Is it just me or is white now the official colour of choice for most bloggers these days? Whether it's super white quality photographs, slick white outfits, heavenly looking decor,or now; nails. It seems a lot of us (not all I know!) are becoming obsessed with this clean white slate in every area of our lives. Take me for example; I am clearly someone who loves colour. Whether you look at my hair, my blog, my tattoos or my outfits, you'll always see plenty of colour surrounding me and I love it. But every now and again.. this blogging trend pulls me in. I've opted for white nails this week, as you can see. Pure white brilliance, with a subtle shimmer on top; just lovely. I'm afraid I don't have the patience to apply it as perfectly as some other bloggers though. Helen from The Lovecats Inc is one blogger who seriously causes me nail envy on a regular basis. So yes, I've began wearing white nail varnish, and I'm definitely a fan. This is coming from the girl who often paints each nail a different colour just because she can't decide on a shade.
So will I be giving up colour? Pfftt... Definitely not. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that the blogging community often influences me in many ways; some subtle like this, some not so much. I think this is a fantastic thing though, as it's exposing me to new things all the time. Fair enough you might hate 'trends' and want to be different, well good for you! That's awesome. I just want to say it's okay to be influenced sometimes, and try these trends on for size. You might find something that fits wonderfully.
What do you guys think? Do bloggers ever influence you?
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Henri Matisse was the creative behind the quote; "An artist is an explorer", and I think he had something quite right there. To make Art is to explore different themes, emotions, tools, challenges and most of all imagination. By exploring through all of these things, we find out more about ourselves than ever before. I truly believe Art frees you and allows you to escape into another world, of your own creation. A world where everything can be as perfect or imperfect as you like, as strange and wonderful as you need and as unique as each dream running through your mind in the dead of night.
I've always been one to cheer people on to be creative in any way possible, but probably more so now since I've started blogging. I've seen how using this creative outlet has helped so many girls I've talked to (and men sorry! Just a lot less of you!) and how expressing themselves through blogging has changed so much about them. I'd like to encourage a few of you to think the same now about Art. Art doesn't have to be this scary, intimidating, brilliant painting that you could never compete with. It doesn't have to be pencils or ink strewn across paper. Art doesn't have to be pretentious, hard, beautiful or public. It can be something you create today, right now, for yourself. And I encourage this is any way possible because it can be one of the most therapeutic and inspiring things you do for yourself.
A lot of you already know I keep Art journals, I like to create all sorts of DIY's, I love to collage and I can often be found covered in paint. So when I discovered Cass Art had sent me the most beautiful package filled with water colour paints, exquisite brushes and the highest quality of paper; honestly I did a little squeal. You know how some girls would lust after MAC lipsticks and jump for joy if they got some for free? I basically had this reaction. Okay, I would too over some MAC but that's beside the point guys.
I received a little message from Cass Art saying they simply wanted to know what I thought of their products, as they pride themselves on affordable, quality art supplies; encouraging people to explore their creative side. I must say, I was impressed.
I've been using the products all this past week, 'testing the water' you could say. If you have me on Instagram you've probably seen me playing with my beautiful new toys, trying to make the most of them. I can't even do them justice by telling you how exquisite they are; a true joy to own.
I'll be honest with you, I'm terrible using watercolour paints. I'm much more at home and comfortable with acrylics. But pushing and forcing and even dragging myself out of that comfort zone is totally what I need. I feel like this beautiful gift is giving me the opportunity to practise, learn and grow. So for the month of March, watercolour is my focus. I usually have some sort of plan for my 12 Projects ideas, I can at least see what the endgame is gonna look like over the horizon. March however? Nah.. this one's different.
"An Artist is an Explorer" - and I intend to explore. I can't say if I'll have much to show at the end of the month, or if there'll be a structure to it. But I can say I'll have tried something.
What will you try?
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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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Recently I was contacted by Keepmoat asking if I'd like to take part in their affordable home challenge, encouraging people to upcycle/DIY/create pretty spaces at home at a low price. This is pretty much something I love doing anyway, so I jumped at the chance. I decided to break this challenge down into three easy, small projects that anyone can do and would work nicely in any home.
I started with the bowl you can see above. I went out and bought a handful of plain white bowls, with the aim to funk them up a little and use them as display bowls. I don't have anything like this at all at home, and thought they'd make a nice place for keys, rings, trinkets.
I knew I wanted to make them rose gold, because whenever I see anything of a copper hue on Pinterest, I fall in love. I bought a copper spray paint from Amazon, which you can find here. I made sure to place the bowls on newspaper and some plastic bags, and spray with windows open for ventilation. This was incredibly easy, I just recommend spraying as far away from the bowl as possible while still covering the complete surface. That way, you avoid it getting soaked and dripping, which will then leave marks which won't look 'neat'. Overall it turned out beautiful, and I know have a pretty display dish for my jewellery!
Aahhh the weekend. A little slice of heaven where most of us get a chance to slow down, relax and take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. Since I work Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm, weekends really have become my time. True, I do have to squeeze all my chores, blogging, socialising and plans into these two little days and it does get hard. But I still always make sure to take a chance to pamper myself, and appreciate those down time moments.
Recently I caught up with one of my favourite friends in the world, and she very kindly gave me a beautiful Soap & Glory gift set, among other things. I've taken the past week to try out some of the products and to really indulge in some much needed pampering.
I've been using the Girligo Spray On Moisturising Body Mist, The Righteous Body Butter, Flake Away Exfoliating Scrub and Hand Food. I'll probably adore any Soap & Glory product I ever try, and this bunch of beauties are no exception.
