Beauty Tips From 5 Of My Faves

Today I'm sharing some beauty tips from five of my 'go-to' favourite bloggers. I've chosen these five individuals because I am both inspired by and in awe of them all. 

Each of these lovelies has something special about them which means I frequently visit their respective blogs. Whether it's flawless photography, incredible style, or just some good old helpful advice, there is literally something on each blog for everyone! Don't believe me? Go check each them for yourself.

Paula of Thirteen Thoughts

My most important tip is to use a good sunscreen every single day come wind, rain or shine.

Gweni of GBeauty

Never underestimate the eye primer. Not only does it help make the eye shadow last longer, it brings out the colour of the eye shadow as well! 

Jemma of Dorkface

Use sulfate free shampoos and conditioners, avoid as much heat as possible and regularly use enriching hair masks! ;)

Jordan of Hello Miss Jordan

Always use a lip liner first to enhance your lips and keep your lipstick looking fabulous!

Jessie of All Things Beautiful

Always take your makeup off before bed, no matter how tired or lazy you're feeling. Get yourself into a solid night time regime. Remove your makeup and cleanse your skin to rid it of any excess oil and dirt. You'll be left with a lovely glow and beautifully soft skin.

Huge thanks to these awesome five! All photos belong to respective blog owners. Be sure to let me know if you have any of your own beauty tips.

*Header image via Pexels

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6 Things I Did To Improve My Blog

It's almost been two years since I started GirlGoneDreamer and it's safe to say I've learned a lot since then. What was good enough back then just doesn't cut it for me now. Blogging is no longer just a hobby. I'm building a brand, pushing forwards every single day to create the life I have always dreamed of. As such by Christmas 2016, I felt that my blog needed to up it's game. Here are six things I did to improve GGD.

1. New Layout/Template

A new layout can make all the difference. It can bring life back into your blog if you're bored with how it looks. And the more user friendly it is, the more it will encourage your readers to return.
When I chose my original template I wasn't thinking about how user friendly it would be. It was more about how pretty it looked and to be fair it was perfect for me at the time. I'd dabbled with various templates but none were really cutting it. Then Fiona from WishesHopesDreams kindly uploaded my latest template (designed by KayLuxeDesign.)
I love it because it's much more user friendly for starters. And I love the 'You Might Also Like' feature at the end of every post. (Apologies if you're reading this on a mobile phone rather than a computer as you won't be able to see what I'm on about. I do plan to add this feature to the mobile view in the very near future.)

2. New Logo

Along with a new layout I felt as if I needed a new logo to represent GirlGoneDreamer. Some might say it's too 'young' but I really love it. I've always been young at heart anyway and the unicorn represents the dreamer side of me. It couldn't be more perfect. Anyone after a new header should check out Dorkface. It was indeed Dorkface creator Jemma who created mine.

3. Posting Quality Content And Doing So More Frequently

When I made the decision to take my blog up a notch I realised that I also needed to up my own game. Posting sporadically wasn't going to cut it. Ever since New Year I've tried to post content three times a week. The most important thing for me is the quality. I won't publish anything that I haven't put 110% into or I feel is sub standard. And I've definitely found my numbers have grown since posting on a more frequent basis.

4. Finding My Niche

People go on about finding a niche don't they? I honestly didn't have one up until - ooh I don't know, maybe yesterday? Don't get me wrong, I thought I did but after posting several book reviews, mini hauls and various other 'unsatisfactory' posts I just wasn't feeling it.
Then it occurred to me that this was all supposed to be fun, and I was trying too hard to be like other bloggers. So much so that I wasn't even enjoying the content I was creating. This was the moment I decided that no matter what, I would always write posts for my enjoyment first and foremost. And hey presto. Three months in I think I might actually have found my niche. My advice to you all is to write for yourself, because if you do, your personality will ultimately shine through. Stick with it because over time maybe your niche will also reveal itself.

5. Working On My Social Media Growth

Okay so item number five isn't about improving my blog as such but it still counts. Writing quality content on it's own just isn't enough. You can't expect the readers to flock to you of their own accord so self promotion is hugely important. Now more than ever I know this to be true. I've spent a lot of time networking, scheduling, sharing content written by others. It does pay off if you work at it. My 1k growth in just one month alone is proof of that. If you want your blog to go places you need to up your social media strategy.

6. Going Mobile Responsive

One of my blogging pet hates is clicking a blog link to find it's not mobile responsive. I will always leave said blog in a nano second. If you haven't already gone mobile responsive then pleeeeease go do it now. People do not want to try read a blog in 'website view' on a teeny tiny phone screen. Trust me when I say it's losing you readers. And if you're not sure how to do this, then ask Fiona from WishesHopesDreams. She's a dab hand when it comes to all of this tech stuff! Who do you think helped me with all mine? :)


Finally, if you missed my blog post on 'Learning From Others' then do go take a look. Anyone who thinks DA stands for District Attorney definitely needs to read it.  ;)


How have you improved your blog? Do you have any tips to share?


