Amazing Advertisers || August 2012

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

This month has flown by hasn't it?! It's time for Amazing Advertisers again, which is your opportunity to get to know the lovely ladies that have been nestled in the left hand side bar this month.

If you would like to advertise on Sprinkle of Glitter in September, look up to the tabs under my header, and 'Sponsor' has all my advertising packages within it. I am now responding to emails and enquiries (I save them up throughout the month so if you emailed last week, don't worry, you haven't been ignored).

(Image :: weheartit.com)

Wonderful You

Megan loves foxes. Well, that's me already happy, haha! This blog is a beauty to behold. Each post is like literary treasure that makes you want to keep on reading more and lust after vintage finds, makeup or car boot sale bits. Megan is currently away but has very cleverly arranged a series of guest posts to keep us all entertained. I particularly enjoyed the post about jealousy amongst women- some very good points worth thinking about.

Lady of Vintage

Jess is our lady of vintage in question and this month she has been my Ultimate Advertiser so you may have seen her name crop up on the bottom on other posts. Her blog, as you can imagine, is vintage inspired but thrown into the mix are recipes (she owns a bakery-mmm), OOTD's and thoughts on the blogging world. This blog is a pleasure to flick through and one I shall continue to check back upon.

Beauty Quest Blog 

Shelley's blog is a must have on your reading list if you like well written, clear, honest beauty reviews. I love that there is such a variety of beauty products but that all the reviews adhere to the same structure. I know where I am with a bit of structure and that makes me very happy! The images are all crisp and clear and all in all, this blog is professional yet easy. Love. 

The Beauty of Louise

Louise's blog is a beaut. Easy on the eye, fun and informative to read and choc-o-block with beauty reviews. Perfect for the makeup mad lady. Having reached 1000 followers (well done!), Louise recently hosted a giveaway. I do love a gal with a giveaway! If you love all things girlie, this is the place for you.

A Thrifty Mrs

I think we all know my love for that lady of thrift. She is my chummy and frankly she is a wizz. I won't go on and on, but basically, if you don't go and look at her blog, then you are a fool. I'm not one for calling you names but really, you heard, a FOOL. Enjoy! x

Cider With Rosie

Rosie has created summer on a blog recently. All of her posts are full of sunshine and happy things, not to mention beautiful photographs and lovely write ups. I love that she not only writes about fashion and happiness, but that she also includes a healthy dose of her own life and allows her readers to really come along with her on adventures. 

Aspirations of Glam

Liz's blog is the one that looks like a notebook. I do enjoy that tres much you know. This month she has written reviews, searched out hot jackets for Autumn AND written a great piece about going to university and her personal experiences throughout it. I really tip my hat to her for that post. I think if you are considering taking the plunge and furthering your education then you should definitely give it a read, it could prove very handy indeed. 

Charlotte's Web

Oooohhh you know those blogs that are about fun days, lifestyle and all the little happies that the world can through at you? The kind you just want to grab a blanket, a cup of mint hot chocolate and sink into? Charlotte's blog is one of those. She very aptly suggested that bank holidays should be purely for staying in bed and tinkering around the internet and I could not agree more. Charlotte is a wise blogger!

Now, as we can all see, I've left sorting September's ad's out a bit late so do accept my apologies. I've had a lot of life on my plate! I still have the Ultimate and Medium slots available but I'm afraid the Large slot was booked up last month! New adverts will run from Sunday.

Have you enjoyed any of these lovely blogs this month?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

office talk

Sweater: Carven (also buy here). Top: Equipment. Skirt: Topshop. Shoes: Zara (old but similar here and here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Purse: Celine. Nails: Joe Fresh. Jewelry: David Yurman, Hermes, Jcrew, Stella&Dot. 

Tag || How Much Is Your Face Worth?

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I was recently asked on Twitter what you would like to see for a blog post and one of the suggestions was the 'How Much Is Your Face Worth' Tag. This is where you take note of all the products you have on your face for any one FOTD, note the cost of each item and then total it. Now obviously you won't be using an entire bottle of foundation or an entire tube of mascara, but this is the game and I didn't make the rules! Heh heh.

