Coming Back to Blogging!

Well, it's certainly been a while since I sat at my laptop and came on here to do what I love. I needed to leave this platform at a standstill around New year and have some time away to process what's going on in my personal life and to you know, sort myself out properly. I've not posted anything in 4 months? well, anything considered 'proper' since I was rushed into surgery last October. It's been a Godsend to have a break to just unwind and to have that time to focus on myself for a while. 

Another reason I took this break was so I could decide what content was going to be published on here. My thoughts clouded my goals for this blog, immediately jumping to the worst about my content which affected my creativity to the point all my enjoyment in blogging had faded as I was trying to be perfect, following trends and what everyone else is doing. So it got me thinking... I'm not going to keep worrying about what my 'Niche' is as I will post about anything and everything from Fashion, Beauty, Lifestyle, Travel, Fitness and so on, more so to suit my desire to have my platform as an escape from what I HAVE TO be writing about, review, wear etc. 

My blog was created more or less to be different, to show my personality. Even though there are some good points, I feel like I began to sink so I stopped posting. 

The vision I have for this space to call my own is what I want to be fun and more relaxed. I often found myself comparing my blog to other peoples and it's a crap feeling. I don't have a theme yet, I used to but couldn't get my comments on it working. I don't have hundreds of followers or readers because I've been so out of touch with being on here recently, it's not really attracted anyone. I don't have the most high-end photo's or camera to take them on and that's ok. I'll work towards all that but for now, getting everything out my head and written down is my first goal. 

I hope you enjoy this next step with Just Me, Jaydee.

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar

Spring: A Few Things I'm Excited For

Spring is a good season to indulge in. I'm personally more of an autumn/winter kind of gal but I do love spring and summer months especially when I get to wear pretty clothes, burn in the sun and have nice long days with Strongbow in hand.

Photo cred: Jaydee Kelly (myself).

• Brighter days - I'm all for long days with dark evenings but I do like the spring setting when all the picturesque views emerge too. Can't wait to go venturing around the countrysides in Sheffield and capture the beauty of different landmarks. 

• Clothing - I like spring clothes as the colours are always quite vibrant, I'd like to try new styles in order to produce exciting content on here - also it's nice to look back on :) 

• Home Decor - In spring there's much more to offer for home decor. I like to furnish my flat with as many sweet smelling candles as I can or get nice canvas' to fit the mood of it being spring. So excited to go shopping! 

• Activities - When warmer seasons come about, it seems there's more to do outside as it's more suitable for people to enjoy. This Spring I want to go hiking and see new places in my city and just experience new things to do. My biggest goal for the warmer seasons is to camp/hike around the Lake District as well. 

• Happier moods - If the sun is out, I'm smiling constantly. As I have a vitamin D deficiency whenever the sun is out, my mood is positive as my levels are higher. Weird, yes, but it makes all the difference and I can't wait. Although I don't really suffer badly in the winter months, it puts a positive spin on everything when Spring comes around.  

What are you looking forward to in Spring?

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo 

I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST | 2018

Property of Jaydee Kelly.

I HAVE FINALLY PASSED MY DRIVING TEST. If you read my January favourites you'd know that it took a while for me to get to this stage. The process of getting my driving certificate/license was so overwhelming and very difficult. 

So if being anxious/nervous on the day of your test wasn't bad enough, having nasty examiners made it worse entirely. My first test - the examiner was a complete A-hole (just to put it nicely) and failed me for the most ridiculous things. I felt like giving up there and then because it was embarrassing having to go through all that stress for the examiner to be malicious, costing me my license. 

That didn't stop me; after rebooking another test I was still a nervous wreck and it showed within my driving. I felt sick to my stomach hearing the words "Sorry that you haven't passed" for the second time and cried all the way home thinking "will I ever get through?" - it's hard especially when your family are first/second time passed & then there's me who feels like a complete failure. Although, my mum and step-dad supported me 100%, giving me hugs and encouraging me to give it another go. 

