lifestyle

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about ‘making your mark’ or leaving your personal imprint in the world, in terms of how we look back on ourselves from a certain point in our lives. That sounds a bit odd, but the idea came to me when my dad stated something a while back over dinner…

WHAT I WORE: Faux Leather Jacket (Peacocks – old)* // Floral Blouse (Jumble Sale) // Bohemian Maxi Dress (Pull & Bear) // 1B99 Dr Martens (Mastershoe My-Shu)* // Rings (Various Stores)

“It’s funny really, when you’re older and we look back, we won’t have many pictures of you in summer dresses, will we Tolly?” is what he said.

What he said really stuck with me, but not for the wrong reasons (just in case you’re worried Papa Posh!). It got me thinking about the idea of our future and past selves and how in the digital age of instantly uploadable photographs and Facebook ‘Memories’, we’re always looking at what we were like then and now, and how it will be so much easier to compare our past selves and cringe over decisions we made ‘back in the day’ when we have this back log of data and endless streams of photos and saved moments in the future.

What my dad was saying was true – when people look back on my younger self, there won’t be any floral dresses or what some might label as ‘girly’ photos of me, because I’m just not that kind of person. I’m not a tomboy or anything like that (I mean, I’m wearing a dress in these photos and my blog is covered in pink and purple – ugh, *eye roll* 🙄 to stereotypes) but I’ve never been the average kind of gal to prance around in little ankle socks and daisy chain printed skirts.

Having the means to digitalise memories and have them saved onto your laptops and phones (or ‘in the cloud’) means we can see all of the changes and transitions happening, and I think what we need to do is accept that. Things do change. We all change.

For people my age, this is probably one of the hardest things to accept. The idea that we don’t stay as this set person and we don’t always end up being the person we thought we’d be. We can try our best to mould ourselves into what we want to be, but there’s always going to be things that we can’t help doing differently. The reason I’m connecting the dot between this and what my dad said, is because I evolve constantly. I don’t wear summery items of clothing because I’m wearing faux-leather jackets and utility dresses one minute and then blouses and bohemian dresses the next. That’s part of becoming who I am – and part of that is realising, I won’t be able to look back on myself and see this one type of person. No matter how hard I try to create this one aesthetic, there will always be multiple, because I’m still changing.

As a blogger and someone who uses social media rather often, I know what it means to be putting out this specific persona and display of yourself. You probably do too, whether it’s because of what you’re posting or what others are posting. How many Instagram accounts do you go on which are neatly laid out and in a specific colour scheme? Dozens, maybe hundreds, probably… and that’s great; it’s creative and uniform and part of art, but do you know what the biggest struggle is when you start to do that? Adapting to change.

Accepting that change and realising that looking back on what you were then compared to now, is so important. I was listening to a podcast recently (Ladies Who Lunch, if you’re curious) and one of the ladies (who lunches, heh – Cat, I believe) said that she – as a YouTuber and online influencer – is glad that she has the ability to look back and see where she came from, because it’s an archive of her life and her journey.

We have this incredible ability to store the outfits and the hairstyles and the make-up looks and the places we went and the inspiration we found in our own personal archives. We are the curators of our own archives. It’s scary, sure… the idea that we’ll look back and regret decisions or cringe over them, but that’s the great thing about storing it all and utilising these tools – we can gradually accept change and we can look back after a few weeks and start going ‘Oh, well I wouldn’t do that now’. We have time to process change, and we really need to take advantage of that.

In response to my dad’s statement – you’re right. You won’t see many pictures of me in fluttery dresses and cardigans, but what you will see, is a timeline of the person I’ll become and a record of what not wearing those summery prints, means to me.

Do you find it hard to accept the fact you aren’t the same person you were last year? Are you happy with your personal archive so far? Let me know in the comments!

