December Challenge

Happy Sunday Beauties!

So as it's the last day of November I'm quite honestly scared of how quickly this year has gone. It's definitely true when they say that the years get faster as you get older! As much as I wish that life had a pause button because every day just flashes past. It's made me realise that maybe I'm not making the most of my days because for so many of them in this past year, I can't even remember what I've done! 
I know we have to make every single day count and so instead of still being happy with believing that it's still summer (although I would definitely love the warm sunshine back!) I've decided that instead of waiting for 2015 to ring in to start afresh, that this last month of 2014 is a great time to take advantage of all those opportunities waiting and to do all those things I promised myself back in January!

So instead of just plodding through December in the normal way, it's all steam ahead for accomplishing as many things as I can and stepping outside my comfort zone big time, as well as accomplishing all of my Christmas shopping. Yes that's quite some multitasking! I'm thinking of setting myself a challenge a day, because to change what you've always done, you've got to step outside your comfort zone. No matter how big or small the challenge is, it's still a challenge and you're changing something!

I've got the tools, well planners, journals, notebooks, notepads and pretty stationery at the ready to record all the things that I probably promised I would write in them in January, but the truth is that there are so many blank pages just staring right at me.
So from December the pages WILL be full, maybe even with pictures and by December 31st I WILL look back at them with a sense of pride of all the things I ACTUALLY achieved.  

As I've written this here, there really are NO excuses. So if you have any challenge suggestions let me know and if you feel like hopping on my December challenge month, jump right on the challenge bus.

So the challenges will include a mixture of getting out there and doing different things, tackling fears, finding random things to do and being happy.

I'll be doing a recap on Sundays showing you all my challenges so far!


So here's a few ideas to get me started so far!

1. Try one new thing a day.

2. Talk to a stranger or someone new every day.

3. Declutter! A winter spring clean. Helpfully this will stop me from appearing on the hoarders TV programme

4. Make a gingerbread house from scratch and also a profiterole tower

5. Not spend anything for a week! (Like this will be a huge achievement!)

6. Start a gratitude journal and reflect on the positives of each day.

7. Try reflexology

8. Make an uplifting playlist, including reggae!

L x

Tory Burch Lipstick Pas du Tout

Good Morning Lovelies!

It's Wednesday! And that means it's time for a midweek treat!

Lipsticks on the blog have been lacking lately but they certainly haven't in my life, so here comes a daily lipstick dose, because sharing really is caring!

When Tory Burch launched a cosmetic line a while ago I knew I had to test it out. My addiction to lipsticks definitely couldn't resist the gorgeous orange and gold lipstick packaging. It just looks so classy and sophisticated. Although a pretty pricey lipstick I decided to have a little treat and chose the shade 'Pas du Tout'. This is more of a pinky nude type lipstick. It is absolutely perfect for everyday use.

I've now had this lipstick for quite a while and what I've found is that although I liked it in the beginning, the love for this lipstick has grown and grown. It's a really handy lipstick, although the shade is not too strong, it is extremely useful and the sheer finish is just perfect for carrying out a natural makeup look. The little sheen which is delivered once applied wakes up this beautiful nude shade. It is incredibly moisturising and as someone who suffers from dry lips, this is certainly a bonus. This lipstick is definitely a little luxury and hidden gem.


It has a really gorgeous orange and vanilla flavour. The scent kind of reminds me of the Ole Henriksen truth to go wipes. It really is lovely when your lipstick tastes quite nice too!

Overall if you like an understated sheer/sheen lipstick, this lipstick will not disappoint, but if you're after a bit more colour for the winter months, another shade is probably best for you.

Do you love Tory Burch/ have you tried any of her cosmetics?

L x

Travel Tuesday: Los Angeles

Hello Lovelies!

As it's Tuesday, it's time for another Travel Tuesday!

As I'm having major withdrawal symptoms from LA, I thought if todays post were all about one of my favourite places, it might make me feel like I'm actually there! 

So here comes the first instalment all about Los Angeles.

