A Day At The Zoo

On Friday Anders took a day off work so we could go out gallivanting. As the weather is still not brilliant here, we were stuck for places to visit until I suggested the zoo. Just the mere thought of going without Little L made us both feel guilty. Then I thought it must be at least 25 years since I'd been to a zoo without a child. The idea of walking at our own pace, no checking for the child every few seconds, no toilet hunts, no cries of 'I'm hungry/thirsty', that was it ... my guilt had disappeared.



We arrived not long after Chester Zoo had opened and although the car park already looked very busy, walking about it seemed quite empty compared to weekends or the school holidays. I even managed to get a snaps of animals that are usually so crowded with people I never get to see them.



One of the places I try to head to first is the bat cave which is home to two bat species. One of the keepers was constructing a cage while we were there ready for their annual bat count. She estimated that they have around 400 bats. I could quite happily stand in there all day (once I'd got used to the smell).





Flamingos are another animal that I always head to. I don't know what it is about these that attracts me. Its certainly not the colour pink, maybe they remind me of Alice In Wonderland.



One of the new additions to the zoo since our last visit was The Islands where we saw this warty pig named Elvis who appears to be sporting the same hairstyle as my youngest boy. From what his keeper was telling us he seems to be quite a character.



Another one of the zoo exhibits we visited was the Tropical Realm.





Home to amphibians and reptiles, it is also a free flight aviary. The birds are not bothered by humans in the slightest and will hang around along enough for a quick photo.



Some of the animals that I don't think we've seen before were the rock hyrax which are actually related to the elephant. They have hooves instead of claws. I loved the facial expression on this little chap.



My husbands favourites were these painted dogs. Lovely colours and coat patterns. He ended up buying Little L a plush one before we came home.





The aardvarks were adorable. There were three, all cuddled together having a snooze. Their long tongues flicking out as they slept.



We had a brilliant day, a bit cold but at least it didn't rain. It turned out that Little L wasn't bothered in the slightest that we went without her. She said ' Oh OK, as long as you didn't go paddling at the seaside without me '. Not a chance in this weather.



Latest In Beauty Box

After purchasing yet another subscription box as a gift for my youngest boy I had a look at which kind of boxes would appeal to myself.
I settled on trying one of the beauty boxes that are available. Firstly, because even though we do have shops in my local town centre that do sell beauty products they only stock a small selection of brands and products so I do have to travel or buy online for something that I really want. Also I think that it was a good way for me to discover new brands. I do tend to stick with the same product year in, year out especially when it comes to moisturizers as I have sensitive skin. 

The box which I decided to try was the Latest In Beauty box. This isn't a subscription so no worries about cancelling if you decide it's not the one for you. You can purchase some ready made boxes on the site or build your own box where you chose your own items. This is what I did as I know that everything will then be used. The prices to build your own box range from £8.99 to £16.99 depending on how many products you want in it. I opted for 6 items at £12.99. Many of the items are full size and I noticed that most of the travel or sample sizes had the number of applications listed in the item description which I think is handy.



These are the products that I chose. The prices are what the products are being sold for in UK shops or the average price on Ebay if I've not seen it in a shop.




Toni&Guy Volume Plumping Whip ( Full size £7.49 )
I usually use volumising mousse on my hair so I thought I'd try this out. It didn't make my hair greasy or feel heavy and sticky as some hair products have on me. As for volumising, it's about the same as mousses that I use so its a good product for me.


Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon ( Full size £7.99 )
Having not tried a lip crayon before I chose this one in the shade Proudly Naked. Lasts reasonably well. Glossy but not sticky.


Teeez Head Over Heels Nail Lacquer ( Full size £7.65 )
This is a brand that I have not seen before. On the box it claims not to chip for three days. I've yet to try this one out.


StriVectin Intensive Illuminating Serum ( Sample size £9.00 )
This serum is to give brighter skin and a more even complexion. I'm always a bit dubious trying new products on my skin as its sensitive and I'm ready for any burning sensation to start but my skin was fine with this. A light serum, absorbs well, barely any scent to it.



NUXE Multi-Purpose Dry Oil ( Sample size £5.00 )
The oil can be used on the face, body or hair. I've not tried it out properly yet but I did apply a small amount to my face last night and it seems to absorb well and not leave my skin oily. The oil I have is the Golden Shimmer version so after applying I had my husband check out my face to make sure I didn't look like a bronzed glitter ball and he couldn't even see where I'd put it.


Dr Organic Royal Jelly Eye Serum ( Full size £9.99 )
I do use eye creams but they are only moisturisers. This one combats puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. I'll have to see how good this is over time. I need all the help I can get with my panda eyes these days.
These were the six products that I chose for my box and when I ordered I also added a £5.00 free gift code that I had found online. These were the extra items that I received.


A Vintage Cosmetic Company shadow brush ( £8.00 ), emery board and Eucerin Sun Fluid ( £12.00 ). Both of these I really pleased with as you can't have too many make up brushes and sun cream is something that I always have to buy.
I'm delighted with the Latest in Beauty box also the delivery was quick. My box arrived 3 days after I had placed my order. It's something that I would definitely purchase again.

Felt Penguin


A quick Valentine's Day gift that I made this afternoon for Little L.