House to Home

October 20th marked a year of me living in the fine city of Norwich which I now call my home. 

What a year it's been, we've made our house this beautiful place to live, we have a purdy little kitty and I'm in a job which I have made amazing friends through and don't dread getting up for, yeah it's not my life on aspirational job but it's nice for now, do the boring grown up stuff and still have the fun 20 something year olds are meant to have. 

Life's pretty good right now.

When I moved in with Mr J our house was a small building site as the water tank had leaked while he was away on a work trip and caused a lot of damage to call of the floors and walls.
A year down the line we have managed to take the house and turn it into our lovely first home. 

I will take lots of lovely shots of each room when they are all completely finished but for now I leave you with a few snippets of my favourite parts of our house, the parts I feel make it a home. 

What we've done so far:
- Re-plastered all the walls and skimmed the ceilings once they were dry that is.
- Painted every room bar the bathroom (which is in working progress as I type).
- Stripped the floors in the upstairs bedrooms and reclaimed the original floorboards to a dark stained wood. We intend to do this down stairs too with the goal to get it done before christmas.
- Painted all the cupboards in our kitchen from a dated fake wood to a matte off white to create the feel of more space.

- Made our own furniture, inspo taken from a amazing website called Ikea Hackers which gave interesting idea's using affordable Ikea furniture  (and other bits and bobs) and turning them into one of a kind pieces. So far we have made a tv stand/cabinet out of Ikea kitchen cabinets and a coffee table from a old pallet. Check it out here.

So with winter knocking at the door and autumn sprinting past quicker than I can get out of bed okay so that's not very quick I feel it's time to get my boots on and kick around in some beautiful leaves or something along those lines.

So on that note I'll leave you with a beautiful picture of St John's College in Cambridge my visit a few weeks ago.

I know it's not topical to my home post but it is very pretty.

That's all for now beauties. 

Mucho Love,  

Liv
<3

Time for a Re-Vamp

So my lovely little blog has had a makeover!

I'm really happy with the final out come, thanks to my clever man Mr J!

Fresh, clean, minimal and stops me & you  from getting distracted by the rest of our fast paced world.

My little tranquil space to say hey, express my opinions and get to know myself and with you joining me along for the ride.

I hope you like the new look as much as I do, it's been as investment of time and a few pennies but I think it is definitely worth it.

That's all for now beauties,
Mucho love,
Liv.
<3

So recently...

It's been a long crazy, amazing, beautiful summer...

However, it's come at the cost of neglecting you lovely lot and little space on the net my blog. 

For that I apologise. Truly, deeply, I do. 

I am sorry. 

So let's get up to date with one another and then we'll get back into the swing of blogging. 

My summer...lots has happened and changed for me. I've got a new job, I've been on holiday, I've got more inspired and best of all...

I GOT A KITTEN!!!

If you knew me better, you'd know how long I've been begging Mr J for a little kitty and how much I love my teenie beaut.

Kitten facts:

• Breed: British blue shorthair cross with Persian (her dad was 1/2 and half and mum was tortoiseshell British blue) 
• Name: Blu
• DOB: 20/07/2015
• Weight: 1.17kg
• Eye colour: Currently between a green and mustard, we are thinking they'll get fairly bright but time will tell. 
• Cuteness: Off the scale 

Holiday deets: 

• Where: Majorca 
• With: Mr J and 4 other amazing friends both couples 
• Accommodation: Amazing villa in the mountains of Alcudia
• Duration: 10 days
• Snaps: 

Now we are up to date, the next post will be more beauty, lifestyle or fashion related, as you can tell I've not written it yet. 

That's all for now beauties. 

Mucho love, 

Liv.

❤️

Wedding Season Must Haves

The Wedding season is quickly approaching!

As I am getting older so are my friends and family obviously, everyone is getting to the age where weddings are being planned and prepped and invites are flying through the letterbox! 

I've come up with a list to get you through the season with minimal spending but maximum fun and glamour! 

First up...

Shoes: 

The most versatile and flatting heel are nude. They will go with essentially absolutely everything and they will give the allusion of a longer leg. My preference in a pointed stiletto - I think the point is very chic- WARNING pointed heels can result in slightly numb toes.

However there is nothing wrong with a open toe, round toe or platform heel, they will all work well with most outfits and extend the look of your leg. DOUBLE WIN.

