What Is A Blogger Anyway?

Hello lovelies! How are you all? I'm in a good mood this evening as I've just booked a few days off work. I hadn't actually prepared a post for this evening but there's a valid reason for that, bear with.

I came across a post by the lovely Jessie just at the weekend. If you didn't read it or don't follow her then please do as she's one of my favs. In this particular post, Jessie talks about blogging and whether it's a sustainable industry or if it's perhaps coming to an end. Everyone seems to have jumped on the blogging bandwagon of late. Like Jessie herself says, it's over saturated.

Blogging has also transitioned somewhat. Hands up if you remember the days when it was just about documenting your every day habits, sharing honest reviews no matter how blunt? Or rambling about life's trials and tribulations? Again hands up if you remember the time when you could happily upload a photo no matter how grainy or flawed and yet not care?! Nowadays it seems every blogger is striving for perfection and yet why? I myself have fallen into the trap and I've decided no more.

The reason I started using Pexels for images was because I felt my own photography wasn't up to scratch. How ridiculous is that? As bloggers aren't we supposed to be authentic? Share 'real' photos? Write posts as raw as they come? Errors and all?! Isn't that what makes a blog a blog? When did it become the 'in' thing for a blog post to look more like a glossy magazine article? I know of bloggers that spend hours perfecting props, lighting, conditions etc, just to get that one perfect shot. I know of others who are so busy trying to get 'worthy' images that they don't even enjoy the moment they're capturing.

We've created a 'standard' in our minds that our blogs have to live up to. It's almost become a monster. I think a lot of it comes from comparing ourselves to well known bloggers who have become the epitome of blog perfection. Perhaps these 'well knowns' chose to go down a route because that's what was expected of them by the brands they collaborated with. I'm certainly not having a go at them because I think they've done great things. But I do miss reading more of the 'real,' rambling and spontaneous types of posts. The kind that tells me a bit more about you. An insight into your world. Your real world btw. Not the glossy, photo-shopped, filtered image you try and sell me. Who actually lives like that? I practically live in my pjs when I'm not at work!

With all this in mind I decided to write a spontaneous and rambling post for you guys tonight. And to finish here are three blog posts from days gone by from some 'well knowns' who also happen to be three of my favs. See if you can spot the difference in the then and the what you would see now. Which do you prefer? Do you feel pressured to create perfect content?


Zoella - Previous Nights Glad Rags

InTheFrow - GHD Gold Classic Styler

Hannah Gale - My LFW round -up


Lastly, I'd like to thank Jessie for inspiring this blog post. Go have a nosy at her blog - All Things Beautiful


Until next time - Justine xxx



Photo - My own! ;)

12 Things I Wish I'd Known At Sixteen

Looking back at any of my journals, you'll see just how naive I was as a teen. The long lists of dreams now seem ridiculously over ambitious and some down right impossible. Even more so when I remember just how fearful I was of life back then. Goodness knows how I planned to do half of the stuff when I wouldn't even say boo to a goose. Many years have passed now so I thought it would be interesting to write a list of twelve things I would tell my sixteen year old self if I could.


Dear Justine


1. You won't be married before the age of thirty and that's okay. Hell if you never get married that's okay too!


2. Stop being so afraid of boys. They're not an alien species although some might argue with that. Try talking to one once in a while. They don't bite.


3. The world isn't as scary as you think. Sure it's a scary place at times, but there's also a lot of good going on. Try and have a little faith in humanity. People will often surprise you.


4. Just because you argue with a person, that doesn't mean the friendship/relationship is over. People do row and it's completely normal.


5. You're not going to be able to change the world by yourself. Although changing the world frequents most of your goals lists, you need to accept that you can only do your bit.


6. Pretty soon you're going to be diagnosed with GAD. Later on down the line you'll also be diagnosed with OCD and depression. This doesn't mean you're a crazy person or a psycho. Ignore anyone that makes you feel as such. Yes you're going to have a really tough seventeen years ahead of you but once you come out on the other side you'll be stronger for it. Do not give up. Likewise, when someone tells you to 'snap out of it,' I'd advise stamping on their foot and running away! A joke obviously but I would indeed consider cutting anyone out of your life that brings you down. You don't need that shit.


