LIFE UPDATE: Leaving my job and becoming a SAHM/Blogger

As I write this it is the day after my last day at work and it feels strange. I wouldn't usually work today anyway, yet I found myself going to set my alarm, dreaming about work and then feeling incredibly lonely when I wake up. It feels so final, so scary, such an unknown venture. The decision to leave my job wasn't an easy one, but to some extent the decision was taken out of my hands. I think any change is scary, especially when that change impacts your whole family life. 

BLOGGING: How I Approach Writing Brand Content

Brands and Bloggers (or 'influencers') are working together increasingly more, which brings exciting opportunities, dream collaborations and the opportunity to turn a hobby into a job. Though blogging isn't my job, I have had the honour of working with many incredible brands over the years. I started this blog back in 2013, firstly focusing on beauty, then weddings and most recently my journey into parenthood. Over these years I've worked really hard to improve my photography, find my writing style and build up my blog's readership. As a result, I am lucky enough to collaborate with brands every now and again. I thought it might be interesting to share how I approach brand work on my blog and social media platforms, especially focusing on the photography side.

PHOTOGRAPHY: How I Prepare and Capture a Photoshoot at Home with my Children

If you've ever tried to take photos of your children, whether you're a blogger or not, then you'll probably know how difficult it can be. Anything from babies being sick, toddlers having tantrums, blurry shots, snotty noses, poor lighting...the list could go on. As someone who takes a lot of photos of my children I have dealt with these challenges on many occasions, but I've also learnt some ways to capture that much wanted shot with relative ease. Now, I'm certainly no photography expert, in fact I'd say I was a complete novice but that doesn't take away from how much I love capturing candid moments and setting up beautiful scenes. Since starting blogging photography has become one of my passions, so getting my first DSLR camera at Christmas was an absolute dream come true. I was lucky enough to receive the Canon EOS 200D, which is compact, easy to use and versatile.

REFLECTION: 11 Incredible Parenting Blogs of 2017

2017. What a year. The year we met Poppy. The year Isabella became a big sister. The year I went on maternity leave for the second time. The year we became a family of four. It's been such an incredible year and throughout out it I have turned to many blogs for inspiration, support and tips on bringing up two children. Being back on maternity leave has meant I've had more time to sit and enjoy the writing, adventures and photos from fellow parenting bloggers, which was been such a joy. There are so many inspirational blogs out there now and almost everyday I use an idea, craft activity, tip, trick or recipe from my favourite bloggers. As it is the end of the year I thought it would be the perfect time to put together some of my favourite parenting bloggers, so that you can enjoy their blogs too. Grab a cup of tea, get comfy and enjoy getting lost in the world of parenting blogs...

BLOGGING: Nominated for my First Ever Award & a Chance to Win £100 of dotcomgiftshop Goodies!

I have been blogging for about four years now and over those years I've learnt a lot. When I first started this blog it was focused around beauty and lifestyle, it then became a wedding blog on the run up to my wedding in 2014 and quickly turned into a pregnancy blog after that. Since April 2015 Treasure Every Moment has been a parenting and lifestyle blog, after welcoming Isabella into the world. I loved sharing our adventures, parenting tips that had helped me, recipes and reviewing some incredible products. Fast forward to June 2017 and we welcomed Poppy into the world. Once again I was on maternity leave and able to focus a lot more time to this little blog of mine. Now I blog about my adventures as a mum of two, as well as recipes, craft activities, tips and tricks.

BLOGGING: How to Keep Organised

As I started maternity leave this time I really wanted to concentrate on my blog and social media platforms. I really enjoy writing, photographing and editing, it was the perfect project to focus on once I had finished work. When I was on maternity leave with Isabella I'm sure blogging kept me more level-headed and certainly less lonely. It gave me a focus every day and challenged my skill set, things I wanted to continue to do throughout this maternity leave. Now of course, this time around I have Isabella to look after too so it was never going to be as easy as last time. I needed to up my organisational game and get my productive attitude on point.

BLOGGING: The positive impact it has had on my life...

Blogging has been a big part of my life for a few years now and at points it has taken over. Some may think that's a bad thing, but I see it as a positive. It's a hobby I enjoy and one that has taught me so much over the years. I've learnt new skills, about a loving online community and a lot about myself. It's been both enriching and exhausting at times, but a journey that never ends and continuously develops.

REFLECTION: My 10 Favourite Blogs of 2013!

2013 has been the year I've discovered, enjoyed and embraced the blogging world - who knew how big it is?! I had no idea that there were thousands and thousands of blogs out there for the world to enjoy. I wish I had a lot more time to be browsing blogs, I'm sure this list will miss so many lovely blogs out as I'm yet to discover them yet. So, in no particular order, here are my favourite 10 blogs of 2013...

