Lifestyle: The 13 Best Moments Of 2013!

1. My 16th Birthday I finally turned 16 on the 22nd January! I planned on having a party and everything but in the end I opted for a quieter birthday. So quiet that I don't have a detailed picture of what I did! I just did some shopping, spent time with family and friends and had a bit of a party!

2. A Friends Party This is a really random one but this party in particular really stands out for me. I'd had one of the worst days ever and yet one of the best nights ever. I was really at my happiest despite not all of my friends being there. Weird, but I'll remember it forever! 3. My Blogs 2nd Birthday! Back on the 2nd June my blog turned 2! I was really happy to have made it this far and really thankful for everyone who was still sticking with me.

4. Last Exam - Finishing School! On the 17th June I had my last exam - geography, a subject I actually like! Only 3 of my friends were actually in on the day so I didn't necessarily spend the day celebrating. It was weird wearing my uniform for the last time and walking over 'the bridge' for the final time as a student! 5. Prom! I did have a whine and complain about my Prom back on the 28th June but it is a date I'll always remember. It was good to see all of my teachers and my friends I was leaving behind on a more formal goodbye! The after prom was an amazing night too, you don't feel the need to hold back on anything when you know you wont see 90% of the people again!

6. Starting My New Job! Most people probably dread this but I was really happy to start work at a fashion retail chain. I work as a sales assistant and love every minute of it! 7. Results Day! Results day was the last time I saw a lot of people. It was great to finally let all the work I did at high school go! In the end I came out with 2A* 8A and 2B.

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Lifestyle: Revisited - Did I Stick To My 2013 Resolutions?

So if you're one of my older followers you may remember me making a ton of goals and resolutions at the beginning of this year. That included my 100 Goals, but also 13 Resolutions for 2013. I decided now that were coming to the end of 2013, I would revisit them and see if I managed to achieve, or at least stick to any of my 13 resolutions! 

It's always a pretty hard one to judge, but I think on a general scale I probably have been a lot happier in 2013. Once I'd finished school and all the exams that went with it, I think I was relieved to get away from a lot of the people that ever put me in a bad mood, and so naturally making me a lot happier. Lets hope it continues!

When I read back my New Years Resolutions this year, I realised I had contradicted myself. Although I want to be independent in having my own money, getting myself from A to B and doing certain things alone, I also wanted to stop being the one to look after everyone else, and let myself be the one that needs looking after sometimes. I think in 2013 I've moved closer to that than I ever have. 

This is probably one of my biggest successes in these resolutions as in 2013 I became (probably) as financially independent as any 16 year old can. I finally got myself a job doing something I really enjoy and I'm in control of my own spending and saving, just what I wanted!

Again this is a hard one to judge, I guess the true verdict would come from you guys! Personally I think I've tried to improve all aspects of my blog this year, which included putting a lot more thought in to the types of posts I produce.

I've had mixed success with this one. Although I got a job and therefore an income, I don't save as much as I'd like to. Every so often a few products creep on to the wishlist meaning a trip to Boots or Selfridges, and everyone knows once you're there its hard not to go a little crazy sometimes!  I'm off to the US next year and so I'd like to grow a bit of funding, but so far I'm only a fraction of the way there!

More mixed success! I definitely go out more than I did last year, but even so there's room for improvement!

100% achieved! Once I finished school back in June my life pretty much turned upside down. I feel like you cant ever really have the greatest life when you're locked up in a classroom 7 hours a day! Thankfully I managed to  get a good balance by the time I went to college!

What a big fat fail! I value sleep even less these days. I'll admit that some nights I don't even go to sleep, oops! My sleep disorder can cover the blame on this one!;)

I really didn't think I'd do this one as I was never really 'in to' books. However, I've definitely read a lot more this year. I think I read The Hunger Games series about 4 times over.

I've had great success upping my water intake. I wanted to see if drinking more water would improve my skin at all, and for the most part I think it did! I'll definitely continue!

I appreciate that to the majority of you this probably sounds ridiculous, but I've never really been 'pushed' to use public transport which somewhere along the line helped me to develop a bit a 'fear'. Public buses are still my idea of hell on Earth but I've started using trains a lot more this year, It makes my life so much easier, I like it!

This is probably the biggest fail of them all. As long-term followers will know, I've had weight issues for close to a decade now so I was a little naive to think this might be possible. Having said that I have gained and maintained around 3 or 4lbs leaving me feeling a lot healthier than before! My main aim was to be in the 'normal' BMI category but as yet, I'm not there. Perhaps It could be a 2014 resolution?

Over the course of 2013 I've come to realise you don't necessarily need to have a set-in-stone plan of where you're going. I'm not saying I'm a fan of 'winging-it' but I'm definitely more relaxed now, and I like it!

Did you stick to or achieve any of your 2013 resolutions?

