Meet the Millennial Blogger: How and Why I’ve Grown to View Beauty, Strength, and Positivity in My Physical Disability

Hello, lovelies!

Find beauty, strength, and positivity in everything.

If you have followed my blog for a while, you’ll remember that I shared this story a while back. I explored the idea of expanding upon this post, and share my story with the hope that it will let you get to know me a little better. I write this post to inspire, heal, and recover.

Behind the Blogger

If you’ve read my blog for a while, I welcome you back to Glitter and Mojitos. If you are new, welcome and I hope you enjoy your time here! My name is Erin Angela. I’m a blogger from Canada. I have a physical disability, called Cerebral Palsy (CP, for short). This diagnosis came at birth, where I was given little hope of walking, talking, or succeeding in life. Despite the odds, I have survived and am currently studying social work.

On Beauty

Beauty is more than skin deep. Inner beauty radiates and shines. My disability gifted me with both negative and positive views of beauty. Once I entered my teenage years, my surgical scars and imperfections were a source of displeasure. It took time to accept the scars that mark my body like a roadmap.I slowlygrew to love them. I gained true appreciation for them. On the other end of the beauty spectrum, I learned to recognize beauty in the most unlikely of places. I learned to recognize my inner beauty. I learned to recognize my uniqueness.

On Strength

When faced with a challenge or setback, I thrive. Despite difficult recovery periods, I bounced back twice as strong. It is sometimes difficult to find strength within yourself. My strength has served as a way to cope and thrive with my disability.

On Positivity

A positive outlook is essential for living with a disability. I’ve always held a happy-go-lucy, positive attitude. I view my disability as positive: Without a disability, I would not be pursuing a social work career. I would not have encountered many incredible experiences throughout my lifetime. Developing a positive attitude is not easy, though. I became determined to focus on the positive aspects of my disability.

Advertisements

3 Confessions of a Blogger

Hello, lovelies!

I enjoy blogging. Since I began my blog, I’ve been able to share my creativity, experience new things, and I’ve even been occasionally noticed by beauty brands. Despite the positive aspects of blogging, there are often secrets that bloggers keep to themselves. Today I’m sharing a few ‘secrets’ that I’ve unearthed as a blogger.

It is not all sunshine and rainbows

Blogging takes a lot of work and effort. Creating new content regularly then promoting said content is time-consuming and it requires a lot of attention to detail. In addition to this, becoming a blogger will not guarantee that you’ll gain instant recognition and sponsorship from brands, which is a common misconception.

We, too, suffer from blogger brain

I constantly think about writing. If I’m not thinking about content for my next post, I’m checking my WordPress dashboard for new content, engaging with blogger groups on social media, or updating my social media feeds. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming and it’s not uncommon for your brain to feel ‘zapped’ from this cycle.

Support is a wonderful thing

We love when a new post is liked or shared, it makes everything we do as bloggers worth it! From my own experience, I read every single comment that is posted on my blog posts and feel grateful for each like I receive. Support from other bloggers or readers is a powerful thing, and it means a lot.

REVIEW: Versace Dylan Blue Perfume

Hello, lovelies!

I recently received a sample of the Dylan Blue Perfume by Versace. I have tested other perfumes by the brand and loved them, so I was excited to compare this one! This perfume has a delightful combination of fruity and floral notes.

The Packaging

The packaging is eye-catching and elegant. The perfume comes in a rounded glass bottle with intricate, raised golden decals. I love that the bottle has a gorgeous deep blue colour. It feels luxurious and beautiful.

The Fragrance

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this fragrance! The blackcurrent sorbet scent is punctuated with tart notes of Granny Smith apple. As the perfume dries down, I detect floral and musky notes. The scent is playful yet sophisticated.

The Wear

This fragrance is long-lasting but not overpowering. I apply it in the morning and the scent does not fade for 4-6 hours!

If you’re interested in trying a perfume that is fruity and floral, yet has a musky undertone, I’d recommend Versace’s Dylan Blue! The perfume is feminine yet has a sensual element. The fragrance retails for $106 at Sephora.

3 Creative Ways to Use Dry Shampoo

Hello, lovelies!

Dry shampoo is a staple in my morning routine when there just isn’t enough time to wash my hair. Along with eliminating excess oil in your roots, dry shampoo can be useful for many aspects of your beauty routine!

Add faux highlights to your hair

Dry shampoo is available in a range of colours. While coloured dry shampoo is meant to blend into your hair, a few sprays can give the appearance of highlights in your locks.

Secure bobby pins

Bobby pins are often slippery and don’t stay in place. Spritz each bobby pin with dry shampoo before placing it in your hair for a secure hold.

Boost hair’s volume

Dry shampoo doesn’t just have to be saved for oily strands. Flip your hair upside down, add dry shampoo to your roots then concentrate it into the rest of your hair for extra volume.

