A Gap Year

Summer has started, I have no school to worry about!!! Party and fun is all that matters and what happens after will not matter right now!! Doing nothing all day and stay up till late!

That is what I should be thinking right now...
After graduating, I landed in a black hole. The school I had applied for, and had set my mind on in my last year of school, found that I was not ready for their course and didn't accept me. I didn't have a back-up, and didn't know what I wanted to do when this would happen.
I started looking for other courses I thought I would like, but kept going back to thinking I shouldn't bother because this wasn't the course I had set my mind to. And that would show in every intake I would do.
So I kept feeling down. Starting from not wanting to look for a new course to start, eventually ending in not wanting to leave my bed, do nothing but cry and feel horrible. I started neglecting my friends and family, and sat on the couch or was in bed for days on end.

My parents had tried to talk to me a few times, and I applied for a course a few days after. They helped me realize that I was allowed to 'grieve' over not being accepted, but I couldn't let it affect me in the way it was affecting me.
But, a day after my application, I was still doubting if the course I had applied for, was really what I wanted to do. (But, I had to find a course, so it was better then nothing in my believes. I could always drop out if I hated what I was going to be learning). I didn't stop searching the internet, only to be let down time after time: not finding the courses I wanted, or not being able to apply anymore.

This lead to a break down when I was, again, looking for courses. My dad had to take my computer away from me in order to make me stop looking (even though I couldn't see what was on my screen because I was crying).
That night, together with my mom, we decided it would be best for me to take a year off. A Gap Year.

This night is only one week ago. The plan was for me to enjoy my summer and not look for anything. I would start looking for courses or activities in September.
That didn't turn out well, since I started to feel like I was failing at what I was doing. I wasn't doing anything, that in my eyes, was useful. I wasn't working on my future, and most importantly, I wasn't enjoying the fact that I passed my finals the first time, not having to anything about school anymore. The whole point of a 'carefree and 13 week summer break' was missing.

So, starting today, I am going to look for what I am going to do next year. I still have no clue on what I am going to do, or even want to do, but I made a list of things that I might like. This list contains things such as going to America for a few months and enrolling in high school there, following small courses in photography, beauty or styling and getting a second job and save money to maybe travel later in the year. (My boss is currently on a holiday, but I will meet up with her when she is back to see if I can pick up some more work there). As far is I know right now, I am not sure what I want to do, what is possible or what is going to happen!


I am making this post because I am looking forward to see what this 'Gap year' will bring me, and I want to make a similar post at the end of the year to see what I did! And I'm hoping to take you all on this journey with me !!!

Graduation | Part 1 Family Presents

I PASSED MY EXAMS!! Now, this means I have 13 weeks of vacation before a new school year starts and (ofcourse) have my diploma. But (on the fun side) I got presents from all my family! A side from the 'congratulations'-cards, I got a shower gel, a gift card from the local drugstore, and a jar filled with heart shaped sweets!! 

Honestly, I was doing well throughout the whole week and even day that I would hear if I passed or failed. Until an hour before time... I couldn't sit still, my heart was raising, my hands were shaking. My class was going to be called after 2PM, my phone rang 2.05PM... (My last name starts with a 'B', but I couldn't think of that in that moment) I freaked out, but thankfully my mentor answered with a congratulations! 

The tests I feared I could fail, were all above my average mark :) 

This is the first part of my 'Graduation' posts. I'm planning on making three (one about the present from my parents, and one about actually getting my diploma)

London Haul | Forever 21, Next, TopShop, American Apparel, Gap, Pull & Bear

When you go to London, in my eyes, you can't not go shopping. I saved up my money, made a list of items I wanted to buy, and shopped till I dropped. (Which I did, at the end of the day) Below I posted the items I bought!

First stop: NEXT

I picked up this black t-shirt. The bottom of the shirt, neckline and ends of the sleeves have a little leather-look fringe, which makes it a little more classic :)

GAP

GAP had a sale!! 30% off of every article! (Normally, I wouldn't go inside of GAP stores because I feel like things are a bit too pricey for me, and some staff members are not my favorite, but the one on Oxford Street is the exception. I was able to walk around without being 'attacked' by staff so it was a good time :) ) I picked up these two shorts and ended paying less than I was supposed to!! I'm summer ready with these! (For the jeans short, you can pair it with every thing. The printed short can be paired with a bright basic)

PULL & BEAR 

I found this jumpsuit, made of a very thin fabric, feels really soft and comfy! What I really liked about this jumpsuit is the elastic band at the start of the short, and the open back. It shows all of the back, ending at the start of elastic (very open, i know!)