1) Cider with Rosie - I came across Rosie's blog in the summer and fell in love with her stunning photography and baking posts! I have never seen such a beautiful collection of photo's before, it's inspired me to try to improve my photography but I can't imagine I'd ever be on Rosie's level of skill. Cider with Rosie is a lifestyle blog that follows Rosie's rather wonderful life with her partner Jason and adorable dog Teddy. Every week Rosie posts about the '10 things that made me happy this week', it's such a simple yet effective way of focusing on the positives in life, even if you've had a hard week! I can almost guarantee that once you've checked Cider with Rosie out you'll become a daily reader like myself. Here's some photo's from Cider with Rosie....

2) Victoria's Vintage - Victoria's Vintage is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog, with a vintage/floral twist. I absolutely love the design of this blog - think Cath Kidston, cute and vintage. Reading Victoria's blog actually partially inspired me to start my own, I can't remember how I came across this blog but it instantly became a daily read! Victoria also runs her own very impressive cake business (check out Victoria's Vintage Cakes Facebook page here), as well as blogging and working full time - impressive! Also, Victoria has a seriously impressive number of dresses so her outfit posts are always really different and inspiring. I love the many bargain hunting posts on this blog, I've often felt impelled to search my local Poundland for the latest gem Victoria has found! Also, in the summer months there are some brilliant posts about car boot finds - there really are some bargains out there! Here's some photo's from Victoria's Vintage blog....

3) Sprinkle of Glitter - this was the first 'big blog' I came across, with over 35,000 GFC Followers! Louise, who writes Sprinkle of Glitter, seems like such a lovely lady who is married and had the cutest daughter, Darcy. Sprinkle of Glitter is a beauty, baby and lifestyle blog, so it really does has something for everyone. I'm also a big fan of Sprinkle of Glitter's youtube channel (see here), her videos are so funny they often have me laughing out loud. But my favourite video to date was 'Mini Baby Glitter Christmas LookBook' (see here) - talk about the cutest video ever! Some snaps from Sprinkle of Glitter....

4) Glambeautys - this blog is a relatively recent find but I'm so glad I came across it on Twitter. Liza writes so many excellently informative beauty posts that I've almost read her whole blog wanting to find out her various beauty tricks and tips. I've tried contouring thanks to Liza's youtube video and blog tutorial (see here and here), I'm yet to master the skill but I'm getting there! The photography is beautiful on Glambeautys and the odd post about her son, Vinny, always has the cute factor. Here's some photo's from Glambeautys....

5) Stephanie Dreams - Stephanie Dreams is a lifestyle, beauty and fashion blog with gorgeous photography and blog design. Reading this blog always feels so cosy and warm, I think it's because the photo's are so beautifully set up with candle light and lanterns. Stephanie got engaged in May this year, the same as me! They are planning on getting married in Orlando, Florida - how amazing?! Stephanie Dreams is so close to 2000 GFC followers - can you help her achieve that goal before the new year? She definitely deserves it! A small selection of photo's from Stephanie Dreams...

6) Briar Rose - Briar Rose is written by Megan, a beautiful lady with the most amazing hair! This blog is my haven - beautiful photo's, unique outfits, the prettiest wedding ever and some seriously impressive hair accessories from Crown and Glory! Megan got married earlier this year in what looked like a gorgeous ceremony in her parent's garden, with a marquee decorated in such a way it took my breath away. As I'm obviously planning a wedding at the moment I'm always interested and inspired to see how other people have done it, Megan's wedding has elements we want at ours so it's lovely to see it in reality! Here's some photo's from Briar Rose...

   

7) A Rosie Outlook - a fashion and lifestyle blog with a beautiful unique twist. A Rosie Outlook is written by Rosie and follows her life by the seaside - wouldn't we all want to live by the seaside? I know I would. Rosie's outfit posts include the prettiest clothes with a stylish edge, which is exactly why I love reading this blog! Rosie also got engaged this year - it's clearly a big year for proposals! 

8) Milk Bubble Tea - this is another blog I'm pretty new to but absolutely love! The photo's have neutral backgrounds making it feel like a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday can't get to you. Milk Bubble Tea is a baking, fashion and lifestyle blog written by the lovely Becky. There are plenty of wishlists, beautiful items Becky has bought recently and the tastiest looking recipes!

9) The Lovecats Inc - is a fashion and beauty blog written by Helen. The outfit posts are beautiful and Helen's collection of designer handbags is amazing - a Michael Kors or Mulberry handbag have been on my (unachievable) wish list for a while now! The Lovecats Inc feel very luxurious when your reading it, so its a lovely treat to read. Some photo's from The Lovecats Inc...

 



10) VIPXO - This is another blog I've been reading for ages now, with fashion, style and beauty posts it's great for inspiration! Victoria, who writes the blog and in fact her initials are the name of the blog, also writes lots of posts including items from eBay. An eBay wishlist is posted every Sunday, which often makes me want to get over to eBay straight away. I have bought a black handbag from one of Victoria's eBay posts before. Here's some photo's from VIPXO....





There are lots of lovely blogs I've not included here that I also enjoy reading but I couldn't possibly include everyone - I simply don't have enough time to write it, sorry!

Thank you to every single one of you that takes the time to write your blog for us to enjoy and thank you very much to everyone that takes their time to read my blog too :)

Which have been your favourite blogs of 2013?

Feel free to leave me a comment :)