Yves Rocher Sérum Végétal Wrinkles & Radiance

Let me begin my saying how pleased I am to finally be trying out some serums, especially by a brand I have been loving lately, Yves Rocher. These are the Serum Vegetal* Morning and Night serums to prevent wrinkles and make your skin radiant, whilst still taking care of it too. As a combination skinned gal, this seems like a breath of fresh air compared to reviewing a lot of creams.



The packaging is simple with a silver band and an orange top. I love how simple this is, and it clear from the moon symbol which one is the night serum. These products are for all skin types with serums being known to help combination skin as they can prevent dehydration and control oil at the same time. Sometimes you do get a lot of anti-aging skincare products that claim to help all skin types that haven't necessarily helped myself. Controlling oil and dry skin can be difficult which I appreciate, and Yves Rocher have opened my eyes to a new lease of life for my skin.


At 21, I'm not prone to wrinkles yet. But the whole point is to use skincare to prevent wrinkles, not try and remove them once you've seen then appear. I have quite soft skin near my eyes and I can definitely pass for 15 on a good day, so I can't comment on it preventing wrinkles since I've only been using it for a few weeks. It moisturises the right amount for sure. I'm left with silky soft skin that doesn't feel like it has a greasy residue on it. That's a change.

As for the 'radiance' element, I don't feel radiant. My skin doesn't look glowing but in between reviewing products I'm stuck in a library writing out thousands of words for my dissertation so until the summer comes and uni is completed, I don't think I will be getting a chance to look radiant in the mean time.

I base all my opinions after weeks of continuous use, and I am happy to say I will be continuing to use the Yves Rocher Wrinkles and Radiance Serum Vegetal products. I knew as soon as I saw 'serum'  I would be pleased. 

Have you tried any Yves Rocher products?


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Exploring New Horizons | ad

Today I have a guest post from the lovely Claire sharing her thoughts on moving abroad.

Loads of us have a billion reasons why we can’t move away. Family. Friends. Jobs. The list can seem endless. Yep, they’re all pretty valid reasons, too – there’s no denying it. But we’re the same people, aren’t we, who wind up staring jealously at our friends’ pictures when they’re off on their great escapes. We all love holidays, but can’t commit to the full time lifestyle. 

That’s actually fine, too, but what if what’s putting us off is just fear? I went on an adventure trip  with school once, and I will literally never forget the instructor yelling at us that “fear is only a state  of mind!”. It got me through a caving experience, and it’s sure as hell come in handy throughout my  adult life, too! I think sometimes that’s the attitude we need to take with big decisions, and educate  ourselves properly in order to take down the barriers one by one.

If you fancy living abroad, one of the first things to remember is that it doesn’t need to be forever.  You can go for a few months, a few years – anything in between. If you don’t like it, just come home!  In fact, in a lot of cases, you’re not actually allowed to outstay your welcome, unless you can find a company to permanently sponsor you (or someone to marry!). So what are you waiting for?

There are a lot of things to consider, including:
  • Packing up your old life. This can be the hardest. No matter how hard you reassure your  mum and dad you’ll be back, they’re letting their baby go, even if you’re all grown up. Same goes for your friends – maybe they’ll feel abandoned, and you’ll all miss each other loads. The less emotional stuff can be simpler (but still a headache, so make it easier on yourself by reading a checklist like this!), but remember why you’re doing it and it’ll all be okay.
  • Visas. These sound a bit scary, don’t they? We’ve all seen those border control TV shows – get the wrong one, and you’re screwed! With companies like Bunac and STA travel, they’ll be with you every step of the way – phew!
  • Finding a job. What are your skills? Do you want to work while you travel? Have you got skills you can freelance out, and if so where do you pay your taxes to while abroad? It’s a bloody minefield, but a quick google search will help you find a ton of job sites in your chosen country. If you don’t want to work, it’ll usually be okay, but you’ll need to save before you leave to prove you won’t be a burden on arrival.
  • Finding somewhere to live. Oh you think London is hard? Try doing this in a country where you don’t really speak the language or understand the laws. Sites like Gumtree and Craigslist can be a bit help, but don’t get ripped off! Check with the locals for reputable alternatives in your new area.