Hello during this random blog post, the month and day of which coincide numerically with my expulsion from a uterus… yes, it’s my birthday! I’m officially sixteen… throw streamers, shoot out the confetti, pop the champagne (wait – can I drink that yet? 🤔) and get the balloons out because yeah, it’s my “sweet sixteenth”. Crazy, huh? I wonder if any of you have been here from the beginning? Let me know in the comments how long you’ve been reading! 1⃣6⃣ Today’s post is a little update! Hold on tight…

WHAT I WORE: Floral Denim Jacket (Jumble Sale) // Good Morning Sweatshirt (Wildfox)* // Blouse (Stradivarius) // Mom Jeans (Pull & Bear) // Mono Pascal Boots (Dr Martens) // Sunglasses (SCOUT)

Recently I’ve been having a bit of self-doubt, especially when it comes to my blog, so even though I know I shouldn’t, I’m going to apologise for the lack of content coming your way. I’m the sort of person who only really likes to put their best foot forward, or in this case, their best posts forward, so when I’m not especially proud of what I’m writing, I end up not publishing anything for a while. Luckily, I’m starting to realise that, that’s okay, but I just needed you to know, in case you’re wondering where I am at.

It always feels as if I have a lot more going on behind the scenes of my blog, rather than actually on it. For example, I just signed off the start of a new documentary style project that I’m going to be a part of (I can’t say much more just in case 1 – I’m not allowed, and 2 – something changes) and I’m still collaborating with different brands on upcoming features… it’s just the bit in between that I get a stuck with.

I know exactly the type of posts I want to put out, but it’s coming up with the individual ideas every four, or however many days. I also have to take into account that I’ve changed a lot in the past couple of years. My likes and dislikes have changed meaning that how I want to come across has been altered. At the moment I’m big on laid-back, carefree photography (inspired by film and polaroids) so my photoshopped profile pictures and header images don’t quite showcase that, do they?

Honestly, doing a whole overhaul of my blog has been on my mind recently… there are just several things in the way of stopping me, like formatting of old posts etc. I want readers to come to my blog and see who I am now rather than who I was before. I want to get rid of wishlist style posts and solely focus on my own, unique content. That‘s the dream.

But we can’t forget our origins, can we? Having all of my old posts creates an archive of all of the adventures and stories that have turned me into who I am, so stripping them away doesn’t show all of the hard work… it’s a real dilemma. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, right now, I think I need some time to figure everything out. I absolutely, one hundred percent, no doubt about it, want to keep my blog going, but I need to figure out how to keep it going.

So in the words of Tilly from Miranda; bear with, bear with, bear with.

BIRTHDAY PLAYLIST:
Take It Or Leave It (Cage The Elephant) 🎶
Whistle For The Choir (The Fratellis) 🎶
Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare (Matt and Kim) 🎶
Everyday (The Tragic Thrills) 🎶

I didn’t mean for this post to be quite so dramatic and rather depressing, but it’s actually lifted a weight off my shoulders, writing everything out for you to know. Today I’m going to relax and enjoy the day with my family (this will be my last birthday as an aunt to one – my next niece/nephew is on the way – woo!) and celebrate the fact that I’m still happy and healthy and going strong; because that’s all that matters, right?

Thank you for sticking with me over these past four (well, five birth) years, seeing me change and grow. It’s quite an exciting prospect that one day I’ll be able to look back on it all and see how I evolved into who I’m going to become. The great thing is, that even in these moments of doubt, I know I have you guys to spur me on!

I’ve spoken about this topic before in this blog post about ‘sticking out like a sore thumb’, but I’m always happy to revisit the topic, especially if you guys are asking specifically, which you did… back in this blog post! If you’re interested in knowing how I’ve personally combated feeling judged and self-conscious and how you can too, then carry on reading…

I’m going to start out by saying that I’m definitely not in the worst position for being judged or for being self-conscious. There are so many variables that go into making you feel more insecure, some of which include your family and support group, your friends, your school or your work place.

