Blogger day | VLOG

Last week I spent a day with Leanne from Styled With Lipstick. If you want to see what we got up to check out my newest Youtube video below. 



Love 



A Norfolk Blondie



xxx

Life on the open sea

As many of you may not know my other half left the Navy a bit over a month ago. I started this blog post around 8 weeks ago and was writing it as we was travelling back home to Norfolk along the M25, but I got super busy with work when I came back and then we had my partner leaving the navy and life just got a bit busy, so im only just getting to sit down and actually finish this post. Now the news I wanted to share with you guys eight weeks ago was, although he only had a week left left back then (I know a week crazy right, this day has felt so far away for so long and now its gone and past) eight weeks ago I finally visited Portsmouth. Now as I have been with my boyfriend for a year and 4 months I wanted so desperately to go visit him there. It is a huge part of his life (5 years) I just didn't feel I knew too much about. Please dont get me wrong he's told me so so much, but it doesn't help me to understand what his life really is like. So on Friday (27th July) me, mum and mums husband jumped into the car and we travelled the massive journey down south to see him. So it was a super eventful weekend and that wasn't only due to the weather, so lets get down to it.

Leaving Norfolk in 37 degree heat was not only a great way to start the weekend but also a sweaty one. I adore the heat but it was the warm sticky heat that just makes you drip in sweat. So a four hour journey,  we wasn't best looking forward to. But wow that was one hell of a journey. We left Norfolk as it was just starting to cloud over. Part way through the journey we was met by the most violent storm I have ever been in a car for. Wow what can I say the rain was so hard you could hardy see the road and then all of a sudden it just went. But the journey was on and off drizzle all the way. Once we got to Portsmouth and found our hotel, we found Michael standing outside waiting for us so we went and parked the car. We stayed at The Royal Maritime Club Hotel. Now this hotel is directly opposite the dockyard and is based around all things naval. Different parts of the hotel are all different naval terms. Which I absolutely adored. We all got checked in and then it was up to the rooms and have a quick freshen up. The rooms themselves are lovely. Very simply decorated but it was perfect for us. We all headed out and had dinner at Nando's and a few drinks here and there. It truly was a great start to the weekend.

On the Saturday we woke up and as pre usual on a standard day off for me, I had absolutely no interest in getting up as I wanted to just lay in bed. Now dont get me wrong it wasn't I didn't want to go explore, trust me I did. But I dont get many lay in's so I try to take them when I can. But with much persuasion I did get up. We got sorted and met the family and we made our way down to the restaurant for breakfast. Now I have noticed as me and Michael do a few weekends away regularly that I seem to be a breakfast snob. Its always something I am massively looking forward to and every where we go we seem to compare it to others we have been to. So I know you probably shouting at this now "Zoe just tell us about the breakfast!!!!" The truth is, it wasn't that special. Actually its probably one of the worst we had. There wasn't too much choice there was enough maybe just not what were use to. The food also wasn't cooked very well. Having said this I did managed to find something to eat both times and that kept me quite happy. We then headed off out. Now this day was the most important of the two. Today we was seeing my boyfriends ship. Which this meant a huge deal to me. We first headed over to the base so we could just get all signed in and then headed off to the ship. Michael gave us a little tour the dockyard and we saw the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Which is not only huge but absolutely incredible. The size was just outstanding, you know its big from seeing pictures but it is something else in person. I loved seeing all the little bits of his life the I normally just know about from him talking. Be this his accommodation off of the ship or down to the gym that he uses.

When we got over to his ship we went up on to it and I have to say as someone who hates being on the water, he was right it doesn't move at all when tied up. Im not sure what I was expecting but its like standing on land. It was just as, if not more, impressive as I expected it to be. My first thought was, this is massive, and it really was. Michael gave us the guided tour of the ship and it was truly incredible. We went round all the compartments from the junior rates mess all the way to the officers section and then we even saw where the room is that belongs to the captains. It was truly amazing seeing the way my other half actually lived for such a long amount of time. We saw the kitchen where they prepare the food and where everyone sits to eat. It really opened my eyes seeing where my boyfriend actually slept, it was the kinda space I couldn't ever sleep in yet this was his second home. I did jump in his bed to see what it was like and honestly I thought it was uncomfortable and have no idea how he slept there. But he did. It is honestly unreal how big the ship is once you are on it. Going all the way to the top where you will find some of their guns fitted to air defence destroyers. As you work down the ship you would be surprised how many decks there are, I really couldnt keep up with it all I would well and truly get lost. We learnt so much going around and I even tried on one of the firefighting oxygen backpacks. Now that was heavy. But what an experience, to think my boyfriend would have one of them on his back and the rest of his firefighting gear when going into a fire. Overall this was an incredible experience and I'm so glad I went.

