Military Wife TAG

Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

I have seen a few versions of the 'Military Wife' Tag floating around Youtube so figured I would share my answers here on Talking Transplants (and maybe can do a video over on my channel for any one who is interested?)

 

I have removed some questions which I felt weren't relevant to my military marriage.

 



 

 

How did you and your spouse meet?

 

We met and his Uncle's Birthday party when I was on day leave from the hospital.

I was around two weeks post transplant - crazy coincidence really considering my other half very rarely was up in Birmingham and we had never met before even though I had been close to his family since I was 15.

 

 How old were you when you two met?

 

I was 19 and Gareth was 23.

 

 How long have you been together?

 

We have been together 3 years this May.

 

 Where are you and your spouse originally from?

 

We are both from Birmingham - Yep we are Brummie,although our accents aren't always picked up..

 

 How did you feel about him joining the military?

 

Well he was already in the Military when we met.

My feelings on getting with someone in the military?

I knew what I was getting to having family already in the military and I knew if I was to get with him I couldn't really complain later on as I knew what I was getting into.

To be hoenst though we had a very unique realtionship due to his job and my health.

 

 Has your spouse ever been deployed?

 

Yes,Once when we were weren't together and once when we first got together for 2 months.

 

How long have you been a military wife?

 

6 months :)

 

Did he wear his uniform on his wedding day?

 

Sure did.

He wasn't too keen on the idea to be honest,but I talked him into it (Ooops.)

He looks fab in it and the way I see it if your in the forces you should be proud to wear your uniform so when else would be more perfect to wear it then on your wedding day?

 

Where are you and your spouse currently stationed? Do you live on base?

 

We are currently stationed at Fairford & We do live on base.

This is our second base,but our first experience 'behind the wire' so I will be happy to share my experiences in a few months for anyone interested :)

 

How long were you married when you had to go through your first separation?

 

Separation due to Military Life was after a few months but not for long.

 

What is your favourite base so far?

 

Only been here a week.but so far have to say Fairford!

 

Do you think your spouse looks good in his uniform?

 

 

Of course!

I think he looks rather handsome :)

 

Do you have a lot of military wife friends?

 

Due to Social Anxiety I struggled when I first moved in with Gareth (before we got married) to push myself and meet new people. After we got married I got very close to another Military Wife,and she became someone I could speak to about pretty much anything and have a laugh with.

Now we have moved base I hope I can but my new found confidence to get to know more people.

 

What is the hardest part of the military life?

 

I think its having deployment hanging over you sometimes,but to be honest there is nothing I personally would say is too bad.

I think it all comes own to each individual really.

Having anxiety,plans changing 50 million times i find hard but thats just down to my anxiety really.

 

Do you own military wife stuff?

 

I did own a Help for Heroes jacket which has now gone on walkies..

So I am currently on the hunt for a new one and have a tshirt I want to get too :)

 

Do you support your spouse as a member of the military?

 

Always.

I am so proud of what he does,and will always support him and what the military do.

I couldn't be prouder of him,and everyone else who is in the military,they all do amazing jobs and help us all in ways that sometimes we don't even realise!

 

So that was it.

The Military Wife Tag.

 

I would love to know if any of you are interested in knowing anything more about being a forces wife?

Maybe a little Q&A or a video on youtube?

 

Let me know!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

 

 

6 Months of Marriage.

Hi Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

On the 19th of this month it had been 6 months since I got married.

Time really has flown by but it feels like we have been married so much longer to be honest.
This is probably been down to so much going on since we got married,change in my medications going ahead ( a big thing for me - coming up in a liver check up soon) & a change of house,and uprooting.

 

A lot of other Mr & Mrs told us that the first year of marriage is usually the hardest.

I always found this strange,but parts of it I can kind of agree with now we are half way in as such..



I do agree that once you are married something feels different,It's hard to put your finger on what it is but something does feel different.
Within a few months of been married I felt like I loved my husband more than I ever have and ever possibly could - and I felt that more and more and more everyday.



I now know this 100% has come from feeling so content with where we are in our relationship,and just enjoying doing things together and growing as Mr & Mrs Jake's as well as individuals.

I never thought I would be one to agree that marriage does bring you closer together but in our relationship? I think it has.
It has inforced for me poor gareth is stuck with me ha ha.

I thought I would share this post just to tell people that the whole 'first year is the hardest' quote isn't always necessarily right - everyones relationships are unique so try not to let that bother you,and don't think that is always true.



The first 6 months of our marriage has been amazing,and I hope the rest of the year continues that way too.

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

 

Being in the Daily Mail & Saying Thank You!

Hey Guys!

 

So this is a pretty random unplanned post,

but feel like I need to do this.

