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The Lifestyle Lady
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  • Beauty
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    • Skin Care
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BeautyHairMakeupSkin CareYou tube

Sephora Play All Stars

by thelifestylelady September 15, 2017

 

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Friday, congratulations for making it through another week, time is moving at an insane pace, how is it possible we are in mid- September already? Well you all know what a mad fan of Sephora Play I am, well occasionaly they offer there All Stars box which for $10 extra gains you some samples of wonderful products and brands. Here is my review, grab yourself a little drinkie, a G &T would do me nicely thank you. Please enjoy, any questions/suggestions please get in touch.

Happy Weekend Friends,

Kx

September 15, 2017 0 comment
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EditorialFamily

Hurricane Harvey 3

by thelifestylelady August 28, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Just a quick update on today, last night we received notice that we are on a voluntary evacuation, of course that would be fine if the roads around us where not flooded and we could evacuate. Based on maps of the flood plain, projected rainfall and our position in the sub-division we are a little hopeful that water might not make the house but it is very close. I am not going to lie this is scary and I did get upset last night, not only for my family but for all those touched by bloody Harvey. I can not emphasise enough the vulnerability you feel. It made me think about all the things that have been happening in the world recently, in particular terrorism and racial disputes. The interesting thing about nature is that it is all-powerful and it does not discriminate for race or religion. We would be wise to consider that sometimes. One positive is that is forces people and neighbors to come together regardless of race, gender, religion and sexual orientation and help support one another.

We have rain forecast for the foreseeable future and they are suggesting another 3-5ft which is crazy town. I see another storm on the East Coast is brewing and am thinking of them. I attach some photos of my walk with Gertie today, honestly I know it is selfish but I was going stir crazy inside so the opportunity for some air was welcomed. Again thanks friends who have reached out and those who have contacted my family for info. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

This might help give perspective
Our usual walk to the park
The pathway
Road Closed
The bayou split its bank. Not sure what is lurking in the water.
This is usually a road.

 

August 28, 2017 0 comment
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EditorialFamily

Hurricane Harvey 2

by thelifestylelady August 27, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Today I am going to keep this very brief we are safe and still have power we are incredibly lucky. The conditions here and in Houston have deteriorated considerably due to the continual barrage of rain. When I say rain I mean rain. It is very hard at the moment not to glue yourself to the news and see the terrible conditions that others are suffering. Roads around us are flooding and our back garden on the lower ground is beginning to flood but we are not experiencing the several feet of water that Houston residents are suffering. What makes this worse is that we are said to have this continual down pouring and flooding till Wednesday. Whenever I have seen natural disasters I have been fortunate enough to empathize with it but am removed, this is different. I feel involved and wish I could do more to help. If you feel as I do and would like to donate to the cause and help those whose lives have been altered immeasurably by the events of the last 48 hours you can follow this link to the Red Cross there you can select Hurricane Harvey, every donation large or small is greatly received.

I attach some photos and videos if you are interested. We are touched beyond measure to everyone who has reached out, that also goes for people who have contacted my family to check in. It has been scary and we are blessed to know so many good and kind people. I am not sure how much I will post this week, I am sort of in two minds, it seems so trivial will all that is going on and I am not sure what position we will be in tomorrow. I will see how things are. Currently I am thinking and praying for those who are suffering.

Thanks friends,

Kx

 

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August 27, 2017 2 comments
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BakingFoodRecipe

