2023. I haven't written in a while!

Well, hello.
I haven't written on here in ages! I guess with Instagram and YouTube being such a thing, words kind of get a bit lost and I forget to update things here. But I do enjoy writing - hence why some of my IG captions are so long.
I'm going to try and backdate some events and stuff, putting it all down into words here!

Quick catch up - what's been happening?
Well, I've now been at PaddlUp for 2 years!! It's so much fun and legit a dream job. Around amazing cars all the time, shooting them and discussing cars with people all the time. Especially now we're open on Saturday mornings. It's fab.

But then I'm missing proper events so badly! I hate winter...

I got to visit Dubai in Jan for my 30th birthday, with my boyfriend Max for the first time in years. I'll share some more of that trip.
I went and did some amazing workshops with Erin Baker in 2022 - definitely going to expand on that further in words! So keep an eye out!
I'll share some behind the scenes life of work.
I shall make sure to update more blog pieces, more frequently this year so keep an eye out.

#Skullsandsnacks - KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN! - CHICK AND BEERS!

It's only right to kick off my first foodie blog with this INCREDIBLE establishment!

I was watching David Chang's 'Ugly Delicious' with my boyfriend on Netflix one evening (his shows are amazing by the way!) when his episode of Fried Chicken came on. This triggered the foodies within us to CRAVE it! Now... we could of opted for that fast food chain of fried chicken. But I wanted more - I wanted to experience Korean Fried Chicken. 

A quick search of Google and Instagram lead us to Chick and Beers. We saw some pics on Instagram and that was it! Coats on, keys grabbed, out the door and en route!

They have two stores, but we opted for the Coombe Road branch, located at the far end of the main high street of New Malden.

We arrived to this lovely minimalistic restaurant on the corner. Some restaurants can seem so cramped, or overly garish in decor, but this place was just lovely - so chilled, despite being rather full. As soon as we opened the door, this lovely woman came and greeted us and showed us to our table, handed us menus and was so sweet! (Despite having returned I still haven't learn her name but she's awesome!!)

We ordered a tray of Half/Half - Half soy and half glazed with a side of fries. OH MY GOD. Both styles were DELICIOUS. Succulent, moist, tasty chicken that falls off the bone - with an incredible coating! The soy was sticky, crunchy and sweet. (My mouth is watering as I type this, craving some more of it!) The fried style was seasoned beautifully, crispy and just amazing!) 

Special shout out to the fries though! OH WOW. Never have I had such incredibly seasoned fries, that were so moreish! They do lovely Cajun fries, but these regular fries with seasoning is perfection! They also serve phenomenal pickled radish!! It just accompanies the chicken so perfectly. Not too sweet, not too sour - just PERFECT!

My boyfriend decided to also sample the Sticky Nuggets, a crunchy, sweet coating that was incredibly sticky! But very very yummy!

We did also go collect a takeaway during this isolation period, once lockdown rules had been eased! I took some chicken to some key workers, where my boyfriend works and brought the rest home. As soon as I delivered the chicken to my boyfriends friends' it was demolished! Basically we've received messages asking when we're next going to bring some back, and it's been discussed as soon as life resumes we're going to eat them out of house and home! 

Our takeaway consisted of Half/Half - Half Soy and Half Spicy (as my boyfriend and his parents love spicy food! Me... not so much!) But we also got a box of Spring Onion Chicken. OH. MY. GOD. Soy coated chicken breast strips, topped with spring onion and fresh lemon juice. ABSOLUTELY MINDBLOWING! The taste, the textures, the smell... I can't explain it! You just simply need to try it yourself!

For more information on Chick and Beers -

https://www.facebook.com/chickandbeers/
https://www.instagram.com/chickandbeers/

Some new ideas...

Afternoon all! I'm currently sat with this as my view...

Where I've decided to start writing this - I have had the idea to expand on 'skullsandsnaps' - predominantly here on my blog but may extend to Instagram/Facebook.
When I say expand, I mean it will obviously remain predominantly automotive BUT... I will include some other topics. 

#Skullsandsnacks - the foodie that I am

#Skullsandtrips - the travel junkie I am
#Skullsandsnaps - will be the car/photography stuff

#Skullsandself - the more personal in depth side

Travelling and food are two of my favourite things! So I thought why not divulge into this a bit more?! Each blog will begin with the relevant hashtag so you know what it's about.

If there is anything in particular you think I should write about or want to know, just let me know!

Take care
Skully x

ISOLATION... so I'm being creative and actually writing.

I'm not really sure where this is going to go... but we're going! 

It's been a while since I've done anything creative for this whole 'skullsandsnaps' stuff, especially any form of writing. But I figured whilst in isolation I may as well do something - considering I can't go out and take photos of cars, I can't film cars (and didn't really fancy just filming random stuff for the sake of it... although I might - just to use my creativity visually but we'll see) and can't say I don't have time. Sooooo... here we are!

This is quite a strange time right now, not sure how long we're going to be told to stay in, not sure when life will resume or if it will just resume! Will it change? Will life be completely different? Or will it just weirdly go back to normal? We don't know, and I think that's what is scaring people. The fear of the unknown.

It's all very sad and stressful what is happening - especially for our amazing key workers on the frontline!
The nurses, doctors, porters, admin staff, call handlers, paramedics, midwifes, specialists, police officers, firefighters, military, teachers, nursery staff, childminders, teaching assistants, social workers, food chain workers, delivery drivers, warehouse staff, postal staff, utility staff, engineers, bus drivers, lorry drivers, shop workers, shelf stackers, train drivers, pilots, roadside assistance, mechanics, technicians... you're all amazing!

One thing I have enjoyed during all this - social media. Apps like TikTok showing NHS and frontline staff on their breaks trying to have some fun amongst this madness by dancing and having a laugh. The appreciation to the people risking their lives daily for all of us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook has been lovely.

I think I'll wrap this up here and have a think about what to write about next... 

