The Weight of Worries

A few weeks ago I watched a video, now stupidly I (due to being in bed & snoozy at the time) I didn't save the link for reference...

h o w e v e r . . .

... fortunately it stuck with me because it has basically changed my way of thinking & I've already preached it to my besties - sorry for the repetition if you're reading this - What 'it' is, is a way to change the way you look at your worries, a physical way to see them & feel them as a weight. 

If you know me you'll know I'm the worlds best worrier, apparently my brain can't get enough of it! Joy. 

So it was a great pleasure & relief to have a change of perspective thrown my way...

I won't keep the drums rolling any longer:

Imagine your holding a glass of water? 

It's a full glass & you pick it up, take a sip & put it back down. 

Now, you had no trouble holding/picking up that glass did you? 

No because it wasn't heavy was it? 

No. Ok good... Now imagine holding that glass for lets say 5 minutes straight? 

Does it feel heavier now? 

Yes, it feels a bit heavier now.

Factually speaking, has the weight of the glass changed since you picked it up for that first sip?

No it still weighs the same. 

Great, now hold the glass for a few days, weeks or even months? 

Is it hard to do that? Impossible.

Why? Because the glass is getting heavier and I've got shit to get done!

But is it heavier? 

Well no, I guess it scientifically isn't gaining weight. 

Correct, so it has't gained wait since you've had it but it's got heavier while you've held it?

hmmm

Now, let the glass go.

Is that better? 

Yaaaaaaaaaas!!

OK PEOPLE you get the point... you can probably guess where I'm going.

Change the glass of water to something you are worrying about? When it first became a worry it was small. You've done nothing different accept hold onto it for longer, like the glass the worry gets heavier with out it actually changing. 

For me that was the light bulb moment & it's silly because my beautiful sister has always said: 

'you cannot control the uncontrollable so if it is out of your control then it cannot be changed therefore don't waste your energy worrying about it'

Or something like that. She is right & this is true.We all hold on to our worries for so long they consume out spare thoughts, down time & take over our lovely brains but they never change until we do something about them. Until we make the conscious effort to act on it & physically change it or let it go because acting on it isn't in our control. 

B O O M !

Let it go because it's still as big as it was & always as big as it will be. 

I'm going to leave it there & let that sink in.

I'd love to know if you have any other ways you deal with stress and worries? 

What was your light bulb moment? 

Get involved in the convo in the comments or let me know on Insta. 

Check out my previous post on managing stress here.

That's all for now beauties. 

Thanks for reading!

Mucho Love,

Liv. 

♥

How to keep your Skin & Hair healthy

Recently a few of you over on my Instagram have been asking me what I do to keep my skin and hair healthy. Now, I'm no expert but here are a few tips I've found help towards glossy hair and smoother skin.

First things first is W A T E R. 

Considering our skin is made from 64% water It only makes sense that hydrating it will be beneficial. I find when I really concentrate on upping my daily water intake I feel more energetic, the water helps balance my skin levels out therefore reducing oil and shine. 

I've been working on making my water more exciting in a bid to drink more, by adding lemon, mint and cucumber to icy cold water, it's refreshing, thirst quenching and adds vitamin C. It is also something a bit more interesting without it being bad for you like a sugary squash would be.
Another way I try to push my water intake up is to replace a few of what would normally be tea or coffee with hot water and lemon with a dash of honey, or to really mix it up adding a fresh raspberry to add extra fruitiness and colour. 

Eat more R E D  F O O D S...

Specifically red fruit and vegetables are the best for your hair, skin and nails. Red fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants such as lycopene and anthocyanins that have tons of benefits for your body, such as decreasing the risk of stroke. They are packed full of vitamins and lycopene is said to help protect against various cancers. I eat loads of berries on my breakfast with probiotic natural yogurt, a drizzle of honey, muesli and nuts. Then as my mid morning or afternoon snack I munch on a punnet of tomatoes and sliced red peppers. They strengthen your hair and nails and aid growth, which in turn makes it for more regular hair cuts which also aids healthier hair and reduces split ends. 

S K I N  C A RE 

Whether your skin care routine is high street or luxury it is still so important to look after your skin morning and night. My nighttime routine it more extensive than my morning as unfortunately I'm usually struck for time cause you know...sleep. Looking after your skin with the aid of moisturisers and balms is one of the best ways to revitalise your skin overnight. 

I am totally addicted to these EOS lip balms, not only do I use them for my lips throughout the day and overnight but I also use them as an under eye treatment. Lip balms are the most dense and intense forms or moisturisers out there which is why I opt the use it under my eyes. I honestly haven't found a better alternative product that can provide such a deep treatment. Its also amazing for dry skin patches on elbows or knees or even on hands and feet. Just be sure not to mix up the ones you're using on your face, lips and elsewhere. 