22nd February 2018 - Three years ago my Aunty lost her battle with Cancer, it still doesn't feel real. So to have my driving test on this day, made me feel so emotional and very very anxious. This may sound odd, but it's like she was there to hold my hand throughout my test & I PASSED, I passed this driving malarky with flying colours and held back my tears because it was such a special moment to have passed on my Aunty's anniversary... still so surreal and it makes me beyond happy to know the 22nd February will always be a special day to me, to remember a beautiful woman and celebrating the fact I made her extremely proud, alongside my mum who nearly cried and came to find me just to congratulate me haha. It's definitely a day to remember and to finally say I'm no longer a learner driver is giving me goosebumps. My examiner was so lovely and I can't thank her enough for making this day more special. It was worth going through hell with my driving test(s) just to have this memory. Safe to say I didn't nor will I ever take it for granted. 

ADVICE...

If you're worried about passing the first time, don't be. You'll pass when you are ready whether that's the first time, fifth time or tenth time... you will get there. Please don't put pressure on yourself just because friends and family have passed the first time. Be proud of your achievements because at the end of the day; A PASS IS A PASS and nobody cares how many attempts it took. If they do, they aren't worth being around. 

GOOD LUCK TO ANYONE GOING IN FOR THEIR TEST - YOU GOT THIS! :) 

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

2018 Blogging Goals

I've been blogging for around 3 years now, on and off. My love/hate relationship with my blog has finally paid off. Suppose you can say it's been hit and miss for the last couple of years. Alongside a full-time job, it's difficult to remain upbeat and excited about your content when all you want to do is sleep and unwind after a long shift. That was my life for the last year and a half and since the back end of last year, it all changed & I had more time to post the content that inspired me to write. 

 * Property of Jaydee Kelly *

Blogging is my escape, from everything going on in life. I love being able to sit down at my laptop and put my all into content for this blog. Some posts don't make the final cut but it's nice to look back on, giving myself ideas of where to improve or how I can develop my writing style into something more promising. This blog began in 2015 - it was a distraction from my depression while in the second year at University. Safe to say not much content was produced until my final year studying but even then it suffered. 

Lets fast forward to now... Recently my blog has been my fresh start to expressing my love for writing and content I love reading from other people - of course, putting my own spin on things. I love it. Although it's a case of still finding a rhythm for my little platform, it's a nice learning curve. 

WHAT MY GOALS FOR MY BLOG ARE...

• Create exciting content - Recently, I've decided to keep my blog about a bit of everything, under the 'Lifestyle' tab. If you can't use your platform to express yourself and what you have experienced, loved, cooked, made or bought etc. then what can you use it for? The aim of my content is so my audience can get to know me through what I choose to post. From a range of topics; Travel, Beauty items, haircare, film and tv, books, music, food, fitness etc. You name it, It'll make an appearance on here eventually. Heres to an exciting blogging year!!

• Make a difference - Whether that's working alongside a charity or giving back to those on the streets; I want to strive to make a difference while documenting it all on here. Not for "bragging" material, just because the world needs more love and inspiration than the controversy it's at now. 

• Meet new people - It would be nice to meet other bloggers and share experiences, learn new things and inspire one another to be the best we can be. I'm all for making new friends and meeting new people along a new journey and I'd love to have a few close friends who share the same ambitions as me with blogging and want to see the world. 

• Travel - As someone who has never left the U.K I would love to travel and blog my experiences! It's a promising goal to do something so creative and share the world through my eyes on here. 

• Expanding opportunities; Working alongside NEW & Favourite brands - The feeling of being able to work with a brand that I adore literally gives me goosebumps. For me, my biggest goal is to work alongside The Bodyshop and create some upbeat content on here, vlog an experience of working with them & produce something so exciting. A girl can dream, right?

• Be a full-time blogger - This is my ultimate dream. I decided to make my blog more lifestyle as it's full of a range of things that I personally love & would like to engage other people in. To know that my content is making someone's day or any advice I post is helping at least one person, will mean the absolute world to me. It's nice knowing there are people out there that support your rambles and like the content you post. Very motivating! 

What are your goals for blogging this year?

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

New Year, New Resolutions

Happy New Year!

Wow, that's Christmas put to bed for another year, Welcome 2018! Well and truly baffled at how quick time is just slipping away. Oh well. Another year full of goals, memories, journeys, and happiness. So exciting to say the least, I wanted to share some of my resolutions. I did one last year and I shocked myself with how much I achieved.

