A few weekends ago I stumbled upon THE most beautiful shop I think I have ever stepped into. You know, one of those hidden gems that you can’t wait to shout about from the rooftops, and on the blog of course. Cherryade is a lifestyle store situated in the heart of Poundbury, a new experimental town that is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, owned by none other than Prince Charles – fancy huh!?
If you’ve been here from the start, you’ll have noticed a few changes on the blog over the last three years. Nothing drastic, you know, just the odd modification now and then to make it look a little prettier and to keep up with ongoing blog trends. It feels like the right time to spruce up my little space in the blogosphere, here’s to a new chapter!
In case you missed it, you can read more about why I took a short break here.
Hello! Long time no post. Well, there have been a few sporadic posts here and there. If I’m being honest, and I always try to be on this little corner of the blogosphere, I haven’t been 100% happy with the content I’ve created over the past few months. It’s time to do something different, take a break from the blog and get perspective.
You may be familiar with the term, FOMO – the fear of missing out. I’m unlikely to be the only person guilty of succumbing to this feeling, especially when faced with a clash of events or a disruption to plans with friends. When fomo strikes, it can send you into a crazy mindset that leads you to believe that whatever else you do in that period of time won’t be as fun or as significant, usually taking you on a downward spiral of misery and despair… well, I’ve had enough of feeling that way!
A good friend of mine recently advised me to re-train my brain into looking at the positive side of missing out on events and occasions, and since doing so I haven’t felt the fear since.
Whenever I visit London I spend most of my time running around the city, usually shopping is involved, and I always regret ending up feeling exhausted and out of pocket by the end of the day. Last week I landed back in the capital with one of my best pals to escape the countryside for a day, and for once there was just one plan – a quiet afternoon up in a place away from the hustle and bustle – the stunning Sky Garden.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to never compare yourself to anyone else.
Easier said than done, trust me, but I honestly believe that the worst thing you can do is put anybody else’s life on a pedestal.
Instagram likes, Twitter followers and blog stats – it all comes down to numbers.
‘Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them…?’
Fellow Ozians, a couple of weeks ago I was kindly invited along to watch the West End and Broadway hit musical, Wicked.
Home for four weeks at Bristol’s Hippodrome, I made my way to the theatre last Thursday evening with eager anticipation. I’ve wanted to see it for so long so you can imagine my excitement as I made my way up the emerald green carpet. A musical I had heard so many great things about yet hadn’t found the opportunity to see it for myself, my expectations going in were high. In fact, I felt I already knew the show so well just from listening to the soundtrack on repeat!
My friend and I soon found ourselves in the Piano Bar with a cheeky drink, and with half an hour until the show was due to start we had a read through the programme to familiarise ourselves with the actors.
In case you are unfamiliar with this popular musical (firstly, how? Secondly, go watch it now!) it tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ that is inspired by ‘The Wizard of Oz’, we learn about Glinda The Good’s unlikely friendship she strikes up with Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Two very different characters who meet at a sorcery school, we follow them on their adventure to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This is only the start of some surprising events, as the story takes place before, alongside and after the famous tale – warning: you may watch the original in a different way after this.
As the lights dimmed and the map of Oz lit up in green, eerie music played as monkeys crept onto the stage which set a dark scene. We were soon introduced to the Citizens of Oz as they awaited Glinda The Good’s arrival, and I awaited their powerful performance of ‘No One Mourns the Wicked’.
A fire breathing dragon, flying monkeys – for one night only, we were in the Land of Oz.
Oh my Gah-linda!
The brilliant cast were led by the beautiful, bubbly blonde Glinda The Good (think a British Elle Woods), who adds glamour and humour to the role. Played by the brilliant Emily Tierney, she really entertains the audience and holds her own on stage, a character famously played by Kristin Chenoweth in its original Broadway production over 10 years ago. I hadn’t seen any clips on YouTube nor had I read up on the background of the musical so I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t expect her to be so ‘high spirited’ shall I say. As an audience member in her mid twenties, I found her ever so slightly over-bearing at times but the younger generation around me seemed to love her. As they chuckled away at all her jokes (particularly throughout her rendition of ‘Popular’), I sat through it cringing. This is no reflection on Emily as an actress nor as Glinda, but after listening to Chenoweth’s version so many times I’ve got used to the American accent and the exaggerated Britishness just didn’t do it for me. As the show went on however, and her friendship with Elphie grew, I came to love her more (even with the British accent).
