Asking for your support

Let me just start off by saying it is never my intention to trivialise mental health. In fact I abhor when people do. It's one of the very few things that will make me see red. But I do like to think I've proven something to myself here on this blog. As I've talked about time and time again I started The Agoraphobic Fashionista because I was struggling to find an outlet for many things. I didn't get out much then and I don't get out much now so it's easy to slip into thinking I haven't achieved much when in actual fact, I have. And I am somewhat a little proud of what I've been able to achieve without the additions of networking in real life. 

What you see here on The Agoraphobic Fashionista has all been achieved from home. Thus far. I've spoken to PR's, Journalists, found employment and made some amazing friends and connections all from behind a computer screen. 

Initially this blog was intended as a warts and all example of what it is like being agoraphobic and living with Bi-polar however I quickly realised that in order for me to feel better I needed to work on some things instead of just writing about them. Whilst it disappoints me to say I feel I'm no further on with the agoraphobia issue I have noticed a difference in the daily control of my moods. Instead of getting worked up to the point of breaking I'll pick up my laptop and start writing. This blog has become one of the premium weapons in my therapy arsenal.

The support I've encountered has been surprising and wonderful and I take great pride and effort in replying to every email I get asking for a shoulder. Yet another great consequence of this blog. Being able to discuss mental health openly and without judgement to others. 

It goes without saying that this blog has also allowed me the freedom to indulge my feminine side. The girly side I'd buried deep for so many years and whereas I'll never be a girly girl I'm most certainly enjoying all the pretty dresses! I've never before known such an unbridled interest, no.. passion for style and putting outfits together in style posts. 

Believe me when I say I am thankful. For all of your support.

If you have enjoyed my ramblings here on The Agoraphobic Fashionista then I would be incredibly grateful if you would deem this blog worthy of a Cosmo Blog Award. There are quite a few reasons why I am aiming for these particular blog awards so let me explain. Their circulation both in print and online is renowned. Let's not beat around the bush. The readership age ranges spectacularly. I would love nothing more than to bring mental health into the open just a little bit more. It would be a personal achievement of course but it would also feel worthwhile. What would life be without little targets? Sometimes it's what gets us through.

So if you agree and if you'd like to support my quest to Cosmo I'd be delighted to have your nomination in the Lifestyle Category.

You can either follow the link here: Nominate The Agoraphobic Fashionista or use the button below OR the button on my sidebar.


Thank you for all the support

Sera
xo

Nails Round Up

My nails have really suffered lately due to running out of my miracle nail wonder - Sally Hansen Strengthening Top Coat (it really does work miracles). So for a while we've been back at the nail breaking point. And peeling. And generally just in pretty woeful shape. Needless to say I've not been showing them the proper attention they'd like. For a week there I hadn't even any nail polish on my nails at all. Shocker, I know ;)

I've since repurchased said miracle nail cure and am lathering it on at every opportunity in a desperate attempt to grow those bad boys.

In the meantime I received a lovely care package from a good friend which contained a nail polish I'd been wanting to try since they hit the shelves. Barry M Hi Shine Gelly polishes. Boasting a high shine finish after just one coat. These little polishes are the alleged gelish polish cheats. Though I've not had gelish on my nails so couldn't possibly comment on whether it is a good match or not I can attest to the fact it looks the part most definitely. 

Barry M Hi Shine Gelly, Blackberry

I adore the colour first and foremost. It has the tendency to appear quite ink black at times with a hint of navy coming through. I wouldn't have guessed it was Blackberry if I'm honest but that's neither here or there saying as I like the colour. It does indeed take just 1 coat though I went for 2 personally. One piece of advice? Please wear a base coat. Unless you want to look as though you're gradually morphing into a smurf from the nails up.... It stands up to daily wear quite well, I did chip it on day 2 but I was using a cheese grater and we all know how lethal they can be for our talons! 

All in all I really like the colour and it does have a great hi shine finish. It looks quite a professional polish when on and I'm absolutely certain I'll be picking up more shades in this range. 

As far as I'm aware you can pick Barry M Hi Shine Gelly up in a range of stores from Asos, Superdrug, Boots etc etc so they'd be easily enough picked up or popped into a virtual basket.

And just before I pop off something rather exciting happened here this weekend - I got a new phone! After over a year of needing one I finally own a working mobile phone. It's like a whole new world folks! I opted for a Galaxy S2 which at the time of ordering came with a free Galaxy Tab2 (we ordered through Dialaphone) so I have well and truly stepped into the age of technology! Of course, knowing my new phone was on it's way meant I absolutely had to pick out a cover for it lest there be any little accidents and then OF COURSE I had to paint my nails to match said cover - well I mean, girls! Come on you know.... it had to be done!

I went for a base of OPI Kiss Me On My Tulips (still hate that name) and used the Technic white nail art polish to freehand the polka dots. A very worthwhile use of my time don't you think?

Any cool apps I should be looking at? 

Sera

xo