LIEBSTER AWARD NOMINATION

I am extremely happy and excited to say that I have been nominated for the Liebster Award by the gorgeous girl behind Aimee Influential; Miss Aimée Watling. Go have a cheeky look at her blog because I know you'll love it.

The Liebster Award is all about raising awareness for smaller blog that have less than 200 followers and to get to know new bloggers in our amazing blogging community.

The Rules:

1. Link the person who nominated you.

2. Answer the questions given by the nominator.

3. Nominate 11 other blogger who have less than 200 followers.

4. Create 11 questions for the nominees. 

5. Notify all nominees via social media/blogs.

Aimee Influentials questions for me:

1. Are you a planner? Or are you spontaneous?

I like to plan out my posts so I'm organised but I get inspiration from different shops, landscapes and people so that side is quite spontaneous.

2. What's your favourite TV programme?

I'm a crappy TV sort of girl, I'll watch anything you put in front of my but if I had to chose one it would have to be Hollyoaks.

3. What's your number one fashion piece go to?

I would have to say a pair skinny jeans, I mean you can't go wrong with them plus I live in them.

4. Name your fave beauty product?

Admittedly I've only just come across it but it is literally the best product I have ever bought. Soap and glory mother pucker lip-gloss.

5. When your writing a blogpost what's going on in the background?Music?A film?

When it comes to blogging I could probably be seen as a bit of a boring one as when I blog I tend to just sit in my room and focus on what I'm writing so I get a really solid blog post.

6. Who is your inspiration?

As an aspiring fashion stylist other fashion stylists like Rebekah Roy really inspire me but I do like to focus on my own ideas instead of using someone else.

7. Where would you like to be in 5 years time?

In 5 years time I hope to have a solid career in the fashion styling industry, hopefully my blog becomes more successful and I'm able to inspire and work with a lot more people. To me happy and healthy with friends and family and maybe in married to my boyfriend.

8. What's that one song that makes you go crazy?

Sadly I have to say Let it go, not because I hate it but because it's been soooo over played. (Sorry frozen lovers)

9. Whos your favourite Liebster nominee blog and why?

Well of course I love them all but if I had to chose it would have to be Eleanor's Adventures as I love her quirky style and her innovative write ups.

10. If you were stuck on a desert island with only 3 items what would they be and why?

That's a tricky one! Number one would be a phone so I could call for help? That's clever right? Haha and maybe even blog ;). Second one would be a bottle of water as I don't want to go thirsty and the third thing would have to a mirror as I'm a little vain.

11. Why did you start blogging?

Blogging came into my life at a really hard stage of my life and it really helped me to focus on something again and start to enjoy living again.

My Nominations:

The Perks Of Mollie Quirk

Styled By Stefi

Caits

Atout

Eleanor's Adventures

Sophie Louise Gordon

Brunette Wavez

Aissays

Siana Westley

Signed by Lauren

Williamsburg Wishes

My questions to you:

1. What's your favourite trend of 2014?

2. What do you love the most about blogging?

3. What do you value the most in your life?

4. How would you explain yourself in 4 words?

5. If you were able to move any where in the world where would it be? And why?

6. What's your favourite thing to blog about?

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

8. If you could have one wish in the world what would it be and why?

9. Who or what inspires you and why?

10. What are you really really good at?

11. What makes you smile?

Check out my nominees blogs, I hope you love then as much as I do. Thank you Stylish Sunriser's for this, remember you can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, bloglovin or subscribe to get email updates of my posts.

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Get the Kylie Jenner pout

After a long indulgent Christmas I have finally been able to move past the chocolates, turn off the Christmas films, look past my belly and get blogging again. I hope all my Stylish Sunrisers had a very Merry Christmas, received all the joy you could wish for and don't have too much of a food baby (I know I certainly do). Now lets get started.