Pamper 

When I'm away I love to have a little pamper time. What better way to feel all relaxed than to have a manicure and pedicure session. One of my favourite places in LA to visit for this is Bellacures. They have many different branches but I love the Beverly Hills location. You get to enjoy the big comfy chairs and they have a vast amount of services to choose from. This place definitely puts the special and fun factor into manicures. I even treated myself to a paraffin treatment. I've never had hands softer than I did on this visit. I highly recommend a trip to Bellacures if you're after a bit of TLC in LA.


Shopping

Where to start, everywhere in LA is pretty much shopping heaven for me. Nothing beats a stroll down Rodeo Drive, even if your funds don't stretch to this shopping street, soaking up the atmosphere and looking at the super expensive cars is definitely worth it.
One of my favourite malls in LA is the Westfield Century City mall. It's huge and has every store you could ever wish for. Just wear sensible shoes because you can definitely shop till you drop.

It does get pretty busy around here, so a tip is to head north to the Westfield Topanga mall. It is a fair drive north but it's a lot quieter but still has the same shops. Heaven.

Lastly I adore a sunny stroll in Santa Monica. I love the buzz and outside feel of this place. It's near the sea, you have the sun and you have the shops. Do you really need anything else?

Treats

I'm sure we've all heard about the Cupcake ATM, well no visit is complete without at least having a look at this wonderful ATM. It's so unique and Sprinkles is definitely cupcake heaven selling a vast selection of yummy treats. 

Nobu Malibu
This is possibly one of the prettiest places to visit on a sunny afternoon/evening. The food is incredible, the view is incredible, the service is incredible. I love the atmosphere mixed with the stunning location. It is pretty pricey so definitely more of a treat restaurant, but if you don't want to eat here it's definitely a great place just to grab a few drinks and chill on the patio outside and take some great shots as it's right on the ocean. 

Fun

A thing which I really enjoy doing is hiring a convertible, even if you just hire one for a day, it's so much fun just cruising up and down the sea road, looking at all the sights, with the gorgeous sun filtering in on you. You definitely soak up the LA vibe.



Just a few tips for a fun filled beauty LA trip. I definitely have more to share so look out for another LA post in the future.

Do you love LA too/ have any tips?

L x 

Monday Mantra

Good Morning!

Now I know I may be the only person who actually likes Mondays! If it starts with a good cup of coffee I am most definitely ready to rock and roll. Monday is actually one of my favourite days, as I always see it as the start of a new week bringing so many opportunities waiting to be ceased.
There's no better time to start a new project/dream/plan than at the beginning of a fresh week. 

And as one of my favourite quotes states:

"Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."

So if you forever wait for that 'moment' to start something or put off doing something because it's not the right 'moment'. Just think to yourself, will the moment ever be perfect and is it actually your actions which will in turn make it perfect?

We forever put off doing things, but if you don't start something different or actually move forward. You'll forever be stuck in that same place.

Life's too short not to make those moments magical. Don't let them pass you by!

Have a great Monday!

Do you have any motivational tips this Monday?

L x

Beautiful Pearls from Absolute Pearls

Hello Lovelies!

Today I thought it was about time for a little weekend treat. What better way to get excited for the weekend than with a beautiful necklace. The necklace which has stolen my heart, is none other than a gorgeous pearl necklace from Absolute Pearls.

Everything from its' sophisticated black and white packaging makes this jewellery even more exciting.

As a typical accessory girl lover, pearls are one of my favourite pieces to accessorise. They are so timeless and can be worn with pretty much any outfit. Whether it be a special occasion or just a casual outfit. Wearing a gorgeous pearl necklace can definitely make your outfit and can even bring just a plain jeans and tshirt combination outfit to life!

This necklace is the Large Pearl Necklace 8-8.5mm with Oval Round Pearls 925 Silver.*

This specific design is so simple but yet so stunning. The pearls are cultured freshwater pearls and are so smooth and silky to touch. I'm pretty dainty so the size of these pearls is perfect for me. The length of this necklace is also perfect as it sits just in the right place. However if you prefer pearls of different sizes, colours, lengths or designs/pieces, Absolute Pearls have the most gorgeous pearl collection I've ever seen.
The pearls are extremely eye-catching, so make sure when choosing you pearl piece that it is the right fit for you. As pearls are so classic I definitely consider them an investment which will last you a long long time!

