OMG. How did I become 25? It seems like 2 minutes ago since I turned 16 and my Dad was sat playing "Happy Birthday Sweet 16" by Neil Sedaka.
Then it was my mental 18th in Portugal where I got far too drunk, as did all the other girls due to too many cocktails.
Turning 21 I ripped up the town in Chester with my girls again.. and now I'm 25, with a 2 (nearly 3) year old Daughter, getting married in June and feeling far too grown up... how did this happen? - what is really annoying is that I still look 12 and I STILL get ID'd.

I just bloody hope I still look this young when I'm 40!

Laura ❤

I just wanted to wish my Mum a very Happy Mothers Day, she really is my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without her, she is literally my rock. She's the best Nana to our little girl & treats Sean like her own Son (even though we are not married yet!)

Shout out to my MUMMY! - she really is the best.

I also just want to thank my beautiful daughter for making me a very proud Mummy, she can be a little monster at times and drive me to insanity, but I wouldn't change it for the world, I love being a Mummy.



Happy Mothers Day to all you Mummy's out there!

Laura ❤

Today me & my Mum had a make up lesson at Peaches & Cream in Liverpool as part of our 'Mothers Day / My Birthday / Girly Weekend' treat.

It was fabulous, I've learnt so much, from contouring to eyeshadow blending. (tbf, I was terrible, my technique was awful & I needed pointing in the right direction, my theory of cake it on and hope for the best on a night out was not photogenic at all!)

I now also have a list as long as my arm of make up products & brushes that I need - well want.. but need. I'm sure I will be making some purchases tomorrow  so I will post everything I've bought on a post on Tuesday when I'm back home.

I will also upload photos to document the moment, that I, yes I, did my own make up... that looked pretty damn good if I say so myself. My Mum (a 'this will do' kinda makeup-er) was brilliant, she looked gorgeous and she even had false lashes on! I'm sure the pair of us will be boasting our beautiful peached faces tonight on the streets of Liverpool whilst tearing up the town.

Laura ❤

This is the kit you need!

I was tearing my hair out this morning trying to entertain the little one at work.

She loves painting, especially hand painting & seen as Easter is just around the corner, I thought 'Easter Chicks' would be a simple easy craft she can do with her paints.

Firstly, I printed off some chick shape bodies, this is the template I used below;

Spring has just begun, apparently, although my frozen fingers and toes tell me differently right now. Even so, the shops are brimmed with spring beauties, pastel colours, lace, frills and my favourite... blush pinks.

Here's my 'Best of Blush' for this Spring.

Firstly this gorgeous pink jacket from Forever 21, retailing at £23, its the perfect way to add a layer and a bit of colour too. Perfectly paired with white or light jeans and a nice casual tee.

Second on my list is this beautiful blush top from River Island, costing £30 its a beautiful top that can be dressed up with skinny light jeans and a nice pair of rose gold and blush heels, or dressed down a little with skinny jeans and flats. Either way, its absolutely gorgeous and will definitely be making its way into my wardrobe as soon as I can get my hands on it!

Next up, by far the most expensive of my 'best of,' is this gorgeous Michael Kors smart watch in rose gold and blush. This baby will set you back a whooping £359 - yep, when I win the lottery, I will defo be trying this cutie out... but for now, I will just stare at my screen and drool.

Light coloured pants and children don't go, in fact, light coloured pants and me don't go. But if ever my clumsiness fades and my Daughter decides that wiping her mouth and hands on me is no longer acceptable.. I might just treat myself to these peachy cigarette trousers, £25 from Miss Guided, they have a really elegant look to them, so if you are child free and don't tend to spill the contents of your lunch all over yourself, give these a try.

Of course there has to be some shades, it is spring after all... apparently the time of year when we start to see a little bit more of the 'big bright ball in the sky,' that thing we call the Sun (it doesn't make much of an appearance here in Britain - but we live in hope!)  So, for when it does decide to come out to play, here's some sunglasses from Zara, just £15.99 and they have a super cool, yet pretty look to them. If I suited sunglasses, I would obviously purchase these, my problem is that I look like some sort of fly no matter what kind of sunglasses I try.

Lastly, these cute trainers are a steal at just £19.99 from H&M, yes, there not branded, so if your a 'label' kinda girl, these wont suit, but for me, as long as the footwear goes with my outfit, I'm not fussed if its got a tick or stripes down the sides or not! I think they also did these in a mint colour (I can't actually remember) but as this is 'best of blush' these are of course blush!