Ok, so I have a bit of an obsession with the Jenner sisters (I mean who wouldn't) and just like most people I wonder how on earth Kylie Jenner's lips became so voluptuous over night without surgery or some miracle wish she was given. Her Make up artist says its all down to the clever way she applies her lip stick and liner. I've always been on the look out for some kind of make up that will make my lips look plumper but maybe in more subtle way than Miss Jenner.

And I've found it in the shape of Soap and Glory's sexy mother pucker lip-gloss. This is Britain’s hottest selling lip plumping gloss which includes ingenious plumping micro spheres that explode in volume up to 10x when they come in contact with water like tiny little sponges on your lips. This gloss is really thick so you actually don't need to apply much it also doesn't wipe off as easily as normal lip gloss does and actually stays in tact after eating tomato soup...trust me I tried.

 

Soap and Glory are one of my favourite beauty companies but they really pulled it out the bag with this thick tinted gloss available in many different colours to match every mood possible. Once this gloss is applied you get an awakening tingling sensation in your lips which means its working its magic. I'm a little conscious about the side of my lips as they go inwards instead being thick like my bottom lips but I have to admit this gloss is seriously a godsend. This is such an amazing product which also has a slight hint of a chocolaty smell to it, its a bit steep at £9 but its defiantly worth it ,plus it lasts a really long time. So below is the before and after of me applying this sexy gloss and as you can clearly see there is a big difference between the two and I defiantly got my Kylie Jenner on. My lips popped which is exactly what it says on the box so click here and get that mother pucker pout.

Any questions guys, you now what to do.

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Fight or Flight?

 Are you a fighter or a flighter?

Ok so I'm not talking about physically fighting someone or flighing a plane but this phrase is commonly used with anxiety sufferers. The fight or flight response is an involuntary, reaction to danger. Imagine walking through a jungle and you come face to face with a tiger. Your heart starts beating fast, your muscles tense, you are incredibly alert. You are paralyzed with fear, then you make a decision. You decide to either defend yourself or run and  this is the fight or flight response. This response was much needed in cave man times but not so much for 21st century man.

Last week my anxiety and panic attacks have been kicked down a couple of pegs or two and I have been bloody determined to make sure that happened. If you follow my blog you will know I suffer with anxiety and have become agoraphobic (scared of certain environments and therefore not leaving the house) so I tend to put things off, I miss out on opportunities and really just living life. That's what anxiety does, it takes over every part of your life, your inner being and everything you wish and want to be. Everyone can feel that way in some time in there life but with anxiety it becomes ten times harder to pick yourself up and carry on with the day but last week I wasn't going to let it win or engulf me anymore than it has already.

Early last week I was lucky enough to meet with a private therapist and with only one session she has really opened my eyes to why this may be happening to me. So are you ready for therapy with me ;) First thing that may help you if you are struggling with anxiety is to look back on your past, is there any particularly hard moments you've had in your life that could have caused this panic and anxiety.  In my case there has been a lot of lead up to this from the age of about six, but to help your anxiety you need to revisit that time and really try and put it to bed as you may not have gotten over it fully. Make a timeline of all the bad things that could have made this massive great big mess in front of you and see if you can pin point a time that really kicked this anxiety alarm off in your head.

     

Now I'm not saying this is easy as the last thing I want to be doing is thinking about all the crappy things that have ever happened to me but what about anxiety is easy? You have nothing to lose. Secondly, I've said it before and I'll say it again...PUSH YOURSELF!! This week I've tried to do something every day from having friends over to going to Tescos with mum to talking to someone on the phone. Not one of them situations made me feel comfortable but the more I do it the easier it gets and more enjoyable. Say Yes to at least one thing in your day and put yourself in uncomfortable situations, I hate to say it but yolo (yes, I just said yolo). At the beginning of last week I simply thought f*** it, why should I stop my life because I'm scared to be seen or scared about how I look or scared if I have a panic attack. Who cares if I'm sick or need to rush home or need the toilet. These things aren't going to kill me why let the thought of them kill me?

