Sunday 26 July 2015

Painted Wooden Letters



Lately I've been keeping myself busy with these little beauties. They are freestanding wooden letters which I have been painting and personalising, and I have to say I am actually in love with them! They add a nice finishing touch to a room I think. I started with the idea of making these for friends and family but I've had a fair bit of interest and really enjoy making them, so thought I would mention them on here.

I can use any colour paint you choose, and can paint on hearts like above, or stars, polka dots or just stripes. The gift tag tied on is also optional so you can really make these your own. They are about 20cm tall.

All letters are giftwrapped free of charge (let me know if it's for a boy or girl) and come with one of my new little business cards which I think are so cute!

I'm selling these for £10 each which I think is reasonable compared to similar things online, excluding postage and packaging if you don't live locally. If you are interested and want to know anything else, drop me an email at shollandhoughton@hotmail.co.uk - if you would like one I can set up a listing on eBay for you to bid on so you have all the relevant payment protection etc for your peace of mind.

♥ 

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Cancer Research Race for Life


Hi everyone! So I haven't quite got back into my blogging schedule yet but I hope that over the next few weeks I start posting regularly again.

On Sunday I completed the 5k Race for Life in Lincoln for Cancer Research UK. 

A year ago when I took up running, I couldn't even run for a minute without getting out of breath and wanting to stop. So I'm really proud of myself for how far I've come with it all. I ran the entire course in under 28 minutes - we're not quite sure what time - my sister-in-law crossed the finish line after me and she said the timer said 27 minutes 53 seconds, and we had a few minutes at the start line where we barely moved because of the amount of people (1,555 people took part in total!) so I reckon it could be anywhere between 25-28 minutes. My personal best before this race was 28 minutes 59 seconds so I'm really pleased with how I did, and think it was due to the determination I had to run a strong race for everyone who had sponsored me and for all cancer sufferers and survivors out there.

Both my Nanny and Grandad passed away due to cancer before I was born and every step I was running I kept thinking of them and it really gave me the determination to run harder and faster. I would have loved the opportunity to have known them and I hope that I did them proud.

I plan to run a Cancer Research Race for Life every year from now on - whether that be 5k, 10k or I'm actually really wanting to try one of the Pretty Muddy events. It was such a fun day and I felt such a sense of achievement when they handed me my medal.

If you would like to sponsor me, you can find my fundraising page here. Family and friends of mine - you can also sponsor me by giving me the cash in person as I have a sponsorship form and so far most of you seem to prefer that method :)






Wednesday 15 July 2015

Graduation



You know when you feel like the whole world is shifting around you and you are struggling to take it all in? Well that's how my day was yesterday at my Graduation. I couldn't quite believe I was donning my mortar board and gown and the day just seemed to flow away from me and was over before I knew it. Now I've had a morning to reflect on the best day of my life so far, I wanted to pay tribute to all of the wonderful people who have been involved in my university journey and helped me get to where I was yesterday, walking across that stage.
After picking our tickets and robes up, my Department held a drinks reception for students and their families. After enjoying too much Pimms and not enough canapes (I think everyone could tell I was too nervous to eat!) we mingled and listened to speeches from various members of staff.
Before I knew it, I was sat in the ceremony listening to speeches and watching student after student go up and enjoy their moment on that stage. At this point I was feeling so incredibly nervous, but then when they called my name and I started the walk up to the stage, all of a sudden I felt like I was about to explode with pride and happiness.
Now, anyone who knows me knows that I'm extremely critical of myself and struggle to accept compliments or to ever feel good about myself. I always want to push myself that little bit harder. But as I started my walk up to the stage, I realised that I could only remember one other occasion when I had been as proud as I was yesterday. And that was three years ago, when I was sat refreshing UCAS and seeing that my offer at the University of Warwick had been confirmed.
You only have to ask my family to know that Warwick has been the making of me. I have learnt more about myself in the past three years than I have at any other time of my life. Life away from home at university is not always a bed of roses I will admit, there have been some really difficult times, but the staff within my Department have supported me 100%, every step of the way, and shown me that I can make it through any difficult time, perhaps a little shaken, but always with a smile on my face and surrounded by the kindest and most wonderful people.
I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible academic staff and will be forever grateful for the expertise and wisdom they shared with me throughout my three years. I went into my degree with the hope that I would come out of it understanding the world differently, and that has definitely been the case. I now think about things from different perspectives and with a whole new level of clarity and confidence.
So my three years are over and I'm about to start a new chapter in my life. At the moment my future is uncertain, and I'm absolutely terrified if I'm honest. But deep down I know that a PAIS degree from Warwick will help me to achieve my aspirations, goals and will allow me to embark on the most exciting adventures I could ever dream of. I know that I have not only gained the degree necessary to move forward into postgraduate study or a career, but I have gained the skills necessary to challenge myself and to reach for the highest stars. The possibilities are endless now and I will never be able to thank the Department enough for what they have given me.

Thursday 2 July 2015

Afternoon Tea in the Woods



Yesterday my Mum had the day off from work and because the weather was so beautiful we decided to take a drive to a nearby quaint little town called Woodhall Spa. We were planning on going swimming in the outdoor pool but the queue was enormous so we went for a wander around the shops and then to this little Tea Rooms hidden away in the woods.

It brought back some wonderful memories as my Mum used to bring me here when I was a really little girl, and we ordered what we did all those years ago! The Afternoon Tea was so yummy and we enjoyed sitting in the shade watching the world go by and enjoying being surrounded by nature. 

There is also a tiny old-fashioned cinema nearby where we used to go, but didn't really have time today. So if you live in the area I would definitely recommend checking out both, I think it would be sooo cute as a date night idea!

I can't believe how hot it has been! I enjoyed wearing my new summer clothes but I am so sunburnt it is unbelievable! My knees are red raw and I've genuinely had ice packs on my legs the entire time I've been home.

How have you been enjoying the heatwave?


Wednesday 1 July 2015

June Favourites

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've been quiet on the blogging front again. I've been feeling a little down, so I apologise for my absence and the fact I haven't taken any photos for this blog post. My head and heart just hasn't been in it lately, but I hope this college will suffice in the mean time while I get my head around everything that is going on and changing in my life. I know I'll be fine soon, and can't wait to get my new camera eek! It should be with me in the next fortnight so watch out on here and my Instagram for when I reveal it in all its beauty.



MAC Brave Lipstick | I purchased this lipstick as a little treat to myself and I'm so glad I did. It is an amazing dark-nude colour and it has real lasting power. I've been suffering with really dry lips lately and a lot of lipsticks have been making them much worse, but this is really moisturising and feels very lightweight on the lips.

Models Own Chrome Rose nail varnish | I finally tracked this down and have been wearing it non-stop between gel manicures ever since. It is the perfect metallic rose gold shade and really stands out. Plus it dries super quick so is perfect for those of you who are always in a hurry! Read my full review here

Benefit Rockateur Blush | This is a new firm favourite of mine and has fuelled my Benefit obsession even more! It is a rose gold shade and comes with a decent brush as well so I think it's quite good value for money. It's the perfect combination of blush and bronze products for me all in one and adds some much needed colour to my pale complexion. Read my full review here

Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun 24hr Moisturising Soothing Gel | So yesterday and today I thought it would be a brilliant idea to spend hours walking round/sunbathing in the sun with no suncream and I now look like an actual lobster! I've been in so much pain and struggled to sleep but this gel has really helped to soothe my sunburn. I recommend sticking it in the fridge for a while before using it, it's amazing!

What have you been loving in June?

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