The Priory of Grace Dieu

HISTORY

The Grace Dieu Priory was an Augustianian priory. For those ,like me, who didn't know what that meant and had to look it up - a priory is a monastery of men and women under religious vows that is headed by a prior or prioress. The Priory was dedicated to the 

Holy Trinity and St Mary.

It was founded around 1235-1241 by Roesia "Rose" de Verdon and dissolved in 1538. 

Following this, it was passed onto John Beaumont and his descendants and was made into a manor, until the early 1690s, where it was then purchased.

The priory buildings are still there as ruins.

It's said the ruins are home to a White Lady. (Those that are fellow Supernatural watchers will already know what this will mean). A woman who has been wronged in some way.

EXPERIENCE

To be honest, before the investigation I wasn't feeling too good mood-wise. So I knew I wouldn't be 100%.

On the preliminary walk round the woods, my phone camera was picking up a lot.

As the investigation progressed, I did start thinking there was something wrong with my phone. I took it apart and rebooted it so many times I lost count. I also tested the flash when we went back to the pub for a break. Working absolutely normal.

I experienced a horrible pain in my stomach and burst into tears. That was odd.

I knew I wasn't 100% but it wasn't enough to make me cry...

Marc took me away from the group & I was fine again.

We didn't get much action through the Ouija boards, but it was still a great experience.

My back flared up a lot but when we stopped in places, I was determined to enjoy 

the night.

In the chapter house, we split into groups. Five of us girls were surrounding the pendulum, there were a group surrounding the ouija board and some using the scrying mirror.

Those of us who were surrounding the pendulum had quite a few giggles... Could not stop joking around about 50 Shades of Grey. One of them moments where you just had to be there to appreciate the funniness of it.

Phil first started in the group around the ouija board and communicated with a child. Not surprising... As it's 300 yards away from the school that was named after the priory.
It also had a hospital part where young women went to lose their unborn children.

It's safe to say that it was an interesting night and if it wasn't for the pain in my back, I'd certainly go and investigate there again.

On to the next venue!

L x

The images in the History part has been taken off the internet. The other images are my own taken with an iPhone4.

Thoughtful Thursdays #4

This is something I always tell myself to do.

So when I'm looking after the nephews I always think of this. It helps you appreciate the little moments.

Could be something as simple as excitement over scoring a goal at the park or drawing a picture to be hung up. The light in their eyes. The happiness radiating off them.

I always try and remember this with Phil. A lot of things can get in the way, so a simple quiet cuddle or a little flirtatious giggle now and then can go a long way. It's not just knowing about the love between us... it's them little things.

L x

A Pinterest Wedding

Pinterest has been FANTASTIC for planning this wedding. Inspiration for different styles of weddings.

As this will be in the countryside, we're sticking with the country theme. It's certainly going to be a different experience for my friends and family that are coming from the seaside!

I've had a browse and picked out some that I would love to do something similar of.

I have no doubt there'll be more of these kind of posts to come.

L x

These images have been taken off Pinterest.

Thoughtful Thursdays #3

I really need this as a mantra or something.

Too often, I feel like I'm on cloud nine and something so small and stupid deflates me.

I'm so used to bad things happening that it feels odd to be happy. But things have changed since then, and I need to remember that.

L x

Do You Dare to Dip?

Thanks to having hypothyroidism, I suffer with terrible dry skin, so I'm forever trying to find a trusty moisturiser.

When I saw a link for a free sample of Nivea, I just had to order one.
All you have to do is sign up on their Facebook page.

It takes about 14-21 days to arrive (in fact, I had completely forgot about it so it was a lovely surprise to come home to!).

 

I thought I would share for those that love little samples and freebies. e45 is also doing the same thing so pop on over there too :)

L x

NIVEA BB Cream

After months of knowing about it, I decided to try it. Yay! 

Was only £5 from Asda and Phil treated me to it :)

It's said to even skin tone, refine the appearance of pores and provides a matte effect. It also covers imperfections such as blemishes, signs of fatigue, dark eye circles, reddish skin colour and fine lines. It illuminates complexion, boosting skin's natural glow and provides light, fast absorbing moisture and helps to protect the skin from sunlight induced environmental influences and premature ageing with SPF 10.

The first time I tried applying it, I used a foundation brush... mistake and a half! Looked like I'd crushed up a lot of bags of Wotsits with some face cream and lathered it on. 

After using a baby wipe, my skin felt absolutely soft with a slight tint to it left. Looked like I had a slight tan... Now that has been years, I can tell you! 

The second time I used the cream, it went a lot easier and I used a lot less cream. I'm still a newbie at using products like this, so I'm sure once I get the hang of it, I'll be a lot more confident in applying it. 

To be honest, reading the description above... I can only agree with the moisturising factor. It did have a lovely smell and made me think of sunny days. But it doesn't do much else. My skin doesn't look much different, it just feels more soft.

