MINIMAL MAKEUP:
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Friday, November 07, 2014
Moving On Up
As you may have noticed I haven't been posting much lately (as per usual) this is because I have made the big move to University!
I have been at university for nearly 2 months now and I have to say its got its up and downs; mainly up's. I will be doing quite a few university themed posts from now on so I felt I needed to warn you before I start posting a "Beans on Toast Recipe" post.
If you recognised the location below, top hat off to you. However If you didn't realise already my university is in the centre of Norwich - a town Ive always loved and admired. I've got some Norwich based posts coming up as well; from the best places to go for a drink, to getting your money's worth with student discount. But until I've finished these posts here's a few sneak peeks at what's to come:
Hope your as excited as I am! See you soon for the next "Norwich Instalment".
Anna xoxo
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Blogging Tips: For Newbies and Oldies to Blogging
Recently i've been producing a lot of sponsored, wish list and event posts and while I love to swoon over clothes I can't always afford, I lost the will to blog (rather over dramatic there).
I fell out of love with blogging; this was really bugging me because sitting down and writing a post or email became a chore rather than a pleasure.
When reflecting I feel this really due to what I blogged about, as I had topped writing about things that excited me and things I was passionate about. So as you may have seen I took a break from took a blogging; not just because I was moving to university (post coming soon) but because I wanted to re-experience the feelings of when I first started blogging.
I read through dozens of tutorials on photography, organisation, engagement,productivity and more; and now I have decided to compile all the information I read through into a few simple blog posts for you. I found all these articles to be incredibly helpful so I hope mine will be as helpful to you as they were to me.I will be going into more detail with some aspects (mainly the ones typed above) in the future but for now here is my five top tips for both newbies and oldies to blogging:
What are you blogging for:
(trying not to start singing songs from Mulan)
A lot of bloggers forget this simple tip like I did. The most key thing to blogging are the questions: Why do/did you want to write a blog? What do you (want to) write about? I feel every blogger needs to reflect on these questions a little more often, especially when suffering with writers block or the dreaded "I'm bored of blogging" scenario.
Dont underestimate social media:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc they are all amazing tools to have in your arsenal. Im pretty more than half my views come from Twitter and the rest are from Facebook and Instagram. /most people know this however forget how essential they are if you want people to come read your blog. No-one is going to know about your blog if you don't shout about it to the world!
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, etc they are all amazing tools to have in your arsenal. Im pretty more than half my views come from Twitter and the rest are from Facebook and Instagram. /most people know this however forget how essential they are if you want people to come read your blog. No-one is going to know about your blog if you don't shout about it to the world!
The visual stuff matters:
Your blog design, your photography and your branding are the things people are going to notice first when they look at posts; quite the shallow part of blogging. Bluntly, if you don't have pretty pictures it doesn't attract new readers, but when a blog is well designed, visually appealing and has photography which makes you lust after products or experiences, people are going to want to read.
Your blog design, your photography and your branding are the things people are going to notice first when they look at posts; quite the shallow part of blogging. Bluntly, if you don't have pretty pictures it doesn't attract new readers, but when a blog is well designed, visually appealing and has photography which makes you lust after products or experiences, people are going to want to read.
Make an effort and others will to:
I have to admit this is one of my worst habits; putting effort into every aspect of your blog to make it great. This means creating a posting schedule and sticking to it, commenting on other peoples blogs, replying to your own comments, keeping your social media sites updated and actually posting on them etc. I feel a lot of people coming into the blogging world don't understand how much work goes on behind the scenes and sometimes it does mean hard work! The more effort you put into blogging they more you'll get out of it.
I have to admit this is one of my worst habits; putting effort into every aspect of your blog to make it great. This means creating a posting schedule and sticking to it, commenting on other peoples blogs, replying to your own comments, keeping your social media sites updated and actually posting on them etc. I feel a lot of people coming into the blogging world don't understand how much work goes on behind the scenes and sometimes it does mean hard work! The more effort you put into blogging they more you'll get out of it.
Promote individuality:
No-one wants to read a copy of someone else or dozens of the same styled posts (I rest my case with the "whats in my bag" post). What makes you YOU? What makes you that slightly bit different from Zoella, Sprinkle of Glitter or Tanya Burr? Its these differences that will make you and your blog stand out. I admit being individual in a world with thousands/millions of bloggers is rather difficult, but even if its the way you write, the pictures you post of the style of posts you do; people recognise the smallest bits of individuality and will reward you for being one of a kind.
Hope thats helped some of you out, please do tell me in the comments if it has, or even if you don't agree with my tips write it in the comments and we can have a discussion.
Whats your top blog tip?
Anna xoxo
No-one wants to read a copy of someone else or dozens of the same styled posts (I rest my case with the "whats in my bag" post). What makes you YOU? What makes you that slightly bit different from Zoella, Sprinkle of Glitter or Tanya Burr? Its these differences that will make you and your blog stand out. I admit being individual in a world with thousands/millions of bloggers is rather difficult, but even if its the way you write, the pictures you post of the style of posts you do; people recognise the smallest bits of individuality and will reward you for being one of a kind.
