I am a Star

A few months I wrote that I was nominated for an award for the volunteer work I do with the NCT, well I found out Sunday that I won! (Inserts cheesy photo with certificate).

"Helen is doing great work in promoting the branch locally. She deals with all parents’ membership enquiries and also manages the branch’s social media presence. She makes sure everything on Facebook is up to date and regularly posts relevant articles and starts general discussion threads aimed at engaging parents. She has also set up and run live Twitter chats and we have many more followers and Facebook visitors. Helen also volunteers at Nearly New Sales and has made a huge contribution to making the branch reach more parents."

It was and still is a huge shock, to me I don't do a lot and anybody else would do the same. I just want to be a support to parents and makes friends myself. This now means I go into the national nominations announced on 20th October at House of Lords. I had enough problems worrying about my outfit for an regional training session, this goes out of the stratosphere!

A huge thank you to Katie, Jodie, and Tessa (with Jenni, Henry and Charlie) who came along too and made our district the noisiest ones there! All 4 other nominations for the team got High Commended in their categories and this was us receiving the one for Helen D, our hard working branch coordinator. Such a wonderful day and a great reminder of the hard work that everyone puts in for the charity.

Shortlisted for NCT Stars Award

I have been volunteering for NCT for over a year now, and am about to be voted in for another year. It's been an interesting year, I started just for something to do to stop myself being brain washed by CBeebies and use the skills I already had in customer service. The branch was needing new blood and new thinking, I was shocked to find that in this day of age, social media wasn't being ultilised to communicate not only with their members and the community.

A few months after my introduction I took over their social media pages and am very proud of the growth they've experianced over the past year. I still get chills when I read the stats, all those, "Are you on our Facebook?" questions has been worth it. I haven't done it alone, the team have stepped up and chipped in their ideas and posts when I haven't been able to and they've done a better job than me in some circumstances.

Beth this week has had another bad cold, keeping me up until silly times in the morning. Friday was no exception, I crawled into bed at 8am and woke at 11am to find an email in my inbox annouching the short list for NCT Star Awards for the South region. The awards are acknowledgment to the volunteers and am nominated by your colleages and parents who we help. As a district we had 5 nominations, the highest other than one other district nationally, some amazing hard working people in there.

Imagine my surprise to see my name appear towards the bottom.

I have never, ever been shortlisted for any award ever, and it's even better it's for something that I really love doing and feel like I am giving support to people who felt just as lost as I do/did as a parent. The results are on 12th July at the end of a training day, with the winners going to the national awards. I am also shortlisted with another blogger who works for the Aylesbury district, Cassanda from Mummy on a Budget so if I don't win, then it would be nice to see her win it.

I do want to thank people for my nominations, it really does mean a huge amount, a lot of people forget that we volunteer our free time to make sure that their playgroups and Nearly New Sales happen. The amount of work that goes on behind that scenes is significant but we do have a huge laugh doing it and the team we have is just amazing.

Selfridges Advent Calender - Week 2 (Days 8 - 16)

Week 2 in advent calender land - If you missed Week 1 you can read it here. It feels that this week is more of a make up week with nearly a face full of make up in a week.

December 8th - Lancome La Vie Est Bella

I can't believe I forgot to photograph this, the mini is really sweet. The fragrance is soft floral with jasmine, Orange Blossom and patchouli. Very delicate and makes a good daytime fragrance.

December 9th - Lancome Hypnose Star mascara

Provides intense volume and intense colour, great evening mascara. I have saved this for dressing up on Christmas Day. I like the advertising on it using Betty Boo because I love her retro look.

December 10th - Lancome L'Absolu Nu in Rose Subtil

A soft creamy pink with hints of gold. A great feminine pink that would suit most skin tones.

December 11th - Lancome Hypnose Mascara

OK Have you noticed a theme apart from the make up is that it is mostly Lancome, I am a fan but it does seem clamped together. This is their big drama volume mascara and top seller in black.

