Tag | Confessions Of A Blogger

Image: weheartit (edited by me)

Hello Lovely Ladies! There's not much more I love than the occasional tag post from fellow beauty bloggers - it gives you the chance to get to know the girl behind the words and the pictures. This is also my 100th post! I've recently seen this post circulating around my favourite blogs so decided to join in and do my own. This particular one is from the lovely Kayleigh over at Couture Girl (if you haven't checked out her blog already make sure you do, it's a good'un!), so without further ado I'll get started.

When did you start Your Blog?

I started writing my blog last June. I was bored one afternoon and always wanted to make one so I did. I'm so glad I did now! I've met some lovely girls through blogging, and I've also taken the plunge with products I'd never have thought twice about.

Have you Had any online presence before? Another blog, Youtube etc?

I did have an old blog but I didn't like it - all of the HTML codes were messed up, so rather than fixing it, I went ahead and made a brand new one. I've never really thought of doing a YouTube channel. Something about just sitting there and filming myself petrifies me. Plus, I absolutely hate the sound of my voice when it's recorded, not to mention I'd be worried incase nobody went to watch them either!

Why did you start a blog?

Ever since I was little I've always loved make-up and all things beauty. I used to raid my mum's make up when I was younger (I think were all guilty of that) and it developed into a passion as soon as I went into my teens. I started my own because after reading through countless other blogs it looked like something I really wanted to be involved in. Why do something if you don't enjoy it? As I've said in the past, if the passion for what you're writing about isn't there then there isn't much point in doing it. I'm passionate enough about beauty to write about it.  

When did you become serious about starting a blog?
I became serious about blogging as time went on really. Back when I first started it was more of just something to do with something I love to fill up time, but now I see it as a hobby and really do enjoy it. I think I must have become serious about blogging around last November when I started thinking more about how to take better photos, planning posts and talking to other beauty bloggers. 

What was your First Post?
Ohh I actually ended up deleting my first ever post! It was the most cringe worthy thing on the Internet. It went something along the lines of 'Hi my name is Kendal' and blah blah. Now my blog just starts with some random review, so not best but I felt I had to save myself from embarrassment!

What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?
I wouldn't say I've faced a particular 'challenge' as my blog is still small compared to others. Actually saying that, I think one of the challenges I've faced is comparing my blog to others. I do enjoy writing my blog otherwise I wouldn't do it, but I also admit that I sometimes feel pressure to buy new products if I see loads of people blogging about something in particular. 

Where do you see your blog in one year?

In a years time I definitely see myself still writing my blog, and hopefully people still reading and enjoying it. I'd like to have discovered loads of new products, and fingers crossed I also hope to have met some of my fellow bloggers in person too at an event or a meet up.

What is the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?

Although my blog is small, I love receiving comments or tweets from people. It brings a smile to my face to know people out there actually take the time out to read my ramblings and listen to me! Something else I see as rewarding is the fact I've met so many lovely girls with the same interests as me doing it. In my own group of friends, we all love make-up and all thins girly, but none of them are 'passionate' so it's so nice to know that my blogging friends are only a tweet or comment away.

What is the most discouraging thing that happens to you?

Like I mentioned before, I do admit that I do sometimes compare my blog to others. I think this is just out of habit and I know I shouldn't. I wouldn't say it discourages me so much but it does make me want to make changes to my blog. I suppose you could see that as something positive?

What is your lasting inspiration or Motivation?

My motivation are all of my friends who know I write this blog, although they don't write blogs themselves. They'll sometimes say to me "Oh I enjoyed your post last night" or "I'm buying so and so after reading your review". It sounds so cheesy but this kind of thing makes me so happy!

I'd love to see all of your answers to these questions so I tag all of my lovely readers!

Liebster Award

I was nominated by the gorgeous Lauren from l-c-g-xo

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster award is an award that is given to bloggers and their blogs with less than 200 followers. Its goal is to promote the bloggers that are nominated.

The rules

1. Nominees must link back to the blogger who nominated them...it's only fair to acknowledge the lovely person who went out of their way to nominate you :)

2. Once you're nominated, you must tell 11 random facts about yourself! 

3. You must answer the 11 questions that the blogger that nominated you asks, too!

4. And finally, create 11 questions for the 11 people you nominate for the Liebster Award!

11 Random facts about me

1. I'm of English and Australian origin and most of my family live in Melbourne

2. I'm absolutely petrified of clowns and I'm not too fond of spiders either (who is?)

3. I have the same tattoo as Victoria Beckham, 3 stars at the bottom of my back

4. If you didn't know I'm a massive fan of Swedish House Mafia and followed them around Europe during Summer 2009

5. My idea of a perfect man would have the personality of James Corden and the looks of David Beckham

6. I used to dance at professional level but quit after my trainer retired

7. I want to learn how to speak basic Italian by the end of the year

8. I love Katie Price ... don't judge me!

9. My favourite perfume is Alien by Thierry Mugler or Rockin' Rio by Escada

10. Marbella and Ibiza are my favourite holiday destinations ever

11. I'm currently on a mission to loose two stone and so far so good!

Questions from l-c-g-xo

What is your ultimate goal in life?

