Timid Tales #1

4 February 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
After writing a post on being shy and getting a good response, I have decided to create a series on my blog names "Timid Tales", which will be full of stories and anecdotes featuring my bashful behaviour. One of my very first memories of being shy is from being around four years old. My dad worked late at the Royal Mail headquarters so my mum would pick him up from work so he didn't drive home tired. As the only child at that point, I had to go with her as there wasn't anyone else at home. I have a strong memory of feeling so shy when picking my dad up, I would be close to terrified when he got into the car and I knew I had to say hello because it's polite.

To this day, I have absolutely no idea why I was so apprehensive at that age as there's no logic behind it. I had a very close relationship with my dad when I was younger but there was something about the Royal Mail and night time that I just didn't like. When my dad jumped into the car and turned to say hello, I would release this tiny little squeak of a "hi" that could only be heard by bats and mice, while wrapped in a Barbie blanket and looking away. From a very early age, being shy has always really frustrated me. It was never anxiety, as I could happily have a conversation with someone and respond if they asked me a question; on the other hand, starting conversations or being in the spotlight was my worst nightmare. Now I'm a lot different, and could probably walk down a high-fashion catwalk if I really wanted to. Thank goodness I left those wary moments in the past!

My Guilty Pleasure Reads

3 February 2015

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
There are very few books I will read over and over. They have to have specific sections that really grab my attention or that I can easily relate to for them to remain in my memory. There are also books that I just can't help but adore due to the memory attached to reading them or the characters I just fell in love with. These three books are some that I re-read over the winter and became obsessed with.

I'll Take New York by  Miranda Dickinson.

There is definitely a Christmassy feel to this book which made it one of my favourite winter reads. Out of the three, this book is my favourite as it's a classical romance story that's based in one of my favourite cities. The descriptive language in each chapter made the storyline seem all the more real and the book touches on romance as well as never losing hope and taking chances. Although the storyline is predictable, the romance is never forced and the characters are well developed before even meeting. It's obvious the author has a real love for New York City and that's evident in the narrative. The book is more of a 'chic lit' love story, it leaves you feeling inspired. I found it incredibly difficult to put this book down, saying "awwwwh" throughout and being desperate to read just one more chapter. 


The Manifesto on How to be Interesting by Holly Bourne

This is a piece of young adult literature this will always stick in my brain. The great thing that draws you in is the relatable protagonist and storyline. It's a book I wish I would have read when going through the younger years of secondary school. Even though school wasn't that long ago for me, this book  had me feeling nostalgic for my education days. The gripping thing is the realistic and relevant narrative and characters that are introduced throughout. It highlights some of the pressures and struggles that most people go through when in school and makes me very grateful that it's all over. This story helps you to realise happiness is much more important than reputation.

L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad

I have been obsessed with Lauren Conrad since The Hills so it was only natural to buy her book a few years ago. The first thing I loved is that the chapter titles are sentences or phrases taken from the chapter. The storyline does have a autobiographical feel which develops the characters well, especially if you know Lauren Conrad. The plot isn't too deep or intense which makes this book the perfect light or beach read. It's an easy way to get distracted from reality without diving in too deep. When reading, you almost get sucked into a reality show, which is very addicting. This book is definitely a teen novel, which is how it managed to make it onto my guilty pleasures list.

Better Than Lipstick

2 February 2015

Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
I don't like wearing lipstick as a lot of the brands I have tried out tend to have sticks that fade after time. There are high quality lipsticks but they're too expensive for their size and use. After recently shopping at Marks and Spencer for their bronzer which I can use as power. They have a line there under the name of Lola, (official website) which I'm always open to trying. The "Makeup by Perse" line has just about everything I need for everyday make-up; however every so often, I like to add colour to my lips as a twist. Red is usually my go-to colour as I shy away from pinks and oranges. 

Their lip gloss which is available for £10 at M&S was the first thing I was drawn to due to the bright colour and simple packaging. The colour I chose is "006 Red" and I immediately loved the non-sticky texture which is common among most lip glosses. The trouble I have with lipsticks that don't cost over £20 is that they often dry out and dry out my lips in the process. The colour in this lip gloss is not too strong and over-bearing, but it also hydrates my lips without fading after a few hours. This gloss has genuinely become one of my favourites to keep this season.

Why I Hate Summer

31 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Photo credit.
Summer in the UK isn't the typical summer, I could happily live in the South of France and enjoy the sunshine each and every day, but there's something about summer in England that I just can't bear. I enjoyed my first real beach holiday in 2013 when I visited Salou on a huge family holiday. Despite getting a little heatstroke, I enjoyed fun-filled days and loved the summer. On the other hand, the English sun is just a little more 'uncomfortable'.

In general, I prefer winter because I like feeling cosy and warm rather than sweaty and ready to self-combust. I like blankets, white landscapes, layers of clothing, not shaving my legs, fires and hot chocolate. Summer is an out-going season, it's for those who love festivals, sandals and barely-there clothing. Laying in the sun for hours isn't beneficial for me anyway, I just get darker and warm. Hayfever ruins my summers most years, mainly because it's linked to asthma which is possibly the most frustrating condition on the planet. I associate summer in the UK with stickiness, unnecessary shirtless humans and awkward park picnics. For some absurd reason, many people feel the need to bathe in public fountains or water features which isn't a sight I'm desperate to see in July.

For me, summer is a month-long battle to keep cool, as I constantly complain I'm way too warm. The non-stop festivals are great for socialites but I like cosy nights in and non-stop Netflix which helped me fall in love with the winter season. There's more opportunity to experience with your style in winter, layering and different coats or jackets are a great way to accentuate any wardrobe. I adore the sunshine, especially when I'm in another country; but over here, summer thankfully only lasts a few weeks.

Not That Social

29 January 2015

Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
I have always been surrounded by social butterflies.When living in a large family, attending a large school and working in an enormous city, it's very season to sink or slip into the back of the crowd without anyone noticing. During secondary school, it was difficult to be shy due to the constant association with friends which did wonders for my confidence. On the other hand, in my mind I have always been the quiet one, despite what others may have gathered. Socialising and meeting new people is fun and a vital experience in life but I have come to terms with the fact that I'm just not that social. Saturday night house parties are great, I enjoy all the fraternising that goes with it. But sometimes I would rather enjoy my own company and spend a few hours reading or on Tumblr/Pinterest. 

The comfort with being alone comes from being so very shy. When I was a lot younger, I used to feel to nervous and uncomfortable to say hello to my own extended family members, it was just too daunting. Answering up in class and evening speaking up in general was always a challenge unless I felt like I was surrounded by close friends. Then social media came alone, which I have a love-hate relationship with. It all began with Bebo, choosing from thousands of skins and sending hearts to best friends. Not being included in a best friend's description box was devastating. Then Facebook came along, a website I haven't really used since 2010. This is probably down to the realisation that half of the 1,000 plus friends I had on there probably can't even pronounce my name.

As I have grown up, I occasionally revert back to my timid shell, but I actually like it. Every person has one comfort food, object or place. After visiting the library in the city centre almost every lunch break, I have realised that I feel at ease and most comfortable when surrounded by book, it gives my mind something to do. I can spend hours in Waterstones just reading blurbs and searching for my next read. I'm not forced into a social situation and conversations that do establish are natural and enjoyable. Maybe the social butterfly stage is yet to come.
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