Quick Round up:

•Right out a time line.

•Say YES at least once.

•Stay determined.

And just remember...⬇

Stay strong beauties, if you have any questions please comment or if you'd rather it be private then please feel free to email me mccartneyshannon@hotmail.co.uk

All my love,

Over and out

S.Mx

6 Beauty Secrets

We are all looking for ways to make the most out of our make up and tips and tricks to get the best beauty possible. I have been testing out these cheeky secrets and they truly work. Make up and trends always change but these tips can stick with you so keep note.

1. So we all have them eyeshadows and powders that are crushed to death but we never end up throwing them out so this is a really simple and easy way of using unusable makeup. Change your loose pigments into lip gloss by adding them into a pot with some petroleum jelly, mix and you have your own custom lip gloss. Super money saver.

2. If your a liquid eyeliner virgin, prefer a pencil or love them both this tip is a must try and an alternate way of using. All you need for this is an eyeliner pencil and a lighter, put your pencil tip over the lit lighter for about 10 seconds, leave to cool for 10 seconds and you are left with an intense gel liner pencil.

3. We should only keep our mascara for a couple of months but if your mascara has fallen victim to the flake then revive it by add a few drops of saline solution (which you can easily get from superdrug or supermarket's) mascara and you are left with a fresher and smoother mascara.

4. If your anything like me, your always looking for ways that will keep your lipstick on for longer and I don't know why I've never tried this before. Once you have applied your lipstick then place tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder over the tissue. And Voilà, beautiful lips from day to finish.

5. If your looking for that natural look then by mixing your favourite moisturizer and foundation together and you have a full coverage blend that will keep your skin flawless.

6. For perfect kissable lips exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. No one wants dry cracked lips so by brushing your lips with a small toothbrush and vaseline then you are lipstick ready. Another way of exfoliating your lips is by mixing a small bit of olive oil and sugar together until it's a paste and simply rub it onto your lips and wash off.

Try them out yourself and let me know how it goes but remember keep it secret..shhh!

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Noughties

So I'm a 90's born baby and I'm obsessed with that decade of fashion from oversized shirts, high waisted jeans and of course sports gear...Enter Mr Motivator ;).

I wanted this shoot to scream the 90's so I dressed my model in a classic turquoise and purple leotard and went completely mad with the accessories to make this really pop and I love how it turned out. There is a lot going on in this image so I kept the models hair and make-up nice and simple as I didn't want anything to take away from the bright colours. The white background really adds to this piece as your instantly drawn to the model which I really like. 

The 90's are back with chockers, Destroyed, High-Waisted Jeans, Cropped tees, Slip dresses, Fanny packs and Overalls but of course you can get your 90's gear from vintage shops if your not feeling mainstream.

Even Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, Olivia Palermo and Candice Swanepoel are at it so get your 90's on.

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Passion For Paisley

Admittedly men aren't really seen in Paisley shirts unless their into vintage garments or Alfie Moon from Eastenders but Paisley is going to be extremely big in spring/summer 2015 so why not mash them together and create something that hasn't really been seen before. 

Now ladies before you leave as you think this post is just for the men...STOP and carry on reading ;) This shirt is actually mine and I am absolutely obsessed with it! I wear it all the time. It's really oversized so I usually un tuck it, stick a pair of leather look leggings on with a pair of Doc Martens and a Fedora hat and sorted; it's a really easy look but a statement at the same time. This shirt also looks fab tucked into a high waisted skirt and is perfect for dressing up or down.

Now back to the something different. Originally this was a man's shirt until I saw it on a cute little vintage stool in Camden Town and knew I had to have it. Who ever wears this shirt your no doubtabley making a statement but by using a male model, tucking the shirt in and teaming it with a pair of timberlands I think it works in a really retro way.

