Over the past three years of blogging on my site and it almost being the anniversary of it in June, I thought it was time to reflect on what I have done with this blog and what it has taught me. I have learned many things about the blogging world and I think that my writing and content has really bloomed into quality work and dedication. When I first started out, it was in the beginning of summer. Me, my ipod, sitting in the basement of the kids I nanny. I never knew exactly the specific reason I started, but I knew that I was bored and have heard of others doing it.
I love to write and I will continue to love to write for this site. I hope that this blog keeps on growing and growing. From taking pictures on my little, flimsy Ipod nano, to saving up my nannying money to purchase a quality, Canon Dslr camera that I love so dearly and protect with my life. I just recently got a new Macbook, and gosh while technology keeps changing, I am so excited to see what I can do with this computer.
Building a Website is Difficult.
Blogging has not only taught me a ton about blogging and the website world, it has also challenged me greatly because making your own website isn't as easy as it seems. I use Blogger, which many of you know, but creating a totally different type of template and design took probably months for me to figure out and get acclimated to. If you are trying to start a blog, I would suggest using Google's Blogger. I have it connected with my GMail and it is pretty easy to navigate. I would recommend that you do a little research on other sites how to personalize it so you don't have the cringey, default templates. ThemeXpose.com is a really great, free template generator.
Time Management Can be Tough.
I will be a college student next fall and while I am so excited to be starting this new chapter, I have no idea what the workload and what my schedule will be. I post twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been tough at times when I have other events going on, but it's a roller coaster figuring out times to write, take photos, and prepare more posts for the next weeks or so. Not all of my posts are written the day before, otherwise I would probably die of stress. Starting a blog comes with a lot of planning and scheduling, so that's something that has really shaped the way I manage my time and days.
The great thing about having your own blog is that you have the freedom of posting whenever you want. Also, if you get the Blogger app, you can post on your phone if you are on vacation. I like to put myself through that self discipline because I want my blog to really be relevant and seen by people. It's truly your decision on when you want to post, which I have loved...and hated.
Establishing Yourself is Not Easy.
I have already learned that wanting to be the biggest blogger can't happen within a year or two. It took me awhile to get established followers and I'm still trying. I was so blinded by all of the numbers that at one point, my quality of writing kind of stunk. After a considerable break from my blog, I came back with even better ideas. I think the passion needs to be there for the art rather than the numbers and counts of followers you have. If anyone wants to become a blogger just for the popularity or "free stuff", you're in the wrong place.
You Don't Just Get Free Stuff.
Yes I have been asked by companies to review things and put codes into my posts, but I have only said yes to one of those companies. Solely because I wanted the products to be things I would have thought that my readers would love or be interested in. Sure, I was interested in the products, but I didn't want to promote some third party brand that is just reaching out for ad space. While I would love to have big name cosmetics and product brands contact me, the time will come, and I want people to appreciate my writing more than what I get from brands or companies.
You Connect With So Many People.
I have learned that my blogging has built many relationships with people, not just companies. The fact that I get compliments in everyday life is suffice to show just how much I love what I do. I have met people from across the US, Europe, and Asia and that's the kind of work place I want to be in when I am older. I love meeting new people and I am so glad that blogging allows me to do that.
Remember Who You Are and Why You Write.
Sometimes as a creator, we forget to think about the main reason we write and make content. Sure, I love talking about the things I love, but if the passion isn't there, the quality tends to sink. There are thousands upon thousands of bloggers out there who basically do the same thing I do. Why would we want to listen to you? That's the question I constantly ask myself whenever I open my dashboard. Sometimes, taking a break to get the inspiration flowing can be the best medicine. I know for sure that I have had writer's block and couldn't become inspired. Many bloggers influence what I write, review, or how I conduct things on my blog, but I try to keep it myself as best as I can. It's so important to remember that.
I'm sure I could ramble on about more good and bad things about blogging that I have come to learn over the past years, but I'll spare it until I write about what I have learned 3 more years from now. If you are a loyal reader and like what I post, I truly appreciate the support you all give me and even a little comment makes me happy. It's great to know people are reading and enjoying my writing.
It's a little unclear as to what I am going to experience in college, but I am so excited to see how my blog flourishes and grows even more as I meet new people. If you are wanting to start a blog, do it. I have had the best experiences with it and wouldn't trade it for the world.
I have recently added a new bb cream to the bunch! I have already raved about great bb creams and I thought I would put this one under the spotlight because it's so good. I'm not normally a huge, heavy makeup fan in the first place, so anything that allows me to look like I have goddess-like skin, without the cake, is always a winner in my book.