• Be more positive - Getting inside your own head is not a nice feeling. I struggle to stay positive with simple situations so achieving this resolution is #1 on my list.

• Get Professional Help For My Mental Health - Don't want to go too much into this topic as it's quite tender and fresh cut at the moment, but at some point, I want to seek professional help when it comes to my mental health. More so, for strategies to learn whenever I feel anxious, depressed or not myself. 

• Set More Goals - This is something I say will happen but never does. I am my own worst enemy at times which sometimes holds me back. I want to achieve more goals that I set and do more exciting, new and spontaneous things throughout 2018. 

• Say Yes More - Being too scared to say yes to more things soon catches up with you. 2017 I didn't take risks to say yes, I said no instead. For 2018, I want that to change to be able to go for a night out, or on a coffee morning with the girls, shopping and not feeling guilty, spending time with family/friends and taking more opportunities by the hands and just do big things.

• Find myself - Sometime's I don't even know who I am, or what I'm here for. Throughout this year I want to find that sense of security of knowing who I am and what my purpose is. Here's to the crazy adventure! 

Those are my resolutions for this year, nice and simple. When I first wrote it, it appeared I had more things I wanted to achieve to say I've done rather than develop on the things nobody talks about. Well, that's going to change. Stay tuned. 

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

July Favourites | 2017

Hola, everyone!

July for me was a good month. I have a few favourites that I wanted to share so here we go. I discovered a lot of new things, binge-watched television programmes and even achieved some goals, explored and had fun throughout. July was exciting, to say the least.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Theory test - All passed and ready to move onto my driving test. Took a lot of preparation and my advice would be to study for it. It might be 'common sense' but you learn more testing yourself before going in for the real thing.

New job - So throughout July, my new job started a few weeks earlier than planned. It's been an experience that's for sure. Juggling two jobs and a social life does become difficult but what gets me through it is knowing that I'll have enough income coming in before my operation takes place, so it'll be a stress-free two weeks of recovery! :)

Donating blood for the first time - Donating blood has always been something I wanted to do & it finally happened. As a first timer, it took a while to actually get prepared. It took two attempts to actually have my veins cooperate. I've always had an issue with my left arm veins acting up with blood tests so imagine a bigger needle trying to pierce it. Because of it dropping, we moved over to my right arm and SUCCESS... blood was flowing nicely. Although afterwards, I started to become lightheaded even though I had plenty of water & food... IT STILL MANAGES TO GET YOU. So if you're donating blood for the first time, don't try and leave if you feel unwell. This lasted a few days for me but I had annual leave so wasn't too bad. I'm booked in again for the 19th November & I can't wait :) You can sign up here if you're from the UK: NHS Blood Donation

ESSENTIAL FAVOURITES

Soap and glory hand food - my hands get really dry, especially through my job as a carer... there's no avoiding dry hands especially when you have to wear latex gloves (or powder free ones). I am obsessed with soap and glory, that's no secret. If you're new to my blog then check out previous favourites in the popular section and you'll see I'm not joking.
I carry this hand food everywhere I go, it's definitely keeping my hands less dry and icky. Couldn't recommend the stuff enough. You can find it here: Soap & Glory Hand Food

Dulcolax Tablets - I have a funny stomach. It's so temperamental I never know what mood it's going to be in. I guess you can say that about me too, being a Gemini and all ;) ha, jokes aside... if you're having trouble with bloatedness and indigestion, then try these. Take one at night time and it'll work wonders... 1 every 3 days should be enough and it's such a relief afterwards. A safer way than any other laxatives too. £1 from Asda Supermarket, can't go wrong.

Simple Wipes - Kind to skin & Radiance - face wipes can be irritable if you have weird skin. Welcome to my world if you do. I started using Simple after using the face scrub over a year ago and found the wipes cleared my skin. These wipes gave my skin a natural glow and cleared the excess dirt from my skin and OH MY GOODNESS, they're amazing. Do try them if you're looking for something to clear your skin, these help for sure.

Vaseline (cocoa butter) - Ok fine, you got me... I need to look after my lips more as I'm known for scraping the excess skin off when they are overly dry. We all have bad habits & that's one of mine. Recently, after stumbling over this cocoa butter vaseline, it's been my go to lip care and couldn't be more happy with the results. My lips haven't been as dry and this makes me happy, very happy in fact. Even my boyfriend said it smells nice and I guess if he kisses me, that's good right? haha.