I think my ultimate goal in life are kind of cliché. I just want what every other girl wants and that's to be happy and settled with somebody I love, have an amazing wedding and move into my own house with no mortgage.  

Where do you shop the most?

I think most of my money is spent in MAC, Miss Selfridge and River Island. And not forgetting good old Primark!

What's one of the best most impacting lesson you have learned in life so far?

I lost my granddad to cancer a few years ago and it's really taught me to never take family for granted. If I could have anything it would be to spend one last day with him. 

What's your guilty pleasure?

Beauty wise, my guilty pleasure is either lipsticks or skincare products. Generally though, it's probably tv. I'm a proper couch potato and I love catching up on all of my soaps.

What can't you live without?  

It sounds soppy, but it's probably my Mum. She's my best friend as well as someone I've always looked up to and I can honestly say she's one of the most amazing women I've ever met. 

Do you believe in love?

Yes I do. I've been with my boyfriend for a year and a half and let me tell you now we've definitely had our ups and downs, just like any other relationship. But without putting too much info out there he really is my rock. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

I'd love to go to India as it's somewhere I've never been before. I've been lucky enough to travel to loads of different places but for some reason India is somewhere I'd love to go to.

How do you think a girl should act, no matter what?

I could go into a full blown rant on this but I'll keep it short and sweet. I think a girl, in Coco Chanel's words, should be classy never trashy. Too often I see girls acting more and more like blokes and I just think it's a shame.

If you could buy one thing, no matter how much it costs, what would it be?

A flat or a plane ticket to Australia to see my family.

One pet peeve you hate?

I mentioned that I hate clowns but I also hate people watching me eat, especially if it's something messy.

Your favourite Blogger?

My favourite blogger is Kayleigh over at CoutureGirl. I love her photos, her posts, and you can really see she puts alot of effort into her blog. Major blog love!

My Nominations

1. cocktailsinteacups.blogspot.co.uk/

2. thebeautyfiend13.blogspot.co.uk/

3. anothergirlsparadise-x.blogspot.co.uk/

4. naturalbeautyoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

5. littlebeautyblogg.blogspot.com/

Questions for my Nominees

What made you begin blogging?

What are your top 3 'holy grail' products?

What is your idea of a perfect holiday?

What do you do from Monday to Friday?

What's In My Wash Bag

Hello Girls! There is currently a thick blanket of snow covering London which makes me super excited. For my last post for the next week I thought I'd show you what things I'm taking with me in my wash bag as I'll be staying at my boyfriends. As part of my Media course I have to undertake a week of work experience for a Media company, and I've been lucky enough to have mine at a magazine. It may not be Vogue, but it's always good to start somewhere and I'll be working at a magazine called Live, which is aimed at people aged 16 to 24. I can't wait either! It's in Brixton which is great as I'm able to stay at my boyfriends for the week as he only lives in Streatham, so I won't be blogging for the next week or so. Sobs. But I have some great new posts coming up when I get home as the offices where the magazine is based are right next to a department store and a Superdrug. This shouldn't be allowed; lunch breaks will never be the same again! Anyway, after my slightly rambling intro, I'll get started with my last post for the week.

I took advantage of the 2 for £8 offer in Boots on James Brown haircare as I've used the brand in the past and really liked it. I went to the travel section and found the cutest mini deodrant, deat defence spray, toothpaste and mouthwash - how cute are they?! The razor is pretty self explanatory and you can't go wrong with Impulse body spray in your bag either (also on offer for 99p!). I'm anxious to try the Neutrogena cream face wash as I didn't get on with the gel wash too great but I'm keeping my fingers crossed as I'm stuck with it for a week! 

I hope you all have a great week and stay warm! Sorry for such a short post but as I mentioned previously I'll be back with loads of posts lined up. Don't forget to follow me on Twitter at @MissEssex or follow my Instagram at misskendalwestonx 

Tag: What's In My Handbag?

Hello Girls! I've been meaning to do this post for quite some time now, but I'm forever changing my bag and emptying its contents out onto my bed that I've never really found an opportunity to do it. I don't know about you but I love this tag. I'm a real nosey parker and love seeing what you girls have lying around in the bottom of your bags! Just like my skincare routine, this changes all the time and I always take things out and in turn put new things in!

Beige Structured Tote Bag - Zara Dupe From Primark
I bought this bag in the Boxing Day sales (which I blogged about here) from Primark and I have been hooked ever since. It's such a nice size and goes with almost everything in my wardrobe, plus its such a good dupe to the one from Zara but at almost quarter of the price.

iPhone 5 & Apple Headphones
I bought the iPhone 5 on the day it came out because I'm a little bit of a technology geek. (see, the home truths are starting to come out of the closet now) and the bumper case is from eBay. I am absolutely loving the new Apple headphones too.

Make-Up Bag & Products
In my make-up bag I just tend to store things in there for touch-ups etc. Things like powder, lipstick and mascara are amongst the dark depths of my make-up bag. I also carry around Soap and Glory's 'Hand Maid' as I hate germs. I'm obsessed with keeping my hands clean, and the tissues speak for themself.

