Sunday
How to make a button for your blog
Back in the summer of 2012, I was fiddling with my layout and wanted to make custom social media buttons for my blog. I Googled it, found a few different tutorials and eventually bumbled my way through it. Afterwards, I was so proud of myself that I wrote my own tutorial for creating buttons and icons that, more than 3 years on, is still relevant and helpful but very, very embarrassing. It's got to the point where I'm a little reluctant to give out the link, so I figure it's high time I gave it a revamp!
In this tutorial, we are looking at creating anything that is based around an image taking you to a link when clicked. This might be social media icons, blog buttons, sidebar ads and so on. The process is the same for all of them.
Saturday
Nails // China Glaze Go-Go Pink
Since I've had so many bright colours lately, I thought I'd go a bit more sophisticated with my nail choice. I wanted a nude-beige shade but the salon didn't have any so instead I settled on this very pale pink: Go-Go Pink from China Glaze.
Since it's such a pale colour, this shade isn't very opaque. I have two coats on and it's still pretty streaky, so I'd say three or even four coats would be best. However, it is a gorgeous ballerina-pink shade. Very subtle but super pretty!
What shall I go for next?
Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram
DotComGiftShop AW15
It's always so strange checking out Christmas products in July, especially on The Hottest Day Of All Time. DotComGiftShop invited me down to their press day to check out the new products for the winter ahead and, as you'd expect, everything was absolutely adorable!
Friday
FF CXXX
Sorry if you were hoping for some XXX action with that title! Instead, you're getting blog posts and dinosaurs. Deal with it.
Charlotte went to Glasgow restaurant Jellybear and I totally want to go for the name alone. Oh, and maybe the ice cream too!
Midge's reading nook is adorable!
Erica's post on her disappointment with Taylor Swift at Hyde Park is an interesting read.
Other Favourites
I love Polly's post about Victorian Birmingham. It's really inspired me to include more historical content on here.
My girl Dannie has had a blog redesign and it's gorgeous!
A great post from Amy on preparing for blog events if you're nervous.
Jes's post on visible belly outlines was so inspiring for a fatty like me!
Weekly Wishlist
I used to do weekly wishlists and I enjoyed them but there was something missing. I've worked out what it is: Themes. Weekly themed wishlists. Yes! This week: DINOSAURS! Because who doesn't love dinosaurs?
Dinosaur sunglasses // Dinosaur cookie cutter // Dinosaur jumper // Dinosaurs iPhone Case
// Dinosaur Skeleton Necklace
// Dinosaur Map of the World
Affiliate links have been used in this post.
Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram
Kat sure loves My Little Pony clothes. Remind you of anyone you know?
Paige's DIY dream catchers are so cute!
I used to do weekly wishlists and I enjoyed them but there was something missing. I've worked out what it is: Themes. Weekly themed wishlists. Yes! This week: DINOSAURS! Because who doesn't love dinosaurs?
// Dinosaur Skeleton Necklace // Dinosaur Map of the WorldBook Review // Hot Feminist
Ooh, this book has ruffled a few feathers, hasn't it? If I'm honest, that's the precise reason I bought Hot Feminist- to see what all the fuss was about. You see, I'm not a very good feminist. My understanding of feminism is that men and women should be treated as equals, which is supposedly what feminism is all about. I can get behind that. But then it all becomes about Not All Men being bad, and 25% of women being made CEOs, and topless models being in cahoots with The Patriarchy, and then it loses me. And then I get confused. And wondering if I'm actually a feminist and, if I'm not, am I letting all of womanhood down? And then enters Polly Vernon, like a feminist guardian angel, sweeping me up in her arms and tucking me under her extended-metaphorical wing...
HOT FEMINIST- POLLY VERNON
I knew I was going to like this book as soon as I read the first page. Yes, I was apprehensive. Of course I was- did you see the Twitterstorm about it? Within the first chapter I was hailing Polly as a feminist Jesus... although I should probably stop with the religious metaphors.
