Dealing With Writer's Block

I'm writing this after looking at a blank page for an hour, I have literally just been sat for an hour going through blog post ideas, writing and rewriting so many different titles onto a blank draft. Every time I go to write the body of the post my hands hover over the keyboard waiting for inspiration to hit me and words to flow out and so far, they haven't.

So, I guess a streak of inspiration finally hit me as I realised what better time to write a post about writers block than when I have it!

a. It will be fresh on my mind and hopefully the post will be publish-worthy

and/or

b. it may bring me out of my writer's block rut and encourage me to write more posts

Personally, as a blogger there is nothing worse than having all these post ideas written down and not being able to produce them, it's frustrating but also really stressful because I like being ahead on posts and as ideas come to me I get excited knowing I can do that but my lack of motivation and inspiration to write stops me.

With that being said, here are my top 10 tips for getting over or coping with writer's block! (surprise surprise, in a list)

1. Take a break! Walk away and don't do what I did by sitting in front of a screen waiting for the words to come to you. It will happen when it's right.

2. Chat to blogger friends, see if they've got any ideas or if they've seen any great blog posts recently that might suit your style. Blogger friends are the best form of all things blogging related: the information, ideas and feedback you will get from them is far more personal, reliable and brutally honest than any twitter poll or comment section you will find.

3. Always always always write ideas down! I love doing this; anytime a blog idea, title, question, theme or anything at all comes to me, I write it down. Even if they're just messy notes on a receipt or ticket etc. from something you've done or seen/heard/ate/bought, if you look back in your notes you will find some form of inspiration to kick start your writing again.

4. Scroll through Pinterest! Even if its pictures of puppies, curtains, tattoos, wedding invites or DIY furniture it will get your creative juices flowing and before you know it something will come to you and away you'll go writing until your hands ache.

5. Read through the blogs you follow and catch up on those you've missed. On Bloglovin, something I always do whenever I really relate to or show interest in a post is like it, it may be because I plan to write a post similar in the future - following along the same lines but using my own experience - or just to save to read later because the title caught my eye! This may bring old ideas back or even kick start fresh, new ideas.

7. Speak to a real life person. Sometimes I find staring at a computer screen really makes me shut down. My typing slows and I become tired, hence lack of motivation to continue. Recently however whenever this has happened I've gotten up out of my seat; walked, stretched and can you believe it, spoken to an actual human being instead of typing my thoughts into an unresponsive draft post!

8. Drink water. This isn't just for when you hit the writer's wall, you should always have a very large bottle or glass of water by you whilst writing, I find it gives my hands a break, refreshes me and of course prevents me from having headaches, getting tired or feeling irritable.

9. Listen to music! My all time favourite way to listen to music for a source of inspiration always used to be to go onto 8tracks and find a great playlist, however since 8tracks has limited its services I can no longer use it effectively and so have turned to Spotify. Now, I never really rated Spotify (don't get me wrong the music, playlists and usability is great) but due to the ads and the fact I refused to pay for premium, the likability factor was never really there for me. However, after using it for several months I've realised the ads are hardly noticeable when you're on a good playlist and you're too deep into writing to even notice so NO I still haven't gone premium...

10. Now last but by no means least, STOP. You don't need to write this post right now, your life does not depend on it. For me personally I never have and probably never will have a strict post schedule to stick to. I don't have millions of followers waiting for the clock to hit 5pm to refresh my blog. I do this for me, writing is something I enjoy and stressing myself out is something I don't enjoy, so I try where possible to keep the two separate. If I feel my blog is stressing me out, I stop. I think a lot of bloggers put pressure on themselves to perform. I can completely understand if you're working with a brand and have a deadline you may worry when it comes to finalising posts or if your main source of income is from your blog it may become a worry; but for most of us this is a hobby, our thing on the side of our everyday lives and regular jobs, so post when you can, when you feel ready and happy with your content, you don't owe anyone anything.  

Now, after writing this list I'm feeling motivated, inspired and ready to write posts until my eyes glaze over and feel heavy! Who thought writing a post about writer's block would cure writer's block? I'm a big fan of irony.

Do you struggle with writer's block? What are your tips to help?

Until next time, Toni. xo

Shopper Savings

Happy August! Everyone loves saving money or even better being given free products, so I've gathered together a few of my favourite loyalty rewards cards this month that help save money and reward shopping for products I love with even more of those same products!



1.   The Boots card is by far my favourite card of those I’ve included. It’s a free membership you sign up to online at http://www.boots.com/en/Advantage-Card/ when you receive your card through the post with your name on you can start collecting 4 points every £1 you spend online and in store. Eventually these points will start to add up and allow you to use them like money – when you have enough points to pay for an item you wish to buy you will get the option to use them – effectively getting the product free! You also receive vouchers through the post allowing you to earn double points or even hundreds more than usual with a certain amount spent. It is by far the easiest card to use and own, rewarding you regularly, all for absolutely no price.