Nuxe Facial Cream :: £16 (Review coming soon)

MAC Studio Sculpt NW20 :: £24.00

MUFE Concealer :: £22.50

MAC MSF Soft & Gentle :: £21.50

Primark Blusher/Bronzer Kit :: £1.50

MAC Eyebrow Pencil (Dirty Blonde) :: (Discontinued but similar product is £12.50)

MAC Brow Set :: £12.50

MAC Paint Pot (Bare Study) :: £14.50

Stila (Cream Shimmer from the 'In The Light' palette) :: £25

L'Oreal Carbon Gloss Liquid Liner :: £6.49

YSL Shocking Mascara :: £23

Topshop Lipstick (Brighton Rock) :: £8

Topshop Lip Stick (Clueless) :: £7

MUA Lipgloss (Pink Shimmer) :: £4

TOTAL :: £198.49

I. Am. Shocked. Woah. 

I know I like and use a lot of luxury products but this has really blown me away. I feel a little bit embarrassed!!!

I don't think taking part in this tag is going to make me use less or buy cheaper products because I love all the ones I use but it has certainly made me more away of my naughty little obsession. I can find solice in the fact that I don't splash cash on designer clothes or expensive bags, but beauty and cosmetics are my passion. Does that make it any better? No, probably not. I dread to think what the total would be for a night time look, complete with lashes and glitter! Cripes!

I tag anybody who follows this blog to do this tag! Feel free to leave a comment below with your link and we can all be horrified together at how much money we spend on our faces!

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

River Island A/W Collection 2012

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

If you read/watch my OOTD's and hauls, you will know I am a big of a fan of River Island. I love that their clothes always fit nicely and swoon over the large handbags. Why oh why I didn't buy the mint green satchel bag in March I do not know....it still haunts me ahahaha.

When the lovely PR lady that works for them contacted me and asked if I would like to share a short video about what's coming up for the Autumn season (my all time favourite time of year), I said yes, yes, yes!

I was provided with some information about the new range too but knowing I would never be able to express it as well as this, I have quoted it below for you. Hurrah!

From the shadows of Futuristic Goth, the streets of Downtown New York and the opulent textures and fabrics of the Baroque era, River Island creates a lavish and distinctive look for autumn/winter 2012. 

The collection encompasses a wide range of unique hero pieces reflecting this season’s trends with accessories remaining a focal point, fusing together all the elements necessary for the season ahead.

Think Downtown with its relaxed styling, with oversized swagger coats layered over geo printed and graphic intarsia knits. Baroque with its tough leathers and wet look fabrics and Futuristic Goth with it's  medieval inspired black velvet, delicate lace, sheer and chiffon pieces. With River Island Autumn Winter never looked so good!

 I'm so excited for all the Autumn fabrics and colours to hit the shops and for the weather to cool down a little (sorry if you're a summer baby haha!).

I also have a lorra lorra Autumn related posts lined up because I just go crazy for everything at this time of year so we have exciting times ahead!!

What do you look forward to in Autumn?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

peter pan

Dress: Alice + Olivia. Shoes: Zara (old, but similar here). Trench: Gap (old, but similar here). Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Purse: Valentino. Jewels: David Yurman, Pomellato, Hermes, Jcrew, Stella and Dot.

Awful To Say It's Awful?

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

As we all hopefully know, this blog is a place for honesty and positivity. I like to talk about happy or uplifting things in life and combine that with honest reviews of beauty products I have tried and tested. Sometimes though, I come across a bit of a sticky wicket. If I try something and it is poopsicles, I want to tell you so. However by saying something is below par, that's pretty negative. And negative is not positive. See the issue I have?

To combat this dilemma, I decided to throw all the poopyness into one pot (eurgh) and make a video on lip products that I know I won't be replacing and try not to be a miseryguts about it. 

I uploaded it to my YouTube Channel (do feel free to subscribe, it's free y'anno) a couple of days ago and I was really pleased with it's reception. In case you haven't seen it, I have embedded it here too. 

I would be really interested to hear if you think Beauty Bloggers/Vloggers should tell you if they thought something was downright rubbish, or if we should just leave those products out and talk about the good things? I will never say something is great if it isn't, but I must say, I was quite worried about making this video in case you all came at me with pitchforks for not being really super 'love, love, LOVE' if that makes sense?!

