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Since I began working from home, believe it or not has meant I'm busier than ever and barely have any time to chill out and read blog posts for hours, like I used to. That being said, I always make time to stop and scroll through my Bloglovin feed for good reads, or catch up with my most favourite blogs that I have bookmarked.
With this lack of time on my hands, I've had to be a little more choosy with what posts I indulge in, and I've found that there are six types that I always click on.
1. DIY/Anything creative.
If you post a step by step guide on how to get something done; you can guarantee I'm reading it, and also saving it for later. Same if it's anything remotely creative; whether you're sharing your scrapbook, paintings or creative writing I'll be loving it. I enjoy saving posts like this to my Bloglovin collection for later, as a source of great inspiration. So thanks guys!
2. Weekly round ups/Life lately.
I love lifestyle blogs more than anything, and feeling like the blogger is having a chat with me. So if you're just updating us all on what you've been upto, I'll be there. Whether it's just sharing your life through your latest Instagram photos, or writing down everything you've done, I absolutely love it.
3. Instagram Faves.
Oh Instagram, I'm so fucking addicted to you. If a blogger does a 'best of Instagram' style post, I'm an eager beaver. I love knowing everyone's faves, and getting new suggestions for people to follow. I adore themed ones more than anything, as I like getting inspiration from collections of photos. (If you have a post like this, link me in the comments please!)
4. Lists.
There's something absolutely addictive about a good ol' list isn't there? Hannah Gale is the QUEEN of this, and she does it well. There are loads of people who do this (I'm doing it right now..) because we all love lists so much. But I've yet to find a blogger who does it as well as her; she keeps me entertained for hours!
5. Organisation.
So you can tell me the best way to stay focused on a daily basis? Oh you have tips on organising my makeup collection? What about how to organise my organiser??! Then you are my new BFF. I will read all of the things.
6. So you're a bit of a geek huh?
Fangirl and proud? I will love you. Love collecting Funko Pops, stickers, Tsum Tsums or basically anything cute and kitschy? Yep, I'll be reading these blog posts. I don't mind what it is you're into either to be honest; as long as it's something you're passionate about then it's awesome. A blogger who does this perfectly is Heather.
So that's my top six fave types of blog posts, what are yours?
Let me know and I'll try to do more! :)
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As a lot of you may have already read from my recent post, I had quite a hectic time on Saturday getting to and from the #NWMeet blogger event in Liverpool. However, I had an absolutely amazing time while at the event, all arranged by the brilliant Sam & Katy by the way. The girls thought of everything to make this event perfect, and I know everyone had an awesome day. (Sorry this is gonna be long and photo heavy!).
The event was held at The Secret Warehouse in Liverpool, and was beyond beautiful! The décor throughout the whole place was stunning from the moment we walked in. It had a beautiful, spacious feel about the whole place, kitschy items on the walls, a meditation room, and a rooftop terrace. AMAZING. We didn't have any clue the event was being held here, and we were just given a set of directions to follow from Sam & Katy (of which I ignored and just followed everyone else, as you do). Once arriving at this huge, brick building; we had to give in our top secret passwords into the intercom (soz can't share the password, too secret!) to be allowed upstairs.
Wow. That's pretty much how I'm feeling.
If you didn't know already, on Monday the shortlist was announced for each category in the Bloggers Blog Awards set up by the awesome Hayley over at Tea Party Beauty. I was so excited because I'd already been invited to the event in October (thank you Hayleeeyyy!) and I was THRILLED to see who I'd be meeting! Amazing bloggers from all over the country who I admire and adore; what's better than that?!
I won't lie to you, in the past few weeks I'd been hoping I'd get voted. Of course I had! Seriously, who wouldn't? But on Monday as she was announcing the names; I honestly 100% didn't think I'd be shortlisted for anything. I knew the competition out there, and I can't compete. But I didn't even care in the end, I seen everyone's excitement at meeting each other and how brilliantly this has brought everyone together; and I didn't mind at not being voted. I was just lucky to be able to get to go the awards and meet all the people I admire!
