SEPTEMBER UPDATE!

My Birthday month!

I had a lovely birthday in the Spanish sunshine, with a birthday dinner in Malaga at https://www.restaurantemnl.com/.

What I am watching...

So many good shows at the moment we smashed through The Gentlemen on Netflix and are currently enjoying Mobland on Paramount. I also love my weekly guilty pleasures of Below Deck and MIC.

What I am reading...

I am enjoying 'Driving over Lemons' by Chris Stewart and in Spain I brought 'Beth Ha Muerto' my first fictional novel in Spanish by Katie Bernet which I look forward to attempting to start next!

What I am doing...

Work wise I am organising pre-wedding trials for late this year/early next year weddings.

Organising and planning my upcoming make-up workshops.

I have had a good organise of my makeup kit and I am looking into introducing a cleaner kit as much as possible going forward, cleaner as in product ingredients - my kit is always sparkling! 

I have also had to increase my fees for 2027, however all bookings made this year will receive 2026 rates!

I still have some makeup videos I made months ago I need to edit which I keep putting off so hopefully by next month's update this will be done.

I also plan to update my website galleries.

Oh and actually doing the physical makeup and hair too!

Non-work related I am focussed on loosing weight as with the number of holidays I have managed to enjoy this year I have piled on a few unwanted pounds! I am not dieting but definitely reducing portion size and eating healthy lots of fruit veg, nuts, meat and fish. No junk basically! Obviously anyone who knows me there is definitely the old treat here or there though!

I have also started taking creatine as I thought about it a year ago and never got around to it. I do quite a lot of gym and pilates so hoping it is helpful for me to take.

I am still enjoying some lovely sunny dog walks with the weather being so nice and warm still.

Lastly I guess I am sorting out my summer/winter wardrobe argh I hate this swap over time of year, I would like to remain in summer all year please.

What I am eating...

On holiday I casually tried prawns and started eating them, a total shock to all who know me!

With the slight change in weather I have enjoyed my first Sunday roast lunch of the autumn season in Hampstead at The Hollybush https://www.hollybushhampstead.co.uk/, we highly recommend it!

I have also started cooking my go to ramen dish which is hearty and filling! An autumn/winter dish only!

I am trying to eat more oily fish like sardines which I do not really like but hey ho... and introducing lots of different beans into our diet.

What I am drinking...

I always start my day with lemon water followed by a couple of coffees.  Sangria and red wine were by holiday go to's and red wine generally is my vibe. I am also loving the Dragonfly green tea with mint and I have just introduced camomile tea before bed!  Ooh and I also made my first ever smoothie, late to the party I know... it was delicious!

Current mood, in fact who am I kidding always my mood!

If you would like to book on an upcoming makeup workshop see further details here: https://www.nikimakeup.co.uk/clientlist

FRIDAY FAVE! Maybelline Lash Sensation Sky High Tubes Mascara

Late to the party... maybe! I have never tried a tubing mascara until now and boy do I love this one!

If you don't know what a tubing mascara is it basically coats each lash in water resistant polymer tubes that stay attached until removed with just water.  

Tubing mascaras are great as they do not smudge, flake or clump and require water only to remove them easily.

 I have never been prone to mascara smudging so it wasn't a priority for me but I do keep hearing about tubing mascara being great a hell of a lot recently so thought I would try the new Maybelline Sky High Tubes considering the Sky High mascara is such a great one.

I have been using it for around a week now and I have to say I love it. I particularly love the long flexible brush which really lengthens and stretches my short little lashes as well as separating really well. I find it easy to add a subtle touch to the bottom lashes with this mascara too and yes its super easy to remove with just water, although I do keep forgetting and swiping eye makeup remover over and nothing comes off as I have already washed my face!

Vegan, Allergy tested suitable for sensitive eyes.

Definitely a "Friday Fave!"

RRP £13.99.

Shop here https://go.shopmy.us/p-65537912

MAY UPDATE!

May was a pretty great month when I look back filled with long bank holiday weekends away, my first content shoot in my studio, working outside in the warm weather, weddings, 1:1 lessons and makeup workshops plus enjoying time with my pooch (@rufustheredtoypoodle) he loves being outside just like his mum! My heart is full with Gratitude and I am feeling the most aligned and positive I have ever felt.

I started off May in Murcia with friends who kindly invited us for the long weekend to their new holiday home.  The weather was not great unusual for Spain at this time of year but it was good enough and we had a great time exploring a part of Spain we had not visited before whilst enjoying a lot of excellent Spanish food and drink!

We retuned home and Rufus turned two! So we celebrated with presents, treats and a steak dinner plus a nice long walk on Redbourn common, which is one of his favourites.

A few of my snaps from workshops and weddings and my studio set up with new backdrop to use for photographing my bride's and clients as well as creating content (all part of the MUA job now!). 

A few from my content shoot made an extra effort with my hair and makeup for this one!

The last bank holiday in May we took ourselves off to Cley, Norfolk for a few nights break to recharge and my goodness I really did.  I felt so much better after slowing down for a few days, I must say the heatwave helped it was amazing to be on the beach every day and not need a jacket! I am definitely powered by the sunshine my energy has been insane the last week even getting up at 5.30am!  

Little shout out to The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead https://www.thegintrapinn.co.uk/ I had the best meal of the holiday there...Superb!

The Gin Trap deliciousness!

We also visited The Gunton Arms https://www.theguntonarms.co.uk/ another one of our favourites.

Outside fun!

I was also invited to the launch of the new gorgeous barn cafe at the Trooper, Aldbury https://thetrooper.co.uk/ which is my favourite new gastro pub, but shhh don't tell everyone! We were treated to some absolute delights, I cannot wait to return.  I put together a reel of my visit and my goodness it majorly out performed any of my other hair and makeup social posts by a country mile, maybe I am in the wrong job, food is where it's at...well anyone who knows me knows that is definitely true! You can see the full reel @nikimakeup on Instagram.

 

Wishing you all a lovely June!

For all hair and makeup enquiries www.nikimakeup.co.uk