Making Memories...Family Style

Have you started thinking about Christmas presents yet? Im busy planning a trip back to Scotland for Christmas so I'm feeling like it's a stones throw from the festive period again! My last christmas shopping post I chatted about giving experiences rather than a physical gift I stand by this idea. 

This year we decided to treat ourselves to a gorgeous experience of a one on one family shoot with the talented Jessica Roberts (I've spoken about Jessica before on the blog as I had my fabulous FRESH headshots shoot with her, have a look here) we took a well stocked picnic basket and a new blanket bought for the occasion a flask of of wine and down to the beach we went. 


We had such a great experience.   So much fun and it really reminded us all of how lucky we are to part of our lovely little family.  Team Hughes is going great guns and there's nothing like an experience like this to remind us of that feeling.  Jessica made us feel super comfortable in front of the camera which I think shows through how relaxed we are in these shots.  Miss Poppy just LOVED being in front of the camera and Ollie being in a very cheeky mood really entertained us all.  Here's a sneak peak of the images as this blog post is a bit of a spoiler alert for my family...we have up until now managed to keep the majority of the images under wraps! Jessica is running mini shoots on the beach every weekend up until Christmas I urge you to book in with her if you are in the Melbourne area...she is just fab.

We have decided to immortalise our images by getting a book made up of the images I went online and created my book via blurb. I was given a free voucher by blurb to review their service. Websites like My Voucher Codes often run discounts for it, so watch out for them if you're looking to do your own. I downloaded the free software to create the book which was very easy, chose my book design and that was that. I enjoy doing things like this so the process was pretty fun (and easy).

The book arrived very quickly and was fabulous quality it looks rather professional actually pop over to my Instagram for a peak at the family seeing it for the first time.   I'm really happy with it and can see I might get slightly addicted to this in the years to come!

How to: Quick & Flawless Foundation

Pop over to my Facebook page for the video x

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*contains affilate links*

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Manicare Foundation Brush

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Bare Minerals Seamless Shaping & Finish Brush

Rimmel Natural Bronzer- Sun Bronze

I'm taking a personal day!

When was the last time you took a day off?  I don't mean you were genuinely sick and couldn't make it to work I mean you just needed some time off so you said bugger it I'm off you can't have me today.  Have you ever let your kid have a day off school because you think they might just need a break?  I friend of mine recently posted pictures on Facebook of her and her daughter out at the shops having a day of fun after a rather tough morning at school and she had been upset.  I was really inspired by her approach and it made me question how I would react in a similar situation and it has made me change my mind.

I started writing this post during the week sat at a Melbourne lane way bar, having a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon on a roasting hot day, by myself, no kids no husband just me my book and my notes app on my phone (where I often scribble draft blog posts when inspiration takes me).  I had came into the city for an appointment and when I got there it had been cancelled.  I was really annoyed... for about 3 seconds.   I could have jumped straight back on the train and made it back for kinder pick up, cancel hubby leaving work early let him stay and finish what he was doing.  Then I realised the opportunity that had been given to me...a hour (or two) of some time off.  To sit by myself for a while, watch the world go by, chat to the waitress about her gorgeous sunflower tattoos, savour a glass of red, tell the girl sat two tables down from me how I loved her curly hair, let inspiration hit me for this blog post.  It was heavenly. Then I got back on the train still in time for bed time stories etc I chose to enjoy every minute of my time off and it felt good.

Of course there are probably a thousand problems in what i've just said and you're reading it thinking oh great for you but I can't do this because...

1. I'm a mum...who's going to look after the kids while I'm having a personal day?

2. My workload is so over baring it's just going to be worse when I get back 

3. You are not meant to take days off!...what you need a rest...don't be silly you just go in!

Let me help change your mind 

1. But i'm a mum....there's always a way to take a break even when your a busy mum...let hubby do the bath and bed routine get out for a walk take your headphones pump some music and breathe in the feeling of being you...all by yourself.  Take a bath once the little ones are sleeping, turn out light put on a candle, relax, your TV or chores will still be there when you get out, leave them for tomorrow. If the kids go to school or nursery let yourself just have that time to yourself one day leave the laundry to another day, stack the dishwasher later.  Allocate at least one of these child free times to something you want to do and be present in that time.  Choose to enjoy it.

