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. 

♥

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

♥

Kiko Haul // First Impressions

 

Kiko is a brand I've always been fond of, it's a high street yet non-high street brand for us here in the UK as it is predominantly an online. However some cities are lucky enough to have some independent stores, my nearest being the beautiful city of Cambridge. 

I may given into my weakness and splurged (I use that word loosely as the products were so affordable) on a few new purchases. 

These pictures were taken and products tried on the same day they flew through the letterbox so I thought I'd give you my honest first impressions! 

I purchased 6 items whilst on my spree, as luckily for me Kiko had a buy 3 get 3 free promotion (try saying that 5 times) and I'd had my eye on a few products for a while... so I thought it would have been rude not to?! 

Soft Focus Concealer : Shade 01 Light

At first glance I really like this packaging, I think the mirrored effect gives the product a high brow feel, unfortunately I this didn't reflect in the product itself. 

The colour of this shade has a predominantly yellow undertone and I don't have the world's fairest skin and this shade isn't light on me at all. Moreover, I found the consistency of the formula to be thin and watery. I'm not sure if that's what they were going for when the called it soft focus, as in, no focus? I wasn't expecting a full coverage creamy concealer when I purchased this product. However, as it also features in there illuminators category, I was expecting something that would blur any imperfections and brighten the chosen area. Personally I don't feel this concealer does either of those things, let alone conceal anything. 

Rebel Bouncy Blush - Shade: Velvety Peach

This blusher is a difficult one to try and describe, don't get me wrong I totally love it. It is marketed as 'lightweight powder' yet I would describe it a creamy texture, it is really buttery to touch and literally melts onto the skin. I found applying it can work well with both fingers or a brush and as it says on the tin, the technique of bouncing the brush lightly onto the cheek using circular motions gives a seamless look. Finally it is a matte blush which isn't something I'd normally opt for but I am so glad I did. The matte finish of this gives me the option of the final outcome of the look at want to achieve and also lets me play around more with different highlighters without mixing two tones of shimmer. 

Finally can we give Kiko a round of applause for this divine packaging! Rose gold, you cannot go wrong with Rose Gold, we all know that!

Metallic Eyeshadow - Shade: Dynamic Taupe

I'm torn with this product, my first impressions were, that isn't taupe? Granted it is certainly metallic but it's not taupe. I would class this as silver. Nevertheless, I do like the colour, it's not what I thought I was buying but thankfully it's a yes from me. This is a dense product packed with colour yet it has an extremely supple texture that glides on effortlessly and due to its density has the perfect level of pigmentation for a everyday look with an extra bit of pizzaz.

Unlimited Stylelo

These lipsticks are my favourite of the whole haul and I have every intention of getting more colours to add to my collection. Unlimited Stylo lipsticks are marketed simply as long lasting lipsticks and Kiko couldn't have been more accurate. 

However, when I first opened the product and started to apply them I was completely thrown off course. They have a soft creamy consistency and feel like a they are going to be a nourishing creme lipstick...oh how wrong that impression was. After a few minutes (or less) on the lips this product turns into a non transferable, semi matte lipstick. Kiko claim these last for up to 8 hours, but who doesn't reapply there lipstick over an 8 hour period? I just wouldn't expect that kind of longevity from any product to be frank. I would say the finish somewhere in between a Mac matte lipstick and a Bourjois rouge velvet lip lacquer. Additionally, the colour payoff is impeccable for a product of this budget, to achieve both looks below I hand on heart only applied 1 layer of product and they produced two full coverage lip looks. 

I purchased the shades:

Shade: 02 Pearly Vintage Rose

Shade: 13 Cocoa  

And I already love both, The pearly vintage rose isn't pearly at all...thankfully matte pearly lips would be weird right? but is a lovely vintage peach tone which could easily be worn day or night. Plus I think it would work easily with any skin tone as it is a very true peach and would adapt well to lighter of darker skin. 

The second of the two isn't actually what I was expecting, online it seemed less cool toned and more of a brown toned nude. Nevertheless now I have it I'm really glad as I don't have another colour like it in my current collection. It's a cool tones brown with hues of bluey/purple running through it because of this I think it would suit fair to mid-tone skin as I really think it complements my own.

Have you tried anything you couldn't live without from Kiko?

Have you seen there new summer limited edition launch? How beautiful is it?!

Let me know thoughts and comments in the box below or catch up with me over on Instagram.

Thats all for now beauties,

Thanks for reading.

Mucho Love
Liv
 ♥

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.

❤️

♥ Valentine's Day Out and Makeup Menu ♥

♥ Happy Weekend Love Birds ♥

How was your Valentines day? 

I spent mine eating, drinking and cuddling the cutest baby animals!!

YES BABY ANIMALS! 

So my Valentine's day started early on Friday evening as I had work this morning so couldn't really drink on Saturday. Annnyway, Mr J and I made a lovely 3 course meal.

I cooked the starter, Mr J cooked the main and I provided the pudding as it was his gift. 

Starter: Pan fried scallops in a garlic and herb butter on a spinach and rocket salad and drizzled in balsamic Glaze.  

Main course: Medium rare steak, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms and homemade garlic chips with a peppercorn sauce. It was amazing however, I was so excited to eat it I forgot to take a picture so apologies for my greediness (sorry)! 

Pudding: Valentine's cupcakes from my local patisserie, one chocolate and one vanilla. 

SERIOUSLY YUMMY!

