Lifestyle Blog

Friday 30 November 2012

Its December Tomorrow xXx


So when we  wake up tomorrow December will have arrived ... literally cant contain my excitement.
There are so many things I am looking forward to in December its going to be the best month EVER.


  1. In a few more sleeps I will literally be driving home for christmas 
  2. I get to open the first door on my advent calendar ( ok so this is a little lie as I have forgotten it at home in Dorset but roll on the 9th when I can open and eat 9 days worth of chocolate )
  3. I can start blaring out the christmas tunes without the fear of getting arrested by the christmas scrooge police. 
  4. I can carry out lots of festive activities with all my beauties at home .
  5. I can sit by my fire watching christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate. 
  6. I get to wrap up all my pressies and pop pretty bows and ribbons on them all .
  7. Wait ... I need to do some Christmas shopping first .
  8. I get to make homemade mulled wine and drink it until I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 
  9. I am going to get my bake on and make some homemade mince pies to go with my wine YUM 
  10. And finally I get to spend a rather fabulous festive season with my wonderful family and friends. 
ooo and I forgot to mention I can now go out in public and dance around in my christmas jumper :) 

Whats your favourite thing about December ?

Love Liv xXx 

Celebrity Culture .....


Go Think Big posted this super topical question on their Facebook page this afternoon and it inspired me to do a little post on my views surrounding the age old celebrity based debate.
As someone who is fascinated  by the world of celebrities I felt this an appropriate topic to comment on.

To me celebrity culture is like fashion trends ....it varies from season to season and can reflect an individuals personality and personal style . The current trend that has swept the nation recently is that of the reality star . This trend is reflective of the current societies interest and these publics are  the ones that drive magazine sales  expressing their interest into the reality stars lives; so surely its the publics themselves that are driving this sense of ambition and not the celebrities that are creating it?

   I have to therefore disagree  with the question posed by Go Think Big as  I believe it shows more then ever the sense of ambition that  if you want something in life and believe in yourself then you can achieve it. 

Celebrity culture stills consists of a range of people posing various talents ( such as singing or acting )  all of which are individual to that person, but like i said currently the public attention is drawn seemingly to that of the reality star . This presents the theory to me that rather then the lack of inspirational and ambitious celebs their is just a change of views in which young people aspire to. 

I'm not saying I wish there to be an army of Rylans being produced over the next few months but in  he obviously has such a huge followers of fans,  despite all those people out their talking negative about him he got extremely far in a competition voted for by the public.  We all no he's not going to be winning a Brit award any time soon but is a true representative of todays celebrity culture, and to me is someone who has expressed his passion for something and not given up just because someone said he was no good. 

So I guess what I am trying to say is that I just think it represents that if you want to make your dreams a reality then nothing should stop you and that is what young people should be taking on as ambition  . Not everyone has been gifted with the talent of singing or acting for example so should learn to embrace the qualities you do have, after all the sky is the limit. 

Basically I think everyone needs to take a chill pill and not take things so seriously, and if you like him or not take it as inspiration to follow your dreams.

Who drives your ambition ? 

Lots of love Liv 




Shining Like a Diamond...

I received this Banksy image on a card this week and its now taken pride of place on my windowsill
as a little bit of twinkling inspiration . It represents to me that everyone has the opportunity to grasp very special things in the palm of their hand, but its down to you to capture this very opportunity.
Recently various people have said how lucky I am to have achieved the things I have and when I look back it wasn't luck at all but pure hard work and dedication . The only think I can count on my lucky stars is being blessed with such fabulous and supportive family and friends around me xXx

Keep twinkling beauties ..

Lots of love Liv xXx

Wednesday 21 November 2012

A Merry Cupcake Christmas ...

When it comes to baking I am sure we all see ourselves as a domestic goddess producing the fluffiest   tasting cupcakes out there, but if your anything like me you long for someone to actually teach you some decorating skills when it comes to cupcake making to literally help put the icing on the cake !!

So the fabulous people at The Crafty Party Company have done it again and set up the ultimate in workshop treats .

These professionally run workshops by cake maker and designer Louise can be uniquely tailored to fit with the theme of your party, ranging from cute vintage designs to festive creations as lets face it you can never have too many cupcakes in your life.


