Update | No Uni No Life?

Hi lovelies,

So, long time no speak I guess. I'm writing this post to give you guys a quick update about where I've been and why I haven't blogged in quite a while. I've been working full time while I try and decide what I want to do with my life, whether I want to go to university and stuff like that. If I'm being honest, my head has been all over the place and blogging has been the last thing on my mind, I kind of lost my way a little and forgot how much I actually loved writing and editing my posts because I was too focused on what career I want for the future. My answer is I have absolutely no clue. I have put so much stress on myself because I felt like university was the only option and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I've finally realized that there is NO rush. If you don't know what you want to do that's fine. If you don't want to go to university that's fine. There is so much pressure on younger people these days, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who was made to feel like they'd failed because they hadn't gone to uni? At school I was taught that university was the only option and that you'd pretty much get no where in life without it. Now I know that isn't true, I'm taking the time to figure out my life at my own pace, and that means doing the things I love and focusing on my blog. I don't know where my life is going right now, and that's okay. I know I'll end up on the right path when the time is right, whether that's going to university or not.

I'm going to try and make a plan for my blog posts and I'm going to try and at least write 4 or 5 posts a week. I hope you guys forgive me for my break!

Lots of love,

Poppy Loves Book Club

Hi everyone!

So just a quick one from me today. I wanted to share with you something that I have been absolutely loving over the past couple of months. I really love my reading, but with work and college practically taking over my life I started slipping out of my reading habits. I came across poppy loves book club on instagram and decided to check it out. It's an online based book club however there are locations where you can go and meet up with other people in that area. There's one book a month that's allocated to read and on the last wednesday of the month there's a big online discussion on the facebook page, sometimes the author of the book even joins in too. I've found it's the perfect way for me to read new things and to read stuff that I wouldn't normally pick up myself. It's also really nice to be able to talk to other people about the book and see everyones different thoughts and opinions! If you love reading but there are no book clubs round your area, I'd highly recommend this one! For all the information on how to join visit the poppy loves book club website here. This month we're reading Shame by Melanie Finn and the discussion date is on the 26th October at 7:30pm.

I have quite a few posts lined up over the next couple of weeks so make sure you stay updated!

Lots of love,

Weekly Life Update | Blogging, Broke and All The Bright Places

Hi everyone!

I'm currently sat here eating a bar of smarties chocolate to make up for the fact that I haven't been very well for a few days (any excuse). Here I am again with my weekly life update and there's a few things I want to share with you lovely lot today.

The first thing I'm gonna start off with is about sharing my blog with my friends and family. I'm a bit weird when it comes to my blog.. I'm so proud of what I've created so far and it's something I want to share with the world! But when it comes to my friends, family or people I know seeing it I start to get really anxious and paranoid. I am not in any way embarrassed by my blog, but I always think that they're going to judge me or make fun of me when in reality that's probably the opposite of what they'd do. I can't wait for they day that they know about my blog, but in the meantime I'm going to keep working on it and make it the best it could possibly be!

The second thing I'd like to share with all of you is how broke I am at the minute! And this really isn't going down too well with my make up addiction. I only got paid last week, but with my boyfriends birthday coming up and saving up for our holiday, I haven't got much left over to spend on myself. (I'm crying real tears) I have literally been torturing myself over the weekend looking on every possible make up website, adding EVERYTHING to my basket and breaking my own heart when I have to close it down. I need to find a new way to make money because my part time job on the side of college just doesn't seem to be enough these days! I've been looking to sell some of my old stuff, but I haven't really got anything worth selling. So here I am, still broke. And if I post any hauls in the next couple of weeks please shout at me for spending money that I don't have.

Speaking of selling stuff, I've been selling my old dance costumes. I didn't realise how hard this would be but I feel like I'm letting go of a massive part of my life. I went through every costume and thought about the amazing memories I had wearing each one and it was actually really upsetting. Of course, I kept a few because I physically can't let go of all of them! It makes me sad just thinking about it.

My boyfriend finally finished his 3 week job in London and luckily I didn't have work so we got to spend the weekend together. At first, we were going to go out somewhere and do something nice. Instead, because we are both extremely lazy, we took a trip to ASDA, bought lots of chocolate and popcorn and had a movie marathon. Let's face it, what's better than cosying up on the sofa watching chick flicks and comedies and eating a load of crap? That's what I thought.

To finish off I just need to tell you all how much I am LOVING All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.. I can't put it down! I have almost finished it now after spending most my week reading it (when I've had chance) and I can't wait to share a review with you.

I feel like my blog has made amazing progress this week and I want to thank every one who has read my posts, commented or followed me on bloglovin! I have just set up a twitter account so that I could have one directly related to my blog and beauty! Follow me here @shelbyblogx

Lots of love,

Monthly Faves | January 2016

Hi everyone!