REVIEW: Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon

Hello, lovelies!

I adore Bite Beauty. I recently bought a Matte Creme Lip Crayon from Sephora and instantly enjoyed the lightweight, creamy formula that differs from the drying matte lipsticks I usually wear. Bite Beauty’s Matte Creme Lip Crayon is a unique product that unites the best aspects of matte and creamy lipstick!

The Packaging

The lip crayon comes in a sleek, matte black tube with the Bite Beauty logo embossed on it. It is lightweight and portable. The crayon itself has a precision tip for easy application. The crayon twists upward when the bottom of the tube is twisted, but it is not self-sharpening.

The Lip Crayon

I love the creamy texture of the lip crayon! It glides onto the lips and is highly pigmented. The lip crayon feels weightless when applied to the lips, and dries down to a demi-matte finish. I adore that this product doesn’t fade or feather with extended wear. When I wear this lip crayon with a matching lip liner shade, the longevity of the colour increases.

The Formula 

The formula is nourishing and creamy. The texture feels lightweight and comfortable. As with other Bite Beauty products, this lip crayon is formulated without parabens or sulfates. The lip crayon is water-resistant and feels smooth and hydrating on the lips.

The Shades

Bite Beauty’s Matte Creme Lip Crayon is available in an array of 23 shades:

• Blanc – Stark white
• Cava – Lilac beige
• Amaretto – Peachy nude
• Leche – Dusty pale pink
• Glace – Dusty mauve
• Tatin – Pink rose
• Pink Lady – Bright pink
• Frambroise – Vibrant rasberry-red
• Blood Orange – Intense red with orange undertones
• Peche – Warm peach
• Sucre – Warm pink
• Rose Hip – Vibrant red with blue undertones
• Fraise – Jewel red
• Red Velvet – Rich, deep red
• Brandy – Muted raspberry
• Pastille – Dusty mauve
• Aubergine – Eggplant purple
• Truffle – Deep brown
• Cognac – Chocolate brown
• Liquorice – Oxblood
• Black Truffle – Blackened violet
• Molasses – Rich toffee
• Sugarcane – Pale pink

Bite Beauty’s Matte Creme Lip Crayon is a great product if you like a creamier lipstick formula. It is lightweight and feels delightful on the lips. Though it is not long-wearing, the formula is one that I favour when I’m looking for a lightweight, creamier product! Bite Beauty’s Matte Creme Lip Crayon retails for $28 at Sephora

Florida 2018 Vacation Recap

Hello, lovelies!

I recently travelled to Florida with my boyfriend, Grant. We spent an action-packed week visiting theme parks, shopping and soaking up the sun!

Day 1 – Arrival

Our trip began with an early flight and one layover. The first day involved errands (picking up park passes, snacks/water, etc) and settling into the hotel.

Day 2 – Magic Kingdom

This day was absolutely magical! I’d visited Magic Kingdom once before, but did not get to experience everything in the park due to a recent surgery. We headed to the park early and spent the day exploring rides and 3D animations. I’m a Disney fan at heart and made a special point to meet Cinderella while in the park! This was my favourite day throughout the trip thanks to the full Disney experience.

Day 3 – Shopping

During the first day of shopping, I successfully avoided the Kate Spade store in favour of new dressy clothes from Forever 21, H&M and Roz & Ali.

Day 4 – Hollywood Studios 

Walking around Hollywood Studios felt like a scene from a 1950s-era movie! The park itself was adorable, and we viewed attractions from Frozen, Star Wars and Indiana Jones. This action-packed day was entertaining and fun.

Day 5 – Disney Springs

Disney Springs was such a fun place to explore! It is a shopping, dining and entertainment centre located near Epcot. Featured stores include Coach, Anthropologie, and Kiehl’s. I loved browsing the various stores and outdoor plaza areas.

Day 6 – Last Minute Shopping

While I told myself I did not need to shop while in Florida, that didn’t last very long. I bought multiple dresses and blouses, and a new pair of Sketchers. While at the Orlando Premium Outlets, I impulsively decided to buy a new Kate Spade handbag. This bag is a beautiful forest-green tote that will be perfect for the fall and winter seasons! Later in the day, we visited The Cheesecake Factory, located in the upscale Mall of Millenia.

Day 7 – Universal Studios 

Returning to Universal Studios was a blast!  I’m usually terrified of heights but decided to try a few roller coaster-like and 3D motion rides (that were both terrifying and adventurous). I visited this theme park previously, but enjoyed this visit far more as I tested more rides and attractions.

Day 8 – Last Day 

The last day of our trip involved last-minute errands, and packing. After checking out of the hotel, we headed to the airport for our flight.

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.