Recently I've been loving Estee Lauder's skin care products, I've been using the Revitalizing Supreme moisturiser a few nights a week alongside the Advanced Night Repair serum when I'm feeling like my skin needs a real good pick me up.
Finally I really enjoy using Garnier products to remove makeup such as their Micellar Water cleansers and their Simply Essentials 2 in 1 makeup remover. Which is a mixable liquid that you shake together to remove your eye makeup. I use it specifically to take off my waterproof mascara. 

In terms of hydration I've started using this Garnier Moisture Bomb it is a gel consistency, when applied feels like it turns into a water on the skin. It doesn't leave an oily feel to the skin and it sinks in very quickly which I like because it doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky.

H A I  R C A R E

I have always used hair serums after showering and before blow drying my hair especially, I prefer to shower in the evening so if I can help it I try to let my hair dry naturally however before styling I apply this Tresemmé Oil Elixir serum. It helps with stray frizzy hairs, conditions your locks and prevents breakages infused Argan and Almond oils, I apply it to my hair wet and now I really notice when I haven't used it. 

What do you do to keep your hair and skin healthy?
I'd love to know any tips you have?

That's all for now beauties, 

Thanks for reading!

Mucho Love,

Liv

♥

6 Spring Picks

1. River Island Strappy Block Heeled Sandals:
   These sandals as my go to spring shoe at the moment, they are the perfect heel, a few inches tall and block making them comfortable and well, sassy! They're a black suede material that lace up from toe to ankle which is massively on trend for SS16. 
2. Bourjois Rouge Velvet - Honey Mood:
   As you well know if you've read any of my previous posts I bloomin' love these lip lacquers. They have hours of longevity as you would expect from a liquid lipstick they can be slightly drying but for me it's the colour of this lippy I'm loving. This product is a perfect highstreet dupe for Mac Vegas Volt, coral orange with a peachy pink undertone...if that doesn't describe spring/summer I don't know what does?!
3. Tartelette in Bloom Eyeshadow Pallet:
   If you read my full review from last week of this beaut you'll know it has quickly become the first palette I reach for every morning. Without repeating myself, it contains 12 shades, 3 lusters and 9 mattes. Now it surprised me how much I didn't mind the matte to shimmer ratio as I'm a lover of a glistening lid. But the 3 provided are so versatile and the mattes work and blend with them seamlessly to create unlimited combinations of beautiful looks.
4. Primark Tailored Suede Jacket- Grey:
   It appears there is a suede theme running through this post which wouldn't shout out spring summer aka less and/or lighter weight clothing however this jacket somehow works it. Obviously as it's primark it's faux suede and a complete steal at £20, because of this it doesn't weigh you down. It is a lightweight jacket and sits perfectly in the relaxed tailoring trend. It has sharp raw edges which keep it modernised nevertheless the sleek and classic cut give it the winning combination to a staple in every wardrobe.
5. Marc Jacobs Perfume- Daisy 
   This perfume is an oldie but a goodie! Marc Jacobs can do no wrong with scents, it seems every fragrance is divine and the daisy line all started here. The notes that come through with the scent are very floral  however well balanced with touches of musk and jasmine to ensure it's not too sweet. I love the description online for this perfume, it is described as 'the essence of youthful spirit: young, happy, free.' For me that is spring/summer in a nutshell therefore why wouldn't you want to spritz yourself with youth, happiness and freedom everyday? I know I do.
6. Kiko Ulimited Stylo - 02 Pearly Vintage Rose:
   Again, I don't want to repeat myself but this long lasting lipstick is high in the favourites rankings. As mentioned in my Kiko Haul they have matte finish and mid-level longevity. However similarly to the Bourjois lippy, its the colour that is my perfect pick for this time of year!!! Its a toned down coraly peach which would work for both a daytime or evening look. As said in my previous post don't be put off by the name 'pearly' as it's really not however I'd totally agree with the rest of its shade names.  

Let me know what your current spring favs are?
Catch up with me on insta.

That's all for now beauties,

Thanks for reading!

Mucho Love,
Liv
♥

Tartelette In Bloom

This palette makes me one very happy bunny!

Firstly, can we just appreciate this packaging!?
It is b-e-a-u-tiful!
Not only does it look beautiful it feels beautiful too. This product isn't overly weighty which is amazing for traveling but still feels heavy enough to stop it feeling cheap.

Unfortunately it isn't the cheapest, yet it's not crazily priced either.
 It's £33 although I was lucky enough to receive this is a present from my brilliant sister who may have recently been to the US and thought of meeeee.
Based on my research if you buy from the Tarte website directly at the moment if you spend £86 or more it is free shipping.

Let's get serious now and talk product. 

These eyeshadows are gorgeous and I'm scared to say it out loud but they are genuinely becoming more of a firm favourite than the Naked pallets.

  I feel like I should take that back, is it even possible to like something more than the Naked pallets? 

With that in mind, the Naked pallets are a perfect comparison as these Tarte shadows are 100% on par in terms of quality. With regards to the texture I would say they aren't as buttery but that doesn't detract from the pay off, plus I think this is actually a pro because they don't have as much fall out as the Naked pallets. These shadows have soft and blendable clay-like texture (in a great way). This would down to containing Amazonian clay which promotes a longer more durable product and a truer pigmentation.