7. You're going to start a blog. You don't even know what one is right now but trust me you're going to love it. It's going to give you a much needed confidence boost and you'll also get to know many like minded individuals. Some of whom will become really good friends.


8. Sadly, you're never going to be a Spice Girl (or any other pop star for that matter.) Sweetheart you just can't carry a tune! Do the world a favour and give that dream up.


9. You are not going to become a millionaire by writing a best selling novel. In fact you're going to have a love/hate relationship with your writing for many years to come as you battle with your mental health. Although writing has always been cathartic for you, don't force it. It will come naturally when it's ready. Oh and there are much quicker ways to get rich than writing a novel. Sorry to burst your bubble.


10. A bespectacled young boy called Harry is going to take the literary world by storm. Words like 'muggle' will become a part of daily life for a while. As will running at walls in the train station. Do not try this at home unless you're a descendant from a witch/wizard! :)


11. You'll make mistakes as you go along in life but you're only human. Treat them as a lesson learned and move on. Don't beat yourself up.


12. You're not going to be a teacher. Although you're going to college next week to enrol for your A-levels you'll panic and change your mind last minute. You'll end up doing a hairdressing and beauty course but this won't be your career path either. By some fluke (or maybe fate) you'll end up working for a dental practice where you'll stay. There you will grow and learn more about yourself and life than you realised was possible. You'll also meet some girls who will become your friends for life. Helen, Zoë, Dani, Tracy and the rest... :)



If you got this far, I hope you enjoyed reading. What do you wish you could tell your sixteen year old self? I could have carried on this list forever but that would make for a very long blog post. Have a fabulous week. I'm off for pizza!




Lots of love Justine xxx





Image via Pexels

8 Things I'm Loving This Week

I do love a good lists post. Both reading and writing them. In fact I enjoyed writing this one so much that I might make it a regular thing. Without further ado, here are eight things I've been loving this last week.


1. Katy Perry's new blonde hair. How bloomin' gorgeous did she look at the Grammys?? It's got me desperately wanting to go get my hair done. Wouldn't mind her face either. She's beautiful!


2. My mood. This time last week I was feeling all over the place what with messing around with my medication. Two weeks back on the usual and I'm feeling somewhat calmer and content. Lesson learned there.


3. Bloglovin. There has been so many fantastic posts lately it's hard to keep up. Thank goodness for the save button hey? Mental note to self. Must read back over all at some point.


4. My ad slots being booked up for the next three months. It's nice to know that people want to advertise with me. Little old me!? I still wonder why but hey I'm not complaining and I'll work my backside off promoting you wonderful lot!


5. Tracy. My new work colleague, partner in crime and now also friend for life. (Sorry Tracy but you're not getting away ha ha!) She always seems to know what to say to make me feel better about myself when I'm having a down day and she lifts my spirits. I know loads of people but I can count my best friends on one hand and Tracy is now one of them. Oh and she's as nutty as me which kind of helps. If you like bespoke crafts, aromatherapy bath time treats or pretty keepsakes then check out her Facebook page Tracy's Treasures.


6. My nephews. It goes without saying that I always love my nephews but this week they surprised me with a visit at work. Just seeing their smiling faces makes me feel instantly happy.


7. My cute Valentines gifts. I hadn't expected anything so this was lovely.


8. My bed. I've been super tired lately so I've been going to bed early just to curl up and read. It's one of my favourite places to be.



Don't forget to let me know in the comments what you've been loving this week.


Justine xxx



Image via Pexels

Steal Away: 20 Blog Post Ideas On Blogging

Today I'm back with another from my 'Blogging Tips' series.

My last blog ideas post went down a storm so I thought I'd do another. This time around all the ideas are based on or around blogging. Most won't cost you a penny except maybe numbers thirteen and twenty. Of course if you already have props then you won't need to go out and buy any to photograph. The whole point of 'props on a shoestring budget' is to utilise what you already have to save yourself from spending. And who knows what ideas you could inspire in others? Get creative and look around the house for random items.

