Suze and the Beard : SuzeandtheBeard

Monday, 21 August 2017

Cauliflower

Dear Bump,

You are now the size of a Cauliflower according to the internet.
Though in my opinion and just from looking at me I would say you are more like the size of a giant pumpkin!

The letters have been on stand by due to so many things changing in your parents lives.

We have finally moved into our own little place, though it was stressful, it is also a huge relief.
Your room looks amazing, it is full of neutral tones and woodland creatures.
We can't wait for you to see it.
Which (quite crazily) isn't too far away now.
If you arrive on your due date we will see you in only four more weeks time!

Over the past few weeks you have given us a few scares which have resulted in tears and hospital visits.
The midwives have been incredible and put our minds at rest by reassuring us that all these 'little hiccups' are perfectly normal.
There is no such thing as a straight forward pregnancy, plus it also means I have some new snazzy stretchy bands that wrap around my ever growing bump...aka you.

Having your due date basically on our doorstep now is making your mum feel so uncomfortable. The waddle, the sleepless nights, and the constant need to graze is ever so real.
Not to mention the twisted pelvis which hasn't helped the situation, but hey it will all be worth it when we finally get to meet you.

If you can do me a huge favour though, can you stay out of my ribs.
It is beyond uncomfortable and there is nothing I can do to shift you. I can't imagine it being that comfortable for you either, so that would be amazing.

The count down is on Bump.
Keep growing (well not too much bigger otherwise I may develop my own gravitational pull).
Keep wiggling as it makes my tummy look funny.
And keep developing into the awesome little human you are.

Can't wait to meet you Cauliflower

Going Grey

No this isn’t a stress related issue.

I have tried so many different ways to get that lush grey colour but failed every time.

We are talking Purple Shampoos, Toners and Temp colours that vanish at the mention of water.

Nothing seems to work.

I’ve seen on Instagram and Youtube this new range called Colour Freedom Metallic Glory that is actually a permanent grey colour range for all hair types.

So I went to my local SuperDrug but low and beyond they were sold out in the colour Silver Grey!! Typical, I find a colour that could actually cure my non grey hair woes and I can’t get my mitts on it.

I went online to see if I could get it that way, but to my horror the words ‘OUT OF STOCK’ were mocking me for weeks!

It wasn’t until last week I got a nudge email say it was back in stock, so I jumped at the chance and ordered a batch!!

Right so let’s talk about my hair.

Recently, as you guys know, it’s been bugging me like an itch you can't scratch, or an eyelash in your eye, or some other bug bare that I can’t think of right now, but you get the gist.

Having been a platinum blonde for most of my life, to then going travelling and letting my natural mane come through, recently that novelty has worn off and I’ve become ‘Meh’ about my natural locks.

So I gave this a whirl.

I emptied the tube of colour and the developer into a tint bowl.

The colour had a slight blue tint to it which I can't lie, freaked me out a little.

After sectioning my hair into quarters I applied it over my head starting from the roots and working towards the ends.

Almost instantly the colour started to develop so I asked beardy for a hand.

When my hair was completely covered (which took about 10/15 mins) I left it it a further 5 and I kept checking the ends.

When I was finally cooked I rinsed and conditioned with the little sachet that comes with the kit.

And here are the results

The ends are little more Bluey than I would have liked, but at least it's more of a solid grey tone than the wishy washy style i'm used to. To be honest I'm a fan.

My advice would be to get someone to do it for you as this stuff develops quickly.

It recommends you leave it on for 25 mins after application, but I think if I'd done that it would have been ocean blue all over...and as much as I love Marge Simpson I don't really fancy rocking her look.

Out of 10....hmm id go with a 7. It's a great even colour, though slightly darker (with a bit more blue thrown in) but hey I actually now have grey hair.

For an at home colour it's brilliant, but just be careful not to let it over develop.

If you are unsure ask your hairdresser for advice or do a sample patch test before fully committing.

Lets work the granny look.

Meat Mission Hoxton

The meat-lovin’ legends that gave us Meat Wagon, Meat Liquor and Meat Market have now taken over Hoxton with Meat Mission.

For all the meat lovers out there I’m sure you are aware of these guys, and if you haven’t where the hell have you been??

When walking into this Hoxton hot spot you are greeted by a windowless main room that is dark and grungy, with light only via a beautifully designed stained glass ceiling.

The cooking here I guess a little more rough ’n’ ready, but that’s just how we like it. If you aren’t prepared to get a little messy then this isn’t the place for you.

The burgers that made the Meat brand famous are beyond awesome. Everything you could ever want, a good quality patty, a decent amount of add ons and they aren’t stingy on the chips!

To add a little spice to our meal we added a side of ‘monkey fingers’. Delicious buffalo style chicken strips that are finger licking gooood!

As you guys know we are always partial to a cheeky cocktail when we head to London and here was no exception. The awesome bartender even showed us how to make the famous Zombie! A concoction of rums, syrups and fire! That's right...fire!

Honestly even if we wanted to recreate one at home I don’t think we could, purely down to the number of different ingredients. But MAN it was tasty! If you are also in the market for something creamy yet alcoholic, they do incredible boozy milkshakes.

This chilled out place is a real favourite of ours. With it’s laid back style, quirky lay out, delicious food and drink you can’t go wrong with a bit of Meat Mission!