2.   The Body Shop card is equally as rewarding giving you 10% off all purchases for a year, free products when you have collected a certain amount of stamps, a free birthday present every year, exclusive offers, event accessibility and discounts as well as being the first to see new products. However, this card is not simply a reward scheme but a membership meaning it is a cost of £5 for sign up. I don’t think this is a large price to pay for what you are given and the exclusives you have access to for this quality product range. Sign up here: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/loyalty/love-your-body/

3.   Debenhams rewards card is a card you can pick up in store and register over the counter or online here: http://www.debenhams.com/beauty/beauty-club/about-your-beauty-club-card . It works much like the Boots card as when you shop throughout the store on beauty products you collect points which amount to monetary rewards. The rewards include discounts, free samples, make over opportunities and even free online shopping delivery!



4.   The ‘Beautycard’ from Superdrug is offered over the counter with registration in store or online at: http://www.superdrug.com/beautycard?gclid=CPeDzOOFxcoCFWj3wgodJ8wBYg&gclsrc=aw.ds . The card gives you £1 to spend for every 100 points earnt; allowing you to be rewarded with discounts, exclusive offers and specialist pricing, free online delivery and even birthday gifts every year. There are also often online offers for card holders allowing triple points to be earnt with every purchase. This is one of the most popular cards on the market with the user friendly access and availability to start earning points straight away with no upfront costs or long winded sign ups.





5.   House of Fraser also offer a recognition rewards card that can be picked up in store and registered online here: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Recognition+Rewards+card/recognitionLoyalty,default,pg.html  . This is a free membership points card that can be used online or in store with card and cash transactions. You are given 1 point for every £1 spent and when you collect 500 points you are given a £5 reward to spend how you like. The card also allows access to exclusive offers and discounts, events and even bonus points throughout you birthday month. With easy online management and tracking of your card you will always know how many points you have and any upcoming events and offers.

I would recommend all 5 of these beauty rewards cards to anyone who shops regularly for new products, keeping up to date with the newest beauty trends. Before you know it you will have enough points to earn yourself something free and you will be receiving offers and discounts from nearly all the leading cosmetic shops on the high street. Having vouchers, free testers and exclusives sent to you through the post to try before you buy is always helpful for any cosmetic enthusiast.

Until next time, Toni. xo

Garnier Make Up Removal

Garnier has always been one of my favourite lines for skin care with creams and facial scrubs etc. so when I found out they were releasing a new make up remover and cleansing water I had to get my hands on it and give it a go!

 

It's fair to say I now love it and couldn't be without it.

 

The 2-in-1 Eye Make-up Remover product is made up of two parts, one slightly oily and the other a less dense, clear liquid. I've seen some people saying it leaves a greasy residue however I find that comes only if you don't shake the bottle which is the whole idea of the product. By shaking the bottle the two liquids mix and form a non-greasy, efficient and soft make up remover- DREAM!

 

The thing I love most about it is how gentle it is on my eyes. A lot of make up removers sting or irritate the skin around my eyes but as this is specifically designed to remove make up easily and quickly its not exactly 'heavy duty'. Although it removes all make up I wouldn't rely on this on it's own and still use other products to cleanse and tone my skin afterwards.

The Micellar Cleansing Water works wonders for quick and easy make-up removal which means it literally takes me a minute to soak a cotton pad in the formula and wipe the day's face away. Depending on how much make-up you're wearing it may take you a couple of cotton pads worth of the cleanser to remove all make-up and freshen up your face. Again, I don't rely on this as my cleanser and use it more as a make up-remover only, using my trusty No.7 products that you can see [HERE] after these products have done all I need them to.
 

 I have quite sensitive skin and find these products don't irritate or affect it in any way. I also have a 'combination' skin consistency which is neither solely greasy or dry

 but a mixture of both and I think these products work well across my entire face- yay!

These products have not only made my night skin routine 10 times quicker and easier, but also helped to maintain my skin condition keeping acne at bay and helping to increase the hydration level which I find to be a big chore: how bad of me! I would recommend these skin care items to anyone like me who loves make up but hates taking it off at the end of the day and just wants the process to be as quick and easy as possible; however, if you're looking for a 30 minute rejuvenation process these are not for you.

Until next time, Toni. xo

 



No7: No Noticeable Difference?

I have always sworn by No.7 products and the brand is normally my safety net for all things beauty. No.7 is actually the brand that started my interest and collection of make up. However, this time I'm not so impressed. A mascara I've been a fan of for as long as it has been on shelves has an extended version and being the lover of No.7 I am, I didn't question to give it a try.

The original mascara claims to offer a waterproof, extreme length effect which I can agree it does, it works wonders on my eye lashes and I'm proud to say I'm a repeat customer. It's extension claims to do that and more, with a 'fibre enriched formula' and new packaging, things looked promising! I have been testing the new and 'improved' version for a few months now and am still yet to see a difference or improvement.

No.7 have let me down on this one: the brush is the same, the product consistency looks the same, applies the same and lasts the same amount of time. Both products are good; both products extend lash length and both products I would recommend. I suppose my only question is what on earth is the difference?

The 'extend' claim is not visible in results on my lashes and as I've read other's reviews after purchasing and testing, the same conclusion comes from many people similar to myself. My advice to any No.7 lovers out there is try not to get too excited if similar extension products are released, wait for reviews before spending unnecessary money on a product you already have in your collection!