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Lorde Style Steal | Outfit Inspiration

Hey guys! My name is Amira and I blog over at Holy Chic and I was invited over here by the lovely Ayla to do a guest post for her. So I am going to start by telling you guys a little bit about myself. I would consider myself to be mostly a fashion blogger however I do sometimes do beauty posts, DIY’s and reviews or anything random.

I have only been blogging for a little while now, but I have honestly spoken to some amazing people and I just love the overall experience of blogging at the moment. Thank you for giving me the chance to do this guest post on her blog because words can’t even describe how amazing it really is. So all of that aside, today I am going to be doing a Lorde inspiration Style Steal. I am absolutely obsessed with Lorde; her music, fashion and just her overall look on life and seeing things from her perspective. Her style and overall fashion sense is really interesting and i feel like there is something in it for everyone. And hey, it won’t hurt to get some more fashion ideas for the up and coming temperature change. Of course you can add more layers or less depending on where you live but this is just the basics of her outfits. So I hope you guys enjoy.

This first look is really interesting because it takes one of the big summer trends of pinafores and makes it more autumn/winter appropriate. Pair it with a crisp white collared shirt and some chunky platform boots to get Lordes’ edge.

Look 1
Skirt / Shirt / Socks / Shoes

For look two, this is a very simple, clean cut dress. And midi/maxi dress will do with tights and some chunky ankle boots which seem to be a staple piece in her wardrobe.

Look 2 
Dress / Shoes / Tights

In the third look, we can see a clash of colours, print and textures and different textures are really in this autumn/winter. So to make it more seasons appropriate, switch it up. Go for some monochrome patterned trousers and a brightly coloured fluffy jumper. Add a touch of mess class with these patent brogues and some socks

Look 3
Jumper / Trousers / Socks  / Shoes

In the fourth look, we see black on black but again, playing with the textures. This is a great way to get away with wearing all black this time of year. Pair a mesh cropped top with a black strap top, pleather skirt and the same boots as look 1. Wearing all black can work and look good in this case.

Look 4 
Socks / Skirt / Top / Shoes / Fishnet Top

Looking at outfit 5, we can see that Lorde only adds a splash of colour to this outfit, so take a bright coloured patterned top/shirt to achieve the same look. This would look great with Topshop highwaisted jeans and again those patent brogues.

Look 5
Jeans / Top / Shoes

Looking at outfit 6, a matching set was really in for spring/summer time and this look can still be wearable in the autumn/winter too. I couldn’t find one like Lorde’s but you can keep in with another big autumn trend and go for a check print two piece. The colours are muted in keeping with the weather. Add some tights and more layers if necessary and and some buckle ankle boots to complete the look.

Look 6
Top / Skirt / Boots 

So I think that what we can take away from Lorde’s look is that you don’t need to get a complete new wardrobe but just a few staple pieces to achieve some of the hottest trends this AW13.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post and thank you Rachael once again for allowing me to do this on her amazing blog here. If you want to see more from me, you can check out my blog here as well as Follow me viaBloglovin if you really loved it. I have a wide variety of posts over there for you guys to read. 

Please go and check out my social media sites:

Youtube account / Twitter! / Contact me: holychiccontact@gmail.com / My Polyvore Account  / Follow me via Bloglovin / Holy Chic Tumblr

Thank you guys for reading! 

Byee

A x

Featured Blogger: #15: November

Featured Blogger posts were always intended to be a happy, upbeat post sharing the love for other bloggers, so It almost feels wrong to start of with a massive apology for essentially *disappearing off the face of the Earth* for the past few weeks. I haven't even been tweeting, which anyone that follows me will recognize as some pretty odd behavior. I had to take a little break from blogging but I'm hoping to be back. What better way to return than with a Featured Blogger post? I only recently met Alexandra (you may remember she wrote an amazing guest post a few weeks ago which you can read here). You'll all know by know I'm very very fond of Alexandra's blog 'The A Style'. Her photos are honestly some of the best I've seen, and its one of the few blogs that I love absolutely everything she posts about. If that wasn't enough to make you want to pop over to see what she's all about - she's also Canadian, do I need to say anymore?! Once again I've pestered Alexandra for a little blog interview, so you can learn a bit more about her and her blogging antics.

In less than 50 words, tell us a little about yourself, and your blog

Hello my name is Alexandra. I'm from Montreal, and am 21 years old. I'm a lover of anything beauty related, books, and TV shows. I will soon be starting a makeup artist course, and am so excited! My blog is something that I love to work on, and includes loads of beauty reviews, wishlists, and some lifestyle bits with bright clear photographs. 

When and why did you initially start blogging?

I started my blog a year ago in September really out of nowhere! I had been reading blogs on and off for years, and felt like I too could be a fashion blogger but that quickly switched to beauty after a couple months in because I was and am more passionate about that subject! I mainly started it because I wanted to have a hobby that would bring some creativity out of me, and writing was the one thing I was good at! I also discovered that photography was something that I started being good at! 

 
Do you have any tips or ideas for someone wishing to start a blog?

