Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighter

I think anyone who loves make-up is partial to a couple/bucketload of highlighters.
They have really took off in recent years.
I know I now wouldn't dare do my make-up without adding a light dusting of highlighter to the tops of my cheekbones. It enhances the natural glow that hits this part of the face, and helps to make cheekbones appear more prominent.

I received this Technic Get Gorgeous Highlighter in the #CarnLival Bloggers Event goodie bag, and well I haven't stopped using it.

Egg Fried Vegetable & Cashew Stir-Fry with Gousto

Gousto is a flexible subscription food box, that is delivered to your door.

You can choose from a range of meals (minimum 2) and you can pick your servings: two or four people, and so forth.

I love this whole idea so much, we can all get stuck in a rut with meals and this sparks inspiration, and gives you the chance to cook and try different foods.

GHD Smooth & Finish Serum

I don't get excited by hair products. I think it's because I have never tried anything at home that has blown me away. Hair oils can weigh my hair down. No matter how much hairspray I spray on - my curls will still drop out. I lather on all the nourishing conditioner from Redken to L'oreal, and I still manage to look like Worzel Gummidge.

So when I was invited along to GHD at John Lewis Liverpool One to get my hair sorted, i jumped at at the opportunity. Natalie styled my hair taking inspiration from Khloe Kardashian.
She curled my hair, but left the ends straight.
Looks pretty amaze right?

Mental Health, here to Help.

So mental health is a taboo subject on the whole.
I totally get why people do not want to talk about it, if you have suffered with any type of mental health issues then I feel you would totally understand this. Damn it is one of the symptoms.

Feeling embarrassed, lost and unworthy, closing yourself off from family and friends.
Feeling that the emotions and thoughts you have are not "normal" and if anyone dared heard them, well this would be nothing short of your worst nightmare.

But now more and more people are talking and sharing their experiences, and this is a very brave, crucial and incredible step for humanity.
We are not alone, and I am writing this post with the current Heads Together #okaytosay campaign in mind.

Aubergine Parmigiana

This dish is hands down my favourite Italian dish ever, and I do not feel it is well known at all.
When I was in Rome a couple of weeks ago, I ordered this in a restaurant and it was the best one I have ever tried. (So it should have been huh? When in Rome and all that haha.)

It is a tasty and indulgent vegetarian dish, that is easy and quick to make.

What Comes Around Goes Around?

As we get older the "majority" of people become more conscious of their actions, words, and the way they behave. Life lessons on the whole, show that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

We treat someone bad? Well someone will treat us bad!
We do good things, with a genuine and caring heart. Then good things will be returned to us.
We work hard at our career or hobby, we will reap the rewards.
We look after our mind, body and soul. We will spiritually evolve and in time, find true-inner happiness.

Budget Beauty Buys

Do you love a bargain? YES I THOUGHT SO!

I have picked out some of my favourite high-street make-up and skincare finds that I have aquired over the past couple of years. I have whittled down the best of the best, and the majority of products featured in this post, rival any similar high-end products in my stash.

Easter Chocolate Bunny & Egg Cones

I saw an Easter egg bunny baking silicone tray on eBay here, and instantly bought it.

I thought it would be fun to make up some Easter chocolate cones for the kiddies in my life, as they get so many traditional Easter eggs.
This recipe is fun and easy, (basically melted chocolate) and look how super cute the bunnies and easter eggs are?

Woodlands Beauty Baltic Triangle Review

I love having a pamper in a salon, it's unfortunately something that I don't get to do very often though.
(GET THE VIOLINS OUT PLEASE)

When I was invited along to Woodlands Aesthetic & Beauty at the Baltic Triangle Liverpool to have two treatments, I jumped at the opportunity, and then practically sprinted along to the salon.

The Baltic Triangle is a very up-and-coming hip part of Liverpool, with new innovative business's opening by the day.
The salon was easy to find, and with 2 hours free parking right outside it is a great alternative to visiting the City Centre - where parking can be pretty hefty on the ole purse strings.

Stop Being Fake?

The label "fake" is being thrown about a lot in this day in age, and the definition and the way it is being used, well it seems to be a little overused, generalised and undefined.