 

Some of you may have seen that today my story was share over on the Daily Mail website.

 

 

I am so happy that it's been picked up by a national newspaper as it always gets so much more awareness for organ donation which has been what I have always tried to do.

 

Over the next few weeks I am hoping to get more awareness and get my story heard even more.

It is coming up to 3 years since I had my Third Transplant,and it just blows my mind how fast time has past.

 

I try my best to continue my donor's legacies by sharing my story  Our Story,

because after all without them I wouldn't be here to try and raise awareness.

People continuously tell me I am brave and inspirational but I don't see that,

I see it as my life was saved by three selfless amazing heroes and its my job to tell the world just how amazing they were and how they made a difference to mine and my family and friends lives.

 

I want to say thank you to ALL of you for supporting what I do,

and sharing my story and helping me get the importance of organ donation out there.

You are all amazing!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon

 

 

My Goals for 2015.

Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

Over the past week I have seen plenty of these kind of posts,and everyone has had plenty of different goals for the year.
Before I posted my goals (you can see my 2014 'aims' here) I wanted to be sure that the goals I made were realistic and appropriate for what I wanted to achieve this year.

 

So here are...

 

My Goals for 2015.

 

Print Out Photography From Walks.

In my previous 'goals for 2014' post I said that I wanted to take photos more and thankfully I have done just that.
Me & Gareth regularly go for walks and this year have begun to take my camera with me every time and that's allowed me to come out with some beautiful pictures (which I am hoping to share in a post next week...)
So this year I hope not only too continue taking more photos but too also print them!
I am looking at doing this in photo books so I have them all together to look over the years walks.
I just love how photos can just capture a moment perfectly and everytime you look at it,it can remind you off how you felt and replay that memory - amazing really!
I am looking forward to doing this,especially if we do end up getting dogs - eek.



 Maintain My Health,Fitness & Well Being.

Now 'Get Fit' 'Loose Weight' are goals I see people repeatedly make,yet I have never felt the need to set a goal of such to loose weight and in fact post transplant was quite the opposite and I needed to gain weight.
I am now at a very healthy weight of 9 Stone and I hope to be able to maintain that this year while trying to get fitter and tone up - this is solely to benefit my lifestyle and hobbies.
As for my health,it is the best it has been in years,so I just want to be sure I am doing my best to compliment what my amazing liver team do to keep my body happy. Over 2014 I started eating healthier and eating a lot more fresh food,and cutting out the foods that aren't as great for me. 2015 I plan on taking more vitamins and such to benefit me going to the gym,and just ensure I am trying to be as healthy as I can be to keep my transplant organ happy !
Also in 2015 I hope I can get more help for my mental well being,and continue to improve on working on my anxiety!
Overall I just want to be sure I am the best I can be.

 

 

 

Do something new EVERY MONTH.

 

This Year has been pretty tight on the money front for one reason and another,yet we were able to achieve so so much!

This made me realise that even on a budget it is no reason to just sit at home and whinge about it.

So this year we are in a bit of a better situation and Me & Gareth have already said that we want to make the most of this and do more,and along with that try something new EVERY MONTH.

So this might be something simple like trying a new cuisine,or going somewhere new or something like trying a new activity (Go Ape is on the list)

I just want to push myself this year,and do as much as I can and just enjoy life now I am the happiest I have been in the longest time.

 

Well those are my Three Goals for 2015.

Have you got any ? If so let me know in the comments below :)

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon



Lush Valentines Range 2015

 Hey Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

Yesterday Lush started selling there Valentines Day products (Yes,I know it isn't February yet,but I am not one to complain at Valentines Limited Edition Products!)

 

So I decided I would go into store straight away this morning to pick up some goodies & do a haul for you guys - I have been waiting all year for this release,as I loved Prince Charming shower gel last year so that was defiantly on my list.

 

                                            

Cupid's Love Soap - Price on Size (for guidance this cost £5.87)

 

When I saw this online yesterday I was super excited to give it a smell.

I have really got into solid soaps recently as I am usually a shower gel lover but this super fruity soap is a happy addition to my growing collection.

This soap does remind me a little of Prince Charming shower gel actually with its rich yet sweet and fruity scent although this does lean more towards the fruitier side. The use of Passion Fruit Juice,Fresh Figs & Bergamot Oil make Cupid's Love Uplifting and Conditioning - Beautiful.

 

Unicorns Horn Bubble Bar - £3.25

 

As soon as I saw this yesterday online simply the look of it made me fall in love (and being a unicorn lover,the name did draw me in too..) and smelling it in store today didn't leave me disappointed.

When I first some sneak peak images of this I have to say I thought it would have a sweet candy scent but was completely shocked reading that it was actually lavender scented!