And then... Best Upcoming Lifestyle Blog was announced, my notifications went mental and I almost cried at seeing my name amongst the group. HOLY SHIT. I couldn't believe it! I was alone at the time (because Gary was asleep, he works nights) and I couldn't get my energy out to anyone fast enough. I quickly went on Periscope because I was this crazy ball of excitable mess, and just started blabbing about how amazing this was. Somewhere inbetween my five minute squeals, I stopped to look at my Twitter notifications that were building up... and I'd also been announced as shortlisted for Best Social Media Account as well. I couldn't fucking believe it. Sorry for swearing guys, but I cannot quite express what I felt at the time. The amazing thing is, my reaction was 100% caught live on Periscope with over 50 people watching, which I thought was pretty hilarious and relevant for this award. I was screaming, squealing and 'Oh my god!'-ing more times than I can count.
Since then, I've been on cloud nine (also can someone please explain this expression to me? What's so good about cloud nine anyway? And why are they numbered??)
I've been asking everyone I know to vote for me; because you've gotta at least try haven't you? It's not like this sort of thing happens everyday. But in my two categories, I am aware I am up against some AMAZING blogs/people. People who inspire me, people who make me laugh, people who make me stop and think on a regular basis. People I'd be pretty damn happy for if they won, basically.
Who'd have thought this little blog could be involved in something like this eh? Certainly not me. I'm just here most days; chatting away about life, doodling, crafting, or writing about my favourite makeup... it seems crazy.
Anyway... I just needed everyone to know how grateful I am if you voted for me to be shortlisted. I feel like some huge mistake has been made, and I'm not supposed to be in those lists! I'm going to ask once more, if I could I possibly ask you to vote for me? I'd love to feel like I have even a chance at winning something, but I don't expect to at all. On October 3rd, I'm going to be cheering for everyone who wins, and just feeling pretty damn lucky to be there.
You can find the voting survey here at the very bottom of the page.
Thank you!
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A Special Guest Post From Sarah Starrs!
I love how inspiring Jemma’s posts are. Whether it’s selling her artwork or growing her blog, she seems to work tirelessly going after her dreams. So if you read her blog, I’m sure you’re an inspiring lady with big dreams, too.
I KNOW what it’s like to want something desperately but still never seem to make it happen. That’s why I want to share a simple tool that you can use to help achieve any goal.
It can be busy to keep all of my projects going while also working a full-time job. I write my blog, work with clients one-to-one, create digital products, and I have a podcast and ecourse that are both launching next week. I'm also married, have a busy social life, and prioritize making time for myself. This might sound like an impossibly busy schedule but I've learned a couple of very simple tools that allow me to keep moving forward without getting burnt out. And you can apply them to any goal you might be working towards.
This year I promised myself that I would go balls-to-the-wall making my big dreams happen. By this time next year, I want to be running my business full-time. I've made enormous strides towards this goal. I've achieved some pretty big things in the past: starting my own magazine, traveling across Europe, and moving to the other side of the world, to name a few. But this year has been different. I've kept up my momentum in a way that I never have in the past.
Often I'd dive head first into a new project or goal and go full steam ahead for a couple of weeks and then it would peter out. But not this time. I've gotten planning and reflecting down to an art. By implementing short, simple reflection rituals every week I'm able to keep myself focused, celebrate my accomplishments, note where I can improve, realign as necessary, and plan my next action steps.
This is a deceivingly simple ritual that has an enormous impact. I've outlined how to get the most out of this process below. And because planning is more fun with pretty stationary, I've created a free printable that walks you through the exact reflection questions I use to check in with myself. Just pop over to my website if you'd like to download it.
Create a sacred time.
Choosing to do your reflection at the same time every week will build it into your routine and make it something you prioritize. Carve out 30 minutes and recognize it as an important act of self-care and a crucial building block for your dreams.
I like to do my reflections on Sundays, usually in the early evening with the week still fresh in my mind. It's also the perfect time to set myself up for the week ahead. But the key is to find a time that will consistently work for your schedule.
Add a sense of ritual.
Creating a sense of ritual around your routine will make it special and also something you look forward to.