Delicious & Easy Weeknight Dessert

by thelifestylelady August 23, 2017

DessertBreakDownHowdy Y’all,

Today I wanted to share with you a LL little secret a dessert I have up my sleeve for those weeknights when guests are coming or your family demands or deserves a little treat. I love a dessert which tastes scrummy, can be adapted and is a little healthier than a slice of cake. I got inspiration from Mr. Jamie Oliver (thank you) and modified it to suit what I have in my pantry at the said time. The idea can also made healthier if necessary. I love cheesecake and find the biscuit base the best bit (never understood NY cheesecake.) I do however in the week want to eradicate the butter required to make that crumbly bottom, so I thought what would work as an alternative and granola sprang to mind. Granola is so versatile, perfect for breakie or as a snack but this provides a great base, plus depending on the granola you bake or buy you can use one with nuts, seeds, and dry fruit. Next, I add a dollop of heavenly curd, and this can be of your choosing, this time I chose lemon, but lime, raspberry, rhubarb or any other fruit curd would be delicious. Curd works well with the granola and is also scrumptious with yogurt. Then I add fruit, this again is personal preference, but I would recommend something which compliments the curd of choice. The piece de resistance is the topping which I use mascarpone, but you could use crème fraiche. I place in a bowl add a teaspoon of vanilla essence, and a teaspoon of icing sugar give it a good mix and voila a yummy topping. If you were looking to lighten things up reduce the amount of topping or use yogurt. If mascarpone is not your desire, you could use clotted cream, cream or ice cream. The versatility of this dessert is what makes this a winner. It always feels more sophisticated to present these in martini glasses, it also means you have greater portion control, and if you have dietary requirements, you can make to specific desires. I have also made this in sundae glasses or mason jars; they always look super cute! You can make these ahead, and they can last in the fridge for several days. All which make them a Lifestyle Lady Love.

 

Do you have a recipe I need to try?

Ta Ta For Now

Kx

Yummy and how cute are the floral spoons
Close up
Always scrummy from above.

 

 

August 23, 2017 17 comments
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Editorial

Monday Musings- Dunkirk, Planners & Toasters

by thelifestylelady August 21, 2017

MondayMusingsAugjpeg

Howdy Y’all

Happy Monday, how was your weekend? Ours was relaxed. Mr. L and I went on a date night!!! The first in too long, what did we do when it is a million degrees outside? We went to the movies to see Dunkirk. It was such an important movie because it keeps the story of those horrific events alive. The sacrifice a generation went through to give us the daily freedoms that we take for granted, should be a message we never forget. The events they experienced are unimaginable. I sometimes feel that those of us luckiest enough not be living in a war torn area can be almost immune to the atrocities of war, with the 24-hour news cycles, headlines can seem diluted and loose their impact. A generation of whom the vast majority were little more than children, who had the sense of respect, pride, and patriotism to represent their country. Many of whom probably had little idea the cause in which they were fighting. Little did they know that their sacrifices would be far reaching. It would allow my life because if the alternative had happened and the Allies had lost the war the likelihood of my life would have been uncertain, as my father has a disability and that is something wholly unwelcome in the oppositions version of the perfect world. So I am eternally grateful and will never let any losses be in vain. I shall make sure that Little L is aware of their sacrifice. I was staggered after the movie in the bathroom when a group of young ladies giggled away at how they didn’t get the film and how cute Harry Style looked. All perfectly normal girly chatter but their lack of understanding blew me away and the disrespect they showed disappointed me. I left the bathroom with the impression that they were unaware these events were real?! The message of the movie got me thinking about the parallels with the world today, particularly at the moment with the horrendous terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Finland plus the racial attacks happening in the US. Do we learn nothing from history? Is history a little like fashion? A regurgitation with little differences of what came before? Do we learn nothing because we are flawed individuals? Or that after a generation we forget the lessons and messages of what went before? I for one do not have the answers to these highly complex questions and issues, but I ponder them this weekend. I always maintain that the world will never be perfect after all nobody or nothing is. If we could all be a little kinder, more tolerant, more accepting wouldn’t the life we lead be a bit better? I do sometimes consider when did a person opinion become more important than the feelings and considerations of others.
I must share with y’all that today I bought my new wall planner for 2018; it took me a slow minute to realize I will have to order my new planner soon and that before I blink the winter months and then the Holiday season will be upon us. I don’t know about you but the last few months of the year seem to move the fastest, I am not sure if that is the shorter days or maybe they are busier, who knows, but they fly. We had our first full week of school last week, and Little L is now going four days, I will share with you that it was more difficult because I missed her little sassiness about the place (for about five mins.) Honestly, she is ready for more school, she has a new class, classroom and after a shaky start a great new teacher. I did notice her being a little more tired than normal so we shall see, if you have followed me a while you will know that Little L is allergic to sleep, far too afraid of missing out. We have Wednesdays together which is going to be sacred, this week we have a ballet trial lesson, although she has done ballet before this is in a professional dance school. I will add that Darcey Bussell she is not, but she wanted to continue. I think the trial is as much for them, like us, will she take quiet instruction and think elegance (pray for me!)
I also realized this weekend how much my life has changed; I got excited because we ordered a toaster. Yes before you scoff and decide to unsubscribe we have always used British appliances with the aid of a cumbersome transformer, Mr. L promised me that we could replace said items once we bought a house and he is true to his word. As you can image TLL was particular about the color and style of the said toaster, and so the one I desired was not cheap. I can tell you that a toaster is a useful little appliance and when you are not using one you miss it (Champagne problems I am aware.) I got a 20% off coupon and bite the bullet, this machine is beautiful, and I am genuinely excited. I will post a pic on Instagram (do you follow me there?) as soon as it arrives.
My weekend was fairly quiet and relaxed which was super lovely; I can not tell you the security owning a home has brought us, it has delivered more control to our lives regardless of where Mr. L’s job may lead us next. Did you see on Facebook or Instagram this weekend the Play doh pic of my fashion designing hubs? I was very impressed. If you are not on those scroll to the bottom of my blog and you will see the latest pictures from my Instagram. I have some fun things coming up on TLL in the next few weeks. I do have some videos that I meant to post before I moved, I filmed them an age ago, are y’all ok if I share now? Otherwise, I could re-film, I shall see.