I’m very lucky; I have a family that is truly supportive of me and I have parents that have never pressured me into being a specific type of person. I’m not trying to be judgey, but I know that so many people out there that do feel pressured or haven’t had the same sense of support, so I really do try not to take it for granted.

I’m also currently home schooled which means I don’t have the usual pressures that come with having peers around, although that doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced that sort of thing (I have, and I’ve written about that before too).

But, (like pressure at school), that doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced feeling judged or pressured or most importantly, self-conscicous. We all have, at some point in our lives so far, because every human judges, no matter how hard we try not to. Our brain scans things over when we meet new people, and when we see new faces in the street. It may be subconscious, but we all do it, so it’s rather hard to avoid, and that’s a crucial fact to remember.

For me personally, I’m most self-conscious about my exterior personality, although I’m at a place now that I’m, for the most part, whole heartedly happy with things. I’m happy in myself and how I come across as a person, but when it comes to how I appear, I think that’s where I hit a stumbling block. I met someone new a while back, and whilst I was getting ready on the day, the first thought that came into my head was – “Perhaps I should wear something a little more ordinary”. So, as you can see, I still expect and worry about being judged, no matter how confident I actually feel as a whole.

So, the question is – how do we get past things like that? How do we skip out those thoughts that make us pressured? How do we stop ourselves from shrinking back down into that mold of ‘being normal’ or ‘being perfect?’. Well, I’ve thought about it, and I know you’re no doubt going to think I sound crazy but… I like to think about the size of the world and the universe. Yup, you read me right… I’m getting deep.

Seriously though, sometimes it’s just great to put things into perspective. I know this won’t work for everyone, and it could quite possibly be just my teenage brain making me think about these sorts of things (my sister said she used to the same when she was my age), but honestly, when you realise how small and pointless these insecurities and fears are… you start to feel a whole lot better about yourself, and you start to look at other people around you in a whole new light.

~ YOUR PERSPECTIVE TO DO LIST ~

So, to do this, I’m going to throw in some facts about the universe. It would take 100,000 years to travel across the Milky Way. In the observable universe, there is estimated to be one hundred billion galaxies… so (according to physics.org) if you hold a grain of sand up to the sky, the tiny patch of sky that it covers, contains ten thousand of those galaxies. There’s a lot more to it than that as we all know, but those facts alone are enough to make you feel dizzy.

Nevertheless, I hope you can understand what I mean. Looking at everything in this perspective just makes me think – why should I care about that person across the road looking at me oddly for wearing something a little ‘different’ (what even is different, after all?) when there are so many bigger things to be worried about?

I also mentioned that this makes you look at other people in a whole new light, and it really does. I’ve started to just appreciate a smile, no matter who the person is wearing it. I don’t judge them or comment on the rest of them, I just appreciate what’s there and the beauty of it. Because honestly, once we’re happy in ourselves, we can start to appreciate everyone and everything else around us and we can start to make those people who felt the same way as us, get that little bit closer to being happy too.

  LOCATION: Sirolo, IT  🇮🇹

What you have to realise though, is that every single one of us goes through judgement and feelings of self-consciousness, so there’s no real way to ever combat it (like I mentioned in my sore thumb post). You just have to suck it up and start blurring things out because honestly, it’s always going to be there, no matter who you are… and in a way, that’s kind of the fun of it all.

When you do have those moments of confidence and when you finally do feel happy with how everything is… you’ll be able to look back and compare things with that perspective lens and realise there really was no point in worrying.

Did this blog post help you? Do you have any further questions about confidence? Leave a comment or fill out the form above!

Also… if you’d like to see a full outfit post for what I’m wearing here, do let me know! I’ve also just added a sneaky little feature to my blog in the form of Konami code. Have fun with that! Oh and just FYI, my next blog post is a good one! Watch out!