Don't go into it head first without any research like I did! I didn't know anything about blogging and how it worked. Here is an example: For months I didn't know I could enlarge my pictures and was never happy with them being too small and when I found out, I felt stupid because of how simple it was! Also be true to who you are and don't write about something just because others are doing it because the readers will know when it doesn't come from the heart! Just write about what you are passionate about and have fun!
 
Do you feel you've taken anything out of being part of the blogger community?

I've learnt how to manage my blog so that it is constantly updated with new posts without me feeling like I had to write anything! I've never had a hobby that I've actually enjoyed, and my blog is something that I love writing and realized that if I truly enjoy doing something, it won't be something I will dread! I also love the fact that I can read honest reviews on other people's blog, and love to see their perspective of things! Also the best thing that has come from blogging, is all of the amazing people I've gotten to know! It is good to see that other people are as passionated about something as I am because nobody in my friends, or family understand how much I love writing! 
 
What are your 5 favourite products right now?

Nars - Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Revlon - Lash Potion in Black Mascara 

L'Oreal - La Lacque lipstick in I laque you a lot

Urban Decay - Naked 2 palette

Escada - Cherry in the Air perfume
 
Who are your 5 favourite bloggers right now?

Megan from Thumbelina Lillie

Charlotte from Style and Splurging

Emma-Louise from A Day in Beauty

Becca from Becca's Fashion and Life

Laura from Laura Through the Lens
 
Where can we find you? (twitter, lookbook, bloglovin' ect.)

You can find me on Bloglovin', Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr! I really hope you will come and say hi! 

 
Any final words of wisdom?

They would have to be to have fun and to truly enjoy your blog, because it's meant to be that place for you where you are supposed to be proud of something, and not the place that stresses you out! Do whatever you want with it, and be happy with your hard work!! 

Click Above To Visit Alexandra's Blog!

Remember you can follow AIFA on Bloglovin' and Twitter!

MUA Make Up Academy 'Build Your Own' Palette Review & Swatches

Hello lovely people! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Megan and I blog over at student-stylexo I am a beauty blogger who likes to review and talk about student friendly beauty products. I'm excited to be guest posting for Rachael and sharing my views on the MUA create your own palette with all her lovely readers! If you like what you read then head on over to my little blog for more of the same kind of thing.

So, on my latest browse of the MUA website I discovered that you could create your own blusher, bronzer or eyeshadow palettes for under £8! Like a typical blogger I was hooked and had to buy two. I decided to purchase the black & red palettes, one for eyeshadows and the other for blushes.

The palettes were on sale for £2 each and the shades were also on sale for £1.65 which is super cheap. I chose 4 eyeshadows and 4 blushers, you can also buy bronzers too. The shades come in individual packaging which you then pop out and press them into the palette. It was really simple and easy to do yet it looks so expensive.

Eyeshadows

Top to bottom - Shade 2 'Silver Lining', Shade 28 'Honey', Shade 42 'Berry Brown', Shade 7 'Double Take' 

I love all four of these shades for different reasons, they are all shimmer shades and Double Take is a baked eyeshadow with several different colours blended together. I love Silver Lining to use in the centre of the lid to reflect the light. It's also a really lovely colour to use to create a dramatic smokey eye in the inner corners. Honey is a shade I would never buy but it's really nice blended with Maybelline 24 hour colour tattoo in pink gold and applied in the crease. Berry Brown is a gorgeous brown with speckles of gold and purple which again looks gorgeous in the crease. This is a really nice colour for this time of year and looks lovely as an everyday shade. Finally, double take is a browny, gold shade that create a lovely copper shade. I love using this as a base shade with Berry Brown in the crease. All the shades are really pigmented and last on the eyes for around 4-6 hours without a primer which I think is pretty good. They are also really easy to blend.

Blushers

Top to bottom - Shade 12 'Cinnamon', Shade 7 'Flush', Shade 4 'Amber Glow', 'London'

I love a good blusher and I think a girl can never have to many so I tried to buy a few varied shades than my current collection. Cinnamon is a lovely matte brown shade which could be used as a bronzer, this would be perfect for when you have a lovely tan. Flush is a gorgeous nudey pink shade which I use for every day wear. It applies lovely and give a nice pink tint to the apples of the cheek. Amber Glow is a crazy pink, coral, glitter shade I've not used this much as it is SUPER pigmented and I'm scared of looking like a clown but as the Christmas season approaches I think i'll be giving this a whirl. It reminds of an 'in your face' version of Sleek's Rose Gold. Finally, London is another baked product mixed with brown, pink and rose coloured pigments. This is my favourite of the four blushes as it gives a lovely, subtle wash of colour. Just be careful when applying these blushes as they are so pigmented that you can end up looking a little silly.

I hope you've enjoyed reading my review because I really enjoyed writing it. Let me know if you have or are going to buy one of these palettes and let me know which shades you get. If you've enjoyed my guest post then you can head over to my blog now :)! Thanks for reading.

xo