NEW YEAR, NEW THINGS

Hi everyone and Happy Wednesday! 

I am sorry that I haven't put as many blog posts as usual lately, but I want to explain why. Like most of us I have been pretty busy seeing a lot of family and friends for Xmas and New Year celebrations. Following on from that I have had a few birthday events too (mine is today, eek).

I also attended a funeral in the first week of Jan which was a sad day, but also a time for reflection. It's so easy to forget or not appreciate the good people and things in life because we get so caught up in work, chores and errands that way us down.

I helped my Mum move to the coast on Monday so there was some prep for that too and I am still obviously settling her in now. I will miss her terribly. We usually see each other every couple of weeks, but that may not be possible so often due to the distance. It will worry me that she is further away, but she is near family which eases my mind a little. Since losing my Dad 8 Years ago I have become even more protective over my Mum. Not in an obsessive way or anything, but I just want to look after her to the best of my ability being her only child. She did after all do the same for me growing up.

I feel like this year is going to be a life changer. I have been living with my partner for about 2 1/2 years now and I feel like we have become closer and grown up a bit more in our home. We have been together for so long that we truly are those 2 peas in a pod.

I am not really sure if I had much of a point to make when I started writing this post, but I guess I just feel like I can talk to you guys about my life changes and thoughts sometimes.

I really want this year to be a blog discovery too. By that I mean I want to venture out further with my blog design and really get myself noticed. I know I write because I love it, but blogging takes a lot of effort and time so more recognition would be great. I have a full time job separate from my blog to pay the bills so it is a daily struggle to keep up with posts. It would be a dream to blog full time for a living of course and one I never want to give up striving for.

I am always looking out for blogging tips on organisation, photography, editing, blog design, social media ....... the list goes on. Feel free to let me know in the comments what you love or loathe about my blog. All criticism is good, because it makes me think and if I agree perhaps make changes. If you have ideas on future posts you would like to see leave those below too.

Love to you all for 2015

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hi lovelies. I hope you all had a great Xmas. Mine was hectic, but lovely too. I am sorry I haven't posted since wishing you well for Xmas, but sometimes life takes over (in a good way) and reminds you that you are not superhuman. Allowing yourself to enjoy special moments with family and friends and just be yourself is not a crime, although being a blogger can make you feel like that sometimes I think. It's all about balance I guess, but it's a tricky one. I want my blog to be successful as in I hope more and more people will enjoy my posts. I love being a part of the blogging world getting to know lots of you, being creative and feeling inspired.

Without rambling on forever as I know I could I just want to say thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my posts and perhaps share them. I love reading your comments too. Also I am very appreciative of the PR companies and brands that have given me the opportunity to work with them and attend exciting events. I am an avid fashion and beauty lover always eager to test out the latest products while also be creative with fashion and make-up. I never want this blogging trip to end as it's part of my life and not just a hobby for me. 

I try to post as often as I can (at least 3 posts a week) and would do more if I didn't work full time. I am thinking of venturing more into videos as it's something I want to be better at. I am hoping I can then perhaps film all in one day 3 types of videos to share with you each week. 

Do you think this is something you would enjoy? Let me know in the comments below as your opinions matter to me.

Love to you all for 2015. Be safe and see you soon!

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

BLOGGERS LOVE HUB DAY 1

Hi lovelies it's good to know you are here. I have an exciting post for you today featuring great fashion, accessory and beauty brands that are new to me. I went to day 1 of the Bloggers Love Hub on Monday at the Mahiki club. I not only met great brands, but also bloggers and vloggers too.

I met on the left the lovely Helen (aka Melon Lady Baby) who vlogs, blogs and sings her heart out. On the right is the fabulous Leanne Lim-Walker who also has many talents including fashion photography, marketing and PR management as well as blogging and her YouTube channel.

I have been following these ladies on their social media for such a long time as they really know how to engage with their audience and of course have a great sense of style. So if you are not already following them (tut tut) click on the links above. You won't regret it!

The Blogger Programme that Helen and Leanne were there representing are a platform to connect bloggers and brands. It's free to sign up and promote your blog. There are many opportunities to work with brands, plus competitions and job opportunities as well as getting to know other bloggers.

Steam Chains Jewellery have a great line of upcycled and unique chains and pendants put together from old watch parts, trinkets, charms, coins and treasures. There is also the option to personalise your piece whether you want something special for yourself or as a gift.

Ndulge are a natural organic brand that specialise in soothing remedies for problematic and sensitive skin concerns. With both scented and unscented items in their range of handmade soaps, bath and skincare products as well as candles to add to the Ndulge-ent atmosphere we all want to create when pampering ourselves. Ndulge want to help relieve your stress invigorating your mind, body and soul with their cleansing, soothing and moisturising remedies.