FOREVER 21

Last year, I fell in love with Forever 21, spending an amount of money that could not have been any better (£ 121,21) and couldn't wait to get back in there! Don't worry, I didn't spend that much money this time! 

TOPSHOP

When I was in TopShop last year, I couldn't find anything good for me. But regretted not getting anything when I was back home. For this trip, I promised myself I would buy something TopShop, even if it was just a nailpolish. Turned out they had plenty of stuff I liked this year!!! I bought the 'GEEK' crop top (can also be paired with both of the GAP shorts) and two bikini's :)

AMERICAN APPAREL

DISCO PANTS!!! I couldn't not go in there and try it on, seeing as most of the bloggers or people I look up to own one (or more). I have to admit, I was doubting buying it, because it is pricey for a pants. But I am happy I did because it is a really comfortable pair and it goes with a lot of things! (I can't say if it's worth it's price, but I'll let you guys know!)

Hope you all enjoyed the haul!

Love, Danielle

London | Home Away From Home

After going on a school trip to London (and the first time being there) I fell in love with the city. So when my parents asked me where I would want to go, my answer was simple... My brother had never been there, so tickets were booked! And last Thursday was thé day! We woke up at 6 AM, and went to the airport. We landed at Heathrow Airport, picking up our tickets for the trains right after landing. (Just hand-luggage because it was only a four day trip). This turned out to be quite the task, we were being send everywhere and nobody was able to help us :( Eventually, we got the tickets and took the train to our hotel. We were staying at Lancaster Gate hotel, which is in between two underground stations and 100 meters away from Hyde park. 

On the first day we saw the Crown Jewels at London Tower and paid a visit to the St. Pauls Cathedral (we went back to go inside on the third day since it was already closed on the first day)
We had dinner in the hotel's restaurant, because we were all worn out from the flight.

On the second day, a ride on the London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey Church (which is DEFINITELY worth looking inside if you can!!!) and Buckingham Palace were planned. (It's all in one line, so we were on our feet all day). When we arrived at Buckingham Palace there was a lot of press and police (because the Duke had checked in at the hospital), but it was really quite besides them. (Last year was a few weeks before the Jubilee concert, so it was way to crowded to see anything). As for dinner, my very first, very special and very delicious, NANDO'S. 

On the third day, a morning walk in Hyde Park and shopping!!! After strolling trough Hyde Park, we went back to St. Pauls before taking the train to Tottenham Courd Road station to start the shopping activity. And the activity it was, me and my mum did a non-stop trip for five hours with the occasional fittings! With soar feet and close to empty wallets, dinner at Covent Garden was a good way to end the day. (Clothing hauls should be up later today!)

On our last day ( :'( ) we went to Madame Tussaud's. It is really amazing to see all these figures up close and be able to see little details (without being categorized as creepy). We had lunch in a local pub, picked up our luggage at the hotel and went to the airport. After traveling most of the day, I was really happy to be home again, but sad that I had to leave London. 

I posted some pictures from the trip below! Enjoy!!

The House of Parlement with the Big Ben from the London Eye

A hiding Tower Bridge

Lancaster Gate Hotel

It happened

Love, Danielle

Senior Prom

Being a senior has it's pros and cons. Con are the stress of tests or choosing what you want to do after, but a  definite pro is the parties! I helped planning our senior prom, and had so much fun doing it. May 31th was the day it all took place, and I was brought over to my friend Louise' house in the early morning with all my stuff to get ready (dress, make-up, hair and what not.) Other friends were coming later that day, and we planned on spending the night after at her house. 

We had so much fun getting ready for prom and after dinner we left for our transport. Louise has rented a horse carriage that was going to take us to the location. 

It was kind of chilly outside, but it was worth all the waiting to arrive in style! (there were A LOT of people waiting to see everyone arrive, which kind of freaked me out, but it was over once the pictures were taken!)

