About
Shannon
Hey you! Welcome to my blog and I really hope you enjoy your stay and keep coming back. This is where you can find out everything about me and my blog. I’m Shannon and www.shanylou.co.uk has been my corner of the internet circa 2013. I have always loved travelling around the world and now my blog will feature my guides, tips and recommendations from my travels.
I want to share my affordable travel tips with you whilst also going on bucket list trips and being ethically friendly. On my blog you can find everything from my travel guides, tips, favourite experiences and other lifestyle topics. I aim to share helpful and useful guides to help you explore the world around us without it costing you a fortune. As well as sharing with you my travel guides, I also love to share my favourite beauty products, lifestyle tips and self improvement methods I have learnt throughout life.
I am a A Level graduate of Media Studies and Photography and I’m currently working in financial services. (Not my ideal job but it’s a job for now). I dream of becoming a self employed photographer. Or working in a photography firm either photographing wildlife or whilst travelling.
I have a massive passion for animal welfare and being ethically friendly as much as possible. My blog has been cruelty free since June 2016, by only using cruelty free products and brands and refusing to use brands who test. I also became vegetarian in 2019, which has made a huge impact on my life for the better. A little fact about me that I want to share with you is that I can say the alphabet backwards. (A useless talent I know but it makes me unique.)
If you would like to know more about me, then get in touch or check out my FAQs below.
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FAQ
What is your blogging schedule?
I have changed my blogging schedule around so it’s a little more sporadic and not as scheduled as I prefer to write more in depth posts not as often. I don’t have a set routine or time when I post new things so keep an eye out on my socials for when I post something new.
What do you blog about? What is your blog about?
My blog is based around budget/affordable topics for those who love a good bargain, who are students (as I was one myself) and those who are working with a budget. I blog about beauty, lifestyle, music, travel, advice and any other little thing that pops into my head. I am also a newly turned Cruelty Free blogger so I will now blog about all cruelty free brands and makeup products.
Do you get paid for your blog/writing content?
No, I do not get paid for writing content. Everything featured or written about on my blog was paid for with my own money. If any post/product is sponsored or sent to me by a brand, I will disclose so in the post. My opinions on products are completely my own, whether it was purchased or sponsored.
Are you under an agency?
No I am not under an agency. I am a completely independent blogger.
When did you start your blog?
I set my blog up on the 24th November 2012 but my first blog post was published in January 2013.
What camera do you use?
I currently use my Canon 60D with my 50mm lens or 60-130mm lens. I also occasionally use my tri-pod depending on what I’m shooting. You can check out my photography work on my website portfolio here.
What brands are cruelty free?
I try to feature only cruelty free brands on my blog but the odd few do slip the net. You can check out my cruelty free starter guide for my favourite brands and charities to support.
When and why did you turn zero waste/ethical?
I turned zero waste and ethical, more so around March 2020. It has been something that has always been on my mind but has since become more apparent during COVID-19 lockdown. I was able to focus on what I want to use and don’t and research more into zero waste products. You can read all of my posts HERE.
Which are your favourite blogs to read?
I follow quite a lot of blogs for various different reasons and topics. Some of my favourite travel bloggers are The Blonde Abroad, Where’s Mollie? and Isabella Dobozy’s Instagram. Some of my favourite beauty bloggers are Jodie Melissa and Pint Sized Beauty.
Story behind my URL?
My URL comes from my first and middle name, which is Shannon Louise. Shany always used to be my nickname when I was younger and Lou which is short for Louise; so I put them together to create shanylou and I’ve always liked the sound of it. It makes my blog more personal and from my point of view.
What is your lighting and photographing set up?
I am currently exploring and trying to find new ways of making my photos look better at the moment, but for now I am using as much natural lighting as possible which is difficult working full time during the week and the only time I can take photographs is at the weekend. I also use flash on my camera and some minor editing to help brighten up the photographs.
Do you do any photo editing?
I do a little bit of editing, mainly I edit my photos in GIMP (which is a free, permanent and easier to use version of Adobe Photoshop) I also use photo collage apps such as iPiccy and Canva on the web to create collages I use in posts. If the photos I take come out too dark I will always bump up the brightness and sometimes contrast using GIMP. I’m not an editing pro! I prefer to keep my shots as natural as possible with minor tweaks here and there so nothing major.
When and why did you turn cruelty free?
I turned cruelty free in June 2016, after hearing so many stories in the news of animals being treated horribly and being killed for things they didn’t do it gave me a kick up the backside to finally make a change. I have always loved animals from being a little kid and I have always supported the welfare of animals. Even from watching animals being killed in movies, I have always hated it. You can read up on more reasons why here!
Who designed your brand and blog?
My blog design and features were all designed by Giada at Miel Cafe Designs. She was absolutely amazing and I couldn’t recommend her more. She was very efficient and worked really quickly but also produced high quality work for a really reasonable price. She has helped me design my blog header, 2 blog designs, business cards and media kit! Read about my latest redesign here. You can read more about what she’s done here.
How can I shop the products you use?
In most cases, the products I use are featured in the blog post in the SHOP THIS POST section, especially if it’s beauty related but if not you can check out my SHOP page here to browse my favourite fashion, homeware and lifestyle pieces that I enjoy using daily.