One of the things I love most about wearing pearls is that they are so versatile to wear. You can add and build your look with as many or few pearl pieces as you wish. Whether it be a pair of matching earrings, a bracelet or one of my favourite looks is to layer your pearls with different necklaces of pearls varying in size.

I find that pearls are unique to your own choice, but Absolute Pearls have a wide variety of pearls to suit your pearl needs. They have a buyers guide here for buying pearls as a gift which is definitely a great way to find your perfect pearls. 
I'm just currently lusting over every item on their website. 


Are you a pearl lover/ have a favourite pearl piece?

L x

Travel Tuesday: New York 2

Morning Beauties!

I thought I'd start a new little section on my blog called Travel Tuesday. I have a serious case of wanderlust and I'm always itching to explore new places. I love exploring different cultures, finding new places and seeing as much of the world as I can. I well and truly have the travel bug and I seem to spend a fair bit of time living out of my suitcase or sitting on a plane. I've been extremely lucky to have travelled quite a lot and thought I'd share some loves, tips and pictures from along the way.

There's a whole world out there waiting to be explored! 

The last place which I travelled to was New York. Since arriving back from there last week I've written a post on a few alternative things to do in NY but I thought I'd finish up with another post with a few more general tips. There will also be a whole new post dedicated to a personal lipstick making experience in the future!

Shopping!

Nothing beats a bit of shopping! Having spent 6 weeks in Palm Beach, Florida before this visit, I tried not to spend too much as I did do a fair bit of damage before it. However I can't resist a leisurely stroll on Fifth Avenue! One of my favourites is Henri Bendel. There's not too many of these stores over the US so any opportunity to go in is definitely going to be honoured. I couldn't resist picking up a few bits.

The staff in every Henri Bendel store I've ever visited are so incredibly nice! They're the most enthusiastic, kindest and helpful staff I think I've ever come across. They definitely make your shopping experience so much more fun! The only thing I found upsetting was that I couldn't buy everything in the whole store!


Another little thing I got excited about was a Gucci lipstick which I bought in the Gucci store. Only New York sells the Gucci cosmetic line apparently, so as a lipstick fanatic I knew one of these lipsticks would be coming home with me!

Transport


New York has a lot to offer and travelling there is pretty easy. Now I like to think I'm a bit of a pro when it comes to maps, transport and planning routes. I'm still proud of winning an orienteering competition in year 5! However I think this skill is actually down to a magnetic force inside me, which naturally pulls me towards the shops! The subway is pretty easy to navigate, its quick and cheap and I really recommend you use it. However if you wear inappropriate shoes like me, you can find the perfect yellow cabs simply by waving your hand out. I don't think they're too expensive, well not like London anyway! It only becomes very pricey in New York when there's heightened traffic, so it's probably best to avoid taxis in the morning and evening rush hours. As it's gridlocked and you won't be moving anywhere, but your meter will certainly be going up!

I do enjoy walking around New York, even when the weather's not the greatest. There's always a sight to look at, something interesting and unusual occurring and nothing beats fresh air to spring you back to top form. Plus there's a Starbucks on every corner where you can sit down and rest your shopping induced painful tootsies!

For the Christmas Fan!

This visit I decided what better way to get into the christmas spirit than by heading to Radio City to watch the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. I absolutely love this theatre, it is huge and decorated so nicely for the Christmas show. Just look at the decorations!

This show is incredible! Not one person was out of time, the talent is amazing and it really makes you feel so so Christmassy, even at the beginning of November!

Tourist

This visit I wanted to get some great snaps of New York, so I decided to go up the Empire State Building. I've done the Rockerfeller Tower Top of the Rock multiple times. This is great if you want views of Central Park and the Empire State Building, otherwise the Empire State Building offers such stunning views over New York. It is so iconic and I love the fact that it is more open, so pictures are a lot easier to take and clearer compared to the Rockerfeller as this has perspex glass at the top so this can interfere with your pictures a bit.