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

Just a catch up...

Happy Friday! I'm off to a party shortly but first I thought I'd just write a quick post and check in with all of you lovelies. Hope the week has treated you kindly.

Last weekend I made the trip to Kirkby Lonsdale with my six year old nephew, Isaac. I was especially proud of myself because I didn't think I'd be able to do it. Usually I'm with another grown up and rely on their directions. However, Isaac fancied a jaunt to the countryside so off we went. To my surprise I didn't get lost along the way!

In other news, Jemma of Dorkface is working on the header for my new 'community' book blog. I think she is incredibly talented. Just look at her new fancy Halloween header below! Click HERE to check out more of her designs. Prices usually range from £14-£28.
And while I'm on the topic of the book blog, if you love reading and fancy trying your hand at a book review then please do get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.

Last but not least, I have another book recommendation! I am totally obsessed with Jennifer Niven's new book, 'Holding Up The Universe.' I read and wrote about her previous YA novel, 'All The Bright Places' for my very first blog post and ever since I have been anticipating the release of this. Do check it out. I got my copy from the supermarket for a bargain £3.99. Review to follow soon.

That's it from me for now. Better go get my glad rags on! Have a lovely weekend. I'll catch you all soon xxx





All images my own except Jemma's 'Dorkface' header which was taken from her website - http://www.dorkface.co.uk/ and 'Holding Up The Universe' book cover which was taken from Jennifer Niven's website - http://www.jenniferniven.com/books/holdinguptheuniverse/

Catch Up...

Hello all and happy September! This is a catch up post really as I haven't done much writing this last fortnight. Sadly my granddad passed away on Monday. He was 92 and not really getting much quality of life so it was for the best, but to lose both grandparents in the space of a year has been hugely difficult. It is, as I keep saying to my family and friends, the end of an era. I do realize how lucky I was to have known them both as long as I did, but I'm just missing them at the moment.

Moving onto a brighter topic, Jemma of Dorkface hosted her very first Girl Gang event last week and she did us bloggers proud! Although I couldn't be there myself, it looks like an amazing day was had by all. If you have no idea what I'm on about then check out this link to read all about it - GirlGangEvent. I really hope to be at the next one!


Last Wednesday was my birthday and as you can see from the header image I got some lovely goodies. I've been after the movie 'When In Rome' for AGES and my sister kindly ordered it for me!! Huge thank you to everyone who made my birthday special and for all the lovely messages.

Lastly, I can't end this post without mentioning a must read book. You may remember recently I was whining that I hadn't read a real page turner in ages, not since All The Bright Places and Elizabeth Is Missing anyway. (Both absolute musts btw!!) So you'll be glad to hear that I adored thriller, 'Girl, Missing' by Sophie McKenzie. I picked it up when browsing in The Works. I hadn't realized at the time but it's actually a YA novel. This didn't put me off because I am an avid YA fiction reader and once I started chapter one I was hooked! I'm not going to reveal any spoilers but the basic story line revolves around 14 year old Lauren and her quest to find the truth behind her adoption. Enough said. You'll have to buy it to discover more. You won't regret it honestly!


That's it from me for now. Happy Friday feeling and happy weekend to you all. I'm off for a muchly needed glass of wine and no doubt another Grey's Anatomy session! :) xxx




All photos my own except the Girl Gang image. Copyright remains with Jemma of Dorkface.

Etsy Treasures

 

Hello lovely readers! An impromptu blog post here just because I wanted to share my cute new Etsy finds.

You may have already read my prior post featuring Jemma aka Dorkface... Yes!? No? If you missed it you can catch up with this link. http://www.girlgonedreamer.co.uk/2016/06/blog-love.html

(Pretty please do have a nosey so you can read more about Jemma. She's an incredible lady!)

In that post I mentioned her gorgeous sticker range so I decided to go one further and share her lovely creations with you all.

Featured in the header photo above is just some of the designs she's created.

As a child and even into my teens I was an avid sticker collector. These days I don't collect them as such but I still love buying them to adorn everything from my notebooks to my makeup bags.

If you want to buy stickers from Dorkface's Etsy shop, just copy/paste this link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DorkfaceShop.

 

 

My second 'must follow' Etsy shop is Martha and Hepsie. I previously shared some of their gorgeous notecards in this post...

http://www.girlgonedreamer.co.uk/2016/06/love-of-etsy-notecards.html.

I didn't know that they also made notebooks but after perusing their Instagram feed I discovered these cute designs so I got straight onto Etsy to nab a couple.