The rest of the day consisted of the dockyard just seeing the tourist attractions. We visited the HMS Victory and the HMS Warrior. Wow what an experience again it was incredible. These ships were both at one time in history at sea. Do they look it, no they dont. To go inside they are to see as the crew would of once seen them. Their living conditions, poor. Their facilities, poor. Their work load, huge. But this is how they lived. It opened my eyes to another side of the navy. These ships look nothing like todays vessels, they are full of history and beauty. Eye catching is the wrong word to use but this is what they are. I felt so proud to leave the dockyard that day knowing this our services has history that will take your breath away. We also went on a trip on a boat around the dockyard and though yes I do hate boats I did see a lot. I also felt sick but I saw a lot.

The sunday we were due to go home but we did wanna have one last day in Portsmouth. We had planned to go to the beach. We woke to rain and in true British style still went to the beach. Only for about 5 minutes. We was wet and windblown but it was worth it for one crazy selfie. We then went over to the shopping centre and spent most of the day there. It was a beautiful shopping centre and we  went in plenty of shops and even had some cheeky buys. It truly was a perfect end to the weekend and I couldnt asked for it to be a better last day.

If you ever get the chance to visit Portsmouth I would say go its a beautiful part of our country.

A Norfolk Blondie
xxx

Staying positive for loved ones

If someone would of told me a few years back I would be a military girlfriend, I would never of agreed. I would never be that lucky, but here I am the girlfriend of a Royal Navy Marine Engineer. So yes you guessed it, I would of been wrong. I havent really mentioned much on here about my relationship, for the main reason, I wasn't really sure how to. But let me give you a little insight.

Me and Michael first got to know each other around October 2016. He was briefly home from a deployment for personal reasons and we got to know each other and started chatting. We kept up with contact when he returned to join his ship. The emails went back and forth daily catching each other up on what we had been doing and simply finding more out about each other. Around came December and he came home just after Christmas for New Year. On 5th January 2017 we met for lunch and we both had such a lovely time. He again returned to the ship, leaving me with the excitement of seeing him when he came home from his deployment in April as we had planned and again emails went back and forth and finally it came. We went on quite a few dates and Michael asked if I would be his girlfriend and I obviously said yes. That was May 6th so now were a year and six weeks into our relationship and still going strong.

Being a military girlfriend is certainly not easy. He spends the majority of his time away at base in Portsmouth. Only for him to come home weekends he's not working. We honestly treasure every moment we get together but sometimes its just not long enough. We also have to work with any sea time he has to take. Recently he's been partaking in sea trails and im sure we both agree this hasn't been the easiest time. Its where the realisation of being part of the military family comes into play. I realised there are so many women and men who go through the same thing while their partners are away. Its very hard. Communication is limited and even though ive been lucky enough he could come home a few weekends, the weeks away seem harder than ever. As I have always been I am extremely proud of him for what he does, but this will be his last year of services as he will be leaving later this year. The decision is completely his as he feels now is the right time to try new things. But like I said during these sea trails we have worked through some of our hardest times. A few disagreements have been made and have all been resolved. But time away from someone you love be that for a week or three will always be hard. I personally have felt the strain of it and try my hardest to stay positive for my boyfriend because I know thats what he needs. But I've had tears, I've had smiles and I've had sadness. Because yes its not easy and you have your highs and you have your lows. You have when you need that person to just tell you everything going to be ok but you know they will be busy with their work. So I've been thinking of this a lot as of recent and I thought I would share with you some ways to stay positive while your loved ones are away.

I believe positivity is a mind set. If you believe everything going to be ok and you can work through it you totally can. This is where I struggle. When im struggling with the limited contact and distance I cant work through it. I try my hardest but it beats me, every time. You need to always remember no matter how long it is till you next see them that your going to be ok. If you are negative about the whole experience your struggle will only get harder. Stay positive and remember you love this person and they are coming home to you.

Which leads me onto my next point, their coming home. Something I always try to do is look forward to when my boyfriend does come home. We both like to try plan a few things in for when he's home. That way we won't spend our days laying around doing nothing. So your wondering what you could plan, here are some of our favourites...

