The Liebster Award Tag

Firstly, a huge thank you to the lovely imwithbeth (click her name to head to her blog, she's honestly one of the most supportive bloggers out there!) Beth actually tagged me in her Liebster Award post over on her blog, which is where I then got the inspiration for this post. I'm so excited to have been tagged in something like this, it's such an amazing thing to be included in; as a new(ish) blogger, I love using social media as a way of getting to know other bloggers. It's also great to read other blogs, there's so much talent and inspiration to be found in this world so it's fantastic to be a part of this community and I think a lot of people don't realise just how much time you spend on all of the different aspects of blogging; the photographs, the writing, the planning, etc. So this tag is the perfect way to commend bloggers for their hard work!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging mostly so that I could express my creativity. I studied Fine Art and Photography for many years and so I felt like I needed to use my degree in some way. I originally started this blog whilst I was at university, but it was always at the back of my mind until I finished university and was settled in a full time and repetitive job. About a year ago I decided to redesign my whole blog; the photography, the name, the brand overall and I haven't looked back since. I love getting my creativity out and most of all I really like expressing myself and having something that's truly 'mine'. It's really helped my mental health too by getting to know other bloggers and getting involved in the blogging communities. It's such a supportive place and I'm enjoying it; I don't blog to make money, I have a full time job so for me blogging is an enjoyable hobby.

2. What is a quote/motto you live by?

Honestly, there are so many things that I live by, but I guess the most important for me at the moment is 'it's ok not to be ok'. Over the past few weeks I've been really struggling with my mental health and that quote is really helping to remind me that I'm not alone and that I need to talk about it. However, another quote that I absolutely love is 'she believed she could so she did' as it's so empowering and inspiring. It's one of those things that you can apply to all of the different aspects to your life. I truly believe that attempting to think positively has a genuine affect on your mind.

3. If you could visit any place in the world where would it be and why?

I would love to visit Prague in Hungary. If I'm honest I'd love to see so many places around the world, although I do want to explore the many countries of Europe more than anywhere else. For the past couple of years I've wanted to go to Prague and I don't think I'll be disappointed if I ever manage to visit; although if there was only one place I could ever visit it would have to be Poland as I've really fallen in love with that country.

4. Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

I'd like to still be blogging, ideally but I don't want to be blogging as a job. I know that sounds bizarre as there are so many people looking for a career in blogging, but for me personally I like having a regular job (one that I enjoy) and using blogging as a way of finding happiness. I'd like to see myself still documenting my life, at whatever stage of life I'm at in five years. It's mad to think that I'll be 29 in five years! So, if I'm honest I have no idea where my blog will be at in five years!

5. Who is your favourite blogger/influencer?

There are so many bloggers that I've loved over the years, but my favourites are probably Liv Purvis from WhatOliviaDid and Carrie from WishWishWish. They're so naturally beautiful and chic with a penchant for beautiful items and I feel like they have really lovely taste. I must a admit, I'm a sucker for those who blog in London as I grew up in London so I just enjoy seeing new and exciting parts of the city that I never realised existed before.

6. What advice would you give to new bloggers?

I would say don't start blogging to become famous, or to make thousands of pounds as that's so unlikely to happen; there's so many other things to blogging and there is a great community out there. Although it's difficult, it's also important to stop comparing yourself to other bloggers as no two blogs are the same, just like no two people are the same; it's all about individuality and creativity above anything else.

7. What is your biggest fear?

I've got a ridiculous list of things that bother me; I'm not a fan of heights, deep water amongst so many other things. I'm also afraid of having my mental health get worse, of being alone too much. They're all fears that are fairly irrational, but they're terrifying for me all the same and I hate how much some of these fears can literally take over my life at times.

8. What is your favourite tv series?

This is a hard one actually. If you asked me when I was younger it would have definitely been Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Friends, and The Simpsons but I have to admit that currently I'm not massively into watching lots of tv anymore as I prefer YouTube or reading (yes I'm a bit sad like that haha) but if I had to choose then I'm a big fan of Doctor Who, Broadchurch and Outnumbered. 

9. What is your favourite accessory?

I'm a massive jewellery fiend; I literally always have some kind of jewellery somewhere on my body (with 19 piercings that's hardly a surprise) so I always have earrings or rings on, although it's more likely to be earrings. However in terms of fashion accessories my favourite for the summer months would be shoes and in the winter months scarves; if I could live in autumn all year round I would, I absolutely love autumn fashions and accessories.