Take it easy
Skully x

WHERE IS THE HYPE FOR THIS ONLINE?! TESSA WHITTOCK FIRST FEMALE DRIFTER SPONSORED BY MONSTER ENERGY!!

Okay... So I'm shocked!

Tessa Whittock announced 2 days ago, that she is the FIRST female Drift Motorsport athlete in the world, to be sponsored by Monster Energy!

But where is the hype for this?!

This is AWESOME!

Tessa has been a part of Driftworks since May 2018, when DW unveiled her as the newest member of their team with a YouTube video of her lighting up the rear wheels of her 1JZ Nissan Skyline R33 GTST. (BTW... lighting up her GORGEOUS Work Meister S1's! 😍)

She has competed in British Drift Championship, King of Europe & Queen of Europe. Earning high respecting second and third places frequently!

I feel this needs to be promoted and celebrated more - as we know the Automotive world in general is very male dominated. So when a very deserving, dedicated, hard working female such as Tess gets this opportunity it should be really promoted and encouraged!

Being signed to Monster Energy Tess is now signed up alongside some very prestigious names, these are her fellow drifters - Buttsy Butler, Baggsy Biagioni, Ken Block, Vaughn Gittin Jr, Daigo Saito, Luke Woodham etc

If you aren't following Tess see her Instagram or her Facebook here.

This woman is AMAZING! So hard working, so passionate and so kind. She deserves all of this!

Congratulations Tess!

Skully x

One tough Fathers Day...

I was trying to think about how to write this...
Do I do this as an open letter to my Dad? Do I do this like a diary?
How do I do it?

Anyway, I'm not alone in finding Father's Day tough - many do! Whether their Dad's are no longer here with them, or whether their Dad's have never been around - it's tough!

I also wanna say Happy Fathers Day to the single mums. They should be acknowledged too.

This is my first Fathers Day without my Dad, I want to get this out the way now so on Fathers Day I can celebrate and remember my Dad - but also enjoy my day with my Boyfriend and his family.

My Dad was (and still is) my hero. He taught me right from wrong, he taught me to be myself, he taught me to act, he told me it was okay to be me and not always be girly, he was always so proud of me and I guess it's part of the reason I've allowed Skullsandsnaps to suffer a bit - he's not here to enjoy and celebrate this stuff with me anymore. I guess I also worry I won't do as much amazing stuff without him here, and I'll let him down. Hence why posts are less are less, and why I've kind of neglected it.
He was always the one to tell me to follow my dream with Car Photography or something related to it - like the videos etc - but he backed me on following that, and now with working it's not so easy. It's definitely not easy to find a sustainable photography job in the Automotive sector.

I've just started watching the singing videos I used to do with Dad in the car, and would share to Instagram and I am so glad that I shared those with the online world, because it allowed people to see how great he was. He couldn't often attend events towards the last year or 2 of his life but it meant a lot to have people constantly ask about him. I'm still overwhelmed at how much love and support we received after he passed away. People were so lovely!

There's people I wish my Dad could of met & there's people I'm SO glad my Dad did meet - especially having got to meet, and "approve" of my Boyfriend. (He was one tough guy to please!) Now a topic I've never really touched upon was the Mum thing, for many many years it was just my Dad raising me and my Sister. My Dad ALWAYS wanted me to reconcile with my Mum and me being as stubborn as I am, just kept saying no. With a messy history - I always refused. Until it was too late... February this year, everything got too much for me, I didn't like living alone at the house without Dad, I needed help. I swallowed my pride and asked Mum for help. We wrote off 10 years of no contact, apologised and resolved things in hours. She took me in. I hate that I was so stubborn to of not sorted this years ago - whilst Dad was still here.
[This is why I include my line at the top about single Mum's being celebrated on Fathers Day, we used to celebrate my Dad on Mothers Day in the years he raised us alone, and now we remember Dad and celebrate Mum for doing both]

I have soooo many stories and examples of how awesome my Dad was - but I'm not going to sit here and write them all out. I'm just simply going to say - if you're lucky enough to have your Dad still, call him, sit and talk to him, ask his opinion on stuff, take him out, go for a coffee, go for a drive... just enjoy that time together!

To those in the same position as me, with not having your Dad here with you physically to celebrate with - celebrate his memory! Remember the good times.

I think thats enough therapy writing for today - have a good weekend all.

Skully x

Real life, online life... coping with LIFE.

Hey hey!

So I thought I'd follow on from my Instagram story the other day, after it seemed to be so well received!
I had such beautiful messages of support - people saying thank you, people getting things off their chest, not feeling alone, just being reminded that life is more important than social media! It was incredibly overwhelming to receive so many lovely messages.
But it wasn't a sense of self satisfaction from having nice messages sent, it was just nice to know that people didn't feel alone, and that what I had said had helped some people to feel better and less stressed. That if there was stuff people had bottled up lately - they then felt from my post they could message me and discuss it.

For those that missed it, here is a brief summary of what was said -

+ DON'T TAKE SOCIAL MEDIA SO SERIOUSLY!

+ Appreciate the real people around you & spend time with them. 

+ Don't compare yourself to people on social media. It's not real! It's fake!
+ People live 2 lives, I know, I've essentially done it - the social media life and the real life.

+ Don't focus on the number of followers, the number of likes... it's irrelevant!

+ Don't worry about what someone else/other people are doing - JUST. DO. YOU.
+ Everyone is fighting a battle, sometimes just getting out of bed is enough! 

+ Check on the people around you! Ask how they are randomly, let the people around you know you are there for them, anytime, for anything! (We'll discuss this more later...)