Yes this beautiful pastel unicorn horn instead is meant to calm and relax you.

This has a lovely calming scent with the lavender & ylang ylang oil - can't wait to use this one!

 

 

Heart Throb Bubbleroon - £3.65

 

How sweet is this Bubbleroon?

This is actually my favourite out of the bath products from the valentines range this year (appearance wise of course). I love bubbleroons as you just split them in half and crumble them in your bath like a bubble bar but the bubbleroons leave you with super soft skin!

I can't see this one being any different considering it has Organic Shea Butter in alongside Franngipani Absolute,Vanilla Absolute and Geranium Oil.

This leaves Heart Throb smelling like a very pampering,sweet yet floral yet spa like (great explanation I know...) bath product. This one defiantly wins me heart!

  

Prince Charming Shower Gel - £9.50/200g (small & bigger quantities available)

Where do I even start with this shower gel?
Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while or follow me over on twitter will know how much I LOVE this product.
Prince Charming hit Lush last Valentines,and as soon as I smelt it my dreams came true (and no I am not even kidding) this is my perfect scent in a bottle.
This smells just like Turkish Delight (and also shares the scent of lush's melting marshmallow moment) - roses and sweetness aaaah perfect.
Last year I stocked up on this bad boy and I have only just come to the end of my last bottle so I was glad to purchase this once again...
 

   

 

Lonely Heart Bubble Bar - £3.50

 

First off,I choose a pretty bad example of this bubble bar as it's supposed to be a heart shape - oops sorry!

This again joined my list after looking online and readings it's ingredients,as soon as I read 'Rose Absolute' it was instantly added to my list.

Personally I'd say this has a very floral but uplifting scent,totally up my street.

The use of Bergamot & Lemon Grass Oil is defiantly behind the uplifting part of the scent,I love this one it has a beautiful scent - just wish it didn't have all this gold lustre as it just gets everywhere but that's just personal taste.

 

image from lush.co.uk

 

 

Floating Flower Bath Bomb - £3.50

 

Lush are also selling this bath bomb as part of the Valentines Collection,I didn't buy this one as unfortunately the scent of this just isn't up my street so would be a waste of money.

What I can tell you after seeing it in store is that it shares the same scent as Flying Fox shower gel which is great for the skin as it has great antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients.

It is also a pretty well sized product - just not my cup of tea.

 

Image from Lush.co.uk

 

Love Locket Bath Bomb - £6.95

 

This bath bomb is HUGE - that showing in the price.

As lovely as this product is,I tried this last year and this week it just waned in the budget for me to pick this up as well as the new things I wanted to try.

Love Locket has a sweet but floral scent - if I remember right actually almost love heart sweet scented.It can be split into two if you wish also so that can make the price worth while but personally unless you really want to try this one I'd give it a miss.

It's nice and all but I wouldn't buy it again at £6.95 I don't think - Great as a Gift though!

 

 

Lush are also offering lots of Valentines themed gifts too which I will be talking about closer to February :)

 

What do you want to try from the collection?

What do you think Lush should bring out this Valentines ?

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

OOTD's - Meant to be Accesorize Bag & JUSTFAB Shoes.

Hi Guys!

Hope your all okay?

 

Today I wanted to share something that I have worn to death the last few months,

As some of you may remember back in November I wrote this post about my pair of Zyree ankle boots from JUSTFAB which I fall in love with.

 

But in the boxing day sales I found the PERFECT bag to match.

 

 

I popped into Accesorize during the boxing day sales as I was on the hunt for a new handbag,preferably to match my JUSTFAB boots but had know idea I would find such an amazing match.

 

This purple suede bag was £22.50 (sorry but I can't find it on the website as lost the link earlier - d'oh) and has a faux leather bottom which is fab as it stops it getting scratched unlike the body of the bag,all the accent details of the bag are gold - making this bag the perfect match to my boots.

 

They both compliment a casual outfit perfectly but also look great when your a bit more dressed up as shown below in these three OOTD's..

 

OOTD :

Black Cut Out Floral Dress - New Look. (Can't find it on the website at the moment,but they have lots of beautiful floral dresses in stock that are similar)

Camel Coat - Tesco F&F (Brought in 2012)

 



 

 

OOTD :

 

Blue Skinny Jeans with Ripped Knees £12 - Primark.

Burgundy Sequin Jumper £8 - Primark

Striped Scarf £5 - Primark.

Camel Coat - Same As Above.

   

 

Burgundy Sequin Jumper - Same as Above.

Black Skater Skirt £12.99 - New Look.

Gold Chain Necklace - (H&M 2013)

 

Don't you just love when items of clothing just match perfectly!

Or maybe I am just a tad too colour OCD.. Oops hehe.

