Skydiving!

Hi everyone!

On July 3rd I did something that I will remember for the rest of my life- a sponsored skydive! I mentioned in a previous post that I had been busy fundraising for charity, the charity was Helen and Douglas House, a hospice for children and young people based in Oxford. My older sister, Jemma was diagnosed with a rare genetic illness at the age of 2 and died at the age of 7, when I was 3. Helen House (as it was then- Douglas House was added later) opened its doors as the first children's hospice in the world the same year that Jemma was born and she started going there for respite care a couple of years later, after her diagnosis. Helen House provided invaluable care to Jemma and support to my family and is remembered as a happy and homely place to be. 

As Jemma would've been turning 30 last August, the same year as Helen House were celebrating their 30th anniversary, my family decided to raise money for H&DH to commemorate these events throughout the year ending in August this year. We organised various events including a bake sale and a 'Jazzfrezi' curry night with live jazz music, raffle and auction but it was my uncle's idea to do a skydive and as I had always wanted to do one, I jumped at the chance! Overall we raised over £3,000 which we are all really proud of!

Our first jump was actually rescheduled due to bad weather after we'd sat at the skydive centre for around 4 hours staring at the clouds willing them to clear! Our second attempt was more successful though, and on the day of our jump we arrived at the centre, went through our training brief again (make like a banana!) then waited around for a few people to jump before us which was great to watch! Finally, when it was our turn we went and got our suits on and met our tandem instructors. My instructor was really friendly and although I (surprisingly) wasn't nervous made me feel at ease, making jokes and teasing me about my footwear choice (my colourful Fred Perry plimsolls!). The atmosphere was so relaxed that it didn't really occur to me to be nervous, even the pilot drove up to the plane in a golf buggy dressed in shorts, t-shirt and trainers. Having only ever seen commercial pilots it was funny to see one without the posh uniform etc.! After all the waiting (about 4 months!) I was bursting to do it so jumped on the plane and thought to myself 'I'm going to enjoy every second of this, I'm not going to waste any time being nervous' and it honestly worked! 

As we were gradually climbing above the clouds and I knew that I would be first to jump, I focused my mind on enjoying the experience and remembering what I needed to do during the jump. Before I knew it, the doors were being opened and my instructor (very securely strapped to my back) started pushing me down the bench, onto the floor of the plane and out of the door! One minute I was sat on the edge, the next I was hanging out the door with my arms folded and head back and a second after that I could see the plane that I'd just jumped out of! 

OMG, I was falling through the air belly up! Another second later and I was up the right way with my arms out. After a gulp of cold air, I caught my breath and opened my eyes to see the camera man filming right in front of me! The feeling was incredible, I really can't express how amazing it was to feel the wind, so fresh and cold in my face, to hear it rushing past my ears like when you're driving fast with the windows open and the feeling of freedom and invincibility! My instructor encouraged me to pull silly faces at the camera and move my arms around to feel the effect it had on our speed and direction but all I could think was 'I can't believe it!' and shouted this several times at the camera man along with lines like 'this is f***ing AMAZING!' and 'WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!', haha!

All too soon it was time for my instructor to pull the cord and release the parachute, I just remember seeing the camera man pull his first and then disappear through the clouds before I was yanked upright and we too began a slow descent through the clouds. As we peeked through the clouds and the ground became visible my ears started really hurting, I had to hold my nose and blow several times to re-pressurise them like I'd been told to do. My instructor asked me how I was doing and started loosening a few straps to make to ride to the ground a bit more comfortable. We enjoyed the wonderful views for a while and did a few loopy tricks to impress the spectators before my instructor got me to practise my landing position and then pointed out my family on the ground as they came into view. I gave them a good old wave before we again assumed the landing position and gently made contact with the grass. I immediately wanted to go up again and couldn't wait to go and tell everyone all about it! However, I noticed that my throat had become very dry and sore from the shouting, oops! I saw my uncle land seconds later and he too was ecstatic! 

We collected our certificates, photos and DVD and made our way home, still on a high. It was a fantastic experience and one that I will definitely have to repeat!

Finally, if you fancy watching the video here it is on YouTube!

Face Mask Friday! #8

Hello and happy Friday! Firstly, I'm sorry I missed FMF last week, I went to collect my Granma's dog as I'm looking after her this week and she's been keeping me so busy that I just didn't get done in time. We've had a great week anyway, it's been so much fun having her to stay and I'm writing this whilst she takes a nap beside me snoring!

Onto this weeks mask, which is the Montagne Jeunesse Lemon Zest Peel-Off Detox and Pore Cleansing Masque. Designed for normal, oily and combination skin types the mask contains a medley of natural ingredients including crushed ginger, green tea, seaweed,  evening primrose, aloe vera and of course lemon, which all aim to deeply cleanse and revive skin, leaving a more radiant appearance.