Mr J was also very very lovely a brought me an Orchid plant. It's so beautiful and adds colour and life to our dining room. I've placed it in our vintage copper coal scuttle, which I think looks fab gorgeous.  

We then started real valentines day with more food my life doesn't revolve around food. I made porridge with maple syrup and blue berries.

Next on to my #MOTD

The above are the ingredients on the Makeup Menu for my Valentines day.

Product list:
- Revlon Lip Butter in Creme Brûlée 
- Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil in Brownie Points
- Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzer 
- Mac individual eyeshadow in Mulch
- MaxFactor Extensions False Lash Effect Mascara 
- L'Oreal True Match Foundation in N3 Creamy/Beige 
- Estēe Lauder Pure Colour Blush in 25 The Siren 
(Hart drawn with Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Vampire Kiss)

I went for a simple smoked out golden brown eye and nude lip for the smooching, with a romantic flushed cheek, a sleek brow, with lashings of mascara to achieve the fluttery eye look! 


Once i was ready we then ventured out for the day to Wroxham Barns, it was a fab day full of CUTE animals and bottle feeding lambs!! ♥

PREPARE FOR CUTE OVERLOAD...........

Mr Baby Lamb loved the camera- I was trying to take a picture of Mr sleepy lamb behind him but i'm so glad he rocked this pose! 

Such a poser! 

I'M SO HAPPY! (hat from Primark, coat from h&m and Scarf from Zara)

Mr J was concentrating ♥

Shortly after this was taken I stroked his teeny head until he feel asleep- IT WAS MAGICAL!

Sorry for spamming you with an overload of pictures but I thought I would make up for the lack in last weeks post and also the animals were too cute not to put in!

What did you get up to this Val Day?

Thats all for now beauties,

Mucho Love,

Liv
♥

Happy Weekend!

Image found on Pinterest

Happy Weekend!

I started my weekend with some light baking, a catch up and a drink with friends down my local pub.

I gave my hand ago at baking, I had seen a Blog post and video from Lily Pebbles where she made 'Brookies' - Thats right you guessed it, BROWIE-COOKIES and yes they are as delicious as you're thinking. For the recipe click on the word Brookies above or for a link to Lily's blog just click on her name above.

So after a nice chilled evening stuffing my face with Brookies and having a drink with friends. It's time to kickstart the weekend with some Brunch my life does revolve around food.

On the menu this morning is poached eggs, a sprinkle of cheese and some fresh avocado YUM. It's snowing here in Norwich so I'm not totally sure what i'm going to do with my weekend from brunch onwards but i'm sure I will keep you updated.

Here's a few snaps of my Brookie making journey:

TRUST ME YOU NEED TO BAKE THESE BAD BOYS 

What are you up to this weekend?

Comment below to give me some ideas to make the most of this snowy weekend.

Tag me on Insta or Twitter @livrhmakeup if you make some Brookies.

Mucho Love,

Liv
♥

Favourite Beauty Steals

I love makeup!

 I love using it on myself, applying it onto other people, talking about it, buying it, having fun with it, the whole shebang.

As much as I love makeup, I really love finding makeup steals and duplicates. 

Now some high end makeup just can't be beaten however lots can... 

Brands & Products

Collection:

•  Bronze Glow Mosaic: This is a bronzer/Highlighter and it is my no.1 go to face product- I have used it for years and even now to this day I speak to professionals and practically everyone asks what I have got on my cheeks. Guess what?!... ITS £2.99! I kid you not. It's a perfect bronzer/highlighter for the summer time when you don't want to wear makeup but are going out for lunch with friends and just want to add a wake me up to your face without caking your skin up. And theres more...Its not just made for the summer. It's perfect for all year round use. If you want to contour with another product and wear a blush too I use it as a highlighter with a lighter touch on the high of my cheekbones.

• Lasting Perfection Concealer: This is a fantastic concealer, its got a thick creamy consistency which gives it a pretty full coverage so it is perfect for covering uneven skin tones and blemishes. And again its a bloody bargain at £4.19. However because of its popularity people like Tanya Burr and Zoella have recommended it meaning tends to be out of stock a lot! 

 Bourjois: 

• Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick: Firstly they've called it a lipstick however, I would call it a lip lacquer. It goes on as a lacquer and sets matte nevertheless it isn't drying, sticky or heavy on the lips like matte lipsticks can be. My favourite colours from the collection I have are Hot Pepper and Nude-ist. Now lets get serious because thats what the lasting power is. No joke, it lasts on your lips so so well and it doesn't leave the lipliner look when it is wearing off either. I would say this is the only bold lip product I would use if I was going out for a meal. Try it for yourself it won't break the bank at £8.99 and there is normally an offer on too! Trust me, you won't regret it.

Revlon:

• ColourBurst Lip Butter: These lip butters are beautiful, they don't promise staying power and they don't promise high colour pigmentation. Nonetheless, they do promise soft and instantly hydrated lips that is exactly what they do! There is now an extended colour range and even though they haven't got a hugely deep pigmentation they do leave a lovely colour on the lip, I own about 6 from the collection at the moment at 2 of which I have already had to repurchase currently selling at a kind to your purse £7.99 or 2 for £10 at boots! If you are looking for a natural sheer colour on the lip alongside some needed TLC during the winter months- because sometimes lip balm just isn't that glam! This is the product for you!

Thats all for now beauties, this post could go on forever.

 Told you I loved talking about makeup.

What are your favourite beauty steals? 

Have you used any of these products? Or can you recommend me some?

Let me know your thoughts! 

Mucho Love,

Liv! x