5 Things I've Learned by Growing Up

20 July 2015

You define your confidence.
I'm still a very shy person. I think that's a trait I'll always have but I'm okay with it. I was never okay with how low my confidence used to be. Nowadays, I still get nervous when there's a lot of attention on me, but my immediate thought is no longer a negative one. I don't automatically think people are looking at me because they've spotted one of my insecurities. That's all because I slowly began to realise my increase in confidence is all about what's in my mind, not what I can see in the mirror. I began to adopt the "I don't care" attitude about a lot of things which can be a blessing and a curse. When I shop, I don't buy clothes two sizes bigger or avoid shoes with heels, and that's a pretty big step for me.

Turn comparison into motivation.
It's incredibly easy to see another blogger, or just another person and begin over analysing and comparing what you have with what they have. It's not difficult to scroll through Instagram and immediately begin to correlate appearances. When I first started blogging, I used to compare my blog with every other blog I came across - it's not healthy. Now when I stalk other blogs, (which I live to do), I realise how this amazing community is expanding and how much I love being a part of it. It become motivation to continue doing what I love rather than jealously and a really unhealthy attitude.

I want to see the world.
There's something so fascinating when learning about new places. Developing the mind and beginning to understand cultures and different ways of living keeps each day interesting. Do research from home and creating Pinterest boards is fun, but I know my future plans include jetting off to every edge of the Earth. A different view every month is what I'd like to achieve and my journey to Oslo taught me that. Travelling is an experience that can be very humbling, but also opens your eyes to the world around you.

I want/need more friends.
I know followers aren't friends, but I can't lie, having those few people say nice things to you every so often is something that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. It doesn't have to be a comment, it could be a tweet or even a tumblr message. I'm not exactly the most the social butterfly in the North, but I know how much I love the social aspect of blogging - it's something I really want to expand.

The working world is not all it's cracked up to be.
I can't wait to one day say "started from the bottom now we're here" because at the moment, the bottom isn't too fun. School always made out like the working world was going to be an easy journey. Once you're done with education, you'd immediately get a job (doesn't happen) and success just flows in (doesn't happen either). It takes a whole lot of hard work and elbow grease to work your way to the top, and at 19 I still have a long way to go.

Not So Summer Wishlist

17 July 2015

you're gone and i gotta stay...
A lot of bloggers and writers are focusing on the best of a summer closet. As someone who isn't summer best friend, I'm excited for autumn fashion to kick in. Polyvore is the best place for me to make wishlists. It's like window shopping without having to move. I always point out my style would be much better if all clothing was free, but I'm happing making sets for today. This first item on this "Not So Summer" wishlist is this amazing sweater by Tory Burch. I initially came across this jumper after browsing Tory Burch's site looking out for a new pattern to splurge on. Although their lines are not always in my price range, I couldn't resist adding this piece to my wishlist. It's made of solid and foil-printed merino wool, a modern way to incorporate the AW15 trend of metallics into your look.
I absolutely adore the Watch by Uniform Wares from popbee.com. My usual style of accessory is quite shiny and glamorous, rose gold is one of my favourites, but I was drawn to this watch for it's unique but effective simple. The layout is so simple, and monochrome is yet another trend returning for the fall.
Finally, my number one wishlist items are the black skinny jeans by Saint Laurent. I found them on Vestiaire Collective along with a whole other collection. The slim fit jeans would fit in perfectly with my ever-growing winter wardrobe and pair well with so many items. They're one of the most popular types of jeans after growing fashionable among celebrities. It's not difficult to combine this piece with plenty of other items, and could easily become that must-have item this season.

Style Crush: Kylie Jenner

15 July 2015

Not a lot of people love the Kardashians, I used to be one of those people. In no way am I some crazy superfan, but I can't deny one thing, Kylie Jenner has an amazing sense of style. At 17, her wardrobe is to die for. The rest of the family have a pretty nice wardrobe, but I have always been drawn to Kylie's in particular. She has always picked choices that compliment her body shape and personality, which gives her that extra kick of confidence. All you have to do is scroll through KJ's instafeed to find plenty of selfies and full outfit shots, she's well on her way to becoming a social media queen. One thing I really like about Kylie's sense of style is that she appreciates how stunning basic pieces look. Sure, the odd Balmain dress here and there looks fantastic, but some of my favourite Kylie looks are casual ones, and she could only be wearing two colours. She doesn't feel the need to dress like a circus tent to get attention which is exactly what I would describe as "wardrobe goals". There are plenty of Pinterest boards and Tumblr blogs dedicated to Kylie's style and ability to look absolutely fabulous on any random day of the week.

New CID Cosmetics i-polish Review

14 July 2015

 I love trying out new nail colours for the brighter seasons. It's an easy way to add a splash of colour to an outfit without over-doing it on accessories. I've found a brighter nail polish also means I don't wear as much jewellery, simply because they brighten my hands enough. When I came across New CID Cosmetics I was intrigued by their i-polish line with comes in 11 colours online. I was drawn to the shade 'Crepe Suzette' which is an off-red, pinky colour with a hint or orange/peach - perfect for this season. The Light-Up Nail Polish was bought in a local department store, but is also available in other colours at feelunique.com. The first thing I love about this polish is the colour, but it has many other great qualities. The easy application is something I noticed to become really valuable, especially as someone who is no expert in painting nails. With this polish in particular, I used two coats which helps with durability during the week. The colour is true to the name, and very bright which is excellent for this season. Overall, I think this varnish is a cost effective product and brilliant for the brighter seasons. It really brings the shine and gloss to your finger nails.

My Top Fitness Apps

13 July 2015

RunKeeper
I feel like I'm constantly talking about this app. It's really one of my favourites and I use it as much as possible. The app monitors walks, runs, rides and so much more - I use it for my Sunday run. There are so many features and it continues to expand with each update. I quite like to the social aspect to this app; you can share your goals, achievements and workouts on Facebook and Twitter whenever you like. You can also share photos and workouts with friends through the app and explore the activities of others.

MyFitnessPal
This app is the best way for me to keep a good track of what I eat. It doesn't necessarily help me lose weight but it does help me watch what I eat. I don't want to be logging four glazed donuts in my diary, so I avoid them. The app keeps track of calories as well as other diet figures so it's really easy to control your daily intake. Not only can you log branded foods and drinks, but also note down what exercise you've competed and for how long, this also shows up in your planner and gives you an all-round summary at the end of the day.

Seven
I came across this app after it was recommended by Ali Simpson though a YouTube video back in 2013 and haven't stopped using it since. As someone who absolutely hates working out and any form of real exercise, this app subtly forces me to do a little bit every night. The app features seven work out loves that you complete as many times as you like and you're done. You can pick between voice coaches and each move is incredibly easy to follow. They're basic positions that can be done in the home without any equipment and only take seven minutes to complete. The app features challenges to help motivate you too!
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