Unfortunately LFW fell at a bit of an odd time for me to do London Fashion Blog Week this season, which is why this post has absolutely no reason to the great fashion month that has already kicked off. This post is a little lifestyle-y but with a small outfit thrown in too. My family and I traveled to Rome for a nights stay in an AirBnB (our first ever experience), so that my brother could go off and see Ronaldo do his thing against A.S Roma ⚽ and so I could go and take a look at some of those great Michelangelo paintings. So here are some pictures from the two days we were there…

WHAT I WORE: Black Faux Fur Coat (Jumble Sale) // ASOS Dip Dye Jeans (DIY) // Blue Mono Pascal Boots (Dr Martens) // Floppy Hat (ASOS)

I’ve actually been to Rome a few times before but I couldn’t really remember that much of it, so it was nice to really soak it all up. I especially loved the architecture, and how colourful it all was. Italians seem to love their painted houses and Rome was full of colourful buildings, especially in gorgeous muted pink tones… perfect for outfit snaps as you can see from above!

We were actually lucky enough to take a trip to the Vatican museum which takes you through the Vatican all the way into the Sistine Chapel. It was a really cool experience but definitely don’t go unprepared without a good pair of shoes… it’s a long walk! Some of the art work really is quite incredible and you’re lucky enough to be able to take photos which is quite rare (although not in the Chapel… they made that very clear).

WHAT I WORE: Black Faux Leather Biker Jacket (ARK)* // Geometric Maxi Dress (ASOS) // Floppy Hat (ASOS)

The paintings really are quite incredible, mainly because they’re all in such good condition. The Last Judgement really is quite spectacular… it’s huge and you don’t really get enough time to take it all in due to the fact that you’re crammed into the chapel with hundreds of other people (they really need to only let in a certain amount of people at one time). I’d recommend it though! The whole tour was definitely worth it, even if you’re not necessarily that interested in ART… to be able to say you’ve been around the Vatican is quite a statement.

There was also a Matisse exhibition showing which was exciting for me as I’m a big fan of his work…. a picture in front was of course obligatory. Excuse the messy hair… long days with long hair = frizz and mess… a hat is an essential item! There was also a collection of lots of different artists including Salvador Dalí, but sadly most people were just walking on past. Stop and appreciate it, people!

DR MARTENS: Blue Mono Pascal Boots (Dr Martens) // Black Virginia Leather 1B99 Boots (Mastershoe-MyShu)*

LOCATION: Via dei Coronari, Rome, IT 🇮🇹

So I’ll talk a little about my outfit… I accidentally wore a combination that gives the illusion of blue knee high boots. Oops. It didn’t look so bad in real life, but in photos you could most definitely mistake my trousers for boots!

Talking of boots… I officially have four pairs of Dr Martens thanks to winning the Facebook page give-away they run every week. Definitely worth the two minutes of filling it out because now I have another pair in my collection!

Have you been to Rome? Where did you visit? Let’s chat in the comments!

Other than fashion, another thing that I am wholly passionate about is… self-expression and just being yourself. I don’t really know where it came from, but it’s just always been there within me. The idea of everyone being themselves and embracing the fact that no one person is the same has just always been such an interesting and exciting concept to me…

~ (A LITTLE SNIPPET OF ME) ~

…and I want to share that. I know I’ve spoken a couple of times about the topic on here before (like with my “How To Soothe A Sore Thumb” or “Fat vs Thin” posts) but I really want to try and infuse it into Tolly Dolly Posh Fashion this year. It’s great too because being yourself ties into fashion really well. I mean, what’s the main way we all express ourselves? Through our clothes.

It’s one thing you can’t skip out one each day, so what you put on always channels some form of message. Seriously, you’re feeling a bit fed up and lazy? Putting on comfy clothes literally expresses that (we all do it – even though being yourself certainly isn’t all about fashion).

But the question is… how? I’m all about writing lengthy posts about my own experiences but I think this is one of those topics where we have to talk to each other about it. Does anyone remember when I did “The Ultimate Guide To Being A Teenager“? Well, that was a great example of me taking your questions and queries and creating content from them and I’m hoping it helped.