If you do decide to go off on an adventure, good luck, and have fun!



Hope you liked this post! I would love to move abroad if I didn't have family over here! I think Liverpool will do for now haha!

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This is a paid for advertorial

The New Brush to Save My Hair?

The Wet Brush entered my life the other week, and I am actually surprised by how strong and powerful this brush is. It feels just like a Tangle Teezer, yet more gentle somehow..


Firstly I was happy to be using a handle again since I own a Tangle Teezer and a Dessata brush. Both of those brushes slip out of my hand when I brush my hair and it drives me crazy. Don't get me wrong, they are both fabulous and will carry on using them, but it is annoying. This pink Wet Brush* comes with a slim handle for easier styling.

I was a bit cautious at first, since it looks very much like the cheap brushes you can find almost anywhere. Oh how I was wrong. It detangles my hair quickly and with no pain to the scalp, something I have experienced years ago as I have sensitive skin... and body?

I only ever brush my hair when it is wet. To all girls with straight hair, I envy you! Don't tell a curly haired gal to brush her hair when it is dry, ever. We will give you evil eyes. I end up with looking like I am lining up to audition for the Lion King when my hair is brushed when dry. Nothing will change this! I have previously spoken about why no frizz taming products have ever worked on my hair before and I stand by this statement. But this brush certainly helps me brush my hair quickly so I can begin to dry and straighten it without all the time wasting of attempting to get tons of tangles out.

Overall, I think all three of my brushes, including the Wet Brush will remain in my heart forever. I am taking this one home with me over Easter so I think that reflects that it has gained a place in my hair box full of permanent items.


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A Letter to My Younger Self

I was wondering what type of chatty post to write for a few days and realised that I keep remembering things I used to do as a teenager and how much my life has changed since then. Things I was worried about, or things I would do out of habit.

My latest instagram feed @laurahadleyx

Stop worrying
Firstly, I was 'born' a worrier. I was quite anxious as a child and used to get very upset if my parents didn't stay at my friends parties with me "in case something happened" or that I didn't want to be alone, despite running around with plenty of friends. I remember a distinct time reading Shout or Mizz magazine or something and an 11 year old had written a problem about school. Wow did I worry about starting high school for no decent reason. I still worry quite a lot to this day but nowhere near as bad or irrational. Things get better!

Trust your gut
The amount of times I've trusted other people too easily when my instinct said not to, and I've been walked all over is silly. If I could speak to a younger Laura, I would say to trust myself before I trust others. At the end of the day, you can't really go wrong with that.

Use heat protection spray!
Oh Laura. How many split ends did I have to go through before I learned that heat protection spray was one of the best things I could use on my hair. I have curly, frizzy hair but straighten it every week usually otherwise it is even drier and tangles so quickly. Letter to future self: learn how to blow dry.

Learn your figure
Actually first off, eat more vegetables and less pizza would be a good start. I put about 3-4 stone on since I was 16 from dominos and ice cream. Over those years, I still dressed as if I had my 16 year old figure and it didn't work out for me. Skater dresses and skinny jeans have been what has made me look slimmer and healthier.

Read online reviews
I used to waltz into Boots and spend it on makeup I barely used or that didn't suit me. I needed my foundation matched from beige to ivory and needed to read up on products online to discover what my skin type was as Dream Matte Mousse (remember that!) did not work with my combination skin! I needed to exfoliate but when I began using makeup at 13 I probably didn't even know what that meant!


Hope you liked my tips to my younger self! Is there anything you would say to your teenage self if you could?

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Spring Has Sprung with Collection Cosmetics

Collection Cosmetics introduce their new Field Day Spring makeup collection* and I cannot be more pleased! These bright colours are gorgeous and affordable. There are three nail varnishes, three lipsticks and two eyeshadow sticks that are pigmented and a lovely way to brighten up your makeup!


