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Blogging Top Tips: Gaining Exposure

By August 22, 2013 Beauty, DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion

You lot seem to be absolutely loving this series of blog posts?! I didn’t think that it would be so popular! Following on from the last post, you guys wanted me to do a post all about ‘how to gain exposure’ for your blog, so here it is, Blogging Top Tips: Gaining Exposure! *long post… sorry*

socialmediaSocial Media: Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
Social Media is one of the best places to gain exposure because literally everyone and their dog has an account on one place or another. Here is my little guide of why to join what!

Why Use Twitter?: Twitter is the place to be as a blogger. Not only can you promote your blog, you can connect with brands and bloggers in your area, bloggers who are the same age, bloggers who blog about the same things, literally anyone.
What Can I Do On Twitter?: You can promote your blog, talk to people and share your views on topics. For bloggers I would recommend using Twitter for self promotion and connecting with people.
What To Remember?: Add the hashtag chats into your schedule. Times are in GMT.

Monday – #fbloggers at 8pm – Fashion.
Tuesday – #fblchat at 8pm – Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle.
Wednesday – #bbloggers at 8pm – Beauty.
Thursday – #fbloggers at 8pm – Fashion.
Friday – #teenagebloggerchat – Teen Bloggers.
Sunday – #lbloggers at 7pm, and #bbloggers at 8pm – Lifestyle & Beauty.

Why Use Facebook?: Facebook is great for connecting friends, family and friends of friends etc to your blog. Although this seems scary and ’embarrassing’ it’s nice to know what people think if they know you. It’s also nice because it’s a more safe environment in my opinion.
What Can I Do On Facebook?: You can promote your blog, get feedback easily, and get your favourite blogs into your feed! You can also create a Facebook page which you can link up to your BlogLovin’ so your ‘likers’ can get every post you publish, in their feed.
What To Remember?: Join blogging groups. It’s a great way to get exposure for your blogs and also you can find some new friends! The groups I have joined are: FBL BloggersThe makers of the #fblchat on Twitter – & Fashion Beauty Lifestyle Bloggers (Very similar but different bloggers in each).

Why Use Instagram?: A LOT of people use Instagram on their phones, so imagine taking pictures from your blog posts and reminding people to read them? It’s a good idea. AND you can also connect with brands who have Instagram too!
What Can I Do On Instagram?: Connect with brands, share your new blog posts and find new bloggers to chat with.
What To Remember?: Use hashtags which are relevant. Brands will follow the blogger hashtags so they can find people who would be good to connect with. Plus, you might just get some likes and followers!

advertiseblogAdvertise On Other Blogs: This is a great way to gain exposure! Not only will you connect with your favourite blogs you will also get their followers interested in another blog! A lot of bloggers either do button swaps, or they have very low prices. Obviously paying £25 to advertise on a blog for a month might be a bit too much, look at smaller blogs who have quite a few followers of which are interested in the same things as you. This is also good because brands who connect with the blogs you advertise on, may just want to connect with you as well. It’s also super easy! Pretty much 99.9% of bloggers will allow payment through PayPal, so it’s simples. *meerkat squeal* You can find my advertising prices here! Cheeky plug, I know 😉

guestblogGuest Blog For Other Bloggers: This is a really great way of gaining exposure. Bloggers have lives, which means… if they are going away or are having a little break, then they might need the help of YOU (yes, you) to blog for them! It’s pretty much free advertising. Take the opportunity to show your writing skills to another audience. It’s also a nice way to make your ‘Features’ or ‘Press’ page a little bit more bulky. It shows you can write well for other people, and for what ever type of topic.