~ BEING YOURSELF ISN’T ALL ABOUT FASHION ~

Although I loved that yearly series and I’d be happy to bring it back, I’d also love to move forward and do something more regularly, whether that’s in the form of videos (yes I know, I’ve kind of gone off YouTube again haven’t I?) or Q&As, I don’t know, so that’s why I’m writing this post.

Let’s have a bit of a chat! I’m leaving a little submission form below for those of you don’t necessarily want to leave a full comment. Just let me know what sorts of topics you’d be interested in me talking about to do with self-expression and being comfortable in your own skin. Leave a single question if you like! Here are some ideas (they don’t even have to be obviously questions about being you… simple lifestyle type ones can be a good start)…

I don’t think my life has ever been so manic… okay, maybe it has been but seriously, I’m launching a collection of socks with Mooi en Lief next week (EEEP!) and now, I’m off on a road trip to Italy! Yup! More deets here if ya’ wanna’ know…

~ ANDIAMO! ~

As you may know, I’m currently home schooled which allows me more time to do things like blogging and focus on things that I’m truly passionate about. It also means that I have time to travel, seeing as my “school” could move into a jungle if it really wanted (okay, maybe not), so as you can probably tell, I’m going off to Italy on a road trip!

You may have seen that I say I am in “UK & France”, because it’s kinda’ true. I’m back and forth quite a bit, and I think for now, it will more be “UK & Italy”. I think it’s going to be really exciting… I suppose I haven’t really been excited for the journey yet, but now I write this, I kinda’ am!

WHAT I WORE: Stripey Top (Johnnie B @ Boden)* // Leather Backpack (Dr Martens)*

I have been to Italy before (specifically Rome, Venice and Genoa) but that’s just a small percentage. It will be really interesting to see the difference between France and Italy, and even England! I think I’m most excited to try real pizza, I mean who wouldn’t be?!

It will also be my first experience of a campervan which I’m also ridiculously excited about! Even our furry little black cat friend, Paloma, will be joining us on our adventure. If you have any tips on travelling on long journeys with cats, do let us know! She’s been from the UK to France and didn’t make a single noise, so fingers crossed she’ll be fine!

This does also mean that all of my blog posts coming up are going to firstly be scheduled, but they’re also all going to be Mooi en Lief by Tolly Dolly Posh related. There will be give-away’s so you won’t be missing out on too much! I’ll also give you a break half way through with an ordinary post from yours truly!

Also, I’m really sorry for not doing the second instalment of Changing With The Seasons – Summer, but as you can tell, I just haven’t had the time! I’ll be back in October though…

Are you excited for the next few weeks to come? Leave a comment and we can chat when I get a spare moment. For now… andiamo! 

Hi hi! Today is another edition of My Style, but with a little twist! Read on to see a pretty cool little thing from a certain App brand! *cough* Shuttersong *cough*… 😉

What I Wore: Black Fluffy Jumper £10.00 (Primark), Denim Dungarees (Jumble Sale), Tartan Check Scarf (Second Hand), Tiny Heart Necklace (Girl Talk – the one with TDP in it! 😉 ), Dr Martens (Jumble Sale) & Mermaid Logo Watch (Shuttersong)*

I know this is a weird way to start, but do I look like a deranged elf? I always think I do…? Okay, umm… back to normal… This outfit nice and warm and cosy, and because it has the different textures (fluff and denim), I think it makes it more ‘fashion-y’ and all that jazz. I also like how the denim and the scarf a nice pops of colour against my jumper, so it isn’t too dark and gloomy. It was especially cold when I took these photos, and walking around Toulouse is quite a trek, so I was freezing! Darn you Winter! Ooh ooh! I’m wearing my little heart necklace I got in my Girl Talk magazine (when I was in it), and it is now my lucky necklace, and reminds me of my proud moments 🙂 – Whilst taking these pictures, I realised how embarrassing it is when you take them in public!