Some recommendations are:

Boohoo Pointed Heel £22

 

M&S Round Toe Court Shoe £25 

Asos Pointed Heels £30 with Lace details

Clutch Bag:

Again Nude is always a safe bet, however if you pre plan your outfits buying a silver or gold clutch can go with most and also add a touch of sparkle. However, at the hologram bags are perfect and so on trend at the moment. I prefer oversized clutch bags as I like to bring the world share of tissues for the ceremony and some makeup for retouching throughout the day.

Pink Hologram £15 ASOS 

Warehouse Flat Leather Clutch £15

Hologram Clutch £15 ASOS 

Make Up:

Whether your a guest or the bride the one thing you want from your makeup on a long day like a wedding is staying powers so i've rustled up a few makeup must haves for your wedding makeup selection which will get you through the big day with minimum effort and worry resulting in maximum enjoyment.

Lips:

These Bourjois Rouge edition Velvet lipsticks are fantastic!!
They're only £8.99 and have recently extended there colour pallet. The Hot Pepper Red is beautifully bright with an orangey tint and works really will with most skin tones. They have extended there nude collection which is perfect for the Bride as they don't transfer so kissing your new hubby all day A'OK!

Face:
This concealer is the brilliant as I've mentioned in previous High Street Beauty Haul is so long lasting, its none transferable and is fantastic for blemishes and in a lighter tone under the eye and a brightener. Its on sale in Boots at the moment from £4.19 down to £3.99 its a no brainer!!

Eyes:

These cream stick eye shadows are great, there are loads of gorgeous ones on the market at the moment especially in the high end spectrum, the By Terry shadow sticks are a fav! However for the less bank breaking fee of just £4.49 I would say these Rimmel Shadow sticks are just as great! They are long lasting and have high pigmentation and require little effort and have a range of 8 different colours in the range. At the moment and they are on 3 for 2 so its a crime not to snap your favourite shades up now!!

Tools:

This Real Techniques Mini Brush Set obviously isn't for the general and initial application of your makeup but they are so handy, the perfect hand/clutch bag size and give you most tools you need to retouching your makeup throughout the day. They are also so affordable at only £9.99!

I hope this was helpful for your up and coming wedding prep, if you have more than one it can become pretty pricey and get a little stressful which we certainly don't want it to be. Weddings are a celebration of love and a coming together of families and happiness so anything that can be done to lower the stress levels is a bonus, nay?

Thats all for now beauties!

Send me your pictures of your wedding buys and finished outfits throughout the summer I'd love any inspo!!
Let me know if i've missed anything you think is a must have?

Mucho Love,

Liv
♥

Life goals to Live Happily

I'm 22, I've recently moved to a new city and graduated from university with a 1st class degree. Yet, alongside 1000's of other graduates, I don't know what my next step is but I know my main goal is to maintain a happy life whatever path I take in my private life and in my career. 

Things about me: 

• I'm a worrier, if there's a situation that could happen, I've already thought of it and 10 other possibilities and the possibilities that come with those possibilities... If that makes sense? 

• I like to be organised- I write lists, I re-write lists and I make notes of everything.

• I hate being late and will always take the earlier train or taxi to make sure I'm not.

• I love a lot, if you're in my life, you're in a for a reason because I want you there and I trust you. I've been hurt like we all have and behind closed doors have lots going on - in my head and reality but it doesn't stop my caring and always giving people a chance

• I'm optimistic!!! That's the most important one I think. I may worry and fret but I try to always find the sliver lining and bring happiness into my own others days.

A day without smiling is a day lost 

so make sure you take note when something does make your heart flutter or mouth beam

Something I've been worrying and fretting about is the future of my career.

My wise sister once told me 'not to stress about the uncontrollable and focus on the controllable factors in your life.' 

That is my new motto or mantra going forward and theres a easy way to do it!! 

A theory I use to make my life goals achievable, to live a stress free and happier life is to put my goals into different imaginary (or real) categories and boxes. 

My categories at the moment are:

Money 

Career

Body/Health

Relationship

Friends & Family 

The way it works is simple. 

Only have 1 or 2 boxes open at a time. For instance: 

When I moved to Norwich I had the relationship and money box open.  

Relationship: Committing to Mr J by moving in with him.

Money: I managed to bag myself full time permanent job in Norwich with a secured monthly wage.

The above didn't open my Career box because the job role is not in my preferred career path it is a job to pay the bills and save some money. 

Sometimes you have to remember as much as you want to always be forwarding your chosen career actively, you also need to be earning. If I am earning I have the potential to be saving, saving towards new makeup kits, courses, networking events and self advertising this entail will open the career box once my money related goals are achieved. 