10. If you could only eat one item of food for the rest of your life what would it be?

Anything with potatoes! I absolutely love any kind of meal that involves potatoes somehow, whether that's chips, hash browns, wedges, jacket potatoes etc. so I'd be pretty happy to live on something that includes that kind of food for the rest of my life as that's more or less what I already do!

11. What can you not live without?

There are so many things I can't live without; in a literal sense, air, food and water but in the sense of luxuries then I couldn't be without my phone, my handbag and also my friends and family; without them I actually don't know what I'd do in terms of my day to day life. As this is a bloggers tag I feel like I should say that I couldn't live without my blog too ;)

Below are the 11 bloggers I have decided to tag with a link to their blogs:

bethanykwalton

planetwhispers

heldtogetherbypins

littlethoughtsfromlittlepeople

elleanorwears

carolineosbel

palegirlrambling

elliesbitsofbeauty

Raeoxoxo

jaspreciousblog

parlezvousparisien

So that leaves me with some questions for the 11 blogs I have tagged:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What are your current blogging goals?

3. If money wasn't an issue what would you want to do with your life?

4. Where do you see your blog in 5 years?

5. What would you describe your blogging style (e.g. Lifestyle, Beauty) as and why?

6. What advice would you give to new bloggers?

7. What is your biggest fashion or beauty faux pas?

8. What is your favourite beauty item?

9. What is your favourite form of social media?

10. What tools of the trade would you recommend to new bloggers?

11. Would you ever stop blogging?

Favourite Blogs #10

Hello again; every month I enjoy discovering new blogs and rediscovering some old favourites. It's a fantastic way to find inspiration and get to know other people. There's something nice about getting to know a person through their likes and dislikes - blogging is a positive way to find out what you like and dislike. At the minute I've been reading a lot of blogs, through twitter and instagram, I like finding out about new blog posts, new bloggers and getting some honest reviews on a variety of things. Bloggers are usually honest, far more relatable than print in a magazine and they also cater for people like me; if I want to know about a make up product for someone with pale skin, I'll look out for a blogger that fits that category. There's definitely a blogger available for anyone, if you look hard enough. I'm loving twitter as way of communicating with other bloggers, and it's an easy way of clicking on blog post that takes your fancy. To have a look at any of the blogs below, just click on the blog URL and it'll direct you straight across!

 

www.icecreamandclara.co.uk

Elizabeth's blog is ultra feminine and undeniably pretty; the soft pastels, natural make up looks and whimsical, pretty photographs of countries such as Italy, it's definitely a dreamy blog. I've been reading this blog for a while now as I love the layout and the romantic theme; there are make up reviews from brands like Benefit and Too Faced, which is lovely as they're quite expensive so it's nice to see honest reviews on them. She's also a fashionista, with many blog posts focussing on outfit choices and what she's listing after from the shops at the moment. There are also some cute little snippets of her young child; he's got a lovely little face and it's crazy seeing how quickly they grow! I also like her book reviews, she's got a classic style in all areas of her life.

 

www.parlezvousparisien.wordpress.com

I actually found Abby through her twitter page; ever since then I've really been loving her blog! Although I've been to Paris myself, her photography and posts just capture a magic about the city that I've never managed to see. Alongside her Paris posts, there are also fashion, beauty and travel based blog posts; my favourite of these are the definitely the travel posts. She has a way of capturing the parts of the world that most of us overlook. I've always wanted to visit Budapest and her post on the city has definitely encouraged me to make a trip sometime as it looks incredible! I'm a sucker for beautiful architecture and you'll love this blog if you also adore architecture, particularly those in Europe.

 

www.youcancallmecaz.blogspot.co.uk

Another blogger that I've discovered from my new love affair with twitter; I fell in love with her blog instantly. The layout is simple and pleasing to the eye that it's just a lovely read. She's a blogger who covers a variety of topics such as beauty, travel, lifestyle and fashion. I admire her honestly, particularly when it comes to mental health topics such as anxiety. She's open with her readers, addressing her life regrets and also posting some honest reviews on a variety of things including films but mostly make up products. I like that she reviews mostly drugstore items as that's more realistic for my budget, so I was excited to read her posts on some MakeUp Revolution items as I do like to know if something is worth it prior to buying. Plus, I really loved her 'Dear Friends', it said so much about how she great she clearly is as a friend! 