Click on the image to see what music I put on top! (direct link)
Now, you might be wondering, ‘Tolly, why is there an orange dot on that picture?’ well, let me introduce you to Shuttersong! Shuttersong is basically an App which is available for iOS users (iPhone/iPad), where you basically, add music, or a recording on top of the image! I think it is really cute because you could have a picture of you blowing out your candles, then Happy Birthday on top! The App is FREE which means you should totally go and try it out! Visit the App Store and click the download button! On to the watch though… I didn’t own any black, or simple leather watches until this one arrived, and I am so glad I have it! It goes with most things and is the perfect of sizes! I really do like it a lot! It has the Shuttersong Mermaid in the centre, which I have to say, is rather cute! I also like how it has a silver middle, and no numbers because it makes it even more versatile and plain. Plus, it’s real leather, so hopefully it should last quite a long time before anything needs to be replaced!

Some random pictures I know, but heck, why can I not put my photography on my own blog? If you are wondering, the first image is of some hammers… from the Air Bus museum (yup, that really makes sense), but I thought the focus was quite nice. Then the second one is of some buildings (obviously), and after reading Islaay’s post, I have been obsessed with the way buildings look, and I tried to do some of my own! What do ya’ think?

(This post contains a sponsored image. I may have been paid or gifted by Shuttersong to publish the image. All opinions are 100% honest, as always. You can read my full disclaimer here.)

Howdy everyone! Just a quick-y, update-y, short-y post for ya’ today! I just wanted to update you before you all think I have disappeared off the face of the planet *prays that, that would never happen, amen*

(Throwback to my last visit to the UK! The night of the Style Blogger Awards!)

So, basically, I am on another short little break! I am flying a very very very long way, across the channel, to… England – note: it’s only like, 2 hours away really… -. I am rather excited because… *dramatic dun dun dun* I get to meet my little nephew! 😀 He’s still pretty much newborn, so YAY! I’m a tad scared that I will crush him, in my first-ever-time-holding-a-baby cuddle, but… YAY! I also get to go shopping – PRIMARK *hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah* -, drink milkshake, go to the cinema, and just have an awesome time avec ma famille. PLUS. I have a SUPER DUPER EXCITING, OMG IS THIS REAL LIFE, thing happening, which sadly I cannot tell you about just yet, but hopefully *fingers crossed*, I will be able to tell you some good news 🙂 So yeah, overall I am verrry excited about this little break! I also have 2 guest blog posts heading your way…. (read on)…

The wonderful Christina from Kimi & Me will be doing a guest blog post this week! I love her blog for a source of inspiration. Her blog isn’t personal style, beauty, etc etc, but a nice mix of everything. My favourite posts are her wishlists and inspiration ones, and you have one coming your way! Check out her blog here!

The amazing Lisette from Lisette Loves (she guest blogged for me once before) is back again! You guys know how much love I have for this lovely lady, so I am happy to have her back! She’ll be bringing you a mini look book, and I am sure you will be inspired! Check out her blog here! (Image from her wonderful blog!)

There will be an advertiser’s Q&A also this week! I will be checking my comments, but please don’t expect me to reply to every single email/message I receive this week! If you do have anything urgent etc etc, please email me: [email protected] My super parcel receiver assistant/cat looker-after-er (big bro), will be on hand letting me know if any parcels have arrived of which you may have sent, so I will try and let you know ASAP!

Goodbye France, Hellooooo ENGLAND!

I have sort of kept my promise of doing more designs… because, here is another lot! This collection is a little different though, because they are all based around one of my favourite necklaces from the online jewellery boutique, The Collective… (May I also say a big thank you to everyone who left such lovely lovely comments on my Ultimate Guide to Being a Teen, it was so nice to see you what you thought of it! Thank You!)