Also they have a photo booth for all you budding models out there. Plus if they like your picture they might just buy it off you. And POSE!

Valentine's Day...Cute or Fad?

Oh Valentine's Day...what are your thoughts?

I guess I'm a bit of a love grinch when it comes to Febuary the 14th.

Now this is not because I don't believe in love, or I'm not in love myself. That couldn't be further from the truth. I guess my issue is simply this; why make a huge deal out of one day, when you should celebrate your love all year round...see I can be soppy too.

One of the earliest, and most popular symbols of the Valentine's day is Cupid, the Roman God of Love. Since when have we needed a flying, naked, mythical munchkin helping us tell our loved ones how much they mean to us?

(Elegance at its finest)

Why do we feel the need to spend so much money on material bits and bobs when the day is meant to be about a wonderful feeling?

I get it, we all love to feel loved, but why not show it everyday in small simple ways?

When I feel poorly and Beardy brings me a cup of tea...that to me is love.

When we can't stop laughing at the most random, stupid things ...that to me is love.

Knowing that if ever I needed him, he would be there for me...that to me is love.

When you are both struck down with food poisoning in the middle of a foreign country and you just lay in your pants on a bed holding hands...that to me is love (too much information? But you get the idea).

Some times it's the little things that mean a great deal more.

If you want to make the big gestures on the 14th February, the proposals, the cards and the cuddly toys, then go right ahead you loved up lovelies.

Just promise me one thing...that you make sure you continue the love for the rest of the year.

Deal?

Awesome!

Anyway on a plus side for all of us 'Non Valentines Lovers', on the 15th we can snap up all those half price flowers, chocolates and ice cream! Love is truly in the air!

Cynic or not we wish you a very Happy Valentines day!!

Let’s keep it going

As we are now coming to the end of January it’s around this time of year where we either quit the health kick and go back to our old ways or we push through and keep going.

Let’s put it out there, chocolate and a sneaky glass of wine or two may have passed by my lips, but the healthy meals and the exercise are well and truly here to stay!

So here are my 5 top tips to ensure the inner glow continues on into 2016.

Preparation

This is key to ensuring you stay on track!
Take those few extra minutes to prep tomorrow’s lunches.
No one wakes up in the morning and thinks ‘Oh Yay, time to make a healthy, nutritious and tasty pack lunch’…well maybe some people do, but if you are anything like me and wake up looking more like a mole, dishevelled and grumpy, that is the last thing on your mind. Coffee perhaps, but definitely not lettuce!

Mix It Up

Being quite the newcomer to the world of exercise (well for a good few years anyway) I am loving finding new and fun ways to ‘feel the burn’.
Finding exercise you enjoy is key to keeping to a routine.
For the past few weeks I have just stuck to the bike and the weights, but there is only so much cardio and squatting a girl can do before she gets a little bored. So I’ve started to look a little further a field and I’m loving it.
Yoga is becoming a major love of mine. Being someone who struggles with nerves and anxiety this is not only a great way to improve how I look on the outside but it is also helping me on the inside. It’s a great way of having some ‘me’ time and helps give me the chance to put things in perspective. I’d highly recommend Yoga with Andriene on Youtube. Her Yoga Camp is a great way for beginners to get involved. So mix it up!

Meal Plans

Plan out your evening meals for the week.
Grab some cook books (Get the Glow Madeline Shaw, Lean in 15 Joe Wicks or Gizzi’s Healthy Appetite) are some of my favourites to ensure a healthy but beyond yummy evening treat.
This doesn’t only ensure your fridge is packed full of the goodies you need, but also gives you something tasty to look forward to whilst you plough on through at work.

Keep Hydrated

Water has become a very close friend of mine and it should become one of yours.
Having a 2L bottle on my desk at work has worked miracles.
I’ve marked it with little time slots. Sounds a bit nutty but honestly it’s a great reminder to keep hydrated and just to get it down.

2L sounds like an awful lot but the benefits don’t even compare.

Clearer Complexion, Boots Your Immune System, Flushes Out Toxins

The list honestly goes on. If you think water is a little bland, why not infuse it with fruits and veggies? My personal favourite is Lime and Cucumber. Odd combo I know, but trust me.

Just Keep Going!

Whether you are going it alone, getting healthy with a friend or fighting the flab with a partner, just keep pushing to reach your goal!
Sounds cheesey I know (and that’s a healthy cheese by the way) but by encouraging each other and keeping positive, in an odd way, it makes you more likely to succeed as you won’t want to fail.
I’m fortunate enough to have beardy pushing me to keep going, and trust me he can be strict when it comes to exercise and sneaking chocolate.
But there are so many Bloggers, Instagrammers and Youtubers out there who are also there to support you. Carly Rowena, Samantha Marie, Vivianna Makeup, Kayla Itsines and Happy Healthy Sophie just to name a few.

So come on guys. Let’s not have another January fad and keep pushing forward for a happier, healthier you!

Much love x

Top Beauty Sets from Selfridges Just in time for Christmas

Watch the faces of the Beauty Lovers in your life light up as they spot the iconic 'Yelllow' Selfridges bag and begin to unwrap any of theses gorgeous treats. You can thank us later :)