3 Common Blogger Mistakes You’re Probably Making and How to Avoid Them

Hello, lovelies! There’s no single way to blog, but there are common mistakes that new bloggers can make. I started my blog over a year ago and learned a lot of these mistakes myself. With a few tweaks and tips, I overcame these mistakes to improve my blogging. These are 3 common mistakes:

NO PROMOTION

Publishing a new blog post on your personal Facebook page is one way to increase page views, but your content is likely to only be seen by your Facebook friends list. Posting to Facebook is not enough. Share your content on other social media websites, or groups dedicated to blog promotion to increase your reach and page views. A helpful hint is to tell your audience about the blog post, instead of simply leaving the link on the page.

NO OR LOW QUALITY PHOTOS

Blogs are largely about visuals. I like to include one main photo that captures the essence of my blog post. If I am writing a product review, I will often also include swatches of the product to demonstrate the colour/texture. Multiple editing tools exist to enhance and refine your photos to make them more appealing. Practice makes perfect, and keep practicing your photography until you’re happy.

NO PLANNING/CONSISTENCY

I publish new blog posts 3 times a week. I publish on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday while devoting each day to a specific topic. I plan my posts extensively before I begin to write them, and this actually speeds up the writing process. Consistency is key to maintain an active following. Try using a calendar to schedule content and keep your blogging on track.

What are common mistakes you made as a new blogger? Do you have any tips to share to avoid common mistakes?

4 At-Home Workouts You Can Do In 30 Minutes or Less

Hello, lovelies!

Working out from home is the new going-out. Whether you were excited that your local gym closed, there are a ton of ways that you can get your sweat on from the comfort of your own home. Here are four of my favourite home-based workouts that you can try today!

1. Sydney Cummings Youtube

Sydney Cummings is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist. Sydney publishes new workouts daily on her YouTube channel. Most workouts require no equipment, but a set of dumbbells is required for some. (If you don’t have dumbbells at home, anything from soup cans to coffee cups would work!) Sydney offers workouts that range from 10-60 minutes. Her workouts include pilates, HIIT, strength-training, cardio, and kickboxing.

2. Popsugar Youtube

Popsugar offers at-home workouts that range from 10 to 45 minutes. Popsugar covers popular workout trends, with videos from P90X, Barre, and kickboxing. Each workout is fun and energetic. Most require no equipment, but some workouts suggest using a small set of dumbbells.

3. FitOn App

I recently discovered FitOn. This app has been a game-changer in my fitness routine. The app offers new barre, HIIT, toning, and strength-based workouts that are new, fresh, and innovative. If you’re looking to change-up your usual exercise routine, FitOn offers personalized workout plans that you can complete at-home.

4. Blogilates 

Designed by fitness instructor Cassey Ho, Blogilates offers full-length workouts. Cassey’s channel contains a variety of workouts that are pilates-inspired. Every workout is less than 30 minutes, requires no equipment and can be completed from the comfort of your home!

3 Mistakes That Are Preventing Your Blog From Growing

Hello, lovelies!

I figured this would be a timely post as I return from an extended blogging hiatus! Blogging is not always easy. If you’ve never blogged before, it’s quick to assume that it’s a no-brainer job. I remember when I first began my blog, I was daunted and had no idea where to start. Once you write your first few posts the act of blogging will become easier. It’s easy to make mistakes that will stunt your blog’s growth, and here are three common ones!

You don’t post consistently 

Consistency is key when it comes to blogging. Writing content that is consistent and fresh will encourage your readers to return. I publish new content three times per week, and this routine works well for my blog. There’s no rule about how often you have to post, but bear in mind that posting content regularly is key.

Poor blog design or difficult navigation 

First impressions count. A blog theme that is easy to navigate and eye-catching will encourage readers to come back. When you first design your blog, it is important to keep in mind that it can be changed and built-up over time. I started with a bare, basic theme which I gradually modified and enhanced.

Neglecting your own voice 

This was a big thing I learned throughout my blogging journey! Striving to create perfect content and writing can prevent your own voice from shining through. Once I learned to stop striving for perfection, it became easier for my own tone and writing style to emerge.

 

 

 

3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Blogging

Hello, lovelies!

Blogging takes time and effort. I’ve learned a few lessons since I began my blog, and have compiled a breakdown of some of things I wish I’d known when I started my blog that I will share with you.