Want one too?

You can get yours by checking out this link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/marthaandhepsie.

 

My final Etsy buy is another notebook but this time from DizzyMissJames.
I fell in love with this as soon as I spotted the pastel colours. And who can resist unicorns!? Not me! Obviously I just HAD to have one! ;)
A girl can never have too many notebooks. Especially if she's a writer!
You can check out DizzyMissJames' Etsy shop by copy/pasting this link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/DizzyMissJames.

Sorry for the tardy links today. *Hides behind hands. Either blogger or my computer is playing up. Links weren't working. At least this way you can still check out the relevant sites.

Hope the week is treating you all kindly. Until weekend...

Lots of love xxx

Blog Love

 

I think it's nice to spread a bit of blog love around so today I'm sharing with you my recent favourite blog reads. If you've been following me for a while then you know even before you scroll down this page that Dorkface and Hello Miss Jordan are gonna be featured ha ha! If you don't already follow these girls, then go do it now. They consistently produce amazing blog posts and photos. Forget Zoella. It's all about these two for me. Happy reading. Happy Sunday! xxx

'Thank You' by

Jemma is the brains and talent behind blog 'Dorkface' and also the growing bloggers community 'GirlGang.' Click HERE for more info or to join for free. The caption on her Instagram account reads 'Colourful blogger/illustrator hoping to inspire.' Well you can certainly see for yourself just how much colour this lady injects into everything she does. But in terms of inspiring? I can honestly say that Jemma continues to motivate and inspire me EVERY single day. It's no easy feat making a decision to work freelance full time and yet she's doing it. Bloomin' brilliantly too if you ask me! Not only that but she seems to have her hand in every pie going. Pop along to her Etsy shop and you can even get stickers designed by the lady herself! I got some in the mail the other day and the girls at work were all cooing over them. One other thing to note about Jemma's blog, she knows how to keep it real. Which is what blogging is meant to be about right? An honest sometimes raw account of every day life. Jemma ticks all the boxes with Dorkface. Click HERE to be redirected to Jemma's website. And if you want to check out or even buy some of her cute stickers just click right HERE! :)

Other favourite reads from Dorkface... 9 Easy Ways To Support Your Favourite Bloggers, 2016 Blog Goals Update, I'm Making Stickers, The Guilt I Carry, Help Me I Need To See The World, 50 Thoughts This Week, Five Things I've Learned About Relationships, Struggling A Little, 2 Years Blogging Giveaway... Ok you get the gist. They're all pretty awesome!

Take a glance at the photos below from Jemma's Instagram account (click HERE for more) and you'll instantly see what the attraction is. Always cheerful and full of colour. Puts mine to shame. No I'm not jealous. Really. Well ok, maybe a teensy bit. But I heart this girl BIG time and consider her to be a friend. She's been nothing but lovely and supportive and sorry to get all mushy here but I just feel lucky to know her even a little bit. I can see her doing great things in the future with both her blog and illustration career! Time will tell just how so...

 

'Washed in Happiness' by



Meet Jordan. Real life Disney Princess. No really. You ought to see her Instagram pics!! I've shared some below. It has to be said that I am slightly in awe of this lady. She is incredibly talented and beautiful to boot. The competitive side in me says that there should be a smidge of jealousy, but instead I find myself just adoring her and willing her to succeed in everything she does. Jordan's posts are always just so 'readable' (for want of a better word) and the fashion photos look like they've been styled by a professional. I lust after most of her outfits and damn if I could look just half as good as her then I'd be one happy bunny! The other thing that gets me is just how nice she is! Like REALLY nice. She'll always take time out of her busy schedule to reply to an email or message. Yup. Jordan is a star in the making alright. Watch this space...

Other favourite reads from Hello Miss Jordan... The Misunderstood Curse of Shyness, The Rapunzel Ring, Fields of Gold, A Goodbye to Brighton, Where Have I Been, Summer Styling with New Look. So basically every post! :) Click HERE to be redirected to Jordan's website.

Photos like THESE are why you should go follow Jordan's Instagram account. Click HERE to see more!

*All photos taken from respective blogs and Instagram accounts except header image which is my own. Lipstick stickers from Dorkface Etsy shop.

Favourite Blogs

Hello! I can't help but break out into 'Adele' every time I say that these days ha ha! Hope you're all having a lovely weekend. I've had one hell of a week! £100 parking ticket amongst other stresses. Moving swiftly on before I climb back onto my soap box...

Progress Not Perfection

After uploading last weeks blog post (click here to read) I spent the following hours re-reading it, mentally tearing it to shreds and generally wondering how I could have written it better. 
We all do this right? It's that annoying little voice inside our heads called 'The Perfectionist!'