(l-r) Nail varnishes: Peony, Peach Blossom, Heather

I'm yet to swatch the nail varnishes since I currently have a navy blue nail varnish on which is typical me but since it was chip-free I couldn't bear the sight of taking it off! I imagine that since Collection's other nail varnishes have been very true to colour you can see from the bottle, with 2-3 coats these will look lovely. I've not tried a grey-ish nail varnish before despite me choosing a Nails Inc one in my Love Me Beauty Box (review to come soon) so I will have to try this out and report back. Loving the name of Peony though!


(l-r) Pink Rose, Tulip and Fuschia

These limited edition lipsticks look delightful. The first two are matte and the last a gloss. As you can tell from the swatches they are gorgeous colours. I tend to instantly pick up berry lipsticks when I'm in Boots or even when I have bought my Mac and YSL lipsticks, so these came as a surprise and I'm glad they only come in three colours otherwise I would have to have them all. In a way it's forcing me to expand my lipstick collection and try brighter colours. I sway towards non-matte lipsticks purely for the fear that my lips will suddenly dry up but that very rarely happens. I am genuinely in love with the look of these already.

(l-r from swatch) Golden Sun and Summer Meadow

These lasted extremely long on my hands, as in it took me all day to get them off so on your eyes they will last most of the day if not all day through the summer. I have oily eye lids so an eye primer is a must with these otherwise they will crease. They have a slight shimmer to them but not overpowering that you would look like you've just applied glitter straight to your eyes.


The Field Day collection is available in Boots for £1.99-£3.19

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A New Obsession?

First let me say I am really impressed with these Makeup Revolution I Heart Obsession palettes! These three beautiful palettes arrived last week and I'm incredibly excited about one in particular.

(l-r) Wild is the Wind, Paris, Pure Cult.



Wild Is The Wind*

A mix of matte a shimmer shades, this palette has different shades to the usual 'neutral' palettes you often see. In particular I'm curious to use the top left aqua colour, and the bottom right purple. I love how pigmented these eyeshadows are, as are the rest of the eyeshadows Makeup Revolution make. This would be a fabulous palette if you want to mix up your everyday makeup without going too bold.




Paris* 
 This is described as a romantic palette with some lovely everyday shades and the perfect greys, browns and blues to make a subtle smokey eye look. My favourite from this palette looks like it will be either the navy blue or the middle grey looking colour. This sounds mad coming from a beauty blogger but I don't usually try brown shades out, so I will make sure to test the full palette out!



Pure Cult*

This is the palette I am most excited for. To me, this is the perfect dupe for Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette. It really surprised me! Take a look at the photos below.



The photos aren't exactly true to colour, but these colours are almost identical. The top row is Urban Decay and the bottom is Makeup Revolution. With the shimmery shades, Makeup Revolution has more glitter/shimmer and is more pigmented. There is more lasting power with Urban Decay, but it is a balancing game between pigmentation and lasting power. If you can find the perfect primer to go with it, this palette is definitely for you. 

The big difference? Urban Decay Naked Palettes are £38.00 and Makeup Revolution Palettes (these versions) are £3.99. It is 9.5 times more expensive.... I rest my case. The only difference is that UD have more colours per palette, but you could buy another Makeup Revolution palette and still have huge savings.

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Invogue Glamourise Voluptuous Lashes



First let me start of by saying a huge apology for the awful quality of my photos! I didn't have Andy's camera to use and for some reason my iPhone decided it wanted to play games and no matter how many times I uploaded a photo it stayed at this quality! However, the focus is the lashes here, not 'how not to take a photo'.

The reason I've used the stock image that was sent to me is because I did originally take photos, and my laptop (you've probably already seen me rant about this on twitter) has decided to start breaking and I lost my photos. Again, I apologise profusely. These are the Invogue Lashes in 'Glamourise #5' worth £2.99* which you can buy online on FalseEyelashes.co.uk*. 

