Hello Jennifer Helen

Thirty(ish) Thoughts About Turning 30

November 16, 2016

As I sit here scraping the last bits of baked bean juice from tonight’s dinner off my plate, I wonder how I have managed to reach the age of thirty in one piece. I’m still not sure I particularly feel like an adult. I can tick off quite a few of the “adult” boxes: I pay a mortgage; I pay bills; I am married; I have a job; I save money regularly; I have a credit card; I book my own doctor’s appointments. The list goes on. I’m sure anyone looking from the outside would say that I’m doing OK at this whole adulting thing. So I’m not sure why I’m feeling so meh about turning 30.

Beauty: Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation Sucks!

November 14, 2016

I must say, I had absolutely no intention of writing this blog post. I bought Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Foundation after a long time dithering over whether I really needed another one (I already have a wardrobe of five I use on a regular basis). I had a voucher, there was 10% off, you know how it is girls. Thing is, I just can’t get on with it. I actually kind of hate it. Am I the only one?

Beat the Winter Blues with Office Chair Yoga

November 10, 2016

It’s winter, it’s cold, it’s probably raining (or snowing!) as you read this. It might even be lunchtime and I bet eating that stale sandwich at your desk is looking a lot more appealing than heading out into the bleak midwinter to stretch your legs. This is the time of year when we are missing out on vitamin D and feeling lethargic. And when we feel like that, it’s more important than ever to keep your body moving, keep the blood pumping and get flexing those muscles. So when I was sent some suggestions for yoga poses that I could do at my desk, with no equipment or gym membership required, I couldn’t wait to share them with you. The perfect way to beat the winter blues! CONTINUE READING

Wedding Day Make Up

November 7, 2016

One thing I always knew when it came to our wedding was that I wanted to do my make up myself. I even included it in a post I wrote about wedding traditions I would NOT be sticking to! The simple fact is, I know what suits me, I ain’t half bad at doing my own face and I could treat myself to a few new assets to my collection in the name of love. Or at least, that’s what I told myself.

*Disclaimer* – all of the pictures in this post were taken by our incredibly talented photographers, The Twins. Go check them out.

Health: So You Want The Body Of A Supermodel?

November 3, 2016

Have you ever heard of suspension pilates? No, me neither. That was until I got sent a very interesting email inviting me to try Bodhi at Precision Fitness in Newcastle. Apparently this is the exercise that all the supermodels have used to hone their long, lean bodies. And given I am forever in the pursuit of looking like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, I thought I’d better give it a go!

Travel: A Once in a Lifetime Safari at Motswari Game Lodge

October 31, 2016

If you recently read my post about our honeymoon itinerary (and if you haven’t, go read it now!) then you will know we had an absolutely incredible time on safari in South Africa. I can say, without a doubt, that the absolute highlight of that trip was our four nights at Newmark Hotel’s Motswari Game Lodge in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve.

Things You Should Know Before Owning a Hamster

October 28, 2016

Hamster

Hamsters are quite frankly adorable. Their tiny paws, tickly whiskers and big, shiny black eyes are enough to make even the hardest of hearts melt. So it’s not hard to see why loads of people want them as pets. But, take a quick browse through pets for sale on Gumtree, and there are far too many hamsters on there for my liking.

Afternoon Tea With a Twist in Sunderland

October 25, 2016

Last week I went to check out the new afternoon tea menu at the Hilton Garden Inn, Sunderland. It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!

Fashion: Autumn Textures

October 21, 2016

Autumn is well and truly here. The colder weather has come in, the leaves are falling from the trees and it’s dark when I wake up in the morning. It’s officially time to crack out the jumpers and coats! I have a bit of a thing for knitwear, sweatshirts, coats and ankle boots. I could buy endless amounts, all year round! So this outfit combines everything I love, with some gorgeous complementary textures that just work so well together.CONTINUE READING

Autumn has Launched at Katie’s Garden!

October 18, 2016

Living in Gateshead and working in Newcastle, I don’t often find myself out in Sunderland. Apart from the odd gig at The Stadium of Light, there’s not really been anything to draw me so far out on the metro line. That all changed when I was invited to visit Katie’s Garden, an amazing hidden gem in Sunderland city centre.