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

♥

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

♥

♥ 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
♥

The Liebster Award - Q&A

Hey Beauties!

How are we all today? 

Firstly, I'd like to say thank you and hello to all my new followers! There is now 80+ of you and at this early of a stage is so lovely, I hope you enjoy!! 

I have been lucky enough to be nominated for the Liebester Award, 3 times! By these lovely ladies and there blogs Bethany, Zoë & Une Belle Fin . The Liebester award is an award used to help new bloggers get there blog out there and recognised and I think its a fabulous idea! 

The way it works: 

- Link the person who nominated you

- Answer the questions given by the nominator

- Nominate 11 other bloggers who have less than 200 followers

- Create 11 questions for the nominees to answer

- Notify all nominees via social media/blogs

As I have been nominated by more than one person I have selected a few questions from each blog to answer:

1. What was the name of your first pet? Teddy he was a fluffy white cat with a little squashed face.
2. Dream holiday destination? ANYWHERE EXOTIC? okay seriously, I think I would absolutely love to go to brazil and travel around the whole country. Its has so much character and culture I think it would be so much fun alongside the fact that its beautiful and HOT - whats not to love? 
3. What's your favourite item of clothing? Do pi's count? I say they do. I no I love fashion but who here can't deny that as soon as they get home from a long day at work doesn't get changed straight into there snuggley pjs? 
4. What's your favourite season? Autumn - hands down most beautiful season for nature and clothes!
5. List three of your favourite food/ drinks? Tea, Wine & Italian food 
6. Dream job? Full time freelance Makeup Artist - roaming around making gorgeous people feel amazing - yeah I'd love that
7. First make-up experience? My sister put mascara on me and told me my eyelashes where like spiders legs and I completely freaked out!
8. Going out or staying in? IN- with the girls making yummy food having fun making cocktails or drinking copious amounts of wine. LOVE this with the girls, family and my man.
9. Celeb Crush? Oh god, David Beckham does have a fond place in my heart.
10. Style icon? Oooh Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington-Whitely & Alexa Chung- Mix all that together and thats me - Kind of.
11. What's your go-to makeup product? Oooooh making me choose? Okay so Mac wood winked eye shadow, real techniques brushes (all pretty much) & Maybelline the flasies mascara.

My nominees are :

1. What Katie Says
2. What Lauren Did Today 
3. Lucy Loves 
4. Wednesday Genevieve 
5. Voguecsent 
6. This Little Lady 
7. SunandSany
8. Rubies & Red Wine 
9. Lu Loves Beauty 
10. Little Miss Sunshine
11. Jess Who?

I really enjoyed answering these questions so I would like these beauties to answer the above 11.

Have you been nominated for this award? If so let me know and I can check out your blog? 

Mucho love, 

Liv

♥

Here is a picture of my current adopted pet (my sisters kitten) his name is Wilfred, he says hi.
YES HE IS THE CUTEST KITTEN EVER! 

When? When? When?

Hello lovelies!! 

How are we today? 

I've taken it upon myself to get organised and let you beautiful lot know when I intend to be blogging.

Soooo, my intention is publish my main blog posts every Sunday at 7pm. Not to say this is set in stone and not to say I only intend to write 1 post a week but as it stands that's the schedule. I have a full time job working a 42.5 hour week and I don't want to promise you all the world and only deliver half. 

I will be of course posting some sporadic posts mid week when I have days of here and there but if I am silent during the week check back in on Sundays for a new post.

 I want to give you lovely followers the best I can in my posts. I want to really get to know you and you me. I want to deliver high quality loveliness on a weekly basis for you to read and enjoy. Hopefully one day I can work less at my smelly day job and more on this but for now enjoy my Sunday posts and anything in between. 

That's 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
♥

Hello!

Hello there fellow bloggers!

I'm a newbie at this blogging malarky, nice to meet you! How are you?

Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself! I'm Liv!

I'm a self taught Makeup Artist, beauty junkie, foodie, hair stylist, home interior addict, slightly ocd and an avid fashion follower. I'm ginger and have blue eyes and Olive-ish skin. I was born and brought up in Southampton, and have recently moved to the mighty fine city of Norwich to live with my lovely boyfriend of 3 + years.

If you want to have a chat you can find me on https://twitter.com/livrhmakeup or http://instagram.com/livrhmakeup/

Thats all for now beauties,

Mucho Love.

Liv!x