My Anxiety Experience

Hey, today I though I'd share some experiences that may help you. 
It's no secret that over the last few years I have struggled with anxiety and panic attacks that came from a variety of phobias. 

I have had some tough times with this and anyone that has suffered with this particular mental health issue will tell you it is very much ups and downs. 

I struggled with staying in classes and exams were a particular problem as I felt trapped and severely panicked. 

I have gone through a lot of different tactics to combat this and I really want to talk about them but I think I'll leave that for another time. 

The first thing I want to emphasise is YOU ARE NOT ALONE! It is such a common problem I guarantee someone else is feeling the same! Also, it is not strange or stupid to feel this way and it does not make you weird and people WILL want to help you!

Before I talk about my experiences here are some important websites and helplines if you don't feel like there is anyone to talk to. (I suggest teachers, friends, family, guardians or even us if you like our email is izzelle101@gmail.com)

Samaritans helpline: 08457909090 (24 hour) they also have a website
No Panic: tel:08449674848 (10am-10pm)
Anxiety UK: tel:08444775774 (Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm)

Since the end of year 11 and starting college my life has completely changed. I am now able to go on public transport on my own and haven't had a panic attack in 4 and a half weeks! This is the longest in over 3 and a half years. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but it feels amazing. Everyone said starting a new school would end up badly for me but I needed just proved to myself I could do it! 

If you suffer from problems like this the best thing you can say if yes! I started to say yes to more opportunities and push myself harder. Slowly but surely I proved to myself and everyone around me that I could do things without having panic attacks and without feeling like the ground was going to swallow me up. 

It started with getting the bus on my own to meet friends and then going shopping on my own. I channeled my worry into constructive things like skateboarding and revising. 

Since starting Year 12 I have been accepted onto a photography trip to Iceland for a week in February! This time last year I wouldn't have even considered the trip as I don't know anyone going but if I don't accept the opportunity now then I know it'll regret it for the rest of my life! And to be honest I couldn't be happier I am beside myself with excitement! 

Also, I am volunteering with the Libra Foundation to volunteer for 2 weeks in Romania. Again, I don't know anyone going but it is a brilliant opportunity and the most important thing to me is travelling. 

I want you to know that not matter how dark and deep your hole seems now even if there's no one there to pull you out, eventually, you can climb out yourself and I finally feel like I'm proof of that. 

I really hope you have a fantastic day 

Lots of love as always 

Toodle-oo

 Izzy

New beginnings!

It has got to that time of year again where students have been getting their exam results. Which in turn means that its getting closer to going back to school or starting a new college, sixth form, university etc. We thought we would to write this post together as its affecting both of us and it's important to remember you are never alone in these situations.

(random photo of us sledging)

 We have recently received our GCSE results. I think both of us weren't too happy or too disappointed about them but both of did pretty well. What we learnt was not to compare ourselves to others. Some people in our year got all A* but that doesn't matter because i think everyone tried their hardest and got the results they worked for and deserve. Comparing our results to someone who did better wont change what we got, only make us sadder (don't know if that's a word!). 

In England we finish 'high school' at 16 and then have 2 years in education which can be a sixth form which is attached to a school, a college which is independent from a school or an apprenticeship which is work experience. What can be know as college in the US is just University to us.

(Me: Left, Izzy: right) 

Even though me and Izzy haven't  been close friends for that long we have always been in the same schools and this will be the fist time we've been separated since year 1! I am staying at our schools sixth form while Izzy is going to college. This is because our sixth form is a lot smaller than most others and I feel that going somewhere bigger I would get lost in the crowd, it would cause me too much anxiety meaning I don't think I would succeed as well in my A levels.

*Passes laptop to Izzy*

I decided to leave our sixth form this year after having 4 stubborn years of being adamant I wouldn't stray from our school. Over the last few years I have been struggling with anxiety and panic attacks (more on that at another point) and I felt that if I didn't push myself now then when I went off to work or university the change would be so big that I wouldn't be able to handle it. It is a big step up from school and I am petrified but I know that everyone will be in the same boat as me as everyone in the year will be new. My big fear is leaving our friendship group as I honestly wouldn't change them for the world, they have got me through so much recently I cant thank them enough. There have been a lot of tears-trust me.