How is your week ahead looking? Anything exciting planned? Keep in touch I love to hear from you.

Ta Ta for now.

Kx

August 21, 2017 2 comments
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BeautyHair

Summer Hair Survival

by thelifestylelady August 17, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Today I am going to write about my summer hair survival. Hair is a topic which is one of the most requested. Most importantly managing and caring for it. I am blessed with thick hair, and I mean thick, it has a natural curl/ wave, and when you live in a place where the humidity is hellish, you learn pretty quick what works and what doesn’t. The easiest thing sometimes is to scrape it up high off the back of the neck and leave it, and there are times that it precisely what I do. I am not a hair expert, but I have noticed that as I mature and live in different climates, my hair needs have changed. My hair does require a little more TLC especially as it is exposed to sun, humidity, and chlorine. Since we are in the height of summer at the moment and many Europeans are still to go on there vacations I will share some of the products that I love this summer and that have helped my hair stay in excellent condition. I have tried many, and I am all about keeping it simple, less is more and have found the following to be workhorses.
1. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo. This is relatively new to my regime; I have been using for only several months. I was reluctant to try due to the hype and honestly I liked the shampoo my Dallas hairdresser recommended. I have found that I need to change my shampoo sometimes seasonally or annually, I am not sure if it is hormonal or different water types but I feel my hair gets used to shampoo and it is not as effective. Pureology does come in a variety of versions dependent on hair type, but I jumped for hydrate because that is what my hair needs. Since it is color treated, hydration is essential. I find the thickness of the formula means I don’t need too much and one wash can get my hair clean and my roots in particular. If you are not sure what hair type you are then this would be a good one to start with.
2. Pureology Hydrate Conditioner. This is lovely. It has a pleasant minty smell. It is stronger than just a scent because you feel its cooling effects on your hair when you massage it in. It does make the hair/scalp tingle a little, so if that is not your thing, this may not be for you. I love its soothing qualities especially if my scalp has been exposed to too much sun. If you are someone with slightly thinner hair I would recommend using just on the very ends of your hair. If your hair is more like mine, thicker, color treated and exposed to more summer elements like chlorine, sea, or sun I would be a little more generous with the application, your hair and scalp can thank me later.
3. KMS Hair Stay. This is an anti humidity spray, and you may remember me mentioning this last summer.  The product has had a cosmetic makeover, and the packaging is different, I am happy to report this still works great. After I have styled my hair I spray this on top much like hair spray. I would spray instead of as I am not one for heaps of product, to me lots of product often means more frequent washing and with so much hair and with a sensitive scalp that is not productive. I can honestly tell you that this stuff does work as a barrier and notably stops the dreaded FRIZZ! I have also found that using once a day is enough.
4. Briogeo Rosarco Milk. One thing I have found benefiting my hair this season has been a leave in conditioning spray. I discovered this gem from my Sephora Play box. Have I mentioned how much I love that subscription?! I have fallen for this; I use it on both mine and Little L’s hair. It is light like milk so doesn’t leave the hair heavy or greasy. I use on dry hair every evening before bed and throughout the day when I remember to. It has a lovely fragrance which is a winner who doesn’t want the hair to smell good? It also works great as a detangler so if you find the summer makes your hair a little knottier then this is also a winner. I also spray it in my hair before swimming so that it helps a little.
5. Macadamia Nourishing Moisture Masque. Using a hair masque for me is like one for the face, essential and a good discipline to get into. I also find that it makes my hair more manageable. I am currently using this and I like it, now I have found hair masques which are good, this is one, Kenra is another, plus hot oil treatments are fantastic too. I am also a big advocate of olive oil or coconut oil in the hair although both require a lot more care in removal so that the hair is not left greasy. If my hair is very dry or feeling unpleasant I have been known to abandon the masque in overnight or in my hair while I am outside in the heat. The sun helps it penetrate. Although this masque I would recommend it is the discipline of masqueing I encourage.
6. Moroccanoil Treatment. Last but not least this product is a cult classic for a reason, I have tried the dupes and other alternatives but honestly they don’t come close for me. A few pumps of this liquid gold on the ends of my hair when damp is a lifesaver. I even use on Little L I don’t use on dry hair I don’t find it efficient, and it gets messy, but if I run out or forget to add to my ends I notice.
So that’s my Summer Healthy Hair essentials. I do use other products when necessary like blow drying or styling but honestly, I try to keep additional heat exposure to a minimum. These six items have helped me keep my hair feeling good. Other things that I use dry shampoo I tend to use year round and are not summer specific, and honestly, I try to avoid that in the summer months. I do have a remarkably sensitive scalp and often suffer from psoriasis and have found these products have helped combat it. What products do you love? What works for you? I have had a request for a hair styling video and I am working up the courage to film that.