2. But what about my workload...ok if you are a very important person like a surgeon or something maybe you can't afford to call in randomly for  day off but you can allocate yourself a day holiday in the year just for you, no husband, kids at school/childcare choose what you want to do and plan it into the schedule.  Go there and enjoy every second.  If you're not out there saving lives etc and have a bit more flexibility but still a burdening to do list I'm not saying your job is not important i'm asking you to think how much more armed to attack it you will be if you take a break and really give yourself some time to breathe.  A day off not thinking about it all might be exactly what you need to come back stronger than before,  don't be a martyr choose to prioritise your happiness. Maybe you are working towards a certain goal, you're super committed you have to do it this time.  Just be careful you're not going too hard and you (and potentially your family) are suffering as a result sometimes its important to step back and realise if it's for you its coming to you (let's try and avoid a breakdown making it happen?)

3. It's an innate thing that your aren't meant to take time off...well I think this was definitely me for a while (and I know for a fact it's my husband) he's ok if I take time out for myself but abysmal at doing it for himself.  Work ethic is great and it's something I am working on to teach my kids but I also want them to know it's ok to take a break.  To not get themselves into a frenzy about work/school related issue and to listen to themselves and talk about it. So i'm finishing this post with my 5 year old sat next to me playing dinosaurs because today he's taking a personal day from school.  I noticed a change in his usual easy going personality this week, every thing was too hard for him, he just wasn't responding to my requests in his usual way so we are having a recharge day and he gets it.  We are focusing on play today and being positive so fingers crossed when Monday rolls round again he'll feel a lot better equipped to face the pressures and strains that faces a five year old for a tiring week at school.

So tell me please?! How do you take time out? Are you prioritising your life in the way thats most beneficial to you and your family.  We all need some time out for our selves and i hate to break it to you but the world will not stop just because you decided to take a day off so do it and choose to enjoy every minute of it!

10 ways for multi-use make up!

I like a capsule make up bag. Not just for holidays I like it for all the time.  I'm a big fan of multi use products and not just the ones marketed as 'lips, cheeks & eyes'  I mean getting creative with your products, mixing them up to make them work harder... 

Here's my top 10 ideas for mixing up your products...

1. Mix up a squirt of radiance boosting face cream (see my new favourite at the end of this post) with a squirt of concealer = a lovely light & hydrating base can also be used for the beach if you feel you'd like a little bit extra coverage with your SPF.  While we are mixing up beautiful concealer concoctions I'm a big fan of mixing it with eye cream for a very hydrating, line plumping under eye finish!

2. Use a Ivory/shell tone cream eyeshadow as an eyeshadow, highlighter for the cheekbones, a frosted lipstick, shimmery liquid liner...possiblities are endless! (This is the trick I used to create my wearable frosted lip inspired by Tom Ford see me here)

3. Bronzer as false tan- I can never be bothered with self tan but will often bronze my shoulders, declotage, and even down the front of my legs with a light reflecting bronzer (the highlighting effect makes your legs look longer & slimmer)

4. Lipstick as blush or blush as lipstick- if your doing the latter it makes more sense to use a cream blush but you can use power too just make sure you follow up with a nice layer of moisturising lip balm. When using cream blush/lipstick as blush don't forget to blend the edges with whats remaining your foundation brush.

5. No liquid liner but you fancy a feline flick? Use an angled brush to pick up some mascara of your wand and use it exactly the same way or (one of my favourites) push matt black eyeshadow right into the lashline with an angled brush, adds depth to the lashes but in a very soft sultry way.