I like to brew a mug of hot cocoa, light a candle, and sit down with my favourite pink pen to think about the days that have just past and plan the week ahead. This has become one of my favourite times of the week and adding in these small rituals has made it feel sacred.
Reflect on your achievements.
Actually write down everything that you accomplished this week, whether they're items from your to-do lists, starting a new book, trying a new creative medium, cooking healthy meals everyday, or anything else that seems worthy of note. Think about what you learned, anything you changed about your routines, or events that were particularly interesting. Write it all down and take a moment to feel proud of everything you accomplished.
Think about what you could have done better or whether you need to realign your vision.
Reflecting also allows us to see where we could have done better to make progress with our goals. How could you have spent your time more effectively? What would you like to let go of? Could you have reacted differently to a situation? Make a note of these instances and decide what you would like to do differently next week.
Create a plan for the following week
You can use your reflections to guide your plans for the following week. When we create a plan we're more likely to follow through, and when we build this into our reflection ritual.
Most of us work best when we have one main focus for the week and dedicate our actions towards it. Identify what one thing you could do this week that would move your goal forward the most. Then break that down into bite-sized tasks and schedule them in your calendar. You'll also want to move any outstanding to-dos from last week into your schedule if you still think that they're important.
Creating a weekly ritual reflection has drastically changed my life for the better. I now achieve my goals more quickly and with more ease. This process helps keep me focused and motivated. Whether you want to start an art journal or a magazine, taking time to plan and reflect each week is one simple, powerful step that will help you get there.
But just sitting down and telling yourself to "plan and reflect" each week might make your mind go completely blank.
I've put together these worksheets that walk you through the exact reflection questions and planning steps I use to work towards creating each of my dreams. Plus, they're pretty and flowery! You can just hop over to my website if you'd like to download them.
And while you're there, be sure to tell me what goals you're working on. I'd love to hear!
xo,
Sarah
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I'm writing this so you can all feel better about yourselves, and totally superior to me.
You're welcome.
1. I only wash my brushes like every two weeks, sometimes three. I know, I'm disgusting.
2. I go to bed with my makeup on at least twice a week.
3. I use face wipes. I KNOW. But it's easier to use a wipe quickly first, then use a proper makeup remove and cleanser. It feels even cleaner...
4. I only tidy my makeup area/bag if I need photographs.
5. I have no patience for my nails, even though I love having them painted. So I just slap the polish on and have smudges everywhere. Oh well.
6. I only use lip liner every once in a blue moon.
7. I just don't really care about mascara. I buy whatever one appeals to me at the moment, and where it because I have to. But my eyelashes are boring and short and nothing ever changes that.
8. I bite my nails often. No perfect nails around here..
9. As you all know, I love to change my hair. But this means I bleach it often and I ruin my hair regularly. But I'm addicted, oh dear.
10. I'm crap at blending eyeshadows, which is a real shame as I have hooded eyelids and boy I could really do with some skills in that area.
Now, you guys; Confess!
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A few weeks back, I celebrated one year blogging and I couldn't be happier to have reached this milestone. I've wanted to write a post reflecting on all the things I've learned for a while, and this seemed like the perfect chance after one whole year of lovely, little experience.
Back Story;
I'd been reading blogs for years, without consciously thinking about it. I'd just visit these 'websites' I knew I liked a lot. I'd Google random things I liked, and find others with similar interests. I ended up growing up finding sites written by women, providing me with a dream; something to aspire to. These girls were awesome, they were doing something really cool and incorporating all these skills and interests into one hobby; photography, writing, editing, craft, DIY, website design and promotion. These amazing girls/women were obviously rich, really clever, super talented, understood how to build websites and were very grown up obviously... right?
Wrong. I don't know when I suddenly realised that what they were doing (as awesome as it was) wasn't something unattainable; I could do it too! So I decided to finally look into this blogging thing. Don't get me wrong, it was trial and error, and I gave up and started again more times than I wish to go into. But eventually I got inspired and really motivated due to hating my job so much, and wanting to do something for myself. That's when Dorkface was born.