- Picnic
- Walk through the forest
- Meal down the local pub with a couple of drinks
- Cinema
- Shopping
- Watching a movie together on the sofa

These are just a few of our favourites you may have others you like. But what ever you like to do together plan it. Having something to look forward to when their home just helps to ease the thoughts of the "their not here now" periods you may get. Its the little things in life that matter and if all it takes is to focus on one small thing do it.

Find something that keeps you busy. This can be anything that interests you. One of the things I try to do is work on my blog and youtube. But I will be honest finding the motivation is very hard when he's away. Some days I just cant seem to think about what I want to write and it can take me days just to write one post. Then other days it flows and I can get loads done. Another thing I love to do is go for a walk as I love being outside especially with all this incredible weather we are having in England at the moment. I will walk anywhere be I near the roads or round the back roads and over the fields I love it, I am so blessed to be able to live in beautiful Norfolk. But the main point here is find the things you love doing on your own and do them. Your loved one is away there is no better time to take some well earned me time. Do what you love and enjoy it.

One last thing I like to do is plan what I will wear when he's home. I know this sounds superficial and not necessary. But some weekends when he's home I like to put something on that makes me feel great, something that makes me think, Yes I feel and look good in this. The main reason is because if I feel good in it I hope he will like me in it. This can be anything be it a pair of comfy ripped jeans or that dress that makes me feel a million dollars. This is so super important to me because I want to look my absolute best when I get to see him, I dont mean all the time but when I havent seen him for a few weeks its one of the most important things for me.

Just remember no matter where your loved one is the distance will only make your love stronger. Our thing we always say is no matter our distance we can both always see the same moon it is the one thing we can both look at no matter the distance.

I hope these ideas help you and if you have anymore let me know them as I always want more ways to cope with being here while my loved one is away.

Love

A Norfolk Blondie
xoxoxo

The love of power

"Whether its watching minis race around a track or watching top fuel dragsters rip up the tarmac, I love them all. Though that isn't to mention my love for the lean angles and skill of the motorcycle racing."

Quoted by my boyfriend and me

I have had a few months of madness with motor sports. If it isn't bikes, its cars. I have had sunshine, I have had crazy traffic getting in and I have crossed my fingers while the other half follows on his motorbike. Whether it was watching my boyfriend riding his bike or watching Jake Dixon racing at oulton park, my heart was always pumping fast. I've had dreaming of standing next to the strip at Santapod, but all this taken away while watching the British GT and realising I really didn't need to be there. Because what I had at that moment in present was perfect and nothing could change it. 

Its an impossible task to even know where to start with this post so much has happened, so many heart pounding moments and feeling so proud your just about due to burst. So I guess the best place to start is where I left you last time. So I sit here back tracking what I can remember of my last motor sport post I wrote, it was back at the first round of the British super bikes. So this is where I will start. I left you guys alongside one of the most beautiful tracks I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. That weekend had been full of excitement and shock when our boy ended up on the floor. But as always Jake's a strong rider and he picked himself up and got back on the bike. But hey you guys don't need to know this, but if you don't know about my experience at Donington park, you really should go check out my blog post, its a good one I can guarantee you that. 

Since that rainy bank holiday weekend I've seen a few motorsports events, but hey that's no surprise this is totally me and my boyfriend all over. I guess your thinking so where did you go next? Next brought us to the 5th-7th May and this weekend was gonna be one that I would remember for so many years, I just didn't know it yet. I know what your all thinking, Zoe this date means nothing to us. I know but this weekend is when I visited oulton park. Again this was a first for me and to say it started stressful would be to say the least. 

As with all these events, it should be an early morning. But our early morning didn't start as early as possibly needed, which we would all soon find out. I travelled with my mum and her husband in the car while Michael followed us on his motorbike. Was I nervous? No, nervous would be an understatement. I knew he could do it but it doesn't ever stop them butterflies. We stopped part way for McDonald's. By this point I think everyone was just about ready to eat anything they could. I am so much more a healthy eater but lets face it you get what you can when your hungry right? Once we got back on the road we settled into the drive and soon saw that oulton park was approaching. You wonder why right? The traffic had suddenly turned into mayhem, just our luck because we wasn't even near the track yet. Eventually we got to the track and that was a long drained out part to the journey.  But we were there and that's all that matters and we were in time to watch our boy race. The nerves you get when he's going out is unreal. But as always why get nervous, Jake Dixon rode incredibly that weekend. He looked the most comfortable I have seen him all season. So I said earlier it was gonna be a weekend I would remember for many years to come, you probably wondering why. Jake ended up leading both races for a big period of the time, this is the moment we had been waiting for and honestly it makes your heart pound when he's leading the pack. He finished on podium both times, taking 2nd place on race one and 3rd place on race two. To say I'm proud would be an understatement, the boy absolutely smashed it, its that simple. Everyone raced incredibly that weekend but you know when you follow someone you cant help but be bias. 