So as there's 4 days left of January (where has the time gone!?) I thought I'd share with you some of my all time favourite things of this month..

Olympea by Paco Rabanne

My boyfriend bought me this for Christmas and I have absolutely fell in love with it! It's my favourite perfume in the world now, I don't think I could live without it. He got me the gift set that came with a body lotion which is really nice because it's moisturizing and smells amazing at the same time!

Keeping Organised

I've been trying really hard to stay organised this month.. I bought a 2016 diary (which you can see in my book haul here) and it's come in really handy to keep up with my college work, blog and everyday life. I also love my notebook which was about £7 from WHSmith. I was sick and tired of using the same notebook for every class because all my notes were messed up! This one's got tabs so I can seperate it into my different subjects at college and I love the pretty pattern and colour scheme.

Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss

As you can see on the picture, I've been using this lipgloss so much it's almost ran out! The shade I have is bare enough which is quite a clear shade with a hint of pink. I have quite naturally big lips but this lipgloss definitely has a plumping effect which makes your lips look great! It's my holy grail lipgloss and I need to purchase another one soon.

L'oreal Lumi Magique Foundation

I actually only purchased this foundation about a week ago but I absolutely love it! Bourjois healthy mix has always been my go to foundation but I fancied a change and decided to switch it up a bit once I'd ran out of my last bottle.. I'm so glad I did! I have normal skin but I go through stages where I get really dry skin. This foundation is a god sent and has medium coverage but can easily be built up. Mine is in the shade Gold Linen.

New Look Lazer Cut Purse

I bought this purse in the January sales and I've had a lot of compliments on it too! I love the pink colour (I'm addicted to anything pink at the minute) and the lazer cut design is so pretty. It's always nice having a pretty purse and that's why I've included it in my January faves!

L'oreal Colour Riche Lipsticks

I have been loving these lipsticks this month! The colours look quite similar on the picture but they're not.. The first shade is 630 and is more of a pink/brown tone and this one is a cream lipstick. The second shade is 640 and this one is matte and more of a deep pink. They have a really sleek, gold design and last really well throughout the day. I will definitely be buying more of these!

Black High Knee Boots

I have been relying on black high knee boots this month. With the cold weather all I've wanted to do is wrap up warm. (Is it just me or is January 10000x colder than December!?) These boots have been perfect for that. I can throw them on with a pair of leggings and a parka if I'm feeling lazy or dress them up abit with jeans and a fur coat. Basically they are a winter must have for me. (I would love to tell you all where they're from but I have no idea as they were a Christmas present from my mom and they don't say on the inside)

Art of Mindfulness Colouring Book

I've been loving this book recently, colouring is so fun! It's great when you're feeling bored (I could colour for hours), it's a great way to pass time and it's also great for coping with anxiety. Whenever I'm feeling anxious, I colour. I find that focusing on the colouring helps to take your mind off the things that you're worrying about. This one was only about £4 which is great if you don't want spend a lot of money.

I was going to include my favourite film (as I work at a cinema) but I honestly haven't watched many recently and nothing really comes to mind! What are some of your January favourites?

Lots of love,

Weekly Life Update | Gym, Grades and Holidays

Hi everyone!

I thought as it's Sunday and it's the end of the week I'd give you an update on what's been going on in my life recently. I'm going to try and get one of these up every Sunday whether my week has been boring or exciting. Unfortunately I haven't got much to share with you this week (I appologise for having such an uninteresting life)

To be honest I don't really know where to start.. I haven't had the most exciting of weeks haha. I've recently joined a new gym called Anytime Fitness. It's a 24 hour gym which is pretty cool (although I don't know why anybody would want to go to the gym in the middle of the night!). The only reason I joined was because it's a lot easier to get to than my old gym. I was really anxious about starting at first because I was so used to my old gym, but I'm really enjoying it now and I'm going 4 or 5 times a week. The gym is fairly small but it has really good equipment and facilities such as virtual classes in the studio if there isn't a live one going on. I've been thinking about adding fitness posts to my page so I'll let you know soon whether or not I've decided to go ahead with it.

Incase any of you don't know, I'm studying my A levels at college. I'm actually a year behind because I went to sixth form last year but I left half way through the year due to personal reasons and it just wasn't the right time for me. Anyway I took my mock A level exams in the first week of January and I got all but one of my results back earlier this week. I got an A in health and social care and a B in law which I'm really happy about! My hard work has paid off and I feel like everything is finally starting to work out. I'm still waiting on my english results but hopefully I'll get them back soon.