 I hope you enjoyed this post! Unfortunately I can’t tell you how to make your views ping up. As I said in the last post, numbers don’t matter! The only thing I would say is to keep blogging. Every day if needs be. It keeps your followers interested and they will keep coming back. It’s taken me over a year to get where I am, and to be honest… I don’t even get a 500 views a day. It takes time and effort so keep going. You’ll ‘get there’ in the end. I promise. 🙂 *cheese on toast*

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My Style: The Sunsets Over The Valley

By August 7, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion, My Style

I’m so excited to publish this post! It’s the first OOTD with our new family camera! (Nikon D3200 FYI) I am really pleased with the outcome so far! We’re all still learning so that’s why they aren’t pro at the moment, but I hope you enjoy the new quality!

my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes

What I Wore: Sleeveless Top (River Island – 2 piece set), Gold & Multicolour Gem Necklace (eBay), Vintage Blue & White Striped Skirt €5.00 (Jumble Sale), Black Jelly Sandals €4.00 (Supermarket), Vintage Style Wayfarer Sunglasses (Claire’s), Gold Middle Finger Ring (Jumble Sale) & Bourjois Bleu Fabuleux.

I am literally in love with this outfit. It is so comfy and simple, yet I think it looks totally awesome. I recently bought this skirt from an old lady who said her mum made it for her in the 1950s. I added my new bargain sandals from the supermarket – aren’t I cool -, which are soooo comfy and a right bargain. The necklace is from eBay and you can find more information about them in this post here. If you’re wondering what bag I am carrying, it is in fact the camera bag. So blogger-y.

my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes

A couple of weeks ago, we went out to a tiny little music ‘festival’ near us which was going on in the evening. We had no idea what to expect, but what we did find was quite funny! The ‘festival’ was in 2 fields, 1 for cars and campers, and 1 for the food, skating ramps, and the stage. It was pretty scary walking in because most of the people there looked like they  were… most probably on drugs. It was like a tiny weeny version of Glastonbury with mostly hippies. It was quite a nice atmosphere though, with queues of people at the bar and some jamaican music on the stage. The lighting meant it was the perfect time to take pictures with the new camera, and of course a perfect opportunity to curl my hair for the first time in like for ever. I like them really loose by the way, that’s why my hair looks crazy!

my style vintage stripes and jelly shoes my style vintage stripes and jelly shoesmy style vintage stripes and jelly shoesmy style vintage stripes and jelly shoes

I’m pretty darn impressed with the pictures we took on that night seeing as we didn’t know how to use all the snazzy settings that well. We even got some good bokeh shots in (camera knowledge), which I have been really keen to try out! We had a 50cent crepe each with lemon and sugar of course, a quick drink and that was us done! I believe there was going to be a circus act after we left, but to be honest, it wasn’t really our sort of place anyway, but it was a cool experience. I also guess it means I have been to a festival this year! Woop! Not quite Glastonbury, but it will do. I’m still on my 2 week break, but I will be back shortly! Speak soon guys, I miss you!

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Lisette’s DIY Simple Gold Tube Necklace

By August 5, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion

Hello everyone! Today’s guest post is by Lisette from Lisette Loves (one of my all time fave bloggers)! She’s put together a cute and simple DIY, so enjoy!

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Lisette: I spotted some gold tube necklaces and bracelets on various blogs, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere so I had a go at making my own. All you need is dried macaroni, gold marker pen, embroidery thread, and a toothpick.

Step 1: Colour the macaroni with the marker.
Step 2: String the macaroni onto the thread. (You can use a toothpick to help)
Step 3: Create a loop on one end of the string.
Step 4: Tie the other end of the string to the macaroni to create a pasta-toggle.

I chose to make mine with brightly coloured threads and layer them up together but you could string them onto a thin chain or fully string the necklace to create a more solid effect.

I hope you enjoyed my guest blog! If you’d like to check out my blog, click the links below!

Lisette Love’s Blog//Twitter//Instagram//BlogLovin’//YouTube

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Tolly: Doesn’t it look cute? It would look great with a plain white top just like Lisette has styled it above! I really do recommend checking out her blog, it’s one of my favourites! Speak soon!