Sometimes we find ourselves in situations when we don't feel comfortable, self assured or confident.

This can sometimes mean we behave in ways that we may not be proud of, but you know - we all have flaws.

This doesn't make us fake, sometimes it can show traits of high self-control and strength.

And here is why...

Smoky Paprika Chips with Chilli Chutney and Cilantro & Garlic Dip

Now who doesn't like chips? Especially on a Monday.

In all fairness I don't eat them often, but when I do I go all out.
I am a sucker for flavour, and by simply adding some smoked paprika to a good old Maris Piper, well it pimps it to the next level.

The Ordinary Primer's Review.

The Abnormal Beauty Company is one of my favourite finds of the past 18 months.

There are so many of brands under The Abnormal Beauty Company umbrella and they are as follows: Hylamide, Niod, The Chemistry Brand, The Ordinary, Stemm, Fountain, Hair is Fabric and many more.

I have tried two primers, one from Hylamide (review here ) and one from Niod.
Both I totally loved.

When I was sent the two primers below to try, I had very high hopes.

Onion Bhaji Wraps with Chilli Tomato Chutney & a Cucumber & Mint Yoghurt Dip

I had so many onions knocking about, more than was ever needed in one household.

I decided I needed to use them up ASAP, and thought I would try my hand at making Onion Bhajis.

I can not believe how easy and quick they was to make. If you like them, then I would really recommend making them at home. They take around 10 minutes and you only need 6 ingredients.
One being a whole lotta onions.

A Mother....

Becoming a Mother, is a precious gift to prize.

Children love their Mums, and we feel blessed to have them in our lives.

A time without our children being here, it seems so long ago.
Maybe because we are so busy, watching them learn, play and grow.

From their quirky, mischievous ways, and watching them flourish.
Their funny inappropriate questions, and all the kisses and cuddles.

Mums teach them we guide them, they depend on us unconditionally.
We feel incredibly overwhelmed, that they love us so dearly.

We write, read and play with them, but then crave time by ourselves.
Mums shouldn't feel guilty about this, we're just like everyone else.

We are doing our best, giving them all that we have.
But it's important to enjoy alone time with friends, to live, love and laugh.

Mums are role models, companions, the first place they go.
When they feel happy, excited, or incredibly low.

Their first day at school, to them sneaking out at night.
It can be an on-going worry, thinking are they alright?

Even through the tantrums, the demands, and the challenges we may face.

We are their Queen, their Mother, and their very best mate.

Happy Mothers Day. 

       

The Clarins Combo I Can't Get Enough Of.

If you drop by these neck of the woods you will know I love Clarins, it is by far my favourite skincare brand, and one I have used for around 15 years now.

The Clarins Boost (Detox) and the Clarins Multi Active Jour Day Cream Gel  are pretty new additions to my collection. As expected I am enjoying using them, and the results they are bringing to the table.

Lemon & Strawberry Muesli Pot

I make an effort on a Sunday in the breakfast department, and like to rustle up something better than a babybel and a Muller Light yoghurt! (My weekday on-the-go breakfast of choice haha).

I made this, went to sit down and enjoy it with a cuppa, and well my little legs told me:

 "Oooo that looks nice".

As he is going through a very fussy food stage I willingly give it to him, and well the rest is history.

How to Start a Blog.

So are you thinking of starting a blog? Or interested to see how to set one up, and what goes on behind the scenes?

Well you are in the right place kiddo, here goes...

First off you need to distinguish why you want to start a blog? Is it a hobby? Or do you want to earn a living from it? There is a big difference about how you approach your blog, dependant on your answer.

L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover Foundation

When it comes to foundation, I tend to invest in high-end ones.
Over the years nothing I have tried compares, and even though I love Rimmel Wake Me Up and Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream the longevity of these products are not the best.

I personally find this the main issue with drugstore foundations. They just do not stay on my face.

When I seen bloggers and YouTuber's raving about the new L'Oreal Infallible Total Cover Longwear Foundation and with a purse friendly price tag of just £7.99 I thought I would give it a whirl in the shade 'Porcelain". I have fair skin with a cool undertone, and my skin at the moment is normal, but dehydrated.

