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

  

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

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