As expected the mask was a clear, yellow colour and the formula quite runny but wasn't as sticky as other peel-offs I've tried. Applying the mask was easy, although slightly messy due to the consistency but not so much that I would be put off using it again, although I had to be more careful around my hairline and eyebrows as peel-off masks in hair are not fun! The mask felt cool and refreshing on my skin but one thing that surprised me was that it didn't smell of lemon! I was quite pleased by this as I'm not too keen on strong citrusy scents and whilst I can't describe what it did smell of (almost musky perhaps?) I did like it and it wasn't too strong. I wore the mask for the recommended 15-20 minutes, by which time it had dried evenly and was easy to peel-off.

After using the mask my skin was left feeling clean, soft and refreshed. My face was slightly oily before using the mask, but this oil was gently stripped away and didn't return the whole day, amazing! I also felt that my skin looked clearer and brighter after use and felt much smoother making makeup application easier and the results look better. You'll probably know by now that I'm a big fan of MJ masks, they've got a fantastic range, are affordable and really do the job. The Lemon Zest Peel-Off is no exception and I would definitely recommend and repurchase!

I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of Poppy that I've taken this week as she's a cutie!

I ♥ Spring Tag!

First of all, thank you to Miss Budget Beauty for listing the questions! I've enjoyed watching and reading my favourite bloggers and YouTubers versions of this tag so decided to give it a go myself!

1. Favourite spring nail polish?

This has to be Jade Stone by Models Own, it's lovely pastel green and was the first nail polish I reached for at the first hint of spring! This shade of green is a favourite of mine and my bedroom is a similar colour so I am slightly biased but I find it both relaxing and uplifting at the same time. Rather appropriately (and by coincidence!) I have on my nails here Jade Stone with Snowflake on my ring finger nail, this picture was taken last Thursday while the sun was shining and before the snow hit us!

2. Must have spring lip colour?

I'm not very confident wearing lip colour so I usually stick with a safe option like the Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait. However, I have recently purchased something rather more daring for me, the Bourjois Rouge Edition lipstick in shade 17 Rose Millesime. This is a lovely raspberry pink which is still very wearable, although it doesn't go with every outfit like my Peach Parfait Lip Butter does, it's still pretty versatile and is nice to have a change sometimes.  I have also purchased the Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya, a new shade for spring/summer and love it! (as well as a couple of Rimmel Apocalips but I'll do a separate blog post on those!).

3. Show us your favourite spring dress!

Sadly, I don't really have a spring dress so I decided to show you this top instead which is probably the most springy item of clothing I have. Once again it's my favourite shade of green, but also has splashes of purple, pinks and yellows. The design is so pretty with flowers, butterflies and dragonflies, which is what makes it a lovely top to wear in spring. I bought this from Dorothy Perkins last year and have worn it loads, it's lovely soft cotton, really comfy and very flattering.

4. Favourite flower

For me, daffodils epitomise spring, my dad loves them and has always filled the house and garden with them during the spring months. However, I can't resist a daisy so I'll go with that! I love sitting out in the sun reading a book or making daisy chains. I love their simplicity and think they look so cute in the grass and love it when they have those little purple bits on! Here are some pictures I took a few years ago on a May bank holiday weekend...

5. Favourite spring scarf/accessory?

My favourite scarf is this pink one which was a total bargain from Forever 21. I bought it in the sale after Christmas and spent a couple of months waiting for the weather to warm up so that I could wear it. The colour is a gorgeous, light, salmon pink with silver sparkle running through it. It's so soft and lightweight and a good length so that it can be worn in different ways and the colour looks great with lots of things in my wardrobe. It also matches my Ted Baker handbag and purse perfectly, all I need is a pair of shoes this colour to finish off  *wink*! 

6. What spring trends are you most looking forward to?

I don't tend to follow trends but I am looking forward to ditching my Ugg boots in favour of something more feminine. I love my Uggs and wear them literally all winter but there comes a time when I just want my feet to have a little more freedom and look a bit prettier!

7. Favourite spring candle

I have been loving this Very Berry candle from Bomb Cosmetics. It's a lovely fruity fragrance without being too sweet and the scent lingers for hours after you stop burning the candle. I like tin/jar candles in general as I can put a lid on when they're not in use as I find that dust can gather in open candles and make them smoky when burning. I recently bought some gift sets from Bomb Cosmetics for friends birthday presents as I received some for my own birthday last year and was so impressed and whilst I was there I couldn't resist trying one of their delicious candles. This was my first candle from Bomb Cosmetics and I'm looking forward to trying more, the only problem is deciding which one!

Photo from http://bombcosmetics.co.uk/very-berry-candle

8. Favourite perfume/body spray
10. What is your favourite thing about spring?

My favourite is the same all year round and that is Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy! I first bought this in 2009 on a trip to New York and haven't been without it since.