"That's a good start to where we need to be now and hopefully this is things to come and keep the ball rolling and keep chipping away and keep improving"
Jake Dixon Oulton Park Race two press conference 

So that was May, your probably sitting there thinking Zoe its June, times kinda pasted now. Well that's because I've had such a busy life with being self employed at the moment and also the words for this post didn't seem to flow when I needed them. But now I'm even struggling not to just keep rambling on. But I'm trying to keep it from doing that. So May wasn't just about the superbikes. You see, the 26th-27th brought us the British GT and British F3 at Snetterton. Wow we done this last year and now I think about it we hadn't long been together and motorsports was all still so new to me. So this meant that this year was kinda a big deal it meant so much to be there. I loved it last year and sometimes you may think its not possible to love something more but wow this year did just that. The cars are incredible, I seriously don't know what else to say. You get the GT cars which range from BMW to Lamborghini. There is one thing all the cars have in common, they scream money, the likes of me, a self employed hairdresser aged 21, cant afford them. That's for sure. My favourites ones in this class would for sure be the Invictus Games Racing who drive a Jaguar F-Type SVR GT4. Its a beautiful car and certainly eye catching. The next championship is F3. So F3 is the starting point for moving onto F2 but comes after they've done F4. So it gets a little confusing and I loose my head slightly, but I am blonde so I think I can use that as my excuse. These are awesome little cars and the drivers, quite young, their ages would surprise you. The Volkswagen Racing cup is super cool to watch. I'm personally a massive fan of these cars they look awesome on the track and make great watching. You also have the Ginettas, these are partially interesting cars. Their small and an interesting shape which looks really cool. They work their around the track taking the bends smoothly and controlled. 

So your probably wondering what my favourite bit of the day is? I haven't even told you the best bit yet. They have the Mini Challenge there, which as you know is my favourite car and also the car I drive. These have to be said to be my dream car. John Cooper Works with a wrapped finish to give it the race car look. Honestly this is the dream to build one of these they are truly beautiful. Watching these minis go round the track just gives me a thrill like no other. The way they corner and build speed quickly due to being such a small light car. Watching these this year made me decide that I would love to build my car into one of these. Now mine isn't a John Cooper Works, but why not be different if I could get my Mini One to do that I would be over the moon. So maybe one day, it could be my car on that track, not in a race but on a track day.

So two amazing events left me feeling energised and excited to see what the rest of the year brings. As I write this tomorrow I'm back off to Snetterton to see the British superbikes race again, I have high hopes for Jake Dixon, but that's for another post. 

A Norfolk Blondie
xoxo

Discovering the cutest website ever

Why is it you can look for something for so long then one day just come across it? Its exactly the same with websites. One day I'm walking around unaware of some of the beauties I can find, then, BAM, its there. This website which I have 1. Never heard of and 2. Is kinda my dream website. Your probably all wondering what I'm chatting about, but please tell me you can relate to this, it can't only be me? 

It is truly incredible what you can find when you least expecting it. Like Old English Co. I know I know your wondering where this is going, but trust me I'm getting there. Old English Co is a new website I have stumbled across and kinda love, like a lot. I recently got in contact with them and told them how much I loved their website they told me about this competition they are holding. So of course I had to check it out. But firstly I dived deeper into their website to see what other treasures I could find. 

They do everything from stationary, home, greeting cards and accessories. These are all things I love. The stationary is to die for, it is high quality beautiful pieces. From notebooks to planners, theres plenty to pick from. The designs are sleek, professional and stunning. I would happily use them for my business as they would display my business perfectly and professionally. With the designs being simple they would work for both businesses and students. All pieces would fit well on any work desk or office. Heres some of the designs I love....