Image from Tarte.com

The pigment of these shadows also lives up to standard. They are all pretty much true to colour, you can see from my shot of the pallet in comparison to Tartes image of them, there really isn't too much difference which is brilliant. This palette contains 12 eyeshadows, 3 lusters and 9 mattes. The mattes all work seamlessly together to create unlimited combinations of looks alongside having the opportunity to add some lusters into the mix to really give what ever look you're going for the perfect finish. 

Here are a few different looks I've created recently using what is fast becoming my favourite nude pallette of the moment... as you can see it can create a look for every occasion and is really versatile.
To see more looks I've created with this pallette head over to my insta for a near enough daily MOTD. 

What's your fav nude pallette?
Have you used this palette or the first Tartelette palette? What did you think?

Let me know in the comments below.

That's all for now beauties, 

Thanks for reading!

Mucho Love,

Liv
♥
 

10 Thoughts Everyone Has in Their Twenties

Our early twenties seem to be the most challenging, rewarding and daunting years of them all. 

We endeavour to 'find our selves' for lack of a less cringy saying and we grow in confidence hugely.
These are the years we grow up, leave home, start a career, find our 'person' (grey's anatomy terminology) and predominantly these are the years our lives really begin.

CRAP THAT'S SCARY! 

Now I'm starting to think maybe I shouldn't be typing this, I feel I may tell myself a few home truths
-insert monkey emoji with hands over eyes -

Here's a ramble of 10 thoughts that often go through my head and I'm hoping they have yours too!

Here we go...

1 - Q: If I'm using wine to cook it's totally ok to have a glass too? 1 for the pasta sauce, 1 for me. Right?
A: Y e s !!!

2 - Q: Am I the only one that doesn't know how to do this adult thing?

A: No... we are all just muddling through the sea of rubbish that life throws at us and occasionally finding some gems and mainly pretending online we're living our dream life. 

3 - Q: How long does it take for that girl on IG to look like that everyday?
A: Probably longer than you think & sleep is definitely better for your skin.

4 - Q: How am I meant to get a thigh gap, pay for a gym membership, live in the gym trying to work out and also have a social life including copious amount of instagram-able food and cocktails?
A: You are not! And who bloody cares?! Be fit, healthy and love your body for what it is and how intelligent it is keeping you alive everyday. If a thigh gap happens then great. But please, you don't need to make yourself unhappy to be 'happy' because that is not what a thigh gap or perfectly sculpted cheekbones will make you. Healthy is happy, a balanced life is happy, a balanced diet is a happy you inside and intern will reflect that in your body on the outside.

5 - Q: Can I do it?
A: Yes, if you really want something, if you have a genuine passion and fire in your belly for it. Then yes, you can do it. I can assure you when there is a will, there is a way. However, I'm not saying it will be easy and I am 100% not saying it will happen over night. What I am saying is with potentially blood, sweat and tears. It will happen. 1 thing though...
Don't. Give. Up.

6 - Q: How many cups of tea is too many cups of tea?
A: I don't actually have an answer for this one, there isn't too many cups of tea, that's not a thing. But if you've got a problem, I can assure you a deep breath, a cup of tea and a sit down will help. It will not fix the problem, but it will help.

7 - Q: Is it sad I prefer a night in over a crazy night out?
A: Sad? No. Sane? Yes. Nights in with your besties/partner are so much better than nights on the sticky dance floor (don't get me wrong, I love a boogy but just can't hack it every weekend anymore). And thats ok, because the people you chose to spend your time with these days are normally a select few so hearing what they have to say is actually nice. 

8 - Q: Is it normal to live in my dressing gown when I'm not at work?
A: Um yes! That is the most valued item of clothing you should own- If you don't own one you need to, they're life changing- Why wouldn't I want to feel like I was being hugged constantly?

9 - Q: Is watching re-runs of Friends for hours on end unhealthy?
A: No and neither is quoting them wherever possible because Friends is the best American comedy series out there. Full Stop.

10 - Q: Should I be doing what everyone else is doing?
A: No, if all of your friends happen to be in a place in their lives where they are settling down and making babies then that's amazing for them but if you're not then that's amazing for you. Stop comparing yourself to everyone around you! You are you and that exactly what you're meant to be, if you're not sure right now what the future holds that totally ok. Social media may give you the impression all of your old school friends are on top of things. That is what they want you to think. Well done them. They I probably having the exact same thoughts about you. So no, you shouldn't be doing what everyone else is doing. You should do exactly what you want to be doing...so go and get that cuppa- I think we both have some thinking to do...

Let me know what other thoughts you've had a 1000 times that you think we've all had?
Let me know in the comments or catch up with me on insta.

Thats all for now beauties, 

Thanks for reading!

Mucho Love,

Liv

♥