#JasmineBecketGriffith at #whitbygothweekend

This last week, we did #whitbygothicweekend which I barely took photos of sadly, due to the intense wind and cold. I tried to take photos but the wind buffered my hands so much.

We came following a specific artist, who is of course my favourite one #JasmineBecketGriffith better known as Strangeling.com she does a free exclusive pin for those attending the event, and a limited amount, so we hit the road at 5.30am.

Headed to the stalls to buy our goodies and get our pins too. I’d had my eye on an #AliceOracleDeck for a while.

Jasmine also signs your gifts if you like, and will also take photos with you if you ask. This time I didn’t ask for photos, as I wasn’t feeling at my best after such a long journey,and it was soooooo cold. We’d walked a fair bit before getting to the bizarre bazarre, so I felt too disheveled for photos.

The town was brilliant and many places were brilliantly decorated for Halloween which I loved.

We hunted for Dracula’s grave in the churchyard near the abbey. The steps killed me, I took a few, stopped, a few then stopped (this hip has gotten so bad so fast it’s scary!!) I was overtook by pensioners.

This is how cold it was!! So off we headed to #Scarborough to rest my hip, and warm up our bones (I swear the cold got right in me)

Gorgeous view, epic weather, stormy seas, I can see how Bram Stoker’s book came about!!

Tea at the local wetherspoons in Scarborough, and we were back in the B+B and asleep by 10pm (so rock and roll)

Horrific nights sleep, as rain lashed against the window, the wind howled all night, but somehow I still loved it. Weirdly refreshed, must be from the comfy bed. I was up and ready to tackle Whitby again and be more prepared. Ie wrap up warmly until the day before. Perhaps that’s why the cold got in the bones more?

Saw Jasmine for the second time and picking up a belle print for our youngest daughter.

We headed into the town for much needed breakfast and though it was packed!! It was the best god damn breakfast I’ve ever had!!

So delicious, I will visit them again no doubt next year.

The cold was a huge issue with this event for me, it stopped us doing a coastal stroll,exploring the abbey, and more of the town old and new. But we had also done enough to make the hip scream so much (that I’m thankful this surgery is booked!!) Next year I’m hoping it will be different, pain wise and mobility wise. I can’t wait!!

So not my usual update on hip, but while I’m on a countdown I’m trying to do ‘normie’ things, though admittedly each time I do, hip shows me I’m not normal and it’s the right decision (for that I’m grateful)

Trick or Treat Glossybox October

To end my glossybox subscription, I ended on their Trick or Treat box. And I wanted Treat which thankfully I got, oddly enough my eldest daughter wanted a Trick which she got, so happy days.

I love the box design, and I’m sure I’ll end up keeping it as organisation box inside my drawers.

Sleek palette oh so special, this is 12 super pigmented long lasting mineral based shades, that cover all bases from smokey sophisticated to daytime chic. RRP 8.99 FULL SIZE I’m going to have a play with this palette

This works, in transit camera close up primer, which has hyaluronic acid, starflower oils and a hint of caffeine. Revive flagging dull skin for photo ready make up. RRP 17.00 For DELUXE MINI I love this primer, but it’s pricey, so I’m always happy when boxes put this in

Luna by Luna Translucent powder, from the states comes this nifty cruelty free setting powder, to keep your skin smooth for hours. RRP 17.00 FULL SIZE never heard of them, so I’ll give it a go

MUA luxe strobe and glow highlight kit. A 2 in 1 compact with creamy gold highlighter, or iridescent sheer powder, it can be subtle or intense. RRP 5.00 FULL SIZE I’m glad I got this to try out, seem lovely on the skin

Illamasqua Antimatter lipstick in Nebula. Semi matte finish bold bright pink lipstick. RRP 20.00 FULL SIZE I really wanted to like this, and trying this brand out, but alas the colour is too much for me. But it will be gifted to a friend who loves it.

All in all not a bad box, and of course straight after I cancelled my subscription I see the next month’s item is a FULL SIZE Huda Beauty liquid matte lipstick!! 🤔🤦 Oh well, can’t win them all can you.

5 weeks to go….. #THR

This week I have been faithfully doing physio, and I’ve learnt a few things from it.