When I was 17/18 and first started 'going out' I used to wear super thick lashes like these and I felt like a princess. I felt amazing and that everyone would stare at me in awe over my lashes. I felt good in them and that was all that mattered. These days I tend to wear more natural looking lashes, but decided it would be a little nostalgic to review these to show you if my opinions have changed.

The lashes are very thick and long! I feel like they can touch my eyebrows when I have them on. I'd only ever wear these on a night out, and to wear them again I would probably trim them down so they weren't as long. I love how black they look though, you can tell from the other eye on my pics that even the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara isn't that black in comparison.

I really didn't like the glue that came with these. It's clear which is good, but isn't sticky enough to keep them on. I found the application harder than usual using this glue and would definitely use an Eyelure glue in the future. This is a common problem with people who wear false lashes though.

Overall, I love the colour and texture of the lashes, but not how long they are. I would feel more comfortable with them being shorter but that's why if I was to buy a pair online, I'd go with a thinner, shorter pair. Each to their own though, if you love lashes like these then have a try of the Invogue Glamourise as you will probably get on with them well! Just bring your own glue.


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Why We Should Stop Judging a Book by Its Cover

If you didn't know already, I'm a scouser born and bred, and I'm proud. I was born in Oxford Street Hospital (before it was knocked down and the Women's was created) on Tuesday 19th October 1993 in the early hours. I've lived in different areas of South Liverpool my entire my life before moving up to Newcastle for uni. I've always been proud of where I come from but my feelings started to change when I moved away. Why?
Everyone who moved into my student accommodation were from different areas of the UK and elsewhere. Luckily, the lad in the room next to me in my flat was also from Liverpool so I didn't feel singled out. I started to notice "I had an accent" when speaking to others and they would either look at me like I was an alien or I was speaking a complete different language. Let me start off here: I don't have a strong accent. Place me in town and you will notice that I don't have a thick accent, nor do I pronounce words exactly the same way. My Nan and Dad don't have a strong accent, and although mine is slightly stronger, I still don't sound really scouse. So why where people looking at me like I don't speak English?  

  
My sister Sofia and I, and my boyfriend Andy who is from Derbyshire.

I'm not just talking about 18 year olds moving to uni, I'm talking about adults. I once had a job offer over the phone, and when they hearing me say 'Hello, yes this is Laura" they said "I can tell you're from Liverpool" and proceeded to assume I wouldn't be able to take the job over the summer. I couldn't accept as I didn't have a place to stay since our tenancy began in the September last year. But why did the person feel the need to announce where I was from? They could have simply said "This job is for the summer, would that be okay?"
Ignorance is bliss they say. No it isn't. Why should I be judged based on where I was born. I didn't have a choice where I was born. My parents are both from Liverpool, as are all of my close family. That doesn't mean I should be discriminated against. People shouldn't make comments based on ludicrous 70's style Harry Enfield jokes, telling me to "calm down" when I don't believe I have ever told people to calm down in that tone of voice. Why do people make sarcastic jokes to be 'careful' in case I steal something, because stereotypically 'all scousers are thieves'? I can feel myself getting wound up as I write this because I would never judge anyone based on their age, gender, race or colour so why am I judged because I'm a scouser?!
My best friend Robyn aka Twinny & I, primary school and now. Do we look scouse?
It's not funny. It's not mature. It's essentially bullying if it is repeated and if you've seen some of my older posts, you'll know how much bullying has affected me and how much I detest bullies. I get assumptions based on me too, like am I going to wear rollers during the day before my night out, have I got 'Scouse Brows' and what colour tan am I going to wear. I own rollers, but I've never used them because they make my hair static. I have eyebrows funnily enough and technically they are scouse. I've seen photos of girls all over the world filling in their eyebrows with what looks like a sharpie, don't assume that is a scouse thing. I wear fake tan the odd time a year, but don't like it because I actually like being pale. Assumptions rebutted. I love wearing natural looking false eyelashes, and have reviewed thicker lashes before because trying new products is fun.