So there you have it, my 'best of blush', let me know if you have recently purchased any 'blush beauties' and share them with me.

Laura ❤

I'm a massive fan of the khaki colour. Its bold, its a statement colour, it goes with your staples.. black, denim and white/cream & brown.

I have chosen 4 of my 'must have' wardrobe essentials, and they are all under £20 each, I've also paired them up in outfits to show you how you could wear them.

My first choice is a classic belted playsuit. It has 3/4 length sleeves that are casually turned up, its a loose fit with a nice plunging neckline. The belt ties the waist in nicely to add shape & show of a figure rather than being 'baggy'. I would team this up with a nice black & gold or rose gold chocker combination and open toe lace up heel shoe boots.

"I literally can't contain my excitement."

Today I get to try on MY Wedding dress for the first time.

Yes, obviously I have tried the tester one on when I first picked out the dress, but for a start it was about 3 sizes too big and I had to be clamped into it! Meaning that the glorious back detail wasn't really as powering as it would be if it was fitted due to the big black clamp at the bottom.

I am not going to include pictures of the dress - Sorry!
Although tempting, I want it to be a surprise on the big day... but I will include a little description.

"White, jewel neckline floor length gown with train that can be hooked for easy walking. It has jewelled detailed cut out mesh sides to give a slim line illusion and an open back brought in at the bottom with key hole detail."

I absolutely love it, it is exactly what I wanted, something with a high line neck (nothing busty) with lots of back detail and something to show my figure without being 'on show'. Its very plain material (no frills or big lace) and its relatively light (due to the hot climate in Portugal, I didn't want a big heavy dress.)

To experience the full 'Wedding' look and get an idea of how I will look on the day, I am going to curl my hair, pin it up and do my make up. - I'm taking my Mum and hoping she doesn't get too emosh!

---

I didn't want to take the dress off, I loved it, it was stunning. It was even prettier than I remembered.

I did get told off though as I appear to have lost 2 inches from my waist and 1 inch from my bum.... this means its going to have to be altered. To be safe, we have agreed to get measured 6 weeks before I fly to Portugal, this gives her enough time to alter the dress as necessary.

Although, If I loose any more it simply will be too big. So my task is to now stay the exact same size... help me?!

All in all. I can't wait to wear my dress again. I am so excited for our big day, and although there is still quite a few things to arrange, seeing my dress again has give me the push I needed to get the final things sorted such as cake arrangements, men's shirts, men's shoes, flower girl dress & shoes etc.

Whilst on the subject of the angelic flower girl, our darling Daughter, the little terror who threw the biggest tantrum EVER in the bridal shop... yep, throwing the beautiful scatter cushions across the room, shouting NO at the lady when she was trying to make conversation with her and star fishing on the floor after emptying the contents of my bag all over.

Safe to say... she wont be coming next time. Praying she grows out of the terrible twos / early threenager before our wedding.

Laura ❤

Tomorrow is my first Wedding dress fitting try on...

& I've just realised its only 87 days till our BIG DAY!

---

I don't know about you but every year I find myself getting the same things for my Mum on Mothers Day. These are usually something like a bottle of perfume, chocolates, a new top, a candle or some tat from the card shop that I panic bought because I realised I hadn't really got her much.

And each year my Mum says "Lu, you shouldn't have" - but lets face it, if you receive nothing on Mothers Day it really is a kick in the teeth. - I know.. I am a Mother myself!

This Mothers Day we have planned a joint trip away to Liverpool, shopping and spending time together, I have also booked us in at Peaches & Cream to get our make up done as a little treat. I thought I'd make her a little voucher for her make over session and then thought these were good to share in case anyone was stuck for ideas. I've included a make over one (the one I'm using,) a shopping one and a spa one.

Sometimes the best gift you can give is spending time with each other. I don't know of many Mums who don't like spending time with their Daughters (or Son's) especially doing something they love (shopping, being pampered or having their make up done.)

Feel free to use these little vouchers I made, more Mothers Day ideas to follow.

Laura ❤

"The period in your life where you literally want the ground to swallow you up in public situations several times a day."

1. Toilets
Our little girl has not long since been fully toilet trained (I'd say about 4 weeks.) This has introduced a whole new array of awkward moments for us.

- Taking her for a wee in a public toilet for the first time. "Mummy someone made a trump like this pppppprrrbbb"  (yes, someone in the next cubicle farted and she decided to not only comment on it, but to also echo the sound it made)

- "Mummy my poo, it went like this bang, bang, plop" (really, we all didn't need to know that)

- "I don't like them scary monsters" screams hysterically when another lady in the toilets goes to dry her hands. (yep, she meant the hand dryers!)