One tip is if you do buy tickets for the Empire State Building, I would recommend buying them from inside the actual building and not from the sellers around it. I'm sure some are genuine but some people were being marched out because their tickets were fake!

I could probably talk all day about other New York experiences, but I think it would take over my blog!

So for now, I hope you've enjoyed a few more tips and ideas for a NY visit!

Let me know what you love doing out there and also your favourite stores!

L x 

BROOKIES (Brownies + Cookies) Baking Post

Happy Sunday Beauties!

Today I thought it was about time for another baking post. And what better way to spend a Sunday than with a baking session.

So without anymore waffling todays baking choice is ......

BROOKIES

Yes I'd never heard of it either, but it exists! And if you're still wondering what this is all about its actually 

BROWNIES + COOKIES

Much more appealing than a Cronut, I promise!

So if you're interested in this combination crazy overload read on for a full on sugar rush!


Here's the Ingredients you'll need for these:

Cookie Dough Part

125g Plain Flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

100g soft brown sugar
50g caster sugar
100g butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg 
75g chocolate chips


Brownie Part

75g butter
125g dark chocolate
2 eggs
125g caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
60g plain flour
25g chocolate chips (or 50g nuts of your choice)


Instructions

1. First preheat your oven to 170°c

2. The Cookie Dough part comes first:

Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt together in a bowl.

Using a separate bowl cream together sugars and butter. Then in this bowl add the egg gradually by beating after each addition. Also add in the vanilla extract.

Add in the dry ingredients from your flour bowl to this mixture. Fold in until mixed well. Then add in your yummy chocolate chips.

3. Put your cookie dough in the fridge covered up for around 30 minutes.

4. Here comes the Brownie part:

Melt chocolate and butter in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth and all melted. Leave this to cool.

Next in a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract together. This should roughly double in size. Once this is done, add in your chocolate and butter mixture.
Then sift and fold in the flour into the mixture. Everything should be well incorporated.
You can add in 50g of nuts of your choice, but I just chose to add in 25g of chocolate chips as I had them left over!

5. I greased 12 mini yorkshire pudding tins and then divided the brownie mixture into these. Make sure that the mixture is spread level. I did have some mixture left over so I just put it into mini loaf tins.

6. Then dollop a spoonful of cookie dough on top of the brownie mixture.

7. Voila your little bad boys are ready to hit the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until you see that the cookie dough is a golden brown colour. 

(Mine took 13 minutes, and they looked quite large!)

8. Take out of the oven, leave to cool. Loosen on edges and place them on a wire rack.

9. Once cooled, enjoy your cookie and brownie BROOKIES!

A top tip is to use mini loaf tins if you have them and if you like the brownie part to come out pretty gooey!

I hope you enjoyed this sweet treat post, I would love to know if you get the chance to make them or have made them or something similar in the past?

L x 

November Dreaming Wishlist

Hello Lovelies!

Now I know I should probably be doing my Christmas shopping 
and to be honest I should probably really start!
But as always I find myself obsessing over some things which I
wished I owned! 

So if you feel like dreaming, here are some things which I think 
make pretty good dreams!

November Dreaming by lipsticklovehearts featuring Henri Bendel

Jo malone perfume
bergdorfgoodman.com

Body cleanser
bathandbodyworks.com

Beauty product
sephora.com

Bobbi brown cosmetic
$32 - harrods.com

Henri Bendel drinkware
henribendel.com




What are you all dreaming of this November?

L x

An alternative few days in New York, beauty, cupcakes and lobsters!

Good Morning Lovelies!

I've recently just spent a lovely few days in New York after having spent the last 6 weeks out in the US. I thought as New York is a great and popular holiday choice for this time of year, that I would share some of the different things I got up to. I've been to New York quite a lot already so I've done most of the top touristy things. Therefore I wanted to find some slightly different things to get up to for this visit, as well as a few firm favourites!

I hope you enjoy this post and it gives you some ideas, if you're popping to New York any time soon.