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So Long Farewell: A Blogging Break

By July 29, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, My Style

I never really do sort of ‘update’ posts but I thought I’d do one for a change!
I’m actually not going to be blogging for 2 weeks! I’m not going anywhere, but I have family over and due to a certain exciting thing, I decided it would be a good time to take a little blogging break! Yes, I am stepping away from the keyboard and screen!

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Yes.. I really did tuck in my laptop for a blog post! Moving onwards… As I said I am only having a break for 2 weeks so it won’t be too long, but it’s long enough for me to have some lovely guest bloggers writing for you! I’ve got some lovely people who I really trust with blog posts so don’t worry you won’t be missing out on much! I hope you enjoy what they have to say and of course make sure to follow them all!

If you are wondering why I am having a blog break, it is because, 1 – I have a very exciting thing happening in my family life (You’ll find out soon!), and 2 – I am not that happy with my blog at the moment. I know that sounds really negative, but in my head I am feeling a little bit… bored?! I feel like I am doing everything for somebody else and I am not putting ‘me’ into my posts. I know some people will say that, that is very big headed but being a blogger sometimes you do have to think about yourself for a change and not your readers, because obviously this is my blog. When I come back, I am hoping that I will be refreshed and ready to start blogging again and really enjoying what I do, and I hope you will enjoy my new ideas.

During the period I am away I won’t be completely offline so, if you want to contact me for anything for example a feature, or just simply you want to ask me a question, do not hesitate to email me: [email protected] or tweet me: @TollyDollyPosh If you want an urgent reply make sure you email instead of tweet as I am most likely to respond on that. You can also catch up with what I get up to on Instagram (tdposh).

I’m sorry this is a rather boring post, but I just wanted to let you know. Scheduled posts will start from this Thursday and will end on the 13th August, so I’ll see you then! Thanks so much for being amazing once again. It really does mean the world to me that you guys enjoy reading my blog even when I am not totally happy with it.

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My Style: The View Is Better In The Mountains

By July 20, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, My Style

As you may know, a few weeks ago me and the family headed off to Andorra for the weekend to stay with my brother before his friends arrive for summer. It was a long 2 and a half hour car drive, but I am sure after reading this ‘my style’ post, you will understand why it was worth it. The scenery was phenomenal, and that is not an exaggeration, at all.

my style andorra my style andorraKenzo Jungle Trousers – €3.00 (Jumble Sale) & Dr Martens – €35.00 (Jumble Sale)

my style andorraIf you don’t know, Andorra is a country in between Spain and France, and it is about 3 times the size of the Isle of Wight… but the population is less due to it all being mountains. On the border of France, is actually quite epic. We had to drive up a long (and actually quite scary) mountain edge. At first you think that the mountains are quite small, but when you get into Andorra, they are so big. I had never been to any mountains before, so it was interesting to see what they were really like.

my style andorra A village an hour away from the border.

my style andorramy style andorraI’m sorry, I kinda’ had too… 

my style andorraHaha, it seems like every time I feature Papa Posh he is always doing a ‘looking out at the view’ pose… he’s good at them…!! Oh, and can you see me by the little pointy hut thing? Anyhoo… as you can tell, the whole place is beautiful, by that I mean the scenery… the towns aren’t that amazing, seeing as they are all catered to skiers, and not holiday go-ers, but it was nice enough! Also, definitely don’t go there when it is a religious celebration…. when you have people throwing fireworks into the road, right outside your apartment window, it is quite annoying… and scary at times!

my style andorra my style andorra my style andorra my style andorraWhat I Wore: White Studded Jacket €1.00 (Jumble Sale/DIY), Mustard Yellow Peter Pan Collar Vest (Matalan), Pale Blue Pleated Maxi Skirt £6.00 (ASOS), Mint Green Converse Style Trainers £7.99 (H&M), Floral Sunglasses (Shop in Carcassone), Orange Bag €9.99 (H&M).