I think I've rambled on long enough, please do leave your thoughts in the comment section and please do be sure to read other people's, there's a lot that goes on beneath these little wordy things I string into sentences and it's worth clicking down to look!

Toodlepip!

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

summer uniform

Dress: Zara (old). Trench: Gap (old, but similar here). Shoes: Miu Miu. Purse: c/o Coach. Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Necklace: Loren Hope c/o. Jewels: David Yurman, Pomellato, Stella and Dot.

Blog FAQ's || How do you get invited to events?

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I've been around this 'ere bloggersphere a while now. Not as long as the early birds of 2003 and 2004 but a while. In that time, I've been fortunate enough to experience an array of amazing things and unfortunate enough to experience some of the rubbish that comes with it all too.

Over time I have noticed I am often asked the same questions and thought that rather than answering them individually (or trying to at least), it might be a fun idea to answer some here.

I'm not professing to be Blog Land Expert of the Planet here, but I am saying, 'Hey, here is what I have found in my years of doing this'. You might have felt the same, you might not, I'm only speaking from experience. Do feel free to give your own answers or suggestions in the comments and please do take the time to read other people's because there is always a wealth of information down there and you'd be a ninconpoop to ignore it.  

Today's question is:

How do you get invited to blog events?

Firstly, we ought to just clarify what a blog event is. I'm sure there are a great many type of 'blog events', but seeing as this is a beauty, baby and lifestyle blog, I am mostly invited to shindigs relating to beauty.

So, a company have brought out a new range of products and they have a bit of money put by to promote them. Sometimes, the brand will recognise that bloggers have a wide 'reach'. 'Reach' is weird PR lingo for 'lots of people read this bit of the web and it might be good for those people to see our products'. They have a lot of lingo.

As part of that 'bloggers have a wide reach' thought process, the company might decide they want to have their brand featured on lots of blogs. A good way of doing this is to host an event. A kind of party thrown in honour of the new product, where the brand talks to bloggers about why this is such an exciting new nail polish/perfume/summer range etc. Bloggers usually leave with a goodie bag containing samples of the new product/s and a little bit of info about the line (this is known as a 'press release'). Whilst there, bloggers will get the chance to catch up with other bloggers, enjoy a glass of bubbly and play with the new items the event is about. Basically, it's everything a beauty obsessed girlie girl would want in a night- glass of something fizzy, chums, makeup. Happy days.

So how does a blogger get invited to such things? This was a question I asked when I first started blogging and felt very much kept in the dark. I thought there might be a special list or a system or a secret batman light symbol in the sky. In all honesty it's a lot less exciting and a lot more simple.

Brands will find you. If you have a good blog, a presence on social platforms (twitter, facebook, instagram, pinterest, etc) you will eventually be noticed. Ensure you have your contact details easily findable (email address clearly on your blog or perhaps an 'about' section) and check your inbox regularly. It may take months, it make take years, or it make take days, but if you really want it to happen and you truly love your blog and have a passion for what you are writing about, then it will. I will say though, if you have a blog purely for events and samples, you will most likely find that readers will see through that pretty quickly. They're a clever little lot.

If you are that way inclined, you could contact a brand (via email, phone, twitter, facebook etc). From what I've grasped, this is a bit of a grey area- some bloggers think it's a good thing to do, others don't. Be aware that brands are contacted many times a day by bloggers requesting samples, introducing themselves or asking to be put on their mailing lists, so if you do take the great leap of saying hello, try to be considerate of this and also try to stand out. 

Top Tips ::

If you have just blogged about a product and are tweeting the link, be sure to @mention the brand (if they are on twitter). Not in a spammy fashion, but in a 'Hello, I have talked about your products' fashion. 

If your friend is going to a blog event and you feel comfortable enough, why not ask if she was given a plus one. 

Check your spam inbox! Quite often I've had interesting or useful emails slip in there and go unnoticed.

Have patience. It was over a year before I went to an event and that was back when there were a lot less bloggers, so avoid expecting short term excitement (if blog events are what float your boat) if you have just started and are just building your little slice of the web.

