Sometimes Phone Pics…

PHOTO DIARY
August 6 2014
Phone pics

I love that I can achieve such great shots with my little old iPhone! As much as I love to carry around my big DSLR, sometimes it’s more practical to have my phone on hand to capture those instant moments for my instagram and other social media.

As I write this post, I’m sitting on my floor, in a pair of paint cladded leggings and tee! …I’ve been painting! Planned extensions and redecorations underway of my home, as well as a new home office. As you can imagine I’ve been running helter-skelter trying to find bits and pieces to fit perfectly in the office space and moving things about in general. It was about time that I got a proper office space as things have been growing very quickly with the Blog and YouTube (having transformed from a hobby to a job-hobby*) that it made sense to have a place where I can just work and focus all my energy on my content, filming, editing, blogging, email handling etc. …and yes, I do everything myself!

Sometimes it’s hard to rely on people all the time, so I’ve had to learn to do a lot of things myself, and balancing them all isn’t always easy. Needless to say, I always keep the faith that all the work I put in “in front of the camera” and “behind the scenes”, will pay off.

I planned on having some videos filmed but it’s been quite difficult with the renovations, and also my mind has been on other things, one of which is my poor papa, who’s been very ill. He’s doing better now, so thank God.

While scrolling through the interwebs yesterday, I came across this quote…

“The road to success has many potholes. You’ll fall into some-and they’re messy. Not only will you have to climb back out, you’ll have to dust yourself off, refocus, recommit, and keep going.”

…and it reminded me that sometimes in life, even if things are a bit hectic and difficult, you’ve just got to get up and keep going.

Choose happiness and remain positive.

Love always.

*Job-Hobby: A term I coined for what I do. It’s a hobby because it’s done in my leisure time, but now that leisure time is all the time… like a job, but more fun!

75 Comments

  • Reply FashionMaverick August 6 2014 at 9:10 am

    You look lovely as usual and the quote you shared is very true and encouraging.You are a very inspiring woman Shirely. Keep being you and I hope your dad gets 100% better.

    http://www.tiwiscloset.blogspot.co.uk

    • Reply Lola September 9 2014 at 1:47 pm

      Dear Shir , you have to be proud to be a strong and independent woman , love your style and the love and work that you put en everything…keep going!!!

  • Reply Motilayo W. August 6 2014 at 9:18 am

    I love the pictures and I love the quote.
    The silver necklace you are wearing in the 6th
    picture is gorgeous

    Much Love, M
    http://blvckorsomething.blogspot.com

  • Reply Dee Kay August 6 2014 at 9:27 am

    You are such an inspiration Shirley. I wish you all the success in everything you do, you truly deserve it.
    I love the positivity and the quote in this post. If it isn’t too much for you, I would love for you to share some tips on taking pictures with an iphone.

    I don’t own a DSLR and I use my iphone for my blog and youtube channel but I must admit I haven’t been able to get such beautiful pictures like the ones you’ve posted in this post. I would really appreciate it if you can give us any tips or even direct us to a resource online.
    Thank you so much for all that you do and I hope your Dad gets well soon.
    Dee
    Ms Dee Kay

  • Reply Coco Bassey August 6 2014 at 9:38 am

    Aww Shirley, wishing your dad a very speedy recovery!!! I hope everything turns out OK, it’s always so scary when a loved one goes through things like that!
    Love your phone pics, and looking forward to seeing what you come up with next on your blog and YT!
    xo, coco | millennielle.com

  • Reply Oroma Roxella Rukevwe August 6 2014 at 9:50 am

    You look great, Shirley. I’m loving the all-black ensemble!

    Oroma R.R.
    ORRBLOG

  • Reply Style Crescent August 6 2014 at 10:24 am

    Wow, you look amazing. These images are so chic! xx

    http://stylecrescent.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply Classy Susie August 6 2014 at 10:42 am

    Shirley you are such an inspiration, keep strong and keep the faith. It is well IJN.
    Susan | classysusie

  • Reply Chantal August 6 2014 at 11:13 am

    You look stunning in these photos! You’re very stylish 🙂 x

    http://www.savvysuperstylish.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply Ugo Ukam August 6 2014 at 11:32 am

    Yep it turned out Lovely….i love the black and white effect….
    TheBeautifulEagle

  • Reply Runway Ribbons August 6 2014 at 11:34 am

    Love the title of this post, cause it is true though, not everyday SLR, sometimes phone pics, lool! The term job-hobby is nicely coined as well, it makes perfect sense and I wish to have a job-hobby one day! 🙂 xx

    http://www.runwayribbons.com/

  • Reply StarFive August 6 2014 at 11:48 am

    Love the quote! Awesome and inspiring post.

    http://www.starfivepieces.com

  • Reply Berry Dakara August 6 2014 at 12:13 pm

    Aww, praying for good health for your papa!