For me the real star of the show has to be Ashleigh Gray. Playing the part of Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West, Gray was pitch perfect! Her vocal range could rival Idina Menzel’s (which is no mean feat), especially during ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘No Good Deed’, and she puts on an incredibly powerful and emotional performance that you find yourself getting lost in. Her character really progresses throughout, more so than the rest of the cast, and the love triangle between herself, Glinda and Fiyero is captivating to watch. She’s a strong leading lady and as the protagonist of this story, she changes our view on one of the most well-known ‘villains’ of all time. She also rocks a black cape, perhaps Madonna should take note…
Samuel Edwards plays a rather dashing Fiyero, a prince who has both Witches falling at his feet. I mean, who can blame them? Have you seen the rest of the men in Oz? And I thought it was slim pickings where I live… It’s a tough job to lead a cast alongside two women like Ashleigh and Emily who take the main focus on stage, but Sam pulls his own weight throughout. Carina Gillespie puts on a stunning performance as Elphaba’s ‘normal’ wheelchair-bound sister Nessarose, as she falls in love with Boq (Richard Vincent) – a Munchkin who is secretly vying for the attention of Glinda.
The two ‘villains’ are played by Marylin Cutts as an excellently evil Madame Morrible, alongside Brookside’s ‘Max Farnham’ aka Steven Pinder – who plays the contrasting roles of Dr Dillamond and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The entire ensemble are commendable for their stage presence, their passion for what they do shines through and it makes the experience so much more enjoyable when you know the talent are having just as much fun doing their job.
I’m unable to compare to the West End performance, but from the standards set so high from this UK tour production I can only imagine the show to be even bigger and better in London! With lower prices and coming closer to smaller towns across the country, why not take a trip to the theatre with your family and/or friends for a fun evening out?
The show is currently in Bristol until Saturday 21st March, so make sure you book to secure your tickets to this spectacular production. Still not convinced? Then take a look at the musical trailer below, don’t miss out on this critically acclaimed show.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/neFPIL5kvDA]
www.WickedTheMusical.co.uk
All that was missing for me were the munchkins singing ‘Ding dong the Witch is dead…’
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What does happiness mean to you?
Happiness can mean something different for everyone. Some may find happiness in a good job whilst others are their happiest when they are a free spirit travelling the world!
I’m at my happiest when I’m doing something I’m passionate about – blogging.
After leaving my job towards the end of 2014, I have been on the hunt for something new to sink my teeth into. After not really finding anything that I particularly loved, I made a decision to take some time out and focus on my blog. It’s my online source of happiness. Ever since I can remember I have had a passion for writing and photography and I’m lucky that I can combine both of these talents here on the blogosphere. It wasn’t an easy decision, in fact I was constantly having to reason with myself and others why I was doing this. Now I’m at the point where I don’t want to, I don’t need to.
I choose happiness.
I can be extremely hard on myself which then reflects on how I behave, making me extremely anxious. I hate feeling like I need to apologise for making a choice that makes me happy, but sometimes when you meet people who don’t understand the blogging thing it’s automatic to act defensive. I’ve made a choice that is right for me right now, it’s so important to make yourself happy first – to follow your dreams is a happy life.
Comparison will only leave you with self-doubt and it will turn you into a bitter person. Remember that nobody is perfect, behind the smoke and mirrors even Beyonce is likely to be unhappy about something! I have spent most of my life comparing myself to others in one way or another, especially growing up with how the media portrays the rich and famous – it’s bound to make you yearn for unattainable attributes. Don’t follow the crowd, love yourself first and do what makes you happy.
I’m lucky to have a network of supportive friends and family around me, as well as a bunch of lovely ladies I’ve met through blogging. Stop hanging out with those who make judgement, surround yourself with people who remind you to continue doing what you love and will be there if you need them. I have a couple of close friends who have been the best example of this and I can’t tell you how important these people are.
Who knows how I will feel in a week or two, but right now I’m just going to keep doing my thing and I’ll be content. There will be days (like earlier this week) where I will trip up and lose my way a bit but these moments will only make you stronger. Be the best that you can be and don’t compare yourself to anyone.
If you are in a position where you can be selfish and base decisions on what will make you happy – just do it! Not to sound cliche but the world is your oyster and opportunities will only come to those who work for them.
Some days you just have to create your own sunshine.
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Tomorrow is Katie Charlotte Blogs’ second birthday. It feels like I’ve had this little online sanctuary for so much longer, whilst at the same time these two years have gone by in a flash.
I’ve encouraged a few of my friends to start their own since I got the blogging bug in 2013 (although it dates back further to 2011 where I started Girl About Town, how so much has changed!), so as the anniversary is approaching I thought I would write up my own experiences and pass on some advice to those who want to start blogging or have just dipped their toes in the water and need a few tips.
Why you should start a blog…
For me it has always been somewhere I can be creative and combine my love for writing and photography. Whether you want your blog to be an online diary of your travels, a place to share your recipes or perhaps you have a passion for fashion and beauty – blogging is a fun hobby that can turn into a full-time business if you pursue with it hard enough.