I decided to play it comfy for the days that we are out seeing as we were going up and around twisty roads for long(ish) periods of time. I am really happy with my new H&M bag! I thought it was sort of a rip off at first, but now I can see why it is quite a lot of money for faux leather. It is the perfect size, it looks great, and according to my brother, it looks more expensive than it really is, and I totally agree. I love the colour, and am totally happy I bought it now! Woop! As you can see also, I am still loving my maxi skirt and fake converses! They look nice and are super duper comfy, so it’s win win!

my style andorra my style andorra my style andorraWhilst we were in Andorra, we also visited a few places, including a Historical Art place which is where the first 2 pictures here were taken. Doesn’t Mama Posh look good in her first blog appearance? I think so! We also visited a place called Naturlandia, which is an adventure place, literally at the top of a mountain! I would definitely recommend going there because there is, a 5.3 KM toboggan! Nope! You did not read that wrong! It is the world’s biggest and it is soooooooooo fun! Me and my brother went on it twice, and definitely don’t regret it (well, except the bruised backs from the dodgy seats)! You sit in and it takes you up for 10 minutes to the very top of the mountain, you literally sit vertically at one point! The view is spectacular when you look back (probably wouldn’t recommend doing so but, if you can!), and you don’t realise how high up you are until you drive up. The toboggan is different to most, because you can control it and go as fast or as slow as you like. Me and my brother being the most daring of the people on the ride decided to go full speed ahead… which meant having to break about 6 or 7 times for the slow coaches in front. I cannot recommend it enough going just for the toboggan, it was amazing! Seriously it was! You can find more info here: Naturlandia!

I hope you enjoyed this little lifestyle post! I am going to be doing a design collection inspired by it, so watch out for that!  You may notice a slight difference with upcoming OOTDS… our family maaaaaay have got a new camera! YAY! So excited to start doing proper good ones! Woop!

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Blogging Essentials: Top Tips for New Bloggers!

By July 15, 2013 Beauty, DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion

Since I was featured in Mizz Magazine in March, I have had quite a few emails saying ‘How do I start a blog?’ or ‘What should I do for my first blog post’, and instead of ignoring them, I replied and helped as much as I could. Obviously I don’t want to give my personal tips and tricks away, but I definitely know that some people need that little extra boost to get started, so I have put together a few things you should know and have in one handy post! *Awesome* Even if you are not a new blogger, I hope you enjoy it!

blogging essentials

Notebooks: It may seem an obvious one, but until seeing Alex from Bambella Blog instagram a picture of all her blogging notebooks, I didn’t own any! It’s super duper helpful to have some at hand because when you are a blogger, you need to remember ideas, email addresses, when you are going to publish a post etc. A top tip would be to colour code or label them! Green is for Monthly Ads, Upcoming Features, Packages in the  post and email addresses. Yellow is for my Blog Post Schedule. Blue is for Blog Post ideas. I have found it really helpful since buying these and most notebooks are very cheap, so go pick up a few! This is also a brilliant way to back up contacts etc because one day you may just find your laptop dies on you… poop.

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Laptop or PC: Again, it is a rather obvious one! You are obviously going to need a device to publish your posts on, but don’t worry about what you are using! I am using a Netbook which is pretty much a mini laptop. It does the job, but it is just small! When my MacBook broke recently it was annoying but I guess it was pretty old anyway, so don’t worry if you either have to down grade or you have to use an old one for a while, because the only things you need are the internet, a blog platform and the laptop!