2. Tantrums
At home if she has a 'mini melt' we put her on the naughty step, however when we are out in public, its like she knows.

- Walking down the high street with my hands full with bags and she looks up at me and says "Carry Mummy" to which I reply "I can't babe, Mummy's hands are full, just walk a little bit further and we will be at the car" her reaction: starfishing on the floor whilst screaming like someone's being murdered, with everyone's beady eyes staring at the situation, and me having no free hand to do anything other than stand beside her and bribe her with chocolate when she gets in the car.

- When she doesn't want to eat her meal in the restaurant. "Ok, then leave it, but no dessert and you won't get anything else to eat" her reaction: launch the food across the table, wriggle like a worm off the chair, then makes herself as stiff as a board when parent tries to fish her out from under the table, all whilst doing the usual scream of death.

3. Lies
These have suddenly crept up, but she has a great way of making me look like a bad parent.

- After refusing to eat 3 different types of lunch, I told her she's having nothing else and that she will have to wait until snack time at nursery. She then cries the whole way to nursery and whilst I'm stood talking to one of the members of staff regarding increasing her hours, she go cries off to one of the other nursery teachers saying "I've had nothing to eat" to which the teacher replies "Oh have you not darling?" whilst looking over at me, "No, nothing" she claims. (Of course I made sure I set the record straight before we were reported to social services.)  

4. Grim Situations
I'm talking about the bogies and such like.

- When the nice kind lady in Boots was chatting to her and says to me "She's so much like you" then looks back down at her and she's picking her nose and eating it. (nice, seriously though, that's not like me)

- In the queue waiting to pay for my petrol and sweets she was promised, she appears to be doing some sort of dance, wiggling her bum. I genuinely thought she was dancing to the music and started laughing at her, along with several others who had noticed in the line too,  I said "what you doing chick, nice dancing?" she replied with "I've just got a itchy bum Mummy" (cringe)

- She had recently had a cold and to cheer her up I took her for a chippy dinner just me and her. Whilst stood at the counter placing our order she let out the BIGGEST sneeze I'd ever witnessed, resulting in snot particles flying everywhere. To make matters worse, I quickly attempted to rummage around in my pocket for a tissue, whilst she grinned at the lady behind the counter whilst licking the snot from her top lip. (aint they just beautiful little creatures... these things we call kids)


I'm going to keep adding to this post, I feel there are many more humiliating situations that I can include, these are just the ones from the past couple of weeks.

This pretty much sums it up.

Laura ❤

After reading so many great reviews on blogs about the Soap & Glory's Deep Cleansing Milk it was on my March wish list of "things I need to purchase this month"...so this weekend I ticked it off my list along with 2 other cheeky products. (It was 3 for 2 at Boots - I thought why the hell not!)

The cleansing milk did not disappoint, it's absolutely fabulous. It literally melted all my make up off and left my face feeling so clean and fresh.

The mask is hard to judge, I did enjoy using it, but I can't say it's really made any huge difference to my skin. But only time will tell.

The Dr. Spot gel is a brilliant buy! I am so glad I bought it and gave it a go... cause man, it made my mini Everest shrink to a speckle over night. I've literally been using it after cleansing and toning at night and then moisturising around the affected area! And VOILA! It's hardly there at all now. (Nothing a dab of concealer can't disguise)

I'm so glad I made these purchases and although the mask hasn't got me jumping for joy yet.. I'm willing to stick with it & give it another few goes to see if it can do anything for my craters on my face (a.k.a pores)

Although only one of these products was on my March wish list it would of been rude not to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer.

*Note to self: - you will never be able to save any money if you keep falling for these enticing promotional offers!!!*


Laura ❤

Ok, so we are due to tie the knot this June in Portugal, to keep costs as low as possible (being a young couple with a little one and a house to run is quite costly!) I have decided to get a bit creative and make a few little personal craft bits for our special day.  I also need to make sure that anything I do make is light and easy to transport via a suitcase!

Our whole wedding day is going to be situated in a Villa (just a little traditional Portuguese farm house with lots of land and beautiful views.) This means that the kids can roam freely and do not have to be sat rigid at a posh 3 course meal where the parents are scared of the child even breathing too heavily never mind throwing a hissy fit. (Yep, we have been there and since that Wedding we both vowed that ours would be laid back and a 'do what you want' kinda day!)

Anyway, back to the signs...

