South West Blog Social // What I learnt

I had such an amazing time at the South West Blog Social last Saturday,so good in fact that I actually forgot to take many photographs (I'm such a bad blogger haha) I'm so happy that this part of the world is holding such great events,and it was really inspiring to hear wonderful advice on everything from getting published to learning how to accept advertising.It was held at Oddfellows which is a very funky looking "gastropub"just off the beaten track.

It was great to be able to actually meet bloggers in person, it felt quite surreal actually! I managed to find a band of lifestyle bloggers to eat Pizza with and chat about all things blog related.It felt so nice to be able to talk about Twitter chats and post ideas without people looking at me like I have a third eye!

If you're ever in Exeter looking for somewhere to eat or go for a quick drink,I'd definitely recommend Oddfellows. They even cater to the non drinkers amongst us,this mocktail was absolutely gorgeous! It came in a jar too,so it's perfect for Instagram addicts.I'll let the four cheese and chutney pizza speak for itself, I think it was bigger than my head! Not only did I leave with a full stomach, but my head was buzzing with ideas and the wonderful feeling that I'm doing the right thing by following my passion.I think this was a great opportunity to learn more about the world of blogging,and I left with lots of new information.Here's what I took from the day;

1. There's always something to learn

Blogging is a hobby that you can take down many different avenues and there's always something new to learn. I've seen people's amazing photographs from the event, and I'm going to try and improve my photography skills. I've only got a Nikon Coolpix, but I've read some great tutorials online on how to get your pictures up to scratch.

2.Bloggers are as unique and different as their blogs

It was wonderful to see such a variety of people of all ages and from all walks of life.It makes me so happy to think that I'm part of a community that is so accessible and friendly.I was really inspired by all of the interesting and open stories and ideas that were bouncing around the room.

3.It pays to challenge yourself

Honestly,I was really nervous on the train ride over,but I figured I should try to get myself out there and promote what I love and enjoy.Initially I felt quite uncomfortable,but I'm glad I stayed because I met so many wonderful people!

4. Every day is a great opportunity

Saturday made me realise that I should really push myself to seize every opportunity that comes my way. Everyday is an opportunity to ask questions and find inspiration, it might not always come straight away but sometimes a fresh outlook can make all the difference.

5 People can be so generous

This event was kindly organised by Jodie Dewberry over at http://alajode.com/ and supported by many sponsors who provided wonderful goodie bags for us (future post coming!) It must have taken so much hard work and dedication to get this to run without a hitch! Also,I really admire the speakers who offered such wonderful advice and happily answered any questions we had!

I'm definitely going to try to attend as many events as I can,hopefully there will be lots more going on in Devon in the future.It's definitely been an eye opening and fun day,I really hope that the South West Blog Social runs for many more years to come!



Have you been to any blogger events before? Did you enjoy it?

Music // Ultimate Blogger's Playlist

source

For the past couple of days I've had terrible writer's block,it's so frustrating when all the thoughts are there but you can't get them into any sort of order.In cases like this I like to get a playlist together that puts me in a good mood and inspires me to get writing! I must have been living under a rock because I've only recently discovered Spotify,but I'm really enjoying using it as a way to boost my motivation and discover new music.

The Warm Up

I like to set up an area where I can blog comfortably,which often includes many cushions and a big mug of tea! I've put together some songs that have a wonderful mix of catchy and feelgood lyrics that should help you to get motivated to produce your best content yet! Who could resist singing to Mr Blue Sky? It's the perfect song for Summer.I'd really recommend Noah and The Whale too if you're into indie folk, fans of Bombay Bicycle Club or Mumford and Sons,this would be a great band to check out.

The Main Event

By this point you've probably written a little bit,but your concentration might begin to flag! This is the time that I might have a little break,but if I'm feeling productive I often power through with some tracks that help keep me going.These songs are great for inspiring your ideas and emotions to get together and do some writing.I've heard Pharrell William's "Happy" a million times already and I still love it,I should really watch Despicable Me! Ben Howard has some lovely music too,he also used to live in my town and go to the same secondary school as me,although not at the same time sadly!

The Wind Down

Writing can be really draining when you put your all into creating something you love.I think it's a great idea to relax with some easy listening music and take some time to rest your brain.I've only just discovered the first song which is a cellist group cover of Coldplay's clocks and it's so beautiful! Also, you can never go wrong with some Jack Johnson to mellow you out.

