One Year Of BellaAndVogue.com

So today marks the very first birthday of BellaAndVogue.com. The year has just flown by. I couldn't be happier that I started my little blog, my only regret is that I didn't start it sooner. I first started reading blogs when I was in college and always wished I could one day have one of my own. After a lot of dreaming and wishing I decided to go for it and I'm so glad I did. 

The Blog 

November is a quiet time in Beauty Salon's as many will know and I was working on a treatment basis. Meaning I only worked when a client was booked in, so I wasn't working full days. I spent my time out of work researching the beauty industry, looking at courses to furthering my knowledge and the best ways to market and promote the business. I was working for someone else so there was only so much I could do within my control. 

It was then that I decided I would start my blog so I could have something else to focus on, share my passions and meet some like minded people. From day one I loved it. I was scared when I started but at the same time excited. I set up a facebook page, instagram,  twitter and any social media platform I could to drive traffic to my blog. I love using social media to connect with my readers on a more casual basis, hearing your feedback and what you want to see on the blog. I do consider us friends and it makes my day to hear from you. 

I completed my 'Fit & Fabulous Series' which a lot of my readers followed along finding motivation and results of their own. I worked on beauty reviews and skincare tips which I am planning on doing more of in the near future. I incorporated my love for fashion and also got made a finalist in the 'Blog Awards Ireland 2015' as 'Best Fashion Blog'. Earlier in the year I was also nominated as 'Best New Blog' in the 'Beauty Blog Awards', I was only blogging a few months at the time and this came as a huge surprise for me. 

The Content

I would consider my blog a lifestyle blog as I love sharing a variety of aspects of my life with my readers. I love that I'm not pigeon holed into one area and I can share all of interests and inspirations with you. If you read my last post about an event I attended about 'blogging for business' all speakers gave us advice about blogging but one message that came through strongly was 'Do what you love'. This is very true I think it would come through in your blog post's if you didn't love it.

The Community

I was blogging for two months when I joined Into The West Blogger Network. I can honestly say that as a blogger this is one of the best things I have ever done. Starting out blogging can be really lonely but being part of a network like this is a real support system. Sinead and Saibh the blogger's behind the network believe that anything is possible and have opened so many doors for all blogger's in the network. We've attended many events in fabulous hotels meeting some of the top girls in the industry who are truly inspirational role models to us. Of course there is a community outside of the network but over all the blogging community are very supportive of one an other. Blogging has really helped me grow as a person, if you ask any of my family or friends growing up I was so quiet and shy. But this past year I have really grown as a person and have a lot more confidence in myself and a overall more positive outlook on life. 

The Organisation 

I am getting a lot better at organizing and planning my blog posts. It isn't easy when you don't work set hours. But this week especially I'm really getting into the swing of things. I love the whole process of blogging from start to finish and it really frustrates me when I can't get a post up. I do long for an organised life, this is one of the reasons why I invested in the Hippenings  Bando agenda. It really has helped too. My goal for the rest of the year is to do the minimum of 3 blog posts a week. 

The Future 

I am in the midst of planning a new design for my blog, as much as I love how it is now I would love if it was fresh and more chic. In the new year I want to invest in a new camera, I have been using my IPhone 5s for the past year but I think its time for an upgrade. I have my eye on the Olympus pen. I hope to continue blogging as much if not more so next year. As well as considering a move. But of course I will keep you posted.

Above anything else I just want to say a huge Thank you to every single one of you for reading my blog, all of your uplifting and inspiring comments and feedback. I feel a real sense of joy every time I log on and get to connect with you. You really are all so kind and I really appreciate every single one of you! 

Thank you so much! 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Blogging For Business - Do what you love!

On Sunday I attended the Blogging For Business event with Sinead and Saibh from itwbn.ie. I was really excited about this event because as you know if you've followed me for a while that I love them. Seriously these girls can do no wrong. This event was a little bit different but it still had the #itwbnBloggerEvent charm. 

