyatt Regency Sydney for 3 nights at the cost of £461.

Image: https://sydney.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

From Sydney we will take a flight to Melbourne for £39pp. For the next three day we will stay in the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. This will cost £488.

Image: https://melbourne.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/rooms/view.html

Our next flight takes us to Perth for £102pp. In Perth we will be staying in the Parmelia Hilton Perth for three nights for £386.

Image: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g255103-d255646-Reviews-Parmelia_Hilton_Perth-Perth_Greater_Perth_Western_Australia.html

Byron Bay is next on my list of places to visit so with a £174pp flight we are on our way. Staying in the lovely The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa. Three nights here costs us £561.

Image: https://www.hightide.com.au/properties/byron-at-byron-resort-spa.php

The only thing left to do is catch a flight to Sydney for £49pp and stay in the first hotel we visited for one night ready for our flight home the next day. This one night costs £169.

So when we work out our cost our total is £3,937. Leaving us with £1,063 for food and spending money.

Dream: Holiday for 2 to Australia.

Budget: £15,000

So with a budget this large its only right to take full advantage of it. We have added on two extra stops giving us a holiday of 22 days.

It all starts with flying to Sydney for £1339pp. Where we will be staying at Bondi Beach Grandview Apartments. At the cost of £1872.

Image: http://www.myboutiquehotel.com/en/boutique-hotels-sydney/bondi-beach-grandview-apartments.html

From Stydney we take a flight to Melbourne for £39pp. We then stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites Columbus,MS. This costs £311.

Image: https://www.stays.io/property/hampton-inn-and-suites-columbus-ms/BC-1379423

Our next flight takes us to Adelaide. For £30pp. Staying at the Penthouse at Horizons for £788.

Image: https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/penthouse-at-horizons.en-gb.html?aid=356983;label=gog235im-hotel-XX-au-penthouseNatNhorizons-unspec-gb-com-L%3Aen-V%3A0ahUKEwiy36DO2O3TAhUDnRQKHSaD9sQjxwIAw-O%3AwindowsS81-B%3AinternetSexplorer-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX-H%3As;sid=481a5f17d5c315de5136f6b4cb9065c1;dist=0&sb_price_type=total&type=total&

From Adelaide we head to Perth at the cost of £143pp. While in Perth we stay at Oceans 21 Simple Stunning for £1199.

Image: https://www.rentbyowner.com/property/oceans-21-simply-stunning/BC-1967613

From the lovely Perth we travel by plane to Brisbane for £129pp. Here we stay at Emporium Hotel for £620.

Image: http://www.emporiumhotels.com.au/en/default.html

We next visit Byron Bay for £104pp. We stay in the lovely The Villas of Byron. This does cost £1413.

Images: https://www.booking.com/hotel/au/the-villas-of-byron.en-gb.html?aid=356983;label=gog235im-hotel-XX-au-theNvillasNofNbyron-unspec-gb-com-L%3Aen-V%3A0ahUKEwjltuu2u3TAhVIXBQKHV9ICZ0QjxwIAw-O%3AwindowsS81-B%3AinternetSexplorer-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX-H%3As;sid=481a5f17d5c315de5136f6b4cb9065c1;dist=0&sb_price_type=total&type=total&

 From Byron Bay we have to fly back to Sydney for one night ready for our flight. This flight cost £39pp. We stay at the Pullman Sydney Airport for £203.

Image: http://www.pullmanhotels.com/gb/hotel-9522-pullman-sydney-airport/room.shtml

 This trip overall costs us £10,052. Leaving us with £4,948 for spending money and food. You could do this for cheaper but I wanted to show you that you can make a dream holiday come true and stay at amazing places even on a budget.

So that is my post about my dream holiday.

Love
A Norfolk Blondie x

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L'Oreal colorista washout #aqua review

Hi everyone,

If you follow me on Instagram you would of seen I took a massive step and dyed my hair wackier than ever. So I have done the pale pink and purple but trying out aqua was a big jump from what I am use to. I saw the new L'Oreal colorista washout colours advertised and they looked too good not to try. So I wondered down to my local boots and had a browse at the range they had. They didn't have every colour from the range but they did have a decent few. I ended up picking up the Aqua, Indigo and Purple. So here is what I thought about the Aqua...