Don't worry about the number of followers you have, don't worry about the number of likes you get, don't worry about who is posting what, where etc... we're all guilty of comparing ourselves to others! When we shouldn't!
We all panic that we don't appear to be achieving the same epic stuff we see others doing on Instagram.
I'm guilty in the past of feeling incredibly, low and depressed from seeing some amazing things people have been doing with cars, and feeling like I'm a real under achiever, like I'm not enough, like a failure!
But we all have different opportunities, some earn them, some use who they know rather than what they know, some get lucky, some work incredibly bloody hard! We just can't judge ourselves on other people, because we just don't know.
It's times like that I find I have to step away from social media, before it sucks me in and I feel this horrendous anxiety and panic come over me. Which is silly! It's an app, it's a made up world online essentially. But in times like that, where you feel that low and that consumed in this dark pit of feeling inadequate online - you don't think HOLD UP!!! WHY YOU BEING SILLY?! LOOK AT WHAT YOU'VE ACHIEVED *insert personal list here* but for me, I've been to Sweden and was the first to shoot the Koenigsegg Regera, I've had a 3 page feature of my Oakley Veyron images in Fast Car magazine, I've driven a Porsche 918, I've shot events in Dubai, I've been to SEMA - but away from cars, I've tackled being bedbound with M.E when I was 16, I battle daily with Fibromyalgia and M.E, I've been a carer for my Dad etc. My point is, there is a lot we can all sit and list personally that we've achieved.

I really do worry about social media and peoples mental welfare. The amount of pressure out there is INSANE!
The pressure to look a certain way, to act a certain way, to achieve everything by what seems like tomorrow, or else you're a failure... It's awful. Things don't just happen overnight! We are all different. We all have our own paths to take. We all have our own journeys. We all have our own battles to tackle.
This is why I said on IG the other day that sometimes, just getting out of bed for some is a win! Because sometimes it is, for some people - if you're battling a mental health condition, just getting out of bed can be a massive achievement. Just as if you have a physical condition and are fortunate enough to be able to get out of bed! It's something you achieved, and it's brilliant.

People are SO judgemental and critical these days, which adds to the pressure of life. I will never understand the people who go out of their way to antagonise someone, or insult, critique, or slate someone purely because they have a personal vendetta against them and usually with no cause, no rhyme or reason!

Just remember to step away from social media now and again, appreciate the people around you. Especially parents and grandparents - because TRUST ME, when they're no longer around, you wish you'd spent every moment possible with them!
But don't forget your friends too, don't just use social media to stay in touch - go and meet up, have a coffee, a meal etc. No phones, sit and communicate. Check on them! Ask if they're okay, ask if they need help or support with anything, LISTEN...
All too often these days we hear about suicide and people not coping, which is truly tragic! It's usually the ones who appear to be larger than life, the ones who seem to check on everyone else - but does anyone ever check on them?!
I've been plunged into those depths, considering the "easy way out" - admittedly, not purely due to social media, but it can definitely add to the negativity in your mind and just make you feel like you're drowning.
If it wasn't for my incredible support network around me, I wouldn't of survived last year. So a massive thank you to my boyfriend, my sister, my best friends, my Mum, and the family at CGO who kept me going. With these guys amazing support, I managed to move house, get a job, resolve old family issues and actually grieve the loss of my Dad (rather than bottle it up!!!) essentially flipping my life round in two weeks!

But just remember to check in on those around you, sometimes it's hard for people to admit they aren't coping but let them know you are there for them, always!

On that note, if anyone ever needs a chat - just drop me a DM. No judgement. No criticism. Just a place to speak if you need it.

Take care

Skully x

REAL GIRL TORQUE - Delayed International Women's Day Post!

Apologies for the delay!
I was meant to do this on the 8th for International Women's Day to match with my Instagram post but I completely forgot!

I've received harsh criticism in the past for my "lack of supporting females in the car world" - which is MASSIVELY wrong.
I grew up reading Vicky Parrott's Autocar road test reviews, watching Sabine Schmitz absolutely annihilating the Ring on Top Gear and throwing around the Ring Taxi, watching old footage of Michele Mouton killing it in Group B rallying, Vicky Butler-Henderson presenting Fifth Gear, keeping up to date with Leena Gade's team (like becoming the first female race engineer to win Le Mans!)
Then recently we have seen Tatiana Calderon get a seat in F1 testing for Alfa Romeo, Amna Al Qubaisi driving in Formula 4 & testing in Formula E, Abbie Eaton making moves on The Grand Tour setting INSANE lap times and racing in numerous series, Aseel Al Hamad became the first female board member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, and celebrated the ban on female drivers in Saudi by doing a parade lap in the Lotus Renault E20 at the 2018 French Grand Prix.
We have Nathalie McGloin the only female tetraplegic racing driver in the world, that works with the FIA and Dare To Be Different (Susie Wolff's initiative to help females in the motor sport world.)
There is also some INCREDIBLE ladies Stateside... Aimee (aka Petrolgirl on IG) has set up and hosts some of America's biggest and best car events, from Exotics on Cannery Row to managing Goldrush Rally and Fuelrun. She is one bad ass lady, and I'm fortunate enough to be invited to join some online groups Aimee has set up for female petrolheads! Then we have Amber, who is really close with Aimee - and it's nice to see two women really empower and inspire one another. Supporting and caring for each other, and promoting one another - backing each other! Anyway, Amber runs GI Automotive. I remember the first pic I saw of her, was working on a Murci (which is the pic I chose on my IWD post) and thought she was so cool! I then found out that Amber has serviced and maintained some of the worlds best cars, based in California. Also based in the US, is Stephanie Cemo who has just announced, on IWD might I add, that she's going to be racing in Super Trofeo this year which is amazing!
DRIFTING! There are some insanely talented women that drift too! We have Tessa Whittock, Michelle Westby and Lozza Hinks off the top of my head... but there are skilled women worldwide in drifting that I've seen online.
But see.... There are SO many incredible females out there - some I'm fortunate to know, some I've been lucky enough to speak to or meet, some I just admire for their determination and skill...
These are women I support and admire, driving for change, to be noticed, to be equal!
Unfortunately with being female in a male dominated industry, it can be tough! But personally, there's always a strange thrill to it. We shouldn't have to be proving ourselves because of our gender - but in some circumstances it happens. In times I've been spoken down to, or doubted, or heard "but you're a girl" there is this thing within me that just always wants to whack out some crazy car knowledge, or technical lingo to shock whichever narcissist has just taken a dig at me cause I'm female.
Things are changing for sure! But there is still a long way to go. We just need to provide that moral support to empower each other.
I've met some incredible females via Instagram - whether they drive amazing cars, or take photos of amazing cars! It's been so cool to meet like minded females and interact! Girls like:
Chloe (@chloxbaldwin) take amazing shots,
Hattie drives amazing cars (@harriet_florence_83)
Monique is one of the coolest ladies I've met, discussing when Fast & Furious came out and how the scene was in the States and how it changed due to that movie etc (@h_monique86)
then we have Women Who Spot, based in India trying to change how women are accepted in India within the car world (@womenwhospot)
(@shamotive) an incredible woman showing what it's like behind the scenes of being a clay model artist at Jaguar!
Katie, a bad ass Essex chick with an epic Cossie and love of old school cool, drivers motors! (@katie_anne_k15cos)
Another Katie (@katieharcus) working at Prestige Restoration, who shared a lovely post on IWD regarding her mum and her influence on Katie's passion for cars.
Helen is a fabulous employee at HR Owen Ferrari with a true passion and knowledge for the brand! I absolutely adore her (@hjwakerley)
Lauren works at BMW, drives a VX220 and posts loads of cars that attend track days! One very cool chick (@laurenscamps)
then the most fashionable car chick on the gram - combining shoes and cars - (@heelsnclutch) such a kind soul too!
I've had some lovely messages to say thank you for showing that it's okay for females to be into cars, it's okay to go do what the boys do with going and taking photos of cars, and people praising me for my knowledge & passion of cars and standing up against guys in this male dominated industry.
So ladies, KEEP GOING! KEEP BEING AWESOME! KEEP COMPETING! KEEP BEING STRONG!