MAKE-UP FAVOURITES

Rimmel London - Wake me up concealer - Nothing is more Godly than this product. I kid you not, it's literally saving my bags from imploding on my face. Fact.
I haven't used many concealer's but I more or less swear by this and use it every time I wear make-up without fail. You can find it here: Rimmel - Wake me up concealer

Lasting Finish Kate Lipstick, shade 30 - Every girl has a favourite lipstick. This has been my favourite since second year at University (two years ago... crazy!) I don't wear it very often, only for nights out, date-nights & family gatherings. I like darker shades as they suit more for my make-up looks and skin tone. The title says it all, it's a lasting finish lipstick and stays on for hours. I do sometimes have to reapply but then again that's very normal. You can find it here: Kate Lipstick - shade 30

Velvet Kiss Lip cream, shade Caramel 2 - If you're picky with matte lipsticks/glosses you'll adapt to this one very well. For £2.99 you can't really go wrong. I do wear this quite often and even picked up another one recently as it's amazing. Nude colours with a caramel hint are literally the best to finish off a simple or sophisticated make-up look. I'm not expert but if it works, it works... right? You can find it here: Velvet Kiss Lip Cream

PERFUME FAVOURITES

I don't usually wear perfume very much & if I do, it's always my Taylor Swift one... But recently, pondering through my wardrobe, I came across my "Golddigga Pink" perfume. I've had this since Christmas... I think. So I have no idea where it's from, but I assume it's relatively cheap. IT SMELLS SO GOOD, no joke. I'd highly recommend this if you're into the 'sweet' smells :)

TV FAVOURITES

Night Shift - If you have Netflix, do give this a watch. I love programmes where they focus on different types of medical aspects. With this series revolving around veterans who have served their country, it's quite inspiring and a very interesting storyline. As an ex- film and television student, if a programme has a good storyline & good intense plot, I'm sold.

Suits - It's no secret that I admire the law lifestyle, well the lifestyle television projects it as. (it's more or less how I imagine it to be) Suits is so addictive, very informative and it's got perfect dramatised plots... I AM OBSESSED. A few years ago within second year at Uni, I was very uncertain about watching it, at first I could get into it. Within final year of Uni, it was my hangover cure every other day (student life for you ha). Ever since, it's become apart of my routine especially because season 7 is now out on Netflix #notsponsored. I am loving how Donna is stepping her character up into a more challenging perspective, it's nice to see her in the limelight for once. She is literally a clear representation of my personality... sometimes.

Grey's anatomy - Where do I start? Last summer (2016) I got obsessed and it was unhealthy. Because my hours at work wasn't as hectic, every day becomes a "Greys Day" for me, with a cheeky dominoes on the odd chill day haha. I think the most emotional part of it for me was when George died... Like I couldn't fathom why they did SO LITTLE to save him. It still makes me angry even though they did what they could, it just seemed like they gave up on one of their own so freaking quick. This is how much it actually affected me... if you watch this & you cried, lets be friends.

That's all I have for now & this post has literally taken me a week or so to write haha. Can't wait to share my August Favourites in the next week or so!

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

June Goals & Achievements * round-up * | 2017

Hola, everyone! *waves* 

So after not blogging for a month or so, it's about time I posted again, so here we go. 

I always try to set myself some different goals each month. Throughout June I didn't have much on the list to label as a goal really as I'm still progressing on last months which you can find here: May Goals 2017

1. Going in for my theory test... again

A lot of people project a car theory test as 'common sense' and make digs at those who don't pass the first time. I, unfortunately, failed mine by 3 marks and the feeling of utter disappointment is a huge understatement. I revised a lot and did lots of mock tests and got a good score. When it came to the actual thing, Hazards perception was so unbelievably daunting but managed to somehow pass that with 60/75 which to me is an outstanding result. You can do all the revision in the world although remembering it is also hard to do, especially if you're me haha. I got 40/50 on the multiple choice and it encountered 43 to pass so you can imagine how crushing it was looking at my result. HOWEVER, it hasn't and will not stop me from trying again. In fact... I re-booked another attempt and hopefully this time my score will be better than ever. Gotta have a little faith, right?