 

www.elleanorwears.com

I originally found Eleanor's blog through her instagram page; I really like how she covers so many different topics such as beauty, fashion, lifestyle and feminism amongst many others. As a sufferer of mental health myself, it was so reassuring to see her share her own mental health story; it's fantastic that blogging has become an outlet for these kinds of issues. It was a great way to remember that you're never alone. Her taste in books is also great, as an avid reader myself I do love a good book review! Anyone who blogs about Harry Potter is always going to be onto a winner with me, as it was basically my whole childhood. Regardless of all of these things, her blog layout is also simple but effective as it's so easy to follow. The blog headings allow you to pick what posts you feel like delving into, which is very helpful.

 

Favourite Instagrammers #11

Hello again! If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'll know just how much of an instagram fan I am. In all honestly, the app has begun to irritate me a little recently, the follow/unfollow game is giving me a headache. However, I do really like how it's a super visual platform; I've recently started liking Pinterest for the same reasons, but I find instagram easier to use overall. Instagram is one of the apps on my phone that i use more or less every single day as I do love seeing others posts, as well as posting myself. I'm not bothered about if an instagram feed has a theme or not; personally I don't stick to a theme as I use it as a way of documenting my life and promote my blog. I'm really interested in following more bloggers, let me know your usernames in the comments and I'll give you a follow! :)

 

katy_who

I've been in love with Katy's instagram feed for a few months now; there's something addictively beautiful about her ethereal, floral forest photograph collection. Her wild mane of hair really fits the forest, wild theme; her photographs are very influenced by nature and the seasons, for example at the moment she's capturing the blooms of spring. Alongside the nature photographs there are books, architecture, outfits for days and stationary. Her creative flair is obvious throughout the whole feed and although there is an obvious theme it's beautifully done. Her feed is perfect or those who love travel and nature as each photograph fits into that mold. Even with a theme, each image feels personal and there's always a lovely caption that makes you feel as though you're getting to know the person behind the feed.

 

sirenandrose

I've been following Megan on instagram ever since I stumbled across her then blog, thebriarrose a couple of years back. Her feed is mostly food, pastels, Disney and cosplay characters. I really like how each photograph has a story to it, she always writes a detailed caption of how the image makes her feel; it's like you really get to know Megan, her likes and dislikes. Overall she's a girly girl, but I don't feel overwhelmed with pastels and pink. Her photographs of the Cornish coast, of the city of Bath in the full bloom of spring are simply gorgeous. On a side note, she has the loveliest crockery too; all flowers and delicate prints.

 

parlezvousparisien

I found Abby's blog and instagram page very recently, through a twitter blogger chat and instantly fell in love! It's really interesting to see Paris from another Londoners point of view, even though I'm not a fan of Paris. That said, Abby captures Paris in a way that I've never seen; all beautiful architecture, secret cobbled streets and of course, some of the world famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and The Cathedrale de Notre Dame. I like the snippets of French culture in the form of food, drink and general lifestyle. I do like to travel, so I enjoy seeing the world through other people's eyes; even the grittier side of the Parisian streets are photographed and shared, it's nice to see all sides of the city, not just the tourist areas.

 

perksofbeingsharna

Sharna's feed is definitely that of a beauty blogger; with her Pinterest worthy interiors, millions of make up products and on trend accessories spread across many of the images. Quirky desk accessories, such as patterned cats, candles and plants are frequently featured in her photographs. I like how she comes across as supe positive, writing captions that describe how much she loves a specific mascara, or hand cream for example. A lot of her photos are pretty in pink, it I feel like they're not doused in pink; although she's a girly girl, you don't feel overwhelmed by the girlyness. She's honest about what make up uses and rates how good it is, which is always useful when you want to buy some make up; reviews from others always persuades me a little bit more!

 

chloerebeccablog

Although Chloe doesn't have millions of followers, she come across as super relatable, especially because she doesn't have a theme. Focussing on lifestyle, fashion and beauty, there are many images of her travels in various cities, in the UK, Hungary and Italy to name a few. She seems super positive and often engages with her followers in the comments. Definitely a summer lover, with lots of photographs of beers in the sun and general enjoyment of the longer days and better weather that we're having in the UK at the moment. I haven't followed her for that long, but I instantly liked her feed as she's keep it real; there's more to enjoy than an instagram theme.