If you're anything like me then you'll have seen so many gorgeous backdrops in photos from various bloggers on Instagram and on their blog posts. I have a yearning to go and visit many of these and when I do I'll be taking plenty of photos that's for sure. Obviously it will involve travel money so it's one on my 'To Do' list. *Sighs

I hope you find something of use on the list below. Feel free to take or use any.

1. How To Protect Yourself Online (Domain Privacy)

2. How To Organise The Perfect Blog Event

3. What's A Plugin?

4. Why You Should Go Self Hosted

5. How To Fall In Love With Blogging Again

6. Blogging: The Legal Side

7. Twenty Blog Post Ideas For Spring

8. Find Your Niche Or Risk Being Lost

9. Blog Titles: How To Hook The Reader

10. How To Be A Success In A Minefield Of Bloggers

11. How I Gained Followers On Bloglovin

12. How To Make Money From Your Blog

13. Blog Props On A Shoestring Budget

14. Become A Journey That People Want To Follow

15. How To Build A Better Social Media Presence

16. Eight Of The Best Bloggers

17. Find Your Voice/Writing Style

18. Five Must Read Blog Posts

19. Blogging Jargon Explained

20. Amazing Places For Blog Photo Backdrops

Until next time...



Justine xxx





Image via Pexels

Don't Feel Alone

Hello lovely people. Unless you've been locked in a broom cupboard or hiding under a rock, then you'll have realised that today is of course Valentine's Day. But never fear! This is not going to be another gushing romantic post so you can rest assured and settle down with your glass of wine or tipple of choice.

I don't particularly like Valentine's Day. For starters, I'm single. There's going to be no grand romantic gestures taking place in my household tonight. And secondly, I hate seeing what it does to other people that aren't in a relationship.

Obviously I get that it's hard to ignore the red hearts adorning every shop surface and the picture perfect flowers popping up on your Instagram feed. But try not to let it bother you.

I'm sure most of us would love a knight in shining armour to come along and sweep us of our feet and one day that might happen. But in the meantime, don't let one day of the year get you down. If you're single, look to the positive! Enjoy the freedom while you have it. Pop on a dvd and relish in the fact you can watch what you want tonight with no arguments over who gets the remote control. Scoff a whole box of chocolates if you fancy and don't feel guilty about it.

I'm going to be curled up in my pjs with a glass of white wine and I can't think of anything better right about now. Whatever you get up to, try not to feel alone. Remember that there's always someone to talk to, even if that's just little old me! :)



Lots of love Justine xxx




Image via Pexels

5 Must Read Blogs

Hello lovelies! Today is all about sharing some blog love. If you follow me on Twitter then you'll have noticed that I like to share my latest favourite blog reads with everyone. Of course I'm also aware that not everyone uses Twitter so I thought I'd use GGD to share five must read blogs that I've come across in the last few months. Curl up with a brew (or glass of wine) and enjoy.


1. thirteenthoughts

Paula's blog is now one of my regular 'go-to' reads. Whether she's talking beauty, lifestyle or blogging tips, her posts are always spot on and I love her use of photography!

2. HannahGale

I honestly think I must have been hiding under a rock not to have discovered Hannah's blog before now. She posts about fashion, blogging, beauty and life, (in fact just about everything) but the reason I love Hannah's blog most is because she always keeps it real.

3. poppiesinoctober

Erin's blog is simply gorgeous to look at. I love the layout, the photography and just like me, she loves to write. I was super excited when I read that she is writing a novel. She blogs about lots of topics including mental health, lifestyle, literature and motivation.

4. Flourishing Freelancer

Dani writes about writing. Literally. Her website is full of useful posts on how to be a better blogger and freelancer. If you're a writer, blogger or aspiring writer, go give this one a read.

5. Girl Untold

Girl Untold is so much more than just a blog. Created by Sarah who has suffered from various things such as mental illness, addiction, eating disorders and self harm. GirlUntold is a movement to share her story, empower women and tackle society's pressure to be, look, act and think a certain way. (Sarah's own words - how can you not love a motto like that? Go show your support and give her a follow.)