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Camera(s): A lot of bloggers worry about not having the newest camera and all the newest lenses, but really it doesn’t matter! Sometimes I look at blogs and am like, ‘WOW, how is that a good camera they are using?’. The pictures in this post are all done by the iPhone 4?! Pretty impressive, non? Sadly once again, technology wasn’t on my side, and my camera broke too 🙁 It was pretty good actually, so if you are interested it is the Sony Cyber-Shot N50.  I really don’t think it matters whether you use a fancy camera or an iPhone, because as you can see these pictures came out well! I personally think the editing you do makes everything better.

blog post about bloggingPhoto Editor: Speaking of editors! I use PicMonkey along with a lot of bloggers! It is free (Premium account available) and does a really good job. You can re-size images, sharpen them, add text or shapes, and even add pretty effects! If you want to take it a step forward, I would probably suggest Photoshop, as you can now get one of the old versions for free! My family has Photoshop CS4 which is pretty good and it does everything you need, but I have found everything on there on PicMonkey, sooo…? You can decide on that one! The one thing I would say is if you are using Google Chrome, make sure you get the Ad Blocker plug in, because the ad at the bottom of PicMonkey can be annoying!

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Blog Cards: These babies are by MOO, in which have THE best customer service, a shop where you can pick up your cards (…on the run to the Style Blogger Awards…), and choose from different sizes, finishes and even cases?! I ordered the mini matte ones as they were the same price as the ordinary sized one but you got 150, instead of 50. I really would recommend MOO because they are ‘fast and affordable’ (No, this is not a sponsored post!). I think VistaPrint and other places do good value ones too.

I hope you enjoyed this post! I am thinking of doing another one along the lines of ‘how to deal with..’ because I know it might be helpful. As I have said above, it really doesn’t matter what technology you use, as long as you are happy with the outcome yourself then don’t worry! I did all of that on an iPhone and I am definitely not worried about it! Good Luck and if you are starting a new blog make sure to link me! I’m a nosy parker! 😉

Did these tips help you? Are you thinking of starting a blog of your own? What are your top tips for blogging? Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Blogging Tips & Q&A With Flora Pick

By July 9, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion

One of last month’s advertisers, Flora from Pretty Little Things To Do, to be precise is here to talk to you about her blog, fashion and all things lifestyle! Take it away Flora!
(Images courtesy of Flora Pick)

What inspired you to start your blog?: Probably reading successful blogs like ‘A Beautiful Mess’ by Elsie Larson. I saw how big something relatively easy to make could become, I think I just thought: ‘if she can do it why can’t I?’. I guess that another aspect of my inspiration was my ambition to become a journalist. It’s been my dream job for quite some time and as I’m still too young to work I wanted to come up with a way of sharing my views easily. 

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Why did you choose fashion and lifestyle?: I chose my blog to mainly focus on fashion and lifestyle because those are the kind of things that interest me and they’re already big parts of my life. Fashion is just so fun to write about because there are so many different looks, styles and opinions and it’s constantly changing. 

What are your top tips for starting a blog?: I know that this is what every blogger says, but it’s important: Blog about what you love. There’s no point in forcing yourself to write about something that doesn’t interest you, you want something you can stick with. But always think: people visit their blog for a reason, what’s the reason they want to visit my blog? Their are so many blogs on the internet that it’s hard to get noticed but if you are unique people will listen. Also, have a design you love because it will draw your readers in. My final tip: Network! Make friends with other bloggers on Twitter, Facebook, Email- whatever! Most bloggers are friendly, just like you Tolly!

What are you’re blogging targets for this year?: To write posts more often- currently I’m too lazy, include more of my own photography- again, the reason I’m not doing that is my own laziness. Pay to get my blog professionally designed- I’ve found someone but just need to decide what I want and save up and learn html coding- I think it will really help me to develop my blog.

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Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: You (Tolly) obviously! You were one of the first bloggers I made proper contact with. Kat – I know Kat (distantly) in real life. She’s friends with my mum and her blog is probably one of my favourites ever. Florence – I haven’t actually made contact with Florence yet but I recently discovered her blog and I love it! Blossom – Blossom is a wonderful new blogger who is just starting out!

What trend are you most looking forward to working, this S/S 13?: Definitely belted vintage dresses, they are something that I would love to wear anyway so I’m pleased designers have put this style on the catwalks. 