Falafel Ranch Salad with a Spicy Garlic & Herb Dressing

I don't in all honesty eat much meat, as I have become older my tastebuds have evolved and I would so rather have a veggie burger over a beef or chicken burger any day of the week.
I am trying to get more adventurous in regards to rustling up more innovative and tasty vegetarian dishes, and this Falafel Ranch Salad with a Spicy Garlic & Herb Dressing was a huge success.
It was so easy to make and also really cheap, 2 tins of chickpeas cost me £1 in Tesco, utter bargain.

Low - Carb Mexican Turkey Burgers

For Lent I give up carbs! Yes very, very harsh I know.

But then I heard on the radio that you can have whatever you give up for Lent, on a Sunday.
Doing some research and you won't believe it, it is totally true!
31 years of age and I never knew this. I feel like I have been robbed.

Anyways I made these on a no-carb day, and wowzers I didn't miss the big soft bun in anyway.
Okay maybe a little, but not as half much as I thought.

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder

I had read so many amazing reviews of the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder,  I don't tend to use setting powders a lot as my skin is dry as dust, but when I do it is usually a pressed powder.
The past couple of years my go-to product has been the Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder priced at £27, I really like the product but you only get a minuscule 7g of product.

The Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder is £17.00 or currently on sale (here) for £11.33, so a lot more purse friendly, and there is 28g of product.

Eton Mess Pancakes

HAPPY PANCAKE DAY!

I am going to put it out there, I don't have a sweet tooth. Shocker I know.
I am so a starter and main meal type of girl, but I rustled these up last weekend and wowzers they was amazing.

The idea just popped into my head that Eton mess and pancakes would be the most perfect combo, and well I wasn't wrong.

Ways to Alleviate Anxiety

I heard on the radio yesterday that one-in-five new mums suffer with some sort of mental illness during or after pregnancy, with a huge amount not seeking help, or being provided with the correct support down to resources in our country.

At some stage in our lives maybe we all experience feelings of anxiety, these feelings are unique to each person.
Some struggle more than others, people have different triggers, different symptoms that can include: feeling light headed, breathlessness, paranoia, feelings of panic, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, problems sleeping and excessive worrying. Of course there are a wide range of anxiety disorders from social anxiety, to more specific phobia disorders.

Some live with it daily, were's some could go months without feeling anything - and then it appears out of no-where.
Over the years I have found that the main trigger for my anxiety is doing to much, and letting negative thoughts creep back in. The symptoms I personally suffer with include: excessive worrying, feelings of panic and problems sleeping.
With mental health being such a broad, complex and very personal subject with a lot of stigmas surrounding it.
I thought I would discuss some positive factors I incorporate into my life, that help address my own anxiety, and in turn lead a happier and more fulfilled life.

Singapore Vermicelli

My favourite Chinese dish in the whole wide world is Singapore Vermicelli.

The mixture of spices, vegetables, and insanely thin rice noodles are just a match made in heaven.

How I mustered up the energy to make this dish I will never know.

I was super tired after being out all day, and wasn't really in the mood to cook.
What I really wanted was to order a huge Chinese takeaway.
I am so happy I resisted, as I am over the moon with how amazing it tasted. 

It was way better than any Chinese takeaway version I have had, and it was quicker and cheaper to make too.

I Heart Makeup Unicorns Heart Rainbow Highlighter

I seen this I Heart Makeup Unicorns Heart Highlighter on Twitter, and ordered two straight away.
Priced at just £5 the inner - child in me could't help but purchase it because,  well look at it?
(All the heart eyed emojis right here).

Currently Reading

I have loved reading from a very young age, and usually read a 2-3  books a month.
Lately I have enjoyed reading these types of blog posts, as it can help me to pick out books that I may not have heard of, or necessarily come across whilst browsing Amazon, or Waterstones.

As reading is a big part of my life and something I have a lot of love for, I thought I would start doing one post a month all about the books I am currently reading.

I hope you enjoy :)

Mushroom & Pancetta Pappardelle

It's that time of year were the majority of us are pretty much battling some sort of cough or snotty nose.
The first thing I do when I have a cold is eat all the food, but I don't want to be spending hours cooking in the kitchen or piling the pounds on.

