Lianne Loves.. Making bathtime fun with Lush!

I've always been quite lucky in that my son has always enjoyed bath time. I made it part of his bed time routine since the day he was born, so now, at 7 years old - he knows the drill. :)

Bradley enjoys 'playing' in the bath, taking toys in with him, which often means forgetting to fulfil the aim of being in the bath - getting clean!! And obv, at 7, he doesn't want his Mum coming in washing him. So, I try to buy fun products to encourage him to get clean at bath time. And products from the well-known, handmade cosmetics company, Lush, are a firm favourite with both of us!

As a Lush addict, I spend a while in my local Lush store searching for new products to try. And as anyone with a young child knows, shopping can be tricky with a little person in tow. So, I always allow Bradley to choose something for himself, which he loves doing! It's usually a bath ballistic - which are perfect for bath time fun!
But I've discovered something new and exciting..

Lush Shower Jellies

Lush Shower Jelly - Sweetie Pie

In wobbly jelly form, these shower jellies are perfect for bath time fun for little ones [and big ones too! ;)], whilst still getting clean and smelling rather wonderful too!

Currently available in 3 different fragrances:

The Joy of Jelly - a pink and purple jelly Lush describe to be perfect for sharing! [probably save this one for you and your other half then! ;)]

Whoosh - a bright blue jelly

And the one we have, and most recommend..

Sweetie Pie - which will have you smelling like what I can only describe as a walking fruit pastille! :)

What Lush say..

"Fruitier than Dale Winton, our cherry, coconut and cassis scented jelly will leave your skin smelling tropical and feeling fabulously softened. Freeze it, chill it, or use it bathroom temperature. Crush or stroke it all over your body and hair, lather and rinse out."

A bright purple jelly that smells of sweets. What more could you need to entice a child into the bath? :)

I took a small handful from the pot, handed it to him and left him to it! Myself, the bathroom and most importantly, Bradley, smelt rather lush for a long time afterwards! Result!

Lush Shower Jelly - Sweetie Pie

What did Bradley think?

"It was so much fun, it was slipping around all over the place and I was trying to catch it! I wanted to use the whole pot! It smelt like jelly beans!!"

Give it a go with your little ones! I guarantee they'll love it! :)

Shower Jellies are available in store and online here, for £2.85 for 100g and £5.70 for 240g.

Let me know what you think!!

Lianne..X

LianneLoves.. This weeks nails [Nails Inc - Strawberry Hill]

This weeks nails were painted in Nails Inc - Strawberry Hill.

I went for a bright, fruity, hot pink colour to perk me up a bit after a rubbish weekend.

This was the result after just one coat and finished with top coat..

Nails Inc - Strawberry Hill [before]

And this was the result 7 days on..

Nails Inc - Strawberry Hill [after]

Bare in mind this is after a busy, hands on, week at work and general cleaning at home. etc.
The chipping started just days after, but I did only apply one coat, whereas I'd usually apply two.

Strawberry Hill is a gorgeous colour, I recieved lots of compliments on it!

Now to decide what colour to go for this week! :)

Lianne..X

Lianne Loves.. 8 Weeks To Go [Holiday Countdown]

So, 8 weeks to go..

How did I do this week?

Well, my main aims this week were..

1. To start eating better

2. To tone up

3. To get super soft, smooth, glowing summer skin :)

4. To pay the remainder of my holiday

5. To buy a few more holiday clothes for myself & Bradley

Eating better..

Well, as I mentioned in my previous post, I hadn't been eating too well, I'd been on the heartbreak diet [going days without eating at all, then pigging out on takeaways and chocolate] but this week I've been eating my 3 meals a day, home cooked meals, plenty of fruit and veg, loads of water and saved the takeaways, treats and fizzy pop until the weekend! :) So, I've probably ended up putting on weight due to actually eating this week, but actually eating again was my goal this week, so I'm pretty happy with that! :)

Toning up..

I'm quite slim but really need to tone up, unfortunately I'm too busy/lazy [delete as you wish!] for the gym..

My main exercise is walking - I walk home from work every day, which is a 30-40 minute walk, so that's got to be doing me some good! :)

I went on the Flabelos for 10 minutes this week too!

Unfortunately that's about it, but I'm working on it.. Must try harder next week!! :)

Smooth, glowing summer ready skin..

I've re-started my tanning regime, prepping my skin with 21 minutes on the sun bed this week, using Australian Gold Gelee Accelerator.

And I've been exfoliating face and body with Lush - Angels On Bare Skin and moisturising with Lush - Dream Cream, for body, and The Body Shop - Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream, for face.

Pay for holiday..

All done! :)

Buy holiday clothes..

Well, today I pretty much finished our holiday essentials as you can see. :)

Today's holiday shopping

I think I've finished Bradley's summer wardrobe now, with the exception of a nice pair of jeans/trousers since he's growing out of all of his lately. But he's almost done.

And pretty much finished mine too, although I'm after a couple of nice boob tubes and the perfect bikini!