I bought two packs of the chalkboard signs from Hobbycraft at £8 each.

After reading through lots and lots of beauty blogs and dribbling over some beautiful products, I have put together this months wish list. I have also included a few products that I have been sampling (mini versions of) which I would really like to get my hands on!




In no particular order:

1. NYX Mineral Stick Foundation Stick
I've read a few reviews on these sticks and I think this could be the perfect foundation for me, its bendable, full coverage and you can easily contour with it to give good definition. I can't wait to get my mitts on these, I think I will get a light shade and a tan (close to my fake tanned skin - sorta shade!) This is on my Boots essentials list for this weekends shopping!

2. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
I have already previously owned this, so I know exactly what it's like! Its fabulous! It keeps my make up in place all day, it's light weight and does not clog up my pores. It is quite pricey but a littler goes a long way and I only generally use it on nights out, or weekends (I don't really need it for work!) I think I will purchase this when I go to Liverpool with my Mum at the end of the month, as I'm sure I can get it slightly cheaper in duty free (perks of living on an island!)

3. Versace Bright Crystal
I got a mini version of this free with a couple of moisturisers I bought from Superdrug a few weeks ago, and at first I wasn't blown away by the scent, don't get me wrong I thought it was nice, just nothing like a perfume I would usually pick. However, it has such good staying power, and it actually smells nicer as the day goes on. It's very summery, fruity and light. It has completely won me over and I will definitely be requesting this for my Birthday at the end of the month.

4. NYX Matte Finishing Spray
This has cropped up on so many blogs that I have read recently, I think it's a must for me to try it out. I used to be a firm believer in MAC's Prep & Prime Setting Powder, however I do think it creates a pale layer over my face and can cause a ghostly pale look on photos (this could be just a reaction with my foundation and the powder - but nevertheless I look sinisterly white in lots of photos and its not a good look!) So, I'm willing to give this spray ago as an alternative, hopefully I will rate it as well as the many bloggers that I have been following.

5. Makeup Revolution Face Precision Oval Make Up Brush
To be honest, I am a devoted Real Techniques Stippling Brush kinda girl. But that said, I have a make up brush collection that overflows my make up draw, and I'm always wanting to find new ways of achieving that 'flawless' look. So, after Charlotte Crosby's snapchats, and all those other celebs that rate these oval style brushes.... I've decided this month... I will take the plunge and try one of them out.

6. Converse Pale Pink All Star Leather OX Trainers
I LOVE my converse - just plain white.. they go with absolutely anything, on the other hand, I bloody hate how dirty they get, and no matter how many times I wash them, or how I wash them, they are never as clean. So, my next pair are going to be leather (easy to wipe clean - in theory) I am also loving these new pastel colours that are popping up everywhere at the moment (happens every spring/summer I am fully aware of this!) So yeah, these are on my shopping list for Liverpool too.

7. River Island Watch
Now, I know I've put a picture up of the watch with a grey strap and rose gold face, but to be honest, I like to look at them and try them (they always look different online than in the flesh) So, some sort of watch - probably from River Island with a bit of bling and preferably a hint of rose gold. Again, this purchase will be made when I go to Liverpool as our choice over here in the Isle of Man is shocking.

8. NYX Baked Blush
I never wear blusher - I'm more of a bronzer kinda girl and I always feel that whenever I apply blusher I resemble some sort of Barbie doll with highly pigmented red cheeks. However I recently watched a make up review containing this baked blusher by NYX (yes, I am a massive fan of their products and most of the blogs and reviews I read are purposely sourced using tags such as NYX or drugstore make up or cheap make up that won't leave me re-mortgaging my house) Anyway, this blusher has a nice golden hue to it and the video didn't appear to leave her with big red cheeks or looking like a doll of any kind. I think I will purchase this at the weekend to allow me to have some practice before any occasion where I may choose to blush some colour onto my cheeky cheeks.

9.  Ted Baker Purse
Again, this is just an idea, I may not get this exact purse, but a new purse is definitely on my hit list. I've had my current purse for about 2 years and to say its just 'River Island' it has done really well. To be honest there is actually nothing wrong with it, I am just sick of seeing the same vessel carrying my fresh air and plastic around and want something a bit more summery, shiny and new! I think I might ask for this as my Birthday present from my parents or purchase it with any Birthday pennies I may get (If I'm lucky!!)