1, my left (to be replaced) leg hates Hip Extension forward. It feels immensely heavy to lift, not sure why?

2, I’m still struggling with Clam raises, or Hip openers. It aches my left side glute, again it feels extra tight and resistant.

3, even this Heel slide (the easiest exercise) I’m struggling with on the left side too. The leg feels so heavy in comparison and it takes all my efforts to get them completed.

So I’m at a loss on how to improve these beforehand, as I’ve been doing these consistently this whole year, with zero improvement. I’m hoping once replaced, the action will improve.

Sidenote: since the weather has turned cold, and damp. I’ve noticed that my back is stiffer, I feel like a plank of wood. No flexibility in this Ehlers Danlos girl, and pain has increased. Maybe this is why I feel physio has gotten worse?? Hot water bottle is back out full time, and ibuprofen gel.

These are still available, on batch 4 at the moment and will end 31st October, ship 11th November. buy here

October Beauty Box #Lookfantasic

To finish up my subscriptions, here is my last box of this year from #Lookfantastic

Talika Bubble Mask Bio Detox

This innovative charcoal bubble skincare mask contains thousands of nourishing microbubbles. The mask instantly starts to foam when applied to the skin, it helps to detox and purify the collection, leave skin deeply cleansed and balanced.

PRAI AGELESS Throat & Décolletage Crème

Unveil youthful skin with this lightweight anti-ageing formula. Apply this to the neck and décolletage to improve and tighten crepey skin. The intense formula improves the appearance of age spots, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Monu Night Renewal Complex

Monu’s rejuvenating and refreshing formula contains Marine Collagen and Polysaccharides to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This rich cream is intensely moisturising and soothes, nourishes and improves skin’s natural elasticity!

AHAVA Mineral Body Lotion

Infused with Dead Sea Minerals, this lightweight and fast-absorbing formula smoothes, softens and refines skin. Apply in the evening to unveil noticeably softer skin by morning.

Pixi Fresh Face Blush

This light diffusing blush not only provides a pigmented wash of colour, but also contains Vitamin E and Mica which hydrate the skin at the same time. The soft rosy hue is perfect for improving the complexion, and leaves skin appearing radiant and healthy.

Dr Lipp Elderberry Lip Tint or Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Dry Skin, Luscious Lips & Glossy Bits

A cult-beauty staple, this lip balm was originally designed as a nipple balm for pregnant women, is used as a deeply nourishing lip balm. Ideal for soothing dry and chapped lips, this balm has been proven to improve roughness by 40% in one hour. Use the tinted version to not only moisturise your lips but also to provide a subtle wash of colour!

I’ve loved having Look fantastic and find them extremely good value for money. I’m only stopping now, so I can actually use all that I have, before buying more. I’ve found some amazing products, tried new things and totally changed how I view skincare. At 42 I’m not getting any younger, and I’m realising I can’t ignore it any longer. It’s time to stop abusing my body inside and out, and take steps to improve health not only through exercises, and eating better, but through the skincare and ingredients used. It’s been a lovely year of discovery.

Selene by Stewart Giles #BlogBookTour

I’m still on the #StewartGiles book blog tour, and I’m loving it. Here we have book 6, the characters are starting to feel like people you know in real life, the stories intertwine so perfectly, with the reality of York. Because I know the area, it’s easy to imagine the locations, the people, and cases as if they were actually real.

Selene (DS Jason Smith#6) by Stewart Giles
From #1 best-selling author: Stewart Giles comes a new addition to the popular Detective Jason Smith series.

A man is found tucked up in bed with his throat sliced open two days after Christmas.

DS Jason Smith and his team are baffled. It appears he has been drugged, killed and carefully wrapped up in a duvet. The only evidence Smith finds are some strands of hair belonging to a woman. One month later, another man is killed in exactly the same manner but there appears to be no link whatsoever to the two men apart from the fact that they were both single, lonely and middle aged.
Haunted by lucid dreams and terrifying double awakenings, Smith stumbles upon something that will send him on a hunt for the most baffling murderer the people of York has even seen. With time quickly running out before the next full moon and the safety of one of his closest colleagues entering the equation, Smith finally closes in on the most terrifying murderer he has ever come across.