Maintaining social media can be tiring

It takes time and work to maintain various social media accounts. As I write this post, I mentally note that I’ve barely opened my Instagram app in days. I sometimes feel pressure to consistently post on my blog and social media, but it is a good idea to take a break from posting. Consistently posting and preparing content can feel draining and it’s important to acknowledge that it’s okay if you don’t have posts prepared for every day of the week!

Be passionate

Writing about topics that you are passionate about will majorly benefit your blog. If you aren’t passionate about your niche and ideas, you’ll find it difficult to make it as a blogger.

Joining social media groups in your niche will be helpful 

I’ve joined multiple Facebook and Twitter groups related to beauty and lifestyle topics since I began my blog. These groups are beneficial for multiple reasons. First, it’s wonderful to have a place where other bloggers share the same ‘language’ as you do. I also adore these groups when I’m stuck for inspiration. Finding new bloggers or content to read is an excellent source of inspiration when you encounter writer’s block.

3 Surprising Reasons Why Your Skin Is Breaking Out

Hello, lovelies!

We all know the importance of maintaining a skincare routine, but what happens when your skin still breaks out despite the care you give it? For all of you who suffer from acne and blemishes, I empathize with you because I continue to experience regular breakouts! Before you toss your beloved skincare products, check in with yourself! The causes of your breakouts may not be what you imagined. Here are four surprising reasons why your skin continues to breakout:

You don’t change your pillowcase regularly

Just like your cell phone, your pillowcase can contain bacteria that causes breakouts. Even if you wash your face every night before bed, the natural oils from your hair and skin can accumulate on your pillowcase. Once they build up over time, they lead to breakouts. Pillowcases should be changed or washed weekly to keep them clean.

You skip moisturizing 

It took me a long time to realize that moisturizer is actually good for my acne-prone skin. It is easy to assume that too much oil causes breakouts, but this actually is not true. Excessively cleansing the skin removes natural oils, causing rebound dryness that can further irritate acne. Applying moisturizer reintroduces natural oil back into the skin and balances it.

You never clean your makeup brushes

When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes? It is important to clean all your beauty tools at least once a week to prevent makeup, oil, and bacteria from causing breakouts. If you don’t have a fancy makeup brush cleaner, a small amount of water and soap will do the trick!

3 Beauty Brands You Didn’t Know Originated From Canada

Hello, lovelies! 

As a Canadian, I have a soft spot for cosmetic brands from Canada. I reorganized my makeup storage drawer this weekend, and it inspired me to shine a spotlight on my favourite Canadian beauty brands. 

Bite Beauty 

Founded in Toronto, Bite Beauty features natural products for face and lips. The creamy lipsticks are handcrafted with both restorative and nourising benefits. I like that Bite Beauty products are crafted with natural ingredients, but still colourful and moisturizing. 

Nudestix

Nudestix are the ultimate busy-morning products. All eye, face, and lip products are formatted as crayons. The makeup range is both easy-to-use and create a flawless base. The Lip & Cheek Duo is long-lasting and creamy. The double-ended pen is lip colour, lip liner and cheek colour. 

CoverFX

This brand offers vegan and cruelty-free cosmetics. Each highlighter, concealer and foundation is customizable to fit your skintone. CoverFX was founded in Ontario. 

Erin Angela’s Fall Bath and Body Works Haul

Hello, lovelies!

Bath and Body Works is one of my favourite stores to shop in. The delightful array of fragrance, candles, and soaps excites me for a new season. I typically stock-up on seasonal fragrances during the fall, winter and summertime. This is just what I did last week! Here’s a glimpse into my fall Bath and Body Works haul.

Vanilla Birch 3-Wick Candle

A single candle from Bath and Body Works lasts me forever. I tend to favour clean, fresh scents like vanilla, linen or sage. I picked up one Vanilla Birch candle and the fragrance notes of Madagascar vanilla, vanilla birch and sandalwood result in a delightful scent that reminds me of a cozy fall morning.

Beautiful Day Fine Fragrance Mist

I regularly repurchase fine fragrance mists from Bath and Body Works. Each fine fragrance mist contains 8 fl oz of product that typically lasts me throughout each season. The Beautiful Day fragrance is a delicious combination of daisies, apples and pink peonies. I typically wear this fragrance when I’m seeking a light, crisp scent.