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/planners/products/charcoal-grey-and-gold-a5-planner

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/notebooks/products/beauty-in-simplicity-a5-wiro-notebook

I am a sucker for a cute greeting card and this is the place to find them. While I was browsing through I saw so many cards that made me think of so many people I could send them too. They had so many cute ones I just know my boyfriend would love. I believe you have to find the right card for the right moment every time because when that person opens that card it should bring them so much joy that all they can do is smile. As I was looking through I thought I could literally buy them all, I am defiantly known for loving cute things, my boyfriend would tell you that. There is honestly a card for every occasion. 

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/cards/products/new-home-snail-card

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/cards/products/gentleman-heart-flutter-card

You can't blame a girl for loving a good accessory and well I do. On this website you will find the worlds cutest enamel pins (which you can win if you enter their competition). I literally love them all and want them all. But its not only enamel pins they do, you can also get keyrings, mirrors and much more. Think back when everyone had patches on their clothes of all sorts of things, well that is well and truly on its way back in and you can get them here.

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/enamel-pins/products/youve-got-this-motivational-enamel-pin

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/embroidered-patches/products/love-heart-embroidered-patch

Lastly is homeware, which my long time readers will know is where everyone around me looses me. When I see homeware theres no stopping me I go mad finding all the things I love. The home items from Old English Co is so cute and super affordable (like everything on the website) and I have to say I will defiantly be purchasing a few things from their website. The prints are exactly what I have been looking for, for so so long. I will be purchasing some when I move out as they will go perfectly for the office. With everything from mugs, coasters to pillowcases and aprons. I adore the pillows, they are super adorable and fit well with my style. Everything on this website fits my home decor ideas and I can't wait to have my own home with my boyfriend so I can put some of these beautiful pieces to use. 

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/prints/products/life-is-short-print

https://oldenglishprints.com/collections/pillowcases/products/big-spoon-and-little-spoon-pillow-cases

 So overall I love this website and I just know you will too. Remember to check out their competition page and while your there look at their enamel pins, their my favourite. 

A Norfolk Blondie

xoxo

Take me to the tropics

I recently came across a company called Tropics. They specialise in skincare, makeup and body care. Which hello we all know is my go to. But they have just released a hair care range, so when my clients daughter asked if I would trial the products for her, I was well up for it. She was looking for hairdressers to give her an honest opinion on the products, so there was no way I was saying no to this opportunity. I mean come on guys, you know hair is my thing. If anyone could give a honest opinion of these products I'm your girl, everyday of the week. So less chit chat about me and lets get down to business...

So its a four product range in classic tropics packaging. They've done nothing new to it just tied it in beautifully with their previous ranges. The packaging is classic and crisp looking just like all the other ranges. I personally love this, packaging is always a massive thing for me. Its what makes me buy a product, so to see something so simple made a refreshing change. I have to say they look absolutely awesome in your shower. All the products come with an outer sleeve, which hello thats where the colours hiding. I absolutely love these, to see the bright sleeve really excites me. Then to open them and see the plain simple design of the bottles, makes the perfect combination. 

Now we get it I'm a bit of a packaging snob, but theres more than just packaging to these products. The products themselves are a mass of luxury. They smell absolutely Devine and a perfect go to. If your looking for a product that gives you a spa like experience, you really shouldn't look any further. The scents are crisp and refreshing just what you need when taking that long well deserved shower.

Earlier I mentioned that this is a four product range, so lets get down to business and talk a bit more about them.

Lets start with Nourishing Hair Cleanser. I really like this product. It is aimed towards people with dry/sensitive scalps. Which is great for so many clients out there because it is so hard to find a shampoo that delivers what they need. This is a ph balance detergent free cleanser which delivers nourishment to the hair and scalp. This cleanser is non foaming so it feels like a condition but the difference you apply it to your roots. I know that sounds totally backwards but this is kinda a genius system. You can get a scalp massager to use a alongside this. Which is a cool idea. You apply the cleanser and then use the massager to stimulate your scalp and spread the product through your hair. I love it its really good for when you have greasy hair. I only wash my hair once a week and this works magic on my locks. 

Next up is Clarifying Hair Wash. Now this is a good shampoo. Its a lot runnier than most shampoos as its concentrated. This is a super duper cleansing shampoo which is fab for oily hair. I loved this the way it works is great. The foaming is awesome. This left my hair feeling super clean and I loved it. Again this is ph balancing and aimed to gently remove build up. As its so concentrated a little will go a long way so this shampoo is set up to last you a long time. 