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: New Look because it’s not just good for on-trend styles but also for simple wardrobe bases. It may seem weird but I can never go into a shop without picking out a nice vest top (yeah, kind of odd) and new look just have loads of cute things like that. As I’m 12 and pretty much broke all the time I find It’s the best place to get fashions that fit my budget. 

What’s your favourite piece of clothing you have ever bought?: Even though I didn’t strictly buy them myself (they were an amazing present from my mum) I’d have to say either my jack wills playsuit or leggings. I honestly don’t have many expensive clothes but the ones I do have I wear all the time. The playsuit is white and lacy and just a really cute thing to throw on on rare sunny English days. And the leggings work in loads of different ways whether it’s casual or dressy.

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Who is your favourite lifestyle brand and why?: My favourite lifestyle brand is definitely Hambledon. They are a relatively small business run from a shop in Winchester very close to where I live and sell all sorts of cute stationary, make-up and (admittedly expensive, but gorgeous) fashion. I could pretty much make up my whole wish list out of stuff found in this shop. If you are down south make sure you visit it!

What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I’d probably say that my personal style is a bit quirky, eclectic but a bit preppy. I love chunky knitted jumpers, shorts, and brightly coloured tights/ weird leggings. I also like to accessorise- I own a ridiculous amount of hats, and hair stuff. I love my massive- and I mean massive- red bow hairband because it goes with anything in a sort of weird way!

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW FLORA’S BLOG HERE!
Follow on Twitter too!

P.S Tomorrow (July 10th) is my (TDP’s) feature in Girl Talk Magazine! I’d love if you could pick up a copy! Make sure to tweet me a picture too! Thanks guys!

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By The Pool Essentials: Swimwear & Accessories

By July 3, 2013 Beauty, DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion, My Style

Howdy! As you may know, I live in France, the south to be precise, which means getting my, by the pool essentials spot on, takes a little bit of thinking! I don’t want to be too hot when its 30 degrees do I? So, I decided to write a little post on what I take to the pool (or beach) with me!
*cue hawaiian music*

by the pool essentials by the pool essentials

A Lilo: For a while we didn’t have a lilo for our pool because the last one burst, but now we do, and I am so glad! Having a lilo is so nice! You can just sit back relax, not get your hair wet, and even sun bathe, all at the same time! It’s also good for people who aren’t the best at swimming, and of course for those sunny evenings when you don’t want to get in, but would like to float about for a while! Our’s cost around €15.00 because it is quite big, but usually on holidays I think they cost about €8.00, and usually the shop staff will blow it up for free so no worries on your lungs exploding! If not, then… unlucky, loser!! Hehe

Floppy Hat: I bought this from a jumble sale and it is perfect! Hats are a big essential if you burn a lot because they will protect your face which is most sensitive to the sun rays. The reason a floppy hat (don’t you find that funny? Floppy?) is good, is because it should cover your shoulders and neck with the shadow, which will add extra protection to us ‘burners’.

Flip Flops: These are my favourite flip flops! I got these for my birthday once and I love them! They have that holiday/festival feel to them, and as any flip flops are, they are convenient! You can just slip them on, walk to the pool, and take them off, instead of sandals etc where you have to unbuckle them… I know I’m lazy…

Sun Cream: Quite an obvious one, but I know a lot of people are guilty of not putting on a bit of SPF! I use Amie’s Skin Shield Moisturiser* for short periods of time in the sun, and a ordinary SPF30 sun cream for long periods. It is always good to have some by, especially after coming out of the water, as that is when your skin is more prone to burning.

by the pool essentials by the pool essentials

Bikini: I don’t usually wear bikinis at the beach, but the by the pool, I don’t mind whipping one out! This one is from M&S and it is so pretty with the laser cut frills! I also like how the straps are around the neck, as I love wearing crop tops where you can see the bikini, I don’t really know why, but I just do! If I’m not wearing a bikini, I will wear a swimsuit and if it is a little cooler, I will wear trunks on top (I know, but they are girls ones!)