    P.S. I would have called it a jobby 😀

  • Reply Nandipha Nogcantsi August 6 2014 at 12:27 pm

    Hey Shirley nice pictures as always. It is true in life you just have to move on and must not let anything keep u down. I am glad your dad is better now.

  • Reply M Adeniyi August 6 2014 at 12:41 pm

    Sorry to hear about your dad 🙁 but I’m glad that he’s getting better. Happy that things are going great for you. Well done 🙂

    http://www.popgoesfashion.com

    Mary

    x

  • Reply Tamia August 6 2014 at 1:36 pm

    Nice pics.

    http://adaywithoutyesterday.blogspot.com

  • Reply Tiffany August 6 2014 at 1:57 pm

    you’re always so positive. that’s why i love to come read your blog – always leave feeling a bit happier!

    these are a great set of iPhone pics! almost can’t believe they’re from your phone! also, best wishes to your papa!

    tiffany / tiffanyeatworld

  • Reply allthingsammamama.com August 6 2014 at 2:28 pm

    You are so hot! I am glad your dad is doing better. God is good 🙂

  • Reply JustPorsh August 6 2014 at 2:39 pm

    Beautiful pictures!
    Always amazingly beautiful. You inspire me in more ways than one.
    Tagged u on IG as my WCW.

    Sowie about your papa, God will definitely restore his health.

  • Reply Shereeeen ♥ August 6 2014 at 3:11 pm

    God willing your father will be the picture of health in next to no time. Stay strong! 🙂 Btw, I love your black err’thang outfit X
    thefashion-junkie

  • Reply Jules Styles August 6 2014 at 4:11 pm

    Can’t wait to see your future posts and YouTube videos in your new office space. Good to hear your dad is doing well and so are you.
    *julesstylefiles.blogspot.com*

  • Reply Andre Morson August 6 2014 at 5:12 pm

    Wow, what hot looks, gorgeous.
    http://www.handbagmadness.com

  • Reply Sara Chergui August 6 2014 at 5:18 pm

    These pictures are looking amazing ! Such a perfect style !

    Sara,
    http://thecrimeofashion.blogspot.fr

  • Reply Janielle Dunkley August 6 2014 at 5:43 pm

    I surely needed that quote and lovely pics Shirley..What apps do you use for your photos? xx

    http://www.alviajay.blogspot.com

  • Reply Kakou Tchabo August 6 2014 at 6:02 pm

    Love your style as always ! Great pics.
    I hope your dad gets better. 😘

    Herfashionempiretheblog.blogspot.com

  • Reply Lesley X August 6 2014 at 6:52 pm

    Great post Shirley! Love the photos, I can never get mine to look that good on my iphone. I hope everything goes okay for you x

  • Reply ann usman August 6 2014 at 6:55 pm

    amazing pictures Shirley…….love that quote as well…. 🙂

    http://www.ann-u.blogspot.com

  • Reply b. patricia. August 6 2014 at 7:17 pm

    Too pretty!!

  • Reply nnedi caroline August 6 2014 at 7:48 pm

    Ah Shirley your body is to die for! I really love this post, it’s so aesthetically pleasing and some great iPhone shots 🙂 x

    Nnedi // iamncxo.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply Amy Jackson August 6 2014 at 8:12 pm

    You always inspire me! Looking forward to your new vids. You look amazing!

  • Reply Bunmi Afuye August 6 2014 at 9:21 pm

    you’re like super woman and i don’t know how you do it all. Your dad is healed by the strips of Jesus. keep going. you’re such an inspiration

    kisses

    http://www.bumascloset.com

  • Reply Gymbags Gladrags August 6 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Stunning pictures! A blog post on how to take better quality pics with your iPhone would be great 🙂 Things to look out for like lighting etc- your pics always come out so white and bright!