9. What is spring like where you live?

Well, right now it's still pretty wintery but spring is one of the best seasons in England, I think. We've put the clocks forward so we now have longer daylight hours, it's not getting dark until about 8pm which is so refreshing after months of darkness from about 4pm! It's lovely when the trees start blossoming and everything just looks more colourful in spring. I also love seeing lambs in the fields jumping around, they're so cute! My boyfriend and I went to feed some lambs a couple of years ago and I think we'll go back this year as it's great fun! Everyone sits in the barn on a hay bale and gets handed a bottle and then they open the gates and let the lambs loose! You just hold out your bottle and a lamb will come running up to get it.

The weather getting warmer is definitely a plus, although we're not quite there yet! Spring always makes me feel more energetic and motivated about doing things, I think if the year started in April rather than January then more new years resolutions would be kept! I also love the first time you can go out without wearing a coat and as I mentioned, the time when I can put my Uggs away until winter!

11. Are you a spring cleaner?

Haha! Um, no... I'm ashamed to say that I'm a bit of a hoarder and no matter how hard I try I can never seem to have a good clear out.

12. Any plans for spring break or upcoming vacations?

Not really, although I'm finished with lectures at uni and don't have any exams this year (yes!) I still have assignments due for a few weeks so am not really finished just yet. I am, however, going to dog sit for my Granma's dog Poppy for a few days in May while my Granma is on holiday, so that will be fun!

Beauty Blogger Tag!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

It's wavy, so I usually wear it straight but sometimes go natural and if I give it some help it can get quite curly.

2. What is your natural hair colour? 

 Medium/dark ash blonde.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon? 

I used to get highlights through my natural colour at the salon, but it's expensive to maintain so I now dye it myself.

4. How often do you wash your hair? 

Every other day normally.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it? 

 Mostly the same but occasionally I'll mix things up a little.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon? 

I do it myself, the only time I've had a pedi is when I had Minx put on my toenails. I've a few manicures at the salon but don't see the point in paying for it when I can do it at home just as well. Having said that, I love the hand massage you get with a mani at the salon and it's not the same if you do it yourself!

7. How often to you change your nail polish? 

Once a week at most as I find that my nails get quite dry if I have polish on them too long/often so I have to give them a break sometimes.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer? 

All year round! My toe nails are almost always painted, during the winter I try out some crazy colours and combinations because no one really sees them!

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup? 

About 10 minutes, I'm not a morning person so have minimal 'getting ready time'. If I don't have anywhere to be then I can drag it out and try out new things as I've got time to redo it if things go wrong!

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes? 

Face.

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it? 

I'm definitely a collector, much to my boyfriend's annoyance! 

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Hardly ever, I've only worn them twice.

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Pretty much, but I don't wear loads of make up so a full face for me may not be what others would consider a full face.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

Yes, it may sound silly but I don't feel properly awake if I haven't done my make up, even if it's just a touch of mascara.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup? 

I will, but I don't very often.

16. How many high end products do you have? 

I love Benefit and have quite a few of their products, a YSL eyeshadow compact, Lancome nail polish and a couple of others. Most of these were gifts and the majority of my make up is from drugstore brands. 

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes? 

Not as often as I should!

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Noooo, haha! I just wear what I feel like on the day, it depends on what I'll be doing, what the weather is like etc.

19. How often do you change your handbag? 

Not very often as I tend to hoard things in my handbag! Only when it becomes really heavy do I swap to another bag (leaving the non-essentials/junk in the other bag!). I also change with the seasons, so mostly use dark coloured bags during winter and get the lighter, more colourful ones for spring and summer.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep? 

On a work day I'll get up around 7am and go to sleep around 10.30-11pm, on a weekend I get up around 10am and go to sleep around 11.30.

21. How often & when do you workout? 

During the summer when I don't have lectures, assignments etc. I go to the gym 4-5 mornings per week. During term-time I have less free time so I don't get to the gym as often and may just go for a walk or do a DVD at home a couple of times a week.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed? 

 Right.

23. How tall are you? 

5ft 6in.

24. Do you speak a foreign language? 

I've got a GCSE in French but I wouldn't say I can speak it. I'd love to learn Italian.

25. How many pets do you have? 

None, I'd love to but it's just not practical right now. I had a cat (Tinkerbell) but she stayed with my mum when I moved out.

26. How often are you on Blogger? 

Every day.

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs? 

Not always, but quite often.

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts? 

Yes! I keep it on my phone so that when I'm shopping I can remind myself and keep an eye out for offers.

29. How did you come up with your blog name? 

Lilybet was a nickname I had at school and my boyfriend also calls me it.

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs? 

I have a pink Casio Exilim, but sometimes I just use my iPhone.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

What a random question! 

32. What is your favourite colour? 

That light aqua/duck egg colour but also pink, every shade of pink and especially coral/salmon pink.

33. What is your favourite beauty/fashion magazine? 

 I don't read magazines very often but I do subscribe to Cosmo.

34. Do you swear?

Yup...

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Ordering an indian, doing some uni work then relaxing in front of the tv.

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