Thanks for reading.

Ta Ta for now,

Kx

August 17, 2017 3 comments
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DecorEditorialFamily

Summer Update- Where have you been?

by thelifestylelady August 15, 2017
Hot Summers = First Time Bowler
She got the hang of it fast
Time for a big girl bike
Enjoying our old neighborhood
Vet visit
At the beginning of the summer she was so small
After first visit to the groomer, she did not stay like this long!
Erm excuse me!
Kentucky Derby Fun
Family Selfie!
Yes sneak peak into kitchen progress
Carpet Runner
Progress and I love light
So happy
Color choices
Granny is visiting! Donuts!
Patient Granny helping Anna cycle.
Isn't this how you visit the icecream shop?
Granny reads the best stories!
Happy 4th
Family nighttime selfie
Fourth of July
My pretty American
Erm TLL 2. She knows how to rock the walk.
Im going to be out of a job, she is sampling makeups!
David Beckham 2
Royal Car Ride
Here come the girls selfie not easy.
Her babies!
Church cuteness.
Sunday Brunch Family Fun.
How many monkeys jumping on the bed?
New Year of School
My heart!
I eanred this!

Howdy Y’all,

It feels a lifetime ago that I wrote to y’all and in many ways it is, not simply in time but also in what has been going on in Casa Lifestyle. So where to start.  I am now typing this in my new home, moving is not a phenomenon to me, but this is different because we have bought a home, our first American home. I don’t remember how much I told you about our purchase and I think the level of information is different depending on what social media channels you follow me on! (If the answer is not on all forms, I ask you why the hell not?!) So we bought a house back in March/April and spent two or so months remodeling. A project which I managed, back in my working days this would have been a piece of cake but now I found daunted me a little (will share more in a future post.) I am happy to say that we finished the projects on time, I wont say on budget (because if you know me speculation = accumulation is my moto -lol) In all seriousness the budget increased because the scope increased and honestly we were so fortunate not to be living in the home at the time so it made sense to get works done! Now I love interiors and design but I will say this was a large project and by the end making decisions got frustrating. I am thrilled with the end result and hope to share the transformation with y’all in the coming months. We are settled, there are no boxes and I certainly think it looks as if we have been living here longer than we have. I still have finishing touches to add, which honestly I don’t want to rush, I want to take a breather from all things house for a while. I want to live and love it before I decide what sort of art or chotskies to add for dust collection. If you have time to flick through the slideshow above I share a few sneakpeaks into the transformation.