    Sending best wishes and prayers to your father and family! I hope he recovers soon and that the renovations aren’t too stressful.

    C x | Gymbags & Gladrags – A UK Health & Fitness Blog

  • Reply Leta G. August 6 2014 at 9:50 pm

    Great pics!

    I’m interior designer, photomodel, dancer, music production student. Check out my new fashion blog http://letucc.blogspot.de/ Great and big things are coming!

  • Reply ValsBlogToYou August 6 2014 at 10:32 pm

    Everytime you make a post you leave it with a sparkle.

  • Reply mousewings August 6 2014 at 11:07 pm

    I like the all-black outfit.

    May your father’s health continue to improve. All the best to you and yours.

  • Reply Lilia Deterville August 7 2014 at 2:28 am

    Wishing your dad a speedy recovery Shirley! Looking forward to seeing your creative space :)Lilia

  • Reply 3girls1apple August 7 2014 at 2:30 am

    Awe! This is such a cute and inspirational post…not to mention that all black outfit up top is freaking out of this world. Love it! xoxo
    3girls1apple.com

  • Reply Kelly Marie Keating August 7 2014 at 8:37 am

    Love this quote & the gentle reminder that happiness is something you must actively choose for yourself! Lovely photos and outfits as usual girl! xoxo, Kelly

  • Reply Camille August 7 2014 at 8:49 am

    Lovely pictures
    Xoxo
    http://fashionbackyard.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply Amber McNiff August 7 2014 at 8:56 am

    Great photos

    http://www.ambermcniff.co.uk

  • Reply Eugenie MacDonald August 7 2014 at 11:04 am

    Love your style! Love the quote!
    Hope you Dad gets better soon xo

    http://genielovedoll.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply Cheechee Abang August 7 2014 at 1:01 pm

    You wear the monochrome so well.I pray ur papa gets well soon.
    http://www.styleexplicit.blogspot.com

  • Reply Melanie Owusu August 7 2014 at 3:37 pm

    So lush! 🙂 x
    http://mellscloset.blogspot.dk/

  • Reply alice bea August 7 2014 at 3:53 pm

    Love this post, I always carry around my iPhone for those moments xx

    http://wiltedxfaded.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply Beauty August 7 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Nice update; a lot of exciting things have been happening to you and thank God for your Daddy’s health.

    You look lovely in all your photos.

  • Reply Onyxsta Bleurgh August 7 2014 at 11:46 pm

    I have come to realise that happiness is a social construction and the plight to it is ridden with disappointment, anger and failure. However, it takes a wise (wo)man to spot that true happiness comes in appreciating the view, enroute.

    BLEURGH – http://www.bleurghnow.com

  • Reply Nina Francesca August 8 2014 at 5:32 pm

    Ah you look amazing! I love the ripped denim and leather jacket combo 🙂 x

    http://www.nina-francesca.com

  • Reply abigailalicex August 8 2014 at 6:03 pm

    Absolutely stunning photos, I love carrying round my big camera but sometimes it’s just not practical! Best of luck with redecorating.

    http://www.abigailalicex.com

  • Reply To and Flo August 9 2014 at 11:43 am

    I love your style Shirley x

    http://www.toandflo.com

  • Reply Jenny Olatunji August 10 2014 at 9:38 pm

    You are so beautiful Shirley

    Jennos Health.

  • Reply ELÃNA August 11 2014 at 3:35 pm

    I wish I had a Job-hobby!

    http://trendsettersince83.blogspot.com

  • Reply akaPrinzessin August 11 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Shirley! Love all the recent blog posts! I was wondering if you could either do a video/post on your favourite flat shoes? Much love and all the best wishes for your Dad! xox

  • Reply Joana Sá August 12 2014 at 2:17 pm

    You look so amazing in all this photos

    Kiss kiss.*Jo
    http://joandcompanystyle.blogspot.com/

  • Reply Khensi Khoza August 12 2014 at 5:36 pm

    Love Love Love <3

    http://www.stylesokhensi.com

  • Reply Mariah Ruthel August 12 2014 at 7:35 pm

    So beautiful! You’re my style inspiration 🙂

    – Mariah-Ruthel
    http://mariahruthel.blogspot.ca/

  • Reply Edwige Foltek August 14 2014 at 6:41 pm

    You are such a young lady with a big heart!!! The pics turned out great and I love every single shot! I wish a 100% recovery to your dad!!! I’m stealing that quote! Thanks for sharing!
    XoXo,

    Edwige| http://www.hypnozglam.com

  • Reply Ria Michelle August 17 2014 at 3:59 am

    I hear ya on doing everything yourself. So hard some days, but definitely worth it.