I used to struggle with finding a hobby that I loved. Whilst many of my friends were out playing different sports, I lacked enthusiasm to do the same so I began reading beauty and fashion blogs in my spare time instead. It wasn’t long before I decided to start my own blog, writing about things I was passionate about – beauty, fashion, food, travel and the media! Four years later I’m still blogging and enjoying it more than ever.
Everyone has something unique to say. You never know who you might be inspiring and what you write could make a difference to a stranger’s life – helping others in one way or another is one of the greatest aspects about blogging.
Finding your passion…
Do your friends admire how you dress and do your makeup? Perhaps you like to experiment with cooking and are always being asked for that tasty recipe you made for friends? When you begin to think about what you enjoy and what you are told you are good at it becomes much easier to pin point what you could write about. It’s important to lead with your strengths – so you’re not the best writer but you have a good eye when it comes to taking photos? Ask a friend or family member to check you blog text and make your photography the main focus. Depending on what you are writing about, good quality imagery can prove more prominent.
It’s easy to compare what you are doing with what other bloggers are creating so keep reminding yourself of the reason why you wanted to start blogging – it’s important to be unique in the content you create whilst keeping the quality strong. Readers can usually tell if you are doing it for pleasure or for payment, and passion is the biggest pay off in the end.
Blog hosting sites to use…
Most bloggers use Blogger or WordPress, and after using both I decided to opt for the latter. It’s personal preference so each person’s experience will be different, but I felt WordPress gave me more creative independence. There is a variety of free themes to choose from alongside premium layouts that require payment, so there is something to float everyone’s boat. With scheduling posts made easy and a mobile app that is great for blogging on the go, there aren’t too many problem areas I can bore you with.
You can choose to keep your free ‘wordpress.com/.org’ address if you wish, or you can opt to pay for a domain name instead. For the initial few months I kept it and then once my followers grew I chose to go with GoDaddy around November 2013. I pay around £3 per year for my domain name (katiecharlotteblogs.co.uk) and $13 per year to WordPress to use it which suits me well at the moment.
For tech-savvy bloggers and those who aren’t quite down with HTML (like myself), WordPress is a great place to start your blog.
Social Media…
Starting your own online sanctuary, as I like to call it, can be the start of a new world of socialising. It’s important to network and get to know other bloggers so it’s vital that you have a Twitter account in particular to speak to like-minded individuals and brands. Other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook also hold importance, as this is where you can share photos from your blog posts and promote your content. Retweeting and favouriting tweets are a great way to engage in conversation, as well as using popular hashtags.
The blogging community is amazing and some of the most supportive people you are likely to meet, so it’s important that you make an effort in keeping those relationships alive. Be present online and you’ll be amazed with the results.
Content and scheduling…
To ensure blog growth it’s important to keep your content consistent, most readers like routine. Schedule your posts to what times suits you but also think about your readers – weekday evenings between 5 and 10pm are a good time to post as this is when most people are likely to be online (after work/school).
I post different content on different days and will usually schedule up to 6 posts per week. I’m not always consistent with this and that’s okay – remember to give yourself a break from time to time to gather your ideas and inspiration. There is nothing worse than lacking motivation and feeling uninspired, so take a step back and brainstorm new ideas.
My experience so far…
I’ll keep this part short and sweet and promise to try and not get too soppy. Starting this blog has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. At a time where my confidence was low and felt lost in what I wanted to do post-University, this little blog kind of saved me. I say kind of – of course I made a conscious effort myself to go out and do more, but with a happy focus on my blog my confidence grew and after a few months so did my readers. I had found something I felt strongly passionate about and it seemed that a few people liked what I had to say.
What’s next…
Who knows! And that is the best part of it all, opportunities arise when you least expect it and right now I’ve got a few exciting things lined up for the blog. I’ve already been invited to NYFW which I’m looking forward to in September (after not being able to attend next week!), and have a bloggers event later this month in London (#BloggersLoveLFW).
I went along to my first blogger event #TheBloggersMarket last weekend in Camden which was set up by inspiring bloggers Olivia, Carrie, Dunya, Lucy and Kristabel. Bloggers united to shop for bargains, eat cake and chat in a cool London location, I dragged my bestie along to enjoy the treats and also bumped into the gorgeous Kayleigh from Very Berry Cosmo! I’ve been chatting to her on Twitter for what feels like forever so it was so lovely to finally meet her – we bonded over overpacked bags and MAC lipstick, gotta love a girl after your own heart! (Also a shout out to the lovely Soph who I got to meet too, hopefully see you very soon!)
I suppose my hopes for the blog this year is to grow even further, meet more bloggers, work with brands I admire and most importantly, continue writing content that others enjoy reading.
If you have any questions or want to share your advice, leave them down below in the comments 🙂
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