That's better

As I have been run off my feet with WSS, I tried to get an appointment with my hairdresser for a retightening. Alas, she could not fit me in and so I had to find the time to do it myself. Armed with my new Nappylocs tool (which I loved using), I have managed to tighten my hair in between being at the theatre and sleeping. I'd estimate that it took me eleven hours to complete; a little longer than the first time I did my own hair, but I am running on an energy deficit at the moment.
It's funny that although my hair has just been done, my parts are hardly visible; a sign of my hair's new 'big' status!



This is not the best picture of me (look at the bags under my eyes!) but I like the way my hair looks :-)

What the blazes!!!

I was driving along listening to the news headlines when I heard about this; at the time I was a little concerned. When I got home and heard the whole story, I was absolutely irate. Not only is there a possibility of my very important details falling into the wrong hands, but information about my children is also lost in transit.
Until the discs are found, millions of people are at risk of becoming the victims of identity fraud; this could happen today, tomorrow or in many years to come. I have had my credit card cloned before and it was a horrible experience. The knowledge that the loss of this personal information could result in similar situations occurring is very worrying.
Apparently I am going to receive a letter from this government department, apologising for the situation; unfortunately this will provide very little comfort.

The Palace, Royal Nuptials and lots of rain

I had a great time at the Palace of Westminster on Monday. The launch of the production went extremely well and our enjoyment wasn't spoilt by the erratic weather we experienced. The students were very excited by the fact that we were just across the road from the wedding anniversary celebrations of The Queen and Prince Phillip. We had to drive through the media frenzy and the students were all trying to spot the VIPs entering Westminster Abbey. Inside The Palace of Westminster, our champagne reception lunch was followed by performances from the students and speeches from MPs and our very own VIPs.
The picture in my anniversary post, was taken on the terrace of the Palace (between thunder storms!), which overlooks The River Thames.

11 Months!

Still having a ball!

Sunday Styling IV

I achieved my anniversary style with a Softspike set and a hairtie. It had been my intention to wear my hair out, but today was one of hideous weather and I had to change my outdo to an updo. The set was far more successful this time and I managed to keep my hair on the curlers!

The bigger picture

Anonymous recently asked what had happened to me as I haven't been blogging with my usual frequency. Let me just say that I was touched that you had noticed and had missed me, Anon. :-). I am currently very busy with my school's production, which will be launched next week at The Palace of Westminster. The picture in my previous post is of me messing around on the set of the show; a few of the characters enter into a scene through a manhole and being me, I just had to test it out (I picked up the hard hat and drill on my way, to amuse my colleagues when I emerged!). Things are going to plan with the show and as of next week my job changes slightly and I, along with my colleagues and the students, am based at the theatre. We rehearse the show in situ, finalise lights and other technical aspects and then have a dress rehearsal. The following week the students perform eight shows in five days; it is a very gruelling task, but also an amazing experience for them.

These are a few more shots taken of the set (excuse my strange looking eyes, I haven't quite mastered red eye reduction on Picasa!).

1) I am having a very important meeting (probably about where to go for lunch) with my colleague Will, who is also the show's director.

2) The bridge is being strengthened - it gets used a lot so it's vital that it's completely safe.

3) I'm relaxing in 'Maria's apartment'.

4) Parks and I, in the orchestra pit, which doubles as an exit during the rumble.

What's happened 2 you Mel?

New toys

Now I need to work out how to use it!

I have a new coffee making gizmo and couldn't resist sharing it with you. My friend Parks has the same machine and she made me a great cappuccino the last time I was at her flat; don't worry Breadfruit and Brunsli, it was in the morning!

After that, I was sold and decided that I had to get one for myself; I picked mine up at Argos and with a combination of gift vouchers and nectar points, I managed to get £30 off the price! There are, of course, far superior, higher spec machines out there, but I'm the only person in the house that drinks coffee - making this an ideal choice. Super T and JB are also pleased with the new addition to the kitchen as it makes delicious hot chocolate as well.

103.9

No this is not the frequency for my favourite radio station; it is the price I paid per litre for petrol today. To say that I was a little irritated is an understatement; for the first time in my driving life, I am considering becoming a tube commuter.

Big hair, here I come

I honestly thought my hair hadn't grown much over the past couple of months. It was only when I had to keep using a hairtie or hairband to keep it out of my face that I began to consider otherwise. Earlier today I came across the picture on the left, taken the day I cut my relaxed ends off; I decided to compare it to the more recent one on the right, which was taken at the weekend. I couldn't believe it, not only had my hair grown quite a bit but, my how my locks have thickened up. Now, I know they are not the best pictures to compare, but I can really see a difference.
Just humour me if you can't!

Chillaxing

My skin has really been playing up lately; in fact I have joked that I teach teenagers with better skin than myself. I have realised that over the past few weeks, I haven't been as vigilant with my water consumption or with my intake of fresh fruit and veg. I quickly began to remedy that side of things, but felt I needed something extra.

I purchased this charcoal face mask from Origins after it was recommended to me and couldn't wait to use it when it arrived. I thought I'd make a real treat of it; soft music, vanilla candle burning, 'do not disturb' sign on the door(ok, I didn't go that far, but you get the picture!). It takes about 10 minutes for the mask to set, but I'm sure I was there for a 'little' longer (according to my SO, I was very much asleep). I was really pleased with the results; my skin felt really soft and my pores open.

I have decided to make it a weekly treat; Mel's home spa!

From the head of the NHD

Literally!

I present to you, my newest hairties. While we were in Switzerland, Brunsli was kind enough to let me select some pieces from her collection. I'm sorry I can't give you the names (because I don't know them!), but I can tell you that I think they're great. Being Brunsli-sized, I can actually wear them as hairbands; the little purple one (and you all know I felt bad about choosing the purple one!) has become an almost daily accessory for me. I put it on whenever I have had enough of my I-actually-think-it's-growing-now hair being in my face. The cream one, has a lovely pearlised crackled finish to it. Brunsli joked that I had chosen this one because it looked like a white chocolate truffle (which I absolutely adore)! As you can see from my roots in the hairtie pics, I have given up on retightening my hair - only momentarily though. I have ordered the nappylocs tool and will keep going when it arrives.