I've always thought that I'd like to start YouTube, but when speaking to my lovely friend Jemma who is also from Merseyside, it made me realise that this discrimination will only continue on the internet, with bigger, meaner trolls. She said about a week ago "I hate that I have that tagging along me every time I open my mouth" because she feels that people will assume she sounds chavvy based on where she comes from. She feels like some Southern English people she knows, see her as 'rough' which is exactly how I feel when I talk to people who aren't from Merseyside. Now do you see a pattern here, another person feeling judged by others and made to feel like she shouldn't be proud of her roots. Who has the right to judge us? Nobody does.

Sorry for the long post! I've been holding this in for about two years and decided it is my time to speak out. No matter where you come from, I won't judge your accent just because it isn't the same as mine, so I don't expect to be judged in the same way.


Have any of you experienced this?
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Redken Color Extend Magnetics Deep Attraction Review



My hair was screaming out to me that it needed a little TLC and there's no better way to replenish the moisture in your hair than with a treatment for it. This is Redken's Color Extend Magnetics Deep Attraction* RRP £21.25 from HairTrade. I worked with HairTrade before on this post of some lovely extensions and they're really helpful on twitter if you have any questions!


This is a sulfate-free hair mask for colour treated hair like mine. Although I didn't dye my hair for about 18 months, and my hair really needed that break, I dyed it and bleached it again in January and I instantly noticed how dry the ends are. After using this my hair overall definitely feels stronger, and the consistency of the mask is really nice. The mask aims to extend the life of your hair colour, but with bleach it doesn't change so I can't comment much on that! It does add  lovely shine to your hair.


I love using this once every two weeks as I also use other hair masks and treatments so my hair doesn't get used to one particular product. For the price you pay, you get a lot of product, and you don't need much. I imagine it will take me a long while before I get through this! This is a unisex product so can be used on anyone, the smell isn't strong enough to 'suggest' it should be used by women only.


The only down side is the size of the tub is so big, if you have a small shower you may get water in it which I have the bad habit of accidentally doing... Let my clumsiness not overshadow a product!


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Statement Formal Wear OOTD



Here I have the lovely Ella dress by Chi Chi* paired with my Primark heels (also featured in this post). If you didn't already know, blue is my favourite colour, and aside from when I was young and pink was the next big thing, I've always been fond of blue. It's my nan's favourite colour and I think that's probably why, as I'm so fond of my nan and she has been an inspiration to me my whole life. I know she would love this dress!
Style
This is a tight fitting dress, pulling you in at the waist, with a zip up one side. Since it is very structured on top, and the skirt part flows out, it would make a lovely occasion dress. I'd definitely wear this to a wedding. The sleeves are nice but also tight fitting, depending on your size. The sweetheart element is gorgeous, complimenting your figure and adding a feminine touch. If you're not fond of your thighs and knees, this is a fabulous dress for covering them. It is advertised as 'teal' but personally I would say it was more of a blue colour, which I prefer.

Fit
I am normally a size 10 in everything, let me start off here. I do have a moderately sized chest and sometimes this does get in the way. I didn't wear a bra with this dress, since the material is thick and is tight fitting so you don't need one unless you have really big boobs. The zip went most of the way up, with thanks to my chest, but you couldn't tell unless I lifted my arm all the way up. If I had known it would have been as tight, I would have bought a 12 simply for comfort on the arms and chest area, but the waist might have been too big. Female issues.

Shape
I love how although there is a sweetheart style part to the front of the dress, it doesn't overly accentuate the chest, so no matter how big/small your boobs are, the dress would compliment them. I felt pulled in at the waist and wasn't conscious of my body aside from at my arms, as the sleeves pull in at a certain point of your arm so it wasn't the most flattering.