Oyster Card
If you live in London then an Oyster is probably the focal point of anyones bag. It gets me around while saving money, but I won't even attempt to show you the picture inside.

Purse
In my purse I have a stupid amount of bank cards, store cards, reciepts and the rest. I also picked this up in the Boxing Day sales from River Island and I love the studded detail on the front.

Keys
Well I'm not going to get very far without my keys! I have silly keyrings on mine, but by far my favourite one is my diamante 'K' inital one, along with my 'Mrs David Beckham' one too.

Denman Grooming Brush
I need to brush my hair extensions througout the day, but I love this one as it really smoothes the hair down too which is perfect for windy days, or any day if you live in England.

S. Pellegrino Water
I'm currently suffering with an awful cold, and have to take tablets and use endles tissues so I've been told to keep drinking fluids. I love this water, I know that sounds crazy but it has a different taste to other waters.

Lady GaGa Fame Perfume
I love this perfume for daytime. When I first heard Lady GaGa was bringing out a perfume I was a bit apprehensive as to what it would be like but I love it. It has great staying power too so only need a sprita halfway through the day.

Scarf & Umbrellla
Pretty self explanatory as I live in London and you never know when you'll need these. The say could start off with the sun shining and snowing by the evening!

I tag all of my blog readers to do this, let me know if you do by commenting I'd love to see it! What do you carry around in your handbag everyday?

Tag: Why Do You Wear Make Up?

Hi Ladies, hope you're all well and good. I was reading through a few blogs and saw this tag which I thought I would join in with. I'm a massive make-up lover! So I tag all my followers to join in aswell.

Image; weheartit

 

♥ When did you begin loving make-up? I've loved make-up for as long as I can remember. When I was little, I used to go up and visit my family in Stoke-on-Trent every so often and my older cousin would give me bags and bags full of things she no longer wanted. I remeber one morning like a kid on Christmas Eve opening some bags of goodies when I found a big blue box with all of those dodgy coloured eyeshadows and lipsticks and being so excited. From when I was just eight or nine years old, my daily attire consisted of electric blue eyeshadow and shocking red lipstick. Cringe. Once I got to high school I wore a bit of lipbalm and some Miss Sporty foundation, I don't know which is worse! When I was 16 and begun studying Beauty Therapy that's when things changed and my make-up became a little more acceptable. And now I have a stupid amount of products and am lucky enough to be able to mix up my make-up looks quite often.

♥ How do you feel without make-up? I'll be completely honest and say that I used to be the kind of girl who would never leave the house without a full face of make-up. Oh how times have changed. In the past few years I've learnt to feel completely comfortable without slap on, and even went to Westfield last week without any on and my hair in a messy bun! Now I know I'm not kidding anyone, and like any girl, I don't exactly feel myself and as confident without make-up but thats okay right?

♥ What do you like about make-up? I love the way you can create something whch is entirely your own. You can make such a difference to your look and the way that you feel just by switching up the colour of your lipstick. I also love the way you need to experiment by using loads of different products to find what suits you best. It hides all of your flaws and highlights features which you're proud of.

 

♥ Three 'Holy Grail' items - Only three? It's really hard to choose just three but if there had to be three then they are...

♥ MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC30
♥ 140 Eylure 'Naturalites' False Eyelashes
♥ Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
 

♥

Tag: Blogging Love

Hi Girls! I haven't blogged in forever, I hope you're all well! I had the most amazing time on holiday in Marbella and have been non-stop busy up until now where I can just sit in bed with a large cuppa and get stuck back in! I found this tag from the lovely Kayleigh at www.x-couturegirl-x.blogspot.com so thought I'd join what I'd been missing out on!

 

Something I Love ♥

 

♥ I've always been completely obsessed with make-up and beauty, even stealing my older cousins make-up case as an 8 year old and spreading neon blue eyeshadow with no clue what I was doing, which makes beauty blogging the perfect hobby for me.

 

♥ I've met some people who share the same interests as me, and I have somewhere on the world wide web where I can completely be myself and have the occasional moan!

 

♥ I can pick up great tips, inspiration and ideas from other bloggers, and see what everone is ranting and raving over and have the chance to try out certain products by myself.

 

♥ I love when a post I've prepared comes together and I like the look of it, Yes, it sounds odd, but I feel a small sense of achievement when I see one of you lovely lot has commented on something I've reviewed and written about.

 

Blogging Aim ♥

My aim is to not only inspire people, but to be more involved with the beauty blogging community. I want to be able to say I've attended a beauty blogging event sooner or later, and the only ticket to that is if I continue to blog about something I love!

 

Blogging Tip ♥

I'm no blogging expert, and the fact I have a very small following shows that I'm nobody to give out tips on how to blog. But if I had to choose one, it would be to interact with other bloggers! There's no chance of a stable blog following if you don't get the message out there about what your blog is about!

 

A blogger who has inspired me ♥

One blogger who has inspired me is Zoe from Zoella, I absolutely love her posts and her blog, and the fact she is completely honest when she reviews a product. She's great!