Get Inspired & Be Creative!

Hello Internet Beauties!

Do you ever get the creative bug?! When all of a sudden, at the most random times, you get the desperate feeling that you need to create something? I get this so often, like right now for instance when suddenly at 11.50pm listening to Vanessa Carlton, A Thousand Miles (throwback!), I have the need to be creative, to draw, to make art, to do something creative. Unfortunately, my art skills are very limited - to the extent that I used to get my sister to do all of my Art homework for school...oops..sorry former art teachers! (Although it must have seemed a bit bizarre that all my Art homework was pretty good, yet anything I produced in lessons looked like a toddler's attempt at drawing 😂)

Anyway, back to the point! As my art skills aren't too good, my creative outlet is writing (hence blogging!) and doodling. While waiting for a train home the other day, I was overcome by this feeling. So, I logged onto Amazon and ordered these two journals which I'd seen previously in a shop, along with some colourful pens.

They are semi-blank journals that encourage you to create and write but give you prompts, questions and activities to complete, rather than just a blank journal which can be difficult to get started. The first one, 'Write Here, Write Now' is actually aimed for the teenage market, but even though it's been 5 years since I've been classed as a teenager, I love it. It's simple, it's light-hearted and encourages imagination.

Write Here, Write Now, £10, available from Amazon and Waterstones

The second I purchased is definitely a much more grown-up one, 'Start Where You Are', which is actually called a 'journey of self-exploration'. What won me over on this one was the most beautiful quotations on every other page, between the pages to fill in yourself. I'm a sucker for quotes with the most beautiful illustrations. The topics are also much more grown-up, as it is about learning more about yourself, such as your goals, strengths, weaknesses and desires. I think it's such an interesting idea because in a world when we rush around everyday, it's good to take a moment to just focus on yourself.

Start Where You Are, £8, available from Amazon 

I've started to fill in bits of them both, I do it whenever I get the creative feeling, as I think that's really the best way to do them, when you are fully in the mood. In colourful pens, they are looking pretty good and they will be something to look back at in years to come.

For anyone who loves to create and write, I'd recommend these 100%.

Have you tried any creative journals like these? I'd love to find out about any others, let me know in the comments below! If not, what's your creative outlet?! I'd love to hear!

Tori Talks: Hey, It's Okay If You're 'Quiet'

Hello Internet Beauties, 

Today's post is a little different to my recent beauty posts, but one I hope to be making much more regular and into a new series on my blog. If I had to catergorize it, I suppose it would fall under the 'lifestyle' bracket, but in summary, they will be short posts (or maybe long because I waffle!) about things that are important to me. I know I'm only twenty three years young, but I thought it may be interesting to share some thoughts of things I've come to learn that would have helped me when I was younger...

The other day I was clearing out some things when I came across my old school reports that my parents must have kept. I instantly opened them to take a look, as I love feeling nostalgic! They were mainly high school reports, but also a couple of super old primary school ones, dating back to nursery. I couldn't help but notice that in all of these reports, despite my good grades and being 'well behaved' in class, every single one had something along the lines of 'Victoria is a great student but needs to speak up more in class'. I always remember being told at numerous parents evenings that I was a good student, but again, it was 'a shame' that I was 'quiet', 'shy' and/or needed to put my 'hand up more' in class. 

Back then, I thought maybe I was shy, maybe I should contribute more, speak up more, it made me feel bad. I can understand that teachers can be genuinely concerned for those they deem to be 'shy' if they feel it's due to low confidence, low self-esteem and maybe need that boost to reach their potential. At first, especially in primary school, I was shy and I think there's times in our lives when we all are, but when I reached 16/17/18 years old in Sixth Form, I was so sick of being told to speak up more. I wasn't shy then - I would enjoy giving presentations when I had to in lessons and also had a hobby of Latin American and Ballroom dancing, which involved performing and competing in front of large crowds. Surely this showed I was doing what I enjoyed, that even though I was 'quiet', this wasn't stopping me from doing things?

So why was it still perceived so negatively that I was ''quiet''? I simply preferred to be a listener, to really absorb all the information and listen to others' viewpoints. 

This didn't change in social groups either, turning 18, pretty much the majority in my year loved big parties and going out clubbing in big groups. The first year of university for most was mainly based on the 'uni life' experience. Again, this wasn't something I particularly enjoyed, I can't explain why because I don't know, I just preferred spending time with a smaller group of close friends just hanging out or visiting places, doing fun activities, trying new things etc. Now don't get me wrong, I did go to parties that I enjoyed but I was never into it the way most my peers were. This was so tough because I would feel so much pressure all the time and being in the minority, it felt this was again perceived negatively that I often didn't go. It was seen as being 'unsociable' or 'boring' or that I lacked confidence to go 'out out'. It was, and still is at times, incredibly frustrating. 

Then, a couple of years ago, through a friend who was very similar to me, I discovered the Myers Briggs Personality Types. I completed the test which is aimed to tell you more about the type of person you are and it made SO much sense. I'd heard of the word introvert before, but never really understood the full meaning - if you look it up on Google, the first definition is 'a shy person'. But this isn't the case - it just means I enjoy and need time on my own to recharge, as well as spending time with others. I prefer having a group of small but really close friends, rather than being in large crowds. I learn and take things in from observing and thinking. 

Alongside meeting other introverts (which are less common than extroverts), understanding my personality more and just time alongisde growing up - I've come to absolutely love and appreciate the way I am, even if others see it as 'quiet' or 'shy' with negative connotations. I know that when I want to and when it matters, I can and will speak up. But it also means I'm the one that people come to when they need someone to listen, which I really appreciate being trusted for. 