(us before our prom this year) 

I don't really know what I want to do in the future except travel. Like, Isabelle I have chosen a wide range of subjects to how a broad skill set that would appeal to future employers but not limit or restrict me if I suddenly find my calling a few years down the line. Unless I suddenly decide I want to be a brain surgeon or rocket scientist- then I'm very screwed. I have taken; English Literature, Photography, Sociology and Politics as these are things I enjoy and feel I would be most interested in.

*passes laptop back to Isabelle* 

I(Isabelle) have no clue what I would like to do when I leave school so have chosen a wide range of subjects to do at AS. These are a mix of subjects and enjoy and ones I've never done before. These are geography, psychology, sociology and English literature.

Starting a new school can be very daunting and scary but every else is most probably feeling the same as you. I remember starting year 7 and thinking how big the year 11's looked! I found meeting new people and having new subjects was the best part.

Anyone will tell you that we are the loudest and giggliest pair but when put into a situation where we don't know anyone we can be as quiet as mice and very shy. The best thing to do is just introduce yourself or even just ask someone a question I'm certain they'll just be thankful to have someone to talk to. When I (Izzy) went on an induction day to my college I would just ask people who were going in the same general direction as me where they were going and then not only do you not have to walk alone you don't worry as much about getting lost. Plus, you can hopefully make some friends. Also, don't forget to give it a few weeks, for a while everyone will be clinging to anyone that they vaguely recognize so just put yourself out there and people will respond and start to branch out too.

(Us doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge this year)

We've both not had our first two weeks of school and i'll be the first to say life has been pretty boring and miserable without having Izzy by my side all the time. There have been tears but we know us, and the rest of our friendship group truly are friends for life. It has been extremely strange hearing Izzy talk about her new friends but i know it's just part of life to have different groups of friends but it doesn't make our friendship any weaker...if you get what i mean? So if you're confident in the strength of your friendship then i wouldn't worry at all, just develop ways to stay in contact regularly with each other.

And i'll leave you with a couple dashing photos of me and Izzy from 2012.

Toodle-oo

❣

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For any enquiries you can contact us at izzelle101@gmail.com

  

Lace and Dasises

  

 

We are experiencing a heat wave at the moment *touch wood* and that has meant a few consecutive days down the beach (with many more planned!) It really is days like these that you can appreciate the little things.

With exams all over and a long stretch of summer ahead I feel exceedingly thankful to have the people around me that I do. Sat here in front of the fan, scrolling through countless pictures of the last few months, I thought I would write a little something from mine and Isabelle's reunion after I went away for 2 weeks. (Maybe a blog post on that soon?)

 

We had a wander through a nature reserve that really holds a lot of memories for us both. I remember when I was a toddler and my brother fell in the duck pond and my mum stood and laughed (don't worry it wasn't deep and he was fine) but apparently I wasn't too pleased. I also remember when we built our first snowman and had our first snowball fight. There was also the first snow day Isabelle and I had as friends where we went down their with our mums (and we dragged my twin brother along too) and sledged down the hill- although not very successfully. My mum used to take my brother and I to the duck pond and we'd give them stale bread; although we used to eat most of it ourselves. We have had countless failed attempts to climb the heroic trees that stand in the middle of the field. This place really means a lot to us and I don't think I quite realised that until sat down and put it into words.

I hope you enjoyed this little piece of our day and let us know if you would like too see more!

 

Isabelle's Outfit

Crop Top

Shorts

Flip Flops

 

 My Outfit
( I was very camera shy that day for a very good reason. We'd gone out with friends and decided to watch the sunset on a marsh that was by one of their houses. It was a really nice idea at the time but we got eaten alive my mozzies. Unfortunately
 I had an allergic reaction and my entire face swelled up twice the size. Even the Doctor laughed!)

My Flip Flops and Top were from Primark so there isn't a link

Shorts(Similar)

 
Also, I have recently joined this really cool app called Depop. You can sell and buy clothes directly from sellers and for a lot cheaper than retail prices when things have hardly been worn. I have bought2 pairs of shorts and top so far and am so impressed by it I am quickly becoming obsessed! You can follow me at: izzycatherine

Song Of The Week: Echosmith- Cool Kids and The 1975-Chocolate

Thank you for reading, don't forget to follow and share!

