Interview a Blogger, Lady Writes | Blog Series

Hello Again!!

Thanks for coming back to the Interview a Blogger series. Today's blogger is the lovely Chloe from Lady Writes!! Let's get to know her better!

1. Tell us something about yourself and your blog?

Well not everyone knows this but Lady Writes started last year as an anonymous dating blog - not the lifestyle blog that it is now! I wanted to document my hilarious dates as I slowly re-entered the dating world and it was a lot of fun (you can still find some of my 'rate a date' type posts in the archives!) But I quickly realised I didn't want to be limited to just one topic, so I relaunched and Lady Writes, as it is now, was born.

2. How did you get into blogging? Did someone else inspire you?

I started blogging 5 years ago and had a blog for the first three years of my sons life, but it was more geared in the mummy-blog arena but for various reasons I gave it up and took a break for a year. My day job as been specialised in Digital Marketing and Social Media for the last six years too, so that's another reason I got in to it personally as well as professionally.

3. What does blogging mean to you and why?

As a single mummy, childcare can be difficult at times so I don't get to just go out for a drink or meal with my friends whenever I like. Blogging has allowed me to meet some amazing friends who I can chat to on Twitter etc and interact with while I'm at home. So it's given me a virtual social life too which means so much! Plus it's my little corner of the internet, I invest my time heavily in it and I'm proud of it so it means the absolute world to me.

4. I personally have almost stopped blogging so, What keeps you motivated?

I think it's more that I love to write - that keeps me motivated. Plus I'm a right chatterbox so I've always got something to say! I think we all struggle with blogging-motivation at times, but when I get like that I just don't force myself to write - even if it means the blog goes a few days without a new post. Forcing it makes me less motivated.

5. Name some (one,two or three) of your favourite bloggers and tell us why they’re your favourite?

 I can't list only two or three! I have so many that I love to read and I'm always finding interesting posts through Twitter that take me to amazing new bloggers as well - so my list is always growing. I can't limit it to a couple!

6. What do you do when you’re not blogging?

Between working, blogging, doing my mummy-thing I've got family locally who I'm close to and friends I adore so I love to spend time with them. I'm also massively into scrapbooking and planners so I'll quite often spend hours doing that too.

7. What are you most proud of when it comes to your blog?

 I'm proud that people like it. I love to know that I write things people want to read, so every piece of feedback or interaction makes me so proud. I'm also really proud to be up for a UK Blog Award this year too!

8. Everyone has a favourite and a least favourite post, what are yours?

My favourite post - ahh man thats tough! I really enjoyed writing my 'If I Was Prime Minister' post and 'Facts About Me' and then recently I wrote 'The single Girls Guide to Netflix & Chill' which was one of my most successful posts...so I guess my favourites are the fun ones! My least favourite? Hmmm now that would be telling!

9. As I’m mainly a beauty blogger I feel like I have to ask at least one beauty question so: If you could only use one kind of beauty product what would it be and why?

Foundation, without a doubt. Foundation is the base for all other make-up, without it, what's the point? But please don't make me only ever wear just one item!

10. What would you say to someone who aspires to become a blogger?

Do it! Get into it, start somewhere and see where you end up - the journey is the fun bit!

ladyandthefiend.blogspot.co.uk | Lady Write's Twitter | Lady Write's Instagram

Thanks to Chloe for taking part, I absolutely love your answers and you can tell that you love writing because you're so good at it!!

Come back next Saturday to see who the next blogger is.

My Favourite Brushes!

Hello Strangers!

I have been off of my blogging ball recently with being ill and stuff going on but I'm back bitches! (if anyone actually cares). The other day when I was cleaning my brushes (which I do every weeks of course cough cough) I thought I should do a post on my Favourite Brushes as I tend to use the same ones day in and day out, so here are my Favourite brushes!

I absolutely love Real Technique brushes so there's no surprise that there are a few in my Favourites! But there's also a few that you don't see often!

(Top to Bottom) 

First up is the Real Techniques 100 Powder Brush. This is really good for setting your under eyes with powder to stop your concealer creasing - well that's what I use it for!

Next is the  Real Techniques 301 Flat Contour Brush. I love this brush (and not just because it's rose gold -but you know) it's perfect for defining my cheek bones as it's the perfect shape, it's just fits right in there and gives you cheek bones that could cut you!

Next up is my Favourite face brush hands down and it's - Surprise - the Real techniques Buffing Brush! I use this to apply my foundation every single day! I use the MAC face and body and it works really well with this as it just helps to melt it into your skin and makes it look so airbrushed. I completely recommend this brush if you're looking for a good one to apply your foundation.

Up next are my brushes that I use on my eyes! 

(Top to Bottom)

First up is a new addition to my collection (although it doesn't look it, I may have washed this too hard) and it's the MAC 217. I basically bought this brush due to all the reviews I had read and the tutorials I had seen it being used and I am not disappointed. It just really helps blending out your eyeshadow to get rid of any harsh lines. Plus it's really really soft!!

Next up is a base eyeshadow brush from Marsk. Now this isn't a brand I've really heard of but I got it in a GlossyBox a few months back and it's actually pretty good! I tend to use this with some fix + to really pack on some colour to give a solid look.

Shocker, another Real Techniques brush and it's the Detailer brush! I'm not exactly sure what this is for but I use this to apply liquid liner! I think the shape of it really helps to apply it quite easily! I have also used this to apply concealer on those really pernickety spots and it works a treat!

Last but not least is a blending brush by Revlon. It doesn't have a name or number but it's such a good dupe for the MAC 217. It's a more dense than the 217 but it works exactly the same and was only a fraction of the price! It's a short brush because it's a travel size but I think that helps with blending. 