December 12th - Lancome Tresor

A Lancome classic, powdery fruity floral. Very french and only can be worn when you want a bit of classic glamour.

December 13th - Lancome Genifique

This is currently living in my bathroom, hence why it's not here! Smoothing skin serum that prevents as well as reverses the ageing process. It's a gel like serum that goes underneath moisturiser, skin has already felt softer after a few days so it looks promising.

December 14th - Armani Code fragrance

Hurray something isn't Lancome! I like this powdery musky oriental fragrance, perfect for evenings with a dark smokey glamorous look.

December 15th - YSL Eye Liner in Black

Perfect soft liner that is a sweet wash bag size, haven't used YSL liners before so I look forward to this one.

December 16th - Lancome Juicy Tube in Cerise

Lipgloss in a soft red with small bits of glitter, I have the bigger version of this so the baby one will go into handbags as an 'emergency' gloss.

Selfridges Advent Calender - Week 1 (Days 1-7)

 

A few weeks ago I entered a competition on British Beauty Blogger to win a set of Lancome crackers and a Selfridges advent calender. Not so long story is that I was picked by the Selfridges PR to receive them after saying that the person I want to pull a cracker is one of my best friends, who's not only pregnant but it's due on my birthday (Congratualtions again to her!).

 

While I've put the crackers to one side to share with her (as it's only fair and it make our Christmas dinner a lot more special), this I keep eagerily awaited for December 1st.

 

If you followed on Twitter I have been giving a daily tweet to what I've got, and then bring them altogether to show what is in them. This would normally retail for £82, and contain 24 luxury beauty samples from Lancome, Kiehl's, YSL, Armani, Diesel, Viktor & Rolf and Shu Uemura.

 

December 1st - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

 

I've tried this before and wasnt bowled over by it, put it one before bed and when i woke it had soften down to a delicate scent. Husband approved as well.

 

December 2nd - Kiehl's Strengthing Hand Cream

 

I like the texture of this, it sinks it quickly but is still rich. I already know I'm purchasing this to replace my Estee Lauder Renutriv that ran out last month.

 

December 3rd - Lancome Regenrie Face Cream

 

Good size sample at 15ml, but it says it's for lifting and firming. I know I'm not quite there yet, but it smells beautiful.

 

December 4th - Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur

 

Simple more know as cleansing water, and considering my Etat Pur also finished last month, this was a small God send.

 

December 5th - Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

 

I'm really excited to try this as I've heard other poeple say it's a great prodcut and never had a chance to try it.

 

December 6th - Loverdose by Diesel

 

The bottle design is beautiful, nicely facited so it catches the light but in a deep purple so it isn't too girlie. The scent is richly violet with a powdery vanilla dry down. It was definatly husband approved, as it also matches his Only The Brave by Diesel.

 

December 7th - Keihl's Ultra Facial Cream

 

This mornings offering was a lightly scented face cream, I know they are more known for their body products but I am intested in this. I have tried their Midnight concertrate and was impressed with that.

 

Many thanks again to Jane at British Beauty Blog and the PR team at Selfridges. It's the best thing I've ever won (and there is 17 still to go!)

Versatile Blogger Award

From the lovely Pixie Dust And Fairytales

The Rules:
· Each blogger tagged must post 11 random facts about themselves · They must answer the 11 questions posted by the previous blogger · They must create 11 new questions to ask their tagged bloggers · They must then tag 11 blogs with less than 200 followers apiece · The bloggers must be told · No tag backs!

Random facts

1. My bridesmaid first child is due to be born next year on 11th April, my 31st birthday (and I've overjoyed for her!)
2. I have 3 months left to finish my BTEC and am starting to panic!
3. Dita Von Teese, Jessie J and Katy Perry are my girl crushes.
4. I have just over 30 books on a to be read pile.
5. I own one of the original Furby's, it's cream and white.
6. I've been following F1 since late 1995
7. I've attended for F1 races: Britian 1997,1998, and 1999, and Belguim 1999.
8. I play Gems (also known as Bejeweled) on my phone when I'm bored (or not tweeting!)
9. I can't think of anything else!