Skully x

Let's have some "Girl Torque" - Aseel Al Hamad

Now this woman is EVERYWHERE! I mean everywhere... So let's "torque"
(Get it? Instead of talk. Anyway...)
This woman has every right to be everywhere at the moment! Female entrepreneur and petrol head Aseel Al Hamad. 

Aseel has made a major statement, being a Saudi Arabian woman behind the wheel of a vehicle. But not just any vehicle, a Formula One car.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had never allowed females to hold a driving licence, until this year when they finally changed the law. But not only did Aseel finally get let behind the wheel, she fulfilled a dream in driving Renault's, 2012 Lotus Renault E20 F1 car around Paul Ricard, in a parade to mark the return of the race after 10 years away from the circuit.

I've also seen Aseel in a video that Jaguar did with her, on World Driving Day (24th June, who knew!) which was filmed in her homeland of KSA, at Reem International Circuit, where she threw an F Type around.

She is the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation, and also on the Women in Motorsport Commission which was set up by the FIA.

Since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have now allowed women to have licences, this has ended the world's last ban on female drivers.

Aseel has done many interviews and says she hopes this now opens even more doors for females in motorsport.

I think this is every females hope to be honest. I'd love to see a woman on the starting grid one day, taking on the men!
This whole thing may seem like a silly thing to most, but think about it... if the last country on our big old planet will lift a ban on women driving, that has been in place since day dot, then why can't women achieve great things in motorsport, such as appearing on a starting grid in Formula One?

Congratulations Aseel (and to the women of KSA!)

Skully x

The option to stop; but the choice to keep going...

Okay, not exactly car related - but important! Very important! MENTAL HEALTH.

[Really, really annoyed. I finished this and then blogger had a glitch and deleted it all! So I've got to try and remember where this went...]

I've been ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis since I was 15, so 10 years now. It was tough to come to terms with falling ill, and then realising I'd never achieve my dream of joining the Armed Forces and making my military family proud. Meanwhile trying to comprehend what the hell was happening to me!!
Long story short, messed up my exams, ended up becoming bedbound/housebound, was put on a lot of medication, gained a lot of weight and had no idea what was going to happen to me all whilst other stressful situations arose within the family.
Fast forward 10 years and I'm still here... Well. Just.
I decided I wanted to essentially use this as a therapeutic thing along with I hope inspirational or motivational.
I've had times I've struggled mentally in the past, but of late. It's been the worst I've known. I won't divulge in descriptive terms or anything what happened as I don't want to potentially trigger someone who reads this.

Over the last 3 weeks, I have contemplated suicide. A lot. Fully on the edge, ready to go. I have marks on my body that I'm not proud of, but they show just how much I was struggling, and how I wasn't of sane mind.
I'm now under professionals for real help and advice on hopefully how not to feel this way.

I'm so used to hearing -
"you're always so happy"
"you're always smiling"
"you're always there for everyone"
"you always put others first"
"you have such a big heart"
"you are the most selfless person I know'
but, truth is I wasn't happy. I'm still not. I've been gradually deteriorating for a long long time but then I reached this dark hole, and just couldn't see any way out. Other than the ultimate escape. All I wanted was to rest. To not constantly feel like I'm stuck.

Having chronic pain isn't easy and people don't realise just how difficult it is to do even the smallest of tasks. Yet I'm here breaking my back following something I'm passionate about, and for what?! I've had no shoots, no paid work, no videos to do... NOTHING. I've loved this stuff since I was 3. Cars have always been my passion and love. But why should I bother when people who don't have a true passion for this stuff, who just want attention get to do all the good stuff?! I've nearly packed in skullsandsnaps multiple times in the last few weeks. Feeling like I'm failing.
Which leads me to discuss social media. Social media gives us such stress! It creates so many issues for us. Seeing others doing better and feeling we aren't good enough. Seeing how others are and believing it's how we should all be. It's horrible! It's a nightmare.
You can have those little glimmering moments of love and support and it's great. But it's not constant.