I bought quite a bit from H&M this afternoon, just some essentials, skirts, dresses, vests.. and some shorts, vest tops and flip flops for the lil man..

Some H&M goodies

So, all in all a pretty good shopping trip! :)

Next weeks aims..

1. Continue eating as well as possible

2. Up my exercise routine for toning up
[continue looking for a local Zumba class I can do on child free evenings! :)]
3. Receive Bradley's passport!

4. Continue searching for a decent bikini

5. Try not to spend too much. Save, save, SAVE!!

Any tips always appreciated!! :)

Lianne..X

Lianne Loves.. The Bikini Countdown

So, it's only 8 weeks until I'm here...

So, I guess it's time to start getting this body bikini ready, right?

Plan of action?

First off, I need to start eating properly!

I've been on the heartbreak diet for the past 2 months, so my diet has typically consisted of going for days without eating a thing, combined with binging on takeaways and chocolate. Not good!

So, as from tomorrow I need to start eating a bit better, 3 meals a day. And decent home-cooked, healthy meals - no takeaways! [Well, maybe a weekend treat?! :)]

I don't really drink, so don't need to worry about that.

And I love my sleep so no need to worry about making sure I get enough of that either!

I'm at a decent weight, but really need to tone up!

Thing is, I cancelled my gym membership as my gym was on the other side of town and as I don't drive, was a bit of a pain to get to and the last thing I felt like doing after a day at work!

So, its back on the Flabelos machine I think! Just once a week to start with..

I might even start getting the WiiFit out again!

And I'm still trying to find a local Zumba class I can go to on my child-free evenings! :)

Then, to get super soft, smooth, glowing skin!

I'm a massive Lush addict, so pampering my skin is always a pleasure.. I'm on the look out for the best products for a nice lil shopping trip at Lush in the not too distant future, to add to my collection! I adore using the cleanser 'Angels On Bare Skin' as an all over body exfoliator, finished with lashings of Dream Cream!

Also, need to get my ass quite literally to the tanning salon. 6 minutes 3 times a week!

Join me on my journey to get bikini ready for Menorca!

Lianne..x

Tweet me @Lianne84

Lianne Loves.. River Island for Kids

I'm a fan of River Island, so was really chuffed when they started launching their kids range in store and online and couldn't wait to have a look!

I've bought my little boy, Bradley, who's 7, a few bits from there and a 3 year old I look after at work has a few outfits and always looks great!

Based upon the adult range, the growing range of kids stuff is bang on trend and in true RI style, is fantastic quality.

As a mum of a young boy, I've been particularly drawn to the boys range.

From humorous slogan tee's to chunky knits and military boots, there is an extensive, and growing range to choose from.

The range is aimed at children from age 3 years up to 10.

The range includes accessories such as straw hats, sunglasses and scarves to spruce up your little dude!

Personally, I think they're a bit too grown up for young boys, and a little over the top, but it's all good fun! :)

RI for Kids is available in larger stores of River Island and online. Ive included some images of some of my faves from the site.

I'll definitely be heading into store to get some bits for Bradley for our upcoming summer holiday!!

RI Kids is fast becoming popular for it's affordable fashion for young children. Check out the current boys range here at the River Island website.

Maybe I'll get the little man to model some of his RI bits for you soon! :)



Lianne..x

Tweet me @Lianne84

Lianne Loves.. April Favourites

Heyy!

I've been a bit awol lately due to lack of computer and other things, hence no 'March Favourites' but I'm back with Aprils! Hasnt it gone quick???

Well April has been an eventful month!
It marked the end of my 2 & 1/2 year relationship.. :(
Which, in true shopaholic style meant that I've been on a few (okay a LOT) of lovely shopping trips!!
Yay to the new clothes. Boo to the empty bank account.
I've spent a lovely, sunshine filled 2 weeks off work with my little man. Unfortunately back to reality as from tomorrow!

Anyway, here's what I've been loving this month...

Nails Of The Month

MaxFactor NailFinity - Angel Nails

MaxFactor's NailFinity range boasts to be 'unlike other long-lasting polishes..' claiming to cling to your nails, '..giving a lustrous, freshly applied look day after day, no matter what life throws at you.'

This is the first polish I've used from this range and so far I'm more than happy with the results. After a few weeks of bright coloured polishes to go with the summery weather we've been experiencing lately, I thought I'd tone it down a bit with a clear polish, but then remembered this I got with MaxFactor's free gift from earlier this year..
It gives a simple, shiny, glittery finish which I imagine would also look great over the top of a block-coloured polish.

I only used one coat, then finished with top coat.

Read more about MaxFactor's NailFinity range and see more shades available here

Fragrance Of The Month

Charlie Red Bodyspray

Yes really! :)

Due to the hot weather recently, smothering myself in perfume during the day has felt a little overwhelming.
So I picked up one of my old favourites Charlie Red in body spray form, to keep in my handbag to freshen up throughout the day, which was perfect during days out at the park, etc.