Cover-Up: When I’m at home, I usually just use my dressing gown, as it is a 2 in 1 (towel), but when it comes to the beach, I probably don’t want to be spotted in it.. so a light oversized shirt does the trick! I like to look out for nice ones at Jumble Sales and they work a treat! Not only can you cover up, you can also do up the buttons and put some shorts on for when you are going to go grab a nice cool drink!

Sunglasses: Obviously if you are wearing a hat, you may not need these too, but if you want extra protection, I always think people should carry a pair around! The yellow pair above are from Claire’s and I love them! I would wear my Zoobug AVs*, but I would prefer to wear an old pair if they are going to get wet!

Beach Bag: I don’t have a proper beach bag, but I find that this green and yellow crochet one does just the trick! I got it from a Jumble Sale, and at first I thought it was a bit old, but when my parents saw it they told me I had to have it, and I agreed, I did. It fits everything in and I love the detailing. My favourite bag of the past month!

Private Swim Lessons: I know this isn’t a fashion-y one, but I thought of it and had to mention it! Before last year I couldn’t swim, embarrassingly enough! I was able to get private lessons for free by my school and without it sounding too dramatic, it seriously has helped me so so much! I would search around for cheap private swimming lessons because I know what it feels like to not be able to swim. Most teachers will be really understanding and will go through each step at your own pace. I can now swim on my own, go under water in the deep end, and if somebody asks me to jump in… I will attempt it. I know it can be nerve racking at first, but it is so worth it.

Ironically, I am now looking out too grey skies again, so I will have to wait to get these all back out! I love summer, but I think for everyone this year has been a very unlucky ’13’ for the weather. *touch wood* it comes around soon!

Would you like more essentials posts? What are your by the pool essentials? Make sure to let me know in the comments below! LOVE YA!

If you don’t know already, the Posh Fashion Awards Shortlist was released yesterday! Congrats to all the bloggers! Find out who was shortlisted, by clicking here!

(This is not a sponsored post, products which have been sent to me will have a * beside them, but none of them were sent to feature in this post.)

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My Style: A Cherry Picking, Flower Blooming Day

By June 22, 2013 DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion, My Style

Whilst you are reading this I am away in Andorre! My brother is going to be there all summer with his biking friends so we decided to stay for a couple of days before they all arrived! I will speak soon, and enjoy the new post!

DSC07979DSC07961What I Wore: Green Ruffled Cap Sleeve Top (M&S), White & Grey Daisy Print Dress (Jumble Sale), Red Daps worn as Sandals (Primark) & Floral Alice Band (Primark/DIY)

DSC07969 DSC07962Last week we had a glorious day! It was the perfect temperature and the sky was clear and blue! #perfection To top it all off we actually found a cherry tree outside my bedroom window (Kinda silly of us not to have noticed, but hey ho!). It had LOADS of cherries on it! They were so sweet and delicious! Can’t wait for it to start growing again! I also got cooking  drink making in the kitchen, and made the BEST – slightly biased there – strawberry milkshake, you will EVER taste (recipe below). It was delicious and the whole family drank it! *pats self on back* After the amazing drink we sat around in the sun enjoying a nice bowl of cherries. It wasn’t quite hot enough for the pool, but it was still a marvellous day.  (BTW, my hair looks way darker than it is in these pictures!!)

PicMonkey Collage DSC07960Strawberry Milkshake Recipe: (4 x Glasses)
– 2 & a half scoops of strawberry ice cream
– Half a glass or strawberry sirop
– Enough milk… not quite sure how much
– 
A blender

Put all the ingredients in to your mixer, in any order. Turn your blender on  and mix *whurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr* stop when you think it is smooth enough or as chunky as you would like it. Add more sirop or ice cream to your taste, and voila! Add a strawberry on the side and a nice paper straw, and you will be done! *gulp gulp gulp* ‘Very nice Tolly’ Well, thank you!