 These tasty workshops don't have to be for a specific celebration either but can also provide a perfect girlie opportunity to establish your inner Delia Smith.
The end result can also make ideal gifts for family and friends this christmas, or just a treat for yourself as we all deserve a good old cupcake after all that christmas shopping right ??

For more information and quotes for these simply scrumptious work shops please contact Katie -
Katie@thecraftypartycompany.co.uk
07824396645

Love Liv xXx

All images are from The Crafty Party Companies Website x

Monday 19 November 2012

Crowning Glory ....


So now the super British summer has passed and the Jubilee celebrations feel a life time ago I am experiencing regal withdrawal symptoms and miss seeing crowns where ever I look .
I have therefore decided to do a little high street search to make my blog feel a little bit more patriotic and to hold on to my love for the royals a little bit longer.

Despite most of my possessions being encrusted with crowns there are always room for more :) ....
Move over K Middy there is a  new Princess Glitter in town..

So i'm not asking you to find your flags and put that bunting back up but hope these things bring back a few memories of an unbelievable summer in British history. ( Do feel free however to tuck into some strawberries and cream ).
Topshop CROWN BEAD RING STACK Price: £8.50
 Who needs a bit sparkly blue engagement ring from Wills himself when you can get this crown ring stack right on the high street. Ok I lied I wouldn't have minded but for now Topshop can be my prince charming !
Johnny Loves Rosie Mini Crown Alice Band £20.00

Ok I am going to be honest I don't think this is something I would actually wear but all the same I love it and think its so cute. I am such a fan of Johnny Loves Rosie's product as they are so girlie and individual and you can always rely on them to produce something that little bit unique . Keep up the fabulous work guys x



Cath Kidston RIBBON ROSETTE BROOCH £5

This cutie little item does make me want to hunt out my jodhpurs and trot on off to pony camp but I think its so sweet and its country/vintage style can only mean one thing ... CATH KIDSTON.

 
Crown A Day Tote Bag £5.99
And what does one need to carry all of her fabulous things in ?  A crown a day bag of course xXx


Paper Chase - Crowns Small Magnetic Notepad £4.50
A very special friend of mine bought me this little notepad as a gift last year . Its so beautifully made with a metallic finish on the crown designs and the magnetic cover means that it holds loose pieces of paper safe . I have yet to write in mine though as I want to wait for something special to use it for .


Hope you enjoyed my regal inspired post . 

Lots of Love Liv xXx 

Saturday 17 November 2012

Daily Dose of Sparkle xXx DDOS


For those whose day has lacked that extra bit of sparkle or even if your twinkling like the brightest star enjoy todays Daily Dose of Sparkle...

lots of love liv xXx
GOLD GLITTER NAIL WRAPS - Topshop £5
I have yet to try out nail wraps so would love to know if any of you have. Next time I have a little shop I will be sure to purchase some to do a little post , and I particular love these gold glitter ones as apart from Nails Inc I have yet to find other good quality glitter nail polish. On a further hunt I have just found these on the New Look website for £2.99 so save your self some pennies ( for extra sparklys ).
Star by Julien Macdonald- Bronze glitter photo frame


Being an old fashion kind of girl I love to actually develop photographs not to just have an online scrapbook of memories on Facebook , so I LOVE this beautiful sparkly frame which actually has 20% at Debenhams so grab one now.
Gold Glitter Star And Heart Line Lights-Next £18
I love this string of lights which is not only perfect for this festive season but can also be used as to add that extra bit of sparkle to any room all your round ... A perfect edition to my decorations this year.

GLITTER SADDLE BAG - Zara £9.99
Cutie ... now little bags are not something  I normally go for ( im more of a Mary Poppins fit everything kinda gal ) but my friend held my bag for me the other day and she couldn't believe how heavy it was . 
Maybe its time for a change and I may be able to survive the day with just my keys purse and phone . 
Hmmm we will see , if i had to pick though this is one of my fave little bags. 

Silver Sequin Tuxedo Blazer -New Look £34.99

In a true homage to Carrie Bradshaw a sequinned blazer is a must have for me this season and I love this one from New Look , where I can also get student discount so everyone is a winner and i'm set to dazzle this party season.

Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust...