After shampooing the next thing to do is condition. Now I love a good thick conditioner so Hair Feast is an absolute dream product. It is a deep conditioning treatment, which lets just say just the word treatment gets me excited about the product. This penetrates deep into the cuticle leaving the hair silky soft to touch. This like all the products smells incredible and I love the way my hair feels after using it. It can either be used as a daily conditioner or left on for 10 minutes as a deep conditioning mask. 

Now your hairs clean and silky soft theres still one more step to consider, hair oil. I would never wash my hair without applying oil to it after which is why I love the Hair Smooth Radiance Oil. Its light and versatile. You can either apply on wet hair, which is my favourite way to pack in the moisture. Or on dry hair to give it that star quality shine. This is the perfect way to end your hair routine, I know I wouldn't be without it. 

So if your looking for new haircare products to try I totally recommend tropics. I love them and I think you may love them too.

A Norfolk Blondie

xoxo

Bike racing, rain and dirty timberlands..

In between loving all things beauty related, I'm normally at the races. I've spoke about my love of the two wheeled motorsport before and thats going nowhere. The British SuperBike season has now started. So bank holiday weekend found me sitting on the bank of Donington Park track with muddy timberlands. Yes thats right, my first time visiting the track and it was most certainly not a dry one. But right now I'm huddled up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate all ready to tell you about my amazing weekend I had.

Donington Park is a really nice track, I have to say my favourite so far. Its lovely and open and plenty of track to view from. Everywhere you are guaranteed a great viewing place. With the track being just over 2 miles long it gives the bikes plenty of good riding opportunities. When we first got there on the Sunday it was extremely overcast but dry, which is what we was begging for. We had actually left the hotel without breakfast as we wasn't sure how bad the traffic getting in would be. With the promise of breakfast at the track I said yes, we all know what a foodie I am. So driving over to the track we soon realised, there was no traffic. No queues, no traffic. It was probably the quietest entrance to a track we had ever been too. This was due to the weather. There was threats of rain, a bad threat of rain. It was even threat of snow, I know, thats the last thing you want when bikes are taking to the track. 

Once we were inside the track we headed over to the place we wanted to put our little tent up for the day. Once that was up we went over to the cafe and got ourselves a cooked breakfast. This was well needed and the portion size was huge. Honestly the perfect way to start the day. They had a few trades stalls so we had a little wonder around looking at them and all the merchandise they was selling. After that we went over to our tent and waited for the free practice to begin. 

As soon as the bikes were back on the track that familiar buzz I get when I see them returned. I get so excited and this year especially as the lad we started to follow last year was racing again this year. All of the boys racing started out with a good start but it wasn't long till we had a few come off due to the damp cold conditions. Luckily everyone was ok and got back up straight away. It wasn't till our lad Jake Dixon came off just in front of us that everything in me jumped. My heart was stomach and all I could hope was he would jump back up, which of course he did. It was then a race against the clock for the team to get his bike ready to get him out to qualify. With not long remaining Jake got back out on the track and managed to qualify 11th. I was absolutely over the moon. 

As the day went on we watched Superstock 1000, trioptions cup for Ducatis and the British talent cup. All racers done incredibly well and was amazing to see them all doing so well and working so hard in the conditions we had been given. Its not only the superbikes that give me a thrill to watch they all do they work incredibly hard and I am always so impressed by how much they push. After a long day we had seen many bikes race and it had been a long cold day so we headed back to the hotel in muddy timberlands to get in the warm. 

On the Monday we was awoken by an early alarm and a rainy view. This is one thing I was hoping not to happen but this is England, we take what we get. So we bundled up in plenty  of layers and packed our bags to leave the hotel. After a breakfast at the hotel we were back on our way to the track. The rain makes such a difference with racing with hardy anyone milling around. We done a lot of walking around in the rain and a lot of hot drink drinking and a little bit of shopping. But eventually around 1.30 the racing began. We had some amazing races to watch and the British SuperBikes were absolutely amazing. No racers were worried about the rain and water on track they were all racing to their abilities. 

It was honestly an incredible afternoon of racing and I was so sad to be leaving. I always get like this when we go to the bike racing once i'm there I never want to go. I honestly can not wait till the next round I can go to. I have my fingers crossed for Jake he's doing so well and I know it will only continue.