As a self confessed Sephora shopper, my shopping addiction also extends to hair products! I absolutely adore the drybar range they stock. The beautiful pop of yellow is their brand colour and it is so eye catching and unique. Their products are not only amazing but the packaging is so pleasing on the eye. I really am after the yellow hair dryer they sell. It looks incredible plus because it's bright yellow it means that I'm less likely to lose it!
So when I was in New York I decided to head to the drybar located in Midtown for a blowout. I'll do a full post on this experience in the future as it really was such a lovely experience. I only wish they had one of these bars in the UK as it was probably the best blow dry I've ever had, and I normally live at the hair salon!

Another thing I decided to do was head to Magnolia Bakery located on Bleecker Street in the West Village. If you're an avid Sex and the City fan, you'll know this beautiful bakery was featured on the show as it's just right around the corner from Carrie's apartment! No visit could be complete without a cupcake session right? So here's a Snickerdoodle and a Red Velvet Cupcake for you to drool over. Cupcake perfection!

Next up if you're after a little bit of a pamper session or just have wild overgrown eyebrows, I recommend heading to Sephora on Fifth Avenue for a little eyebrow tidy up in the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow studio. I absolutely love her products, so the option of having my eyebrows shaped in her bar was a no brainer. Quick, easy and painless, I left with the best eyebrow service and shape I've ever had. At $32 I thought it was a lovely experience! Plus afterwards you're in Sephora! Need I say anymore.

I realise this post is sounding pretty beauty and cupcake orientated, and it does kind of continue. But I'll do a full post on my next tip as it was the BEST thing any lipstick lover could do! I headed to the Bite Beauty Lip Lab to have my own personal lipstick made. I opted for a nude and left with the perfect shade! If you're ever in New York and love lipstick. YOU NEED TO DO THIS! It's so so unique, different and exciting!

As this post is getting pretty long, I'll save some more tips for another post, but just as a last little tip, if you love venturing to different places and trying different things Chelsea Market is a lovely place to hang out! It's one of the nicest food markets I've been to. It's full of restaurants serving and selling fresh products. The market itself is in a building which has been renovated and decorated so modernly and beautiful. We had a quick pit stop and I watched in quite an entertaining way as this lobster was devoured with a little plastic fork! This was from The Lobster Place which is contained in Chelsea Market itself. As it's a kind of a store/restaurant, seating is limited. You can go inside and choose your own lobster, they cook it and voila Lobster time. It's so much fresher than ordering it at a proper restaurant and cheaper too! This little lobster cost $23.95 for 1.5lb lobster. Which is such a great deal as it's the freshest way to experience a lobster and at such a great price. If you love lobster, I would definitely recommend it, as I was told it's the tastiest lobster that's ever been eaten! 

I think another New York post is needed as I got up to far too much to contain in just one. I hope you enjoyed some alternative tips and if you have any yourself I would love to know as I love venturing to different areas and experiencing new things!

Have a great day!

L x

Weekly Snaps

Hi Lovelies!

I wanted to do a bit of a round up of some photos I've been taking lately. Many have made their way to my Instagram account instagram.com/luci_lheart but there's also some added pictures on this post too, just to spice things up!

L-R Top Row

1. Candles.... I'm absolutely obsessed with fall/winter scents. These candles smell divine. Caramel Pumpkin Swirl, Pumpkin Cupcake and Pumpkin Pecan Waffles. My home smelt incredible!

2. Palm Beach, I'm a total sunshine addict so I've been enjoying looking at this wonderful view for the past month.

3. After spending too much time in Sephora, these little mini Bite lipsticks are probably one of my favourite purchases this season. As a holiday gift they come in the cutest tin too. Lipstick heaven!



L-R Middle Row

4. Savannah. On my road trips I always stop over in Savannah. Every time I ever visit there the sun makes an appearance, so I have lots of sunny Savannah snaps. This was taken on the riverfront, it's such a fun place!

5. Cronut! So a croissant donut! I'm sorry if you're a fan but it just looks so wrong and ugly. I didn't try this one but I was informed that it wasn't that pleasant. I can safely say it didn't smell very nice it either.