My mental health issues are different to others. Everyone is different. But we all have anxiety, worry, stress... we just need to understand each other better and help each other more.

My friends. Now, my friends, are the reason I'm still alive. They're more like my family considering I don't have any blood relatives around, except my Dad. I found myself one night, unrecognisable really... alone, hyperventilating, panicking, crying and shaking violently telling my Dad I was going to end my life. I couldn't do it. He told me to calm down and that this wasn't first time lately that I had called to discuss my goodbyes. He calmed me down and told me he was considering having me sectioned under the mental health act. The following day I was seeing my GP arranging help.
But as I was sat alone in my room, I thought about each one of my friends and their issues and their struggles.We all have our demons. We all have things to deal with. Be it, mental health issues, physical health issues, relationships, work, money, family etc... and I was like, why am I being so selfish to consider inflicting this pain on them of ending my life?! They don't need that stress. They've been so supportive and I can't fault them at all.
We're a unit, that support and love each other - where we can speak to each other about anything, whenever.
But I sat and remembered my Dad's best friend, aka my Uncle (not by blood) but he took his own life when I was 11. Even now, 14 years on when he's discussed I see the pain my Dad feels, and the guilt! The guilt he carries that he feels he wasn't there for him enough, he could of done more. It still tears him apart today. I couldn't leave this world before my Dad, I couldn't inflict that added guilt on him. It wouldn't be fair.

No matter how low we feel, we can't choose when to end our story. 
The semicolon - the option to stop; but the choice to keep on going. We have to forget the pressures of social media, and unrealistic expectations! We are all different. 

Some people are so lucky to become millionaires at 25, but are they lucky?! Are they truly happy cause they have millions?! Probably in luxuries and materialistic ways, yes. But I often think these millionaires are always surrounded by fake people who are trying to extort them. Do they have honest true friends that would be there if they lost it all tomorrow?!
It's all about perspective. I need to honestly take my own advice here! We can either...
Adapt to a situation,
Change a situation,
Work around a situation,
Leave a situation or grin and bear a situation until it's over!
Life is a major rollercoaster and I try to stop myself being a pessimist and thinking "Ooo one drop is over... let's just wait for the next one" - No. Just ride it out and enjoy it whilst it's fun!

I could probably write a whole book on this, but I shall stop now. Below are the UK and US numbers for some charities that help when you're feeling low/suicidal.  If you don't have a friend or family member to speak to, use these numbers. Someone somewhere cares! Appreciate what you do have and don't focus on what you don't have.

Much love
Skully x

Samaritans - 116 123
HopeLine UK – 0800 068 4141National Suicide Prevention Lifeline US - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

I like being a female in a man's world... but why do GIRLS make it so difficult?!

Hey hey!
So I wrote this a while ago and realised I had discussed this on my Instagram story the other day, so just gave it a refresh...

This blog could go one of two ways - it comes across as how I intend which is honest and truthful - from my perspective, however, the usual thing when I have discussed this with some people is I'm considered bitchy. I think I have written this quite well to make people understand it from my perspective.

Well, here goes...

Now I've never wanted a regular job. My dream job was to join the Armed Forces and work on vehicles, and up until I fell ill with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, that was the plan. At 15, it all fell apart.
I then never really considered what job I would do - at this point I was a carer for my Dad, my life wasn't exactly normal. To have such aspirations and thoughts of what career I could manage, with a severely ill Dad and with ill health myself. But after I lost him, I started in Social Media & Marketing, which I love!

Anyway - away from the thoughts of job/careers/being a real grown up - I grabbed a DSLR, set up social media and attended car events = voila! Combining my love of content creation and cars.

Now, all this social media, YouTube and photography stuff is not easy. It's SO competitive. 

There are so many amazing photographers out there, with each and every one trying to get noticed, it just isn't easy. 

Now this industry is... predominantly men, and on the odd occasion I've been noticed & chosen over the guys, it's instantly assumed it's cause of your sex as to why you were chosen. Not that you've been selected due to talent, skill, drive, determination or passion. But that's fine, it's to expected.

Guys make up the majority of my social media followers - which is no surprise, cause it's a male dominated industry after all.

But when I first started taking photos of cars, guys were shocked I was out and about doing the same thing they were. They hadn't seen a female wandering around Knightsbridge snapping the supercars. Then when they realised I wasn't some sort of alien, and we started to speak they soon found I was just as passionate about the same stuff as them.
I see all of this is changing now, and it's so cool! I get such amazing messages and support from my followers (males and minority of females) on my social media pages, saying that they admire my drive to stand out in a mans world, by just being me! Not being scared or intimidated and showing off my knowledge (sometimes more than what some of the guys know - love when that happens by the way!)

There's only one thing that annoys me, and it annoys every other genuine passionate female petrolhead I've met, and the true car guys... fake. car. girls.

This is where I will be considered bitchy and that's fine, we all have an opinion at the end of the day - but considering I've had people say things to me, that back my thoughts, feelings and opinions - I don't mind.

No.
I'm not skinny.
I don't have killer legs.
I don't take pics showing boobs or whatever, or proper cringe underwear shots, next to a bagged car or something.
That's fine. Like you do you girl. That's cool. If that's what you wanna do... go for it! But keep that away from being a "car girl."

I don't pursue my passion for attention. I pursue it cause I love it!!
It's in my blood. My Dad taught me all I know about fixing cars, how cars work, what model was what, how to identify cars by the rear lights in the dark from a distance - that kinda stuff.
I don't want to pretend I know this stuff to find a rich car collector boyfriend.
I don't pretend to love this stuff for attention.
I don't want to pretend I'm into this stuff to try and impress someone... I have no one to impress.

But unfortunately the internet is saturated with girls who do "love cars" with the above intentions. I've met a few of these female YouTubers and tried to converse in cars but funnily enough... they suddenly have to rush off?! Convenient.