Breaking down the different tasks and stresses that occur in everyday life like this means your goals as a whole are essentially halved as you are only focusing on a only few at a time, resulting in a less complicated, more organised and stress free lifestyle. 

This has worked for me like a dream, its made my life goals so much more achievable and has relieved me of stressing about the uncontrollable on a daily basis.

 My light bulb moment came to me with the realisation that you don't have to try to tackle all of your goals, stresses and woes in one weighty task, its overwhelming and unnecessary. 

You can break them down, look at them realistically and individually, with a clearer head you can then endeavour to carefully work your way through your goals in an organised achievable and confident manner. 

The great thing about organising your life this way is you may even end up ticking other boxes with out even realising it. 

Stress, what's stress?

I realise this may not work for everyone, as mentioned I am very much about being organised and feeling safe and calm, for me this is the way to feel like that. Using a box method to arrange my life works for me and my head. Others may need to visually or physically organise which is why I mentioned early you can use literal boxes if it works best for you. Everyone has different ways of doing things and working habits. This has worked for me and I thought it might be worth sharing incase it helps some of you! 

Let me know if you have any other ways of dealing with lives stresses?

Have you tried the box theory? Does it work for you?

If you try this let me know how you get on?!

I'd love to hear your thoughts, comment below or catch up with me on Twitter or Instagram @LivrhMakeup

Thats all for now beauties!

Mucho Love,

Liv 

♥

HighStreet Beauty Haul!

I went shopping, maybe more than once?

It was my birthday this month and I was very lucky to receive some spending money so over the last few weeks I have been in and out of the city trying really hard it's really easy to buy myself some goodies.  

Some of these goodies are repurchases and some I am yet to test out so I am sure you will see more of those ones on here with reviews.

So here's the low down of what I got:

Zara Perfume FEMME: 

This is a miniature roller ball perfume and it is perfect for your handbag especially on nights out or in the summer months when you're a bit conscious. At only £3.99 it's a bargain for the refresh you need through out the day. It is an oriental smell with bergamot, peony, vanilla and musk which makes it warble for day and night!

Super Facialist by Una Brennan: 

This is a new brand to me, one I am very excited to try with many bloggers recommending Una's creams and treatments. 

- Vitamin C Skin Defence Daily Moisturiser: This day cream is meant to act as protection from the sun with SPF in it. It is also meant to give your skin more luminous, radiant and hydrated skin. This is everything I want in a moisturiser. Something I will wake up and put on and make me feel fresh and healthy along side providing a good even skin texture and based for foundation.

- Super Lift Night Cream: This moisturiser is meant to recharge and optimise cellular renewal for a fresh youthful plump skin. Different ingredients such as peptide and apple will help to rejuvenate you skin throughout your sleep. I haven't tried either of these so of yet so I will keep you posted literally.

 L'Oreal Paris:

Le Blush: I have seen lots of reviews of this gorgeous blush range form L'Oreal. I went for the Coral/Peach blush in 160 which I hope will be my new summer must have blush. Even when applied with my finger onto my hand for this swatch it blend with ease. Obviously it is over pigmented here purely because I used a large amount and applied it with my finger so its more packed on than evenly distributed. Nevertheless once applied with a brush I can see real potential in this product.

Infallible Matte Foundation: This is a new release from L'Oreal and I am a big fan of there True Match foundation so I was keen to find out if this foundation was up to the hype. I have seen a few great reviews so far... It is meant to last for 24hrs however I don't intend to wear it for that long so it is not something I will be able to comment on. It says it provides a full coverage with out the cake affect leaving skin looking like skin, I like the sound of that! It is also 'Clinically proven' to be steam and waterproof which sounds fab! I have picked up Vanilla 11 which is the perfect match for me. Again this is a new product for me so stay tuned for my thoughts while I test it out.

Marks and Spencer, Autograph- White Wood Perfume:

Oooo I am in love with this scent. Its new to me and great value £19.50 for 75ml. M&S have gotten on to a great one here. Its a fresh formal scent and perfect for everyday wear.  'A delicate fragrance with notes of oyclamen, orange bloom, magnolia and transparent wood'.  It's hard to describe but go and have a sniff in store, its seriously lovely! I also really like the bottle, it looks enticing on my dressing table, the fresh and crisp white bottle with simple chains wrapped around the neck screams chic and modern. Thats me?!