Overall
I really like this dress. I chose it to be fair! If I was to go back in time, I would have emailed Chi Chi and measured myself all around and asked them what size to get, but considering I'm a size 10 in every dress going apart from this, I didn't know. It would be lovely for prom with pale blue heels and a clutch, or even with silver accessories. If you're a tummy-conscious gal like me, it is a stunning piece to own!
This dress retails at £54.99.
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Day to Night OOTD - Crop Top Edition


Top - American Apparel from Buy T-shirts Online*
Floral Skirt - New Look
Black Skirt - Primark
Heels - Primark
Extensions - Hairtrade*
Today's post is somewhat different to my usual, being that 1. I have bare legs and my midriff showing and 2. I'm actually doing another OOTD. I've not done one since October (here) and quite frankly I'm not the most confident and really dislike my body at the moment.

I had the opportunity to review an item from an online store called Buy T-shirts Online. I chose an American Apparel Cotton Spandex Off-Shoulder Crop Top* as despite it still being chilly in March, it would be great for nights out, meals out and for casual wear over summer. I would have styled this with my high waisted New Look jeans but they're back at my family home in Liverpool whilst I'm 122 miles away in Newcastle.

The top is made from 95% Cotton and 5% Elastane so it is slightly stretchy, which helped because of the size of my chest. I chose a size M because as I'm normally a 10-12 in clothes, crop tops don't tend to be long enough or stretchy enough to cover my boobs. It is available to buy in sizes small to extra large so there should be a size for everyone! On the website, you can buy tops in multiples which will reduce the cost. Orders placed before 4pm on weekdays are sent on the same day for next day delivery.

I paired the black crop top with a floral skirt to brighten things up for a daytime look, and pushing my hair behind my shoulders made me feel more feminine, so I'll be making sure to pin my hair back during summer as it definitely makes the crop top look more flattering. For an evening or smarter look, I paired it with a midi skirt from Primark. To liven it up (and because my black heels are also in Liverpool) I wore simple coral heels from Primark too.

Hope you enjoyed my OOTD!

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Osmo Deep Conditioning Haircare Review


First things first (do not even say this in your head singing Iggy Azalea) I have short-medium curly, dry hair. I never usually review hair products unless I genuinely believe they will help nourish my hair, as I have a routine. I know you're supposed to deviate from routines sometimes as your body can get used to products, so here is where Osmo* steps in. I was given the choice to select hair products from the Osmo website, and I chose these for the obvious reasons! I chose the products that would repair and protect my hair.

Deep Moisturising Shampoo
The reason I began using Aussie's 'Miracle Moist' shampoo was because I have a dry scalp if I don't use it, plus it is great for cleaning and nourishing my hair. Since beginning to use that a few years ago, I've not used another shampoo for longer than a fortnight. I began using this twice every time I washed my hair. First of all, the smell is lovely, sweet but not too sweet. It contains Patchouli Oil said to tame frizz and improve scalp condition. It maintains a healthy scalp for me, does exactly the same as what Miracle Moist does. This makes me happy since I thought there was only one product out there for me. Regarding frizz, nothing has ever tamed my curly, frizzy hair and I'm adamant that nothing will. I wasn't using this to tame frizz though, so I'm not disappointed. It does what it claims to do, so I'm satisfied.

Deep Moisturising Conditioner
The smell of this is also lovely, with a lasting affect on the hair. The Patchouli Oli in the conditioner is also to tame frizz, but I also do not notice less frizz in my hair, but I don't expect there to be since nothing has ever worked. However, the Ylang Ylang inside claims to soothe hair for a smooth finish and ease tangles. This does work, very well. Since using this I wouldn't even need a brush/comb on my hair since my fingers can get all the tangles out. My hair is softer since using the conditioner and I use both the shampoo and conditioner every time I wash my hair now, sorry Aussie!

Intensive Deep Repair Mask
I try to use this once a week/every other week to add some extra nourishment into my hair. Since adding more ombre to my hair, the ends have become more brittle and thin despite me having really thick hair. This adds a little 'oomph' to it. It smells very similar, if not the same and is more of a condensed version of the conditioner. I applied this once about 4 hours before a shower and the results were great once I had rinsed it out. Despite no frizz taming, it adds a lovely shine which I can't say I experience often.