When trying to compete in a male dominated industry is hard enough, you then have to compete in a superficial world too, which makes it all even harder.
People always say it's me being rude or bitchy but it's not. It's true, in my opinion.
I have people message me frequently asking why this person and that person are getting this gig when clearly (in their opinion) I know more or would be more suited... and I don't respond. If I was bitchy I'd say something rude about the people getting these opportunities in response to these DM's - but I don't. It's just how it goes.

I just find it hilarious when you watch these videos or see posts, and the girls clearly don't know what they're actually reciting, or they get the model of the car they're driving or describing wrong! It cracks me up every time - especially if it's on the manufacturers press day, even funnier.

Oh.
The absolute BEST thing - is where these girls clearly try and act like they don't know of me when we have crossed paths. Orrrrrrrr, where they act like they don't/haven't snooped on my IG and stories etc... when I clearly see they have ;) personal fave!

So yeah, guess I just wanted to vent and show this from my perspective, as a passionate, knowledgable female petrolhead.
Let me make this clear - I'm not bitter, I'm not bitchy. It's just a frustration, and an observation on an industry I would so much love to have a career in.

I get everyone has their jobs to do etc, but its the clear fake love of this stuff - that I literally kill myself for, or the ulterior motives that are just written all over some of these faces you see. But hey... I'm just here doing my thing and they can do theirs.

Anyway, I don't think that was bitchy.
I think I explained my point diplomatically and from my personal perspective. 

End of the day, I let my knowledge and passion speak for itself in my social media posts and YouTube videos, and if people can appreciate that - I'm very grateful, honestly.

Don't get me wrong, there are women in this industry I admire and look up to, whether they're racecar drivers, automotive journalists and road testers, leaders of race teams, analysts within motorsport, car sculptors etc. There are women I admire, but it's a minority unfortunately.
Times are constantly changing - and I guess it's just waiting for the change, where, women will be considered based on brains not beauty.

I know, one day I will be appreciated for the genuine passion, knowledge, love and obsession for cars and it will be rewarded with a cool career within automotive.

Until then, thank you for taking the time to listen to my rants - let me know what you think!

Skully x

London Motor Show - courtesy of Confused.com

I was kindly invited by confused.com to attend the London Motor Show, which this year was held at London's ExCel.

I hadn't previously attended the motor show but was intrigued to attend this year. 
Upon arrival, the screeching of tyres drifting in the hall, could be heard echoing through the entrance halls - which happened to be from a C63 AMG doing demo displays.

You walk in to find a very vibrant confused.com stand surrounded by the newest London Taxi's to the left, a beautiful classic Jaguar XJ220 on display with being detailed and a wild variety of cars on display in the rest of the hall.

Personal favourites were the 997 GT2RS, the array of Hummers, the Low rider, XJ220, Rennsport conversion Targa and as always the Liberty Walk cars look insane on display!

I had a lovely encounter with female CEO of Confused.com, Louise O'Shea. When asked about the show, myself and my friend Harry didn't hold back on being honest regarding our thoughts.
Whereas SEMA is known for crazy cars but is more of a trade show, and then you have Geneva which is about displaying manufacturers next releases - same for Chicago, Detroit or Frankfurt in fact. You then have Goodwood Festival of Speed which is just an insane display of classic cars, racecars, modern cars, supercars, hypercars and future cars. LMS kind of doesn't have an identity or anything as such. It's hard to distinguish what the aim is of the show. Is it a trade show? A display of classics? Do manufacturers intend on doing big future releases like back in the day when the show was at Earls Court?
You hear the older generation discussing how amazing LMS was back in the 70's and obviously with a slight hiatus here and there, things changed.
The current London Motor Show is good but just needs that added "oomph" to stand out.

But, the venue is MUCH better than being hosted at Battersea Park, that's for sure.

It was also interesting to have a chat with some of the staff from Confused.com regarding car insurance and how it all works etc. The staff were incredibly friendly and insightful. I'm hoping when it comes to renewal time on my M140i, we can make the figures work!

Many thanks confused.com for the tickets! YouTube now has my vlog and a few images can be found on my facebook page - found here

Skully x

GRID-LOCKED!!! The ban... WHY?!

So, a fellow car enthusiast I've had the pleasure of meeting at a few events and spoken to on social media posted this. Rob, of Eureka Motorsport shared his disgust at the ban on F1 grid girls. Pointing out that the grid girl he knows is a single mother, who has now just become unemployed...

I'm with him!
I'm a female and find this disgusting!
Why?! Just why?!
I can't understand why The Women's Sport Trust feel the need to ban "walk on girls" as they call them, and not just in motor sport but in cycling, boxing and darts!

They do realise they're setting women back?! Where's our freedom and rights to do what we want and what we love?!
I say we, being under the collective female umbrella - wish I had the body to do what these stunning ladies do - but really... these females are now out of work!
They're now essentially, being punished, and victimised because someone somewhere felt they weren't necessary?! The Women's Sport Trust claim  “is at odds with modern day societal norms” 
Okay... if you feel it's at odds with modern day societal norms, why not push to promote the women who are leaders and pioneers in other aspects of these sports?
Now I'm aware that "walk on girls" are in other sports but I'm predominantly focusing on motor sport.
We have women like Leena Gade - In 2011, she became the first female race engineer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2012, she won the FIA World Endurance Championship's 'Man of the Year' award and the C&R Racing Woman in Technology Award, she's now over in the States working in Indy Car.Nathalie McGloin is the only female tetraplegic in the world to be racing cars. In 2017 Nathalie was appointed the inaugural President of the new FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission by Jean Todt. She's also an ambassador for Susie Wolff's Dare To Be Different. She co-founded the charity Spinal Track, enabling disabled drivers to enjoy track day experiences at Silverstone in a hand-controlled Golf GTI.
Women like Girl Drifter Leona Chin, going viral for scaring guys on test drives in Mitsubishi's - but she's so skilful! 
Michelle Westby, currently touring with Fast and Furious Live, another very talented driver! Has previous experience as a grid girl (her facebook page had a really good post about this topic)