6. I love a glossy eye look and guess what we make up artists use to achieve it? Usually a clear or slightly tinted lip gloss. One of my favourite looks is glossy eye, black curled lashes and a red lip.  ( Take Caution though: make sure you are not applying a lip plumping, mint infused gloss on the eye area!)

7. Looking for a simple eye look? Use your bronzer to create a simple and chic socket line look. With an open eye slightly tilt your head back, sweep a fluffy eyeshadow brush through your bronzer and then through your crease, instant chicness. 

8. Make your setting powder work harder.  Powder is not just for setting your make up.  Use a sweep of powder over concealer patted onto your eyelid as a good base for any eyeshadow you are applying , sweep powder through your crease to stop a gel or liquid liner transferring up onto your eyelid, press some powder through a one ply tissue into your lips between coats to make for a long lasting, matt lip.

9.  Mix a liquid highlighter with a pump of a matt foundation to make a dewy version of a high coverage base,  for example, I often find the infamous Estee Lauder Double wear way too matt (I just like dewy) so I often mix with a pump of illuminator (e.g. benefit) that way the coverage is still there but with some brightness.

10.  This one way be for the more dedicated make up wearer.  False eyelashes?  I love to snip a full set in half, apply the outer half for a more natural look and save the rest (snipped into three) to wear as individuals on an other occasion.  Makes for a more natural look and just way more comfortable than a full set.

Phew...I made it.  I hope you did too.  Tell me in the comments if you'll try one of these tips or if you have any tips of your own to make your make up bag go that extra mile? Here's my top product recommendations you can shop directly from these links:

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*contains affiliate links*

Radiance Boosting Face Cream

MAC Select Cover Up

Highlighting Cream Eyeshadow 

Bronzer

Creamblush

Best Matt Black shadow as liner (from the Naked Basics Palette)

Clear gloss

Powder

Liquid highlighter/illuminator

Lashes

P.S. How cute is this mug...buy it right here 

3 unexpected hair accessories to perfect the boho bridal look...no flower crowns in sight.

As a bride to be you are surrounded by choice.  There are so many beautiful, lacy, gorgeous choices to be made for your wedding day you’re either feeling slightly overwhelmed or perfectly relished by choice.  You’re set on the bohemian bridal look, who wouldn’t, it’s romantic, non complicated is a no brainer for gorgeous Pinterest style wedding images but maybe you don’t fancy wearing a heavy fresh flower crown that you have no guarantee will not wilt.  Here’s a few unexpected boho bridal hair accessories that will blow your guests away.

The boho bride:

The boho bride is of course a natural beauty, carefree soul, nothing should be an effort and you ooze radiance with the flash of a smile.  You’re so calm and collected it shows in your expression as you walk down the aisle.  Your dress is simple, flowing, not fussy, you have a gorgeous natural hand tie posey, and five beautiful little flower girls following you around beaming with innocence and joy.  How do you finish off this picture and best accessorise your boho theme?

 

Isabelle Boho Bridal Headband by GYPSY ROSE VINTAGE

The ultimate boheme look incorporating just the right amount of rustic texture, faux flowers and gems.  This will look effortless tied around a simple upstyle or tumbling curls.  A statement piece which will ensure a truly ethereal look.

Golden Laurel Leaf Wreath by CHERISHED

If you are are going for more of a grecian/boho slant this will answer all your needs, with a real goddess feel.  Add a braided hair style to up the boho levels or simple wavy tresses to keep a more organic boho look.

Devotion Bridal Browband Headdress by CORRINE SMITH DESIGN

A beautiful bridal halo circlet adorns your simple long wavy hair just because you’re boho doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to sparkle, you’ll hear little exhales of breath from your guests as you glide down the aisle.

So your have options when it comes to how you adorn your hair as a boho bride and if you can’t see past a fresh flower crown maybe take both options and change up your look in the evening with a gorgeous jewelled piece which will ensure you twinkle in the the candlelight all evening long.