My absolute favourite has been the spray on moisturising mist, because it's so easy to apply all over and leaves you feeling so soft and smooth. I tend to have really dry skin on my arms and legs, but admittedly I'm usually too lazy to moisturise. I know, I know. But this spray on is now my savior! A couple of pumps, a quick rub into the skin, and I'm done. Perfect.
My second favourite is the exfoliator, Flake Away. Especially for my legs because as I said; dry, dull skin. Nothing makes you feel as shiny and new as a good scrub, and I found this one to be amazing. It's gentle and kind to skin, but tough enough to give it a new lease of life. Plus, it smells delicious!
Next up I've been using The Righteous Butter. This is an all over body butter with the richest, sweetest smelling cream. Since the spray mist is now my go to for all over body moisturising, I've saved the body butter for my feet. When I really need to give my tootsies some extra love, and make them feel super soft; this is the product I'm using. I don't use this all the time, but when I do I can really feel the difference.
And finally, is the Hand Food. Made with shea butter, macadamia oil and marshmallow; Hand Food is a suitable name for sure. This yummy little treasure is something I've began popping in my bag and taking to work with me, or wherever I'm going out for the day. I find it a nice having a reminder to treat my hands kindly and put some love back into them. After all, we put our hands through a lot and it feels good to use a product so scrumptious!
Do you guys enjoy any of these products? How do you pamper yourself?
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While browsing around Lush recently in a haze of wonderful scents and pretty colours, I decided to add to my bath bomb collection. I'm definitely a shower girl day to day, but who can resist the temptation of indulging in an evening of relaxation, luxury and pampering yourself every now and again?
Lush have their Easter range out now in stores, and oh my; everything is beyond beautiful. I decided to treat myself to Hoppity Poppity, an adorable bunny shaped bath bomb promising to bring some sweetness to my evening bath. Fantastically fizzy, with hints of lime and violet, and popping candy to boot. Yes, popping candy.
Next up I decided to try Space Girl which has been out for a while but I've never tried to before and I figured now was the time. The whole thing appeals to me massively; from it's planet shape, to the glitter, to the name. Space girl? I want that name. This little beauty has a fruity fragrance and promises a refreshing, uplifting, cheery experience.
So both of these bath bombs are beyond beautiful to look at and sniff if you're even remotely near them; but how did they do ultimately? Well, I'm a mixed bag on this one. And you might be surprised.
Hoppity Poppity is the cutest thing I ever did see, and really did fizz away nicely in my tub. The popping candy kicked in and it all seemed to be off to a great start. However, it was actually a bit of a let down. It turned my bath water a light, subtle pink; nothing to get excited about which was a shame. I've seen a more impressive hue just washing my own hair. It smelled nice enough, but I'll be honest; after the initial fizzing and popping it didn't even feel I had much difference in the water. I think this little guy is a lovely treat when you want a little celebration for a moment, but after that? I'd add in another bomb.
And then a few nights later, I tried Space Girl. I'd felt a little disappointed by Hoppity, so didn't expect much here. However when I popped this jazzy little number into my tub, I squealed with surprised. It immediately flourished into a froth of reddish/purple bubbles, and my senses exploded from the sweet and fruity scents overtaking me. I fell utterly in love with Space girl, and spent as long as possible in my tub, before I had to admit I was turning wrinkly.
So what do you guys think? I've tried a brand new one and an old one, and personally I found the older to be the better. Have you tried either of these?
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Hello lovelies! It's seems like life is flying by lately, and I'm so busy that I can't even keep up with it. In those rare, precious moments that I have the chance to sit, reflect, sleep... I can actually really appreciate those wild, busy moments though. Weird right?
Work is great, friendships are awesome (even if distant/living though social media), Gary and I are the cutest team you've ever seen, and things feel pretty good for this green haired lady. That's not to say we haven't had any negatives things happen lately. We had to cancel our Amsterdam trip for one example; but life is too short to dwell and I'd like to focus on all the good.
I really enjoy 'Instagram lately' posts and I thought I'd share some images I've had on my own Insta the past two weeks and explain them. As they help give an idea what I've been up to day to day.
Left to right, top to bottom.
1. If you haven't read about me attending my first blog event, please check out this post. It was one of the best experiences, I got to meet a blogger hero of mine, and made some great friendships! Yay for blogging enriching my life!
2. Bee and Puppycat. WOAH. This is my new favourite thing ever. As a longtime Adventure Time fan, this show is the next big, beautiful sister I didn't even know it needed. I feel like I AM BEE. I'm just missing my puppycat. Although that might only be for another 2 weeks... (Spoiler!!) So yes this show is amazing. Expect some drawings/paintings inspired by this soon.
3. Writing, writing, writing. I've kept up my journal and it's been so therapeutic and helpful!
4. YUM. I love anything caffeinated, creamy, sweet. This was everything.
5. I bought the cutest beauty themed garland from Toni and it's the best! I can't wait to hang this over my desk. I just need to buy a desk. And find time to hang it, haha. Seriously you guys, I'm a busy bee.
6. I've never really liked salted popcorn before now, but I'm enjoying snacking on it lately. This is bad guys.
7. Enjoying wearing Spring colours lately. I hope to make this year a more pastel toned one too.
8. Investing in some new bath bombs was beautiful! Reviews soon.
9. More caffeine. Did I mention how tired I am all the time?
And that's pretty much me these past two or three weeks. How about you guys?
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