How long have you been blogging? And what made you start?

It will be 1 year on 25th January, after injuring my knee and spending the time reading other blogs. I thought there was space here for an ex-counter girl to throw her two cents in.

What is the main focus of your blog? (e.g. nails, make up, reviews?)

I would say more nails and reviews, but make up is creeping in as I gain more confidence.

How often, on average, do you think "Hmmm...I could blog that!"?

Everyday, at least twice, I get in front of a keyboard and it's gone. That's why my phone note app is full of ideas.

Have you mentioned your blogging to friends and family or do you prefer to keep it private?

My blog auto loads on my facebook so my friends do read it because they ask about it! My family are supportive and want to know how its doing.

What do you look for when reading a new blog? Numbers of followers? Quality of photos?

A mixutre of things, just more the personality of the person coming through, If I keep tripping over the blog a few times while searching for something else then I normanally follow them through that as well.

How do you take the best photos for your blog?

I have a list of what I want to write about and I try to get as many done during the day as much as possible. Can't wait for summer again! Sometimes I just snap them on the fly.

What's your best beauty bargain?

A tube of baby bum cream that I use for my dry chapped lips, it's about £2.79 and you need the smallest amount.

What are some of your holy grail products?

Face masks instantly can change skin and a great treat, I do have a soft spot for Montagne Jeunesse. Make up I really like the MUA palettes because they are very good selections, strong pigments and are aroun £4-6.
How long does it take you to get ready for an average day?

From bed to out the door about 30 minutes (with the lightest make up), but if I'm going out I do prefer to take my time.

Do you tone down your make-up look for work?

I do, I don't want to scare people away!

If you could only wear one nail varnish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

It'll be a red, but I'm not sure which one - I own quite a few :D

Questions

How long have you been blogging? And what made you start?

What is the main focus of your blog? (e.g. nails, make up, reviews?)

How often, on average, do you think "Hmmm...I could blog that!"?

How have you developed since you started?

If you did it all again, what would you change?

What's best bit of advice you've ever been given?

What's your dream?

What are the products you would buy again?

How long does it take you to get ready for an average day?

Girl crush?

If you could only wear one nail varnish for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Nominations

Glamourologist (About the History of Beauty)
Pink & Polished (Nail Art)
Kel Loves (Mixture of reviews and views)
Make Up Guinea Pig (Overseas Animal and Nail Lover)

Liebster Award

Very happy to get my second blogging award from another blogger, Yakatey Yak, who I acutally met through my last award as she got awarded it as well. It still means a lot that other bloggers acknowledge each other, so I do like seeing these doing the rounds (I also do look at the other blogs so I normally find some hidden gems).

So here are the rules:

1. Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves

2. They must also answer the 11 questions the tagger has set for them

3. They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag

4. They must then choose 11 bloggers to tag with less than 200 followers

5. These lucky bloggers must be told

6. There are no tag backs

 

Some things about me that you already didn't know

 

* I'm am studying to be a stop smoking consultant after giving up 3 years ago so I can help others quit.

* Being an F1 fan, I actually don't have a drivers license.

* Re-visiting my old music albums - I'm currently obsessed with The Feeling's Twelve Stops From Home.

* I have to wear glasses for reading and computer/blogging.
* I love watching QVC Beauty hours and Gems TV
* I know nearly all the words (including songs) to South Park The Movie.
* This will be my first Christmas NOT working in a retail store after 12 years, and I will not miss it one bit!
* My brother and I were born 10 years apart (He was 40 yesterday and I was 30 in April)

 

Q&A
 

What do you do to relax?
Would you believe I blog, tweet people, read, drink tea, and watch trash TV (according to the husband). Sleep is also the best relaxer :)

What are your biggest fears?
Apart from the 'normal' - Breaking my nails when they get long and jelly fish after I got stung by a baby one on Isle of Wright.