D-Jewelsus have a very different style of jewellery than any I have seen on the market recently. Their geometric and 3D pieces are very cool, but the piece that stood out the most for me was the shimmery collar above with framed sections of soft mohair. I love that each side of the collar is different in shape and size. The light catches it brilliantly. There was also a studded version of this which I had my eye on.

Charcoal-Spa have a streamlined collection of products all made from charcoal. Why may you ask? Charcoal has detoxifying properties. Ancient Egyptians used it to keep wounds clean. There are 3 key items within this range including the detoxifying salt scrub, the detoxifying face mask and the charcoal soap. You can also purchase the detoxifying candle to cleanse the impurities from your environment whether at home or work. It does sound like 'Black really hits the spot'!

GlowBeads are a fascinating jewellery collection of handmade bracelets and necklaces that come in a rainbow of colours. They look very subtle in the natural light, but when flashed with light they glow amazingly as shown above. There are also items such as keyrings, home decorations and children's pieces available. I was very kindly gifted with a bracelet that I will be featuring on my blog soon so keep an eye out for that.

Madame La La are a new tanning range to me. I am told that this lightweight self tan mousse is very hydrating with anti-ageing properties. It comes in two shades of the regular Madame La La Tan for a deep golden colour and a light version for a subtle glow. Both develop within 3 hours and last for 10 days as if you have spent 2 weeks on a Malibu beach. It's innovative colour customising technology adapts to your natural skin tone. I am told that there will be a new and exciting product being added to this range so keep a look out for that. I was gifted with the light version of this so lets hope it works well.

Cheeky Poppins have the answer to your customising needs. Want to adorn your accessories, clothes or hair with items that are cute, dazzling or bright? You also want to be able to customise without commitment swapping your customising items around depending on your mood? Perfect! Check out Cheeky Poppins who have adornments to flatter your personality and make a feature of your chosen pieces. I was gifted with the Mary 2 Shoe Clips that I love :)

Made Of Carpet have a range of bags that would have Mary Poppins herself jealous of. The Voyage Elite and Express bags above were my faves. I prefer the square designs for a more modern take on the Mary Poppins trend. The bags are lined so protected from wet weather.

You guys can use this code for a massive 25% discount! ROCKERS

LinmiR create bespoke millinery including turbans, hats, fascinators, couture and bridal pieces. I was asked to choose a piece that I liked so that it can be made for me. I am very excited as the headband I chose can also be worn as a belt or necklace.

At the blogging cafe I met some lovely bloggers including Naddy from jewellery and accessory line Stella & Dot. We had fun chatting about of course blogging while taking Selfies with the instax camera.

In my Bloggers Love gift bag that I collected at the cafe I also received the Vita liberata NKD SKN matte wash off instant tan in medium as well as their tanning mitt.

Catwalk time. These were my favourite pieces from the Eva Cammarata show.

Eva Cammarata are an ethical luxury label produced in the UK and Italy using organic and biotech fibre. Combining traditional techniques with digital manipulation to create interesting prints and innovative knitwear.

Emily Darcy Adams was lovely to meet at the event giving photography advice to those wanting to have a better understanding of how to create the best images for their blog. Emily will hopefully be putting together a workshop for those keen to learn while trying out techniques with other bloggers.

Let me know your favourite brands and pieces from this post in the comments below.

You can skip forward to Day 3 (I missed Day 2) of the Bloggers Love Hub here and also Day 4 here.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

BLOGLOVIN' | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TBP | GLIPHO

BLOG BIRTHDAY

Hi everyone. Today's post is really just to say thank you for reading my blog, taking the time to comment on my posts, giving me inspiration to keep going when I have bloggers mind block.

Today is my blog's 3rd birthday. Beautiful Addictions started off as just a hobby for me. I found it very hard in the beginning deciding what to write about as I didn't know much about blogging and what others liked reading most. 

My photos were not terrible, but not fantastic either. I am not a pro photographer now, but I do think more about lighting, composition and trying to get the most true to life colours in my shots so that you know what you are seeing is real life. 

I think my posts are more structured and the look of my blog layout has changed from pink and spotty with bows to a more fresh style. I am however looking to change my blog's appearance a little more. Can anybody please advise that if I remove customisations on Blogger will I lose all changes I have made or just to the template layout? I am thinking of changing to a 2 column layout, but don't want to mess everything up.

Also I am in talks with a company currently which I will reveal more about very soon. I will be creating a vlog series around one product initially while introducing you to their brand. Vlogging is something I have wanted to venture into and although I keep saying I will I just never get round to it, but now there are no excuses so watch this space :) Any tips on vlogging please leave as I haven't got a clue.

Also let me know your thoughts on my style of blogging and blog layout? What posts do you like to read the most? What attracts you keep on viewing a blog? What types of videos would you like to see from me? 

Love to you all

Vicky xx

Happy New Year!