  • Reply Shante' August 18 2014 at 2:06 pm

    Love you! My absolute favourite blogger! – Sending you love all the way from South Africa. xxx

  • Reply Daria August 18 2014 at 5:36 pm

    I know this might be something like the 60th comment on this post and you might not read it but… I wish you all the good luck and I also hope your papa gets better soon! 🙂 keep going girl, you rock! x

  • Reply Miri August 21 2014 at 7:38 am

    Beautiful blog! You look stunning!

    XX
    Miri
    http://currentlywearing.com

  • Reply t Shirts fever August 21 2014 at 9:38 am

    I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues?
    A small number of my blog visitors have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?

  • Reply Eve A Murray August 23 2014 at 10:56 am

    I love the new look in your blog Shirley! It’s perfect. Loving your new post too. Xx

  • Reply LaurenOLauren August 25 2014 at 2:41 pm

    I just love you. Your attitude is something so many people can learn from.

  • Reply Cheri September 6 2014 at 9:37 pm

    Your work ethic and focus is definitely something to be admired – perhaps you could do how to have it all/manage your life effectively vid where you could share your tips with juggling competing priorities? x

  • Reply A Million Pinks September 12 2014 at 10:42 pm

    your work ethic is insane and you are GORGEOUS.

    http://www.amillionpinks.com

  • Reply THE HOTJEM Fashion Blog September 14 2014 at 3:41 pm

    I love the new layout of your blog. You kept is sweet and simple! Yes sometimes its only an iPhone or any cellphone that you need to capture that moment! I use mine a lot for my blog so it has come to my rescue time and time again! Good luck and keep on keeping on!
    http://www.thehotjem.com

  • Reply Andreia September 16 2014 at 6:20 am

    Hi Shir,

    I am your #1 FAN, I love your blog and everything you do. I just need your help with something, which app or photo editor you use to put your pictures together like this? Thanks,

    Xx,
    http://www.diaryofalifelover.com

  • Reply Amanda Moreira September 25 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Hi Shirley ,
    I love your style.. I need a little help with my website. Can you please give me feedback. I sway more towards the chic ,simple, clean lines… You inspire me.. keep it going .. I love every picture on your website…. YOur doing an amazingly chic job…

    Much love
    Amanda xoxo
    Instagram : ammoreira
    Blackhousehijabs.

  • Reply Saphia Louise November 28 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Came across your blog, and I must say, I love it. Well, first I was on your youtube and had to make my way here lol. Awesome, keep doing what you’re doing !

  • Reply RoseThorne April 18 2015 at 11:28 pm

    Hi Shirley, u have been a very-much needed break during my end-of-semester exams. After all the studying and stressful days, i always looked forward to checking out ur videos on you-tube.And when u said u had a blog, i just had to check it out. And of course i LOVE it!!!!

  • Reply Lucy May 1 2015 at 5:20 am

    Hey Shirley don’t know if you will get to see this but am very inspired by you having learned that you do nearly everything by yourself is just so inspiring…My cousin and I currently have a fashion blog that’s beggining to grow and We wouldn’t hide that its a bit hectic. Being students getting a good camera for the shots its a hustle so we rely on our phones and probably lend cameras from other people which Ofcourse is not easy to do…we pray that one day we will get a good camera hence our blog would become better…and the first quote you wrote really does enlighten me that we all have to start from the bottom and climb all the way to the top.it shows that when we are on the road to success we will come across obstacles that will prevent us from moving forward.so all we have to do is believe and have faith that everything will go well…we are currently residing in Africa.
    Thanks Shirely and may God bless the work of your Hands
    Love always
    Lucy and Akuany

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  • Reply Michelle Amarteifio February 16 2016 at 10:33 am

    Hi Shirley, what camera do you use for photography?
    Thank you.

  • Reply Ifelaja Sarah May 22 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Thanks for that quote. I love you Shirley!!!!

  • Leave a Reply to Ifelaja Sarah Cancel Reply