WHY ARE THEY NOT FOCUSING ON PROMOTING THESE KINDS OF WOMEN?!! These women aren't at the forefront of their sports but they should be! We should be showing off what women can do behind the scenes or hidden amongst the masses.
WHY CAN'T WE HAVE BOTH BRAINS AND BEAUTY?!
(This isn't saying that grid girls don't have brains by the way...)
Allow these "walk on girls" to do what they love - stand and pose before a race, travel, make money, socialise, make guys happy with taking photos etc. Leave them to it! They aren't harming anyone - or being harmed, any female that's done this job and has discussed this on TV or social media boasts about how amazing the opportunities are!
But why can't we also show off how amazing some of the women in the motor sport world are behind the scenes?! If you want to comply with "modern societal norms" - BALANCE!
Help promote women into motorsport jobs that are more physical and more interactive. Driving, engineering, PR etc

People are saying its for "branding and profiling" reasons that they're "advancing" - taking away women's jobs and passion is advancing?! Why is it now "advancing" after so long? It's not hindered anything up until now as far as I'm aware. Plenty of brands have sponsored the outfits etc over the years.
Do you know who's opinion I would love to hear on this... JAMES HUNT! Bet he'd have a few things to say on this topic, haha.

It's caused a huge uproar and too right! It's ridiculous. The way these people look at things is so backwards! Why remove an aspect that brings in customers, attention and money to the sports? Why not just focus some time and energy into the other aspects of women in the sport?!

Anyway, that's just my thoughts on the subject. I mean, would I mind seeing some topless guys in front of a female racers car? I don't think so ;) 

I promised I would keep this up to date...

Hey people, hope you're all well!

So I promised to keep this going... either my health has taken a hit and I can't manage it, otherwise, it's due to editing and sorting so many photos out - that I then forget to update this after doing them!

Either way, my apologies.

I attended Goodwood 75th Members Meeting on Saturday. That was so cool! Such impressive and historical motors. I attended the event with Automeisje aka Yvette. It was our first meeting and it was so cool to meet a fellow female petrolhead.

What else has happened car wise? Hmm... Been to Dubai a few times. The cars there are just something else. The events are amazing too (I'll do a separate post on that)

I'm now just getting impatient for the good weather and ability to attend more shows, events and shoots!

That's my quick update and apologies for neglecting my page.

As I said, hope everyone is good - any suggestions for the blog etc. let me know!

Skully x

Private shoots... why so awkward?!

So we're a couple of weeks into 2017 already, and I've managed to already attend a car show BUT... I'm missing taking photos so much!!!
There's just something about private shoots, that is so fun. Not even doing it just to show off for social media - just to meet new people, learn more about people's pride & joy and to hopefully create images they enjoy!

Now here's the political issue of it.

I have some lovely people who ask me to take photos for their companies, or for personal use and they pay for my time, travel and efforts.
I mean I'm no professional and I sincerely appreciate when someone wants to pay for my work. 

But it's something that's so awkward!!!
I've had people approach me just expecting my photos (my time) to be free! 

It often goes -

"so wanna do some photos of my car?"
"Sure, what you thinking?"
"Well somewhere near mine, do a few pics"
"Sure! I'll do mates rates too!"
*lots of laughter*
Erm.... You're expecting me to bring my expensive equipment to you, upon your request, and to spend my fuel, time and efforts to come do this for you.... for free.
Really?

I use my expensive camera and lenses (they don't buy themselves unfortunately.) The expensive camera body. The fuel for travel. My time. My effort. The editing time. 

People will say, don't buy such expensive cameras and lenses, but I wanted to upgrade! I just need to maintain it and expand the lens collection. The money would go right back into what it paid for, to keep it moving! Bigger better equipment!

If I say, can I shoot your car - I understand, I asked... therefore I can't charge for my time, upon me asking. Same at a public event! Not right for me to charge for that.

But it's just so awkward!

Then you have people offering everything for free and people choose that option! You kind of lose hope with most people and wait until someone who appreciates your time and work, asks.

But it's just such a touchy subject. When it doesn't need to be.

Anyway, just a random thought as I haven't posted in a couple weeks.
I will definitely try and keep this updated this year!

Take care
Skully x

Twenty Four

2nd January, 1993 saw me enter the world.
A lot has happened in those years. Everyone has their story to tell but mine is certainly an awkward, complex, unpredictable one!
Now, I'm not sure what I want to do/achieve this year... I know after 2016 tried to see me off, I'd rather like 2017 not having an scenarios like that, preferably!

- I know I want to raise more awareness for the illnesses I have, not just for my benefit, but for all those that suffer this horrendous pain!
- I DEFINITELY want to see my godchildren more!

But car wise, I'm not really sure. Obviously getting to drive some more cars would be EPIC but 24 is an awkward age for insurance! BOO. So I guess just experiencing some cars would be just as cool!!

Going to explore more of America is certainly an aim, especially the West Coast as I haven't been! (any companies that want to sponsor a car photographer to visit the West Coast... feel free to get in touch ;) worth a shot! haha)
Travelling in general, as and when time/life allows me would be cool. I really love just going somewhere new and discovering new stuff and meeting new people.

But I guess, I just want to better myself.
- Better ways to manage my time
- Find a way to balance my illnesses, with not overdoing it!!!!!!!
- Just become a better person really.

I really do want to try and blog/vlog more this year. Myself and Demi did film some stuff at some events last year, but never really did anything with it!

I said all my thank you's at New Years, to all the amazing people I know and love, but anyone who reads this... thank you!!

Take care
Skully x

2016... Well I never...