Below I posted some pictures, enjoy!! Did any of you have prom or anything similar? let me know!

l.t.r: Eva, Eve, Louise and me

My make-up is the blue smokey eye shadow by Max Factor, with a matching blue eyeliner pencil

Dress by H&M

Heels by Nelly.com 

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Monthly Favourites | May

Over this past month the weather has been swinging from freezing to boiling, so the products I used changed everyday. I tried to pick a few items I have been using throughout all of this month.

First up: Hair
Classic Shampoo by Head&Shoulders

250ML, €5,07

I've been colouring my hair for almost a year now, and last time... It didn't turn out the way I hoped. My hair was supposed to be light brown, but turned black at the top and dark brown at the ends. (my own hair is dark blond). Thankfully, one of my friends works at a drugstore, and told me the 'Head & Shoulders Classic or 2in1 shampoo would lighten up my hair. I have been using this shampoo for 6 months, and my hair is almost back to it's original colour! Also, this is only my second bottle (250ml), and you don't need much if you wash your hair every other day.
When you put this shampoo in, you're going to want to make sure your hair is not dripping wet. Wet hair is best, and leaving the shampoo in for a few minutes helps speeding up the process of removing the colouring out.

In my opinion, I think it's a reasonable price. It lasts a long time and does what it needs to do!

Lips
Classic lipbalm by Labello

5ML, €3,55 (per two)

I have been hooked on the classis Labello lipbalm. I've tried other brands or lipbalms with flavours, scents and what else, but I always find myself going back to this one. (I have just recently bought 4 because they were on sale...)
My lips tend to get really dry, and in the always changing weather this month, there was noway I was able to keep my lips from breaking. I always have this with me, and makes my lips break less and feel less painful.


Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint #4 by MaxFactor

'Berry Burst' #4 €11,99

Another lip product I've been loving this month, is the Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint in number 4 by MaxFactor. This is actually my mums, but I used this for prom, and I have been wearing it ever since! Even on days when I don't go anywhere and have no make up on, I wear this. I will put on a little lipbalm first, then apply the lipstick. It doesn't dry out my lips, and stays on for a whole day without touch-ups. The number 4 is a bright pink, but is not an 'in your face' lipstick. It darkens my lips just a few shades darker, giving my lips a bit more 'life'. And it's super easy to apply!

Facial
Day Cream by Nivea

50ML, €6,07

My skin has, like most people, some spots that are dry and others that are oily. I've been looking for good day-creams to use, and have failed many times. I even tried some from higher brands (hoping the price I was paying was really worth it) but this also wasn't the answer. When I worked in the drugstore, I used to have a lot of people at check-out with this cream. So why not give it a go?  This is my third packaging, and I bought my fourth this morning because I am running low... The tube consists of 50ML of cream. I use very little a day, around two dots, but it covers my whole face and neck. The packaging says: 'Intensive hydration,  UV-filters with SPF 5, spots early aging of the skin and has almond-oil to prevent the face from shining.

Waterproof Eye-make-up remover by Nivea

125ML, €5,99

Another product by Nivea I've been loving is their waterproof remover. I almost always wear waterproof mascara because I tend to rub my eyes when I'm bored or tired and I don't want to look like a raccoon at the end of the day.
When taking my make-up off, I always clean my eyes first. I use this on a cotton pad, again, just a few dots is more than enough. Cover the pad in remover and hold the pad on your eye for a few seconds before swiping it off. That's it!


The Eraser Foundation #030 Sand by Maybelline 

20ML, €15,24

I haven't really used this until the middle of this month, because I couldn't really get along with the sponge on the foundation. It made the foundation turn orange once it touched my skin and I couldn't keep the sponge clean.
I wanted to try and get along with it as I was trying out all sort of make-up for my prom on the 31th. So I pulled the sponge off. Ever since, I've liked using it! The color stays the same and it's easier to apply. (I put a big dot on my hand and mix it with a little day cream, then apply with a foundation brush) It gives a good coverage and creates a healthy looking skin. Some concealer and powder to cover the blemishes and under-eye circles and you're good to go!
The foundation has SPF 18, and is perfect to wear on it's own. (I only use the power and concealer because the color of the foundation is a little to dark compared to my own skin color)