What I Wish I'd Known;
Oh man! The things I wish I could change or tell myself last year. First of all I wish I'd have started blogging sooner, this one actually gets me so annoyed sometimes! Because I had blogs on and off for years but never stuck to any, and never had any idea how awesome it could be. Just think where Dorkface could have been if I'd have started years ago?! Anyway.. let it go Jemma.
I hadn't fully explored the blogging community much and I only followed a small amount of people in the beginning. The majority were beauty bloggers, and as awesome as this was; it made me feel I had to only blog about beauty too. Silly me! So yeah, I wish I'd have known my blog could be based on a whole range of subjects close to my heart. My blog is now my little world, and as lovely as it is for other people to have one special 'niche'; I'm quite happy to build Dorkface into a whole niche of it's own. I'll continue to do DIY posts, review my favourite makeup products, write about issues important to me and share my life with you guys. Who knows how things will develop for this blog? That's the beauty of this amazing hobby.
Amazing Things;
If you haven't ever had a blog, you might wonder what makes this something I'm so passionate about. Well to start with, I've discovered a truly fabulous community of other bloggers. I now live on Twitter, and it's basically because I enjoy chatting to other bloggers all day! It's a community of people who all support each other, offer advice, encouragement and a whole load of love. I know if I'm having a down day, I could post this on Facebook and Twitter, yet it'll be Twitter that goes crazy with notifications, messages full of love and care. Not one person being nosy or questioning, only letting me know they are there and giving me reasons to smile. I can't say the same about Facebook... take from that what you will. People leave me wonderful comments on every post I put out there, to let me know they've read my words. Which when you think about it, is amazing. There are 'strangers' who I consider friends, who I talk to every single day, who follow me on every platform and know all the ins and outs of my life. There are even some other bloggers I've met in real life and consider firm friends and inspirations. It's hard to describe how lovely this community is unless you're involved with it yourself. I thoroughly recommend it.
I wont lie, another amazing thing is getting involved with brands. It can feel truly special when a company admires your work, and they decide they want to work with you. Not just because sometimes they'll send you products to review, or pay you for your collaboration; but because you're being recognised in this field. THAT is truly the best thing I can get out of this. When people I respect to pay attention to my words and creative endeavors, I am filled with gratitude. Being a writer has been my dream since I was a little girl, and if this can help even a tiny part towards that, I'm in awe.
I'd also like to mention that this blog has made my creativity soar ever since I began. I studied Art and Design at college and University and once I left, never really picked up on it again until I began this blog. I'm so thankful I have this as a creative outlet and motivator now. I'm now always working on something creative, and I feel free.
Wisdom I've Gained;
Make your blog however you damn well want to.
Reach out, talk to people, get involved with the community!
Don't expect a big following overnight.
Moaning/bitching won't get you anywhere.
Don't lie. It'll bite you in the ass sooner or later.
Making someone else happy, will also fill you with happiness.
Sometimes you'll need help.
Don't be scared, you won't be sorry you were brave & put yourself out there.
Where I Want To Go From Here;
This blog got me my current job, so who knows what else it will get me? Maybe an even better job in the future? The dream would be to one day do this full time, or write/create somehow for a living. Doing something so creative like this brings me so much happiness, and I want to keep doing it as much as possible. Maybe one day I'll have a little shop for my Artwork. Maybe I'll release a book ;) Who knows. It doesn't even matter where I end up. It doesn't matter if nothing ever comes of this because I love the process and the journey is changing me. I just hope I can look back on something I'm proud of.
If you read all of this, I appreciate it more than I could ever express. I wrote this so you could have an insight into my experiences, but also so I could record where I am at this very moment in time. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, filled with happiness and smiles.
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If you read my post last week about the North West Bloggers meet up in Liverpool, you'll have read all about my excitement and happiness at having such a wonderful day meeting other bloggers. I also shared some photos of the amazing goody bag we all left with, but I hadn't had the chance to really get stuck into all the products yet. Now that I've had a week to delve into all the wonderful treats, I thought I'd share some of my favourites with you guys and this might be a longer, photo heavy post today to do it justice.
There were a bunch of non beauty goodies filling up our bags on the day, and these products were especially awesome. We had beautiful and unique jewellery provided from Peace Love Free Spirit, and Estella Bartlett, and I bought myself a quirky necklace from JunkBox because I couldn't resist some of the beautiful products they had on display at the meet up.
