KIRSTY JENNIFER

Monday, 31 July 2017

Advice | Starting School

I know this post is not for everyone however a lot of my younger followers on Instagram have been asking me to do a post relating to advice for starting secondary school so I thought I would do this especially for them!

TIP 1 - Be yourself.

Honestly, the best thing you can do is be yourself. Do not change who you are to fit in. Don't change the clothes you wear or the way you act just to fit in with new people. You will make friends who love you for who you are. The friends you make who build you up will be friends for life.

TIP 2 - School is for learning.

I have to admit your first two/three years are not the most important academic wise but make sure you keep on top of work and homework. It's Important to remember that school is for learning and should be a happy environment to be in. School isn't about being popular or having 'cool' friends, it's about growing your education so that when you leave school you can get a job, apprenticeship or get a degree.

TIP 3 - Always ask for help

I remember on my first day of school I couldn't find one of the departments and I kept looking through the map and it felt like a maze. I stopped someone walking by and asked for directions and it was so helpful. People will be happy to help you, just remember to be polite and use your manners and you'll be fine.

After two days of being in secondary school I knew where everything was. It just takes a few hours to get used to! But remember to ask for directions if you need to!

It's also important to ask for help if you are not understanding specific areas in subjects. If you do not understand, ask your teacher and I'm sure they would be happy to make it easier for you to learn. I was awful at maths and I regret not asking for help when I found things hard.

TIP 4 - Enjoy yourself and Don't grow up too fast

School should be a fun experience so make the most of it because it passes so quickly. Also remember that you have your whole life ahead of you, don't grow up too fast.

TIP 5 - Work hard

Work hard and do your best in all aspects of school. Don't be cheeky or try to act cool in class, it will never end well haha!!

Monday, 29 May 2017

What 3 Years of Blogging Has Taught Me

I cannot believe it is 3 years since I hit publish on my first blog post, it feels like only yesterday that I decided to review some of my favourite makeup pieces from my tiny collection, which has somewhat expanded to infinity in 3 years. I thought, it was only fitting to publish a post, 3 years on, about what blogging has taught me. This post is subject to brutal honesty and the one where I brag a little about my improvements - do not diss self love, ok?

1. I'm really creative

Don't get me wrong, I have always been the creative type, whether artistically or musically, I have always enjoyed creation. I guess, when you combine, makeup - a creative art, and writing, one of my better academic skills (thank you law school), I have found somewhere to put my creative outlet which I have definitely lacked since leaving academy in 2014. I actually find it hard to believe that I still manage to come up with content that isn't totally boring and I guess that is due to my creativity.

2. My photography skills have improved - drastically

I think one of the biggest lessons from blogging is that photography is a learning curve.. honestly my flatlay photography in 2014 was cringeworthy, but hey - we all have to start somewhere, right? I think blogging has also taught me you really don't need fancy equipment, the bulk of my photos are taken either with my iphone6s or my actual camera which I really need to start using again.

3. It's okay to have time out

Around this time last year, I packed up all things blogging for 3 months. Why? I honestly do not know. I think it was a partial self loathe for my blog mixed with pressure. I felt that blogging was becoming forced and I just didn't enjoy it like I used to so I initially took a week out, which turned into a month out and so on. I stopped putting pressure on myself and found myself blogging again which is just how it should be. Don't get me wrong brand deals are amazing, and are some of my biggest accomplishments however when you hit the point where you start to hate what you first loved, you know it is time to take a breather.

4. Don't settle for less

I remember my first sponsored post which was actually based on instagram, and considering it was my first post I was given a fair payment however over the years I have worked with some amazing market leaders and have been paid to promote and sponsor products I love and use. However, I have also been subject to companies who offer to pay me for posting to which I send my media pack over and they say the budget is £5 per 300 word blog post.. Sorry hun, but the last time I checked I was worth a little more than that. Don't get me wrong, 90% of my content is unsponsored, in fact I very rarely do sponsored posts because I only promote brands I truly love, but I just find it a bit disheartening and rude that a company would offer something so ridiculous for not only the promotion and increase in sales but also for my time and effort for the post. You don't sit at a desk 9-5 to not be paid by your boss, so why shouldn't I? Rant over.

5. Not living in London makes blog events and work a nightmare

I think on average, I turn down 10 events in London per week. Living in North East of Scotland makes blogging extremely difficult as I am unable to attend all the launch events by brands in London. I have turned down Michelle Keegan and Lucy Mec launches for their fashion lines. In fact, I turned down working with Hawian Tropic last year to feature in their advertorial campaign, and although it was all expenses paid, I was working so was unable to attend.

After I have completed my degree next year (hallelujah) I plan on moving down south to focus in a profession which may be legal based whilst maintaining my blog and I feel this will really help my blog to develop as I will finally be able to say 'yes'.