Hi there people and Happy New Year to every single one of you. I hope you had a great night last night whether you were snuggled up watching the fireworks on TV or out partying the night away. I stayed in doing a little oohing and aahing at home. Mind out the gutter people I'm talking fireworks!

Here is a link to my 1st Blog Post which was in May 2011. I can't believe it has been that long since I began blogging. I have enjoyed meeting lots of fab people, attending exciting events and learning more than I ever thought possible. I have lots more that I want to learn about blogging and I am determined to put myself out there even more with videos so watch this space.

Most importantly I just want to say thank you to every reader of my blog. Knowing that you have taken the time to view and/or comment on my posts makes the time and effort I put in while juggling a full time job and my social life so worth while.

If you have any blog post or video suggestions that you would like to see in 2014 on Beautiful Addictions then please let me know your thoughts below. Take care and have a fab new year!

Love to you all

Xmas Wish List: The Watch Hut & ASOS

Hi lovelies I hope you are well. Today I have a few products that are on my Xmas wish list to share with you. 

Etail PR informed me that The Watch Hut is giving away £300 worth of ASOS vouchers to one luck winner and a £100 ASOS voucher to the runner up. 

The idea is to feature a watch from The Watch Hut on your blog in a Xmas wish list. As the vouchers are for ASOS I decided to pick some items to add to my wish list from there.

Michael Kors Ladies Chronograph Watch ~ £218

Rosie Wonders Skull Tattoo A5 Notebook ~ £6.50

Pull&Bear Black Coffee Sweatshirt ~ £17.99

ASOS Biker Coat In Texture ~ £85.00

ASOS Skater Dress With Folk Embroidery Panels ~ £45.50

To check out the fab range at The Watch Hut check out this link!

For more information on Etail PR and this competition see this link.

Please note that this competition ends at 5pm today (Friday 15th November) !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me know what your Xmas wish list picks are in the comments below.

Love to you all

Blogging Workshop With Next

Hi everyone. I have a very informative post for you today. I wish I could have written about my fantastic day out sooner, but I have been ill recently. I won't bore you with that and instead just tell you what this post is all about.

Next held a workshop on Monday 28th October as part of their #NBN (Next Blogger Network). I sent in my email hoping for a place and yay I was accepted. I promptly booked the day off work a few weeks before and waited for the day to arrive. 

Unfortunately the 28th October was the day of the storm where travelling became a waiting game. I stood at the train station for almost 2 hours and was close to going home when they announced a train was arriving. I swiftly made my way to The Hoxton Hotel a little windswept, but all in one piece. 

There were lots of bloggers already sipping their warm drinks and nibbling on croissants. I handed my coat over and received my wrist band saying which group I was in and a goodie bag with some useful and fun items.

As you can see I was gifted with a handy canvas bag, some snuggly angora slipper socks, a photo frame, a notebook and pen which came in very handy and a Xmas gift guide. There was a card for Snapchat Bingo too. During the day we were supposed to mark off the keywords on our card when we heard them and Snapchat them to next-official. The first three won a £100 Next gift card. I kept forgetting to check mine as I was engrossed in what the speakers were saying and making notes. 

There were 3 types of workshop and everyone was put in either group 1, 2 or 3. I was in group 2 and my first session was 'Brand & Advertising'.

Guest speakers during this workshop were Emily Johnston from Fashion Foie Gras and Abisola Omole from Abimarvel & The Apartment discussing working with brands and managing advertising. 

Emily's Top Tips

Abi's Top Tips

Then it was time for lunch .........

I opted for the chicken roll, some chips and a diet coke from the fridge. We could grab drinks any time of the day such as coffee, tea, water and soda drinks. I also had a brownie which was to die for, yum :)

The next workshop was 'Photography & Film'. Guest speakers during this workshop were Kit Lee from Style Slicker, Lily Pebbles from lilypebbles. & Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup sharing their film and photography tips as well as industry knowledge.

Kit's Top Tips

Lily & Anna's Top Tips

Then it was afternoon tea ......

I went for some chocolate cake and another diet coke.

The last workshop was 'SEO & Web Design' with guest speakers Faye Marie from Fashion Beauty Etc and Diego Puglisi from Greenlight talking about things such as SEO, coding and creating social media icons.

Faye's Top Tips

Diego's Top Tips & SEO explained

There was of course some Next fashion to peruse at the workshop too.

There was also a really cool tuck shop as well .....

I gave most of these to my fella, but I saved the cookie for a cup of tea that night :)

I had a fantastic time and learnt so much. I am so thankful to Gemma for accepting me into the workshop. I would definitely attend one again in the future. I think other companies should take on board what Next have accomplished here. Bloggers are a massive part of their advertising community so if they can help us to improve the way we blog then surely they will only profit.

Plus a day of learning can be fun too ;)

For more information on the Next Blogger Network click here!

Did you attend the Next #NBNWorkshop? If yes, was it worth going for you? If you didn't attend would you like to go next time? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Love to you all