Hope thats helped some of you out, please do tell me in the comments if it has, or even if you don't agree with my tips write it in the comments and we can have a discussion.
Whats your top blog tip?
Anna xoxo
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Coast A/W14 Lookbook
THE COLLECTION
WINTER PASTELS
Full of florals, pastels and cosy knits; I feel this collection of clothing is for those of us who want to inject at little bit of spring and summer into our winter wardrobe. As we all get bundled up in layers for winter, some people lean towards the darker colours in their wardrobe. However this collection shows off a light and feminine style to winter clothing. Key pieces in this romantic wardrobe include pastel lace, metallic day jacquards and printed separates.
NEW ORDER
The 60's are back in style! That includes mono and graphic prints such as spots, checks and oversized hounds tooth. For this collection you should be styling chiffon shirt
dresses, batwing sleeve tunics, bold separates and statement knit dresses.
DAY TO NIGHT
From workwear to evening wear; Coast plays with burgundy, teal, navy and
a touch of bronze, to create a polished and sophisticated collection. Layering is key in styling; Think feather trimmed knits, co-ordinate sets, statement coats and tailored to fit dresses. Layer with thick faux fur to add insta-glam.
GLAMOUR FOREVER
My favourite part of the collection! Combining both glamorous and cosy, I love how items that are typical evening wear are slowly becoming more casual and everyday. Who's stopping you from wearing red carpet looks to the supermarket?
Styling playful jumpsuits, crop layered dresses and lace co-ordinate sets in a those typical autumn-esque colours,
magenta and petrol with winter sparkle. Romantic sequin maxis and voluminous organza high-low skirts are styled with chunky knits, sparkling cropped tops and statement sweatshirt styles. Also Coast mixes it up with stand-out galactic digital prints and fanciful
feather trims.
I hope you enjoyed this little look inside the Coast winter wardrobe! Please do tell me if you like this sort of post in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this little look inside the Coast winter wardrobe! Please do tell me if you like this sort of post in the comments!
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
I've been nominated for the Liebster Award!
I was nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely Hey Gurl. As of late i've been stuck with a bit of writers block so this is a welcomed break!
THE RULES
1. Post the award on your blog
2. Thank the blogger who presented you with the award and link back to their blog
3. Write 11 facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 11 bloggers who you feel deserve this award and who have less than 500 followers.
5. Answer 11 questions posted by the presenter and ask your nominees 11 questions.
THE FACTS
1. I am adopted.
2. I am a Ravenclaw on Pottermore (House Pride!)
3. I am about to study Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts.
4.I have an eclectic music taste which means I like every type of music (apart from screamo...that scares me) but my favourite type of music is film soundtracks, musicals and classical.
5. I am deadly afraid of wasps and spiders, they just seem to have a personal grudge on me and seek me out.
6. I am an anime obsessor. From Sword Art Online to Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, I have watched them all about 60 times over.
7. I am constantly attached to my Macbook and Samsung Galaxy S4, and I check social media about 20 times in about 5 minutes.
8. My favourite feel good film is Legally Blonde.
9. I have an unhealthy obsession with cats and scream whenever I see one (that includes in the middle of the street or in people's houses).
10.For Primary School and High School I went to an all-girls private school.
11.In about 2 weeks I am going to be celebrating Ben and I's first year anniversary and his 19th birthday (He's my first boyfriend too!)
Frae's Questions
1.What inspires you to blog?
I would say other bloggers? Sounds quite odd but it will make sense in a moment. Before I started blogging I wasnt really enjoying life, I didn't really have any interests and I found myself rather bored everyday. Then I came across bloggers/youtubers such as Sprinkle of Glitter and Zoella; I really admired them and how they really took on life and it inspired me to start blogging. Nowadays I would still say other bloggers inspire me, including the ones I mentioned above but for different reasons. I see peoples dedication towards their blog and it motivates me to become the best blogger I can be.
2.How important is “original content” to you?
As an artist i'm well versed in answering this question as at college (and soon university) I had to keep coming up with creative and new ideas everyday. Personally I think coming up with something new is near impossible however "putting your own stamp" on something or making your content individual is not. No-one wants to hear something generic; they want to hear your view in particular. This is probably the difference between a blogger that succeeds and a blogger who fails.
As an artist i'm well versed in answering this question as at college (and soon university) I had to keep coming up with creative and new ideas everyday. Personally I think coming up with something new is near impossible however "putting your own stamp" on something or making your content individual is not. No-one wants to hear something generic; they want to hear your view in particular. This is probably the difference between a blogger that succeeds and a blogger who fails.
3.Do you write regular features to keep yourself motivated?
this is probably my most annoying trait; that im not consistent in anything I do. However I do feel when I write more posts in a rown on-time I feel more motivated, so maybe organising regular features might be a life saver for my blog stats!
this is probably my most annoying trait; that im not consistent in anything I do. However I do feel when I write more posts in a rown on-time I feel more motivated, so maybe organising regular features might be a life saver for my blog stats!