Deep Moisturising Hair Repair
This is a leave in conditioner to spray on your partially dried hair. It includes the same ingredients in the rest of the range and adds a bit of extra nourishment once you've began to dry your hair. It isn't sticky like other leave in conditioners and although I don't see a huge difference, it definitely works. My hair smells even nicer after using this on top too.


Overall, using all four products together have conditioned my hair and helped mend it a little after using bleach on it. The smell is lovely and lasts until I next clean my hair. I keep rambling about the lack of frizz taming but I genuinely don't expect it from any product as I seem to have wild lion hair that just doesn't want to be controlled!

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Interview with a Blogger: Bubble Sarah

I am Sarah, I have been writing Blue Glitter for the last five years, it is a mixture of fashion and shopping blog. Find me at http://bubblesarah.blogspot.com.


1. How did you start blogging? Did anything or anyone influence the decision? How long have you been blogging for?

I started blogging in 2010 after exploring fashion ideas whilst working in fashion retail and doing my degree. The blogs I started reading are are Liz at Late afternoon and Jen at J for Jen. It went from there, I wanted a platform to mix my interest in fashion and ideas of how we put ourselves across using it. This mixed with trends and how everyone interprets things.

I was inspired by their points of view and a fresh way of looking at fashion that was not in the mainstream at the time.

I wanted something different from the usual outfit of the day, I wanted something that explores what is behind that and what inspires outfits and ideas. Fashion for me has always been different because it is about the details, I understand most people do not think beyond how it looks.

When exploring trends and new fashion ideas, I like ti know the inspirations and how the ideas came to fruition. This is why I started Blue Glitter to have somewhere to explore this.


2. What do you blog about? Is there a particular thing you love writing about the most?

Fashion, trends and how I like to wear them. This includes where my inspirations and ideas stem from.  I love writing about clothes and why I like them. It is not about how good something is. It is about why they appeal and how they can worn and adapted to all aspects of your life.
 
I love writing as it is something that gives you a voice outside of the day to day and allows you to share ideas with other like minded people.


3. Have you learned any new skills from blogging?

Interacting with people, my writing skills and presentation of topics and how to put across new ideas. 


4. If you had to start blogging about something else, what would you pick and why?

Art, its is my other passion. I studied Fine Art for a degree and it has been a lifelong passion of mine. 


5. Do you have any advice for people who want to start blogging but aren't sure what to how to or what it involves?

Write about what you love and don't try to be like other bloggers. Have your own voice and embrace that. It is not about figures but enjoying what you do, take on feedback and act upon it. That is why I enjoy having Blue Glitter so much. It is my own little corner of the internet.

Why I'm Choosing My Own Path

Some things have been getting to me lately and I thought I would write down my thoughts and feelings. I want to make my own destiny, and here is why.

Source


Not to learn from other people's mistakes 
I need to make my own mistakes, that's how I will know not to make them again. Just because you have made a bad decision, it doesn't mean the outcome would be the same for me. It is how you go about things that matters. Now I'm not talking about the obvious like "don't take drugs because I had a bad reaction" because I never have done and never will based on my own opinions about them. When people say "you're young, live your life and don't settle down too quickly". Who are you to make that decision for me? I'm proud that I matured slightly before others, have a flat with my boyfriend in uni (and will do afterwards) and if we wanted to further our relationship sooner than the norm, we will. 

Andy and I have had tons of chats about the future and agree constantly on what we want. It is healthy in a relationship to know the boundaries and what is to come (or not to come) in the future. We're happy. If we choose to get engaged soon, we will. That's our decision and nobody can decide that for us. Yes you can voice your opinion but that doesn't mean we will take it into consideration. Decades ago, getting engaged and married before you were 18 was the norm. I'm 21, so is Andy (annoyingly 8 days older than me!). If we wanted to marry in the next 5 years we have every right to do so as we are fully grown adults. If you compare us others, we're more mature and certainly more capable of understanding money issues etc. I think we are allowed to define our relationship the way we wish to, so you must respect that.