6. C.Orrico! This is one my favourite/cutest stores in Palm Beach. It's pretty and preppy, pink and green prints are its thing! I totally love the vibe in this store, it's so beachy but yet classy. It sells Lilly Pulitzer, which is just Palm Beach in a nutshell. 


L-R Bottom Row

7. I may have had a cheeky little visit to the Valentino store! I should probably ban myself from shopping!

8. This was at the Sephora VIB Rouge event, I have a whole post on this event but these were the goodies laid out for the event. Such a cute little setup.

9. And these are the things which I bought at the event. I can obviously never leave Sephora empty handed! Can anyone?



I hope you enjoyed this post, I love reading photo posts, so if you've got some leave your links!

Have you had any photo worthy moments lately?

L x

Spreading Positivity

Happy Saturday!

I hope you've all got a lovely weekend in store, I've certainly had a jam packed week already and today isn't any different. I'm currently on my way to New York, road trip style. I've stopped in a few places on the US coast already but I'm excited to be on the last part of it now. With the New York skyline just in the reaching distance! 

Now today I thought I'd do a slightly different post. More of a personal/chatty and motivational post, I haven't really done these type of posts before, but I thought it was about time for one as I'm a pretty motivational person!

Recently I've been hit with a real pang of positivity and motivation. I've always been a pretty positive person and battled through many things. However like many when times get tough, it can be hard to feel positive and happy, when everything around you is smashing to pieces. So I wanted to share my positivity and sprinkle you all with it. 

My physical health deteriorated 4 years ago, and it changed my life completely. Whilst I struggle daily with my health and battle through everyday, I had to change my life quite drastically. I missed/miss out on so much and found that it can be quite easy and tempting to fall into a negative state of mind and let everything get on top of you. However I've completely learnt and trained myself that feeling negative and down about everything does absolutely nothing to make you feel better, in fact it just heightens a downwards spiral.
I know it's easier said than done, but developing a positive mind works wonders. To make yourself feel cheerful/positive and motivated when the last thing you want to do is put a smile on your face is a challenge in itself. Sometimes motivating yourself to think positively and change your thought process can be one of the biggest and hardest challenges.

I know everyone has different struggles and problems and what works for one person, may not work for another. I just want to share some things that make me feel a million times better whilst I may not be feeling physically well, and hope that they can help you too!

It all starts with making a conscious decision to pick myself up and change the way I view everything. When things get tough and you can't see much light, you have to remember you have a little sunshine in yourself!

1.My top positive motivation is quotes! Any type of quotes! If I could talk in just inspiration quotes, I 100% would. I google them constantly, I read them from books, I write them everywhere. My favourite pick me up, is to put them on post it notes (preferably heart shaped ones) and to stick them everywhere. I especially like it when I see a quote when I first wake up because it helps to put you in that positive mind frame at the start of the day.

This quote always reminds me to smile:

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight"


2. Surround yourself with positive people and try not to let people pull you down. I found that   I had to chop some people out because I was being dragged down. I know that's the last resort, but sometimes even just taking a time out, 5 minutes or whatever can really help. You have to take care of yourself and if it means you have to take a step back, then so be it. I particularly like this quote:

Never let anyone take your positive energy or stop you from building it up. People only suck your happiness or any good feelings you have because they need your energy to feed off themselves. You deserve to live your life in a happy way and at the end of the day it's your life, so make it a happy one.

3. I am a true believer and dreamer. I know it may sound a bit wishful and like I live a fairytale but if you dream some dreams, it gets you excited about the future. It helps to get you on the path to creating those dreams and making them reality, because if you put action to a dream/thought in can definitely happen. I find combining this with writing out what I'm grateful for really helps, because if your dream doesn't happen, look at what you've got! if your dream doesn't turn out the way you wanted, don't worry because you haven't really lost anything, only something that never happened.

These are just a few little tips that help me. I obviously have a million of other things to say on this topic and other tips/tricks but I'll save them for another post because this would turn into the world's longest post.

How do you deal with struggles and hard times?

L x