Well there's my Favourite Brushes - pretty sure I used to word blending far too much (#sorrynotsorry). I will be back to my normal blogging days of Tuesday's and Thursday's along with my Interview a Blogger series which is every Saturday! Hopefully you've been liking those posts and this one! Let me know what brushes are in your squad!

'Till next time ...

Aberdeen Blogger Meet Up | The Long Dog Cafe

Hello Again, 

What happens when you get a bunch of bloggers in a place with great interior and even better food?! They get their cameras out!

A couple of weekends ago I went to my first meet up and I'm going to be honest I was quite apprehensive going and was in two minds about going but I'm so glad I did! We met up in a little cafe in Aberdeen called The Long Dog cafe and it is one of the cutest little cafes I've been to. As I said I was a bit apprehensive to go along but that was just the nerves speaking, everyone who came along was so nice and it was really lovely getting to meet the people who I've spoken to before on twitter and finding new people and new bloggers. If there's going to be more, which I think there will be, I'm definitely going to go along. 

When I first went in I just grabbed a tea (I thought I'd see what everyone else went for as I didn't want to be the only chick with something chocolate) but when the waitress brought over Sarah's (SarahRooftops) white hot chocolate I was up and out of my seat to order myself one! I went for the Milk Chocolate Hot Chocolate with toasted marshmallow on top and because that wasn't enough sugar I went for their Ultimate Brownie and oh my goodness I was not disappointed! So if you're in the Westend of Aberdeen and even if you have your dog with you go along as they have little bowls of water for your four legged friends along with biscuits!

I also really want to go back and try out some of their ice creams (or them all you know, for research). It was just such a nice little cafe with great company!

I loved meeting everyone and I'm looking forward to seeing you all again!

'Till next time ...

Interview a Blogger, JuicyyyJesss | Blog Series

Hello Again!!

Today's Blogger is JuicyyyJesss, let's get to know her and her blog a little bit more - plus if you like rainbows and cupcakes you should check out her post and the recipe for the rainbow cupcakes she made!

1. Tell us something about yourself and your blog?

I’m Jess, I’m 25 and attempting to be a blogger! I'm your stereotypical English person - awkward with a love for tea and cake! JuicyyyJesss is a beauty, baking and lifestyle blog full of ramblings and a pinch of sarcasm. 

2. How did you get into blogging? Did someone else inspire you?

I started my blog in July last year – I had spent the morning shopping at the Next Summer Sale and I was just mooching through what other people had bought and suddenly started reading blogs. I then started reading more and thought “you know what – I want to do this!”

3. What does blogging mean to you and why?

Blogging to me is my little bit of sanity. I’ve always loved writing and if I’m having a bad day I just join in on a blog chat on Twitter or get ahead on some posts. One day I would love to turn my blog into a brand but that day is a LOONG way ahead yet! 

4. I personally have almost stopped blogging so, what keeps you motivated?

To be honest, I was starting to lose my spark just before Christmas so I took a few weeks off. For me my anxiety affects my motivation in general and I struggle to control most aspects of my life…including my blog. After the break I came back fresh and I’ve been really proactive with posts with January mostly scheduled. This has really brought back my spark. I think if anyone is starting to feel drained or uninspired they should just take a break – whether it be a day, a week or a month. 

5. Name some (one,two or three) of your favourite bloggers and tell us why they’re your favourite?

Oh! This is a tough one! I think most people follow the BIG bloggers so I’ll avoid them. I'll start with one of the first blogs I started following on a regular basis, A Yellow Brick Blog – www.ayellowbrickblog.com – I loved the bright, playful layout and Kirsties fashion posts. Plus any blogger with an obsession with Disney is fab in my book! I also keep up to date/borderline stalk AnnieWritesBeauty - www.anniewritesbeauty.co.uk - and ByTheWayKate - www.bythewaykate.com. I love Alice’s posts and Kate’s photography is what dreams are made of!

6. What do you do when you’re not blogging?

I have a full time job in an office so most of my time is spent working - unfortunately - but when I get the chance I love baking and creating bright and pretty cupcakes! I also love a good gym session - although it has been a while!

7. What are you most proud of when it comes to your blog?

I'm really proud of how far I've come in the last 6 months - my photography has improved and also my layouts of posts are much cleaner. I love my layout too - the watermelons make me smile every time I go on...is that a little narcissistic?

8. Everyone has a favourite and a least favourite post, what are yours?

My favourite posts are probably my funnier ones #BigBoobProbs - http://www.juicyyyjesss.co.uk/2015/08/bigboobprobs.html - and the My First Time Tag - http://www.juicyyyjesss.co.uk/2015/10/my-first-time-tag.html?m=1 - just because I think they are hilarious, but I am bias! I don't really have a LEAST favourite but I think everyone is a bit embarrassed about their first posts although I don't regret them...they are the beginning of what bought me here...how cringey!

9. As I’m mainly a beauty blogger I feel like I have to ask at least one beauty question so: If you could only use one kind of beauty product what would it be and why?

 Another tough one! I would have to say mascara! I feel like I look like a troll without eyelashes but then again, I have grown rather fond of The Comforter body cream! I don't know if I could go back to not smelling like Jelly Babies now...

10. What would you say to someone who aspires to become a blogger?

I would say just keep at it!! If you have enough passion for writing I think you can get anywhere you wish too - well I hope anyway! I would also say try not to get disheartened...everyone starts somewhere. Even the most successful of bloggers started at the beginning.

www.juicyyyjesss.co.uk | Jess's Twitter | Jess's Instagram

Thanks to Jess for taking part in this - Love your answers!!

Come back next Saturday to see who our next blogger is.