So  my day has mostly consisted of research and literature reviews for my dissertation ( I no I live such a glamorous life ) and by 5'o clock I was really lacking some sparkle...
Unfortunately Warrington is not top of the sparkly places to visit list so I decided to look back over my photographs of the most magical summer EVER last year...

This of course was working in Disney World Florida, which was an experience that well and truly changed my life and of course made memories that will stay with me forever .

Whats the most magical holiday you have ever been on ?

Lots of love Liv xXx
Fantasia 

Hollywood Studios 

My Work Place for 3 Months 

My fave Mr DD 


The Greatest Show on Earth 

My Future House 

Almost Me xXx 

Friday 16 November 2012

Counting Down ....

This week saw the start of towns and cities switching on their christmas lights which means I am that one day closer to being allowed to put my own sparkly tree up .... Excited is an understatement.

I have seen the John Lewis Christmas advert and had my first festive Starbucks toffee nut latte ( not to mention in their special red cups) so the festive season is well under way.
Today also marks the 3 week countdown for when I  will be driving home for christmas ( I bet you had a little sing then didn't you  ... be honest ).
From my recent trip with the girlies xXx 


Oo hurry along now please December
Love Liv xXx





Images from Iheartit.com

Since When Did Shops Turn Into Nightclubs??

                      "Welcome to Hollister , would you like a gas mask, earplugs, or a flashlight? "



I found this quote on twitter this morning, not only did it put a smile on my face but it just about sums up how I feel about this chain of retail stores that shares it "atmospheric" surroundings with sister company Abercrombie and Fitch.

For those who have never stepped foot into one of their stores I can put it very simply for you; 
Imagine going on a night out in a nighclub that also sells clothes. This maybe the perfect combination for many people, but for me entering the doors of the store instantly gives me a headache from hell with its low level lighting ( not sure what their trying to hide) its over powering signature after shave smell and ear drum bursting music..... Is this branding going too far ?

Sexy topless men aside this is really not the shopping experience I want when I hit the shops, as called me old fashion but I rather enjoy actually seeing what i'm purchasing before I hand over my money!



In contrast to this only a few shopping steps away is one of my favourite stores Victoria's Secret... It may be its feminine touches and sparkling ambience that makes me a fan, but its open and inviting layout make it much more appealing and so much easier to shop in. 



What are your views on Hollister's store designs and what are your favourite stores and why .
Would love to hear from you .. 
Lots of Love Liv xXx 


Wednesday 14 November 2012

My Sparkly Lust List .....

 With the help of twitter I have spent the last couple hours looking for jobs for when I have graduated and that is when I came across Lucie Clifford.
Lucie is Fabulous magazines' shopping editor who I had the pleasure of working with when I did a short little intern at the magazine in 2010; I then started to look into Lucie's role at the magazine and it seemed right up my street.
I love the way she documents her favourite Lust List from the high street on a dedicated section of the fabulous website .
Here is an example of her work :
http://fabulousmag.co.uk/author/lucieclifford/

Being a lover of trinkets, accessories and anything new it inspired me to do my very own Lust List with of course added sparkle.


So here are a few things I found today and that I love ... enjoy
 Love Liv xXx
PaperChase Teal, silver and white bauble wreath £20
Not On The High Street Personalised Satin Sleep Mask £12

Ouch! Aches And Pains Body Cream £7

Kelly Brook Nude 2 Illuminating Concealer £3.99
Ted Baker Glitter Bow Large Washbag £29

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Out with the Old .....


Seeing recent photographs of myself at parties has given me the boost that I really need to lose weight.
 The double chin really isn’t in this season and really not likely to be making a come back any time soon. 

So to kick start this new me I have gone through old magazine and cut out lots of pictures of fabulous figures I want to achieve, sticking them on a piece of A3 paper I now have a thinspiration wall xXx 

I also took “beautiful" photos of myself in my undies which are a true incentive to shift these pounds for good,which I wont be scaring you with but here is a before and after pic of me where over the past couple years my weight has crept on... Until now :) 


Then ....





Now ....

I have downloaded an app on my phone to track my calorie intake so hopefully by having to write everything down will prevent me from sneaking a little bit of milky bar :) 

Here are a couple of my  inspirational photographs to keep me motivated.. 
Josie Gibson After Weightloss 

Josie before 

Kourtney Kardashian 

KK