It's been another year filled with hair colour changes, more ink additions, health ups & downs and yet, still, many miles travelled... all for the sake of these 4 wheeled wonders!
The thing is, I don't really know where to start and what to say about this year! It's all slightly surreal.
I had to go back on my Instagram, and also look through my hard drives to remind myself of this years antics. Some things feel like years ago, whilst some only feel like yesterday!
I've had a couple of things happen that I could of NEVER predicted would happen in my life... yet, alone all in one year.
The funny thing is, all this car photography stuff started because my GP at the time told me I needed to get a hobby. Anyway, I've had this "hobby" for 3 years now. Which isn't long in comparison to some people I've met. But I've had some incredible experiences in this time! Beyond imaginable!
They say a lot can change in a year and upon reflecting the events of this year, it certainly can.

January, I had the awesome experience of shooting at Koenigsegg for Koenigsegg and Shmee150. Getting to ride in the Regera with Christian von Koenigsegg and do the first proper shoot of this car, was incredible!!!! It helped that it was snowing to really set the scene and make my photos really stand out.

Little did I know that these photos would basically go viral, with them still being shared and reposted on social media pages today! A few images also got printed on canvas for display at the Geneva Motor Show, along with being published in the Koenigsegg magazine and featuring in the Salon Prive catalogue. So a massive thanks to Tim & then the team in Angelholm.

Another year of working with the lovely guys at Oakley Design...
I love these guys! I'm picked on like I'm one of the lads, we have great laughs on our road trips and I'm honoured & privileged to be invited back time and time again to shoot and show off their unique and performance enhancing modifications!
Whether I'm shooting their Veyron in the Graffiti Tunnel at 3am, leaning over a banking section of a test circuit in France or I'm on a forklift to get aerial shots of a P1, it's always a pleasure to showcase their work.
I cannot wait for their expansion to their new units next year, they thoroughly deserve it! I look forward to working with you again next year and thank you for another incredible year.










I MET JENSON BUTTON!! I forgot this was this year, but oh my God, it was amazing. Attending the London Classic Car Show for the first time ever and meeting someone I've been such a fan of for so long - was insanely cool! He was so lovely - as was Suzi Perry, Jodie Kidd & Bruno Senna. It was also a celebration of the McLaren F1, so that was epic!

Ryan Lugg, hosting his awesome Supercars Of Essex car events, and Cars & Curry nights - has been pretty damn cool too. Especially when a McLaren F1 shows up at a curry house!!! Now that was slightly crazy! But thank you for putting on some cool events and drives, Ryan!

Then a quick run through of other events from this year that have been pretty cool...
- Gumball 3000 coming to town!
- Auto Italia (basically where it all started for me, 3 years ago)
- Blancpain at Brands Hatch = where we also saw the P1 GTR & Aston Martin Vulcan flying round the track
- Blancpain at Silverstone = massive thanks to Pasin Lathouras for the pass for that!
- Goodwood Breakfast Meeting = shooting the Shmee150 "Blue Crew" final drive together
- Goodwood FoS
- Fast Factory meet
- Icons by the Lake = great events hosted by Lee Hill!
- Being invited to the opening of Ford Epsom
- Salon Prive = although it was very very very wet, it was a very cool event with some stunning cars
- Visiting the set of Transformers = SEEING A CENTENARIO ON THE ROAD!!!!! <3
- Passione Ferrari was a fun day = FXXK <3 599XX <3 LaFerrari <3 sounding epic on track!
- Mercedes Petronas F1 Team Christmas Party!!! (Massive thanks Mike!!)
- Special thanks to CarCrazedFool and Porsche Colchester! Especially for the epic 911R shoot! :)

Special mention to Ciro, owner of The Sharnbrook - his events are always amazing. The variety of cars is brilliant, the atmosphere is fantastic... he does such a superb job, I cannot wait for next years events.
Then you have the usual attendees, Yianni & Lenny. I can't thank them enough for looking out for me and checking on me! They aren't just hilarious, they're both very kind guys... but shh, don't ruin their image now ;)








Now, a moment of reflection to sort of round this up.
23rd June, 2016... Probably the scariest event of my life. BUT. I learnt a lot.
A lot changed. A lot then made sense to me.
That date, the day of the accident I was involved in, en route to Goodwood.
I thought that was it, truth be told. Game over.
Alas, someone somewhere said it wasn't and TA DAH! All of us involved are still here today.
I learnt who cared, I learnt who didn't. There were people who showed up asap! There were people who I'd thought were my best friends, yet never even sent a message to check I was okay!
The biggest thing I learnt, every opportunity you're handed... take it! You don't know when your time is up.
There's people I met after that accident, and people I grew closer to that I'd of never met, but I'm SO bloody thankful I survived and did!!

Which leads me to some special people and special events - Demi, Chris & Roger! Our trip to the Nurburgring was so much fun, we may not of seen anything incredible but it was sure damn fun!

Our trip to Dubai, now that was epic! Cars we saw, cars we shot, people we met, sights we saw... LOVED IT. Part of the reason for going was so I could meet up with someone, yes... I'm that crazy person who flies half way round the world to meet them!
A massive thank you to Natalia Itani, her kindness, hospitality and sweet words meant a lot! Plus, that Huracan was beautiful! MUCH MUCH MUCH want <3

Anyway, to my "gang" - LOVE YOU GUYS!! I look forward to what 2017 has in store!

Then everyone else, I haven't forgotten about you - be it spotters & photographers, people I see at events, or friends I haven't seen in ages - that are away from cars (sorry! these cars are rather time consuming and energy depleting!)
but you've all made this year amazing and I can't put into words how thankful I am for you all!!!!
To those who have been in my life and left - thank you to you to. I've learnt a lot.

It was a special year in managing to get Dad out and about - so proud of him, my hero! But the support we have from you guys is just... indescribable! So thank you...

Health isn't amazing in our house, but it could always be worse! I missed a few epic things... LIKE A VENENO cause pain was just too bad but oh well.

Anyway,
Much love, health, happiness and positivity for 2017!
Take care.
Jo