To put it very simply, don't worry. If you want it to happen and you work hard on your blog and love it dearly, it will happen. For those of you thinking, 'Pah! I'm not even that bothered anyway!", then I'm sorry to have wasted these minutes of your life! This post really was just to address the question I have been asked multiple times and hopefully it will cast a little bit of light on what can sometimes be a rather guarded area.

If you have any more info, tips or thoughts on the subject of blog events, I would (and think everyone else) would be really interested to hear about them, so do feel free to comment below!

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top! 

party

Jacket: Gap (old, but similar here). Belt: Jcrew (old). Top: Saint James (similar here). Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti. Skirt: Kate Spade. Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Necklace: Lauren Elan c/o. Jewels: Michael Kors Watch, Jcrew, David Yurman, Stella&Dot. Lips: MAC 'Ruby Woo'. 

simple

Shoes: Zara (old, but similar here and here). Denim: Current/Elliott. Blazer: Zara (old but similar here). Top: Equipment. Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Super Duper'. Jewelry: Pomellato, David Yurman, Catbird c/o. Monogram Necklaces: Max&Chloe and BaubleBar.

Curvy OOTD || Bright White

 

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

I wore this outfit a little while ago to a friend's BBQ and was pleased as punch at how many people said I looked nice. I wanted to take some photos of it, but since the moon was coming out to play and the sun was going to bed, I had to use the flash, which I know isn't always idylic. Oh well, I can't control astronomy.

This white skirt was from ASOS and in the sale for under £10 which was brilliant. Sometimes ASOS can be a bit poopy in quality but this feels lovely, really sturdy if you will.

The vest was from H&M, the mint bag from Primark and the shoes from New Look. The cat was already there. Tehe. 

I've always been a bit uncertain about wearing white because I have 'black is slimming' engraved in my brain, but really, white is doable. As long as you wear clothing that fits and flatters/suits your body shape, it is absolutely an option for you!

I'm not off to spend a few more pennies in the ASOS sale- oops!!

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

brights & stripes

Top: Lauren Moffatt. Skirt: J.Crew. Purse: Coach 'Willis'. Shoes: Madewell (old). Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Nails: Essie 'Pink Parka'. Lips: NARS 'Schiap'. Jewelry: J.Crew, Michael Kors, David Yurman, Pomellato, YSL.

Online Treats

Aloha Sprinkerinos,

Remember that spending ban I was on? No? Nor do I.

I'm not usually one for internet shopping. I prefer to actually have the experience of being in the store, touching the products, mooching around etc, but a couple of weeks ago (before my busy stint), I ran away with myself...and my debit card. Woops.

I've made a video of the haul which I will link as soon as it's live, but for now, here's a little teaser.

This nifty storage case is actually a shoe organiser but I have used it as a toy tidy. I love that I can see what's where and it's safe for Baby Glitter to drag about. It was only £3.99 and there is a buy 2 get 1 free offer, so if you have a lot of shoes/toys/anything at all you want to store away, it's a winner! You can find it HERE.

 

I plan on doing a few OOTD's with these ASOS pieces. I have worn the white eyelet skirt and pink highwaisted SO much since buying them so in my eyes, they're an investment!

I also bought some Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleansers because I had run out, tried to kid myself that other products were as good and then came to my senses and reordered. 

I talked about the bunting bracelet in a post of it's own HERE, but in a nutshell, it's the cutest little thing and was only £2.39. Click on the pink for the link! (So poetic. Tehe).

The word art was sent to me from the tres creative Maisy Moo. All you do is choose your shape and colour scheme, give them the words you would like incorporated and wait for it to land on your doorstep- fabulous!! We love ours and think it adds a great little touch to Baby Glitter's bedroom.

Ok, I know, they're just straws. But loooookkk!! They are paper (don't worry, they don't go squooshy in your drink), pastel coloured and if you have an obsession with pinterest or American lifestyle blogs (Carosello, A Beautiful Mess etc) then you will understand why I needed them in my life. I bought them from THIS British seller. I also gave them a sneaky little feature in THIS post.

Well, that's it. A bit of an eclectic haul and as soon as the video is live, I will embed it on this blog post too. Keeping things nice and tidy :)

Do any of these bits and bobs float your boat?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

Two Weeks Too Fast

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

A lifestyle post for you today because of late, my life has wizzed by in a blur and today I finally found a few spare moments whilst Baby Glitter snoozed to go through some of my snaps and decide which ones to put on here.