The event took place in Galway in the Galway Bay Hotel, located in the heart of Salthill. It is a 4* hotel and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with gold luxurious interiors. On arrival we were treated to a refreshing and healthy breakfast. We got a choice of smoothies, fruit cocktail kebabs and scones with fresh cream and jam. This event was open to businesses as well as bloggers. Before breakfast as we were waiting for everyone to arrive we got to catch up with everyone as well as meeting new bloggers and business people. 

Joanne Sweeney Burke was the first speaker of the day. Joanne is an author, blogger and co-founder of EdTech startup Webiket. Joanne is also a regular speaker at national and international conferences as well as been a finalist on the TV show The Apprentice. Joanne's blog was named one of Ireland's top marketing blogs by US-based website Search Engine Journal. 

Joanne is an expert when it comes to blogging, marketing and social media. She really does know the industry so well. Here are just some of the topics and advice she gave us:

• Its what you bring to the party that makes you stand out or that makes your business or blog successful.
• Find your niche and be an expert in your brand. 
• Share your experiences.
• Don't copy anyone. There's a very fine line between being inspired by someone and actually copying them. Stay true to yourself.
• Be relevant.
• Add value to peoples lives.
• Build your brand, nurture it and don't be afraid to change. 
• You have to be confident and believe in yourself. 
• Prove yourself to the internet. 
• Never give up! 

Up next was Robin Chedgey a digital marketing trainer and consultant. Robin is also the key player in the organisation OMIG. This is a non-profit organisation set up as a platform for all things digital marketing related in the west of Ireland. Robin is so passionate and loves what he does and this really showed throughout his talk. Here is a little of what he taught us: 

• Create contact that you and your readers love.
• Be passionate about what you're writing and your brand. 
• Be consistent.
• Keep working.
• Don't think about your blog as a business, just do what you love.
• Engage and commit.
• Passionately believe in yourself.
• Do what you love! 

Lunch time!

Micheal Reilly who is the founder, principal developer and tutor and over all 'wiz kid' at Educated Machine taught us about all the 'techie stuff' that comes with blogging. He taught us about different platforms, utilizing social media to promote your blog, plugins, design and much much more. He is so enthusiastic about technology and this was contagious. I am really looking forward to working with him in the future.

Last but by no means least Ciara O'Dohery shared her story with us. She is such a inspiration, so hard working and such a fun loving girl. She shared her story with us about what inspired her to start blogging, what it takes to make it as a career as well as some of the tips and tricks that helped her along the way.

• Focus on the now.
• Get yourself out there. 
• Use your resources.
• Support yourself.
• Be organized. 
• Provide a service. 
• Never stand still.
• Share tips.
• Never go back on your word.
• Be clear and concise.
• Think of your readers like friends! :)   

Like every #itwbnBloggerEvent I learnt so much and left feeling very motivated and inspired. I have been thinking about redesigning my blog for a while now and after this event I have been doing a lot more research into what I want. I have so many more ideas for blog posts to. I was making separate lists during the day - multitasking at its best. Just when Ciara brought me back down to earth by stating to focus on the now. The blog post your writing right now not the one you have planed for next week - guilty! But we'll get there! 

Yours Stylishly 

Kerrie

Chinese Face Mapping

Have you ever wondered why your skin is breaking out? Or why you are getting spots on a certain area of your face? We have all heard that the traditional female hormone related area is the chin or the cliche pimple on the first date. It is very easy to put it down to age, the weather or not eating right. We all know that these are some factors but have you ever thought that the issue could be down to something a lot deeper. 

Lately I have been breaking out like crazy. I have very dry and sensitive skin so I wouldn't suffer with spots to often. My problem is usually eczema but over time I've learnt how to treat it. One thing I have learnt and am still so interested in is Chinese Face Mapping, it wasn't until I was in college that I was introduced to this method and as I get older my interest has grown. 

I find it fascinating that each area of your face is linked to a particular organ of the body, think of it like face reflexology. I have started to look very closely at my skin to find out if I can get to the root of the problem. According to Chinese Medicine up to 70% of aliments and disease can be picked up be reading the face. Certain symptoms which show up on your face can indicate what is happening on the inside, such as breakouts, discoloration and texture. These should be viewed as warning signs to improve your health, sleeping patterns or lifestyle. 

Even the colour of your face can indicate an underlining health condition, such as a reddish hue can mean high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, a greenish tint could mean low liver function, a pale complexion could be low lung capacity and dark eyes could indicate a decrease in kidney function. Its amazing how much your skin can tell you about your internal health. After all it is our largest organ. 

Thankfully our bodies and cells have the amazing ability to heal themselves with the help of making positive changes to your diet, lifestyle, activity levels and emotional health can help to balance your body and transform you back to health and beauty.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that you might find while you are inspecting your face. 

1. A vertical line between your eyebrows: A vertical line between the eyebrows could indicated congestion of the liver. Toxins and angry emotion get blocked in parts of the body and can then lead to disease in various organs. 

2. Breakouts and horizontal lines across the forehead: This usually means a build up of toxins and blockages in the digestive tract. 

3. Breakouts on the chin and jaw: Are an imbalance in your hormones and could also indicate a blockage in the digestive system.

4. Crow's feet around the eyes: An acidic and imbalanced system placing to much stress on the adrenal system, also a sign of premature aging. Staying hydrated throughout the day and using rich moisturizing eye creams to protect the area effected. 

5. Darkness or fluid retention under the eyes: This can be caused my lack of sleep, stress and to much caffeine in the diet effecting the adrenals. 

6. A yellow hue on the whites of the eyes: This could indicate a liver condition, excess bile is entering the blood due to damaged liver cells. It is important to see a doctor if this occurs. 

7. Red nose or line through the nose: This could indicate a heart or cardiac condition as the nose is linked with the heart. 

8. Upper lip: Hormonal changes or fertility problems can be picked up in the upper lip. Look out for changes is colour or structure. 

9. Cheeks: The cheeks are linked with the lungs. Changes in your appearance or texture in the hollows of your cheeks can indicate problems with your lungs such as been run down or having inhalation problems such as not breathing deeply enough. 

As mentioned above I have always suffered with my skin at some stage or another and because of this is why I went on to study beauty and complementary therapies. I have learnt by using my self as a guinea pig that living a healthy and balanced lifestyle it keeps all symptoms at bay. 

Yours stylishly 

Kerrie x   

Galway Fashion Trail 2015

Ok so where do I start? On Saturday the 7th of November I was very fortunate to be invited as a VIP Blogger to Galway Fashion Trail 2015 in collaboration with Galway Now Magazine , Galway Design Week and Catwalk Modelling Agency. Saibh and Sinead from #itwbn have been working in conjunction with Galway Now Magazine over the past month to showcase local businesses and the spectacular vibrancy which Galway city holds. 

I literally jumped for joy when I received the invite for this event and got more excited as I read what the day had in store. The first thoughts that ran through my head were "what am I going to wear?" Galway city is already a super stylish place on a regular day to day bases, so when holding an event like this on such a huge scale the style stakes would definitely be risen. All details were not revealed on the invite so there were a lot of surprises in store which brought a lot more hype to the day. 

Blogger's Breakfast at Cupan Tae

The day began with an intimate 'Blogger's Breakfast' in the lavish and very elegant  Cupan Tae. Cupan Tae is located on Quay Lane opposite the Spanish Arch. We dined in the Serendipity Suite which had only just opened that morning. The room accommodates thirty people and is available to hire for private dining events. It has a charming old world feel to it and luxurious interiors perfect for unique intimate parties. We were treated to 'beforenoon tea' which was delicious. We had yummy scones with walnut butter and fresh jam which melted in your mouth, granola with natural creamy yogurt, fresh fruit, maple syrup dusted lightly with bee pollen. We then sampled delicious warming hot chocolate. It was the most perfect start to the day. I really can't wait to return. 

After breakfast we made our way to the first fashion show which took place in one of the longest running boutique's in Galway - Colette Latchford Boutique. Colette Latchford collaborated with Irish designer Heather Finn . Together they show cased gorgeous occasion wear and Irish knitwear. The collections were both stunning and vibrant finished with statement jewellery and accessories. Modeling this gorgeous collection were models from Catwalk Modelling Agency . They did an amazing job to say the least. Their stunning make up was by Inglot in Galway, above Cara Pharmacy. I know for sure where I will be going for that perfect contour. The make up artist here are perfectionists. Bellissimo styled the models hair ensuring that the models looked minimal and chic. Which was gorgeous with all outfits portrayed on the day.

Gosh Shoes  were up next. A shoe lovers dream come true where you can channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw. Gosh Shoes has a wide variety of shoes from flats, to heels, to boots. In collaboration with designer Breege Walsh. Breege Walsh  millinery and accessories can be purchased in the Hat Shop  in the Eyre Square Centre. Gosh Shoes also have a website where you can shop online and get your items delivered to your house. They also take deposits where you can pay for your shoes over time. 

The next fashion show was held in the Treasure Chest. Here we were treated to a glass of bubbly while we watched the show. Suzie Mahony was collaborating with the Treasure Chest. Suzie treated all of us bloggers with hat hires for 2016. Perfect for the races next year. After watching the show and seeing what she has for offer I really do not know how we will choose which to go with. They really are beautiful. The Treasure Chest revealed a wide collection from winter occasion wear to everyday winter jackets. You really are spoiled for choice. Suzie also attended London Fashion Week  this year and her hats were featured along side House Of Ikons .  

On our way to the next show we popped into Hartmanns, where we got to view the Irish designer Maria Dorai Raj jewllery collection. Her design is very unusually using silver and gold with a modern day twist. 

We then made our way to Anthony Ryans for the fourth fashion show of the day. Caithriona King Millenery collaborated with Anthony Ryans where they worked together to show case Caithriona's unique and eye catching works of art. Anthony Ryans show cased elegant occasion wear. The head pieces worked so well with the dresses. Perfect for ladies day at the races or wedding guests and mother of the bride attire.

Next stop Willow.  The first  time I heard of this boutique is when Erika Fox aka Retro Flame was home from New York in September. She was shopping there and showed a few of the items she bought in the store on snapchat (retroflame1). I loved what she bought and ever since have been dying to check the store out for myself. The items she bought were gone (the effects of a blogger!)but it is really hard to leave empty handed. The collection, the decor, the staff - everything was amazing! Willow collaborated with Brid O'Driscoll Millinery her hats finished off the collection beautifully. 

After Willow it was onto The Kilkenny Shop. This time the fashion show was taken outside which brought such a buzz to the city. So many street walkers stopped to join in on the fun and to take in the gorgeous collection from the store with the perfect finishing touch of millinery by Emily-Jean .

After such a busy few hours it was time for a quick coffee break. The bloggers split up to find their favourite coffee shop. Sandra, Jess, Kieran  and I decided to go somewhere new. So we went to the Tribeton . I can honestly say this is one of the coolest places I have ever been to... for coffee anyway! It is one of the newest venues to Galway, its huge and really different. We didn't have long to spare so we had a quick coffee and had to go to the next show. I will definitely be back soon though. 

MUSE by Dee was the second last show of the day. It is one of the newest boutiques to Galway, located across the road from Pia. They have a huge collection on offer with all of the latest trends and chic casuals. Muse by Dee collaborated with Dearbhaile Joyce . A very talented young designer with a huge future ahead of her. Her design is unique but still very much on trend. I loved it!  

Between shows a few of us made our way to Faller's Jewellers where Natasha Heaslip showcased her gorgeous collection of dainty jewels. I loved how dainty the collection is and how every piece is so original. We also checked out Cloon Keen Atalier. I loved the candles and perfumes they have to offer. Perfect presents for Christmas!

Last but by no means least we made our way to Pia. I love the collections they hold in this store. They have such a wide range of occasion wear - hello glittery dresses, to your basic figure sculpting Freddy Jeans. They also have gorgeous accessories and handbags. The clutches are to die for! Pia collaborated with designer Lynsey DeBurca. Her pieces are inspired by the west of Ireland and they are just fabulous.

The House Hotel wrapped up the evening treated us to some yummy nibbles, prosecco and limited edition #galwayfashiontrail cocktails. Perfect ending to a perfect day! 

Everyone did such an amazing job of making the day so special. I would like to thank and congratulate Galway Now Magazine  and Catwalk Modeling Agency  for making the day such a huge success and a fashion filled day, thank you to all the boutiques and stores for holding all the shows and upper the style scale to show what Galway really has to offer. Cupan tea, Cask, Tribeton and The House Hotel for keeping our energy levels up throughout the day. And of course to Saibh and Sinead from itwbn.ie for everything you do! 

I'm loooking forward to #galwayfashiontrail2016 already! 

Yours stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue  

Work it for the LBD!

Hi Girls!  

I don't know about you but lately I have totally fallen off the health and fitness band wagon. I injured my knee about 2/3 months ago and have been having trouble with it ever since. I love going to the gym and eating healthy but I think having this injury has knocked my confidence. I've been lacking in motivation and finding it hard to get back to my regular classes. 

I also haven't been eating as good as I should be and feel tired and lacking in energy because of it. With party season right around the corner I really want to up my game and get motivated again. Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels as they say. I think this is very true. No matter what size, weight or shape you are as long as You feel good in your own body, You will look good. So I'm not going to weigh myself or measure or set any target. I going to look for the differences in my clothes rather than worrying about weight loss as well as looking at the physical changes in my skin, hair and nails. I have been suffering with severe breakouts since I've been eating rubbish and have been so self-conscious about my skin. This should be enough motivation to eat clean but if that doesn't work what's better than a new 'LBD' to get me moving! 

There are so many gorgeous 'Little Black Dresses' on the high street and on line already and they really are a staple wardrobe piece. If you are feeling conscious over a specific area or consider it your problem area. I have picked out a few different styles of dresses so we can enhance our areas on show. 

1. Bicep Curl & Tricep Dips 

I think a lot of women are conscious of their arms, especially the tops of them. I know some women avoid bearing them at all costs. But if we start today by focusing on eating healthy and doing a couple simple exercises we will be flashing them in no time. 

Bicep Curl - All you need for this exercise is two dumbbells (whatever weight that suits you), or two water bottles. Standing with your feet hip width apart. With one dumbbell in each hand and palms facing up, squeeze your bicep muscle as you lift it up towards your shoulders. Do 3 reps of 10 exercises. 

Tricep dips - For this exercise you will need a chair or a bench. Standing in front of the bench place your hands behind you on the bench with your legs out in front. You can have your legs bent or out straight in front of you. Lower yourself down to the ground slowly and lift yourself back up using your arms. Do 3 reps of 10 exercises. 

Work those curves. I think this is something every girl should embrace. Take a leaf out of Kimmy K's book and own it, if you've got it flaunt it! 

2. Elbow to knee | Temple Crunch | Leg Drop

Elbow to knee - For this exercise all you will need is a mat. Lie on your back and place your hands on your temples. Lift your knees up into table top position. Lift your head, neck and shoulders off the ground and twist your upper body using your elbow to lead to the opposite knee. Repeat this exercise twisting from side to side moving your legs in and out, keeping them straight and low. 

Temple Crunch - Sit on the floor on your mat. Lean back slightly and lift your legs up into a 45 degree angle. Place your hands on your temples. Lean back to the ground at the same time as moving your legs out straight in front of you. Once out straight crunch in ensuring you bring your legs right in to your chest. Repeat 10 times and do three reps. 

Leg Drop - Lie  flat on your back on the mat. Place your hands underneath you at  thebottom of your back. Lift both legs up to a 90 degree angle. Holding your core in tight lower both legs down to about an inch off the floor, hold then lift back up to starting position. Repeat 10 times and do three reps. 

I think back exercises are sometimes overlooked. Everyone wants a flat tummy and toned legs, but toning your back is just as important for those backless dresses. 