Sweater Weather Fine Fragrance Mist

Hello, fall! Sweater Weather encapsulates the season in a bottle. This fragrance has crisp and cool notes, accented with crisp apple, autumn leaves and musky woods. I love wearing this specific fragrance when I’m ready to celebrate fall and cooler weather!

3 Things You Should Never Do To Your Skin

Hello, lovelies!

Your skin is with you for life. If there’s one thing you should do, it is to treat your skin with care and respect. We know there are certain ways to care for the skin, but most of the time, we just bypass them regardless. Here are three things you should never do if you want your skin to love you back.

Over-exfoliating 

Exfoliating 1-2 times per week is great – it refreshes your skin and removes any dead skin cells that may be causing breakouts or dullness in the skin. Over-exfoliating can cause scratching on the skin’s surface which leaves it prone to environmental toxins and breakouts.

Not protecting your skin

Sunscreen is a vital skincare product. You probably know that you’re supposed to wear sunscreen daily, but have you ever considered why? The sun is responsible for how your skin ages, and wearing sunblock daily not only prevents aging, but it also protects against dark spots.

Using the same products for a long time 

You may have found the best moisturizer or cleanser ever, but your skin will eventually change and adapt to any active ingredients in the product. Over time, this causes the product to become less effective. It’s important to know your skin type and how it reacts to different products. If your beloved cleanser or moisturizer is no longer working, it’s time to reevaluate the products you use.

3 Products I Use Weekly to Remove Makeup

Hello, lovelies!

Removing my makeup is an essential step in my daily skincare routine. I rotate between specific products that dissolve makeup while gently cleansing my skin. Here are three products I use weekly!

Clinique Cleansing Oil

Clinique’s Cleansing Oil is a staple in my skincare routine. The oil immediately dissolves my makeup while leaving my skin soft and clean. I like to use this product as my daily makeup remover because it is gentle on my skin. My eye makeup and lipstick do not rinse easily, but this oil breaks down the product effectively!

Sephora Collection Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve used this eye makeup remover for the past five years and it never fails to disappoint. I like to supplement my cleansing oil with this eye makeup remover to dissolve my mascara, eye liner, and eyeshadow. This eye makeup remover has a unique formula – it removes eye makeup without water but it also contains a lash-strengthening complex that is gentle on the eye area.

Makeup Eraser Makeup Removing Cloth

I recently discovered this makeup removing cloth from the brand Makeup Eraser and it is a unique, innovative product. This makeup remover is actually a soft, reusable cloth  that removes makeup with a splash of water! I love that the product is reusable and it is ideal to travel with.

September 2019 Makeup and Skincare Empties

Hello, lovelies!

I wrote a makeup and skincare empties post on my blog earlier this summer. I decided to make it a regular series as I discover myself reaching pan on some of my beloved makeup products. For the month of September, I’m sharing three products that are now empties in my collection. If you’d like to see more posts like this on my blog, please let me know in the comments!

MAKEUP

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crayon

I received a set of Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Crayons for Christmas last year. I loved the colour selection and creaminess of the lip crayons. This lip crayon has a unique formula –  it is a crayon that is designed to have the look, feel, and wearability of a liquid lipstick. The lip crayon dries down to a soft, hydrating finish that is semi-long wearing when it is applied over a lip liner. However, the formula did not last long enough for me to count it as one of my ‘must-have’ liquid lipsicks.

Repurchase? No

SKINCARE

Garnier Sheet Masks 

I began introducing sheet masks into my skincare routine over the summer. The sheet mask collection from Garnier’s Skin Active line is a staple in my routine. Each sheet mask is quick and easy to use – in as little as 15 minutes, my skin becomes hydrated, soft, and smooth. Key ingredients in this mask include hyaluronic acid and half a bottle of serum to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. I have repurchased Garnier’s Sheet Masks since July and it will be a saviour for me as the winter season approaches.

Repurchase? Yes

Caudalie Vinosource Serum 

Caudalie’s Vinosource Serum is a staple in my skincare routine. I have dry, acne-prone skin and tend to gravitate toward products that have no fragrance, colour, or harsh ingredients. While searching for a serum to incorporate into my skincare routine – hello, dry skin! – a Sephora employee recommended Caudalie’s Vinosource Serum. I am halfway through my third bottle of the product and have not turned back! This lighweight serum hydrates my skin without the use of any colours, fragrances or harsh ingredients. I use it daily and my skin has become more hydrated, soft, and supple.

Repurchase? Yes