10.  Soap & Glory's Deep Cleansing Milk
I swear by my La Roche Posay cleansing gel but although it doesnt bring me out in breakouts and leaves my oily skin at bay, it really isn't the best at removing my make up, so I have been using make up wipes then cleansing with the gel, but this is such a faff and would much prefer to have one cleanser which does the lot. TA DAAA... as if by magic, they have created this Soap & Glory Deep Cleansing Milk which melts away make up. So, my plan is to purchase this to use in the evenings to wash away my mask (a.k.a. make up) and then use my La Roche Posay cleansing gel in the mornings.


Laura ❤

"I have a slight obsession with my nails."

I am always either painting them, sticking things on them or applying falsies.

Last week I wore Essie - We're in it together, which is a fabulous baby pink colour with a hint of sparkle. (My little girl also had to have this on when she saw Mummy putting it on!)

I love the fact you can apply one coat for a subtle hint of colour, or apply a second or third layer to intensify the colour and sparkle. I applied the L'Oréal Shinissime Gel Shine Top Coat, which I love, to seal the colour and give it some extra shine.

The colour lasted approximately 4-5 days by the 5th day it was looking chipped around the tips, but to be fair, this is normal for me! I love the colour and can't wait to wear it in the late spring / summer.

I have been using my St Moriz self tanner and this has given me a lovely glow which I think is a must for this nail colour, it really brings out the pink and shimmer, I think maybe if I didn't have tan on, it could look a little washed out and cause me to look paler!

I bought this bottle from boots a while ago, I think it cost around £7- £8 but I'm sure if you search online you could get it cheaper.

Have you got a favourite nail colour? Let me know, I love treating myself to new colours and trying out new nail brands (I am a sucker for Essie and OPI but I am willing to try any with recommendations!)

Laura ❤

Links:
http://www.boots.com/beauty

St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula 5 in 1 Medium Mousse

Firstly, let me tell you, I have a love/hate relationship with self tanners.
Usually they either leave me stinking of biscuits or looking like an oompah loompa, or both, but I hate being pale as I feel a tan makes me feel so much better and happier.
I’ve tried them all, from the cheap supermarket brands to the high end.

I used to swear by St Tropez express bronzing mousse, but at £26 a bottle and a fade scale of approximately 2-3 days I was on the verge of becoming bankrupt (but hey at least I’d had a decent tan!)

That was all before I tried this beauty… St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula – Medium Mousse.
I’ve tried the original St Moriz and I really didn’t rate it, it left me streaky, orange and spotty. But this is completely different, it has no biscuit smell, it glides on and does not cling to drier patches such as elbows, armpits or knees, even more important it didn’t cause any breakouts (just the usual hormonal spots that appear at that time.

The colour is beautiful and very natural to a deep tan, even as it fades (5-6 days) it doesn’t go patchy or steaky at all. I’m really impressed with this tanner and it is definitely my new favourite. At £7.99 a bottle it’s a bargain, I bought 3 as it’s on offer in boots at 3 for 2! I’m so glad I did as I can see me using lots of this!

St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula 5 in 1 Medium Mousse

How the colour looks on me.

How I applied my tanner:

• Firstly I prepared my skin by shaving any unwanted hair – in the morning.  
• Exfoliated using Body Shop’s Coconut Body Scrub -in the morning.
• Moisturised using Soap & Glory's body butter – in the morning.
• In the evening (preferably about an hour before you go to bed)  I applied the tan by pumping the mousse onto my Bronzie tanning mit (these things are pure genius, I will put the link at the bottom of my post)
• Leave over night and wash it off in the shower in the morning (don’t panic it won’t transfer on your bedding!!)
• I moisturised the following day rather than the same day, but it’s up to you!

Firstly I thought I would start with 10 FACTS ABOUT ME, just to give you a tiny insight to my world.

1. I have a total of 24 (nearly 25 - at the end of this month) years experience in life.
2. I'm due to get married in Portugal this year on the 12th of June.
3. I have been with my handsome man for a crazy 11 years (yes, we are childhood sweethearts as we started dating at a tender 13/14 years old)
4. We have a beautiful Daughter who is 2 years old (3 in July)
5. We live on a little island called the Isle of Man, stranded between England & Ireland. (Famous for the TT motorbike racing - & cats with no tails!)
6. I am VERY family orientated, being an only child, I am extremely close to my parents & love spending time with family.
7. I was originally born in Oldham, Manchester - England.
8. I work for my Dad's business - as a secretary.
9. My hobbies include shopping (when I can afford to), keeping fit, cooking and spending quality time with my favourite people.
10. This is probably my 9th attempt at writing a blog, I really suck at it, but I'm hoping to try harder with this one... (wish me luck!)