Have you any recommended blog reads to share? Please leave any links in the comments section below.


Justine xxx




Image via Pexels

Mental Health: Catch Up

Hey guys how are you all? I hadn't planned on writing another catch up post quite so soon but after the awful weekend I've just had I wasn't in the right mindset to write a 'proper' post and so you've got one of me rambling by way of explanation. Apologies.

I ended up going to see my G.P yesterday. To cut a long story short, I'm now back on my usual medication. In hindsight I probably should have known better. It's not like I haven't been here before but anyway what's done is done. Horrible weekend over with. Onwards and upwards as they say!

Thank you for all your lovely messages of support over on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It really does mean the world to me.

Hope you all have a lovely evening. If you missed Sunday's post then be sure to have a nosey. The lovely Jemma of Dorkface wrote it especially for GGD. You can read it by clicking here.


Until next time



Justine xxx





Image via Pexels

9 Things We Can All Relate To Sometimes: Guest Post By Jemma Of Dorkface

There are moments in life that we all go through, no matter how wildly different we may be. They shape us, taunt us and teach us as we go; like a rite of passage we all must go through sometimes! Some of them are absolutely awful, and some are downright awks. I wanted to share some things that I think we've all related to at one point or another, so that you guys know you aren't alone!

1. Getting irrationally angry at strangers.

What can I say? Sometimes we're just moody, and people infuriate us without ever intending to. Like those people who walk sooooo slooowwwww in front of you somewhere busy, or cashiers in stores who take way too long to serve you when you're late for work! Arghhh!

2. Struggling to make even simple decisions.

Ever have days where even deciding what underwear to wear is like, a REAL struggle?? Yep, me too. Deciding on what to do for the day, what to wear, what to eat, where to go, when to go and if you're gonna be comfortable in those new shoes or regret it instantly. Some days I'm so overwhelmed by all these basic decisions that I just want to get back in bed to be honest.

3. Shopping solves everything.

Call me materialistic, but I refuse to believe you've never blown a hole in your bank balance on something you didn't need, but felt amazing. The worst part is when you feel regret, and start to feel guilty... and so you shop again to feel better. Vicious cycle, eek!

4. Feeling super over protective of your favourite music artists. 

Is it just me?? Surely not. For me, this applies to Eminem. See, my other favourite music artists include Placebo, Blink 182 and The Cure. And as much as I TRULY LOVE them, I could believe that someone else is a bigger fan than me, and I'm fine with it. However, Eminem? Nope, not happening. This is my hero, this is my musical obsession, this is the music artist I've most connected to for the past 15 years. Every album, every lyric, every photo, every tour, every interview, every inch of my soul.... So NO you are not taking this away from me, I am the bigger fan!

*ahem* Please do let me know that I'm not alone on this one?

5. Getting drunk with friends and talking utter bollocks.

For some reason after a few vodkas and a shot or two, we think everything that comes out of our mouths is absolute GOLD. We put the world to rights and we can't believe how smart, sassy and wise we are. We only hope we don't put this on Facebook for all to see, and to have instant regret in the morning.

6. Avoiding awkwardness at all costs.

Purposely not looking at someone you sort-of-know in the street, to avoid having an awkward half arsed conversation - We all do this, right? You're not going to go out of your way to have a chat with whatshername from that one place, that one time; and it's fine, she's probably avoiding you too.

7. When you hate someone, you really hate them.

It's almost like a skill, we're that good at it. As soon as you decide you don't like someone, everything they do repulses you. Even if they told the funniest joke ever; you'd refuse to smile out of sheer persistence.

8. Getting lost in social media.

Ever start scrolling Twitter, and an hour goes by without you realising? Or maybe you get lost down a Pinterest hole for a whole afternoon? Don't worry, we all do it. Just try to come up for air every now and again.

9. Not wanting anyone to touch our phones, EVER.

That feeling when you want to show someone a photo, but you don't even want them holding your phone, so you hold it out in front of their face. If they take your phone, instant panic will grip your heart. I'm not saying you have to have anything shady on your phone for this to happen, it's just that these days our phones are our lives! They hold every little inch of our lives on there, and no we don't want others getting their hands on it. So don't swipe, just hold!