Leather Bird Necklace by Rosita Bonita (The Collective Boutique)
I have based the collection, on this gorgeous necklace by illustrator and jewellery maker, Rosita Bonita. I am absolutely in love with some of her illustrations (see them here), they seriously are really nice! The illustrations are screen printed onto leather which makes the necklace even more special. I think it would be perfect for a gift or a little treat for yourself. It’s gorgeous! 

Ombre Top & Pale Blue High Waisted Jeans (left) and Stripey Jacket, Black Cami & Pink Pleated Dress (right): For the ombre grey top, I would make it a silk material. I think it would really compliment the metallic tones in the necklace. The sleeves would be rolled up because I think the style is really flattering on most people. The pale blue denim high waisted jeans, would be a perfect pastel colour, which really compliments the grey from the top, and again the colours in the necklace. For the jacket (right), I would make it a jersey material so it was more for casual wear, with the blue stripes being a similar colour to the jeans on the left. I would pair it with a floaty cami which seem to be very ‘in’ at the moment (not saying that you should wear everything that is on trend, I just like the style…). The pleated skirt would be in a nice floaty material, in a nice sort of ‘sorbet smoothie’ pink colour. I really like these two looks and the colours are just perfect – If I do say so myself.. haha!

Cream Dress with Lace Sleeves (left) and Monochrome Playsuit with Mesh detailing and a White Envelope Collar (right): For the dress, I think it would be a good piece to dress up or dress down. I would make the sleeves with a sort of lace, laser cut detailing. The shape of the dress would be a simple shift dress, so that accessories, or the necklace in this case, can do the talking. The playsuit, again is very simple, so it can be ‘glammed’ up or worn casually. I’ve made a twist on the sort of ‘corset’ style detailing, and instead, made it a mesh detailing… cheeky 😉 Haha! The colour isn’t quite black, but isn’t quite grey, it’s almost a grey/black/brown which means it’s less obvious, and the necklace can really pop on top of it. These 2 looks are really versatile too, which means you could wear the necklace how ever you like.

Music for the Catwalk?: I Can’t Stand The Rain – Ann Peebles
Outside or Inside Catwalk?: Outside – natural birds tweeting to match the bird design!

I really enjoyed doing this little collection, and has made me fall in love with this necklace even more! It’s so simple, yet makes a really nice statement. Make sure to check out the other pieces on The Collective Boutique site, some of it is gorgeous!

Quick side note – I’m an AUNTY! My little Nephew was born on Sunday morning, and he is just absolutely gorgeous and perfect in every single way! Eeeep! 😀

(This collection was sponsored by The Collective Boutique. I may have been paid or gifted to produce and publish this post, but all opinions are 100% honest. Designs by me and thought up by me! Read my full disclaimer here.)

Just a quick sort of ‘letting you know’ post today! I have been thinking of doing this for a while (in fact I think I thought of it in June…), and have finally completed it! I’d like to give a few  one thank you, to my big sister for making me actually push the publish button on this one. Nothing in it is too personal, but I just wasn’t 100% sure on it, but it’s out there now! So here it is…

Yes, I’ve turned into a teenage guru apparently. Not really, I just wanted to give some advice to all you fellow teens, basically it’s a guide to being a teenager (a darn awesome one). I’m not going to give you the rules of how to be the perfect child, or how to deal with ‘girl stuff’, I’m simply telling you a few ways to feel more comfortable and positive about your own skin. In other words an ‘Insecurity’ guide. If you click on the above image or you can click here to read the guide. I popped it on a separate page so those of you who aren’t so interested don’t have a long ramble on teen stuff, slap bang in the middle of my blog posts. I do hope you enjoy it, and if you do please leave a comment with feedback/advice/your thoughts on what I had to say. It would make me very happy as I put a lot of effort into this one! For all non teen readers, posting will ‘remain as usual’ in a day or so!

Make sure to check out Anything Bas blog! It’s a great photography blog, full of inspiration. (End of post ad link)