Soap and Glory Solar Powder Bronzer:

I've seen Lily Pebbles rave about this, repurchase and put her other bronzers in storage; therefore it must be something special. it does look gorgeous with the two lovely tones which don't appear to be too orange toned either (hooray!) meaning will give a sun kissed look but I will also be able to use it to give my face some light and shade and subtle structure for lack of an overused work contour. I am really excited to use this product, I have high hopes that it will be a new favourite in my collection. 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer:

Repurchase! This is just my fav concealer, I've pick it up in shade 1 to use as a under eye bag cover upper. It has fantastic coverage and everyone whose a fan of makeup knows this is the concealer to beat. It would be tough to beat it at a steal only £4.19! 1 thing I think you need to know about this product once applied you do need to work quickly as it sets. This is because they have tried to make it full coverage and transfer proof, which it does both. Just remember to work with the product and blend quickly to move it around. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick by Kate: 

This is a cream eyeshadow stick, it is very creamy. It provides easy application and in this rose gold colour is bang on trend at the moment. However, don't let the creaminess of the formula fool you, you need to act quick and get it in place and blended asap because this doesn't budge once it is set! This certainly is crease free and pretty much waterproof, which is always good to bare in mind when taking your makeup off in the evening. It might need an extra cotton pad or wipe. A lovely colour and product nonetheless. Well done again Mossy!

Maybelline Colossal Waterproof Mascara:

Repurchase, in my opinion Maybelline are the queens of Drug Store mascaras. I buy this waterproof one as a layer in my beauty regime. This is the step straight after curling my lashes. It is important to use a waterproof mascara after you curl. Waterproof mascaras are oil based therefore it will hold the curl normal mascaras are water based so just as your hair would go straight in the rain your eyelashes will with water based mascara. If you don't already have this step in your beauty regime trust me it is soo worth the extra mascara as the results are undeniable. 

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter:

This is again essentially a repurchase just in a new colour. I already have about 5 of these and I love there easy wearability, check out my review/recommendation of them in a previous favourites post so I won't repeat myself.

This time a went for Pink Truffle, I think its not quite correctly named I would call it rose truffle. Its a a reddish rosy, brown truffle-like nude and it hasn't let me down. Its gorgeous on and balances with your natural lip colour seemingly!

EOS Lip Balm:

This is an American Brand and a discovered it when my best friend brought me some goodies back from the USA and introduced me. I've been hooked ever since. The only place I have found it being sold is in Topshop but for a bank breaking £7 FOR A LIP BALM?! Worry not my lovelies! I brought a 5 pack on eBay for £16.95 not only are you then stocked up, but you get a chance to try each flavour/sent and pay 1/2 the price with free delivery! It works out just under £3.50 per lip balm and that's a price I don't mind paying for smooth lips. They are 95% organic & 100% natural. Directions for use are my fav: Twist off top, Pucker up, Smooth on, Smile. Simple easy worth the eBay hunting (or follow the link and don't hunt).

Thats everything. 

Wowzers it's a lot! 

I am one very excited lady eager with anticipation to try the new products I have purchased. 

Eeeee! 

Very excited by the sun and my bulging boots bag

 Any recommendations of new launches I should run back to boots for?

Have you tired an tested anything I am about to try out?

Let me know, I love hearing your thoughts and comments, don't be shy! 

Thats all for now beauties!

Mucho Love, 

Liv

♥

Thinking of Luxury Makeup? Think Charlotte Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury

 Makeup Artist to the stars, YouTuber,  Vogues No.1 and Makeup Revolutionist!

This beautiful, inspiring and empowering lady knows a thing or 10 about make up. 

Her makeup may be pricey but I can assure you it's worth it.

 Using the same makeup as the likes of Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Cara D and practically every other A list model and celebrity on the planet is a pretty cool thought...right? 

Charlotte is the master of the smokey eye and the inventor of the the powerful and alluring yet doable feline flick. She provides us detailed how to guides on her blog and YouTube channel, therefore there is nothing this lady isn't doing which you can't recreate and using the exact products used on the stars. 

This is her makeup revolution and she's inviting women and men all over the world to join her. 

Her makeup is raved about and recently I was lucky enough to receive a present from my best friend Vee, from Victoria Beauty for my birthday from CT's luxury collection of colour coded eyeshadows. 

Luxury Pallette, Fallen Angel 

Sorry I did use it before I photographed it, I just couldn't wait and was going to a party! 

From left to right- 1 Prime, 2 Enhance, 3 Pop, 4 Smoke

How beautifully are these eye shadows presented? The rose gold packaging gives the product such a luxurious feel. With Charlottes name engraved and the sparking, starry case just makes you want to show it off to everyone.