In short - just embrace you, not what others think is you. I was actually made to feel less confident about myself by being negatively called 'quiet' than I had been before someone brought it to my attention! If you speak up when you want to and when it matters to you and you work hard, it shouldn't matter how loud you are about it. You know yourself and your strengths, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. It's far more than okay to be 'quiet'! 

I really encourage you all to try the Myers Briggs test, it's so interesting, the one I found quickest and easiest to complete was here.
I am an INFP and I would love absolutely love to hear what personality types my fellow bloggers are! Let me know what type you are and if you feel it's accurate below! 

Are there any other topics you'd life me to include in this new series? Feel free to drop me an email or comment :)

Advice I'd Give My 15 Year Old Self: Beauty Edition

Hello Internet Beauties!

Now, the 'Letter To My 15 Year Old Self' idea is not new, it has been going around a while but I still personally love reading them and find them so interesting. I saw it going around again a couple of weeks ago and I started thinking of what advice I would give my 15 year old, but in terms of beauty! 

To make it short and sweet, I came up with 5 main points I wish I had been able to tell myself at 15...


-PLEASE leave your eyebrows alone! Please! I promise you, you will regret plucking them in many years time, when you are still struggling to grow them back! They aren't as bad as you think and be brave and go to a professional to have them done, rather than stealing your mums tweezers and attempting it yourself.

-As much as you love that liquid glitter silver Urban Decay eyeliner (that you share with your bestie on a weekly swap basis because neither of you could afford the £18), you are clearly allergic and should really stop wearing it. Yes, you think it looks amazing and has become your go to eye look, especially when it snows, but it really shouldn't burn when you wear it.

- As well as glitter eyeliner, you have also discovered black pencil liner, which don't get me wrong, I can see why that's exciting. Just maybe don't line the top and bottom lashes so heavily...you won't appreciate the pictures later in life where you look like a pirate. 

- I know you hate your skin right now more than anything. Unfortunately, it will be a while before it actually gets any better, but you know what, it really doesn't matter. No one else even notices as much as you do. But here's a tip to get you through, don't use so much concealer to try and hide the spots and marks, this can actually make them more obvious, a little goes a long way!

- A little goes a long way is actually a good tip to remember in general. You will have such a fun time making your own photo shoot at your friend's house for her birthday, but go easy on the blusher, your whole entire face doesn't need to match your fluorescent pink top!

But overall, just keep having fun with makeup! Wear it because you want to be creative, you're still young and there's no other need for it. Keep wearing those colourful tights under denim shorts, it may not become a fashion trend but who cares?! 

What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Let me know below :)

January Favourites!

Hello Internet Beauties! 

I can't believe January is over already! But, in all honesty, I really don't mind! January is my least favourite month as I always find it quite 'blue' and so I'm already welcoming the hope of spring which is slowly on it's way! That being said, I wanted to share a few of my favourites that have really brightened up my January! 

Skincare

A skincare product I have been loving this month is this honey facial exfoliator by the brand Bee Good. I actually received this in a GlossyBox (I think November) and I have loved it so much it is officially empty now! This will definitely be a repurchase for me, with it's gentle formula on skin but still exfoliating really well to give fresh, soft, clean and glowy skin. 

Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator, £10.50 from Bee Good

Makeup

My favourite this month is actually a new brand I discovered! It's called Makeup Obsession, available from Boots for pretty inexpensive prices, and they offer custom built palettes. You choose your palette base and then what you want to fill your palette with which is SUCH a fun idea! And so practical, because don't we all hit the pan on our favourite shadow in a palette and have loads left of all the others?! This way, you can build a palette of only your favourite shades and swap colours in and out whenever you want! I'm going to do a full review on this later this month!

Makeup Obsession Build Your Own Palette
From Boots, empty palettes start at £4 with individual shadows for £2

Music

Talking of music, this month's song favourites have to go to Ed Sheeran, of course. I am so glad he's back and even though I didn't get tickets to his tour (I couldn't justify or spend £75 for one ticket), I still can't wait for the new album! 

Movies

Try to restrain yourself from shock when I say this but no...La La Land was not my favourite movie this month! I actually didn't like it...please don't hate me!! A movie I have loved this month though is Nerve, starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, both who I love. This movie wasn't new this month, but I just got it on DVD and it was SO gripping, my boyfriend and I sat watching it completely still and silent throughout the whole thing - we literally didn't move for a drink, snack or even talk at all....which is incredibly unusual for us haha. Definite must watch!

Lifestyle

This month I have absolutely loved getting back into swimming! Something I discovered on Amazon was this waterproof MP3 player made to be your swimming companion! This has made my swims even more energized and enjoyable, for some reason music sounds even more magical underwater!

(Please excuse my awful photography for this one! Grr winter lighting making me rush!)
Exeze Waterpoof MP3 with Waterproof Headphones £29, Amazon

Apps

This is probably what I'm most excited about out of all of my favourites! Which is odd as I'm not normally overly fussed by apps, but I have been playing this one daily, particularly on my commute to and from work to keep me entertained. It's called Snatch and is basically a real life treasure hunt. Think Pokemon Go but with hidden parcels, containing REAL prizes! You can hunt parcels and steal from other players nearby. So far, I've won (and redeemed and used, so it's definitely legit) Amazon vouchers, Just Eat vouchers, Now TV subscriptions, among virtual coins which help you play the game - so you're not always guaranteed a 'real life' prize, but considering it's fun, it's worth a go! And I can't believe how much I've won in a short time. There are big prizes up for grabs too, so I'm seriously crossing my fingers! The best way to understand how it works is just to have a go yourself!  If you download this free app, be sure to use my referral code: BJ63P2 Just don't snatch any parcels from me haha! :P

So, I think that wraps it up for this month's favourites! What have been your favourites this month? I'd love to discover some new things in February so let me know in the comments below! :)