Invisalign Braces #2

Hi everyone. Just a quick update. As promised I said I'd keep you all up-to-date with my journey to better teeth!

In my first post I talked about why I wanted Invisalign braces and what they essentially were...so please see that if you're curious.

After having my moulds and x-rays taken it was a waiting game to see if I was indeed eligible for the braces. If you are, they then go about creating a digital version of your teeth. I was later invited to a free appointment showing my teeth on the computer. It was very strange to see them on the screen and my dentist then hit the 'play' button which showed how the braces would slowly move my teeth. The finished result was incredible and I knew right there that I HAD to have them!

However due to my situation at the time (the whole quitting my job saga!) I knew on paper I'd never get a loan with Medenta like I had previously planned. My dentist told me I had 100 days to decide whether to go ahead with them as after that time your teeth can move a bit and I'd have to have the moulds redone!

I went back to the dentist on 21st March (still within the time frame) and decided to pay in cash. It wasn't even a question of whether I wanted the braces but luckily my business has taken off and has allowed me go ahead!

If anyone is considering them, mine have cost me £3200 (yet I'd already paid £1000 for work prior, to then be given the green light to get them!) and generally all Invisalign are around the same pricemark.

The next available appointment isn't until the 23rd May so I have a bit of a wait! However I'm very excited to know that it's all finally going to be happening!!!

Soon I can do this> :D confidently!

I've been quoted that I'll have to wear the braces for 40 weeks to get the desired result which is less than I expected to be honest.

My next Invisalign post will be when I have them!!! Watch this space :)

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Trio: Limited Edition

Hi everyone. So I went shopping last weekend, for a dress actually, but ended up in the makeup and skincare department of John Lewis! Like you do! :)

I'm sure I don't need to go into how special Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish is and it's been a holy grail product for me for some time. However if you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing it then in a nutshell it literally melts off your makeup in such a sensitive fashion. It's the only thing I've ever found to remove my mascara and eye makeup successfully without any stinging whatsoever!

So, I knew I was running low on my Cleanse & Polish and planned on simply repurchasing my usual one. It's pretty decent and lasts me a fair few months. Yet when I got to the Liz Earle section the special edition ones immediately caught my eye. Unbeknowing to me, they are currently celebrating their 20th anniversary and have a special set as pictured above available for a limited time only.

Upon smelling the added flavours to the original Cleanse & Polish, I knew I had to have them! They're gorgeous! I'm yet to try them as I'm waiting until I run out of my normal one...but I'm in for a treat for sure!

The set retails at £50 which is a little more than I was looking to spend but I know they'll last me ages! Here's the link if you'd like to have a nosey :)

Does anyone else have these?

<3

2 months, 2 promotions!

As I'm sat writing this, I'm realising that I need to start back posting regularly again. Each day in my business we hear all too often how being consistent is so very important and I believe the same goes for blogging. 

I love how therapeutic it is to write your thoughts down.

So in my last post I talked about how things don't always go as planned but how important it is to remain positive and focus on the things that make you happy. This is what I've done.

Rewind to the end of February and I got my second promotion in my FLP business...

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I've never known recognition like what this business offers. The congratulations and well dones are endless and I had a great day being recognised at the Success Day event at the NEC in Birmingham on the 28th Feb...

But why stop at Assistant Manager?....

7 months ago I signed up to an opportunity. An opportunity that everyone around me was skeptical about and said wouldn't work. Even I wasn't sure. In my first planning meeting I chose Supervisor level to aim to get to. Not so ambitious! But I didn't believe I could get to Manager level. 

14th March 2015 I HIT MANAGER!!! 

I am still so overwhelmed by what this actually means to me!!! I'm learning everyday that anything you put your mind to is achievable. There are no short cuts. Hard work, self-discipline and motivation. A positive mindset. Whatever you think you can, you will! 

In all honesty though...I could not have done it without my AMAZING TEAM! Everyday they make me smile. I cannot thank them enough!

Now, I better get dress shopping (for the next recognition day!)... Your recommendations on sites/places that sells beaut dresses? :P

Things don't always go as planned!...

Hi. I'm unsure how many of you will read this but I'm writing it as more of a therapeutic thing if anything.