My body craves carbs, and pasta is my all time favourite carb.
I never tend to eat creamy sauces, an absolute travesty I know, but they can be so, so high in fat. I usually just opt for a tomato based sauce.
But a genius hack is that using low-fat Philadelphia and no oil, well this reduces the fat content in this dish lots.

Who says you can't have your cake (pasta) and eat it huh?

Mac Warm Soul Blusher

Is it possible to love a blusher? Yes, I totally think so too.

I was introduced to Mac Warm Soul around 2 years ago now, It is one of them products that you try, and then think: "WOW where the hell have you been all my life?"

A Weekend in Geneva

Switzerland has always been a place I have wanted to visit. But I never knew where to start.
Doing some research I decided Geneva was the first on my places to go, as there is flights direct from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and it is the French speaking part of Switzerland.

Flying into Geneva the view was one of the most picturesque views I have ever seen.
Everyone was shoving and nudging each other to look out the window, seeing the snowy mountains from the sky really is something special.

Patisserie Valerie Liverpool

I have walked past Patisserie Valerie in Liverpool City Centre many times, thinking ooooo that looks really nice I must visit one day. 

So I was very happy when me and my little rascal were invited along last month, to sample their new limited edition Madame Valerie Gateau Slice. 

WOWZERS just look at it!

Almond & Lemon Valentine Biscuits

Who doesn't like biscuits, especially ones that are shaped like hearts?

With Valentines Day only 6 days away, I decided to make some biscuits with my little rascal at the weekend. They was easy peasy to make, and it was so much fun decorating them - and eating them of course. 

I have popped the recipe below, I think they make such a thoughtful gift for the one you love, or a great treat for yourself with a cuppa.

Ways to Banish Chapped Lips

With Valentines Day on the horizon, no-one wanna be rocking dry, chapped, flaky lips.

Actually scrap that.
With matte lip products being bang on trend, we need all the smoothness we can get.
Flaky, dry lips and matte lippie, it's an utter car crash right?

So with all the above in mind, here are my go to products to help you on your way to having smoother, luscious and plumper lips.

Becoming a Parent....

Becoming a Mum to my little rascal, is single-handedly the most amazing thing I have ever experienced in my whole life. No-one can explain, or express the feelings, and love you have towards the little human you birth, they are a true, true blessing.

 I do occasionally ask the question why.....

Roasted Red Pepper & Bean Chilli

I love to have meals ready in the freezer for when the lazy bones in me kicks in.
Every month I try and make a big batch of this veggie chilli and freeze it.

It is great added to wraps, rice, cous cous, or in a jacket potato.
It is so quick, easy and cheap to make - plus it tastes ahhhhmazing.

Save or Splurge? Battle of the Sheet Face Mask

Sheet masks are so popular now, and I must admit they are my favourite type of mask. 

I particularly love them after a night on the tiles, or when my skin is looking dull and dehydrated.

With one of these sheet masks costing just £1 (Garnier) and the other one £9.75 (Sarah Chapman) I thought I would compare the two, as both brands have similar claims about their masks but the price difference is pretty steep.

Both these sheet masks contain hyaluronic acid, which is well known for its spectacular hydrating properties, and they both claim to rehydrate skin, plump out fine lines and revive radiance.

Promoting Self-Love

Talking and promoting self-love and self-confidence is a taboo subject.

Self-love to some, can be associated with vanity, self-obsession, and taking far too many selfies.

But even though it isn't a crime in any shape or form to love our appearance, do you think we struggle to love the person we are, on the inside?

Personally I think on the whole we do.

We very easily put ourselves down, without batting an eyelid.

Why did i do that?
I am rubbish at this!
Why haven't I done that?
I could have done that better?
I am never going to be able to do that!

Imagine if we doubted, judged and treated family and friends the way we do ourselves?

I doubt anyone would like us, so why do we treat ourselves with such blatant disregard, and do it so easily?                                                  

  "It's not your job to like me, it's mine".  (Author Unknown)

Cod Curry with Cardamom Rice and a Cucumber, Mint and Lime Salad.