2. Turning 23 
A new age, new me right? ha no, I'm the same boring old' Jaydee everyone grows to love. Jokes aside, It was my birthday at the beginning of June. I had the best birthday ever, my best friend from University who I spent the entirety of my third year with, drove 2-3 hours just to spend a few hours with me on my birthday! Had the chance to finally introduce my two favourite people to one another which made me indescribably happy. Although on the actual day, going into Meadowhall for some birthday dinner I dropped my 4-month-old iPhone and it smashed at the top corner. Might've been happy on prosecco and wine so oops haha. I could be the only person to see this as an achievement but I've made it to 23... I'll tell you why it's amazing news for me. 
At 4 years old, I had meningitis. If you don't know what it is, it's a bacterial infection which spreads around your body, affecting your hearing, sight and could experience a loss of limbs. Luckily before it could do any of that to me, my mum rushed me straight to the hospital and the doctors/nurses tackled the virus before it spread around my body. 
At age 10, I got knocked off my bike. I guess you can say it was a near death experience as I passed out half way through then woke up underneath a van after smashing my head against the pavement. I was lucky to walk away with a sliced open ear, cuts and bruising and a shattered ankle. So making it to 23 after nearly dying twice within my life, is an achievement and I'm very grateful to wake up every morning to carry on living my life. 

3. Getting back on my feet
It's been a long time coming but I'm just glad the struggle is over. It's taken me since the age of 19 to learn how to budget properly and making sure all my bills are paid on time instead of going silly with my money. My rent is £33 cheaper (was £433) as I have switched to paying weekly and it makes it so much easier. Finding a stable ground with work has helped too, making sure I'm getting enough hours while training for my new job to earn extra income. I'm so close to the end of my driving lessons, when I say close I mean... doing mock driving tests, close. It's such a good feeling to finally be in control of the things that were once brought me down. 

4. Losing weight
Let's be honest, it took me the majority of May to stop dining out. Even part of this month (June), guilty as charged. But, I have started to get more strict with eating better, along with exercising. This week alone I have had plenty bought in to eat throughout the busy work schedule and so far so good. I can continue my journey with slimming down. It's honestly the best feeling keeping your body fueled properly. I ain't doing it for anyone else, just myself - due to certain things started to eat away at my depression and anxiety which, if you suffer from you'll know how infuriating and difficult it is to maintain positive. Since May 29th up until around 15th June, remembered to keep a record of how much weight had been lost. 6 1/2 lbs lighter and it's made me realise that it is A LOT of body fat... see below to see what an average of 5 lbs looks like. It's kinda gross but seeing what you're losing is quite motivating, well it is for me anyways. I've gone from 164.4 lbs to 157 lbs - great achievement for sure. Still, a long way to go, but in order to see results change has to happen.

5. Booked time off work - finally
Never go 10 and a half months without annual leave. Biggest mistake of my life, but did my employer offer it me before? Unfortunately not which has sadly resulted in me losing last financial year's holidays. However, I've stood my ground and actually worked like a dog (lol) in order to book two weeks off which is in fact very much needed. Being a carer is so mentally draining so taking my annual leave for as long as I am should sort me right out as I'll have time to relax, blog, exercise & eat properly - all the things that are usually restricted haha.

6. Became a blood donor!
For a few years now I have wanted to sign up. Due to some health complications like having a low vitamin D deficiency, it restricted into me helping those in need until my levels were stable. Finally, my vitamin D levels are stable and have finally registered to be a blood donor! The first donation is while I'm off work on the 11th July & I'm beyond excited to finally achieve one of my biggest goals! It will most likely make next months favourites ha.  

The month as a whole has been so exciting from start to finish. Although towards the end of the month I did feel a bit run down but the best thing about June was achieving some goals, learning from mistakes and celebrating my 23rd year. All in all, it's been a good month and I'm so sad to see the end of it. Just hoping July is just as good :) 

What have been your highlights of June?

Thanks for reading!

Find me here: 

Instagram: @jaydeekelly 

Twitter: @crashl0nelystar 

xo

2 photo's from google.com - all rights reserved to them.

Unless stated otherwise all photo's are my own.