Maybe this just isn't the right BB cream for me. There's no harm in trying things out though!

I may be 25 but after a few years of confidence problems, it's taking a while to get used to makeup again.

As you can see from the picture, the marks around my mouth are still noticeable, and so are the red patches of my skin.

Any recommendations on a BB cream on a very low budget??

L x

Thoughtful Thursdays #2

I've always wanted to do this!

Love the idea of having a map of the world, throwing a dart and having that as a holiday destination. My influences used to be movies. 

Phil & I were talking the other day about how we should put some thought and more effort into our holidays.

We tend to just go to my hometown to see my family, but I think them visits will have to become less & less.

My first ever holiday abroad will be the honeymoon. Cannot wait!! 2 weeks in Italy...*dances*

There's so many places to go!

I'd love to go to London at some point.

Any recommendations? 

Last time I went was a school trip with my Art class. Eventful!

So why not go somewhere you've never been?

Could even do this just to visit places in the UK or wherever in the world you are.

I for one plan to do this.

L x

Birthdays and Celebrations

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Phil's birthday!

Very limited money, but that's no excuse to not get creative!

I was given some vouchers for Co-op from one of the besties, and what a relief I can tell you... Was able to get a gift! Wahoo! Spent the next two evenings spending hours playing the game.

After 11 months, we FINALLY celebrated our engagement! *fanfare* 

A couple of weeks ago, we had some friends round for a housewarming/engagement party... so much fun!!

Although I gave up alcohol as of New Years Eve, I'm allowing myself the odd alcoholic beverage for special occasions, and I'm sure you can agree with me that this was...

Didn't get many pictures, but it was so hilarious seeing my friends look silly while competing on Just Dance 3 & 4! No doubt I did too, but between me and you, I'm sure I looked elegant *wink*
The bottom two pictures are of some of the gifts we received off our friends. We do have one more, but I've left that for another post...

L x 

Thoughtful Thursdays

Too often do I hear "Today, I'm starting from new".

Thinking about my past... it makes me realise how simple my perfect ending would be.

To me, it isn't simple. But I wouldn't change it for the world. I know it'll be a lifetime adventure.

All I want is a family who loves me for me. Slowly, I'm starting to realise that even if some family members don't truly care about me, I do have some that do.

I know I'm still young, so there's lots of what ifs but the start to my perfect ending will begin next year <3

Today is a new day. Doesn't mean that you'll be starting new... you can start a new adventure. Shape your life how YOU want it. YOU are in charge of your life. 

Another quote I saw or heard the other day was "If you don't like where you are now, move. You're not a tree."

Have you ever seen a quote somewhere that has caused you to think?

Who else is addicted to Pinterest???

L x

A Thrifty Wedding #3

While staying with my sister last month, I'd made plans to see my favourite Aunt and Nana... Thought that would be the ideal time to give them their Save the Date cards.

Looked on dafont.com, and it took us a few times to finally decide on the font we wanted. Forgot my calligraphy set... oops! But we found an alternative.

It took me several tries until I finally got the hang of it!

What do you think?

Phil and I also bought our guest book. Was on sale, but it's "us".

It's slowly coming together, and it gets me all excited! *super grin* 

L x

Who You Gonna Call? Ghostbusters!

As you can tell from the title... I will be talking about ghosts!

I'm not sure if you've read in a previous post that I was meant to be going on a ghost hunt but had to miss it?

Well, this time I didn't! Was ill once more, but I had fun!

Absolutely love seeing what will happen next in the Hinckley Museum!

Was very much girl power that night...

The first time I went there, we talked to someone who was originally from Scotland but was travelling through Hinckley at the time of his death while working for the king... Turned out he created maps. 

We also spoke to a very scared young woman in a different room. That was a very weird night to be honest!

This time, we talked to another Scot, could be the same one, but we will never know. We found out with this one that he was a travelling man who liked to joke around. However, he saw something to do with a Queen.

Hope we can find out more about this!!!

We also spoke to the young woman from before, along with her younger brother and sister. That was informative! And it rang true with some information that one of the guys who works at the Museum had. Exciting! *supergrin*

Got another ghost hunt next weekend. 

This one will be at the Priory of Grace Dieu... To be honest, I need to check this place out via Google before we go.

I know we'll be in the woods (wellies at the ready!), and this is a private event with our friends.

This is the company that Phil and I use... Friendly and honest people. They don't touch anything, they let you take the lead.

Mark, the medium... A bit of a chatterbox, and known for bringing crackers instead of biscuits. An inside joke with the team and those that were there for the Christmas event, but a joke that will come up often.

He's so down to Earth, so when he gets in the zone, you can see the difference in him.

The other members of the investigation team include Luke, Neil, Tom, and Karl.

Has anyone ever been on a ghost hunt? Would you ever try something like that?

What are your thoughts and opinions on this matter? :)

L x