Lets start with a bit about this amazing range of colours. L'Oreal have released this range which includes 13 colours that wash out. These range from bright turquoise to pastel peach. The array of colours I honestly found incredible. As a hairdresser to see a new range launched with 13 shades to begin with shows me the company are confident its going to work. The shade of the colour depends on how long they say they last. They range from 1 week (2-3 shampoos), 2 weeks (5-10 shampoos) and 2 weeks (7-15 shampoos). These are washout colours so they do return back to the colour the hair was previous to applying the colour. These are colours with no commitment.

Image: http://www.lorealparisexclusive.be/haarkleuring/colorista

So why did I pick aqua? I mean, look at it. It is truly a beautiful colour. This colour works on bleached or blonde hair. This colour is super out of my comfort zone. I was so worried what the clients would think as this colour is so out there. But I can say I have had some lovers and some not so keen, its an age range thing. I was so surprised with the reactions I was getting though, the majority have been so lovely and kind. One thing I will give these colours are they are true to the colour you see on the box. I have tried other washout colours in the past and the coverage has been no where near as good as this. This is perfect. Even with the professional ones we have purchased from the wholesalers have never matched up to the quality of these. Ones I have used in the past have left me with a patchy uneven coverage. This is an even coverage all the way round.

So this bit is a bit more of the hairdresser in me coming out. But I have to say this. The consistency of this colour is amazing. It is not to runny or to thick. Others I have used have been to thick and not easy to apply. We also have some at work which are super runny, easy to apply but can be messy. The colour does look extremely dark in colour and once applied to your hair. Do not panic it does not look the colour it appears as. One thing I love about these colours is you apply it to dry hair. So you need to wash your hair the night before and then apply it to your hair while still dry. Once its on, you leave it to take for around 15-20 minutes depending on how bright you want your finished result to look like. The best thing about these colours are they fade evenly, no patchiness as it fades. 

I honestly love these colours and cant wait to try all of the others in the range. What colour do you think I should do next? Let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x 

Hair transformation

Hi everyone,

So recently I took a massive plunge and dyed my hair even crazier than I ever have. I said goodbye to my beautiful ash blonde hair and said hello to my new bright aqua hair. To create this look I use the L'Oreal Colorista washout colour in #Aqua. I really hope you like this look. We left my roots as they were to give it more of a rustic/undone look. I absolutely love this, it is seriously my dream hair.

Before

 

Colour first applied

New aqua hair

So that is me going from beautiful blonde to adventurous aqua. Have you ever coloured your hair a crazy colour? Let me know in the comments.

Love

Zoe x



My fake tan routine at the moment

Hi everyone,

I am a massive lover of fake tan and it has come to that time where I start wearing it again. It has become a weekly job for me to do. I apply my tan twice a week as I like it to be a bit more on the darker side. So I thought I would share with you the tanning routine that I am using right now.

All about the prep.....

I always start my routine on a Sunday night. The prep is the most important part of this routine, I know your thinking what about the actual tanning? Well without the prep you are heading for one patchy uneven tan. I jump in a nice warm bath and take my body scrub. I am currently using The Body Shop Raspberry Body Scrub. After I have scrubbed my skin I get out of the bath and dry off my skin. My next step is to apply moisturiser to any dry areas of my skin. This will be my knees, elbows, ankles and wrists. I love the St Tropez moisturiser.

Getting your glow on.....

That is my prep done and now its down to getting the tan on. I take my No7 Perfectly Bronzed Tinted Lotion In Light/Medium. I then apply this using my Velvotan The Original Tanning Mitt. I love this tan but I do find it is not dark enough for me on one coat. Applying it using this mitt makes it quick and easy and I can apply it easily to everywhere I need to. I then get into my onesie and sleep with my tan on.

The next day......

When I wake up the next morning I either jump in the bath or the shower. I wash off all my tan that is left on my skin and then pat my skin dry. After my skin is dry I then apply moisturiser and I am good to go for the rest of the day.

A couple of days later...

After a couple of days I do my routine all over again but without scrubbing my skin. I just start at applying my moisturiser. I wake up with the right shade of beautiful tan the next day.

So that is how I apply my tan. I have been loving doing this, I honestly find it so much fun. Do you fake tan? If so what do you use? Let me know in the comments.

Love
Zoe x