New posts!

A couple new posts up in my new blog if you haven't popped over for a look, do it today!

New posts:

1. Find out a little more about me here

2. A picture that will make you smile & Hello Kitty for Forever 21 here

3. Amy Antoinette's wedding here with a few pictures

See u there x x x

new post

A new post about fish pedicure/fish spa along with a vid here!

If you don't already know, that is my new page so go follow me there :)

x

Come join me!

In my last post I mentioned I was working on a new blog ... IT'S FINALLY (near) READY!



It's not 100% and will never be 100% but it'll improve as it goes on! So please please please give it a visit & subscribe/follow on there instead!!!! I'm still following all of youse that I have been following - very sorry if comments have been lacking, but they will be back!! Been busy doing this new one up I dont know why I didn't just change the URL on this account in the first place but mistake has been done! I'll move some of the posts from here to there eventually too.

So here it is www.happytinsoldier.blogspot.com
and will be updated regularly, along with proper efforts!

See u there xoxo
GO NOW!!



Yes, HERE!!

...back

Wow, hello! It's been umm quite some time since I've been here! Well I'm back from my travels and ready to revive this blog and continue writing as I've missed it heaps! I've also most definitely missed reading all your lovely blogs so Im going to make myself a nice cup of tea and start looking through thousands of entries!

I am setting up a different URL/name but it's less than perfect at the moment so once ive tweaked a few things I'll move there and I hope all of you will move with me! I'll keep you updated! For now though, read on for a few things you might not know about me and hope you'll do the same on your blog so I can get to know you better too!


1. I used to be able to speak 6 languages fluently, unfortunately it's now down to 4 but hopefully I'd be able to pick them up again quite easily when I need to *fingers crossed

2. I love gardening. Please don't unfriend me!! Seeing things grow and eating fresh with 0.1 food miles makes me happy! I am a bit of a granny, cooking programmes are at the top of my favourites list.

3. Im obsessed with hearts! I have a lot of them too - jewellery, luggage labels, soft furnishings, kitchen wares…check back later for more detailed posts about all the hearts I have!

4. Travelling is a big part of my life. I don't mean spending money on booze and then recovering the next day on the beach sun-baking (although nothing wrong with it if its your thing). Travelling for me is really getting to know the people, culture & customs, history, food, language etc. It's about leaving the maps behind, little or no planning and just getting lost in backstreets & little lanes. If it was up to me, I'd spend a couple of months (or years lol) in each place! I have been very lucky to have lived in Japan & Malaysia and spent some time in NZ and OZ as well as mini breaks to various other places. Keep checking my Travel Log for more travel posts!

5. I'm quite a content person - if things aren't going my way you will rarely find me complaining because I tend to just embrace how things decide to turn out. I believe there's always a reason as to why things are the way they are. Life is short so if it's raining, grab your wellies and go jump in the puddles!

6. Umm… I have a dog, his name is Patch and he is one of the most most most important things in my life ever!!! He is a little Jack Russell Terrier, bit grumpy, tries to act bigger than he really is by growling at bigger dogs but inside he's a biiiig softie that loves nothing more than cuddles, kisses, blankets and being cosy! When I was packing for Japan, I turned around and found him getting warm & cosy in my pile of clothes in the luggage lol :p I wished I could have packed him along with me!

7. umm...I'm a crazy sentimental! I keep every little thing like little notes, old tickets, letters, clothes that no longer fit…I find it hard to throw things away!


Now tell me things about yourself & link by commenting x

Christchurch Earthquake Tribute Single Appeal

This is really a post in hope that all you love people will donate and help those in desperated need after the tragic earthquake that struck Christchurch 2 weeks ago.

My boyfriend (Jon) has produced a tribute single called 'Dont Give Up' & is hoping to raise at least £50,000 (NZD$100,000) to help those affected. Donating is really easy, all you need to do is donate a minimum of $5 (approx £2.50) to Red Cross through www.dontgiveup.co.nz. Once you've donated, check your emails for the invoice Red Cross send you. Grab the invoice number, fill out the form at www.dontgiveup.co.nz and you'll get the tribute single for free! It will only take you two minutes, but will help so so SO many people out there.

You can also listen to the track here: www.youtube.com/officialinnk

Please help Jon raise as much as possible to help those affected by the earthquake & show your support by spreading the word!