A Norfolk Blondie

xoxo   

(All pictures were taken by @Bundellphotography-Instagram)

Having my eyes opened up to Clinique

You guys know better than anyone else how much I love finding out about brands. Well last week when I took the day off I popped over to Norwich to visit Clinique. Now they are found inside Boots in Chapelfield. With a beautiful setup I can guarantee its worth a visit. 

Now Clinique is a brand I have heard spoken about many times. However its never been a brand I have looked into. They were founded in 1968, which is a whopping 50 years ago. In 1967 a dermatologist called Dr Orentreich was advising his patients to use a 3 step skincare system which he had created himself. This involved cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise. Three simple steps everyone could do at home. When he was approached by Vogue and asked, Can great skin be created? He replied with the answer yes. So your probably thinking what have these three steps got to do with the brand? Well that one article is what created the beginning of the now worldwide brand Clinique we all know and love today. With many other products coming after this 3 step system the brand only continued to grow.

So what did I notice about Clinique on my first visit. Well its beautifully set up and the packaging is to die for. When I went in I was greeted by the very friendly Molly, who made me feel instantly comfortable within my settings. We went over to an incredibly professional work area where we both got seated and started our conversation. We started with the basics about my blog and a little bit about myself. Then we discussed my skin. The basics, my concerns and what I was really looking for in my skincare routine. This was an absolute dream experience for me as I adore skincare and to have a consultant from Clinique going through mine with me was incredible. After we had chatted for a while about my skin Molly went off to pick out the products she thought would be perfect for my skincare routine.

She came back with my routine which consisted of Anti-blemish solutions cleansing foam, Anti-blemish solutions clarifying lotion and Moisture surge 72-hour auto-replenishing hydrator. This would be my morning and evening routine. Then two treatments would be Blackhead solutions 7 day deep pore cleanse and scrub and the Blackhead solutions self-heating blackhead extractor. All of these products are incredible and the packaging is to die for. All of Cliniques products are fragrance free making them so much more softer on your skin. Most brands come with fragrance which is an ingredient which is not needed due to this being the main cause of irritation. These products all look incredible together. 

After we had finished my skincare routine we spoke about the 3 step system. Which I am in absolute awe of. This would be the system I would use if I didn't have the acne focused products. Having said that these products are definitely on my list to try. The idea of only needing 3 products twice a day to achieve perfect skin, is an unbelievable thought. But it really does work.  

Cliniques most selling product? 

This was one of my questions I was dying to know. So the conclusion is Dramatically different moisturising lotion+. Now we tried this product out and it is incredible I love it. This  is part of the 3 step system and it is definitely one to try. 

Mollys go to?

When I asked Molly this question, I would guarantee you have never seen anyone get so excited, she just loves so much. She decided to go for Clinique smart. This is a serum. She said that this product helped her to get her skin to the way she wanted it. It now, keeps it in the condition she wants it. 

I was lucky enough to walk away with four samples. These are..

- Moisture surge

-Dramatically different moisturising lotion+

-Blackhead solutions 7 day deep pore cleanse and scrub

-Clinique smart

All of these samples are absolutely Devine. I love them and I have noticed a noticeable difference since using them. I will definitely be purchasing some products from Clinique in the very close future.

Massive thank you to Clinique Norwich for having me and thank you to Molly for making me feel so welcome.

A Norfolk Blondie

xoxo

Little box of bathroom pleasures

I love trying new products and brands that I haven't used before. So when this beautiful box was inside my Christmas box from my friend Amy I was certainly intrigued. Its by the brand L'Occitane, which I have heard of but never used. This made me super excited but not as excited as when I saw all the bathroom goodies inside. There is honestly nothing in here you couldn't help falling in love with. Its all so beautiful and thats just to look at. 

Lets start with the eau de parfum. Terre de lumiere is in the most adorable tiny glass bottle. I love this because it can sit on your dressing table and it looks absolutely beautiful. It also is the perfect handbag size for them journeys you may be needing it. The scent of this is absolutely stunning. Its honestly heavenly. It is what I would describe as a more mature scent and it simply oozes elegance. With gourmand notes and aromatic freshness this makes for a perfect new addiction. 

The tiny hand cream you get is just adorable and perfect size for your handbag. This smells super fresh and clean. Its made with 20% shea butter, making this the perfect savour for dry hands. As we our starting to leave our cold weather behind it means its time to start getting our skin back to its normal silky soft feeling. I totally think this is a must have for your sore dry hands and will definitely be something I turn to in the future. It really does leave your hands as soft as they can be. It absorbs well into the skin leaving no residue on the skin so you can go about your day without worrying it will transfer.