Thanks for reading guys! J

Huge thanks to Jemma for writing February's guest post. If you enjoyed reading this then be sure to check out her blog Dorkface. You can also find her on Twitter here.

Next months guest post is from Aimee of AimeeRaindropWrites.


If you would like to see your own post on GGD then please email me - jamachin14@gmail.com

How I Gained 1k And How You Can Too

I set out this year with several goals for girlgonedreamer, one of which was to reach 3k followers on my most used social media platform - Twitter. It took me the best part of one year to build it to the 2k mark, so another 1k over a twelve month period seemed attainable.

Apparently I did something right as here I am - beginning of February - and I've already reached my end of year target. January wasn't the easiest of months but by golly it feels so worth it now. I'm going to share my tactics in the hope that you'll be able to apply them and see results for yourselves.

Of course numbers aren't the bee all and end all, but for myself there is an importance there and perhaps you feel the same way too. Sometimes people are afraid to admit that they want the numbers but that shouldn't be the case. My goal when starting out was always to build an author platform and until I have reached a certain level of online success I'll be holding back with my book.

As most of you have probably found, not all tactics work for everyone and a lot of it is just pure trial and error. The trick is to try a few different things and eventually you'll find one that works for you.

One thing I am not interested in is buying followers. Sure it's an easy way to get yourself huge numbers but who seriously wants hoards of bot accounts that can't even interact? It certainly isn't going to prove my worth to any publishing houses. I'm not here to judge though, each to their own.

So to the all important question. How did I do it?

Scheduling

Firstly I started scheduling tweets. I know some people will groan at this because they prefer 'real time' or spontaneous tweets but hek I work full time. I can't tweet throughout the day cos I'd get the sack. Hootsuite was recommended to me by a blogger friend and after using it for a couple of months, I now realise what a difference scheduling makes. More and more people are leaving messages or interacting with me. I'm getting countless more retweets too. I log on in my lunch break daily and now have three times as many notifications as before. Yes I do still tweet for fun spontaneously in the evenings and weekends but scheduling for me is the way forward. It has worked wonders for my situation.

Sharing the love

I share other 'must read' posts and tag the blogger in question, utilising relevant hashtags and attaching any 'Tag for a retweet' Twitter accounts. This was kind of a fluke I suppose. I didn't set out to just share in order to grow my following. I genuinely love reading other decent posts but it also hasn't done me any harm.

Blogging more frequently 

As you will be aware, I've started blogging on a more regular basis. Creating what I consider 'worthy' content three times a week is damn hard work and takes its toll when I'm also holding down a full time job. But I absolutely love blogging and I've worked really hard on creating better content for you all.

Being part of the community 

I try to leave comments on other blogs even if I only take half an hour out of my Sunday evenings to do this. I especially like to respond to those who have commented on my own as they have taken the time to do so. I am always on the lookout for new blogs to follow too.

Competitions

I usually run a competition once a month. My best advice is to choose your prize carefully. If you know your audience or your target audience, aim for something they'd like. I deliberately went for the Zoella travel set for my January prize because I knew my followers would love it and I hoped other like minded individuals would jump on board too. Obviously this did involve parting with a bit of my hard earned cash but as I got it in the Boots Christmas sale it was actually quite the bargain.

One thing I'd like is to take part in more Twitter chats but with working late and my busy schedule it's not viable at the moment.

And that's it really. It's been a mixture of all the above that has made the difference. Like they say, the proof is in the pudding. My hard work is slowly paying off. Instagram and Facebook are a whole other story. I think lots of people struggle growing these platforms especially with the new Instagram Algorithm so they'll be on my 'to work at' list later this year. For now it's just about my blog and Twitter.

Talking of which, you can follow (if you don't already) by visiting me here.


Do you have any tips to share? Please share them in the comments below.



Justine xxx





Image via Pexels (Sorry if the Facebook image confused anyone but I just loved the use of the Scrabble letters and there wasn't one for Twitter.)