Thank youu :)

p/s I know I've neglected this blog a little but I promise once I've sorted out my life I will be back on track! Bear with me!!
xxx

Christchurch Quake

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the recent quake in Christchurch. Current death toll stands at 76 people with hundreds more missing and trapped under rubble. Let's hope and pray that the rescue team get to those who are still holding on soon.
It's incredibly sad what has happened. I feel so helpless at the thought that there are people trapped under twisted metals and crumbled walls just 30 minutes from where I am sat at the moment in safety. I wish there is something I can do to help but it's probably wise to leave it to professionals.

I have to count my blessing that we were delayed in going into the city on Tuesday (I was scheduled to fly back to England hours before the disaster struck) and we only experienced the weak end of the quake. Had everything gone to plan on the day, I'm sure we would have been caught out in this disaster.

For more information and constant updates go to www.tvnz.co.nz. If you'd like to help by donations please visit the Red Cross website for more information.

Here's a picture of the cathedral I managed to capture few months ago:



If you have relatives or friends in Christchurch I hope none of them are affected :)

Hello World...

I'm still alive! I know, I miss you too.


An update soooon - just trying to tweak a few things, improve the blog before I start again and share my adventures with you...I have no knowledge of coding whatsoever so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Very very very soon,
xxx

Hello

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! I hope all your shoppings are done & ready for it! Sorry for lack of posts, I have SO much to tell but getting on the internet is prooving to be difficult and when I get a chance to, I have to book for travels ahead! Well I'm going to make a new blog for my travels, keep an eye out for it. Any blog name suggestions? In the mean time I wonder if anyone out there can help me build the layout? Im crap at stuff like that!! Any little help would be so greatly appreciated!!

The picture above is where I am at the moment - this place is just beautiful! Have a guess where it is in New Zealand!

The biggest Merry Christmas to all of you!!! I can say Christmas is definitely so much better in the cold! Will try to blog again as soon as I can - I've missed reading all your blogs and can't wait to catch up when I find some time!

What have you asked for this year & are you excited??
xxxx

November favourites

Can't believe its snowy December already! Where did the year go? Anyway here are some skin care products I loved in November:

1. Body Shop Moringa body butter


This keeps your skin baby soft & smelling fresh and lovely!


2. No.7 Protect and Perfect Eye Cream

I have serious issues with panda eyes & eye bags so have always used eye creams but to be honest I never know if they are effective as I still have them!!! I'm sure eye creams are one of those products you must use, but never really does anything? Anyhoo, this eye cream is light & creamy so a little goes a long way! I do notice that it lightens the dark circle a little!


3. No 7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum



A little pricey but silky, soft and smooth! Helps reduce pores and smooth wrinkles in just 4 weeks, this is a must have for all beauty-junkies!


4. Clinique Total Turnaround Visible Skin Renewer



i.love.this. It lets your skin breathe, leaving it refreshed & rejunevated! Creamy but not greasy, silky and smooth! Also notice it brightens my skin and reduce redness especially in the mornings! l.o.v.e!


Hope you find this post helpful :) Rememeber moisturise moisturise moisturise especially in the harsh winter conditions!

xxx

Message from Patch

It is very cold out there (in Europe) so make sure all you lovely people wrap up warm ♥ woof ♥


Aw, I miss my little Patchie. I'm sure it is very pretty across Europe at the moment, but hope the snow goes away soon as I'm sure it has caused plenty of disruptions! xxx

One of the things I've always wanted to do...

Swimming with dolphins wild dolphins ♥ Very lucky to have swam with the World's rarest breed: Hector's dolphins! it.was.phenomenal.






Have you ever swam with dolphins? If so, where and did you have fun?

p/s apologies for abandoning the blog but promise to update more often!

Jay
xxx

Kia Ora...

from Christchurch, New Zealand!!


Flying into Christchurch


I'll be in this part of the World for just under 4 months - I will try to blog as much and hope you lovely readers come on an adventure with me ♥

I realise I lost my purse when I got on the train to the airport which is rubbish! Luckily it was in the car, but I guess it's a sign - big guy up there didn't want me to have my credit cards with me! I already promised I won't shop too much! Grr and now I dont have anything with me not even driving license makes it really tricky! so I would appreciate all your recommendations to do (free) stuff around NZ!


xxx

Ahh

Sorry for the lack of posts - it was my last day at work on Wednesday ... finally!! Felt so good to have a lie in Thursday morning!!