So the last time I posted it was the day before my first day at school, or first day in my new job as it were. Oh how I raise my eyebrow now when I think about how excited I was and all that hope I had that I'd have a better time in teaching than in my previous job!

Fresh start

My first day was actually quite nice to be honest. Sure I felt a bit awkward and a bit of a fish out of water but the staff were nice and the kids were adorable. I mentioned in my last post that this new job was a 4 day week. So I looked forward to Thursday starting my weekend.

It was great to have Friday off

I did school work the entire day. "I just need to get ahead? It won't always be like this, right?"

Silver lining I got to escape the school work for an hour or so to do something towards my business. The main reason I went part-time!

I had the weekend off

I worked hard to learn the new systems and to get "ahead".

By week 2 I had learnt that I needed to get up at 5am every morning to do school work before getting into school for around 7am! To then set up the environment entirely on my own, resource 3 teaching groups of 13 kids each, perhaps whilst juggling and balancing on one leg?! To leave around 5:30pm for nothing more than a change of scene to then carry on with school work.

I am superhuman

Then Monday, of just week 3, happened. Do you ever wish that some days you could rewind and maybe just start over?

By 10.30am I experienced what I believe to be my first panic attack. If you've had one you'll relate. If you haven't, I hope you never have to relate!
I calmed down after locking myself in the toilets and eventually calling for my TAs (teaching assistants).

It won't happen again

At dinnertime I found myself stuck in Morrison's cafe, unable to pull myself together. I couldn't go back. After panicking and ringing my Dad (who was in Northampton working- far away from my home) he managed to calm me down a bit and made me get in touch with my headteacher, of whom coaxed me back to school with a cuppa!

He was brill I have to say and he planned for me to get some support from my leader. "It'll be ok. I'll get some help and it'll all be fine".

I drew a line under Monday.

Tomorrow would be better

Tuesday dinner I had panic attack number 3. I realised at this point that I could not control when they were happening. This scared me. "What if it feeds into other parts of my life? My business? How can I manage a big team if I panic all the time? Will it destroy my confidence?"

Unfortunately, it wasn't received as sympathetically this time around and I was made to go back in and 'teach' in this state. I was crying, my skin blotchy and red and I could hardly catch my breath. Those poor little 3 year olds, a little scared if anything, all staring at me. I do not know how I got through it! I really don't.

After that I met with my headteacher again. Wednesday morning I got up at 5am. Not to get on top of the endless workload, but to write my letter of resignation.

I left school and my job with immediate effect that evening.

I regret it

Quite honestly it's the best choice I've ever made. My only regret is that I didn't leave on the Monday!

Sure, it didn't go as I had hoped and planned for but I guess that's life right?!

The good news is I'm well and truly on the mend and I haven't had anymore 'full on' attacks. There's still a little flutter of anxiety there occasionally which I'm working on, but overall I'm feeling so much relief and happiness.

As for work, my business is BOOMING! I'm going for a position in the marketing plan this month so it's all go. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!At least that is making me smile!...

As for teaching. I still do it in the form of supply teaching but I don't think the job as a whole package is for me, at least for now anyway!

Being my own boss is brilliant. Everyday feels like a weekend! I choose when I want to get up. No horrible Sunday night feelings. No set hours. And I'm now drinking wine on a Monday night! Everyday's a school day

Sunday thoughts

As I am writing this I am watching the amazing 'Fringe' series on Netflix. I discovered it just before Christmas and I've been hooked ever since! If you're into your sci-fi gory futuristic genres then it might be worth a watch :)

I'm actually doing everything I can in order to tame my excitement. Even as I type I feel so excited and have butterflies. Why? This week is a very big week, as it is for a fair few 3 year olds across the country. It's my first day at school!

It's funny because you'd normally only have to start school once or twice in your lifetime, at primary and then secondary, but as a teacher it happens a few times more!

Starting a new job is a big thing for anyone. No one likes being the newbie. Getting lost. Repeatedly asking people's names that you can't seem to remember. Feeling a bit awkward. Overwhelmed...But the good news is you only have that one first day. And chances are you weren't as hopeless and you'd imagined. 

Today hasn't been a bad day. It's been rather lazy, granted. Yes I'm still in my pjs, my hair needs watching and I've been considering the treadmill since waking up...but it has been rather productive in other senses. 