The rest of the summer has been busy and hot, Little L is growing up at a rate of knots. I’m officially stopping her, she has remained in school for three days a week which has been a lifesaver because we are still making friends and it’s hot here, school has been a blessing. She has taken to the new house super well. She has had a lot of change for a three year old and it blows my mind how resilient kids are. I do think it helped that she had been able to visit the house during works and had a say in her bedroom etc. I think the arrival of Gertie has helped, who has been a total trooper, she is now five months and although we have had one or two more difficult days (she loves to eat underpants.) I can honestly say good outweighs bad and she has adjusted to the new home and garden like the golden gal she is. Gertie will have her own post coming very soon.

My mother came for a visit soon after we moved in, we loved having her. I will try not to hammer on in my champagne life about how challenging it can be with family so far away but it really makes the visits special. Little L and Gertie especially enjoyed Granny time. Just wish she could have stayed longer.

Last week I was down with a ear infection it was a nasty one, I had not had one this bad since my honeymoon. (Yes what a love dampener.) I had a face like a Bo Selecta character and if you have no idea of what I speak, google it. I still cant hear out of my left ear and am hoping it will come back. I mentioned earlier that it is hot here in Texas and I am using that to my advantage, planning and organizing content for TLL over the coming months. I really appreciate you taking the time to read, watch and participate in my things. I am a one woman band and like many of you time is a precious commododity. I love and need The Lifestyle Lady and thoughts for content and replying to comments is never far from my mind. Now life is calming a little I hope I will be able to dedicate some more efforts to her. So please don’t be a stranger are there things you would like to see, get in touch! Above I have a slideshow of some summer pics, please enjoy and I will be back soon!

 

Ta Ta for now.

Kx

 

 

August 15, 2017 0 comment
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BeautyMakeupYou tube

Essential Makeup Brushes

by thelifestylelady May 15, 2017

Howdy Y’all,

Today I share with you a video request from one of my dear friends. I love getting requests and this was such a great idea.  Makeup brushes/tools can be daunting, there are SO many, which do I need?  One thing I will tell you is that the right tools used in the correct way can totally transform how makeup applies, stays and looks. I have never owned a vast number of makeup brushes, mainly because I have researched and invested in what I have needed. I take care of them and with proper love they do last, some of my brushes are nearly twenty years old. Are there brushes I need to try that you adore? Do you have any requests on things you would like me to post about? If so please get in touch I really love to hear from y’all.

Ta Ta for now,

Kx

May 15, 2017 1 comment
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ABOUT ME

ABOUT ME

Welcome

Hi I'm Kate, Thanks for stopping by my small corner of the web, here at TLL I indulge my love of all things lifestyle, from cooking to travel and fashion to interiors, all served with a healthy dose of British sarcasm. So pour yourself a glass of something delicious, put your feet up and take a nose about. Enjoy Kx

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I don’t really share much of my lovely girl but today a costume can speak a 1000 words. She was practically perfect as Mary Poppins. #marypoppins #internationalparade
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Good Morning, please don’t let her words and the other female warriors who came before her be in vain. Don’t just remember her and others by watching the documentaries and passing platitudes, respect them in action. Women died, starved and were tortured so we could have a seat at the table. Some women are still fighting for the right! Let’s honor them today whichever side you fall. Vote!! #vote #vote2020 #suffragette #womensuffrage #election2020
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This sums it up. Keep going friends. 2020 has challenged every single one of us in ways we could never comprehend, for some we can’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Events are demonstrating the best and worst of mankind, if like me your having to make tough decisions about school and what to do, you are not alone. I feel stuck between a brick and a hard place. What I intend to do is what I know, get up, keep going and throw on a bright lip! Keep smiling friends x #thelifestylelady #2020sucks #school
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