DSC07970 DSC07965How would you like me to do recipes on my blog? I know it isn’t to do with fashion, but I believe I am quite good at doing drinks 🙂 Let me know in the comments below! 

(This is a scheduled post. I am currently away so will not be able to reply to any comments!)

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Blogging Tips & Q&A With The Sopho Diaries

By June 10, 2013 Beauty, DIY & Lifestyle, Fashion

Last month’s advertiser, Sophie, from The Sopho Diaries is here to tell us her blogging secets, and what her fashion style is all about. Take it away Sophie! (Images from The Sopho Diaries)

1. What inspired you to start your Blog?: I’ve been reading blogs for years and have always loved the idea of having a little space on the internet that is entirely your own. My ultimate aim in life is to become a writer and so I began The Sopho Diaries so that I could have a little internet place to write and ultimately a place for people to read my writing. I also like the fact that in years to come I will have a kind of online diary of my life which is lovely.

2. Why did you choose Beauty & Lifestyle?: Quite simply because although I absolutely love fashion, I’ve never personally thought that I was overly fashion forward, although I think a lot about what I wear and take a lot of time over it, I’m not massively adventurous and so I don’t think a lot of my outfits are ‘blogworthy’. I didn’t want my blog to be specifically a fashion blog or specifically a beauty blog, I wanted it to be a combination of those things along with little snippets of my everyday lifestyle as it’s always been those kinds of blogs that I’ve enjoyed reading the most.

3. What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: My biggest tip would probably be to not dwell on stats or follower numbers. Those things are important but you need to stay true to yourself and blog about what you want to blog about, you shouldn’t write a blog post based on how many followers you’ll gain from it. Gaining followers is exciting as it shows that people are interested in what you have to say, but it’s not the be all and end all.

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4. What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: I’ve had some amazing feedback on some of my posts and it’s been lovely to hear that people are enjoying what I write so (as clichéd as this may sound) I’d just like that to continue really!

5. Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: I’ve read ‘What Olivia Did’ forever and a day and I still think she is absolutely fabulous. I also love ‘Tea.Toast.Fashion’, Livvy always looks so put together and her photos are beautiful. A much newer blog that I love is ‘Fashion Fumblings’. Louisa and I started our blogs around the same time and she’s done so incredibly well in such a short time so her blog is definitely worth taking a look at!

6. What trend are you most looking forward to working, this S/S 13?: I love all of the boho inspired/ festival looks that are emerging. Floaty dresses, fedoras and natural wavy hair will always be a winner in my book so I’d say that.

7. Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: I love vintage shopping, there’s something very exciting about rummaging through things trying to find a hidden gem. I bang on about it a lot but one of my most prized pieces of clothing is my vintage faux fur coat that I found on a bright pink bus at Glastonbury Festival in 2009 for only £15… it was my bargain of the century! Ebay is always worth looking at also, you can get some brilliant stuff at brilliant prices.

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8. What’s your favourite beauty product you have ever bought?: My MAC Russian Red lipstick was like love at first sight. I love a red lip and up until I found Russian Red it seemed like I’d been through every red lipstick I could get my hands on to no avail. But this one is just perfect, it lasts throughout the day and it’s just the perfect shade.

9. Who is your favourite beauty brand and why?: I will always have a soft spot for Benefit (as any who read my blog will know…) their products are brilliant and I love the whole vintage aesthetic of the brand. I also love MAC for their lipsticks, the formulation is just gorgeous and the range of colours is always amazing.

10. What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I think I have a fairly British Heritage kind of style. I think there’s something brilliantly quirky about the way us Brits have always dressed ourselves so I’m an absolute sucker for a bit of tweed and some tan brogues. I don’t like anything too fussy. I prefer well made, simple pieces that I can combine together with vintage pieces and bits from brands like Jack Wills.

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Find Sophie Here: Twitter/Blog

Thanks so much Sophie for answering all those questions! I hope that you all found something from this, and are inspired! Go follow Sophie!

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