We hope you enjoyed this little OOTD, let us know if you would like to see more

Toodle-oo

❣

 

 

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For any enquiries you can contact us at izzelle101@gmail.com

  

 



A Little Update-Bloglovin

Hello,

 

 

We are now on Bloglovin so you can have all your favourite blogs, including us, all in one place! You can either have download the app (for Apple and Android) or visit their website.

 

 

Enjoy

Toodle-oo

xx

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Summer Lookbook

We're back!
Exams are finally over and we decided to come back in true blogger fashion. The end of exams also means we get 2 and a half months of summer holiday so we're not complaining!

 We decided to each pick 4 outfits and create our very own Lookbook. (We did soon realise this consisted largely of Primark) 

We will also try to link what we can below each picture.

 We picked things that we find easy to wear and are comfortable in and that really represent our individual 'style'. 

DISCLAMIER: We know that we look a bit awkward in some of the pictures but this is our first time doing this and although there may not be that many people reading we still love doing this!
Enjoy...

My first outfit was from a mixture of shops. I think this top is my favourite as it can be worn casual or you can put the top with jeans and wear it out to dinner.

The top is from new look and its so light and floaty with a beautiful pattern. However, I do think that it is a bit pricey at £14.99 for the material you get. The shorts are just simple navy blue high waisted from H&M and were brilliant at £12.99. I have also styled it with simple accessories. 

crop top

High waisted denim shorts

 I decided to keep it simple for my first outfit and went for a slightly distressed blue skater skirt with a simple white crop top. I often find that in the UK you need an outfit that can still mean you're prepared for a cold turn. I'm sad to say I often find myself packing tights and a jumper for the British summer beach trip.
I love a skater skirt because I think it can be flattering for all shapes. Its easy to style with a simple crop top or cropped jumper or with a baggy tucked in cami or t-shirt.
Similar skirt
Crop top
Sunglasses

This outfit is similar to my previous one but with different colours. The top is again from new look at the same price (I just live these floaty short tops). My white high waisted denim shorts are about 3 years old from Kylie but similar ones can be purchased in most shops.  My jacket is also old and used to be my mums but the label says New Look and New Look do still sell denim jackets.

I absolutely love this outfit as put with white jeans it can be worn out for a meal but kept with shorts it still looks quite formal yet still casual. 

I haven't been able to find the top on the New look website but I did purchase it recently.

Similar denim jacket

 

This is probably my favourite outfit I own. This pinafore style playsuit is just so versatile and easy to wear. In summer you can pair with some caged sandals like I have here2 and a crop top or with tights and a long sleeve top. Of course there's a spring version somewhere in-between. It is a floaty light fabric and is super comfortable. You can also pair it with a cute collar shirt or a brighter colour if you're feeling brave. I also like how easy it is to dress it up or down. With a shirt and heels this is killer for a night out but I also just chuck it over a bikini and wander down to the beach which is perfect too!

Sandals
Top
I got the playsuit in the sale earlier this year so couldn't find it but it was from Asos and I would HIGHLY recommend you check it out.


This outfit is all from H&M (except the wellies!).
The crop top was about £4/5 which it great for the quality. In our H&M they were only in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. This is quite annoying as I needed an extra small but none were available meaning my top isnt figure hugging. But for the price I can't really complain! My shorts were brilliantly priced at £5.99 which, for the quality, is great. They are, however, extremely short! They are so cute with their side zip and pockets.
Patterned shorts 



I know this playsuit looks too big for me but it is very much a throw on and chill outfit, it's perfect for going down the beach for an hour or going for a walk like we did today. I really think the wellies make the outfit haha. Another essential for anyone venturing into the unpredictable British weather.
We had a walk down some streams in the woods near where we live and couldn't pass up on the photo opportunity.
The playsuit was from Primark and unfortunately they don't have an online website which pains me. (Please Primark make an online shop-for us?) I think it was around £12.00 if you pop into your local store and have a look. I would suggest going a size smaller than what you usually are as they aren't true to size. I have to say what really drew me to this playsuit was the back of it. It is quite low and then has a small zip and then a cute cut-out which I think is super cute.


