Deadly Is The Female

Hello Lovelies,

Everyone has gone through the education system. How far? That's another matter. It's University for me now and have been thinking a lot about what is nearly 2 decades of education. I can’t believe it's nearly over. All those memories - some good, some bad. This feels like I am on the last hurdle, the home stretch. And it's bittersweet. Thousands of teens collected their A Level Results yesterday, and I think it's GCSE Results Day next week. Reflection is a wonderful thing, and I can definitely say I have learnt a lot.

1. Nothing Ever Comes Easy

If you think it does, then you're either very lucky or just stupid. Whether it's expending your knowledge of a subject, improving at a skill, or just getting through the system, it isn't going to be easy. You have to work hard if you want to achieve. I knew so many people who had such a chip on their shoulder; they would blame the system for their poor results. Yes, the system has many faults and a lot to answer for, but sadly you just have to suck it up and try your best. You can't blame others when you fuck up for the rest of your life. You'll get nowhere.

I promise you that hard work pays off. There will be low moments - that I know. And there will be times that you just want to sack it all off. But if you "stick in" (as my Grandpa calls it), you can achieve anything if you're determined enough. All it takes is hard work, perseverance and ambition. I believe in you.

2. It Never Matters As Much As You Think

Both at GCSE and A Level, I ended up having a break-down because I was so consumed with stress and worry. I have always been a ‘high achiever’, and I guess that also comes with a lot of pressure/expectations to live up to. I pushed myself to breaking-point to achieve A*’s, only realising after that it didn’t really matter that much. Each level is just a stepping stone to the next, and as long as you get the qualification to take you to your next rung of the ladder, what does the rest really matter? Hindsight is a bitch, and I wish I knew this when I was younger. It may have prevented a lot of tears and sleepless nights.

3. Do What You Love

I feel like this is probably the most important thing I have ever learnt. It seems so simple, especially as it said so much. I feel like there is still this underlying pressure to do something that is ‘academic’, or ‘looks good’, or will be ‘attractive to employers’.
Well, fuck that.
I took Business Studies for a year and I have honestly never been so unhappy. I took it because I thought potential employers would like it. Yeah, well it turns out when you don't like a subject it's very hard to get an A*. I regretted it so much, and wish I had taken something that I just loved that year. I actually planned to continue Fine Art but dropped that last minute because the doubt kicked in.

You won't succeed if you take something that doesn’t fulfil you. You need to be happy, so take something that you love.

4. Nothing Lasts Forever

Out of all the things I have learnt, this is probably the hardest one to go through. When I say "nothing lasts forever", I mean the storm will pass and the sun will shine. This can come in many forms. The one that springs to mind is when it comes to friendships. I think this is especially apparent during high school; people are growing, changing and finding themselves. No one really knows what they want or who they want to be yet.
And that's okay.
But that also means a lot of changes. Some find it easier than others to adjust to this, but it happens to everyone. My biggest advice is to find people who make you happy, and that you can be yourself around. They will be your rocks when things get tough (queue point #1). But you've also got to accept that these people may not be your rocks forever. Circumstances alter, people change, and in some scenarios, people show their 'true colours'. Remember that this is not your fault, this is natural. Exam periods and stress also don't last forever. Remember that in a few short weeks everything will be over, and a new chapter will start.

5. Take Every Opportunity

Like I said earlier, hindsight is a bitch. When you leave the education system, the regrets that stick out the most are the opportunities you didn't take. These are the years where you form the adult you will become. Do after school clubs, go to parties, join the debate team; take every opportunity (within reason - don't do drugs kids) that presents itself to you. Regret is an awful thing to feel, and it's only when you leave that you realise just how many resources you had right at your very fingertips. You will never get that again so make the most of it.

I hope everyone that collected their results got everything they hoped for! And for those that didn't, it's honestly not the end of the world (queue point #2). Life has a funny way of working out. Stay positive, work hard, and the world is your oyster.
Whatever path you have chosen, I hope you find every happiness and success.

All My Love

♥

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Hi Lovelies,

Erm, what? August already?! Surely not...

Espadrilles
Espadrilles are just the perfect summer footwear. They go with pretty much everything and comfy as hell. I think the variety on the market is pretty extraordinary at the moment, ranging from standard to flatform, to wedges. They have been my go-to shoe over the past month, and I've picked up quite a few pairs. My favourite being this snazzy ivory pair featuring a cute cacti print. Major footwear appreciation!
P.S. Espadrilles are NOT wet-weather suitable... rookie mistake.

Gourmand EDP Citron Glace Fragrance
Everyone loves to smell good, right? I interchange so much between scents that I never really have a 'signature scent'. Yet when I was in an Urban Outfitters back in May I spotted these little bottles (mostly because their exterior is so Instagram-able!). I played around with the different scents, and surprisingly for a high street brand, they were great! I picked up this particular one and have been obsessed with it since. This fragrance features notes of sparkling lemon, velvet jasmine and crystallised sugar for a bright and fresh citrusy scent to die for. It's the perfect size to slip into your handbag and has amazing longevity - especially for a lower end scent (RRP £15.00/30ml).

Porridge
I know, I know. Porridge... nothing ground-breaking. But I have genuinely been really loving porridge this month. It's usually a breakfast I go for in the colder months to warm up those chilly mornings. But this past month I have been loving putting a summer twist to it. I've been adding fresh fruit (specifically raspberries, blueberries and bananas) to keep it seasonal. Sometimes I'll add a bit of agave nectar, but otherwise, this is a great breakfast full of nutrients and flavour.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette
I picked this up when I was last at Sephora in NYC. Holy moly is this worth the hype! Typically autumnal colours, this palette features 14 shades, from berry to neutral tones. It includes 11 matte shades and 3 metallic ones, and a dual ended brush - but does anyone actually use those?! I am going to do a much more in depth review, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

'Why It Doesn't Always Have To Be In Focus' by Jackie Higgins

This has to be my book favourite of the month. I've read it before and had it on my book shelves for about 3 years, but revisited this month whilst having a rejig of my book storage. (I know... could I be any more of a lit student right now). I announced my new book club and included a much more in-depth review of this book HERE.

So that's what I have been loving this month! I would love to know what your favourites have been for the past month, and don't forget to check out my social media.