4.What would be your last meal?
Pasta. Im obsessed with the food and have it for lunch and dinner almost every day (if i can get away with it). Also I make a mean tomato sauce...just saying.
Pasta. Im obsessed with the food and have it for lunch and dinner almost every day (if i can get away with it). Also I make a mean tomato sauce...just saying.
5.What’s your most prized possession?
Instead of having a teddy bear to get to sleep with as a child, I had a cushion. I still need it to go to sleep and when I feel stressed or upset; I dont think I could honestly live without it, so I would save my cushion (p.s. there is nothing wrong with sleeping with a special item whether it may be a teddybear or a cushion, even when your nearly 20. Ignore the haters.)
Instead of having a teddy bear to get to sleep with as a child, I had a cushion. I still need it to go to sleep and when I feel stressed or upset; I dont think I could honestly live without it, so I would save my cushion (p.s. there is nothing wrong with sleeping with a special item whether it may be a teddybear or a cushion, even when your nearly 20. Ignore the haters.)
6.What was the last book you couldn’t finish and why?
I am still reading Mockingjay even though Ben (my boyfriend) bought it for me at Christmas...oops! I find it quite hard to get into books and then once I put them down I dont really bother reading them back again as Ive left it too long to get back into the middle of the story. Maybe if there was a blogger bible?
I am still reading Mockingjay even though Ben (my boyfriend) bought it for me at Christmas...oops! I find it quite hard to get into books and then once I put them down I dont really bother reading them back again as Ive left it too long to get back into the middle of the story. Maybe if there was a blogger bible?
7.Worst pet peeve?
I absolutely hate silence. I find it the most awkward thing in the world, even a few seconds of it makes me want to bash my head into a wall. Most conversations I end up looking like a chatterbox just because I want to fill that silent space up!
I absolutely hate silence. I find it the most awkward thing in the world, even a few seconds of it makes me want to bash my head into a wall. Most conversations I end up looking like a chatterbox just because I want to fill that silent space up!
8.Where do you see yourself in a year?
Hopefully on a Holiday, maybe Italy? I want to be enjoying university and to have finished my first year with a first (I should be so lucky).
9.Where do you see yourself in five?
I find looking forward a hard thing to do as I like to live in the moment, but i'll give it a go! I'd either like to be primary school teacher, have a job in Fashion/Beauty Pr or be an Artist...bit of a variety there. I'd also like to be moved in with my boyfriend and have our first house or apartment by then...fingers crossed!
10.What do you want most right now?
Right now what I want most is to stay in my bed at my Mum's house forever as tomorrow I am moving to my university apartment and I can't sleep because I am so nervous and stressed..isn't student life meant to be carefree and fun?
11.Favourite baby names?
My favourite baby names at the moment are Charlie, Summer, Alfie and Belle. Although I overall I prefer Charlie Andrew and Summer Maisie.
I Nominate...
Adel from PalettePale
Alex from AlexEmilyBlog
Jo from IncorrectCoffee
Pippi from PippiBee
Harri from Happinesshitherlikeatrain
MY QUESTIONS
1. Whats your best piece of blogging advice?
2. Who inspires you?
3.Whats your favourite feel good film?
4.What are your 5 essential beauty products of the moment?
5. Whats your favourite memory?
6.Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter?
7. Do you have any pets?
8.What did you want to be when you were younger and has that changed?
9. Why did you get into blogging?
10.If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
11.What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
So thats it! I hope you enjoyed this post I certainly did and I look forward to seeing everyones answers!
Anna xox
Hopefully on a Holiday, maybe Italy? I want to be enjoying university and to have finished my first year with a first (I should be so lucky).
9.Where do you see yourself in five?
I find looking forward a hard thing to do as I like to live in the moment, but i'll give it a go! I'd either like to be primary school teacher, have a job in Fashion/Beauty Pr or be an Artist...bit of a variety there. I'd also like to be moved in with my boyfriend and have our first house or apartment by then...fingers crossed!
10.What do you want most right now?
Right now what I want most is to stay in my bed at my Mum's house forever as tomorrow I am moving to my university apartment and I can't sleep because I am so nervous and stressed..isn't student life meant to be carefree and fun?
11.Favourite baby names?
My favourite baby names at the moment are Charlie, Summer, Alfie and Belle. Although I overall I prefer Charlie Andrew and Summer Maisie.
I Nominate...
Adel from PalettePale
Alex from AlexEmilyBlog
Jo from IncorrectCoffee
Pippi from PippiBee
Harri from Happinesshitherlikeatrain
MY QUESTIONS
1. Whats your best piece of blogging advice?
2. Who inspires you?
3.Whats your favourite feel good film?
4.What are your 5 essential beauty products of the moment?
5. Whats your favourite memory?
6.Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter?
7. Do you have any pets?
8.What did you want to be when you were younger and has that changed?
9. Why did you get into blogging?
10.If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
11.What is your biggest accomplishment so far?
So thats it! I hope you enjoyed this post I certainly did and I look forward to seeing everyones answers!
Anna xox
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