This is a roller-coaster ride of a thriller with twists and turns all the way to an ending you won’t expect.

About the Author

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later. Horsemen, the seventh in the DS Smith thriller series is out now. The Beekeeper, a departure from the DS Smith series will be released through Joffe Books on 22 May.

My Review

How these haven’t been made into a gritty BBC crime series yet, I’ll never know. As I think they are perfect. Most crime books you love the hero, hate the villan, and most locations are airy fairy.

But not these books, you can simultaneously love and hate the so called hero, he’s more anti hero than hero. And equally the villan has aspects you’ll admire, be curious over, and detest all at once. It’s a real page turner, that gives endings you don’t necessarily see coming.

I never want these to end!! Please get on BBC or Netflix, this needs to happen

6 weeks and counting…. #THR

I find myself imaging the worse, or thinking I don’t even need it, what am I doing this. The stress it puts the family under, I feel guilty over.

But then, I’ll do something ordinary, like Hoover a room, and BAM like a bolt of lightening, I will be reminded to why I’m doing it. Why I’m taking a huge leap into the unknown and risking what I have, for what could be…. It’s no easy decision.

This week has passed with ease, finally feeling on the up from a bout of laryngitis. We have rearranged our bedroom for ease, so I can easily get into bed and the bedroom if I have a walker (I’m aiming for crutches, as I’m a whizz on them)

I’m currently writing to do lists, packing lists (weirdly I never end up using most of the stuff though) and thinking ahead of what I need to buy.

So far I already have a grabber, useful for picking things up so you don’t have to bend. As for 6 weeks I will not be able to go past 90 degrees bending. This can dislocate the hip. (To be honest I rarely do now, same reason)

Then I have the life saving perch stool, which moves from bathroom to kitchen (via hubby) as it’s good for drink/food prep in kitchen, and for washing/bathing in bathroom.

And again for washing and bathing I have an over the bath board. So you can progress from perching and washing out the sink, to sitting over the bath and using a shower.

So what else do I need? A shoehorn, and sock machine? I’m not going to get them, as I do have help via husband and daughter, so I’m sure they will assist me.

My packing list is

• Nightgown/Pajamas
• Robe
• Comfortable clothing (sweatpants, loose shirts) – ( I arrive and leave in these)
• Slippers
• Shoes
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Razor
• Soap/Shampoo
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Tissues/ baby wipes/ mirror
• Book
• Phone and extra long charger
• Headphones
• Eyemask/ ear plugs (I use headphones though)
• Crutches
• Medication
• Squash/ fizzy pop
• Boiled sweets or mints
• Stash of snack food just in case

And at home I will be trying to prepare some meals to freeze in advance, for hubby. Keep on top of the washing, housework as best as I can. And of course keep going with my exercises I’m doing. You can see them Here

These have helped massively throughout this recovery period, and I will continue to use them.

Finally getting answers?? 7 weeks til #TotalHipReplacement

Well I’ve had the long awaited rheumatologist appointment, and it wasn’t at all as expected.

I wasn’t sure which would be a good result, if I’m being honest. As rheumatoid arthritis is no laughing matter, though thankfully there are certain medications to help with the inflammation.

However, I have certain distinctive wear and tear joint space narrowings of the joints, and none of the rheumatoid symptoms, so this meant it’s more likely my #EhlersDanlosSyndrome causing early Osteoarthritis, but the inflammatory kind. So still erosive and very painful, but less likely to be helped with medications that they use for rheumatoid arthritis sadly.

So it’s a limbo really, I can brace, splint and tape them up. Take ibuprofen, use hot water bottles and do physio and see if it helps. Though I am doing all these things already to be honest. So my future of a crafter (Jewellery and papercutting) is looking unlikely!!

I’m going to try and tinker more with food groups and try to find my triggers, if it is triggered by food that is.

