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?

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 *

Beauty // Products I wouldn't repurchase

I have a corner shelf that has all of my toiletries on it,most of which I really love and use religiously.However,there is a dark corner that never gets touched,which is full of products that I have relegated to the back,never to be used again.I hate it when I buy a product and I'm really excited,but it turns out to be really disappointing, that's why I'm glad I don't spend too much money on these things!

I bought Oz Bonatics Major Moisture Shampoo from Poundland, and I was really expecting good results as it seemed like such a good dupe for the more expensive Aussie haircare range,but no luck! It smells really good,kind of like bubblegum,but it left my hair feeling really lank and weighed down.

I'm a big fan of dry shampoos because I get up very early for work,and I can't be bothered to wash my hair in the early hours of the morning.I usually use Batiste which works wonderfully,but I was really interested to see this waterless foam shampoo from Tresemme which I bought from Boots for around the £5 mark.I was willing to pay more because I thought it would give me really similar results to washing my hair,but all that happened is that it smelt slightly fresher.It didn't remove any grease and it left the ends of my hair looking really frizzy.You're supposed to distribute it through the hair and then blast it with a hairdryer,but I formulation is so gloopy that it gets everywhere! I'd stick to traditional dry shampoo.

I can't make my mind up about this Shine Gloss Booster from Bristow's  which I bought from Poundland.It says that it "gives hair a healthy shine" and that it has an "instant visible effect" but it doesn't seem to do anything! It smells quite nice and fresh but I haven't really seen any difference in the glossiness of my hair since using it.Maybe I'm not looking hard enough? Apparently it does protect against breakage, and my hair is looking quite breakage free at the moment,but I doubt that's got anything to do with this product.

I definitely won't be repurchasing these again,and this is a great reminder to myself not to get sucked into all of the buzzwords that promise me the swishy,glossy hair from a L'Oreal Advert.Oh well,I can still dream!

Have you bought any products you're dissapointed with? 

Lifestyle // Blogger's perfect lives

via Coverbooth.com

In this post I'm going to be talking about the inspirational blogging mindset and how this can make people feel inadequate or like they need to go on millions of spending sprees in order to meet certain "standards".I am in no way talking about a particular blog or person so this isn't aimed at anyone!

I love reading blogs from writers all over the world and from all walks of life.There is so much to learn and explore that I could spend hours reading people's musings and looking at their pictures.Scroll for too long through,and sometimes I can start to feel a bit down.There are pictures of perfectly placed cups of tea framing high end beauty products,or a person who has a seemingly perfect home peppered with artsy creations and a wardrobe of beautiful vintage clothing.I think that some blogs definitely seem to sell a "lifestyle" which I don't have a problem with as it's no different to a magazine,but it can leave you feeling like there's something missing in your life or blog.

I do think it's important that we realise that bloggers are only people.They might watch Jeremy Kyle in the mornings,or perhaps they hate doing the laundry.Whatever it is, perfection doesn't exist.Of course,it can look very convincing,but human's by nature aren't perfect and that includes bloggers too.

Everyone has different budgets and that is apparent in everyday life,but in the blogging world it seems magnified and thoughts can sometimes pop in my head."Why can't I have that?" "It would take me months to save up".I probably could buy it,but it's not in my nature too so I focus on budget beauty.If you're into high end products then that's great! If bloggers review and talk about both then readers have a wider amount to read about.

The Internet is a huge place with room for everyone.If you like to talk about high end fashion then do it! Are you interested in the Paranormal? Share your passion.Someone is bound to read it and be grateful for the information,it might even inspire them to start writing.

Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy" and I couldn't agree more.Let's hold each other up and enjoy our community,but remember that things aren't always as they seem! (When I'm taking pictures I often have my slobby "house" clothes on.)

Blog your heart out tag

I love these tags! This is the 2nd one I've done now,I received the Liebster Award which also had great questions.You can find my answers to that here.On on to this one though,I've loved reading people's answers,so I'm excited to get started!

To join in with the Blog Your Heart Out tag,you have to answer 5 questions and then tag 5 bloggers who will do the same.

1.Who/what encouraged you to start blogging?

I'd have to say my love of sharing things with people.If I like something (or hate it!) I love telling people about it,and sharing our opinions and experiences.I think it's a great way to learn new things,and even better ourselves as people.Also,I have read blogs for a long time! I love reading snippets of people's lives and I thought I could do that.

2.How did you choose what topics to blog about?

I decided to start a lifestyle blog as I wanted the flexibility to talk about the things that were interesting me at any particular time.My mind tends to go of on a tangent,and lifestyle blogging suits the way my mind works! Sometimes I get a bit of writer's block which can be frustrating,but I just chat to other bloggers and scribble in my notepad until an idea comes.

3.What is something most people don't know about you?

I pray in difficult situations even though I don't practice a religion.It gives me strength and a moment to focus and collect my thoughts.

4.What three words describe your style?

This is a hard one! I'd say comfortable,casual and evolving.I particularly like mixing feminine looks with more grungy type clothing to create different looks.

If we're taking about blogging,I'd like to think that I was quite an organised and I do like to work hard at it! I can waffle on,but I'll get there in the end.

5.What do you love to do when you are not blogging?

I love to travel,learn new things and do housework! Strange I know,but there is nothing nicer than a sparkling clean house.

The bloggers that I tag are;

Laura at Blonde Velvet Lover

Stefanie at Casually Awkward

Freya at Norse South

Jessica at JessicaCasillasx

Sarah at Beauty blunders and other wonders

I've had fun answering these questions and I've hope you've enjoyed reading them.I'd love to hear your comments.I'm looking forward to hearing their answers!