Almost 40 - A Charity Challenge

As the big 4 0 gets closer I am finding that I want to make sure I do things I have wanted to do for ages.  It's not that I feel time is running out, but I feel now is the time to take on a challenge or two.  No more talking about maybe one day, but actually committing to something.  Since my teens I have worked as a volunteer in various guises, however I have never done anything that really takes me out of my comfort zone, that pushes me hard and truly challenges me.  So next year I am planning on changing this, with ideas for pushing myself harder and making a difference in other peoples lives, through raising funds and giving up my time to volunteer.  Obviously I am a little tied to my studies and placement time but this time next year I will be qualified (fingers crossed).  

So what am I planning on doing?  Well I have always wanted to do the Moonwalk in London.  Why? It will push my fitness, stamina and perseverance to new levels and I actually think it will be amazingly liberating, walking the streets of London through the night in a decorated bra.  But also this is no raise money to support vital work for breast cancer research, a cause closely related to my new career. Another challenge I am seriously considering for next year is one that I have only been aware of very recently.  Cancel Cancer Africa is a breast cancer awareness programme in Africa, helping women in various parts of the continent look for signs of breast cancer and even offer screening to them.  They have announced the schedule of trips for 2015 and either the trip to Ghana or Kenya would fit with my plans next year.  I would travel with them for two weeks, helping raise awareness of breast cancer for women who have limited medical care.  

However breast cancer is not my only interest when it comes to raising funds and volunteering.  I also would love to work with Teenage Cancer Trust in some capacity or take on a challenge for them.  Their work is vital in ensuring teenagers and young adults get care and hospital facilities that better suit their needs.  I would also like to look at working to promote more volunteers helping with listening to children read in the classroom.  This is a vital part of their education and I know from experience that children are not listened to reguarly but having people help once a week makes a huge difference.

It would seem I am going to be busy if I manage to do all of this.  Have you considered pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to raise money for charity? I would love to know if you planning anything special this year or next year.

Until next time, take care.

Zoe

xo

Almost 40 - Skincare

I am sure I am not alone when I say that my skin has changed quite a lot through my thirties.  Little lines appeared, some got a little deeper, age spots have appeared and the sun seems to make little freckles appear on my hands.  After years of experimenting with various brands in my twenties, some cheap, some more expensive, I now seem to be more settled in my skincare choices.  The closer I get to another milestone birthday the more confident I feel in my choices to take care of my, dare I say it, ageing skin.  A little bit of polyfiller from No.7's amazing serum has helped no end in the last year.  It is now a permanent choice and always found on my bathroom shelf.  Alongside it sits No.7 day and night creams which assist this miracle serum in it's work.  As for eye cream I am yet to settle on a particular brand, currently trying a clinique sample my sister sent me.  Hopefully soon I will find one I truly like and can accompany me throughout my forties.

Until next time, take care.
Zoe
xo