This is a simple but pretty, comfy and floaty playsuit from primark. I find its perfect to just throw on over your bikini if your going to beach or even throwing on a denim jacket and wearing it out shopping! As its strapless I like to style it with a simple neckless just so my upper chest doesn't look too bare. I actually think it goes well with the wellies and looks rather sweet. The playsuit was around £5 and is great value for money. 

I was unsure about this outfit but its comfy so oh well. I find 'tube' skirts are really easy to style all year round. They are always cheap and you can pair them with basically anything. To me they are an essential. I also have a plain black one and a blue and black diamond patterned one. I would highly recommended getting some as basics as they are really cheap and each season brings new styles. I'm keeping my eye on a midi length version that's much brighter that I noticed on Boohoo.
The top is,again, from Primark and I think it was around £4.00 but they are always changing stock so I'm certain they'll have alternatives. I would definitely suggest looking at Missguided and Forever21.
The skirt is from H&M but I don't think they still stock the colour but there are loads in Primark for £3/4.

Isabelle's Summer Wish List
flowery shorts
High waisted pale denim shorts
high waisted jeans
Jelly sandals 

Izzy's Summer Whish List
Crochet jumper
Mint Jeans
Joni Jeans
Naked Basics
Chelsea Boots

Also we would love it if you checked out wantfeed! It is a fantastic new website where you can find, share and buy things you love and we cannot get enough of it! Let us know what you think.

Songs or the week: Newton Faulkner- Dream Catch Me and Write It On Your Skin

Thank you for reading, don't forget to follow and share!
For any enquiries you can contact us at izzelle101@gmail.com

Let us know what your summer essentials are in the comments...

Toodle-oo

Isabelle and Izzy

❣

 

No7 lip product review

Hello! We are back after a month of waiting. Our exams still don't finish for 3 weeks but it is half term so we have time to make up for the lack of posts.

Two weeks ago I (isabelle) went into my local Boots drug store and at the till, they were selling a No7 lip brush, lip stick and lip gloss all for only £5. Yes, £5. There was nothing wrong with them it was just a fantastic thing they happened to be selling that day. So obviously I could not resist the temptation to have a cheeky purchase and I went for it.

First off, I am going to talk about the lip gloss. The one I have is a High shine, although it doesnt seem to be very shiny. It is in a beautiful, natural shade called smile. It has a very minimal amount of shimmer to it and adds more of a healthy glow to my lips, rather than making me look like I've covered my lips in vasaline. However it does leave my lips feeling moisturised as if I've used vasaline. The consistency is not at all thick, gooey or sticky and it has an SPF of 15. I am in love with it and will definitely buy it again, at the original price of £9.

The next thing I will talk about is my Stay Perfect lipstick. Mine is in the shade classic rose. I thought that this colour was more of a natural do-you-have-lipstick-on-or-not kind of shade however it turns out that it is rather bold. For a more natural look I prefer to just dab it on over a bit of moisturiser, as it isnt very moisturising on its own. It stays on for such a long time and even when i try to take it off, i can't! I love the packaging its come in because its just so small and simple, a perfect size to fit in your handbag or school bag. I will buy a No7 lipstick again but possibly in a different shade. The original price is £9.75.

Finally is the No7 lip brush. As I never really use a brush to apply lipsticks, I don't know what to expect from them. I don't really like to use brushes because I find that they store most of the lipstick in the brush rather than on your lips! However I do find that if you want to tone down the strength of your lipstick a bit, then a brush is the way to go. As expected from No7, the brush is super soft. The brush applies the lipstick easily to my lips with one sweep. I think if I lost my brush, I wouldn't repurchase as I feel I have no need for a brush. The original price however is £7.00.

This was a brilliant deal as the normal overall cost of these three items would be £25.75!! The next thing I will be buying from No7 is their foundation, so I will definitely do a review on that.

Isabelle

Toodle-oo

❣

Quick Note From Us

Hello! 