It's my life, my career path and personal life is in my own hands
Now this is something that I get asked often. "So are you going to be a solicitor or a barrister?" The answer to that is neither. Yes I'm studying law and chose in my second year to not further my legal studied post graduate. Why? Because I don't wish to. Learning about law; the cases, the statutes, the implications has been interesting but that is not what I want from a career. Crime and Tort does interest me and I will continue to be interested in the development of the law as I grow older, but I don't want to practice law.

Another thing is "But you could be really well paid". So?! I want to be in a career that suits me and my lifestyle. When I'm older I want to be a hands on mother, I want to be there for my husband and I want to have a family. I don't want to bring my work home with me and never have time from them. Family is so incredibly important to me and I would never choose a career over them. I can progress in a career and be financially stable in something I wish to pursue, like full time blogging, working in pr or marketing, being a retail manager. I will choose my own career path, thank you kindly.

I have the right to think for myself and make decisions
As I've said, I am 21 years of age. At the young age of 17 I made the decision to study law in Northumbria University in Newcastle. I'm currently 122 miles away from my family home. I see my family a few times per academic year, with longer stays during summer. I chose to do this to gain independence. I was shy and anxious and hated doing things by myself. I wouldn't meet up with a friend in town alone and my nan even got the bus to town with my so I could go to work when I was 17. So why did I choose to move so far away? Newcastle is far away enough from Liverpool so I cannot come back when I'm scared, I can't avoid a situation and I can study on weekends instead of coming home.

By forcing myself to study up here, I now have met people from all over the UK (and even some people from different places in the world). I can go up to someone and ask for help if I need it. I rely on myself only. That has made me a better person. Although issues like bullying have affected me near enough what feels like my whole life, it too has forced me to stand up for myself. I'm glad I told myself this would lead to a better life, because it has.

Everyone is different
I want to be my own person. To the older people who try to encourage a certain route, that may be what you would have wanted to do, but it doesn't mean I do. As a child, I was involved in ballet, tap dancing, swimming, street dancing and ten pin bowling, and loved PE in school. I gave everything up. I wish I had continued with ballet, but stubborn me quit for no good reason (probably so I could play with my friends on a Saturday morning). I do regret that, but it doesn't mean that I will force my future child to take ballet classes. I will encourage them to take part in activities, but they can choose.

I don't want to be a carbon copy. Just because everyone else is wearing Birkenstocks and floppy hats, doesn't mean I will follow the trend. I love my personal style, and while it will develop and I will take inspiration from others, I won't ever copy someone. Being unique is great, it gives you personality. I've been told by negative people that I'm boring. I'm not doing what people want me to, therefore I'm boring. No, I don't think so! I'm choosing what I want to do off my own back. Life is limited, I'm not performing someone else's script. I'll write my own story.

Money isn't happiness 
This ties in with earlier topics but it's true. On a limited budget, thank you student loans company for that, I don't really have money to play with. I can't go shopping every week or take £50 on a night out with me. But I'm content splitting a Netflix account with Andy and us chilling under a blanket watching Whitechapel or The Killing. I'd rather save my money for both of us to enjoy a weekend away, or better yet a holiday abroad since I've not been on a sunny holiday since 2011, woe is me.

This relates into jobs too as I've said, but having money doesn't mean spending it too. The rich get richer from investing, not throwing their money in the air. They have money to burn, but they don't flush it down the toilet now do they. When I do get a job after graduating, I'm so excited to put any money left over from rent, bills and food towards things for Andy and I as a family. There may only be two of us, but we are together a family. And that makes me very content. I'm a little old lady at heart with her cups of tea and blankets, but that's what makes me happy. As does resting my achy little joints and swollen feet. Just call me grandma.

So there we go. Things that annoy me, and why I will make my own future. That's a mature thing for me to say and I'm happy that I can openly say that. It's not "I won't do as I'm told" because I'm a hard worker and would love to have a job right now, but while writing a dissertation and a blog, it just isn't doable. Hope you liked this post, I'd love to know your thoughts?

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