So I'm off on my travels again and I leave tomorrow! Exciting but I havent even packed yet theres 1001 things to do :( I hate packing!!!




Im off to New Zealand / Australia this time for a few months! I really can't wait I really hope I will make the best of my time out there :) Aww I think my little puppy knows he's been wanting attention all the time and now sat on my lap ... cute I'm gonna miss him heaps.

Anyone from / been to NZ - any tips / places i must go??

xxxx

Can you see it ...

Following on from this post, thought I'd do another:





Can you see a man walking along with a cap and rucksack?

Isn't it just amazing???????????? Do you think I can make this as a career? mmm ...
photo courtesy of a traveller friend she is a little photographer ♥


Have you any random photos like above to share & do you like making out things from shapes/clouds?

xxx

Country Barn

Thought I'd share some pictures of the lovely barn/cottage we stayed at last week!


Entrance/outdoor space


Kitchen


Top landing


So cute


New found hobby (actually won 6/6 games - must be beginners luck haha!)


Amazing main bedroom


Amazing main en-suite with the biggest bath & shower ever! We had fun times in there!


Amazing views all around



Had such an amazing time away from civilisation - long walks, tea, board games, reading, cooking ... it feels odd coming back to reality & seeing other human beings!! I want to stay there forever!! It's also a working dairy farm so I got to milk cows! Was so much fun, also saw baby cows, so cuteeee!




If you'd like to have a country retreat to get away from stress and have some peace & quiet, this really is the best place to be! In the middle of nowhere but yet within reach of fun things to do ie Exmoor, Dartmoor, Coastal Paths ... let me know if you're interested I can forward you details! We only paid £300 for a WHOLE week (sleeps up to 4 people & pets welcomed).

I really miss the fresh air, long walks and just total relaxation, no rush for anything! Ahh take me back there NOW!

Jewellery

Hello lovelies ♥ I'm back from the much needed retreat & have had fun spending a long time catching up all your blogs (have missed reading them!) anyway I was browsing and looking at various jewellery & thought these are so cute:


Sweetheart ring


Wing earrings

Also from Zara Taylor/Truebirds:






I love this!

Ah lots of birds & wings lol but they are just so beautiful! Hope you have had a lovely weekend xxx

Current favourite perfume

The lovely Rose 4 Reines from L'occitane ♥ With just one spray you can smell it throughout the day! Love the smell! Got this from Bicester Village for only £8!



Also purchased the Limited Edition Wild Cherry Tree - it smells lovely as well. Still in its packaging!


What is your current favourite perfume? Have you ever tried any fragrances from L'occitane?

Jay
xxx

Country retreat

If you're reading this, it means scheduled post is working! Yay! This is a sneak peek of the lovely country house we're at ♥ will put more pictures up when I return. Hope all you girlies are well I miss reading all your blogs!

Have a lovely Tuesday

Jay
xxx

Country retreat

I'm away for a week in the lovely Devon with some girlies & Patch ... cue lots of tea, reading, biscuits & country walk! I've brought lots of New Zealand guide books with me too so I can start planning! I've scheduled a couple of posts, hope they work!! Hope all of you have a lovely week, giveaway next week!! Promise!

Have a lovely weekend,
Jay
xxx

Secret agent?

Socks are turning out to be a great hit this season - although Japan has had this look for like ever! I've always been slightly dubious in trying this look even though I've stocked up enough pairs from tutuanna, the best sock shop EVER in Japan! Few weeks ago when the weather started turning cold, I braved the look and this is the result:



I had a little knit dress with black socks (River Island) and with the coat, I looked a little like a spy or a secret agent especially paired with massive shades ha ha! I did really like the knee high socks but I think it's quite easy to look too sexy /sultry so will have to balance that! I have to say I much prefer over the knees than under the knees socks! I'm quite looking forward to trying them with not just mini dresses but shorts and mini skirts too :)

One more look I've yet to brave is the ankle socks & shoes look especially with peep toes! Have you tried it?

What do you think of knee high socks? Will you be trying it out this season?

Jay
xxx