Original Mascara: here.

Extend Mascara: here.

Until next time, Toni. xo

Current Favourite Lip Combo.

I've been reaching for these same two Mac products ever since I've bought them and I'm so glad I did.

I would reccomend this lipstick to anyone looking for a slightly deeper nude tone however, after reading a lot of other reviews a lot of people have had problems with the shading against their skin tone and found it's left a grey undertone to the skin's colouring. So when I went in and found the lipstick, I tested it out first on my hand and made sure to check it under different lights to check it complimented my complexion- turns out I'm one of the lucky ones who can wear this tone! 

I asked a friend who I was with about lip liners and if she could suggest any good matches for Velvet Teddy, as I wasn't having much luck finding one to match close enough to what I wanted - she reccomended 'Whirl' as it's one she had seen paired with this lipstick before and sure enough as soon as I tested it against the lipstick it was perfect! 

Ever since purchasing the products I haven't been able to keep them out of every make up look I've done - some how they seem to go with anything and everything - including a darker smokey eye or even a slight pink natural lid!

Thank you Mac and well done on some of the best lip products I've ever used. 

Until next time, Toni. xo

New Make-up Brushes.

 

Although I wash my brushes every couple of weeks on average, I found them to become worn out and loosing the quality they once had when I first bought them around a year ago, therefore I decided to invest in a whole new set of brushes from Real Techniques!

 

I had not up until this point ever tried any of the real techniques products so wasn't sure on what to buy, this is what I went for in the end:

 

 

1. Duo Fibre Collection [here]

 

2. Travel Essentials [here]

 

3. Core Collection [here]

 

4. Starter Set [here]

 

 

 

 At the moment I have found myself using the Duo-Fibre face brush the most as it gives even, perfect coverage for the face using powder, the brush is soft and blends the powder perfectly against my foundation base.

 

I have also been loving the multi-task brush for my blush and the buffing brush for bronzer with the contour brush to blend.

 

The only brush I haven't yet used is the pixel perfect eyeliner brush as I am still on the hunt for the perfect gel liner!

 

 

I would highly recommend these beautiful brushes as not only are they amazing quality and a great feel in your hand when you're applying, Sam and Nic Chapman use them throughout the real techniques Youtube channel and their personal channel on tutorials as they are the founders of Real Techniques [more on the story of real techniques here] - this allows you to learn how to use your brushes to the best of their abilities and apply the techniques and tips in your make up looks!

 

The brushes are more expensive in the UK than in the US due to the fact the business is an American business and therefore VAT, distributor mark up and shipping charges apply to UK prices. However, the brushes are of excellent quality and definitely worth the price.

 

For anyone new to the real techniques range or to make up brushes entirely, I would recommend the core collection to begin with as a starting point to slowly build on and I guarantee that over time you will grow to love the brushes and expand your personal collection.

 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

 



5 Things I Love About The iPhone 6.

I have been a huge fan of all apple products for around 4 years now and I have had the iPhone 3G, 4S and now the iPhone 6 and I am a bigger fan than ever!

 

 

The model I own now is the 64GB iPhone 6 in the regular size, in the colour space grey. Not only did I instantly fall in love with the colour and the overall appearance of the phone, I knew straight away I had to have the 64GB as all the phones I have owned in the past I have struggled for storage space and I've found myself having to delete my own media to allow for an iOS update.

 

Things I Love:

 

1. The screen size! In the past, the screen has not filled the surface of the phone it does now and I've always wondered why, this phone's surface area is mainly the touch screen meaning it displays things so much bigger and of better quality.

 

2. The camera quality. I know phones will never have the equivalent quality of a camera but I found with this model the quality from previous apple products has improved dramatically! Even the front camera automatically lightens the picture and focuses straight away without having to tap to find the face or zoom in and out several times to get it the way I want. I especially love the slow-motion and time lapse camera settings.

 

3. Light weight! I have never had a phone so big and so light all at the same time, everything is so packed into such a thin yet large phone it is surprising how little it weighs when resting in your hand. Comparing it to my old phones really emphasises the difference.

 

4. The curved edges and smooth back. It is such a lovely feeling phone when resting in your hand, although it was a huge size increase from my iPhone 4s, I have quickly adapted due to the smooth metal and rounded edges making it so easy to move around in your hands and use. Also, I found the back doesn't get as hot as the previous apple products I have owned when it is on charge at the same time I am using it. This is a big help as I used to have to stop using my old phone when it got too hot as it would start to burn my hand!

 

5. The overall design and look of the phone! I have had so many compliments about how lovely the phone looks, the way the home button blends into the front of the phone, the smaller buttons, thinner build, nicer colour, bigger camera, better speaker quality and clearer microphone.

 

 I honestly think that this is the best product apple have created yet and I am extremely happy to have invested in one.

I hope this has helped anyone wanting help and advice on whether to opt for the phone or not, I would highly recommend the phone to anyone who has or hasn't had an apple product in the past, the changes and improvements stand out dramatically and it is super user friendly!

 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo