For some reason towards the end of last year I started feeling really sluggish and unmotivated to blog and create new content. The start of 2017 had me feeling those "new year new me" feels and so I wanted to start posting much more regularly - ideally 2-3 times per week was the aim. And let's be honest, I've not exactly succeeded with that so far. There's nothing worse than putting an entire Saturday afternoon and evening aside to get blogging and then find you have absolutely no idea what to write about.
Although I've not done the most amazing job I thought I'd share some of the ways I try and break through bloggers block to create and share content that feels relevant and honest.
One of the best things I did recently was re-writing my about me page. Not only is it the window into your content for prospective new readers to find out more about you and the reasons you create the content you do, but also the easiest way for brands to consider whether you might be right for a collaboration with them.
I admit I had a bit of a wobble a couple of months ago and started questioning what this little corner of the internet i call my blog was even about, and why anyone would want to subscribe! I went back a read one of the first posts I ever wrote (but never actually posted!) about why i wanted to start blogging in the first place and what experiences and opinions I wanted to share with the world. This soon got me inspired and the posts just started flowing after that!
My next tip is to stop comparing yourself to others. I went through a phase (and still often do) of reading some of my favourite blogs then becoming really uninspired to write anything myself. "Why would people want to read my blog after seeing amazing content like this?!". They key here is to take inspiration from other people's fantastic content then get commenting and involve yourself in blogger chats to understand how you can collaborate with others to create great new ideas.
Whatever you love writing about - just do it. A bit of a cliche phrase I know but hey Nike can make it work so why can't I? This is all about not being tempted to write about specific topics or products just to get noticed. It's so much easier to write about things that make you happy. Never create content purely with the intention of getting paid or getting more followers. Never be disheartened by the fact that a post you've put hours and hours into doesn't get 10,000 views the first week you publish it for the world to see! The right readers might just be round the corner.
Anyway, this has been a bit of ramble. But that's a good thing I think from time to time. What keeps you motivated to keep on blogging?
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1. Beige Bomber Jacket - £49.99*
This bomber by Maniere De Voir is lightweight and perfect for getting out and about this spring. Bombers exploded in popularity in the autumn of last year and show no signs of going out of style this season. Made from a smooth nylon fabric, it's a steal at just under 50 quid ribbed collar, hem and cuffs. The quality looks great and it's also available in black, which would be great for casual evenings drinks. Available here.
2. Slim Fit Cotton Blend Shirt - £215
This jacket from Our Legacy is versatile enough to be worn over a casual tee but can also be styled up with formal trousers to create an evening look. It's not cheap at £215 but very unique with a zipped front rather than the usual buttons. It's tightly woven from a durable linen yet still machine washable, which is super handy. It's also slim fit which I always prefer when it comes to shirts, so it shouldn't gather too much on the sleeves or on the chest. Available here
3. APC Wool Blend Shirt - £195
A classic check shirt from is a must for Spring. This APC wool blend plaid shirt is thick enough to be worn over a t-shirt or buttoned on it's own on a warmer day. Again this is slim cut so the fit is snug but not skin tight. I find APC fits really true to size so no need to go up from your usual size for this one. The thin red stripe is a bit unique here and sets it apart from your normal check. APC has a great Spring collection over at End Clothing.
4. Adidas Ultra boost Uncaged - £129
Nobody is owning the premium sneaker market right now more than Adidas. From NMD to Stan Smith and Yeezy they have been responsible for the recent explosion in high end trainers and it shows no signs of coming to a halt anytime soon. The new Ultra boost uncaged is the perfect example of this.
*Please note this post contains sponsored content, clearly indicated by an asterisk. All views are my own.
Picking up new vinyls has become a bit of a recent obsession. I can't seem to go more than a few days without hitting Amazon or Depop to order some brand new music, or a few blasts from the past. As much as I'm a fan of the era of digital music and monthly subscription services, there's something about collecting physical music that's strangely rewarding - and certainly goes against any kind of minimalism ideas i've had over the past few months! Here's a few I've picked up lately..
The XX - I See You
A fabulous LP from The XX trio. As to be expected from them by now, instrumentation is sublime and the production / mastering is so crisp you can enjoy every single element of each track: vocals, percussion, bass, synths and keys... It's a great listen for audiophiles and fans of music.This latest album moves them forward , and is likely to be one of the most popular albums of 2017. There have already been a couple of hit singles released before the main album, and there has been a sense of anticipation about the "difficult 3rd album" which many groups suffer from. Yet you can see how wonderfully they have evolved as a band and have produced something that is still new and unique.
Available here
Bonobo - Migration
An absolute must of Bonobo fans, his latest album entitled Migration feels like just that, a journey into something new for the artist whilst keeping that iconic sound. It'll take you through tranquil pop to a more upbeat house vibe, which feels quite new and yet all the while keeping to is trademark sound. Get into a dark room with a great set of headphones and enjoy!
Available here.
S O H N - Rennen
Starting where his previous album left off, the eerie mechanical sound of Hard Liquor makes for the perfect opener for Rennen, eventually closing with the sound of a needle skipping on a record. This is much more blues than the previous outing, but certainly doesn't disappoint. In fact, many of tracks are very similar to the Tremors album, which was always going to be a truly hard act to follow. Plus, how cool is that album art? One for the collection I think don't you?
Have you got any new vinyl recommendations?
Abu Dhabi in the UAE is easily one of my favourite places to visit around the world. It has just about everything to offer and is only a 7 hour flight away. Here's my top reasons why you should start planning your 2017 trip immediately...
The Weather
This one kind of goes without saying I think. Abu Dhabi offers year round sunshine and temperatures that rarely drop below 20 degrees. If you like it hot then I'd recommend a trip during July-August when temperatures can reach over 50 degrees! However, a trip to the UAE is also a perfect winter sun getaway with temperatures during Nov-Jan of around 25 degrees. Perfect for all day sunbathing and exploring everything the city has to offer. Be warned though the shopping malls and tourist attractions tend to have very intense air con during the summer!
Things to do
A trip to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque (pictured below - although images will never do it justice!). I had never been to a mosque prior to my first visit to the UAE and am not at all religious but this place truly has to be seen to be believed. There are free guided tours available at the entrance in English, which I would strongly recommend unless you prefer a wonder. The tour guides are great and really made the trip with some interesting facts and history.
If you don't fancy a trip to the Mosque then my other favourite location is Yas Waterworld. It's the perfect place to cool off for the day in the Summer months and has some of the most exciting slides and rides of any water park in the world. It's not cheap at around £45 for the day but that's about the same as Thorpe Park or Chessington so it's not crazy expensive - and you can easily spend the whole day there with the amount there is to do.
Just remember to drink lots of water as it's easy to forget when you're surrounded by it all day in the pools!
Other great places to visit include some of Abu Dhabi's incredible malls! "Shopping on holiday??" you might be thinking.. but the are truly a great day out. Plus theres always super-cool air conditioning so handy if you're visiting during the hotter months. The 2 most popular ones are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.
Both have a huge variety of shops including many that you'll recognise, as well as various restaurants and eateries. You're obvious Starbucks and KFC are there but try something new like the super-delicious PF Changs if you fancy a yummy Chinese.
Just remember to drink lots of water as it's easy to forget when you're surrounded by it all day in the pools!
Other great places to visit include some of Abu Dhabi's incredible malls! "Shopping on holiday??" you might be thinking.. but the are truly a great day out. Plus theres always super-cool air conditioning so handy if you're visiting during the hotter months. The 2 most popular ones are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.
Both have a huge variety of shops including many that you'll recognise, as well as various restaurants and eateries. You're obvious Starbucks and KFC are there but try something new like the super-delicious PF Changs if you fancy a yummy Chinese.
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