These shirts are perfect to get from vintage shops like Vintage At No.14 or Beyond Retro but if you'd rather something more from the highstreet there is plenty on offer. So take a look at these babies.

Asos Paisley Playsuit

River Island Trousers

Topshop Leggings

Motel Crop and Shorts

So whether your for mainstream or retro there are Paisley piece's out there for all of you so get ahead of the trend and get buying your Paisley's before they blow up in Spring/Summer 2015.

If you have any questions what so ever please do comment as I love hearing from you, make sure to share if you enjoyed this with your little buttons on the bottom left and subscribe if you can't get enough of me ;)

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

My Top 5 Style Tips

So we've all had our own fashion disasters and may they be a good laugh to look back on, no one wants to see what you had for dinner in them insanely tight leggings (you know the ones). 

Whether you don't really follow fashion or struggle with patterns, colours and shapes then take a look at my five tips and you'll look as sassy as Cara Delevingne on a night out.

5. Try it on:

So I'm sure I'm not the only one that hates trying on clothes, especially if that dress you've wanted for weeks doesn't fit you but there's nothing worse than trying it on when you get home and it not fitting (we've all done it). Trying your clothes on gives you an opportunity to take accessories in with you and really style an outfit plus it's a great chance to take a cheeky selfie ;) 

4. Shape up:

So famously spanx aren't the most sexiest thing a women can wear but lately they have become a big deal with all the Kim Kardashian hype but whether it be seamless panties or an uplifting bra shape wear is the way forward and helps you look fabulous all day long.

3. Mix it up:

Fashion of course isn't all about the high end brands but mixing highstreet and high end. If I'm honest 50% of my wardrobe is full of reclaimed clothes as I love vintage clothing but mixing them with Topshop and Zara garments is my favourite thing to do.

2. Know your shape:

The best thing you can do to what you wear is to know your body shape. Whether it be Apple, Pear or Rectangular make sure you know what flatters your figure so you can really make the best out of your outfit. (Especially if your wearing a dress or a pair of jeans).

1. Finally and most importantly Be yourself. 

The biggest rule of fashion I think is to always create your own style and bloody work it. Always stay unique and stick to your own individual style with what you love and feel great in.

I hope this helped you guys and you enjoyed a different style of post. 

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Miracle Haircare

If your anything like me your hair is probably quite damaged with all the straightening, curling, drying and dying sooo I've always been on the hunt for that shampoo and conditioner that will help damaged hair and repair, nourish and strengthen it. I'm also a bit of a organic products freak, basically I'm really fussy and awkward ;) but the look is over and today I have some amazing haircare for you.

"The DGJ Organics range was originally developed by celebrity hairdresser and colourist Daniel Galvin Junior 10 years ago when there were no organic haircare products available. All products were rigorously salon tested and approved by Daniel and these very formulas are those still used today." (Taken from their website, click here to visit it).

I was lucky enough to be sent these amazing products and of course I tried them out straight away, they claim that their "Argan Oil Shampoo will strengthen, repair, nourish and reduce frizz. This specially formulated Shampoo with Moroccan Organic Argan Oil and rich in vitamin E, is designed for coloured, over-processed or unmanageable hair damaged by heat styling. The nourishing ingredients and gentle formula cleanse away daily impurities, whilst restoring moisture and repairing hair from within." And if I'm 100% honest these products are the bees bloody knees. Not only do they do everything there meant to but the shampoo and conditioner smells so amazing and floral which is an added bonus. After only 2 days of using these beauties my hair is so much sleeker, stronger and smoother. When I run out I'm going to be slightly gutted but there is no doubt I will invest in these babies. So get to there website and check out all the products on offer and have fun!! :)

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

OutfitZoo

*FAVOURITE NEW WEBSITE ALERT*

Ok guys so I am in love with this website..OutfitZoo. Outfit Zoo is a new and unique way of shopping, it puts our favourite brands together to create fashionable outfits and inspire our shop. Outfit Zoo is great if you are in a rush to get that fresh new look or to find the shoes to go with that dress. The website puts everything into one place so you can buy a whole look with one click. It's just like having your own stylist on your phone or laptop. As an aspiring stylist I think this concept is fab and cant wait to see where this can go.