What are three things that are unique about you?
Sense of Humour,

What TV show is your favourite and why?
Love cartoons - Watched The Simpsons since it started in 1989, as well as Family Guy.

What are your top three bands of all time?
Still love what Estee Lauder are doing, Adore Lush (I found them when they had no mail order and you could only get them in Convent Garden, London), MUA Cosmetics just becuase of the prices and quality, so far they've impressed me with everything they've done.

What is your favourite thing to shop for?
Nail varnish wtihout a doubt, think kid in a candy store!

What does your natural hair look like?
The same as it does now, deep dark brown and wavy. I embrace my hair and the hair dye to keep the greys at bay.

What are three things you love about yourself?
I will do anything for the people I care for, I work hard for what I want, and the fact that I can still have a laugh when things get bad.

Why did you start blogging?
I was inspired by Brit Beauty Blogger and thought I could write about my knowledge that I had, as well as use it as an excuse to wear/buy more nail varnish (and use my qualications in it!). Haven't regretted it at all.

What is your favourite colour of nail polish?
Red - However my blue varnishes now outnumber my reds (8 blue to 3 reds!). Today I am rokcing some pretty french white tips, very chic.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working for myself as a beauty therapist and blogger, still with husband, maybe kids and a vast amount of nail varnish!

Nominations

Bex from Furtures
A Nutty Style of Life
Nikkilou Loves
Beauty on a Budget
Better with Beauty
Cruelty Free Cottage
It's A Bloggers World
Ivorysmoke (even though I think she already has one)

Questions (because I really liked Yakatey Yak's questions)

1. What do you do to relax?
2. What are your biggest fears?
3. What are three things that are unique about you?
4. What TV show is your favourite and why?
5. What are your top three bands of all time?
6. What is your favourite thing to shop for?
7. What does your natural hair look like?
8. What are three things you love about yourself?
9. Why did you start blogging?
10. What is your favourite colour of nail polish?
11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

There we go another award to stick on the page :) Thank you again for passing it on to me, it really does me a lot x

Featured #Bblogger of the week

 

This to let you know that this week I am one of the featured blogs on the offical blog for #Bbloggers.

 

I am overjoyed to take part in these chats twice a week at 8pm and to be featured is a great honour.

 

You can read the full interview here as well as more about #Bbloggers

Versatile Blog Award

Excuse me while I go a little red, for regular readers you would of noticed that on my MUA BB Cream review in the comments the wonderfully Rachael from LiveFoodLove gave me my first blogger award. Before I break in Gwyneth Paltrow sobbing there are some rules:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers (who are relatively new at blogging)
2. Let these nominated bloggers that they have been nominated
3. Share 7 random facts about yourself
4. Thank the blogger who nominated you
5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award to your post.

Some random facts about unevelemming:

1. When people met my husband and I they assume that he's the older one when it's actually me by 2 years (He's 28 while I'm 30).
2. I was a Scottish highland dancer for 10 years and regularly competed around the UK.
3. I have a fear of jelly fish since I was stung by one when I was 12.
4. I have my tea black with no sugar, but my coffee with a dash of milk with one sugar.
5. The name Unevenlemming came from a random name generator when I needed a nickname, that was now about 16 years ago.
6. I know most of the words to South Park The Movie
7. I have over 20 books on my to-be-read list, and it keeps increasing :S

People I'm giving it to:

It's A Blogger's World
My Beauty and Fashion Fix
Lacquers and Laces
Ivory Smoke
jessica rachael
Lucy Abigail
Powdered Almond
Showgirl Secrets
The Modern Vegetarian
Beauty From Pain Blog
Laurzrah
Powder Blue

Once again to Rachael from LiveFoodLove, it does mean a lot to get validation for the work and love that goes into this *sniff*.