I've spent a lovely evening arranging my playlists.It definitely appeals to the side of me that loves organising,I should work in an office.Of course,all of the songs belongs to their respective artists,I can't sing for toffee and I'm no Beyonce! I hope you enjoy them,let me know if you'd like me to create any more,I'm thinking of starting a regular music feature.

What songs are you enjoying at the moment? Do you use Spotify?

Lifestyle // The blogger's secret to good sleep and better posts!

Before finding f.lux software,whenever I was on my laptop in the evening you could find me squinting at the screen whilst trying to cling on to the last few minutes before I gave into sleep (those cat videos won't watch themselves!) You don't really realise it if you use electronics often,but screens can really throw out some unnatural light that can give you a headache,impair sleep and definitely not help you function at your best.

All credit to justgetflux.com

F.lux sum it up themselves wonderfully! During the day you might not even notice your computer's display but as it gets darker your eyes can really struggle to adjust.F.lux is designed to change to suit any time of the day,and as the day goes on it creates a warmer tint which is better for night time computer use.It's a really simple but effective idea that I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before.

Since installing it (for free),I've found that I've been get fewer computer related headaches and that I've been able to focus on writing easier.It's also suitable for anybody anywhere because you can set the location and it will adjust to your area's sunrise and sunset.You can also choose the speed of how fast you want the light to change,so that your eyes get used to the new environment.I would really recommend this program to anyone who wants to improve their eye health and sleep quality whilst still being able to focus and enjoy the Internet!

Do you use any useful computer programs or add ons? I'm always looking for new things to install.

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Lifestyle // Why I love blogging

Last nights lifestyle (#lbloggers) chat was really interesting as always! We were talking about "big" and "small" bloggers,the difference between them and what people think is important about blogging.For me personally,it's the interaction.Writing is blog is actually quite a brave thing to do,as you're putting yourself out there and saying "this is me and these are the things I enjoy" and I really like the positive and accepting community that comes out of that.

As well as loving reading comments,messages and notifications,I really enjoy taking the time to sit down and respond to them.Not just a one word response which seems similar to sending someone a text saying "K",but a thought out comment that might continue more conversation and ideas.If someone can take the time to write me a comment,then I can take the time to reply.There is nothing nicer than waking up and realising that real people actually want to respond and talk about something you've wrote! Real people who have ideas,opinions and dreams and want to share them with others.

If anyone wants a creative and healthy outlet then I'd really recommend blogging.It's great because it's on your terms and it can be whatever you want it to be.It's done a lot for me in many ways; my writing and grammar have improved,I feel more confident in what I have to say and it helps me feel less "stuck" in my own mind.That's pretty good seeing as blogging is relatively cheap and doesn't have to cost a thing!

P.S If you're wandering why the white of the screenshots is dull,it's because I use a computer program that adjusts light to help me sleep.I'll review it soon!

What's your favourite thing about blogging?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

Best of the web // Productivity

I love coming home after a long day and seeing what's new online.Recently though instead of looking at cats on Youtube,I've decided to use my time more productively! I've found some great sites that haven't only helped me,but other people too.What better use of my time? I've found so many that I'm going to make a series out of this because I think you're going to find them useful.






 freerice.com

Freerice.com is a wonderful site where you can improve your vocabulary and help feed hungry people! A word will come up and you've got to pick the correct meaning.Each right answer means that 10 grains of rice have been donated through the World Food Programme.The questions get harder and it's actually quite addictive trying to see if you can get more grains.I definitely think this is more productive than Candy Crush!

Coffitivity

This website has really improved my productivity and thought processing.I just plug in my headphones and I can hear the realistic sounds of a Coffee shop.Apparently,this atmosphere is really good for helping inspire creativity and helping you focus.When you think about it,that must be true as it's very common for people who are writing to come and sit in a cosy Coffee shop.There are 3 background noise to choose from; "Morning Murmur","Lunchtime Lounge" or "University Undertones" which is great as there is one for every mood or time of day.If you're finding it hard to concentrate on blogging,work or studying I would definitely recommend playing this in the background.

29a.ch (Nebula creator)

This site is a bit unusual but I've found it really useful in helping me stay calm during anxious moments.It's very simple to use as all you do is pick colours and drag your mouse around the screen.This creates a really pretty Nebula that you can customise.I find the simple actions and colours really calming,kind of like watching fish.It's a great activity to just take your mind away for a few minutes and distract from any negativity.



I'll be adding more sites as I find them,the Internet is full of weird and wonderful things.Do you have any sites that help with your productivity?