Now I received this Bobbi Brown BB Cream as a gift and would only ever want it as a gift because it's not reasonably priced. I think it's nice to splurge, though, and this might just be worth it.
This is probably one of the most expensive products that I own and I feel very fancy while using it. I apply it with a Beauty Blender like I would with any other foundation or bb cream. While it is not a very easily replaceable product, I use it sparingly and a little goes a very long way. For being the second Bobbi Brown product I have, I am incredibly impressed by it's quality and staying power.
It's infused with not only spf, but caffeine! This is not your average 7am pick-me-up ladies! It's better; it reduces redness and reduces discoloration in the skin which is something an espresso could never accomplish, let alone fix.
This bb cream is a bit more covering in the sense that it doesn't leave a very natural look because it does a great job at covering up imperfections while feeling light and airy. I haven't noticed any oxidization, but Bobbi Brown has about nine shades to choose from which is pretty decent for a high end brand. You can always mix colors (only if you have money to spare on another $46 bb cream). It pretty much matches my skin tone and will look even better as soon as I tan a little more.
I also noticed that the wearability of this bb cream is so long and goes for a while without creasing super bad. Yeah it's makeup and you will need to fix it here and there, but for what it's worth, it has remarkable staying power and doesn't leave you oily, which is also amazing because of how hydrating it is.
Have you tried any Bobbi Brown products lately that you love?
I know that it has been quite some time through these past couple of months, especially with my senior year coming to a close in about two weeks. I keep stressing how much time has flown by and each day seems to be flashing before me. I am so excited to see what will come when I go off to college, but as of now, I still need to get through some things before I start to focus on college even more. I love reading these types of posts to see what everyone is currently doing, so I hope that I can give some inspiration to all of you.
01. Stress Less About the Future.
I feel like these past months have been extremely hard for me. Being a senior isn't all the bliss and privilege you think it might be. It has its perks, but it's probably been the most stressful part of my high school career. A lot has happened this year and I need to embrace all the moments I get. I feel for any of you who are still trying to figure out their future plans. I haven't even really decided on a college yet because I am still waitlisted on a scholarship if you can believe it.
02. Enjoy My Final Year of High School.
Like I said, my high school career is rapidly coming to a close. I probably won't miss the bus or gym, but I will miss my friends and my teachers who have supported me throughout this transition. I have an upcoming awards ceremony and a choir concert that I am really looking forward to. I'm also at the same time, ready to be done! It's been one heck of a journey.
03. Connect with Old Friends.
It has sadly become a habit of mine to not reach out to old friends. I'm sure many people can relate. Sometimes, it can be hard to just start talking to someone you knew so long ago and just separated because--life happened. People change, but I have also realized that life is too short to just shut people out. I have reconnected already with some old friends and I hope to continue soon.
04. Clean Out My Closet.
I'm a clean freak, but recently I haven't been on my game. It's been so hectic that I still need to tackle my closet and drawers. Especially since I'm leaving for college, I need to find some stuff! Better to start now I guess.
05. Get Crafty.
I am always looking for cheaper ways to make my life easier. If there's a will, there's a way. I love getting my hands dirty and creating cool things from Pinterest for my room. Especially for my dorm room, I have a couple ideas up my sleeve that I want to share with all of you later in the season.
06. Appreciate the Moments I Get with Friends and Family.
I tend to hideaway in my room a lot and work on homework or my writing and this summer I really want to just turn off my electronics and go enjoy the moments I have with my friends and family. Even more because many of my best friends are going to college as well.
07. Workout and Do Yoga More.
This isn't surprising, but I really want to keep up the daily yoga routine this season. I feel like I haven't been on my game because last year I started a yoga challenge which kept me motivated. I am really hoping that I can do one before I leave for school in the fall.
08. Be Outgoing.
It's a little cliched and cheesy, but I really want to start being more social and confident when I talk to people. I want to make a lot more friends in college and starting now will really help. I just want to be able to walk up to someone and have a casual conversation and not have to worry about people judging me. Sometimes, I just fake it till I make it. You do what you gotta do!
09. Buy Dorm Room Stuff.
It's the best feeling when you get to totally buy new things for a new room or dorm. I really want to create a matching, Pinterest-like dorm room with my roommate. I just love buying extra crap to design and reinvent a space. Any suggestions to where I can buy awesome dorm stuff, please comment down below!
10. Graduate.
Kind of a given, but I do want to and hope to graduate. Not that I won't, but I have come a very far way to this accomplishment and I am so happy I get to celebrate it with all of my closest buds. I am just so excited to see what my future will bring.
What are some of your spring or summer goals?
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