I sent my business messages and chatted to a team member. I then found a new contact that wanted a call (via my website. www.ellie.flp.com if you care to look). I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to call this complete stranger. This is not something I'm used to doing. In fact I've found Facebook to be so amazing for me getting contacts and arranging to show people the business that I can count one one hand how many times I've had to pick up the phone and actually speak to someone. 

But I felt confident in my abilities. I'd been advised on how to go about it by my fantastic team and you know what, I thought what is the worst that could happen? They say no thanks and hang up? My New Year mentality isn't about making excuses, but getting stuck in and doing something!

Anyway...how did it go? Better than I could have hoped for. After asking her if she was able to chat for 5 minutes, our conversation ran away with itself and after 29 minutes I ended the call with an appointment with her booked in for next week. I felt pretty happy and continued to organise myself for the week ahead. 

I think Christmas and New Year, whilst good, felt very strange. To not have anything in particular to do. No messages to send. No meetings to attend. No real tasks. I felt a bit lost. Prior to Christmas I was so stupidly busy that I had got so used to the fast-paced, coffee to go lifestyle. It was normal to not have a minute where my phone wasn't buzzing, and finding time to watch Hollyoaks on catchup a real mission! 

But then it just stopped. Stood still. Hence my 'Fringe' discovery. 

I suppose it is nice to have some downtime sometimes but I think perhaps a day or two for me would have sufficed. My Dad hit the nail on the head when he called it 'Crimbo limbo'. The days between Christmas and New Year did very much feel like I was in limbo. I hated not having any real purpose! 

Thankfully New Year did eventually happen and I could resume some activity within my business. I'm now pleased that is tomorrow isn't far away and I can get back on track with everything. Sure the alarm is going to kill me. I've become somewhat nocturnal lately and it's highly unlikely I'll be able to get to sleep quickly tonight. But my bodyclock will adjust. Thankfully it doesn't take long to switch back. 

Another important change next week is that my weekend begins on Thursday evening. Working a 4-day week rather than the standard 5 is going be such a help! My theory in teaching is that full-time actually means life and part-time actually equates to full-time. But aside from that it has been tough juggling a new business around such a full-on job. I did it and managed but long-term it just might have killed me! 

Having Friday's to do with as I wish will be magical. It hasn't actually sunk in properly yet. How amazing it is going to be knowing I've nearly finished my week on Wednesday. TGIF can go swivel it's all about TGIT lol...not quite the same ring to it ey?

But Fridays are still going to be productive. Sure on occasion I might treat myself to a lie-in, but mostly I'll be starting my day with a good Spin class at 9:30am. In fact I've already booked myself on for this up and coming Friday :) Then I can start my day positively with a great workout and have the rest of the day to do business things, any school work that needs sorting and just spend the time wisely! If by chance I take a nap, well why not! Haha. 

I suppose I better run my bath...my hair is a disgusting mess! First day, first impressions as they say! Wish me luck! :)

X

Merry Christmas!

Hi everyone! Hope Santa was good to you! :D 

So, every year I hum and ahh about doing a Christmas 'haul' because of the mixed response but I love watching or reading others', so here is mine! I've been quite select on what I've included and you'll be pleased to know I've stuck to main presents and not bothered to include the many stocking fillers I received. As lovely as a bottle of Avacat is or as cosy as my slipper socks are I'm not sure they are all that interesting :)

So I'll begin with perhaps my favourite. This year I asked my parents for yet another Pandora related present. The new Essence Collection. Not only is the bracelet really pretty, it has a special meaning. My personal team in my business is called the Essence Group. When I heard about this Collection I felt it was so fitting! 

As for the charms, they all carry meaning. I LOVE anything with a meaning or motto behind it. The pink charm is called Passion and is the one I picked out with my Mum. It says do the things you're passionate about and that interest you.

The other 2 charms were a lovely surprise. The purple stands for Faith. It reminds me to have just that in myself. The silver detailed charm is Health. Very apt considering my business is in the Health and Wellness industry. Also a nice reminder to maintain my fitness and strive to be healthier.