My boyfriend Sam has been working away in London the past two weeks and I've been so bored without him! He's coming home tomorrow though and I'm excited to catch up with him (I have so much gossip to tell him haha). It's his birthday soon (21st February) so I've been present shopping and trying not to spend all my money. I've been really struggling because I feel like I always get him the same kind of present and I wanted to get him something different.. I haven't got very far with that. It's such a pain because I get paid on the 23rd of each month so his birthday is 2 days before I get paid again! It's valentines day coming up too which is also the day when we will have been together for 1 year and 6 months, but I don't think we're buying presents because I'm not really into the whole "valentines day" thing. We will probably go for a nice meal or something, but I'm putting all my effort into his birthday.

Me and my family have finally booked our holiday for July! We're hiring a gorgeous villa in Majorca (I'll try and post some pictures soon but they're on my dad's laptop at the minute) I'm so excited. Now me and Sam have just got to book ours and I'll have my two holidays for this year sorted.

Other than that I think it's been the same old college and work routine. Like I said, I haven't had the most exciting of weeks! I will be posting a book haul either later today or tomorrow so be sure to check that out if you're a book lover like me.

Lots of love,

* Photo is mine from my trip to Lanzarote last year.
* This post is in no way sponsored or affiliated.

First Post | Get to Know Me Tag

Hi lovelies!

So I thought this was a good time to introduce myself. My name's Shelby, I'm 18 and I live in England. I've wanted to set up this blog for so long now and I'm so excited that I've finally done it! I'm going to be writing about beauty, books, fashion and my life (and I hope you'll enjoy reading them). I thought to start things off I'd do the Get to Know Me tag which I found on LeahsBeautyType blog. (Go check it out!)

1. Do you have a middle name?
Yeah it's Louise (as you can see in my title page)

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
I loved PE but I'm studying law as one of my A levels at the moment and I'm really enjoying it! I think that's what I want to study at university.

3. What’s your favorite drink?
Would have to be vanilla latte's or a good cup of tea. Can't beat a hot drink.

4. What’s your favorite song at the moment?
I have such a wide taste in music I couldn't possibly choose. I absolutely love Purpose by Justin Bieber.

5. What would you name your children?
I've always loved the name Lacie for a girl and Mason for a boy.

6. Do you participate in any sports?
I've danced the majority of my life (if that counts as a sport). I go to the gym regularly aswell

7. What’s your favorite book? 
I love soooo many books I couldn't choose a favourite. I've just bought All the Bright Things by Jennifer Niven (I'll be posting a book haul soon) which I'm so excited to read and I think it will be one of my favourites. I will definitely post a review after I've read it!

8. What’s your favorite colour?
I love anything pink but when it comes to clothes I always wear black.

9. What’s your favorite animal?
White tigers are absolutely gorgeous! But I also saw a video on Facebook of an elephant painting and I fell in love with them ever since! Haha.

10. What’s your favorite perfume?
My boyfriend bought me Olympea by Pacco Rabanne for Christmas and it smells gorgeous. It's definitely my favourite perfume by far.

11. What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas!!! Everything about it just makes me so happy.
 
12. Have you graduated from High School?
I'm currently studying my A levels (Law, Health and Social Care and English Language/Literature)

13. Have you been out of the country?
Yes I go on holiday every year. We mainly go to Spain or the Canary Islands but I definitely want to travel more when I have the chance!

14. Do you speak any other languages?
No but I would love to. (I got an A in GCSE French if that counts)

15. Do you have any siblings?
I have two younger brothers.

16. What’s your favorite store?
Selfridges!

17. What’s your favorite restaurant?
TGI fridays definitely.

18. Do you like school? 
Strangely, yes (most of the time)

19. Who are some of your favorite YouTubers?
A few of my faves are Carli Bybel, KathleenLights and Bella Fiori.
 
20. What’s your favorite movie? 
Again I can't choose favourites! This tag probably wasn't a good idea for me haha. I love 10 things I hate about you but I love most romantic comedies and action films.

21. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
I could watch Pretty Little Liars 10000 times and not get bored of it. I also love Keeping up with the Kardashians but I've been looking for a new TV series to watch so if you have any suggestions leave me a comment!

22. PC or Mac?
I'd have to say PC because that's all I've always used. I think if I had a Mac of my own I'd get used to it but I tried to use my uncles and I didn't know where to start.

23. What phone do you have?
iPhone 6S rose gold.

24. How tall are you?
I’m 5’3" (yes I'm small)

25. Any pets? 
No! I've always wanted a dog but my dad never did. I'll definitely get one when I move out though.

And that's it! Thank you for reading and hopefully I should have another post up soon.

Lots of love,