Wednesday
Review // Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo and Happy Happy Joy Joy Conditioner
Another week, another Lush review. What else is new? Sticking with my latest desire for haircare, I've taken on Curly Wurly coconut shampoo and Happy Happy Joy Joy conditioning hair perfume.
Taking the plunge
I only went and did it! As of September, I will be an official part-time blogger. By which I mean, I'll be going part-time in the day job, devoting the rest of my week to blogging professionally.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, EXACTLY?
For one thing, it will give me a lot more time to work on my blogging career. I'll be teaching three days a week, meaning the remaining four (weekends are extra blog days, in my books!) are for blogging. This means I can devote more time to content and promotion, attend more events, and work on becoming a bonafide pro. I'll be teaching Monday, Tuesday and Friday (so no long weekends, unfortunately!) and it's been structured in a way that means I get all the best parts (teaching, being with the children) without all the paperwork and miscellaneous tasks (displays, assessment meetings, parents' evenings) that take up all my time. I feel like the cat that's got the cream right now- I'll get the best of both worlds and other clichés.
WHY THOUGH?
This time last year, I was considering my options in terms of blogging and teaching. It seemed like I'd never be able to make blogging a career as the security of a regular payday, stable career, not to mention pension, was just too much to give up. Then I suddenly realised that I could go part time at work, part time blogging and have both options open. It was so simple that I couldn't believe I'd never though of it before and I figured that was a possible option at some point in the future.
Then, as I've discussed a lot, I became unwell and was signed off for a considerable amount of time. It became apparent that the stresses of teaching were severely affecting my health and I had to do something about it. At the same time, I was being given more opportunities for my blog and things seemed to be really going somewhere. This is the perfect time to take a risk so this week, when I had a meeting with work to discuss the future, we made arrangements for going part time.
WHAT NOW?
With two weeks left until the end of term, I'll be working the remainder full time. Then, of course, we have the summer holidays in which I like to pretend I'm a full time blogger. Once term starts in September, I will be officially part time. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a little nervous. I'll be taking quite a substantial pay cut and I worry that, if it's not for me, I won't be able to go back full time without finding a new school. Mostly, though, I'm really excited and hugely positive about the future.
Wish me luck!
Bloglovin' // Twitter // Instagram
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, EXACTLY?
For one thing, it will give me a lot more time to work on my blogging career. I'll be teaching three days a week, meaning the remaining four (weekends are extra blog days, in my books!) are for blogging. This means I can devote more time to content and promotion, attend more events, and work on becoming a bonafide pro. I'll be teaching Monday, Tuesday and Friday (so no long weekends, unfortunately!) and it's been structured in a way that means I get all the best parts (teaching, being with the children) without all the paperwork and miscellaneous tasks (displays, assessment meetings, parents' evenings) that take up all my time. I feel like the cat that's got the cream right now- I'll get the best of both worlds and other clichés.
WHY THOUGH?
This time last year, I was considering my options in terms of blogging and teaching. It seemed like I'd never be able to make blogging a career as the security of a regular payday, stable career, not to mention pension, was just too much to give up. Then I suddenly realised that I could go part time at work, part time blogging and have both options open. It was so simple that I couldn't believe I'd never though of it before and I figured that was a possible option at some point in the future.
Then, as I've discussed a lot, I became unwell and was signed off for a considerable amount of time. It became apparent that the stresses of teaching were severely affecting my health and I had to do something about it. At the same time, I was being given more opportunities for my blog and things seemed to be really going somewhere. This is the perfect time to take a risk so this week, when I had a meeting with work to discuss the future, we made arrangements for going part time.
WHAT NOW?
With two weeks left until the end of term, I'll be working the remainder full time. Then, of course, we have the summer holidays in which I like to pretend I'm a full time blogger. Once term starts in September, I will be officially part time. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a little nervous. I'll be taking quite a substantial pay cut and I worry that, if it's not for me, I won't be able to go back full time without finding a new school. Mostly, though, I'm really excited and hugely positive about the future.
Wish me luck!