These really do sum up the last 14 days and although it's bulky, I'm really glad I took my big camera round with m to capture the moments.

The Olympics. I went to see the Men's Artistic Gymnastics at Greenwich Arena (or Millennium Dome if you are old school like me) and this new fangled light display was in the foyer. I have quite the obsession with lighting so naturally was drawn to it. It also changed colour to different shades of pink, violet, purple and amber. Beautiful.

I definitely have had Olympic Fever! I'm not usually one for sporting events but this Olympiad I was so into it. I love the positive atmosphere it bought to the country and thought the opening and closing ceremonies were amazing.

A trip to Liverpool and a serious case of Monroe-skirt. Matt was actually trying to capture a few OOTD shots but I liked this one because it's pretty candid and I didn't know he had starting snapping away. Outfit post coming soon.

 

Whilst shopping in Liverpool city centre I found this super cute handmade independent shop. I really admire people who make their own businesses and love all things crafty so I thought this was super. The lady who runs the shop has a website that I took a card for so I could link it. However, being the dunce I am, I have lost the card so I'm ever so sorry! I bought a couple of cards and look forward to going back. If you are in the area, it is behind Primark in the blue coat area. Enjoy!

Whilst in Liverpool I found the shoes of my dreams. Glitter-tastic.

After taking Matt's Ma & Pa for lunch in the city we wandered down to the new museum at the docks and had a look round.

 

And posed infront of stars.

 

And marvelled at the sights below.

On another day we hit the beach. Crosby beach isn't exactly white sands and blue seas but I embraced it none the less and the cherry on the top was that I met up with El from A Thrifty Mrs, who is a good egg indeed.

After we filmed a video together, which you can see HERE, we stood watching the waves and chatting away like old biddies.

 Oohhh sneaky kissy shot of Matt for you there. Isn't he a dish?!

Later that day we met up with Matt's brothers and family folk and took Baby Glitter to the playground. My brother-in-law and I got a little carried away on the see-saw. Tehe.

Then we were Newcastle-bound! My other brother and sister-in-law just had their first baby- a little girl. She was so teeny tiny and gorgeous. It's amazing how women can grow entire humans in their tunmies.

And then we were home! Time for reading library books to a tired 1 year old and enjoying freshly picked flowers.

Mindy got all crafty and decided Baby Glitter's art supplies were where she would chillax.

 

Whilst I unpacked our suitcase, Matt put together my new shelving unit. At last I can be organised and find my things when I want them! Baby Glitter was my little helper :)

After all that, we had our chum from Matt's work round for patio nibbles and BBQ food. Yum!

Phewf! I feel pooped!

What have you been up to this last couple of weeks?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

lemon

Dress: ASOS (I also love this one). Shoes: Zara (old). Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'. Monogram Necklace: Max&Chloe.

Sprinkle of Chatter

Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Would you like to know a secret? 

I've been thinking about something for a while now, something I wanted to do, and after sorting it all out in my head and putting pen to paper for a bit of planning, I have taken the plunge and done it. I've started a brand new YouTube Channel! 

Sprinkle of Chatter is going to run alongside Sprinkle of Glitter and is going to be a place for us to be a whole lot more interactive, talk about a much wider range of topics and have a whole heap of fun- Eeeeee I'm excited!!

Sprinkle of Glitter will revert to what it originally was, which is a Beauty and Fashion channel and on there I will upload reviews, hauls, how-to's, related tags, etc. 

I feel so motivated and enthused for this new project and just want to sit and film millions and squillions of videos straight away!!

The first video is now up and if it is something you think you might enjoy, I'd love it if you checked it out. What I will say though is if it's not your bag, please don't subscribe. I am really keen to have it be a wholesome, happy and friendly community for everyone to be a part of. Yay yay yay!!

Are you as excited as me?

Toodlepip!

xx

This month my Ultimate Advertiser is Lady of Vintage. If you would like to know more about advertising on Sprinkle of Glitter, check out my 'Sponsor' page up at the top!  

400

On my 400th post, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you so much for following along!

XO BEE