3. Push ups & Dead Lift Row 

Push ups - Push ups can be done with your knees slightly bent or your legs straight balancing on the tips of you toes and hands. I do the first option because I don't have enough strength to lower myself all the way down to the ground yet. So start with your hands a little more than shoulder width apart. Body in line and core tight. My knees are slightly bent. Hold most of your weight in your back and shoulders. Use you arms to lift you up and down to the ground. More advanced option your legs are straight. Repeat the exercise 10 times and do 3 reps.

Dead Lift Row - You will need a kettle bell or body bar for this exercise. Start with you feet hip width apart. Place the kettle bell on the ground between your legs. Slightly bend your knees so they are soft. Lean forward keeping your back straight. Grab the kettle bell with both hands and lift it up to shoulder level and then up above your head. Slowly lower it back to the ground sticking your bum out. This exercise works everything but you will be surprised by how much you feel it in your back the next day. No more wiggly bits!  

Lets not forget to work those legs and bum. 

Squats & Lunges 

Squats - I think the most popular exercise at the moment but really very effective if done right. Start by standing up straight with feet hip width apart. Tilt your upper body slightly forward keeping your back straight. Push your bum out behind you as you lower it to the ground. Hold for 10 seconds then power back up. Repeat 10 times! 

Lunges - Start in standing position with legs hip width apart. Step forward with your right leg and bend your right knee as your doing so. The back leg will automatically straighten as you doing so. Step back with you right leg into starting position. Then step forward with the left leg. Repeat 5 times on each leg for 3 reps. 

So girls that's the arms, tummy, back, bum and legs covered. I do a lot of these exercise daily (when I am attending my usually classes.) They may seem like simple exercises but the really do work the entire body. I think sometimes we are put off my exercises because we don't want to feel all disgusting and sweaty in a gym. Hopefully my changing our mindset and thing how nice we will look in these gorgeous LBD's it will inspire you! 

Until next time...

Yours stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue  

Weekend Wishlist

(Image: Pinterest)

Hi Everybody! 

I hope you are all having a great weekend and enjoyed Halloween. I didn't go out last night as I was feeling run down and a bit under the weather. Instead I had a pamper night and caught up on some work and blogging. Today was a family day. My sister had a football match so we went to watch that and then we had dinner. I will spend the evening blogging, watching the X Factor and Keeping up with the Kardashian's. As well as some online shopping! Which I am doing right now and has inspired me to do a weekend wishlist. 

The infamous Bando agenda's are finally back in stock on the Hippenings website thanks to Laura Cunningham. As soon as I heard they were back in, I had to get one. I ordered the Bando 'Ringleader' which is cream and gold. I can't wait for it to arrive. Its gorgeous! Everything on the website is gorgeous. It is the perfect website for any stationary loving girl out there. You can buy the one I purchased here.

(Image: Hippenings)

I love the Olympus Pen camera. A friend of mine told me about it a few weeks ago and ever since I've seen it advertised everywhere in magazines, online as well as a lot of pictures from bloggers on Instagram and Pinterest. I've heard that it is a brilliant camera and perfect for outfit posts. Have any of you's tried it or own it? I'd love to know what you think. I also love that it is cream and gold. My favourite colours at the moment. 

(Image: Pinterest)

Charlotte Tilbury  is definitely huge on the blogger scene at the moment. From Rosie, to Grace, to Joanne  the brand is getting high reviews all round. I have never tried any of the range but I am dying too. Everything looks beautiful. The eye shadows are really pigmented and there is a wide range a pallets available in Brown Thomas .

(Image: Pinterest)

Of course the obsession continues... nude duster coats. I just love them. So easy to wear and if you buy in a neutral colour it will go with everything. I love this one from Boohoo.

(Image:Pinterest)

I was in London with some of my friends in April. You can read about our trip here, here and here. Ever since I have been dying to go back. I would love to go before Christmas to shop and take in the atmosphere. 

(Image: bellaandvogue.com)

What have you all been up too for the weekend? If you like any of the items mentioned in this post I'd love to know. I also have a competition running on my Facebook page, so make sure to check that out. The winner will be announced on Wednesday! 

Have a brilliant week! 

Your stylishly 

Kerrie x 

Bella and Vogue