To anyone reading this; due to massive amounts of revision (and a new found Game of Thrones addiction) we are unable to post throughout the week. We plan to post on the weekends when we can but we have around 19/20 exams in the next few months. They start on the 7th and it's a stressful time haha. 

We love this blog and appreciate any views it gets. I hope you don't mind and continue to enjoy and share our posts! 

 Lots of love as always 

Toodle-oo

Isabelle and Izzy

❣

Barry M Reviews

Many of us know and love the glorious brand that has graced the shelves for many years. They have a wide range of products to suit all types of tastes and styles. I fear I have only dipped my toe into the pool of Barry M.

I know I'm slightly exaggerating as there are of course superior brands but then you do pay the superior price.

For a few pounds a pop I feel you can't go wrong with completing your summer look with a Barry M nail polish or lipstick. I don't have a single complaint about their products and would highly recommend them. A few of their products are definitely going in my summer ESSENTIALS.

 

I shall begin with Nail Polish. There are so many that I have bookmarked from their website that I am super excited to try as soon as I can get my hands on them!

The first set is from their Gelly-Hi Shine. I bought these on a day out with Isabelle and we were both very happy with them. They are definitely more durable than most varnishes I have tried however I did need to reapply on small chips after 3 or 4 days-this could be because we are on full revision mode so chipping is a bit more common.

I have 4 of these at the moment in a dark purple 'PLUM 325' ; in a nice bright orange 'PAPAYA 343' ;also in a pastel blue 'BLUEBERRY 338' ; then lastly in a nude colour 'LYCHEE 349' this is by far my favourite it goes with everything and is just so easy to wear. They were around £3 or £4 but I can't quite remember but for the quality you get either way is a total bargin.

 

 The other two I have is just from the original Nail Paint collection. These are very good. They were about £2.99 which is amazing. Just like the Hi Shine they are of a very high standard. I would recommend a base coat with these just to give them a little boost. I would definitely call these a summer must as they are little bottles so perfect for travelling or for a touch-up down the beach if needs be. I got a fairly bright pink 'STRAWBERRY 309' but it does come out a lot more neutral. I do like this as it is perfect as a base for some 'nail arty' things but also with a Matte Top Coat to finish them off. I also got a white as I have seen this around a lot and hadn't yet joined the hype. I think this will be nice in the summer when I've got a bit of a tan going to really make it stand out. Like the pink it is perfect as a base for any cute summer patters. It is 'MATT WHITE 66'. This is a really nice matte colour. I might try it with a glossy top coat to give it a bit of variation but so far so good.

I'm really excited to try their new Silk Nail Effects Nail Paint they have lovely pearly colours. You can check them out and let us know what you think? http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/effects/silk-nail-paint.html

 

Of course the last 2 things are lipstick. My favourite things in the world.

One of these I saw in a video by Carrie Fletcher (ItsWayPastMyBedtime) and I had to try it. Isabelle will tell you how OBSESSED I have become with this lipstick. Initially it is green 'TMLP'. I know-I know. I love to whip that out and watch peoples reactions as they think I'm actually going to give myself green lips. I mean that would be a step too far don't you think? Anyway...It actually changes depending on your PH balance. It only differentiates from person to person it wont be a totally different colour each time you use it. Isabelle glories in telling me each time how much it HASN'T changed(Isn't she funny). There, obviously, isn't a dramatic change between each person but it truly is a lovely colour. It is a deep pink colour and its so cute. I have to say it is THE most long lasting lipstick I have ever had(they both are) and it isn't even in their specification. I have found myself forgetting to take it off and then looking in the mirror the next morning AFTER a shower and it still have bits their. It may not be much but enough.

 The next one is a dark red with pink-y undertones. It is lovely. It is more wintery but I'll find a way to make it work through spring and summer. There is not much to say about it since I wittered away so much about the other one. Again I am very impressed and will definitely buy from their range again. I think the lipsticks were around £3.99? Something like that but that is seriously good value for money!

I hope you liked this post. If you have any suggestions let us know and don't forget to follow us to be updated on when we next post and share our posts around if you enjoyed them.

Lots of Love as always

Toodle-oo

Izzy

❣