I was lucky enough to be given the to create my own outfit (above). It is nice to be given the opportunity to put a peice together and of course I jumped at the chance to get involved. I like the way my vision is shown on the site in one simple but effective layout, even though the garments come from completely different shops. 

I love the site however I always try to find something to improve about the things I review as it is the best help I can give from a customer point of view. I love the simplicity of the site as it puts the focus on the garments however I feel moving forward it would be good to see some simple pictures or a border which keeps the outfits at the forefront but adds some excitement to the page.

So what are you still, click here and check it out.

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx

Banish the panic

Anyone that knows me or has read my blog before, definitely knows that I am Anxiety Girl! I may be able to joke about it now but after six years it's still not easy to live with. I thought I'd do a post today about things that help me with panic attacks and anxiety which might then help you or your friends.

My current stage of anxiety isn't great and I am lucky enough to soon be seeing a therapist. I've seen many different people in regards to my anxiety and nothing has ever helped so sadly I don't have the magic trick that will make us all better but believe me I wish I did. From writing up timetables for the day to medication to exercises I've never been able to pin point the thing and say wow that really helped me. So know your probably thinking why is she writing a post about how to get rid of the panic. Professional help has never helped me but after six years I'm learning a lot about my anxiety and anxiety in general and am starting to work with it.

Ok, so as anxiety has restricted me to the four walls in my house I now know it has to stop. Currently I'm scared to leave the house as I'm afraid of a panic attack but this is what you all need to think, So what!? So what, if I panic? so what, if I'm sick? so what, if people stare? so what, if people think your weird?...SO WHAT! Who cares! Fighting your anxiety needs to come deep down from your belly, you really want to want it and believe me I know that is the most difficult thing in the world but after the first day of leaving the house or walking into that shop your scared of because you've had a panic attack there before it will be the best day ever.

After feeling better and then having a lot of set backs I've been stuck in the house for about 3 weeks until the other day when I thought; No, I'm not having this anymore. So even though I felt so sick, it was really dark and I was on my own...I left the house, yes I was scared, yes I kept wanting to turn back, yes I felt sick, yes I wanted to call my mum but once I got home I felt great and that was just a walk. The bottom line is every day is full of excuses but it doesn't need to be. Yeh something bad might happen but you know what something bad might not happen.

Fighting this isn't easy especially as it's so difficult to understand but you can slowly and steady all by gradually building up what you and what your scared of. Once you've done something more often it becomes natural and gets easier so don't give in to that evil anxiety voice and stand taller than it. Remember 'Life is tough, but so are you'.

Even though I haven't had a full on panic attack in quite a while now as I've been staying clear of any uncomfortable situations I have created my own six steps to do when a panic attack hits. It's no miracle cure but if you stay focused it might help you.

1. Tell yourself 'It's ok' Accept the feelings are normal and whatever happens it will be ok.

2. BREATHE. Breathe in through your nose for 7 seconds and out through your mouth for 11 seconds. 

3. Speak to yourself. Be kind and speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend having a panic attack. Just ride it out and it will be ok, you've had them before and it doesn't last forever.

4. Laugh at yourself. Joke about the situation your in and side the funny side of it.

5. Float. Imagine yourself floating past the problem just breathe and relax.

6. Get rid of the adrenaline! Use the energy whether it be just shaking your hands about or going for a run.

I really hope this post helps at least one person and if you have any questions regarding anxiety or panic attacks whether your suffering or you know someone who is please comment below or if you don't feel confident enough to do that I'd be happy to answer any emails. Also take at look at these sites if you really are struggling Mind, HelpGuide, Anxiety uk.

All my love,

Over and out.

S.Mx