This fragrance reminds me of being back at school. :) I'll never get tired of the smell!

You can pick up Charlie Red body spray from £1.

Outfit Of The Month

Denim waistcoat / Polka Dot Boobtube / Leggings

Okay so I ummed an arred about this months outfit of the month, almost going for a LBD I wore for a night out, but then thought about what I'd worn the most this month.. (and that I'd taken a photo of! ;) ) And due to the weather, pretty vests and boob tubes have been a favourite so I went for a simple outfit of the month.. Please ignore the face! lol

Polka dot boob tube - H&M

Black leggings - TopShop

Denim waistcoat - River Island

Shoes Of The Month

Gold Crochet Sandals

Again, due to the weather, it's been time to get those feet out and don some pretty sandals!
I picked up these sandals, with bow detail from River Island. I've lived in them this month! :)

Available for £39.99 here.


Product Of The Month

BellaPierre Mineral Make Up


During one of my retail therapy sessions, someone stopped me outside House of Fraser and asked me to try their new mineral make up. 'Oh here we go!' I thought, but I fell for this product pretty quick!
Now, I'm a fan of a foundation that gives a flawless look, which usually means a pretty heavy application (I'm far from a natural beauty! lol) so I was a bit dubious to try a mineral powder foundation.. but the lady introduced me to their 5in1 product. (Concealer, foundation, SPF, finishing powder, setting powder) and it felt and looked amazing on my skin. It felt light, but looked flawless, healthy and the more that was applied, a healthy glow appeared.
I purchased, along with a brush and a blush which when mixed with water or vaseline, had fantastic effects on the eyes and lips!

I could go on all day telling you all the great things about this product, but you can read for yourself here.


Purchase Of The Month

LOVE ring


TopShop have sooooo many gorgeous chunky rings in at the minute, some of which I have happily purchased!
My favourite is their 'Mega Love Knuckle Duster' which I've been wearing loads lately.

This ring was £10 in their Freedom @ TopShop range.
Check it out, and all the other amazing rings they have in at the mo, here.


Those were a few of my favourites from this month!
Have a lovely May!!

Lianne XX

Lianne Loves.. Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation

As my Max Factor Xperience foundation is running low, I thought I'd better invest in a new foundation. I topped up on my MAC Studio Tech, but prefer to use that as a top up/touch up throughout the day so went on the search of a foundation for my everyday use.

I spotted their new 'Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion' foundation and thought I'd give it a go.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion

'Miracle Touch' comes in a nicely sized plastic pot, with a see through lid, the lid that you see is actually the bottom of the foundation. It screws off to reveal a nice size amount of 'solid' foundation, although to the touch feels like liquid. The bottom part has a nicely hidden compartment which is home to an application sponge, handy for on-the-go touch ups!!

So, this is what Max Factor say:

"Max Factor’s newest and most innovative foundation will revolutionise the way you apply your base. With a unique lightweight solid to liquid formula it removes the need for the traditional concealer, foundation and powder combination and instead creates the perfect base in just one easy application. The result is a flawless, fresh and incredibly smooth complexion that glows with radiance."

Sounds perfect right?

Well, not being a fan of reviews that are simply 'buy, swatch, blog' - I've been using the foundation for a week now so can give you my honest review on the product..

I found that I couldn't get on with the application sponge and found I got a much better application using my foundation brush. It applies really nicely, not too heavy, and blends smoothly.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion - Golden 75

The finished look is fresh and dewy.

For everyday wear, I set with my Benefit Flawless powder, although this product does claim to be an all in one product, I found my powder set my base nicely. I did wear the foundation alone for an evening out with friends, as the 'dewy' look felt better fitted for a more 'made up' occasion.

I was doing my best to capture the 'dewy-ness' (if there is such a word?!) in the picture above but couldn't quite manage it!

The lasting power was good. Not the best I've used, not the worst. But did need the odd touch up throughout the day.

Max Factor claim that the foundation will conceal blemishes and circles. Personally I still had to use other products to conceal any blemishes, as didn't get the flawless effect I wanted from the foundation alone.

I did notice half way through the day, the foundation does tend to sink into any lines on my skin too. And that's not a good look at all!

My Good Points: Lovely packaging, feels light on the skin, fresh dewy look

My Bad Points: Didn't apply well with sponge, bit pricey for high street brand, highlighted lines

Overall, I think it's a pretty good foundation for touch ups on the go, the fresh, dewy look is great and quite appealing for that alone. I don't recommend it for everyday 'all in one' base, but I'll definitely be taking it in my handbag on nights out!!

For 'all in one' combination foundation, nothing beats MAC Studio Tech. Good attempt though Max Factor!! :)

Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation is available in 6 different shades, at a price of £12.99. For more information visit maxfactor.co.uk

But give it a go, you might find it works better for you!

Have you used this product? Would love to hear your comments!

Lianne XX

Tweet me at @Lianne84