I HEART curry.

I made this in the slow cooker and it was absolutely perfect.
It was left to cook on low for 8 hours, and the results were magnificent.

The prep takes around 10 minutes, and then the slow cooker does all the hard work.

The cucumber, lime and mint salad freshens the whole dish up, also adding a delicious crunch.

Marc Jacobs Decedence Divine

The amount of people who commented on the perfume I was wearing last year, well if I had a penny and all that.

It was Marc Jacobs Decadence, and as soon as I wiffed it I fell in love.

This year I got its sister Marc Jacobs Decadence Divine for Christmas.

Thai Turkey Noodle Bowl

I am pretty obsessed with noodles, I love that they are quick to cook and so indulgent and filling.

Through the week I am forever trying to cut corners and create a tasty and healthy meal.

This dish takes around 15 minutes to cook and as always is SO easy. 

I doubled up this recipe, and took the other half to work for my lunch the next day. 

Guerlain De Peau Foundation

I had been eyeing this foundation up for so long, priced at £38.50 I was apprehensive to take the leap and purchase it. It is probably one of the most expensive foundations I have purchased, and to be fair I didn't even purchase it.
I won a competition on Twitter via Miss Makeup Magpie and Escentual, so I had £50 to spend on their site.

Managing Money

One of my New Year resolutions was to manage my finances better.
I finally came to terms with the fact that I am now an adult human, and I have things like bills to pay, and mouths to feed.
I thought it was finally time to start looking for ways to improve managing my cash, stop impulsive spending, but also whilst living my life to the fullest.
Carefully want to define being tight with money (eurghh), and being careful with money here (yay)!

Cod & Pancetta with a Leek & Pea Broth

This dish screams Summer, initially. But don't be fooled, from the crispy bacon, soft cod and creamy broth, well all the latter creates the most perfect hearty meal.

As usual this is easy, peasy to make.

Benefit Ka Brow

I am currently in the process of reshaping my brows (nearly 3 years now haha)
I really struggle to fill in and shape my eyebrows. I think I am awful at it, so I am always on the hunt for a product that will make the whole process easier.

When Benefit relaunched all their eyebrow products last year, I received samples of the Ready Set Brow Gel, Gimme brow, and Goof Proof Brow Pencil.  I was impressed with each one, and used them all, day-in-and-day-out.

I visited the Benefit counter in Debenhams and let the lady have a look at my brows, and see what product she thought would best suit my unruly brows.

Ka Brow was the winner, and shade 5 was my colour match.

Hassleback Potatoes

I created this dish on a whim using up some bits and bobs I had in, it turned out to be so tasty . - I just had to share.

Tips To Help You Sleep

I think we all at some points in our lives have phases of struggling to drift off to the land of nod.

Not gonna lie, I am like a bear with a sore head if I don't get a good eight hours, and being the sleep fiend that I am I thought I would share some of my tips.

Ways to Stay Positive in January

The beginning of January, well the majority of us are ready to get back into our routines.
Full to the brim with all the gorgeous factors the festivities bring, a New Year screams a new start.

Then 2 weeks into January, BOOM well reality is back with a bang, and a lot of people suffer with a mild who am I kidding (severe) case of January blues.

So what can we do to beat them?

Happy New Year - The Happy Planner

First things first! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I wish you all lots of love, laughter, health, wealth and prosperity for 2017.

Do you set resolutions?

I always set New Year resolutions, but as time has progressed I try and make them as realistic as possible. Gone are the days of promising myself I will lose 20 stone, eat clean, and run a marathon.
Small steps and all that.

With the New Year looming and so many expectations about how the coming year is going to be the best yet, I feel it's important when making any resolutions to stop, take a minute, and reflect on the year gone by.

Wherever you are in your life. No matter if it is a New Year Year, or a new day you can make a change when ever you like.

I love the chance to start afresh. When making new resolutions I reminisce on the year gone by, and pick out the aspects I felt I was a bit rubbish at.

I then will try and work each month to be better at these things, and hopefully in turn create a happier me.

This year my main resolutions are managing my finances better, and to become more organised - enter The Happy Planner.