So it seems my Zebra status is causing my early onset of Osteoarthritis which is notable in the hips, and now the hands. I haven’t dare touch upon the fact my ankles roll all the time, knees ache funny and elbows are odd. Because he signed me off straight away. So I think he just believes I need physio and perhaps go back to gps for help with better painkillers. (Do better painkillers even exist? Ones that don’t cause hair loss, sleeplessness, racing heartbeats, brain fog, nausea to name a few of the lovely side effects…)

I am allowed the kenalog injections in the hands, but is that in 1 joint, multiple joints? As sometimes it’s 1 thumb, 1 wrist, and 1 finger all at once! It’s unpredictable as to when and where it’s going to hurt, so taking painkillers seems weird. Ideally just reduce the inflammation would be a good start.

For now though I must just muddle through, manage the pain as best as I can, because it’s a mere 7 weeks now until my Hip Replacement Surgery. And I have so much to do to prepare for that. Any handy tips or hints? Let me know

Harlequin by Stewart Giles #BlogBookTour

Harlequin (DS Jason Smith#5) by Stewart Giles

From #1 best-selling author: Stewart Giles comes a new addition to the popular Detective Jason Smith series.

The circus comes to town and children start to disappear.

Detective Sergeant Jason Smith is persuaded to return to work after three weeks of a marijuana induced haze. Forced to endure the leadership of a new DI, the fulsome Bryony Brownhill, Smith is faced with the most difficult investigation of his colourful career.
When the children who vanished are found murdered in various parts of the city, all clues lead to the circus grounds, but Smith and his team are met with a sinister silence everywhere they turn. Smith digs deeper and discovers the cause of this silence; the chain of events that led up to the vile murders that have shattered the hearts of the people of York.
This is an edge-of-your-seat thriller with an ending that you won’t expect.

About the author

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later. Horsemen, the seventh in the DS Smith thriller series is out now. The Beekeeper, a departure from the DS Smith series will be released through Joffe Books on 22 May.

My Review

By this book I now think to have a full understanding and to truly appreciate the storyline arc, you need to have read a few previous books at least. This is book 5, and to see how and why he behaves the way he does, it’s better to be fully informed.

That said though, it’s a great mystery book in its own right, and most things are totally explained. I just personally feel more connected and invested as I know the backstory.

Creepy circus, jugglers, clowns and kids going missing. Sounds like my own nightmares in book form. A firm favourite this time, and better yet I’m off to York this month, so I’ll be wandering the town imagining the characters and locations Asni do so. Great one to get me in the Halloween mood. Creepy page turner.

Beauty boxes in Sept, #Glossybox uk

 

but as a back to school box it’s ok, glad I used my points though. No card included, not sure why? But inside I got #GrowGorgeous scalp detox which youngest will use on her sunburnt scalp. Smells nice and it feels creamy. #WetOnes bit annoyed with them, I mean really?? #DailyConcepts mini facial scrubber, I do actually need a new one, so although pretty basic, it’s useful to me. #bangbeauty brow cream this will be used as why not, but I can’t see it turning me away from #wunder2 #beautypro bubbling cleansing masks, one of the few masks I love, so looking forward to using this.
Best thing in the box is #karllagerfeldmodelco lip pencil rosewood it’s absolutely gorgeous and the product I’m most excited about.

54 weeks post #HipArthroscopy and I have good news

Since holiday I’ve done zip, zlich, nada for a few days, because I got super sick as soon as I was home in the UK. I caught laryngitis and needed antibiotics, and lots and lots of rest.

While in this state, I’ve done a lot of resting as well as getting back into a routine, physio is a no no so far. But now it’s easing off, I’m hoping to return to it.

Instead we did do a walk, and attempt at #couch25k though we repeated week 3 run 1 as realistically that’s our actual level. Ended up being really good mentally, but physically it’s killed the hip (predictable) and following a bath to ease pains, I tried to lift my leg up to get dressed, and the hip feels like it’s coming out of joint?? It’s awful, painful and I’m grateful for my bathroom perch!!

Weather has made my hands so sore again, it was nice to have the week relief.

But my main news is….. I HAVE A DATE!! And it’s so soon. It’s exactly 8 weeks today, 29th November so a new hip for Christmas.

Thank goodness I got poorly now, rather than later. Now to plan, prepare and organise my house. It’s all too real now, it’s actually happening!! Woohoo