I see a theme here! I love Pandora and I was also treated to 2 gorgeous charms for my main bracelet. My best friend Gina got me the beautiful Angel charm. It's very pretty and I like to think of it as a guardian angel. 

Mr. gingerbreadman was a gift from my parents. I'd been after this cute little guy for a while and my Mum knew this. She surprised me with it but gave me a big clue as the pandora bag also had the gingerbread teddy decoration inside!

Now my haul wouldn't be complete without some form of makeup now would it! Benefit is possibly my favourite brand. It was hard to get one of these sets and online the price was doubled once they sold-out...sorry Dad :P There wasn't much surprise when it came to this as I did send him a link to buy it haha but...well worth it! The blushes are divine! I have a big Rockateur blush already and use it all the time so I'm excited to try out the others, along with the famous bronzer!

If you know me or have been reading for a while, you'll know I'm a big kid and no Christmas would be complete without some form of gadget/toy! I really didn't know much about the Fitbug when I steered my Dad is its direction but I thought the concept of monitoring sleep was very novel! Indeed it really does work! :) It also has many other functions such as recording steps taken. It's safe to say I have barely moved since Christmas! :P

Keeping with the gadget theme...I also got a hand blender! I made a lovely banana shake this morning for breakfast and was super impressed. I half expected covering the kitchen in liquid and mashed up fruit but it was all very successful! I'm really not a fan of actual food before 10am so the idea is that I'll use my Forever lite Ultra which is a fantastic meal replacement, mixed with different fruit to keep them interesting as breakfast on work days. Sorted!

PJs, slippers and a dressing gown are a given for me every Christmas and my Mum likes to give me and my Sister Jess at least one pair of matching PJs. A photo together in them is fast becoming a tradition! :)

Tunes! Last year I had a iPod for my car. I've been using it all year and love being able to shuffle all my music. However, if you saw my recent posts you'll know I have a new job starting in January. My last school was a 20 minute drive and my car remained on a private car park- so I left my iPod in my car all day. My new job is literally a 5 minute drive and I'll be parking on the street. Rather than messing about plugging my iPod in for sake of a quick drive and them taking it back out when I arrive...I think CDs are the answer. My parents were spot on with their selections...especially Take That's as I'm going to see them on tour again next year! :D Can't wait!

And finally the sea of edibles!...Wow. I didn't bother to gather all the chocolates and sweets I received but trust me I'm swimming in the stuff! Haha. My Mum said I should bite off Santa's head...however if you understood how big that actually is...no, just no! :P

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

I know I was very lucky in what I received but Christmas really isn't about the things you get, it's who you spend it with that matters...

I had a sleepover with my niece....all I truly wanted for Christmas...

Merry Christmas!

Clothes Show Live, Promotion, My Birthday, Last Day At Work!

Hey! Apologies that I've been a bit quiet recently. Life has been mental. But 100% in the BEST way! So here's a combined post of lots of brilliant things all rolled into one. 

7th December: Clothes Show Live. I love this event at NEC Birmingham and try to go each year. This year I went with my sister. Fabulous fashion show!

And really amazing shopping experience this year. Below are my purchases :D

13th December: Telford Internationale Business Center. Phenomenal day of training and hearing from the top people in the business. I also got recognised for my promotion to Supervisor. 

Later that evening I attended a champagne reception, before getting ready for a Glam Rock Party. A yummy 3 course meal, fantastic party and a nice stay in a nearby hotel. I do love this business lots! 

And at 12:01 that night I turned 25! 

14th December: Happy birthday to me. 

I awoke in the lovely hotel, untangled my back combed hair and headed off for a full English breakfast with some of my favourite people in the business!

At lunch time I met my ex Uni housemates for Xmas dinner. 

I really appreciated the comfy slippers 2 of them bought me, after such a fun weekend in heels! ;)

I also received lots of other nice birthday gifts but have failed on the photo front!

19th December: My last day at work!

It was difficult to say goodbye to the little cuties I've come to care about very much. But I know they'll be fine and it's the right thing for me to be moving on. 

I've never been quite so excited about January before. "New year fresh start" often gets banted about but this time it's true. Things aren't going to the same. I wanted change so badly and now I've made that happen. Here's to celebrating. 

Me and my best friend Gina last night at a Christmas party :) <3