I am and always have been a sucker for shower gels. I just see them and normally instantly fall in love with them. Honestly, this one is no different. I mean for one please look at how cute that packaging is. I mean come on any girly girl out there will be crying out for this. The beautiful pink floral design is nothing but stunning. In the scent cherry blossom it is a sweet scent all girls are looking for. Sweet floral scents what more could a girl ask for. This lathers up lovely leaving you feeling perfectly clean. 

I am absolutely in love with the shampoo, it was honestly the last thing I expected to see inside this box. Again I absolutely adore the packaging. This is made with 5 essential oils and is honestly a perfect blend. This is aimed to repair hair and I love it. It leaves your hair feeling soft and shiny. It lathers well and washes out with ease. 

The immortelle devine creme is a beautiful moisturiser. It is super silky and you only need a little, it goes a long way. I have been using this for a couple of weeks now and I have hardly made a dent in the tub. The packaging is gorgeous with the standard yellow packaging with the stunning gold lid. It really oozes quality. This leaves your skin feeling so soft its unreal. I have never used anything quite like it. This would work so well for older skin as it will help to bring back so much moisture to the skin. 

Overall as you can tell I love these products and well the packaging is honestly insane. I love it. I love how everything is in miniature sizes, this is perfect for me to take them away with me on my next travels. 

A Norfolk Blondie
xoxo 

A little bronze here, a little glow there

Just after Christmas I received a parcel from my lovely friend Amy. I was so excited when I opened it and saw what she had sent me. It was honestly the best late Christmas present I have ever received. She really does know me very well. With a box full of everything from beauty, stationary, home decor and much more. I felt so lucky. But today I want to talk to you in particular about the makeup she sent me. Wow wasn't I a lucky girl. She sent me the Flatter Box by Soap and Glory and also Hoola by Benefit. So lets talk about them...

Now I'm a massive lover of Soap and Glory makeup but I havent tried a great deal of it. I have just loved what I have tried. Well the Flatter Box has pretty much everything you need for basic makeup, just without foundation and concealer. But you could honestly do a full face of makeup with this. 

In it you get..

- Thick and fast high definition collagen coat mascara

- Supercat liquid black eyeliner pen

- Lid stuff eyeshadow in copper, choccy and cream soda

- Glow all out luminizing face powder

- Sexy mother pucker lip gloss in plums up

- Eye shadow and half moon brushes 

So yes as you can see this is kinda a spectacular kit. It honestly deserves all the praise it can get. The eye shadows are all beautiful shades which can be worn alone or together, either way creating a perfectly natural eye look. The mascara in my opinion could never disappoint. I have used the regular thick and fast before and it was my holy grail mascara for some time. I just love the way it applies so smoothly to my lashes, it never clumps. The supercat liquid eyeliner pen did intrigue me. Mainly because I am no good with liquid eyeliner and two I'm just no good with eye liner in general. But I will say this one does make application feel easy. I mean it still doesn't look that great when I apply it but hopefully with some practice I might be able to ace this one. It is no secret I am a lover of the sexy mother puckers. I love the way they apply, the way they feel and just how they always look flawless. Plums up is a beautiful glittery plum/pink shade. It honestly looks stunning on your lips. The highlighter is defiantly my favourite thing out of the whole box. The shimmer it gives to your cheekbones is absolutely flawless. in a very subtle pink shade it is perfect dusted across your cheeks for that extra glow we all want. The brushes that come with this kit are perfect and make the application of the products perfect. 

The packaging of the kit is incredible in the standard pink you see all over Soap and Glory packaging. Inside the box it is a blend of beautiful sleek black and endless gold. Truly one of the most beautiful packaging I have owned. 

Hoola by Benefit has always been something I have wanted to try. Benefit always make the most amazing looking products. So to find this little beauty in the box of goodies. The packaging is just gorgeous. I love how it is magnetic and shuts sharply so you know its closed. The little brush is perfect to apply it with. I love the wooden handle and the soft brush together they are the perfect combo. The product itself is a lovely colour, perfect for most skin tones. You can either apply this lightly or build it up to give yourself an even more of a bronze look. I absolutely love this and it will be my go to bronzer from now on.

Two amazing products which will be the most used in my collection for a long time. 

A Norfolk Blondie

xoxo