 

I'd love to know what bags you have been loving this winter?

Or maybe you have a pair of shoes that just finish off an outfit,let me know below!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon.

My Lush Favourites - Bath Bombs

Hey Guys !

Hope your all okay ?

 

As many of you know I am slightly obsessed with Lush.

So I thought I would share some of my all times faves with you - sadly some of these do include some limited edition products that have only come out around certain times of the year so I can't promise you will get these again in the future.

 

Butter Bear

This was a Christmas 2014 bath bomb that was loved by almost everyone.

Butter bear was a very cute version of the permanent fixture Butter Ball (although I wish lush would switch that for the bear version sooo cute)

This little guy is full of chunks of shes butter and cocoa butter and was the perfect bath product if your skin needed a bit of love.

I must try butterball again really as when I used it back in 2013 I wasn't too keen,maybe it was just a dud bath bomb?

but yes,lush bring back butterbear in place of butterball!

  

Sakura 

Too start how cool does this bath bomb look?

This bath bomb was released in 2014 I believe and the colourful appearance attracted me straight away. It has a very beautiful floral yet fresh scent.

It has a very calming scent with the use of jasmine oils - its like taking a bath in a Japanese garden!

I feel like Sakura is really over looked,it is defiantly one of my favourites though.

Twilight

 

Ahh this bath bomb is BEAUTIFUL.

I from time to time struggle with sleep,especially when I am ill,and this bath bomb always comes to the rescue when needed!

This bath bomb is full of fragrances to aid sleep containing lavender which i personally find very relaxing ,Twilight has a very relaxing sweet but floral scent.

Defiantly worth a smell when your next in a Lush store.

Shooting Star

                                        

                     This is one of the most interesting bath bombs I have ever used.

On the outside it is just as gorgeous but when shooting star hits the water silver lustre starts swirling around the base,its perfect! The only downside? This bath bomb IS limited edition and comes out around Christmas... Sorry Guys!

Space Girl

 

This is probably one of my all time favourites from lush - any bath bomb containing popping candy is a winner right?

Space Girl has a very sweet scent but the use of grapefruit makes this bath bomb one that's very uplifting for any mood and refreshing for the skin!

I also love the appearance of this one too,especially since it has recently started being dusted with a red glittery powder,very galaxy'esque.

Melting Snowman

 

As you can probably guess melting snowman is a Christmas edition.

I just HAD to include a photo of the snowman 'melting' as it is just the cutest thing possibly ever.

Aside from the cute aspect this is a very moisturising bath melt.

It is perfect for the winter when your skin is slightly dryer as this is full of lots of different butters and oils,great for those pesky cold nights! 

Tisty Totsy

 

This is probably my number one lush bath bomb to be honest.

It is everything I love in one product - and the fact that its rose scented makes me love it even more.

Rose isn't every ones scent but I think its a beautiful timeless scent,and the scent mixed with geranium and jasmine is just beautiful.

Very floral and the seven real rosebuds floating around the bath make it even more perfect for me!

So what are your favourite Lush Faves?

Or maybe you prefer another brand Let me know below!

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon



Talking Transplants on Youtube.

Hi Guys!

Hope your all well?

 

Some of you may have seen on some of my social media a few days ago that I announced something pretty exciting for me!

 



2014 proved a great year for talking transplants,and it helped me achieve what I wanted Talking Transplants to do.

Raise Awareness for Organ Donation,Show what amazing things Organ Donation allows recipients to do and to support everyone within the transplant community whether they happen to be waiting for a transplant,thinking of becoming a donor,related to someone who is a donor,or know someone who has had a transplant.

I wanted my blog to reach out to people and help others.

And it has done just that.

 

This year I had the pleasure of attending a transition day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where I got to speak to young people about my experiences and speak about my blog.

 

In the past I have been asked why my blog is called 'Talking Transplants' when I discuss lots of other things,but that was the whole point.

Although my blog is focused on transplants I wanted to show recipients and donors that organ donation helps you lead a pretty 'normal' but amazing life,so I want to show all those 'normal' blog things,like reviews of bath bombs and make up because that's what I enjoy in my own personal life!

 

This month I am starting a Youtube channel to further reach out to people.

I feel that a Youtube channel would benefit 'Talking Transplants' to support what I already do here,by uploading vlogs and Q&A's I hope to be able to show people even more what organ donation can do!

 

Currently I have no videos uploaded but aim to have one done in the next few weeks,

but for the mean time feel to subscribe to the channel to be sure not to miss out on future content!

 

Just want to thank you all for the ongoing support and I hope you all enjoy Talking Transplants on Youtube :)

(You can subscribe HERE)

Here is my Channels Trailer..

 

 

Stay Safe & Speak Soon