My thoughts on the Shadows:

• 1 Prime is a barely there glossy golden toned pink pearlescent colour, it is perfect as a base on the eye, highlight on the brow bone or inner conner of the eye or even as a highlight on the high of the cheekbone
• 2 Enhance is a cool toned antique silver it will literally compliment any eye colour and skin tone. It will work well with warm or cool toned colours being blended into it with ease. 
• 3 Pop is a Molten metallic bronzy colour, works well blended into the crease with enhance on the lid for an easy and wearable day look with a pop of colour. It will add a chic edge to any eye makeup look by making any eye instantly smokey
• 4 Smoke is a velvet jet black, it is everything you want in a black eyeshadow and blends perfectly. However, it does have a little bit too much fall out which is slightly messy but ensuing you tap off excess prior to application it isn't a problem

Charlotte also has a tutorial on how to do the perfect smokey eye on her website using this pallet just click here to watch. Or she has made an easy desk to disco image based tutorial...

This combination should lead to something like...

This... I an going to pretend I look like this.

(images are either my own or from the Charlotte Tilbury website)

Let me know if you have any of Charlotte's collection and your thoughts? 

What should I add to my already very long Wish list?

If you have this pallett, do you agree? 

I'd love to hear from you! 

Thats all of now Beauties,

Mucho Love, 

Liv 

♥

I'm feeling 22...

March 5th 2015 marks my 22nd year on this planet.

I was lucky enough to get some time off from my day job and have 4 perfect days to enjoy celebrating my birthday with friends family and good food.

Today I am going to share with you i know it's late what I got up to and a selection of the lovely presents I was lucky enough to receive see above picture for presents. 

My birthday started in the best way possible with a delicious, not to nutritious breakfast of american pancakes with streaky bacon and maple syrup made by lovely Mr J, along side tea and biscuits and present opening. YAY!

Yes is was a scrummy as it looks!!

Then Mr J & I ventured out on our bikes to a place in Norwich called Whittlingham, and found our 

selves a little bench next to the Norfolk Boards watching the swans swim and the rowers race. We brought with us a little picnic of goodies, sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls, cake and prosecco. 

Bottoms upp... -->

 In the evening of my birthday we headed out into the city to a place called The Bicycle Shop for dinner with friends and then to the XBells to meet some more friends for drinks.

Beautiful flowers from a friend

 On Friday, Mr J and I drove back to my hometown of Southampton to see my family and childhood friends. 

Touching my makeup up whilst stuck in traffic!

To my surprise my amazing mum and sister had organised a Chinese feast of homemade pork balls with sweet and sour sauce with sticky sesame seeds and peanuts and spring onion and pea fried rice. My Nana and Grumps and best friend of 20 YEARS were also there which made the meal even more special. It was so delicious and exciting I did forget to take pictures but sometimes it is just nice to put the camera down and enjoy it, which I certainly did! 

On saturday I was reunited with more of my best friends.
Myself,  my mum, sister and two friends, Helen and Victoria- From Victoria Beauty (my gorgeous friend phoebe is poorly and couldn't make it so sending her love and hugs to get better asap!)
We all went for a luxurious afternoon at a local spa, we chilled & caught up on each others lives in the pool, steam room and hot tub before we needed to get showered and dressed for afternoon tea and wine. I was thoroughly spoilt and I have to thank Helen for organising the day! 

It was so indulgent so tasty!

That evening my parents kindly allowed me to have all of my favourite friends and family over for help-your-self style chilli con carne and drinks. Again I didn't take many pictures because I just wanted to catch up with everyone and enjoy my time with them all in the same place!

On Sunday we had a lazy morning drinking coffee and talking about the weekends antics before a lovely early dinner to keep Mr J and I going before the long journey back to Norwich. My mum and Dad as always surpassed themselves with the delicious food they cooked. This time I managed to snap up a few pictures to get your taste buds going...

Lazy morning in my parents beautiful home

Sticky BBQ pork chops with spring vegetables and mini roast potatoes, I'm pretty sure my mum could sell this sauce to the thousands and retire tomorrow, it is THAT good!

Pudding fit for a King!

This is something my mum made up- it's a kind of bread and butter pudding with dark chocolate and marmalade chunks. It doesn't have a name but it was bloody good!!

I am very lucky to have such wonderful family, friends and boyfriend in my life and to be able to make memories with them like I did this weekend is very special and something I intend never to take for granted. There are a few presents which will definitely be appearing on the blog soon in more detail. So keep an eye out. 

Thats all for now beauties.

 Thanks for reading.

Sorry for the picture heavy post again! 

Mucho Love, 

Liv

♥