Source - Hannah
Considering I only attended my very first blog event 2 weeks ago, I think I've done fantastic to attend another in such a short space of time! This one had been planned and in my diary for a long time though, and I was so excited for months leading up to it!
A group of 25 North West girls all together in one bar swapping tips, having a laugh and enjoying some lovely gift bags? Pretty perfect. The event was held in Kabinett just outside the very center of Liverpool, and is as quirky and beautiful as I could ever want. With plenty of sofas for relaxing, and a playlist to die for; they have made my dream bar to be honest. We each were given our gift bags upon arrival and they had a range of amazing things inside for us. We had one bag designed especially for us from Wild Thang filled with goodies from various brands I'll mention in a moment. Then we also had a very generous gift bag each from Utility, and finally one from Natalie Roche. So yes, we were spoiled!
Once we had all chatted among ourselves and I had finally met some girls who I'd spoken to for months online (yay!), we had a good mooch around the two brands that attended the event; Lucy who represented Natalie Roche, and Carrie from Junkbox. Natalie Roche are UK distributors that represent Amazing Cosmetics, GLAMGLOW and Xen Tan. We got the opportunity to test out the brands, talk about the work that goes into them, and even get some samples in our bags! Carrie from Junkbox was an absolute sweetheart, I'm not even exaggerating. She was the loveliest and coolest person I've ever met, haha! She had a table full of her products including hats, tshirts, jumpers, necklaces, stationary, mugs; and they were all beautiful. I honestly wanted to buy everything, but I settled on one of her unique necklaces.
Source - Hannah
-Source-
If I've not made it obvious before now, blogging is awesome. It's creative, stimulating, inspiring, helpful, social and sometimes life changing. starting this blog is definitely one of the better decisions I've made. However, with blogging sometimes comes awkwardness. Those squelchy, red faced, gawky moments that non bloggers just don't get. Here's my rundown;
1. When your family finds your blog. Oh god, I love you mum but please stay away from my blog. If you're reading this; bugger off. I love you, but stop. Also, tell auntie Mo to stop tweeting me please, in the nicest way possible.
2. People wanting favours. Ughhh, this might be my worst one because it makes me feel awful. Lots of bloggers will experience friends asking for freebies, asking to promote them in some way, or do blog posts on something they sell/make/do/campaign. Honestly I feel awful because I just have to straight out turn some friends down. It's not that I don't want to help you, or I don't think what you do is awesome; but this blog is my place for my things. It doesn't necessarily have a niche, but there's an umbrella of subjects I'll cover and your fundraiser might not be one of them. I'm sorry! I don't want to spam my readers with things that aren't relevant to them!
3. 'Follow me?' We all know those people who tweet us/comment us this. And yes there are the spammers which we all ignore, but what about the genuinely lovely people who always comment on your blog? What if they aren't spamming, but just ask that one time, and you check out their blog.. but you just don't like it/it's not your thing. Awkward. What then? Surely you don't tell them?! Eek. I dunno guys, this one makes me want to back up and run away. How do you other bloggers deal with this?
4. Friends who don't 'get it'. I'm not implying here that all non bloggers are out of the loop; not at all. I have a bunch of friends who understand why I take photos all the time, why I'm furiously making notes when a random idea hits, why my Instagram is important for my blog or why I have a Facebook page. Or why I even care about all of the above. But there are some who just think you're wasting time, being vain, or self centered. Awkward when you get your DSLR out at lunch...
5. Fangirl. I can easily name about 5 blogs that I check every single day without fail, whether on my computer or out and about on my phone. I comment on every new post, I favourite their tweets, I stalk their Instagram. It's starting to get awkward guys. It's now at the point I sometimes hold back on 'favouriting' that awesome thing they just posted, in fear of looking like a stalker. But some people are just so awesome that I have to follow them on every platform, and I get excited when I see a new blog has gone up. Is this just me? I promise I do not want to kill you and wear your face, I just really like that shit you posted dude.
What things do you find awkward about blogging?
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